East of the River Magazine – September 2024 by Capital Community News

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

16 Why Is Crime Declining? Improved Police Morale, New Tactics and More Arrests are Key by Liz O’Gorek 22 Got Lead Water Pipes? How to Find Out, Why They Need to be Replaced, and How to Do It by Catherine Plume 26 FurnishHopeDC Lends A Hand: Providing Essential Furnishings by Brittany McAlister

WASHINGTON LIFE

Meet Anthony Moore: Licensed Professional Counselor by Anthony D. Diallo

The Man from Anacostia: A Prayer for Ward 8; On the Arrest of Trayon White by Philip Pannell

Changing Hands compiled by Don Denton

34 Theater Night: A Curated Preview of Theater in the DMV by Matthew McClure PUBLISHER: Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Melissa Ashabranner • melissa.ashabranner@gmail.com

EDITOR: Andrew Lightman • andrew@hillrag.com

OFFICER: Carolina Lopez • carolina@hillrag.com

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

Spirit & Strength: Modern Art from Haiti at the NGA

Art flourished in Haiti—the world’s first Black republic—in the mid-1900s. Painters like Hector Hyppolite, Rigaud Benoît, and Philomé Obin were known around the world for their images of Haitian daily life, religious traditions, and history. Their works influenced generations of African American artists. Several, including Lois Mailou Jones and Eldzier Cortor, traveled to and worked in Haiti. From Sept. 29 to March 9, 2025, Spirit & Strength is a chance to see 21 works by Haitian artists recently given to the National Gallery. Get an introduction to Haitian modern art and experience the remarkable creations of some of the most prominent artists in Haiti’s history alongside works by artists building upon their legacy today. nga.gov.

H Street Festival

Held on Sept. 21, noon to 7 p.m., the H Street Festival is located between Third and 15th streets NE. One of DC’s most anticipated and highly attended festivals, it has 15 staging areas that are diversely themed and programmed to target different segments of audiences. The staging areas feature music, dance, youth-based performances, interactive children’s programs, fashion, heritage arts, poetry and many more. The festival started as a 500-participant block party more than 19 years ago; it has now grown into a 150,000 participant event. hstreetfestival.org.

Mister Lincoln at Ford’s

In this witty and revelatory one-man show starring Scott Bakula as President Abraham Lincoln, Lincoln shares stories of himself during some of our country’s most important historical events. From his own perspective, first as a prairie lawyer and anti-slavery advocate in Illinois, to later in Washington as president of the United States, when he signs the Emancipation Proclamation and becomes the liberator, this insightful play leans on Lincoