FEBRUARY 2024
special issue
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AR T S!
NEXT ISSUE: MARCH 9
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WHAT’S ON WASHI
NGTON lendar
BLACK HISTORY Ca
NEIGHBORHOOD SPECIAL
EAST WASHINGTON LIFE
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Out and About in Anacostia: Your Guide to the Anacostia Arts and Culture District by Matthew McClure
by Anthony D. Diallo
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NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
Reading is Fundamental: The Man from Anacostia by Philip Pannell
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A New Dog Park is Coming to Ward 7 by Sarah Payne
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Our River: The Anacostia – How Are We Doing on the Anacostia? by Bill Matuszeski
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Pepco Land Sale: ANC 7D Report by Sarah Payne
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The 11th Street: Priority Bus Lane: ANC 8F Report by Andrew Lightman
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Meet Jimmie Williams: President and CEO of the Washington Literacy Center
Bulletin Board
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Changing Hands by Don Denton
KIDS & FAMILY 48
Notebook by Kathleen Donner
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The Crossword The Classifieds
by Kathleen Donner
ON THE COVER: courtesy Vintage and Charmed
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WHAT’S ON rts a WASHINGTON n o i t i ed
Ain’t Too Proud– The Life and Times of The Temptations
Ain’t Too Proud–The Life and Times of The Temptations is the electrifying, new smashhit Broadway musical that follows The Temptations’ extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. With their signature dance moves and silkysmooth harmonies, they rose to the top of the charts, creating an amazing 42 top-ten hits with 14 reaching number one. The show features such iconic hits as “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” and many more. Nominated for 12 Tony Awards and the winner of the 2019 Tony for Best Choreography, Ain’t Too Proud tells the story of brotherhood, family, loyalty, and betrayal, as the group’s personal and political conflicts threatened to tear them apart during a decade of civil unrest in America. At the Kennedy Center Opera House from Feb. 13 to 18. Tickets are $45 to $179. Recommended for age 12, up. kennedy-center.org. (L–R) Harrell Holmes Jr., Jalen Harris, Elijah Ahmad Lewis, E. Clayton Cornelious, Michael Andreaus from the National Touring Company of Ain’t Too Proud. Photo: © 2023 Emilio Madrid
Frederick Douglass and the Arts Tours
In celebration of the National Black History Theme for 2024: “African Americans and the Arts”, join National Park Service rangers for a special tour of Frederick Douglass’s home, Cedar Hill, wherein visitors can learn about some of the art on display in the home and Douglass’s love for human creative skill and imagination. This tour is offered every Saturday in February at 9:30 a.m. and reservations are required. The Frederick Douglass House is at 1411 W St. SE. Make reservations at nps. gov/frdo/planyourvisit/calendar. 06
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Romeo & Juliet at Synetic
Set amidst the whirring gears of a giant clock, Shakespeare’s timeless tale of star-crossed lovers unfolds as a bitter family feud sends the pair on a race against an ill-fated destiny. With masterful physicality and choreography, Synetic Theater’s Romeo and Juliet presents a unique and stunningly visual interpretation of a classic story, capturing emotion with every movement. Nominated for six Helen Hayes Awards, Synetic’s wordless adaptation captures the beauty, passion, and heartbreak of Shakespeare’s greatest love story. Romeo & Juliet is at Crystal City’s Synetic Theater, 1800 S. Bell St., Arlington, VA, from Feb. 9 to March 24. Tickets are $35 to $65.
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WHAT’S ON W A S H I N G T O N
Sweet Home Café’s Chef’s Table at NMAAHC
During the month of February, the Sweet Home Café at the National Museum of African American History and Culture brings people together to celebrate African American history and culture through food and hospitality. Every Friday from noon to 3 p.m., and extending into the weekends, Sweet Home Café features special menu takeovers by select chefs from across the country. These chefs will tell stories from their heritage through the exquisite menus they curate and execute in the Sweet Home Café kitchen. nmaahc.si.edu. Executive Chef Ramin Coles
Madeline Sayet in Where We Belong at Philadelphia Theatre Company. Photo: Mark Garvin
Where We Belong at the Folger
In 2015, Mohegan theater-maker Madeline Sayet travels to England to pursue a PhD in Shakespeare, where she finds a country that refuses to acknowledge its ongoing role in colonialism, just as the Brexit vote threatens to further disengage the UK from the wider world. In this stirring solo piece, Madeline echoes a journey to England braved by her Native ancestors in the 1700s following treaty betrayals—and forces us to consider what it means to belong in an increasingly globalized world. Where We Belong, presented by Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company and the Folger Shakespeare Library, is at the Folger Theatre, 201 East Capitol St. SE, from Feb. 15 to March 10. Tickets are $20 to $58. folger.edu.
Tudor Place Tells the Stories of Enslaved Individuals
From Feb. 6 to April 21, Tudor Place Historic House & Garden presents Ancestral Spaces: People of African Descent at Tudor Place, a special installation and guided tour that explores the lives of individuals and families of African descent who lived and worked at Tudor Place. Tudor Place has been reimagined to show the historic house from the perspective of the enslaved and free people for whom it was both home and workplace. Using artifacts, maps, photographs and audio recordings, visitors will explore how these people found ways to practice resistance and activism while navigating the irreparable traumas that came from the institution of slavery. Tudor Place, 1644 31st St. NW. tudorplace.org 08
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Shakespeare Theatre Company’s National Theater’s Live Screenings
Through March 3, filmed live from Britain’s most exciting stages, National Theatre Live brings you the thrill of drama, the joy of romantic comedies, and the excitement of sold-out award-winning productions with your fellow theatre lovers in STC’s Klein Theatre, 450 Seventh St. NW. Kicking off the month of screenings is Romeo & Juliet, directed by STC’s own artistic director Simon Godwin, and featuring Jessie Buckley and Josh O’Connor. The lineup also includes Good with David Tennant, Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag, Vanya with Andrew Scott, and a one-day-only screening of King Lear with Ian McKellen. In addition to the five NT Live titles, the 10th anniversary production of Titanic the Musical, filmed on the West End, will be screened. Tickets are $20. shakespearetheatre.org.
Ancestral Spaces: People of African Descent at Tudor Place A special installation & guided tour Feb 6 - April 21 | Tuesday - Sunday
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WHAT’S ON W A S H I N G T O N
Atlas INTERSECTIONS Festival
The Atlas INTERSECTIONS Festival is a performing arts festival that presents work that impacts our society, culture, and world by informing, inspiring, educating, and entertaining. INTERSECTIONS is about presenting excellent art that inspires a connected community, engages artists and audiences alike, and creates a vibrant neighborhood, city, and world. They are interested in unique perspectives and art that connect us to the many facets of our humanity. INTERSECTIONS is as early as Feb. 18 and as late as April 27. The Atlas Performing Arts Center is at 1333 H St. NE. Find the schedule at atlasarts.org.
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC
On Saturday, Feb. 17, get a taste of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC and its small ensembles in an immersive evening of art, music, and dance. Stroll through multiple performances on a guided tour featuring GMCW, Seasons of Love, Potomac Fever, Rock Creek Singers, GenOUT Youth Chorus, and 17th Street Dance. Songs include “The Rainbow Connection,” “The Times They are A-Changin’,” “Sanctuary,” and “Sunday ” (from Sunday in the Park with George.) Timed entry between 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM. Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, DC. Tickets and info at GMCW.org
Curling & Cocktails at The Wharf Capitol City Symphony: Battles Within, on Feb. 24, 7 p.m., is an emotionally charged concert portraying the journey of veterans’ post-conflict as they navigate the challenges of reintegration into civilian life.
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On Wednesdays, Feb. 14 and 21, 7 to 10 p.m., join in the fun for a free, friendly game of curling at the Wharf Ice Rink on Transit Pier. Curling marries hockey and shuffleboard for a low-pressure evening on the ice—no skates needed. Games begin at 7, 8 and 9 p.m. Beginners are welcome and encouraged. You will be outside for the duration of the event, so dress appropriately and wear flat soled shoes— sneakers are best. Participants must be registered at wharfdc.com. Each registration is for you and up to three teammates (four of you total). If space and time allow, they will accommodate walk ups. Registration is free and anyone can watch. wharfdc.com.
The Lehman Trilogy at STC
From Feb. 22 to March 24, meet the Lehman brothers—immigrants building an American dream that crumbles into a chaotic nightmare for future generations. With a cast of three actors covering 160 years of family struggles, achievements, and missteps, this winner of the 2022 Tony Award for Best Play is a powerhouse cautionary narrative for our times. Heralded by The New York Times as a “captivating…feat of storytelling,” The Lehman Trilogy examines the double-edged sword of capitalism and personal choices that created the largest financial crisis in US history so far. Tickets are $54 to $119. Shakespeare Theatre Company at Harman Hall, 610 F St. NW. shakespearetheatre.org.
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WHAT’S ON W A S H I N G T O N
Washington National Opera’s Songbird at the KC (The hungriest bird sings the sweetest song.)
Chiarina’s Enchantment: Ravel, Arensky, Esmail, Boulanger
Reena Esmail’s Saans (Breath), composed as a gift for her best friend’s marriage, invites a contemplative exhalation, and is paired with the classic love story of Daphnis and Chloe, transcribed from the beloved Ravel orchestral work. Boulanger’s shimmering colors delight, and the program concludes with the epic melodicism of Anton Arensky— whose writing bridges the likes of Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff. Chiarina’s Enchantment: Ravel, Arensky, Esmail, Boulanger performance is on March 17, 7:30 p.m., at St. Mark’s Capitol Hill, 301 A St. SE. General admission tickets are $30; 18 and under, free. chiarina.org.
The carefree Parisian nightlife of Offenbach’s La Périchole finds its match—Prohibition-Era New Orleans—in this reimagined, jazz-infused comedy. New Orleans in the 1920s is roaring with decadence, but singers and lovers Songbird and Piquillo are down on hard times. As Mardi Gras arrives, the Mayor disguises himself and lures Songbird to be his mistress with the promise of food and lodging. Now Songbird must choose between financial security and true love. What’s a hungry artist to do? Songbird is at the Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater from March 9 to 23. Tickets are $69 to $185. kennedy-center.org.
Mosaic’s Nancy at the Atlas
It’s 1985 in Washington, DC and two women are trying to steer their futures— Nancy Reagan from the White House, orchestrating her husband “Ronnie’s” political career according to daily astrological trends, and Esmeralda, a Navajo mother advocating for her community. Their worlds converge over an unbelievable discovery—Nancy has a direct familial connection to Pocahontas. Strange history collides with 80s nostalgia in this epic story that cuts through the veneer of shoulder pads, neon, and Van Halen with irreverent heart and deep empathy. Awardwinning playwright Rhiana Yazzie makes her East Coast premiere with a very DC play about ancestry and ambition. Nancy is at the Atlas, 1333 H St. NE, from March 28 to April 21. Tickets are $53 to $70. atlasarts.org/events/mosaicnancy-2023.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo at Strathmore
Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s music is rooted in the intricate rhythms and harmonies of their native South African musical traditions. Their a cappella performances have touched audiences for over 50 years, earning them extensive praise around the world. The group’s rich harmonies gained global recognition after their collaboration with Paul Simon on his album Graceland. However, the group was already extremely well-known in South Africa, where they were recognized as cultural ambassadors to the world by Nelson Mandela. Ladysmith Black Mambazo spreads a message of peace, hope, and love at every concert through melody and dance. Ladysmith Black Mambazo is at the Strathmore Music Center, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD, on Friday, March 9, 8 p.m. Tickets are $28 to $78. strathmore.org. 12
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Pierre Bonnard, Dining Room on the Garden, 1934–35, Oil on canvas, 50 x 53 1/4 in. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, NY Solomon R. Guggenheim Founding Collection, By gift © 2023 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.
Bonnard’s Worlds at the Phillips
From March 2 to June 2, Bonnard’s Worlds reunites some of Pierre Bonnard’s most celebrated works spanning his entire career from museums across Europe and the United States, as well as many less-exhibited works drawn from private collections worldwide. Governed neither by chronology nor geography, but by measures of intimacy, the exhibition transports the visitor from the larger realms in which Bonnard lived—the landscapes of Paris, Normandy, and the south of France—to the most intimate interior spaces of his dwellings and his thoughts. The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St. NW, is open daily, except Monday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission for adults is $20; seniors, $15; military, $12; free for 18 and under. phillipscollection.org.
Unknown Soldier at Arena
Cleaning out her grandmother’s home, Ellen Rabinowitz discovers the photograph of an anonymous soldier tucked away in a box of keepsakes. And so begins Unknown Soldier, a sweeping, elegiac musical from Daniel Goldstein and the late Michael Friedman on a woman’s journey to unearth the secrets of her family’s past... and which
Webster’s Bitch at Keegan
When their Editor-in-Chief gets caught using some unexpected profanity, the employees of Webster’s Dictionary find themselves at the center of an internet uprising over gender and obscenity in the age of social media. As office politics collide with ambition, morality, and lexicography, the future of the English language hangs in the balance. Webster’s Bitch, a dark comedy about vulgar words and the people who define them, is at the Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church St. NW, from April 6 to May 5. Tickets are $50. keegantheatre.org.
Hester Street at Theater J will chart her future. Unknown Soldier is at Arena Stage’s Kreeger Theater, 1101 Sixth St. SW, from March 29 to May 5. Tickets are $56 to $95. arenastage.org.
Illustration by Loveis Wise
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The world premiere of Hester Street—the theatrical adaptation of the beloved 1975 film by Joan Micklin Silver— marks the largest production Theater J’s stage has seen in years. Hester Street depicts the uplifting journey of Gitl, a young Jewish immigrant from Eastern Europe, who arrives with her son to meet her husband Jake in the tumult of the late-19th century Lower East Side. Separated from his wife and the provincial limitations of his upbringing, Jake has fully embraced his new American life—one that has little in common with Gitl’s old-time ways. Hester Street is an unforgettable show, awash in the humor, heartbreak and hope essential to the Jewish immigrant experience. Theater J, 1529 16th St. NW, from March 27 to April 21. Tickets are $69.99 to $90.99. edcjcc.org/theater-j.
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Black History calendar Georges Adeahbo’s Create to Free Yourselves: Abraham Lincoln and the History of Freeing Slaves in America
Billy Dee Williams
The Smithsonian National Museum of African Art partnered with President Lincoln’s Cottage in 2022 to commission an installation by Beninois artist Georges Adéagbo. Created with the goal that the artwork might join the museum’s collection, this installation is Adéagbo’s vision for us. With Create to Free Yourselves at the National Museum of African Art, 950 Independence Ave. SW, Adéagbo invites each of us to consider our individual reflections of Abraham Lincoln and the unfinished journey toward emancipation for all. africa.si.edu.
Black History Month at Miracle Theatre
Feb. 6, “Selma”; Feb. 11, “Hidden Figures”; Feb. 15, “Loving”; Feb. 20, “Summer of Soul”; Feb. 25, “Harriet”. Miracle Theatre is at 535 Eighth St. SE. There is a public parking lot on Eighth Street, SE between I Street and Virginia Avenue. themiracletheatre.com.
Tudor Place Tells the Stories of Enslaved Individuals
From Feb. 6 to April 21, Tudor Place Historic House & Garden presents Ancestral Spaces: People of African Descent at Tudor Place, a special installation and guided tour that explores the lives of individuals and families of African descent who lived and worked at Tudor Place. Tudor Place has been reimagined to show the historic house from the perspective of the enslaved and free individuals for whom it was both home and workplace. Using artifacts, maps, photographs and audio recordings, visitors will explore how these individuals found ways to practice resistance and activism while navigating the irreparable traumas that came from the institution of slavery. Tudor Place, 1644 31st St. NW. tudorplace.org.
Live! at the Library: Rev. Robert B. Jones, Sr.
Feb. 15, 7 to 8 p.m. The Rev. Robert B. Jones, Sr. comes to the Library to showcase his deep love for traditional African American and American music within his live performances that interweave timeless stories with original and traditional songs. Thomas Jefferson Building Coolidge Auditorium, 10 First St. SE. loc.gov/live.
US Capitol Heroes of Civil Rights Tours
Every day except Sundays at 3 p.m. What do Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglass and Charles Sumner have in common? They all fought for an end to slavery and the equality and freedom of all Americans. Hear about their extraordinary lives and how they shaped the path from slavery to civil rights. The tour includes Emancipation Hall and the Old Senate Chamber. Duration: 45 minutes. visitthecapitol.gov. Sojourner Truth was an American abolitionist and activist for African-American civil rights, women’s rights, and alcohol temperance. Truth was born into slavery but escaped with her infant daughter to freedom in 1826. After going to court to recover her son in 1828, she became the first Black woman to win such a case against a White man. Statue at Emancipation Hall, U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. Courtesy Architect of the Capitol
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“What Have We Here?” with Billy Dee Williams
Feb. 15, 7 p.m. At this Black History Month talk at MLK Library, the iconic Billy Dee Williams will discuss his life and new memoir “What Have We Here?: Portraits of a Life”. MLK Library, 901 G St. NW. dclibrary.org.
Live! at the Library: Major Jackson with Ron Charles
Feb. 15, 7 to 8:30 p.m. In celebration of Black History Month, Major Jackson, the prizewinning author of “Razzle Dazzle: New & Selected Poems” and host of “The Slowdown” podcast, will talk with Washington Post Book Critic Ron Charles about his work. Thomas Jefferson Building LJ119, 10 First St. SE. loc.gov/live.
Tempestuous Elements at Arena
Feb. 16 to March 17. Born into slavery in North Carolina, Anna Julia Cooper was a visionary Black feminist and educator in the late 19th/early 20th centuries, and only the fourth African American woman to earn a doctoral degree. Tempestuous Elements shines a light on Cooper’s tumultuous tenure as principal of Washington, DC’s historic M Street School where she fought to keep Black education alive, despite the racism, gossip and sexism that threatened to consign her efforts to obscurity. Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW. arenastage.org.
Walk with Dr. Woodson: A DC Tradition
Feb. 17, 11 a.m. Walk in the footsteps of the creator of Black History Month Dr. Carter G. Woodson from the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House NHS through the Logan Circle and Shaw neighborhoods. Actor Darius Wallace portrays Dr. Woodson and highlights noted figures and landmarks relating to Black History on the tour. The program concludes with a short performance at Shiloh Baptist Church. (90 min, outdoor portion: 30 min). The distance is about ½ mile. The walk starts at the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House NHS, 1318 Vermont Ave. N.W. nps. gov/mamc.
Black History Month Trivia Night
Feb. 21, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Join other participants in the New Books area at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library for trivia night. Teams of 1, 2, or 3 players will tackle a total of 9 topics and 45 questions over 3 rounds. The team with the highest point total at the end of the night will take home a prize. No regis-
The International Spy Museum presents James A. Lafayette, Revolutionary War Spy
Feb. 23, 4 to 5:30 p.m. James A. Lafayette was a spy for the Patriots in Virginia during the fight for American Independence. Working closely with Marquise de Lafayette, this enslaved man undertook “important commissions” and gathered “intelligences from the enemy’s camp.” This talk will explore how we know about James and his work as a spy for the Patriots— from speculation to documentation. SW Library, 900 Wesley Pl. SW. dclibrary.org.
Portrait of James A. Lafayette. Courtesy: U.S. Army
tration required. MLK Library, 901 G St. NW. dclibrary.org.
Live! at the Library: An Evening with Kerri Greenidge
Feb. 22, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden will be in conversation with leading historian Kerri Greenidge about her new book, “The Grimkes: The Legacy of Slavery in an American Family.” Thomas Jefferson Building LJ119, 10 First St. SE. loc.gov/live.
Black History Revealed: Uncovering Black History in Your Family Tree
Feb. 24, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., join library staff for a three-part genealogy workshop series, designed to guide you on how to start building your family tree, apply advanced research strategies, and uncover the lives of your ancestors. MLK Library, 901 G St. NW. dclibrary.org. u E ast of the R iver M agazine
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Experience ANACOSTIA
The Official
Arts & Culture
District of Washington, DC Play, Shop, Eat, Live, See in
The heART of the District Powered by:
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t u o b A d n a Out
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Your GUIDE to
the Anacostia Arts and Culture District by Matthew McClure
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esidents and regular visitors to Anacostia know this historic neighborhood really does have it all. In Anacostia, residents greet each other by name and share insider info on the best places to grab a good coffee, see a show or snag a delicious local lunch. They know—as will you after reading our guide below— that there’s really no need to head downtown to satisfy your cravings for contemporary art, theater, literature, music, food, and good old-fashioned community spirit. This is our list of what to do and see in Historic Anacostia.
P-l-a-y Anacostia Jazz Hop
Locations along Anacostia’s main business corridor of Martin Luther King. Jr Ave SE. and Marion Barry Ave SE. will host live Jazz sessions, food, retail and art experiences as part of a partnership between the Anacostia BID and the DC JazzFest in September. If you’re a fan of DC’s unique Jazz culture, this one’s for you. www.anacostiabid.org
Anacostia Roller Skating Pavilion
The only roller rink in the entire National Park Service (NPS) system, the Anacostia Roller Skating Pavillion (1500 Anacostia Dr. SE) is open dawn to dusk every day. You can buy refreshments and borrow skates (free!) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Memorial Day to Labor Day. Check out the schedule of special events and weekend DJs at www.nps.gov/anac/planyourvisit/roller-skating.htm
Anacostia Shorts Film Festival
Part of the Open Road Film Festival, the Annual Anacostia Shorts Contest is a chance for local filmmakers of the DMV to feature their works of 20 minutes of less, with an opportunity to win cash prizes. Films are screened at the Honfleur Gallery (1241 Marion Barry Ave. SE). The deadline for submissions is March 23. Learn more filmfreeway.com/ AnOpenRoadFilmFestival
Art All Night
Across all nine wards in late September, Art All Night is
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when residents flood out onto the streets after dark to socialize and support local businesses and artists. In Anacostia, this is the best time to meet local shop owners, creatives and Anacostia residents while taking in a plethora of popup food stands, artist and designer talks, fashion shows, photography, spoken word poetry and dance. Don’t miss it. www.anacostiabid.org/art-all-night
Project Create DC
Head down to Project Create at 2208 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE. on every second and third Saturday of the month for Family Art Day. While there, ask one of the friendly art therapists about the HeART Space Program designed to facilitate coping mechanisms for emotional trauma and stress. Your kids can also participate in Project Create’s Arts Enrichment Field Trip Program that facilitates trips to museums and other creative, culturally enriching spaces. Christie Walser started Anacostia’s Project Create DC back in 1994. Through its weekly lineup of free programs for kids and families focused on art therapy and education, Project Create has become an essential part of the Anacostia community. “From the beginning, we had as a focus art as therapy. We have an art therapist as our direc-
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The heART of the District Powered by:
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Kristina Noell, Executive Director of the Anacostia BID
In 2018, Kristina Noell was nominated by the board of the Anacostia BID as its Executive Director, bringing to the role a wealth of experience in making meaningful, economically advantageous connections between people and businesses. One of the first tasks she set herself was a walking tour to meet Anacostia’s longtime residents and business owners. She knew it was important to hear from them about what their community needed. “Every house that I visited, somebody in the family was a maker, somebody was an artist. It was very clear to me that’s the direction we needed to go. We needed to be an arts and culture district because it’s organically here.” Based on a proposal to the mayor’s office containing her research, Noell and the BID were granted funds to assist in developing Anacostia’s arts, culture and technical services offerings, along with the title of DC’s official arts and culture district. Arts and culture aren’t the only focus of the Anacostia BID’s work. Better lighting and more trashcans are some of the small but important ways that the BID is working to make Anacostia a cleaner and safer space for residents and visitors alike. Noell and her team are also working hard to alleviate the nutritional deficiencies in neighborhoods east of the river. “We’re always trying to educate and do outreach. We’re trying to be creative in how we can work with the folks in the community that are providing that service. Ron Williams is getting ready to open Capital Seafood restaurant here. He brings in fresh seafood daily.” www. anacostiabid.org
tor of programs,” said Walser. “ Through art making, you can explore issues around loneliness, disconnectedness, family and peer dynamics.” www.projectcreatedc.org
Art To Go Go
Jump on a scooter and zoom around the streets as part of the Anacostia Business Improvement District (BID)’s initiatives to get visitors and locals alike to explore the historic center of town. This tour of public art is entirely self-guided, so download the map or scan the QR code via the link below to get going. Luis Peralta Del Valle’s mural of the legendary Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. is not to be missed. www.arttogogo.org
Hillsdale Farmers Market at Barry Farm
The Hillsdale Farmers Market (2600 Firth Sterling Ave. SE) is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every third Sunday from mid-June to mid-October. Residents of all ages enjoy the festivities, discovering local produce, artisanal makers, local businesses, great performances and connection with neighbors. barryfarmredevelopment.org
Mobile GO-GO Museum
Go-go music is an important signifier of DC’s unique African American culture. The Anacostia BID’s Mobile GO-GO Museum is a moving home for this art form, which origi22
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nated in the 1960s/70s, and is characterized by its integration of audience responses. The Museum is a converted 28-passenger mobile bus that incorporates a hydraulic performance stage on the roof. Inside is a DJ booth, historical exhibits and a hologram of GO-GO legend Anwan “Big G” Glover. Last year, the Anacostia BID team broke ground at 1920 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. SE, the future site of the official GO-GO Museum. Watch this space for future museum updates and keep your Spring calendar clear for the official opening. www.gogomuseumcafe.com
Shopping on the Go-Go
This unique retail, dining and social experience kicks off with brunch and proceeds to a series of unique shopping destinations punctuated by cocktail stops. It all happens to the sound of your favorite Go-Go hits. Make new friends, find unique holiday gifts and show support for the small businesses along Anacostia’s commercial corridors. Learn more under “Events’” at anacostiabid.org or contact ashley@anacostiabid.org
Spoken Word to Go-Go
The Spoken word is a literary and performance art in which lyrics, poetry, sketches, or stories are spoken instead of sung. Contestants perform their words with music —the official music of DC – Go-Go! The winner of the 2023 Spoken Word to Go-Go Competition received $1000, a studio session with The Experience Band & Show, and a trophy present-
COMING ATTRACTIONS! 11th Street Bridge Park
If you live East of the river, the chances are good you’ve already heard about the 11th Street Bridge Park, a planned redevelopment of the old 11th Street Bridge piers to accommodate a pedestrianized and elevated bridge spanning the Anacostia River. The project is the brainchild of the non-profit organization Building Bridges Across the River and is being directed by Scott Kratz, senior Vice-President of BBRDC. The 11th Street Bridge Park is envisioned as a place where communities on both sides of the river can come together and share open, green and healthy spaces. It will include a public plaza for events, a room the community can use for meetings, urban gardens for growing food, a pier for kayaking, and even a hammock grove. An Environmental Education Center will be operated by the Anacostia Watershed Society. Kratz is intimately familiar with the threat of displacement that often accompanies projects aimed at urban renewal in areas with vast discrepancies in economic status. That’s why he’s ensured that there has been extensive consultation with and financial investment in the neighborhoods surrounding the site. This investment has been ongoing for the last 10 years (with local residents being given agricultural, homeownership and business opportunities), and will continue long after the Bridge Park opens in 2025/2026. www.bbrdc.org
Art to Go Go Shuttle Bus
The Anacostia BID will launch a regular bus service for residents and visitors early this year. Stops will be in place at the St. Elizabeth’s campus at the E Parking Garage, the Skyland Town Center, the Anacostia Metro Station, and the W and MLK Parking Lot, amongst others. Monitor the bus service via the link below. https:// trackmyshuttle.com/a/arttogogo
SaPoDilla’s Caribbean Restaurant
Have a craving for authentic Caribbean fare? SaPoDilla’s is set to open a second location in a historic building on Marion Barry Ave SE. Follow them on Instagram for updates. @sapodillascaribbean
Therme DC
The Therme Group is currently eyeing a site at Poplar Point as the possible future location of a 450,000 square foot, $500m health and wellness resort, containing baths, pools and other recreational facilities. Omar Toro-Vaca, the US Chief Development Officer, is currently working on a year-long community engagement process as part of the initial phase of the project, so send him an email to let him know what you want to see happen. thermedc@therme.us www.thermegroup.com
DC’S CULTURE
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Messay Derebe, General Director of the Anacostia Arts Center
ed by the Office of Cable, Television, Film, Movies, and Entertainment (OCTME). Find more info at anacostiabid.og/wordtogogo
UMOJA Holiday Market
Every December the Umoja Holiday Market celebrates food, fun and Black-owned business at the Anacostia Arts Center (1231 Marion Barry Ave. SE). It’s a chance to get your holiday shopping done with a little cultural cultivation on top of creative commerce. Check out this year’s dates under “events” at anacostiaartscenter.com
S-h-o-p Anacostia Organics
Linda Mercado Greene is as much of a DC institution as the Washington Monument, and even more impressive. When the city legalized cannabis usage in 2010, she saw an opportunity to help her neighbors in Anacostia, many of whom needed to travel across the city to obtain medical marijuana prescriptions. Mercado Greene opened Anacostia Organics, the only medical cannabis dispensary east of the Anacostia RivKitchen Physician
er. With sleek white display shelves accented by warm wood and gleaming glass, Anacostia Organics offers a wide range of tinctures, edibles, vaporizers, flowers, and pre-rolls. Never one to settle, Mercado Greene is the first female chair of the DC Medical Cannabis Trade Association, and somehow also finds time to serve on DC’s Historic Preservation Review Board, in addition to running a Public Relations firm, and being a political consultant to members of Congress. Tune in to her podcast, The Cannabis Conversation, every weekday at 2:30PM. www.dcradio.gov/programming/cannabisconversation. www.anacostiaorganics.com
Busboys and Poets Books
Busboys and Poets Books (2004 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE) is a space devoted to strengthening the communities they are in through access to socially-conscious literature, programs, healing conversations and a respectful exchange of ideas. Check out the selection of books and programming in The Barry Room. busboysandpoets.com
Crate Convention
The Anacostia Art Center’s famous Crate Convention in summer – organised in collaboration
A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, Messay Derebe’s cool, calm, and collected exterior belies a true force of nature. In 2017 she founded GoARTFul, a fine art subscription service. She’s worked at the Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation and the US Department of Commerce, and was the Washington Area Community Investment Fund’s founding director of Enterprising Women of Color Center. Wacif’s mission of empowerment lured her back to the organization and to the Anacostia Arts Center in September of last year. “I’m a Wacif alum.” Derebe says. “The reason I was so thrilled about coming back is because the mission of this organization and what’s happening at the Arts Center are the two things I’m most passionate about in my life.” The Arts Center was already a hive of activity and creativity before Wacif brought it onboard, but now thanks to the organization’s extensive programming, the Center can access a much wider range of economic and financial tools to benefit the community it serves. Derebe is texcited about the opportunities this partnership – and her new role – presents. “Something I’ve been thinking about is this notion of third spaces; to have a place in your backyard where there’s activity, where your community is going to show up, is really significant. That’s the beauty of this space.” www.wacif.org
with DJ RBI, is where you’re able to connect with and shop diverse and eclectic African American owned vinyl record stores and other uber cool brands like Cookie Wear. Instagram: @thecrateadventure
Good Hope Hydroponics
This urban indoor and outdoor gardening store and supplier at 1113 Marion Barry Ave. SE offers equipment and advice to cultivate a green haven where you live. Plus, experience their clone giveaways, on-site events for the ‘canna community’. goodhopehydroponics.com
Kitchen Physician
Specializing in natural and herbal supplements for immune support, Kitchen Physician (1421 Marion Barry Ave. SE) Shawnette Monroe creates more than 80 percent of merchandise available in her herbal pharmacy. The DC native and Ward 8 resident prioritizes local farmers and companies in selecting ingredients. Monroe says her goal is to help people achieve holistic wellness naturally —in mind, body and spirit. thekitchenphysician.net
La Threadz Couture
Premiere clothing boutique La Threadz (1348 Marion Barry Ave. SE) specializes in the hottest fits —coats to shoes and everything in between. They also offer custom graphic design services on T-shirts, hats, buttons, pendants, and more! Filling a need, La Threadz also provides wifi services and is a huge supporter of youth, offering a safe spot in the Safe Passages DC program. lathreadz.com
You Matter Spa
Renowned for their pre- and postpartum massage services, You Matter Spa (1214 U St. SE) also offers therapeutic massage, retreats and Jacuzzi time. Founder and Anacostia resident Sharla Thomas also opens the space to wellness and youth events. youmatterspa.com
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Mahogany Books Art inside of Busboys and Poets
Mahogany Books
Opened in 2017 by Derrick. A Young and Ramunda L. Young, this treasure trove of a bookstore located within the Anacostia Arts Center carries literary contributions that celebrate Black history and culture from America and the Diaspora. We picked up a copy of Picturing Frederick Douglass: An Illustrated Biography of the Nineteenth Century’s Most Photographed American, containing beautiful portraits of Douglass and his family, many of them in and around Anacostia. On the first Fri-
day of each month at 6 p.m., catch the Mahogany Books X Panama Jackson Book Club. www.mahoganybooks.com
Vintage and Charmed
Do you love vintage clothing, bespoke jewelry and heavenly candles and lotions? Then stop by the Anacostia Arts Center and pay Vintage and Charmed a visit. Stocked solely with products from femaleowned and operated businesses, Vintage and Charmed demonstrates what women in business
Vintage and Charmed
can accomplish when supported and allowed to thrive. The team also offers bespoke services such as themed parties, personal style assessments and fashion workshops. www.facebook.com/vintagencharmed
E-a-t 6Co Eatery
This unassuming eatery at 1916 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE serves up notable favorites, including cheeseburgers, sandwiches, steak and cheese, and salads. It’s a go-to for quick bites and comfort food. Most days, you’ll find Mr. 6Co himself behind the counter. See the menu: 6coeatery.business.site
Busboys and Poets
This restaurant/community meeting space/ events venue was opened in 2018 and is the first Busboys and Poets location in Southeast DC. The brainchild of restauranteur, activist and art-
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DCity Smokehouse
love and food make more lasting changes. Kitchen Savages, at 1211 Marion Barry Ave. SE, employs staff from in and around the neighborhood, helping them to care for themselves and their families. Inside, expect exposed brick, gold cutlery, black table linen and the scents and tastes of five star, homestyle cooking. Don’t leave without ordering a side of Old Bay fries and their signature banana pudding cheesecake. www.kitchensavages.com
Mama’s Pizza Kitchen
Since 1986 and across more than four states, Mama has been serving up homestyle, Southern-inspired BBQ and luscious Italian pizza and pasta to her customers. Pay her a visit for either a well-deserved, mid-week break from cooking or a Saturday night treat. www.mamaspizzatogo.com
Open Crumb
ist Andy Shallal, you can expect much more than just great food at this eclectic venue, such as Karaoke with the Kingpin on the first Fridays and Saturdays of the month. www.busboysandpoets.com
DCity Smokehouse
Melvin Hines and Charese John have hit on something excellent at this, their second DCity Smokehouse location: Quality meat and tasty sides with a winning combination of spices. On any Saturday afternoon, expect queues of locals and visitors alike and the tables inside packed to bursting with conversation and good food. Try the Meaty Palmer (only for dedicated carnivores), and don’t forget to order a side of their famous Hush Puppies or Mac and Cheese. www.dcitysmokehouse.com
ELife
The Everlasting Life Vegan Restaurant inside the Anacostia Arts Center (1231 Marion Barry Ave SE) serves up plant-based soul food to lifelong vegans and those who are curious. Founded in 1995, you’ll find BBQ tofu, mac and cheese and collards in addition to desserts and soy-free ice cream. Stop by for the hearty Sunday brunch. www. eliferestaurant.com
Kitchen Savages
Owner and founder of Kitchen Savages, Executive Chef Darrell Gaston, is no stranger to ward 8 and the Southeast. He served on the DC Council and as a neighborhood commissioner. He practiced law to bring equality and justice to his community, but ultimately decided that 28
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This unassuming storefront owned and operated by Chef Peter Opare at 1243 Marion Barry Ave. SE, is home to a Black-owned scratch kitchen where food is prepared in-house from raw ingredients. Folks rave about the fried chicken sandwich, shrimp and grits and Jollof rice, but don’t sleep on the sandwiches or the vegan peanut soup. See the full menu and get hours at www.opencrumbdc.com
Turning Natural
Black woman-owned Turning Natural is feeding and empowering the community. The Anacostia location at 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE provides healthy choices such as the acai and pitaya bowls, black bean burger, veggie and spinach patties and salad bar together with a wide variety of no-additive juices and juice cleanses. Shop in-store or get juice online at turningnatural.com
(Opening Soon) Capitol City Seafood Market & Deli
Sixth-generation Washingtonian Ron Williams Jr., founder of RT Williams Seafood (www.rtwilliamsseafood.com) will bring a new seafood eatery and bakery to the corner of Good Hope Road and Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE, drawing on his years of experience harvesting seafood from the Chesapeake.
Fresh Food Factory
Founded by Amanda Stephenson, the Fresh Food Factory (1231 Marion Barry Rd. SE) will be a retail incubator market designed to serve Ward 8 as a catalyst for food equity and economic development, improving the health of underserved residents through better food access and education and lifting up local food entrepreneurs. Shop online now thefreshfoodfactory.com
Grounded
The online wellness plant company is slated to open a brick and mortar store that integrates a plant shop, cafe, and wellness studio at 1913 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE. Founders Mignon Hemsley and Danielle Doswell say they are dedicated to fostering a deep connection with the natural world through the principles of biophilic design. feelgrounded.com
Taste Lab DC
Led by hospitality veteran Talema Rice, the 4,000 square foot tasting kitchen and business incubator and ghost kitchen will open as part of Maple View Flats (228 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE). tastelab.co
S-e-e Anacostia Arts Center
Sited in Anacostia’s old Woolworth building (the original mosaic letter ‘W’ is still in place on the doorstep), the Anacostia Arts Center is powered by the Washington Area Community Investment Fund, or Wacif (see our inter-
Kymone Freeman, co-founder of WeAct Radio
Behind the signature red and black brick façade of WeAct Radio at 1920 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE, Kymone Freeman is helping to amplify the voices of DC residents. Freeman co-founded WeAct Radio in November of 2011, and this independent radio station/full service production company has been pumping out regular community programming ever since. “My raison d’etre is to move people from a culture of entertainment to a culture of education and enlightenment.” Freeman says. “I have to be passionately involved with a project that consumes my time on terms of making a contribution to truth telling out here. From TV to newspapers and media outlets, six companies control everything we see and read, and we see that ignorance in the streets.” When he’s not behind the mic, this activist and playwright is promoting the release of his new book Nineveh, a post-apocalyptic dystopian novel set in the near-future that draws parallels with our current political and social realities. www.weactradio.com. www.ninevehnovel.com
Anacostia Arts Center
view with the Center’s General Director below). Standing within a few yards of the historic intersection of Marion Barry Ave. SE. and Martin Luther King, Jnr. Ave SE, the Center is home to artists, creatives, entrepreneurs, and Black-owned businesses from Anacostia and further afield. In line with Wacif ’s primary goals, the Center gives its tenants access to economic and financial opportunities, and the chance to build generational and community wealth in a historically underserved neighborhood. Inside, you’ll find the ELife vegan soul food restaurant, the Fresh Food Factory and Market Eatery, The HIVE business and entrepreneurship working space and an assortment of fashion, lifestyle, and health stores. Take your time passing by the Center’s large glass windows on Marion Barry Ave SE, which are always ablaze with a rotating display of artwork curated by Jessica Randolph, the Center’s Associate Creative Director. www.anacostiaartscenter.com
tistic Director two years ago, Stephens says, he made the bold decision to change the Playhouse’s programming format. “The original model for the space is that we would be more of a roadhouse because we already have an inhouse resident company that’s producing. We would invite others east of the river to do their performances. That model hasn’t necessarily worked. So I decided that we will plan a season and create and produce ourselves.” This was born
out of a desire for the Playhouse’s productions to reflect the themes affecting the community it serves, Stephens explains. When they’re not working on planning the next lineup of plays, Stephens and his colleagues are working hard to skill up DC’s next generation of actors, producers and directors through the Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP). The 2024/2025 season is still being decided on but add these events to your diary for next year: National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day presentation on February 7; Verbal Gymnastics at Art All Night in September; Theater After Dark in October (adults only); The New Voices New Works play festival in November. www.anacostiaplayhouse.com
Anacostia River Festival
Anacostia Playhouse
In a plain brick building at 2020 Shannon Pl. SE, the Anacostia Playhouse’s Stephawn Stephens and his team have created a platform for theater talent from East of the river. When he assumed the role of Ar-
Baakari Wilder, Gaddiel Adams, Briona Jackson, Jacquelyn Hawkins. At the Anacostia Playhouse. Photo: Ja Mon
Hosted by Building Bridges Across the River (BBARDC), the Anacostia River Festival is part of DC’s annual city-wide National Cherry Blossom Festival. Every May, the Festival brings folks down to the shores of the Anacostia River to learn more about the role this historic body of water plays in the health and wellness of DC residents and the communities that live along its banks. Live music and performances by local musicians – don’t miss the highly anticipated annual Spoken Word to Go-Go contest–are interspersed with food and drink trucks, and booths aimed at environmental education. Venture out of
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comment on Park Landfill Site PUBLIC NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY
ent on the proposed plan for the Kenilworth sultation with the DistrictTHE of Columbia NATIONAL PARK gated hazardous substance contamination at SERVICE ANNOUNCES THE e environment, and evaluated alternatives to AVAILABILITY OF THE sive Environmental Response, e NPS has updated theADMINISTRATIVE Administrative Record RECORD
fresh and updated but it’s remained a much-beloved icon of the neighborhood. www.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Chair_(sculpture)
CraigKraft Studio
FILE FOR THE OXON COVE LANDFILL SITE NATIONAL CAPITAL PARKS – EAST
:
Craig Kraft is a longtime resident of Anacostia. Soft-spoken but with the unmistakable glow of an intense intellect, Kraft’s current body of neon art explores the ancient human urge to mark space, drawing inspiration from the graffiti-etched walls of a jazz club in Mississippi to ancient cave networks in Europe and Namibia. Ten years ago, Kraft completely redeveloped the building he lives and works in located at1239 Good Hope Rd. SE.
The National Park Service (NPS) announces the
availability of the Administrative Record file for the Oxon . Cove Landfill Site for public review. The site is located in iers and Institutional Controls. Oxon Cove Park and is managed by the National Capital utional Controls. Parks – East (NACE) administrative unit of NPS located
in Washington, D.C. NPS is currently investigating releases and threatened releases of hazardous substances related to historical activities at the site following the process established by the federal Comprehensive ferred alternative for the site. However, NPS Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability l select the final plan in a Record of Act (CERCLA). NPS is authorized under CERCLA e Administrative Record File, to respond as including the lead agency and, as the lead agency, is responsible for determining ther than the preferred alternative based on the nature and extent of contamination at this site and evaluating the risks to ing information. human health and the environment.
Administrative Record file currently includes trative Record File The comprises the documents various reports and historical documents related to the plan for the site. The Record site. Administrative NPS will update the Administrative Record file as the CERCLA investigations progress. The public is welcome to submit comments on any of the documents included in the Administrative Record file at any time.
hborhood Library The Administrative Record file is available N.E. for review at the location and during the 583 times listed below: @dc.gov g/benning Oxon Cove Park & Oxon Hill Farm m. – 7:00 p.m. Visitors Barn Closed Bald Eagle Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745
ct disc upon request. Key project documents Contact: Donna Davies age: Phone: (202) 359-3234
E-mail: donna_davies@nps.gov
9:00 d begins on November 12,Everyday 2020, and willa.m. to 4:00 p.m. Except for January 1, y that responds to all significant comments Thanksgiving Day, and December 25 ceived at the public meeting).
An index listing all of the documents included in the Administrative Record file is available for download from n and other documents contained in the the Oxon Cove Landfill Site website. The Administrative ways: Record file is also available electronically upon request. To request an electronic version of the Administrative Record file or to submit comments on any documents in the Administrative Record file, please contact the NPS Project Manager, Donna Davies.
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Anacostia Park and through the pedestrian tunnel under route 295 into Historic Anacostia to meet and greet locals. You’ll find them comfortably ensconced in their garden chairs out on the sidewalks for the day. www. bridgepark.org/arf
The Big Chair
No visit to Historic Anacostia would be complete without seeing the famous Big Chair by Bassett Furniture at 2100 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE. Constructed in 1959, Anacostia’s largest piece of furniture has seen a few redesigns since the 1950s to keep it
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Kim Frye, owner of Helping Hands Cleaning Services
His studio space is just below his apartment and is a delightful assemblage of brightly glowing neon light, interspersed with artwork in varying stages of development. Visiting Kraft’s studio is akin to touring the inner recesses of his eclectically creative mind. He’s currently working on a Brancusi-inspired tower of neon, so stop in to say hi. www. craigkraftstudio.com
Black Box Theatre
This versatile space on the ground level of the Anacostia Arts Center regularly hosts panel discussions, community engagement forums, small-scale theater shows and a variety of other educational and entertainment activities. It seats 85 people in almost 1000 square feet and rental rates start at $125. anacostiaartscenter.com/rentals/ black-box-theatre/
Children’s Legacy Theatre (CLT)
CLT (1231 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE) creates theater experiences that educate, challenge and inspire teens to connect to different cultures and ideas. Through after school programming and performances, youth compose and direct their own plays, questioning and exploring the world. See “Robert Smalls, Legend of the Black Mariner’ Friday Feb. 23 - Sunday feb. 25. Tickets: childrenslegacytheatre8.org
Honfleur Gallery
Duane Gautier’s Honfleur Gallery at 1241 Marion Barry Ave SE has the pristine white walls and large format exhibition space you’d expect to see in New York’s Dumbo. Gautier has been active in Anacostia since the mid 80s when he and his wife set up the first NPO busi-
The HIVE is the co-working space on the lower level of the Anacostia Arts Center, where Kim Frye operates Helping Hands Cleaning Service—her home health care business—from a desk embellished by a vase of bright orange flowers. The HIVE helps small businesses and entrepreneurs level up by offering access to conferencing facilities, networking events, business skills training and CBE Certification, and these tools have propelled Frye’s business to levels even she didn’t expect. “I had no idea it was going to go this way. I got a couple of grants and I’ve been moving ever since. I do everything here. This is the base of my operation.” In 2009, a foot injury stopped Frye from actively working as a nurse. Not satisfied with just sitting at home, she decided to start a home care service for the elderly and veterans in the city. Frye and her small team now care for over 20 patients in DC, putting a smile on the faces of the city’s aged and persons with disabilities. When the Covid-19 pandemic threatened to shut her down, Frye simply adjusted her business model. “I pivoted. Now I’m a home health agency that provides chore services to DC residents that have physical and mental disabilities. I deal with seniors and veterans that are unable to maintain their homes but want to continue to stay in their environment.” Thanks to The HIVE and her own tenacity, Frye is planning on adding additional resources soon. “We’re adding another service called Home Maker. We’ll go to doctor’s appointments, and we’ll do a lot more.” Email Kim at info@my-hhcs.com to find out more about what she offers, or visit www.dc-careconnect.com to apply for a referral to Helping Hands Cleaning Service. Interested in building your business at The HIVE? They offer tiered membership options (Affiliate, Associate or Executive) to suit all budgets. www.thedchive.com
ness incubators in the neighborhood. A deep passion for art was instilled in him from a young age. “When I was growing up, my mother used to drive me to all sorts of art shows, art openings, concerts and operas. Obviously, it sank in. I’ve helped to establish arts collaboratives in Russia and Northern Ireland. My wife and I have been collectors of art since the 60s” Gautier says. He opened Honfleur in January of 2007, in response to what he perceived as a lack of space for artists East of the river to exhibit their work and engage with their community. “There was no place that Anacostia residents could go to see art, listen to good music, poetry. That was the real reason for the establishment of the gallery and the arts center.” In addition to a regular schedule of exhibitions, Honfleur Gallery also offers residencies to artists from Wards 7 and 8. The Gallery’s East of the River Distinguished Artist Award is a highly anticipated event on DC’s yearly arts calendar. www.honfleurgallerydc.com
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
Honfleur Gallery
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The former home of Frederick Douglass—celebrated abolitionist, author, orator and DC’s first Black marshal—the old Cedar Hill estate is a relic from the days when the Anacostia River’s Eastern banks were home to the sprawling farms of DC’s landed gentry. Douglass purchased it in 1877. While many of these estates were demolished in the first part of the 20th Century to make way for a rising tide of urban development, Cedar Hill remained intact. The views of the city from the 50-foot hill on which the old house is built are exceptional. Don’t leave without visiting the old Growlery at the bottom of the garden, where Douglass penned his last autobiography. www.nps.gov/frdo
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Frederick Douglass House. Courtesy: NPS
The Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum
The Anacostia Community Museum was established in 1967 to tell the stories and capture the histories of the people that lived around it. This community-focused approach, seeded by a surging Civil Rights movement, destabilized the traditional, Eurocentric methodology of curation and exhibition that frequently omitted important contributions to history, art and culture by women, queer people and people of color. Today, this ethos still guides the museum’s exhibitions and public programs. It hosts an array of regular activities and workshops offered online and in person, in addition to a schedule of curated exhibitions focused on themes pertinent to DC and further afield. www.anacostia.si.edu ◆
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neighborhood news
A New Dog Park is Coming to Ward 7 by Sarah Payne
W
ard 7 resident Darren Thompson spends up to three hours each day exercising his dog. When he isn’t on long walks with his bullmastiff, he is driving, sometimes as far as Arlington, to take him to a dog park. Thompson has been a longtime advocate for the addition of a dog park in his community. The impact of these parks, he says, reaches far beyond our four-legged friends and can provide connection, fun and convenience for residents of the neighborhood.
Outside of enclosed areas, the site plans include several fido-friendly amenities including waste bag dispensers and drinking fountains equipped with dog bowls. In addition to resources for dogs, the park will include shade shelters, picnic tables and grills. “I am hopeful that we can make this part of the community,” Thompson said, noting that the resources connected to the park will benefit all residents in the neighborhood including non-dog owners. The District Department of General Services (DGS) will ove see the construction of the project and, once built, the park will be managed by DPR.
A Long Time Coming
Officials from DPR and DGS gathered to break ground on the project in ear-
ly December which followed the more than six years of neighborhood canvassing, brainstorming and extensive discussion between neighbors and the city in an effort to “find middle ground” on priorities for the project. After several years of discussion, the city proposed a plan in 2022. To the disappointment of park advocates, the city’s proposal did not include most of what the community had asked for. Of note, the plans lacked a dedicated and separate area for small dogs which was a top priority. Finally a compromise was reached and the project was set to commence. Early on in the initial construction phase, however, DPR terminated their contract with the Broughton Construction Company which caused the project to face significant delays in commencing construction. The agency now estimates the completion of the project in late spring or early summer of 2024.
City leaders and community members break ground on the Texas Avenue Dog Park in early December. From left to right: Ward 7 State Board of Education Representative Eboni-Rose Thompson, Darren Thompson, DPR Director Thennie Freeman, DGS Director Delano Hunter and ANC Commissioner Brittany N. Hughes. Photo courtesy of the Department of General Services (DGS).
Planning for a New Park
The District Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) currently manages and operates 16 dog parks across the city. While the parks vary significantly in size and design, they are all equipped with fencing and sufficient space for dogs to play together off leash. Under the Animal Control Act, these are the only public spaces within the District that dogs may legally be unleashed. The new park, which will be the first of its kind east of the river, will be located at 4600 Texas Ave. SE across the street from Plummer Elementary School. The overall dimensions of the park will be 118 ft. by 85 ft., and the space will be divided into two separately fenced areas, one for small dogs and another for large dogs. 34
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Plans for the park include many amenities for both dogs and residents. Photo courtesy of DGS.
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As the opening of the park inches closer to a reality, community members are excited about opportunities to socialize their dogs and have a place to connect with neighbors. While the neighborhoods east of the river hold many public fields, green spaces, trails and sidewalks, these spaces are not always viable spaces for dog owners to exercise their dogs. Public spaces don’t allow dogs off leash, and pet owners have safety concerns about dogs drinking contaminated water on trails and picking up ticks present in heavily wooded areas. The park will create a safe area for dogs to run and play and is predicted to be a vibrant and busy park. Advocates of the project canvassed the neighborhood and estimate that approximately 300 dogs live within half a mile radius of the site.
Not All Are Happy with the Park
Some neighbors have voiced opposition on social media expressing a need for updates to other public spaces east of the river or alternative uses of the space planned for the park. Donna Watts noted that neighbors have “all of Dupont Park to walk their dogs” and highlighted the importance of “upgrading and securing our kid parks at our two [recreation centers] first.” Ashleigh Mitchell also commented on her disappointment about the use of the space for a dog park. “I’m sad,” Mitchell wrote. “I really wanted to put a community garden there for the school.” Neighbor Elizabeth Rigby recently adopted Jasper, a standard poodle, and has been taking him to various dog parks across the District and Maryland since last summer. She looks forward to having a place to take her pup that is closer to home. She acknowledged the community opposition to the project, but emphasized the positive impacts of the park for the community. “We have seen a dramatic increase in dog parks across the city and I do recognize the symbolism of dog parks being a marker of gentrification,” Rigby said. “...I don’t think anyone thinks that a dog park is more important than safe parks and recreation centers for children, but I don’t think that is exactly what is going on
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here” noting the multitude of nearby recreation centers and open green spaces. Thompson noted that the neighborhood response to the project has been “overwhelmingly supportive” from the beginning. The team of park advocates has effectively worked to “assuage concerns” of neighbors throughout the application and discussion process. “To those who say something better should be there, I don’t know what something better would be,” he said. Ward 7 Councilmember Vince Gray, a longtime advocate for pets and animal welfare, expressed excitement about the project and what it will bring to residents TUTORING FOR ALL in the community. “Being outdoors is a healthy activity for pets and owners. I’m delighted that Work with experienced tutors Ward 7 will have a dog park. The park one-on-one or in small groups to will bring together people with a shared achieve your learning goals. love for dogs; an activity that can build relationships and, in turn, strengthen our community,” Gray said. Gray acknowledged opposition to the project, but noted the importance K-12 Subject Tutoring of a diverse set of options for people to use within the District’s parks and recreAP Test Prep ation network. SAT/ACT Test Prep “City resources are varied so that the diverse needs of different people College Counseling are met,” Gray said. “For example, not everyone swims, but we have pools. The same can be said of many facilities and programs.” CONTACT US Rigby emphasized that the park would fulfill a need for an “amenity that was missing in Ward 7” and lauded the hard work of project advocates and organizers who canvassed the area and have provided updates for the community throughout the years-long approval process. “It has been a lot of work even after the park was funded in the city budget,” Rigby said. “I’m happy for them that it is finally happening, and I’m excited to bring my dog there too.” Visit dgs.dc.gov for more information about the park and for upcoming announcements about the park’s opening. PROMO CODE: 202TUTOR!
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(202) 240-7508 mytotaltutor.com
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Sarah Payne is a reporter for Capital Community News. She can be reached at sarahp@hillrag.com. ◆
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neighborhood news
Our River: The Anacostia How Are We Doing on the Anacostia? by Bill Matuszeski
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inter is a good time for an overview of how the Anacostia River restoration is going. I interviewed five leaders of the multiyear effort who know best what is going on, what is working and not working, and what are the prospects for continued progress. They are, in alphabetical order: • Dennis Chestnut, head of Ward 7 Resilience Hub Community Coalition, and previously Executive Director of Groundwork Anacostia River DC. • Marian Dombroski, Chair/ViceChair of the Anacostia Watershed Community Advisory Committee. • Brenda Richardson, head of Anacostia Parks and Community Collaborative. • Trey Sherard, Anacostia Riverkeeper. • Chris Williams, head of the Anacostia WatershedSociety. Do these folks believe we are meeting our timelines
Trey Sherard, Anacostia Riverkeeper.
and goals in the Anacostia watershed? Overall, the situation is looking very positive. This is because of DC Water’s $2.7 billion Clean River Project. The two massive tunnels that comprise the project capture and hold 98 percent of the stormwater and sewage that would otherwise have gone into the river. This runoff now goes to the Blue Plains Wastewater Treatment Plant, a part of DCWater. This practice to mix the sewage with rains from runoff goes back to the 19th century in many cities; engineers back then thought that it would keep the drain pipes clean and add pollution to rivers for only a short time. But they were wrong, and many cities are now planning and building their own storage tunnels for the combined sewage. DC is ahead of nearly all the others! And the Anacostia project is the first to go into operation in the region. Kent and Kelly, two of the many people who volunteer to clean and “A lot of work remains to be done,” said Chris restore the Anacostia, go out weekly to pick up “invasive objects,” including shopping carts and tires. Photo: Marian Dombroski Williams, “but it’s exciting to see initiatives we’ve worked on for many years, like the Anacostia River tunnels and the remediation of toxic chemicals in the river bed, coming to fruition. These are gameEnjoying the River changers for water quality in the Anacostia.” One of the most important contributions for citizens to make about the continued enjoyment of the river and its shoreline over time is to decide how to accommodate the More Areas of Pollution Concern many desired activities along a limited shoreline. The enormous success of the storage tunnels does not “It is so exciting to be talking about actual locations for mean all our pollution problems in the Anacostia Rivswimming, wading, fishing and boating – activities which er have been solved, however. There are two areas have been limited or non-existent on the Anacostia for so upstream that continue to give us problems. Beavermany years. These opportunities must be accessible to evdam Creek runs along New York Avenue in Maryland. eryone,“ said Marian Dombroski. Where it enters the District, it releases into the AnaNatural areas for rest and quiet should also be built costia a flow of heavy pollution from industrial wastes into the plan, with citizens of each neighborhood taking that come from lands along Route 50 all the way to the lead in the parklands closest to them. Restoration of the Beltway. natural areas and protection of important habitat must also There is also a flow of toxics down Hickey Run be integral to planning. After all, the public lands along the in DC, passing under New York Avenue and through Anacostia were set aside to protect the river, and to prothe National Arboretum to the Anacostia. There is anvide opportunities to enjoy it. We must share it with all the other stream entering the Arboretum under New York wildlife that depend on it. Avenue a few hundred feet northeast. It is low on pollution and runs through an artificial lake and streams with high quality water that all manner of creatues including flourishing families of beavers. This is Springhouse Run, which must be seen to be appreciated. It flows down through the Arboretum and joins Hickey Run on the way to the Anacostia.
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Issues with Keniworth
At the present time there is planning going on which is out of step with other planning and restoration efforts. The National Park Service has asked the DC Department
of Transportation to extend the Riverwalk Trail through Kenilworth Park and across the Anacostia. DCDOT is developing a trail, with no consideration of the range of folks who would be affected by the design and location of the bike trails or for the sensitive natural areas through which they pass. For example, the shoreline should be reserved for purposes which depend on proximity to the river, and should include quiet areas for sitting and enjoying nature. Trails should serve the parks, not create throughways. “I’ve seen incredible change for the better in the 12 years I’ve spent on the Anacostia River, but some bad habits die hard, or not at all, says Trey Sherard, Anacostia Riverkeeper. But, while we’ve gone from the designs for the sewage tunnels to the entire Anacostia tunnel system entering operation last fall and the Splash event planned for this summer, we still find some agencies like the District Department of Transportation refusing outright to meaningfully engage with communities east of the river, as they have over the proposed bridge from Kenilworth Park to the Arboretum.“
The Future
All of our voices are needed to take advantage of the amazing opportunities before us to shape the future of the Anacostia for generations to come. That will assure that each stretch of the River reflects the human places and the rich natural areas along its shores. Dennis Chestnut speaks for all when he says. “The Anacostia river and the communities that border it are inextricably linked, and the health of one will not happen without the improvement to the health of the other.. We have made tremendous strides and must continue to work hard to create a fishable and swimmable river for all DC residents.” Let’s make it happen!
Come Visit Our Store!
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. ◆
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neighborhood news
Pepco Land Sale
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ANC 7D Report by Sarah Payne
Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 7D met Jan. 9 via Zoom. Commissioners Siraaj Hasan (7D01), Wendell Felder (7D03, chair), Commissioner Mike Davis (7D04), Ebony Payne (7D05), Marc Friend (7D06), Brett Astmann (7D07, treasurer), Brian Alcorn (7D08, vice chair), Ashley Schapitl (7D09), secretary) and Brianne Eby-Stockert (7D10) were in attendance. Single Member District 7D02 remains vacant.
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epco’s has sold 19 acres of land within its 77acre Benning Road SE property, which was home to a large power plant. The land was sold to ProLogis, a logistics real estate and supply chain logistics company, for $10.25 million in December. Logistics real estate involves the rental and sale of warehouses, distribution centres, flexible spaces and other industrial buildings with storage facilities. The site requires significant environmental remediation. The sale came as a surprise to many members of the community. Commissioners expressed concern about the site’s future. “There are many uses for that particular area of land that we thought we were well engaged with Pepco on,” Commissioner Hasan noted. “To hear that there’s been some mysterious sale of that land is disheartening to say the least.” “A lot of residents in this community are extremely frustrated,” echoed commission Chair Felder who noted the multitude of possible community-focused uses for the space after clean-up efforts have commenced. “We want the same things and the same quality of amenities as other parts of the District,” Felder said. “We’re strongly opposed to this.” The commission voted to send a letter to ProLogis and Pepco Holdings expressing concern about the sale, to “stimulate engagement and discussions” with both companies on a community-focused use of the land and to emphasize the importance of the environmental remediation of the property. Later in the meeting, Senior Manager of Environmental Management for Pepco Holdings Jamie Hill briefed the commission on Pepco’s plans for a Benning Road Facility Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study. The project will investigate the site conditions, including the health and environmental impacts of current conditions, determine whether historical operations have contributed to the contamination of river sentiments and establish options for addressing contamination. The public comment period be38
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• gan on Dec. 4 and will remain open through Jan. 23. Pepco plans to address public comments and the District Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) will subsequently select cleanup action. Visit doee.dc.gov/node/110472 for more information and to submit a comment.
• •
Other Matters
Tony Dugger, Adjudication Ombudsman at DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), briefed the commission about the traffic ticket adjudication process. The agency, created in 2014, works to inform citizens of their adjudication rights and assist them through the processes of dispute, reconsideration and appeal through the DC Superior Court. Metropolitan Police Department Captain Kathleen Monahan briefed the commission about the uptick in crime reported for 2023. Monahan said the department is concentrating efforts on assaults, robberies and stolen cars. She encouraged owners of Hyundai and Kia cars to utilize steering wheel clubs to prevent theft of these vehicles. The commission voted to: • re-elect current commission officers to serve through 2024.
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send a letter of support to the zoning commission for the proposed zoning map amendment to redesignate (261 17th St. SE) from an RF-1 zone to an RA-2 zone in order to facilitate the development of “much needed” housing in the neighborhood and to promote “inclusive home ownership.” send a letter of support to the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) for special exception zoning relief for the rear yard and lot occupancy requirements for a residential property at 1635 C St. SE. send a letter to the DC Department of Public Works (DPW) requesting prioritization of parking enforcement around Rosedale Recreation Center. send a letter to the DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) requesting augmented no parking signage on the 600 Block of 18th Place NE and 1800 Block of Rosedale Street NE. send a letter to DDOT requesting a study and/or agency recommendations for improving motor vehicle circulation, parking and emergency vehicle access around the Rosedale Recreation Center, Rosedale Library and Monument Academy. appoint Commissioner Felder to the DPW Benning Road Zero Waste Campus Community Advisory Team.
ANC 7D will meet next on Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. You can learn more about the commission and register to attend at 7d0761.wixsite.com/anc7d-1. Sarah Payne is a reporter for Capital Community News. She can be reached at sarahp@hillrag.com. u
The 11th Street Priority Bus Lane ANC 8F Report by Andrew Lightman
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 8F (ANC 8F) met on Nov. 28. Commissioners Nic Wilson (8F01), Rick Murphree (treasurer, 8F02), Brian Strege (secretary, 8F03) and Edward Daniels (chair, 8F04), Clayton Rosenberg (vice chair, 8F05) were in attendance.
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 7D “Uniting Communities East and West” Representing the Capitol Hill/Hill East, Eastland Gardens, Kenilworth, Kingman Park, Mayfair, Parkside, River Terrace and Rosedale neighborhoods and the RFK Stadium Complex.
Join us for our Next Virtual Public Meeting Tuesday, February 13, 2024 - 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm How to participate:
By computer: https://zoom.us/j/91628647160 Passcode: anc7d Or by phone: 1-301-715-8592 Webinar ID: 91628647160 Passcode: 776540
D
DOT Transportation Planner Kevin Harrison briefed the commission on the agency’s 11th Street Bus Priority Project. DDOT is building a 70-mile bus priority network across the city. Buses are more efficient people movers than cars, stated Harrison. The project will create a more reliable bus system with reduced wait times, he said. It also supports the movement of emergency vehicles and will make road safety improvements. The project connects M Street SE in the Navy Yard with Historic Anacostia, Harrison said. Planning is ongoing starting with a needs assessment, he added. The agency will then refine their con-
YOUR 2023-2024 COMMISSIONERS ELECTED TO SERVE YOU
phree. “I am not saying we are not going to reduce the roadway capacity,” Harrison responded. “I would like you to consider more options than adding to the congestion there (Old Anacostia),” said Commissioner Wilson. Wilson asked Harrison to return after the completion of the project with data outlining its impact. For more information, visit Buspriority.ddot.dc.gov/pages/11thstse.
Other Matters
The commission voted to accept the settlement agreement with an entertainment endorsement for Tom’s Watch Bar at 1250 Half St. SE. It also voted to withdrawn its protest of the establishment’s license. The commission voted to accept the cooperative agreement and support a liquor license for Ama in the AC Hotel at 867 New Jersey Ave SE. Treasurer Murphree announced he would be remaining in his position through the end of 2024. The commission approved the 2024 meeting schedule and reelected their existing officers. Commission approved its 2024 Budget, its choice of bank, participation in the ANC Security Fund, its required initial $50 payments and the First Quarter Treasurer’s Report. 2024 will feature hybrid meetings.
Who
Where
Wendell Felder Chairperson Brian Alcorn Vice Chair Brett Astmann Treasurer Ashley Schapitl Secretary Siraaj Hasan
How to Contact Me
Parkside - 7D03
7d03@anc.dc.gov
Capitol Hill/Hill East – 7D08
7d08@anc.dc.gov
Rosedale – 7D07
7d07@anc.dc.gov
Hill East – 7D09
7d09@anc.dc.gov 7d01@anc.dc.gov
Mike Davis
Eastland Gardens/ Kenilworth – 7D01 River Terrace – 7D04
Ebony Payne
Kingman Park – 7D05
7d05@anc.dc.gov
Marc Friend
Rosedale – 7D06
7d06@anc.dc.gov
Brianne EbyStockert
Hill East – 7D10
7d10@anc.dc.gov
7d04@anc.dc.gov
Vacancy in Single Member District 7D02
DO YOU LIVE IN THE MAYFAIR COMMUNITY? We are looking for a Commissioner to serve for 2024! Volunteer Opportunities!
We invite volunteers to join our five Commission committees, which include: Community Outreach/Grants, Economic Development/ Housing Justice, Environment, Public Safety, and Transportation/Public Space. Join us in working to improve and support your community. Contact any 7D Commissioner or our office account at 7d@anc.dc.gov for more information.
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cept and issue a Notice of Intent (NOI). Harrison promised formal opportunities for community input. Construction will start in 2025, he stated. Treasurer Murphree expressed concern about losing car travel lanes on the bridge going into Old Anacostia. Congestion backs up to highway, he pointed out. “I hope that they (DDOT) will give some sort of care and love for those living east of the river,” retorted Mur-
ANC 8F generally meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month. The next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 23 at DDOT Headquarters at 250 M St. SE at 7 p.m. For more information, visit anc8f.org. ◆
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neighborhood news / bulletin board
Free Tax Help at Anacostia Library
During tax season, patrons can come to the Anacostia Library, 1800 Marion Barry Ave. SE, during regular hours to make an appointment. Appointments are on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For any questions, call 202-656-1689 and leave a message. A tax preparer will return your call. dclibrary.org.
Year of the Dragon DC Chinatown Celebrates the as they celebrate the Year of of ts DC Chinatown will fill with revelers
On Sunday, Feb. 11, 2 p.m., the stree range of cultural and comYear Parade. The parade will include a the Dragon at the DC Chinese Lunar New H Street. People born in the re a firecracker show in the middle of munity performers. The finale will featu naturally lucky and gifted. ligent, confident, powerful and they are Year of the Dragon are charismatic, intel dards and are destined stan high it to the best of their ability with do to tend they do, they that g ythin In ever de route at dcparade.com. parade participants listing and the para for good fortune and greatness. Find the
Zoom Creative Writing at the DC Public Library
“This is My Story” is a DC Public Library program on alternating Mondays, 10 a.m. to noon, with the objective to: 1. Help people learn how to write; 2. Get people talking to each other; and 3. Develop community. Space is provided for people to meet and hopefully feel comfortable talking about themselves and listening. The workshop has been ongoing for four years. Register at dclibrary.libnet.info/event/9975135. “DC Writes” is a writers group that meets on alternating Wednesdays, 6 to 7 p.m., made up of people from a variety of backgrounds and writing levels: beginners and veteran wordsmiths. They write creative nonfiction, fiction, poetry and scripts. Register at dclibrary.libnet.info/event/9971991. “Writers Workshop” is similar to DC Writes but meets on alternating Tuesdays, 7 to 9 p.m. Register at dclibrary.libnet.info/event/9972015. If you’re an absolute beginner, or need a refresher writing course, contact chris.stevenson@dc.gov to discuss what DC Public Library offers and they can get you into a program offered by one of their vendors that meets your goals.
Afro House Spirit Fest 2024 at Anacostia Arts Center
On February 17, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Anacostia Arts Center, 1231 Marion Barry Ave. SE, will host Afro House: Spirit Fest. The day-long fes40
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tival will include live performances from local creatives, a creative marketplace, and much more. DJ RBI’s legion of extraordinary DJs will be in the house to provide the day’s soundtrack. anacostiaartscenter.com.
Potomac Conservancy Cleanup at Kenilworth Park
On Saturday, Feb. 24, 9 to 11 a.m., join Potomac Conservancy for a trash cleanup at Kenilworth Park and make a difference for the Anacostia River. Please wear layers, sturdy shoes, and bring a water bottle. All supplies are provided. Meet at 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE. No registration required. nps.gov/ keaq/planyourvisit/calendar.
Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Call for Proposals
The Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens has announced their call for proposals for the 2024 season at the park. They invite vendors, new and returning, to submit workshop proposals for their annual WELLderness Outdoor Series and they invite artists, performers, musicians, and creatives to submit proposals for the Lotus and Water Lily Festival. If you are interested in participating in either, visit kenaqgardens.org/ about-us/contact-us.
Yoga at Francis A. Gregory Library
On Saturdays, 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. take introductory sessions suitable for all levels of yoga. The practice of Kemetic yoga incorporates physical postures, breath control, and meditation. Francis A. Gregory Library is at 3660 Alabama Ave. SE. dclibrary.org.
Resume Help at Parklands-Turner Library
The Parklands-Turner Library, 1547 Alabama Ave. SE, offers a resume writing feedback to present your best self. Assistance is available once a week on Tuesdays by appointment during the available time slots of 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m. Schedule an appointment at dclibrary.org/plan-visit/parklands-turner-library.
Join Discussions on Artists’ Pay
DC Arts & Humanities Education Collaborative is hosting a twopart discussion on how to support artists through organizational finances. This discussion is part of a new series called Social X Change. Through Social X Change, the organization will host conversations on community priorities and opportunities. This ongoing series offers organizations and community members a space to connect, organize, and offer insight unique to the local arts and hu-
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teers must be 16 years of age or older to participate. Register at nps. gov/anac/planyourvisit/calendar.
Habitat Restoration Workday at Kingman
On Saturdays, Feb. 17, March 2 and 23, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., join the Anacostia Watershed Society (AWS) and National Links Trust (NLT) for a Habitat Restoration Workday. During this workday, volunteers will help with their invasive plant control and revegetation efforts along the riverside area of Kingman Island at Langston Golf Course. This event will likely involve lifting, bending, and walking. Wear closed-toed shoes for the duration of the event. Registration required. For more information before the event, contact Emily Castelli at ecastelli2@anacostiaws.org or call 301-699-6204 x103. anacostiaws.org.
at Yard’s Park Ice Yards with DC Polar Plu,nge as possible to enjoy aner gath your friends and as many layers
On Saturday, Feb. 24, noon to 4 p.m. including ax-throwc experience is jam-packed with frosty fun other installation of Ice Yards. This arcti , live ice carving, ents mom le mab gram Insta d simulator, glacial ing, live music, a photo booth, a snowboar icipating neighborhood pit with snacks and beverages from part and giveaways. Warm up at a toasty fire Special Olympics fi Plunge are joining forces to bene t the restaurants. The Yards and the Polar Bear Park, and particis Yard The at ted swimming pool will be erec District of Columbia. An above-ground a minimum of /give raise and $10 pay you the crowd. To plunge, Ice Yards pants “take the plunge” to the cheers of free. for h ter and raise/give a minimum of $50. Watc 73979. e/e4 $100. College students pay $10 to regis lung lar-p c-po specialolympicsdc.org/event/2024-d is at Yards Park, 355 Water St. SW. give.
manities sector. The virtual conversations occur on Thursday, Feb. 15, and Tuesday, Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. These round-table discussions are free to attend. Registration is required at dccollaborative.org.
sition requirements, and help navigating job fairs. This event will also offer a multitude of community resources such as tax help and voter registration. careers.dc.gov.
DC Downtown Winter Hiring Event
Invasive Species Removal at RFK Meadows
Mayor Bowser and the DC Department of Human Resources have announced that a winter hiring event will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW. Throughout the day, residents will be able to explore nearly 600 career opportunities. Participating District Government agencies, federal partners, private sector companies, and non-profit organizations will provide on-the-spot job opportunities across sectors such as public safety, education, operations, legal, and public works. Resume and interview workshops, live professional coaching on engaging employers, translating transferable skills to meet po42
EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
The NPS Invasive Plant Management Team hosts non-native invasive plant removal events on the first Sunday of each month. 10 a.m. to noon, at RFK Meadows/the entrance of Kingman and Heritage Islands Park along the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail. This is a volunteer effort to help rescue green spaces from non-native invasive species through the hands-on removal of especially harmful trees, vines, and flowering plants. During the events, participants will learn how to identify and control several non-native invasive plants threatening our natural communities. Wear sturdy shoes, pants, and a long-sleeve shirt. All supplies are provided. Volun-
Artist and art professor Lois Mailou Jones (1905–1998) in her classroom at Howard University (c. 1930s), where she taught and mentored students for nearly 50 years. Photo: Scurlock Studio Records, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
Anacostia Community Museum Temporarily Closed
The Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE, is closed through March 23. They will reopen with their next exhibition, A Bold and Beautiful Vision: A Century of Black Arts Education in Washington, DC, 1900-2000. A Bold and Beautiful Vision features captivating original artworks, rare video footage, and awe-inspiring artistic artifacts, like Alma Thomas’s paintbrushes and watercolor paint set, an early 20th-century lifelike marionette that William Buckner made with his local high school students, original Elizabeth Catlett prints that once hung in the halls of her Washington high school, and Sam Gilliam artwork from the period when he was teaching at McKinley Technical High School. See the artwork and hear the voices of the African American artist-educators who enriched the lives of many generations of Washington’s young people and who—along with their students—produced work admired by audiences across the globe. anacostia.si.edu.
Cupid’s Undie Run For Charity
Every February, thousands of undie runners in cities across the US come together, whether it be in-person or virtually, to support those affected by NF, a group of genetic conditions that cause tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body. DC’s run is on Saturday, Feb. 17, noon to 4 p.m. (run starts at 2 p.m.), at the Wharf ’s Union Stage, 740 Water St. SW. Cupid’s Undie Run kicks off with drinking and dancing, then participants jog it out with a mile(ish) run and end it all with an epic dance party. Registration is $42 for individuals. cupids.org/cupids-undie-run.
portunities throughout Washington, DC. The goals of CAAB’s #DCEITC Campaign are to: 1) Promote awareness of the Federal and DC Earned Income Tax Credit to ensure that eligible workers know how to claim the credits; 2) Educate taxpayers about numerous Federal and DC tax benefits; 3) Provide opportunities for free tax preparation for qualified DC residents; and 4) Connect taxpayers with programs and services to improve financial stability. For more information, visit caab.org.
Artomatic Returns to Downtown
$5.6 Million Investment at National Parks in Eastern DC
The National Park Service will invest more than $5.6 million from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for deferred and preventative maintenance on 20 bridges along the Baltimore-Washington and Suitland parkways, and more than 25 other places to improve roads and parking lots at national parks in eastern Washington, DC, and Maryland. These include repairs in Anacostia Park, Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, Oxon Hill Farm and Piscataway Park. Beginning Feb. 12, drivers can expect construction along the Baltimore-Washington and Suitland parkways. The projected completion date is fall 2024. All work is weather permitting. nps.gov/subjects/infrastructure/bipartisan-infrastructure-law.
EITC Brings Federal Dollars to Low-Income DC Residents
Capital Area Asset Builders (CAAB) announces the launch of the 2024 DC EITC Campaign. The #DCEITC Campaign promotes economic security and asset building for low- and moderate-income individuals and families by providing access to information on the Federal and DC Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), free tax preparation services and financial capacity building op-
Celebrating 25 years of creative brilliance, Artomatic returns to the heart of DC on March 8 to April 28. Artomatic, the renowned unjuried arts festival that brings together a diverse array of visual artists, musicians, dancers, performers, and other creators, is set to make a triumphant return this spring in the Golden Triangle Neighborhood. Located at 2100 M St. NW, Artomatic presents a celebration of art that captivates audiences of all backgrounds. Artists interested in participating in Artomatic can now register by visiting artomatic.org. Spaces for 1000 or more artists are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Read more and register at artomatic.org/2024pertinent-info.
inclusion, and supporting the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem of the city. greenbookdc.com.
Roller Derby New Skater Boot Camp!
They come from all walks of life, united by their love of roller derby. They work to empower each other, to build confidence, and to build strength as individuals and a team. They’re always looking for more friends to join their community. Whether you’re interested in becoming a derby skater, a skating or non-skating official, or just volunteering with them, they’d love to talk to you. Contact visitors@dcrollerderby.org for more information.
The Annapolis Film Festival 2024 Shorts Challenge
The Annual Shorts Challenge, a live pitch competition before industry judges and a live audience, is a staple of the Annapolis Film Festival. In the competition, five filmmaker finalists will vie to win a production package valued at more than $30,000 to assist them in making their short film. This year’s theme, “OUT OF THE BOX,” invites participants to explore new and unconventional approaches in concept, storytelling, technical presentation, or any unique element that sets their films apart from expectations. The theme is designed to inspire originality, providing filmmakers with the freedom to explore the diverse possibilities of storytelling and filmmaking. Filmmakers are encouraged to embrace the theme and submit their stories for consideration no later than Friday, Feb. 23. For more information on submission guidelines, visit annapolisfilmfestival.com/shorts-challenge. ◆
Just Published: DC’s 2024 Small Business Opportunity Guide
The Small Business Opportunity Guide, known as the “DC Green Book,” is a valuable resource that supports local entrepreneurs and small business owners. This comprehensive guide, with its rich history, has played a pivotal role in the growth and success of small businesses in DC. Supported by the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD), the DC Green Book serves as a one-stop resource for small business owners, startups, and aspiring entrepreneurs. The 140-page volume plays a crucial role in nurturing the growth of small businesses, promoting economic
Photo: Tisara Photography
Old Town’s George Washington Birthday Parade
On Monday, Feb. 19, 1 to 3 p.m., Alexandria residents and visitors will line the streets of Old Town Alexandria to cheer on the oldest and largest George Washington Birthday parade in the country. The parade features drum corps, color guards, bands, community and fraternal organizations, youth groups, local merchants, city dignitaries and, of course, General Washington and Martha Washington. Visit washingtonbirthday.com/20234-parade-route-copy for this year’s parade route. washingtonbirthday.com. E AST OF THE R IVER M AGAZINE
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east washington life
Meet Jimmie Williams President and CEO of the Washington Literacy Center by Anthony D. Diallo
S
tatistics show that the United States has steadily declined as a literate country and currently ranks below many other populaces around the globe. The Washington Literacy Center (WLC) is trying to correct this—at least in the nation’s capital. “It is unnerving that the United States is not in the top five globally in reading and math and that with COVID, the numbers have not improved much,” lamented Jimmie L. Williams, the president and CEO of WLC. “When you segment by race, the differences are stark. While the District is often heralded as being an educated city, it’s a tale of two cities divided by race and class. The number of African American youth and adults with low literacy levels is considered high and the same for Latino residents, although there language is often a factor.”
Making Black History
Williams is the first Black person to lead the WLC (www. washlit.org), which was founded in 1963. According to the non-profit’s website, more than 119,000 adults living in the District suffer from low literacy skills which bar them from completing their education, maintaining viable employment, and avoiding poverty. He supervises a staff of 19. Originally a native of the south side of Chicago, Williams has headed WLC for eight years. He aims to empower adult city residents by providing basic yet life-changing literacy, technology, and workforce development skills while preparing the learners for the evolving demands of the 21st century. “How can you [stay employed or even] train for a workforce program if you struggle with basic reading and math and lack soft skills like being on time, behavior, communication, and managing stress?”
A Penn Branch Resident
Williams has lived in the Penn Branch neighborhood in Ward 7 for 20 years and is a self-described change agent with a “Type A personality.” He is ecstatic about the ever-increasing diversity in and around the Southeast area. He emphasizes that his definition of diversity includes an increase of African, Asian, Latino, and LGBTQIA+ people in addition to African Americans and Whites. 44
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Jimmie L. Williams, the Ward 7 Democratic Committeeman and CEO/President of the Washington Literacy Center
Besides the important work done at WLC, Williams served as a Legislative Assistant in the U.S. House of Representatives, focusing on economic development, public works, and transportation issues. He was also the First Vice President handling federal government affairs at Bank of America and the Director for global government and public affairs at the McDonald’s Corporation. The Howard University student who majored in economics and graduated in 1989 was also the Penn Branch Civic Community Association president for three years starting in 2016. “As president, I brought people together and connected my community with DC resources. Our yearly community event started as a small cookout with the idea of bringing people in our
Jimmie Williams (standing) attends the book signing of Alonzo Vereen, a Washington resident and Johns Hopkins lecturer who authored Historically Black: American Icons Who Attended HBCUs.
Jimmie Williams stands in the middle flanked by two Ward 7 leaders. On his left is Rev. Clarence J. Parks, J.D. (suit jacket), and to his right is lobbyist and political/strategic consultant, Ray Anderson, Jr.
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community and nearby to work together and address issues that impacted our community.”
Battling Illiteracy
Eboni-Rose Thompson has known Williams for years. Thompson, who lives on Texas Avenue and represents Ward 7 as the president of the District of Columbia State Board of Education, has collaborated with Williams “to fight illiteracy” around the city and particularly East of the River. “Jimmie has always been concerned about literacy, which acutely hits Ward 7. How do we educate our kids? We [Wards 7 and 8] have the lowest high school graduation rates in the city. There are less than a handful of programs that provide adult literacy instruction in the city and [WLC] is one of them,” said Thompson who is currently a candidate for the Ward 7 Council. The United States Department of Education assesses literacy in the general population through its National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL). The NAAL survey identifies three types of literacy—prose, document, and quantitative. Prose literacy is the skill to search, comprehend, and use continuous texts in things like editorials and brochures. Document literacy is the skill of using various formats like job applications, maps, and tables. Quantitative literacy is the ability to perform computations either alone or sequentially by using numbers embedded in printed materials.
Falling Behind
According to Data Pandas, an organization dedicated to ranking global literacy, while the United States is #36 on the world chart when it comes to literacy, it still has a 99% literacy rate. Countries like Finland (#1), Guam (#12), Ukraine (#17), Cuba (#22), and Barbados (#23) rank higher than the US, but only by a few percentage points. However, many states and lowerincome areas of cities have lower than the average literacy rates. Cities with a high percentage of immigrants may
also show lower rates because of language differences. Like thousands of others, Jose Martinez El’s mother came to the nation’s capital from El Salvador to escape the civil war that was occurring in her homeland in the 1980s. The 37-yearold father of three, by his own account, was a “troubled child in school” with learning difficulties that led to being a high school dropout and incarceration. “I [initially] attended WLC when I was about 18. It didn’t stick because I made excuses. About six years later I returned. That’s when I met Jimmie. I’m still in the process of working it all out. We’re all going through a struggle. It is never too late to turn things around,” Martinez El said. He is in the process of obtaining his GED.
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With more than 25 years of experience, Williams has achieved praise and admiration for building strong partnerships with various stakeholders and expanding opportunities for underserved populations. His work is not complete. There are plans to eventually create annexes for WLC in Wards 7 and 8 while keeping the headquarters in its present location — 1133 15th Street, NW. On a personal note, Williams and his husband, Jose Alvarez, who have been married since 2013, wish to see their adopted son, Dell Alvarez Williams, a high school junior go to the college of his choice. “I want to be remembered for advocating for my community, helping and empowering those struggling with making ends meet, and building political, educational, and economic bridges by involving those on the sidelines,” said Williams while reflecting on one of his heroes, James Baldwin. “He was prophetic and factual and elevated the unfairness and ugliness of racial and sexual discrimination. I had the opportunity to meet his mother [who] grabbed my hand and said ‘You are a Jimmy just like my son. You have the same fire in your eyes’.” ◆
THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) SOLICITATION NO.: 0016-2024
CONTRACTOR SERVICES FOR DCHA VACANT UNIT REPAIR/MAKE READY The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) Property Management Operations (PMO) requires licensed qualified Contractors to provide Vacant Unit Repair/Make Ready Services for residential housing units. SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS will be available beginning Monday, January 29, 2024 on DCHA’s website at www.dchousing.org under “Business” and “Solicitations”. PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE IS SCHEDULED for Friday, February 9, 2024, at 1:00 p.m., via Microsoft Teams. SEALED PROPOSAL RESPONSES ARE DUE ON OR BEFORE Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at 11:00 AM. Email Lolita Washington, Contract Specialist lwashing@dchousing.org with copy to business@dchousing.org for additional information.
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by Philip Pannell
W
e all know the horror stories ter (WLC) to organize such a summit. Jimmie Wilof middle and high school stuliams is the WLC president and chief executive offidents reading on elementary cer. Also, he is an east-of-the-river resident who I am grade levels. And we are cogsure will help organize such a sorely needed summit. nizant of the devastating impact Please contact the WLC and see how it can connect that COVID-19 and remote teaching and learning with your organization. More importantly, make every had on our students. However, we as a communieffort to support its work. https://www.washlit.org/ ty have yet to have a conversation to come up with Together we can achieve a more literate commustrategies to deal with the literacy challenges of the nity. I am ready to get involved. Are you? adults in our neighborhoods. During this decade our community is losing bilLong-time Ward 8 community activist Philip Pannell can be lions of dollars in federal funding due to the high rate contacted at philippannell@comcast.net. Pannell is the Exbof U.S. Census forms that were not returned in Wards cutive Director of the Anacostia Coordinating Council. Help 7 & 8. Many of our neighbors simply could not read Make Wards 7 & 8 Great! Become a Member of the Anacostia the forms. Coordinating Council: Visit http://www.anacostiacc.org/joinJust as the Census forms were mailed to houseus.html u holds, election ballots will be mailed for the June 4th primary. And many of those ballots will not be returned — not because our neighbors are apathetic. Many of our neighbors simply cannot read the ballots. And it will be political business as usual with the candidates focusing on super voters and chronic non-voters being ignored and forgotten. And our political activists and leaders will make no organized effort to go into the households and read the ballots to those with literacy challenges. At some point we must deal with the issue of illiteracy in our community in a collective and strategic manner. It is a fact that young children who are read to by their parents start formalized schooling with a head start. Parents who are victims of systemic miseducation cannot put their children to sleep with books they cannot read. In DC we constantly have summits on every issue imaginable. To my knowledge, there has been no eastof-the-river summit on literacy. I propose that our community institutions, In 2020 the Washington Literacy Center released a report on DC’s literacy organizations, activists and leaders divide. Below is an infographic from the report with the stunning statistic work with Washington Literacy Cenof a 49.8% literacy rate among Wards 7 and 8 residents. Although that
5V
statistic is now stale and inaccurate due to the redistricting of the wards, still it paints a disturbing portrait of illiteracy throughout our east-of-theriver neighborhoods.
THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) SOLICITATION NO.: 0017-2024
PEST CONTROL SERVICES
Changing Hands Changing Hands is a list of residential sales in Capitol Hill and contiguous neighborhoods from the previous month. A feature of every issue, this list, based on the MRIS, is provided courtesy of Don Denton, Associate Broker at Coldwell Banker Realty on Capitol Hill. The list includes address, sales price and number of bedrooms.
NEIGHBORHOOD
PRICE BR
HILL CREST 2104 32nd Pl SE
1111 Anacostia Rd SE FEE SIMPLE 4213 Nash St SE
3024 Q St SE ANACOSTIA
1350 Maple View Pl SE 1619 V St SE 1621 V St SE
$799,500 $649,950 $620,000
BARRY FARMS
1437 Howard Rd SE 1433 Howard Rd SE 2419 Shannon Place SE 1438 Howard Rd SE
$565,000 $550,000 $465,000 $429,900
CONGRESS HEIGHTS
409 Savannah St SE 160 Forrester St SW 420 Chesapeake St SE 4314 Wheeler Rd SE 530 Lebaum St SE 868 Yuma St SE
$474,900 $457,000 $450,000 $392,000 $375,000 $370,800
3 6 6
2021 36th St SE 3606 36th Pl SE 3009 M St SE
$635,000 $510,000 $360,000 $759,000 $574,900 $490,000 $340,000
LILY PONDS
5 5 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 5
222 33rd St NE 3321 Alden Pl NE
$468,000 $389,900
MARSHALL HEIGHTS
5557 Central Ave SE 5325 B St SE 5050 Benning Rd SE
$424,900 $247,000 $222,900
RANDLE HEIGHTS
2207 Hartford St SE 2549 Alabama Ave SE 3462 23rd St SE
$400,000 $236,000 $220,000
3 3 2 3 3 3 2
The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) requires professional, licensed Pest Control Services throughout various DCHA properties. SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS will be available beginning Monday, January 29, 2024 on DCHA’s website at www.dchousing.org under “Business” and “Solicitations”. PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE IS SCHEDULED for Friday, February 9, 2024, at 2:00 PM, via Microsoft Teams. SEALED PROPOSAL RESPONSES ARE DUE ON OR BEFORE Thursday, February 28, 2024, at 12:00 PM. Email LaShawn McLeod, Contract Specialist at LMMCLEOD@dchousing.org with copy to business@dchousing.org for additional information.
2 2 2 4 0 3 3 3
WASHINGTON HIGHLANDS DEANWOOD
4709 Jay St NE 4712 Dix St NE 4615 Clay St NE 557 47th St NE 5351 Ames St NE 5085 Just St NE 1130 48th Pl NE 3956 Clay Pl NE 4402 Kane Pl NE 912 Porter Ct NE 15 54th St SE 4838 Sheriff Rd NE 715 50th St NE 914 52nd St NE 6200 Clay St NE 5077 Just St NE 4248 Brooks St NE
$580,000 $525,000 $499,900 $497,000 $450,000 $430,000 $420,000 $414,000 $406,000 $390,000 $315,000 $240,000 $238,075 $230,000 $230,000 $225,250 $225,000
FORT DUPONT PARK
4408 Dubois Pl SE 1617 Fort Dupont St SE 1339 28th St SE 4201 Hildreth St SE 1645 Fort Dupont St SE 825 Burns St SE 856 Burns St SE 3926 R SE 4314 Bowen Road SE
$525,000 $479,900 $475,000 $430,000 $425,000 $419,900 $380,000 $276,000 $250,000
FORT LINCOLN 3280 Theodore R Hagans Dr NE
$675,000
HENSON RIDGE
1409 Shippen Ln SE 1813 Tobias Dr SE
$425,000 $395,000
5 4 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 2 2 4 2 2
853 Monteria Ct SE $425,000 4
CONDO BARRY FARMS 2608 Wade Rd SE #304
$200,000
CARVER LANGSTON
2209 M St NE #8 2001 I St NE #3 2001 I St NE #2
$350,000 $299,000 $274,900
3 3 2
1 1 1
DEANWOOD
4445 N. H. Burroughs Ave NE #201 $275,000 940 Eastern Ave NE #1 $165,000
FORT LINCOLN 4 4 4 2 3 3 3 3 4
2
2759 31st Pl NE #2759
$410,000
HILL CREST
2912 Nelson Pl SE #1 3829 W SE #P2
$332,000 $17,000
MARSHALL HEIGHTS 5106 F St SE #6
$160,000
RANDLE HEIGHTS 3103 Naylor Rd SE #304 u
$83,500
2 2 3 2 0 2 1
THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) SOLICITATION NO.: 0005-2024
PHYSICAL NEEDS ASSESSMENT (PNA)/ENVIRONMENTAL The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) Office of Capital Programs (OCP) requires qualified professionals to conduct physical needs assessment consulting/ environmental assessment consulting services for DCHA. SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS will be available beginning Monday, February 5, 2024 on DCHA’s website at www.dchousing.org under “Business” and “Solicitations”. PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE IS SCHEDULED for Thursday, February 15, 2024 at 11:00 a.m., via Microsoft Teams. SEALED PROPOSAL RESPONSES ARE DUE ON OR BEFORE Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at 11:00 AM. Email Lolita Washington, Contract Specialist lwashing@dchousing.org with copy to business@dchousing.org for additional information.
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kids & family
Notebook by Kathleen Donner
Discovery Theater on the Mall Presidential Family Fun Day at the NPG
On Saturday, Feb. 17, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., celebrate Presidents’ Day at the National Portrait Gallery’s annual festival for all ages. Discover more about presidents during guided tours of the “America’s Presidents” exhibition, a presidential portraiture collage workshop, build the White House with blocks, story times, and art-making and writing activities. Free, no registration required. Last year approximately 2, 500 people were in attendance. The National Portrait Gallery is at Eighth and G streets. NW. npg.si.edu.
Lunar New Year Festival at the DAR
On Saturday, Feb. 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., join the Daughters of the American Revolution for their Lunar New Year Festival. This free, family-friendly celebration of Lunar New Year tradition features games, activities and performances. It is presented in conjunction with the Vietnam Society, Taiwan Economic and Cultural Representative Office and the Fairfax High School Korean Club. The event is free, but pre-registration is requested. The event will be on-going throughout the day and is a dropin anytime experience. Free admission. The Daughters of the American Revolution is at 1776 D St. NW. dar.org. 48
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On Feb. 21 to 23, 10:15 and 11:30 a.m., drummer Kofi Dennis brings the vibrant life of a West African village to the Discovery Theater stage though music, storytelling, and dance. Playing authentic instruments, the Ghanaian native leads lively call-and-response songs and games to get audiences up on their feet in a vibrant exploration of African cultural traditions. For ages three to six. On Feb. 28 and 29, 10:15 and 11:30 a.m., both days, beauty magnate Madame C.J. Walker, agricultural chemist and “peanut man” George Washington Carver, education pioneer Booker T. Washington, and even cranky chef George Crum, who accidentally created the potato chip, all take center stage in this vibrant living-history production. For ages seven to eleven. On March 7 and 8, 10:15 and 11:30., both days, the Science Guys of Baltimore explore what brings us together and what keeps us apart—what scientists call the laws of attraction and repulsion—through the force of electromagnetism. For ages six to eleven. Shows are $8 for adults; $7 for kids; $3 for kids under two. Discovery Theater’s Ripley Center is at 1100 Jefferson Dr. SW (on the National Mall). discoverytheater.org.
Watch and Build (with LEGOs) at MLK Library
On the last Friday of each month, 3 to 5 p.m., join MLK staff in the Children’s Room to watch a movie and build with LEGOs. Build a creation on your own or collaborate with new friends. MLK Library is at 901 G St. NW. dclibrary.org.
Augmented Reality Experience at the National Cathedral
Tell your own story by designing your own stained-glass window. As part of their Racial Justice Windows by Kerry James Marshall project, the National Cathedral has intro-
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kids & family
ploring Color with Rocks & Minerals; March 14, Save a Spider Day!; March 19, Nature Explorations; March 26, Fabulous Flowers. Museum locations vary. naturalhistory.si.edu/events/family-programs.
Little Critters: Nature Play at the Zoo
On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 9 :30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., little zoogoers through age eight can drop-in
Building Stories at the National Building Museum
Free Admission to Mount Vernon to Celebrate George Washington’s Birthday
On Monday, Feb. 19, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Thursday, Feb. 22, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., celebrate the first president of the United States at his beloved home. Admission is free for both days—Presidents Day and George Washington’s birthday. Admission tickets will be distributed on-site upon arrival; a limited number of tickets are available. Mansion tours are timed. Mansion tour tickets will be distributed first come, first serve. Depending on the number of guests, there may be a two-to-three-hour delay between your arrival and your mansion tour time. Arrive early to receive the earliest tour times. mountvernon.org.
duced an augmented reality app for visitors to use in-person at the Cathedral. During your visit, grab a template from the Welcome Desk and sketch out your story. Then, head over to the window bay and use the app to “install your design” and share it. Check out youtube.com/ watch?v=KqZjJGv0TJ4 to help take you through the steps. cathedral.org.
Upcoming Play Dates at the Natural History Museum
“Play Date at NMNH” is a drop-in offering on select Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. to noon, for the early learning audience 50
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(through five years old) and their caregivers and family members. Together, families will practice science skills such as observing, communicating, and asking questions through exploring topics in a variety of hands-on and collaborative experiences. Families will be able to explore together through stories, objects, art, and play related around a unifying topic or theme during each “Play Date.” Designed for families with young learners to learn and play together as they continue to develop and grow their science identity as a family. Upcoming Play Dates are Feb. 13, Fossil Discoveries; Feb. 20, Cambrian Critters; Feb. 27, Creature Features—Fossil Edition; March 5, Ex-
Building Stories brings kids and adults alike on an immersive exploration of the world of architecture, engineering, construction, and design found in the pages of children’s books. It is geared toward an intergenerational audience, with special attention paid to children in grades Kindergarten to third and their parents and caregivers. Curated by the nation’s leading expert on children’s literature Leonard Marcus, Building Stories is the first national exhibition to call attention to the built environment’s role as an important, and often overlooked, character in children’s literature. By activating these stories and their built worlds, and the early foundations for how we begin to understand our surroundings, Building Stories allows visitors to investigate the role the built environment plays in our own lives and communities— and how we can be agents of change for its more sustainable, equitable future. The museum is open Thursdays through Mondays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults; $7 for kids and seniors. The National Building Museum is at 401 F St. NW. nbm.org. Courtesy Plus & Greater Than/National Building Museum
Adventure Theatre – “Junie B. Jones: The Musical”
It is Junie B.’s first day of first grade, and a lot of things have changed for her: Junie’s friend, Lucille, does not want to be her best pal anymore and, on the bus, Junie B. makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school. Also, Junie has trouble reading the blackboard and her teacher, Mr. Scary, thinks she may need glasses. Throw in a friendly cafeteria lady, a kickball tournament and a “Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal,” and first grade has never been more exciting. Featuring a tremendously loveable character and fun-filled songs, Junie B. Jones will capture your audience members’ hearts just as the books by Barbara Park captivated an entire generation of students. Through March 30. Recommended for all ages. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at adventuretheatre-mtc.org or by calling 301-634-2270.
to the Zoo’s Bird House Classroom to explore animals and nature through creative, free-choice activity stations, water play, and story times. Caregivers must remain with the children. Zoo admission is free: parking is $30. nationalzoo.si.edu.
Forest Youth Day and Wildlife Explorers Youth Day at the KC
Forests have nourished humans for millennia. They cover 31% of the Earth’s land area and shelter over 80% of terrestrial biodiversity. We’ve uncovered new dimensions of their wonder, from “forest bathing” to eco-tourism to pharmaceutical research. Even as climate change threatens them, we’ve learned that forests may be our lifeline from that damage— absorbing harmful chemicals and buffering us against extreme weather. From Feb. 20 to March 3, the Kennedy Center’s REACH to FOREST explores the symbiotic relationship between forests and the human world with two weeks of free programs, films, art installations, conversations, and more. On Feb. 24 and 25 and March 2 and 3, there will be fun activities for families celebrating conservation heroes, plus films, documentaries, demonstrations, and dynamic talks. Get creative with hands-on activities for all ages
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in the Moonshot Studio that will explore the world of trees and forests. kennedy-center.org/whats-on/festivals-series/ reach-to-forest.
Saturday Morning at The National
Come to the National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, on select Saturday mornings at 9:30 and 11 a.m. for wow-inspiring children’s entertainment of all sorts, from interactive performances, puppets, dance, and music--all designed to light up imaginations and celebrate a world of wonder. It’s free. It’s fun. It’s a great way to Saturday. Shows typically take place on the second Saturday in the National Theatre’s Helen Hayes Gallery. Shows are best enjoyed by children ages three to six, but anyone is welcome to join in. Tickets are free but a small donation is always welcome. Register in advance at nationaltheatre.org/saturdaymorning-live. Walk-up tickets are subject to availability. nationaltheatre.org.
Junior League Annual Poetry Contest
Students may submit up to two poems on this year’s theme—Grow. Entries will be judged by a panel of JLW volunteers
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kids & family
experience will be fun for the whole family. Experience Go-Go in a never seen before way with a combination hoops and comics at ESA. Tickets start at $15. capitalcity.gleague.nba.com.
Discovery Days at the National Museum of Asian Art
Cinderella: A Salsa Fairy Tale (bilingual)
What will happen to Cinderella at the ball … game? That’s the surprising question in this contemporary Latin-American Cinderella musical that weaves subtle lessons on empathy, sportsmanship, and respect into an exciting, high-stakes story. This is an Imagination Stage original that broke new ground in bilingual children’s theatre. Best for ages five and older. Tickets start at $12. Cinderella: A Salsa Fairy Tale is at Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, MD, from Feb. 15 to April 5. imaginationstage.org.
based on content, originality, creativity, and clarity. Selected poems will be published in the 25th edition of Capitol Cadence, the JLW’s annual collection of student poetry. Student poets whose works are selected will be invited to read their poems at their Young Poets Celebration Ceremony in May 2024. Students in grades four through eight are eligible if they are either enrolled in a DC Public or Public Charter School or affiliated with the Washington Archdiocese. Poems must be submitted by a teacher, librarian, school administrator, or program administrator as a PDF attachment via email to poetrycontest@jlw.org. Multiple student entries per email are acceptable but each PDF may contain only one submission. The deadline for submission is Friday, March 29, 6 p.m. Questions about the poetry contest can be directed to poetrycontest@jlw.org.
Free College Classes for DC High School Students
The summer 2024 OSSE (Office of the State Superintendent of Education) Dual Enrollment Consortium Program application is now open for all DC Public and Public Charter school students and closes Feb. 23. Students must be 52
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enrolled in a DC public or public charter school on grades 9-11. Adult students seeking a GED must score a 145 or higher on two GED Ready tests, one of which must be Reasoning Through Language Art. Students interested in the Virginia State University (VSU) residential program must rank VSU as their number one college, then select the “Residential” option. Applicants must upload the required documents to the database. Learn more and apply at osse.dc.gov/page/osse-dual-enrollment-opportunities.
On Wednesdays, Feb. 21, March 13, April 24 and May 29; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., plan for a day of discovery and experiential learning at the National Museum of Asian Art. Choose your own adventure and explore our galleries at your own pace with gallery activities and interactions with pop-up museum educators along the way. You can also select a time slot for a thirty-minute guided art activity. Free bus transportation can also be arranged for DC public and public charter schools. The National Museum of Asian Art is at 1050 Independence Ave, SW. Email AsiaTeachers@si.edu with questions. Complete the registration at s.si. edu/NMAADiscoveryDay.
NSO Family Concert: Music of Duke Ellington
On Sunday, March 17, at 2 p.m., in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall, take the ATrain to a special afternoon of music paying tribute to the beloved jazz composer and bandleader. Conducted by Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser, the National Symphony Orchestra performs this swinging session as part of the Kennedy Center’s season-wide Ellington 125 celebration. Most enjoyed by ages five and older. Tickets are $18 to $20. Prior to the performance, the NSO Volunteer Council’s Musical PLAYspace gives children the opportunity to try out the instruments they’ll see played on the stage. Following the performance, young audience members can ask questions and hear stories from the show’s artists and creative team. kennedy-center.org.
Read with a Ranger: African Myths and Folktales
Every Saturday through Feb. 24, at 3 p.m., join Oxon Hill Farm staff to commemorate Black History Month with a story time fit for all ages. A Park Ranger will read to children
Education Day and Marvel Superhero Day with Capital City Go-Go
On Tuesday, March 5, 11:30 a.m., in partnership with Teach the Beat (thebeatisgogo.com), Go-Go Education Days fuses basketball with the distinctive sound of go-go music at the Entertainment & Sports Arena, 1100 Oak Dr. SE. This is the perfect field trip opportunity for local students K to 12. Tickets start at $10. On Sunday, March 24, 3 p.m., DC Public Library presents Marvel Superhero Day, come out for a special Marvel Superhero themed game including super activities, giveaways and more. This unique
Louisa Mejeur at Dance Place: The Family Ballet
“The Family Ballet” is barely a ballet but is fully a family affair. Children and adults of all ages are welcome to join to see hard-hitting and relevant issues expressed through dance such as “Toddlers getting dressed” in which we encounter the dreaded: Shoes with Laces and Jackets with Buttons as well as “Mealtime with babies” where the floor becomes an abstract canvas. Lastly, enjoy the magic of a wee fairytale, expressed through dance as has been done for centuries. This performance invites in the chaos of families and helps them feel seen, heard, and joyful. Louisa Mejeur: The Family Ballet is at Dance Place, 3225 Eighth St. NE, on Saturday, March 16, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 17 at 4 p.m. Tickets are $10 to $30. danceplace.org.
from Dr. Carter G. Woodson’s book ‘African Myths and Folktales’. Learn about African folklore about farm animals, then go meet the animals on their farm. This program starts in the Visitor Barn and lasts 45 minutes. Oxon Hill Farm is at 6411 Oxon Hill Rd. Oxon Hill, MD. nps.gov/oxhi.
Through the Sunken Lands at the KC
Six months ago, a massive flood wiped away most of Arcady. Unable to contact her family and trapped in the library, Artemis, a wheelchair user, has built the place into her sanctuary. Trying to find a way back to Aunt Maggie’s house, Artemis soon learns of a new danger—a committee determined to claim the town for themselves. Follow Artemis, Aunt Maggie, and a talking heron in the fight to save their dying town. First commissioned and released by the Kennedy Center as a radio play as part of WTYA Presents… in 2021, Tim J. Lord’s play transforms into a new musical, with music by Avi Amon and direction by Cara Phipps. This heartening world premiere amplifies the voice of a commonly overlooked community and teaches us how we can make the world a little better for everyone. Through the Sunken Lands, at the Kennedy Center from March 9 to 17, is most enjoyed by ages nine and up. $20. kennedy-center.org.
Peter Pan at the National (save the date)
This high-flying musical has been thrilling audiences of all ages for close to 70 years and is now being brought back to life in a new adaptation by celebrated playwright Larissa FastHorse, directed by Emmy Award-winner Lonny Price and choreography by Lorin Latarro. This extraordinary musical full of excitement and adventure features iconic and timeless songs including “I’m Flying”, “I Gotta Crow”, “I Won’t Grow Up” and “Neverland”. Peter Pan embraces the child in us all so go on a journey from the second star to the right and straight on ‘til morning--your entire family will be Hooked. Peter Pan is at the National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, from April 9 to 21. Tickets are on sale now. broadwayatthenational.com. ◆
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XWORD Foodie Foods by Myles Mellor
Across:
1. “Real ___ Don’t Eat Quiche” 4. Smart of ‘’24’’ 8. Look after, as a bar 12. Walked nervously 17. Secrets of a select few 20. Calls, in poker 21. Positively charged electrode 22. Asian appetizer 24. Dessert choice 25. Have ___ (be connected) 26. Goal in Mexico 28. Willie Mays’s last team 29. It could go with shot 34. Animals of a region 38. The NY Manning 40. Settle 44. Geraint’s lady 45. Antiacid (abbr.) 49. “She Done ___ Wrong” 50. City west of Daytona Beach 51. Sneaker 53. Rustic locale 54. Internet addresses 55. Real estate investor’s buy, on occasions 57. Antibody production stimulant 59. “...___ quit!” 61. “In excelsis ___” 62. Enjoy a snowy slope 64. Continuously 65. Okra dish 67. Seafood appetizers 71. Part of surf and turf 72. For ___ an emergency 73. Nannies for room and board 75. Set of values 77. Beach item 78. Florida university whose mascot is the Hatter 80. Wrinkle 81. Queen ___ lace 83. Hot temper 84. Ballad’s end?
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87. Temperature controls, briefly 88. A style of music 90. More noisy 93. Order from a cardiologist 96. Hosp. section 97. Bor-ring! 100. Nicole Kidman’s character’s lover in “Cold Mountain” 102. Simon and Garfunkel’s “___ Robinson” 103. Actress Loren 105. Calif. city 106. Deleted 108. Days or Holiday 109. Con artist’s targets 111. Guide the course 112. Founded, abbr. 115. Car club 117. Markers 121. Butcher’s offering 127. Barbecue serving 132. Coffee choice 133. Italian coffee brand 134. In a drunken manner 135. English track town 136. Miss, in Monaco: Abbr. 137. Circle segments 138. Compass point
Down:
1. ___ Verde National Park 2. Sports channel 3. “Me neither” 4. “Along came Polly” star first name 5. A little work 6. “Hair” song 7. Mil. rank 8. “Bad boy!” 9. Shoe designation 10. A loser at Waterloo 11. Cable co. offering 12. Baywatch star, first name 13. Weak
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Look for this months answers at labyrinthgameshop.com 14. Make do 15. Expurgate 16. Barely passing grades 18. Color 19. H.S. class 23. Hurl 27. Vassal 30. Tolstoy’s first 31. Sites with lots of lots 32. Box 33. Firm and compact 35. Cameo stone 36. Tiny singer 37. Spots 38. Black, to poets 39. Be untruthful with 40. Tuna type 41. Cheat 42. Real estate ad abbr.
43. It’s hidden by a ponytail 46. African nation 47. Show, as a historic battle 48. Night spot 52. Very slim margin 56. Winds 58. Foot divisions 59. Brunch dish 60. Baseball stat 62. Atlas abbr. 63. Famous falcon 65. Wild llama 66. Consuming 68. Chinese basketball giant 69. Muscle 70. Divide 73. ___ Lingus (Irish airlines) 74. Native American 76. Patient attention, briefly
77. City with two banks 79. Strapped 82. 60s protest 85. Falco of “The Sopranos” 86. Bacon features 89. Signify 90. Remorseful one 91. Expo ‘70 site 92. Send off 93. Rock music style 94. French vineyard 95. Clock std. 98. Watson makers 99. “Are you a man ___ mouse?” 101. Society page word 104. Cab Calloway’s signature line 107. Sweats bullets 110. Plant production 112. Salinger lass 113. Exchange 114. P.I.’s 116. Hung. neighbor 118. Circus cries 119. WWW addresses 120. ___ terrier 122. Balmoral 123. Viewing point at the Grand Canyon 124. Conduit fitting, perhaps 125. Every bit 126. Do a beautician’s job 128. Mauna ___ 129. Paper size 130. Catchall abbr. 131. Trash
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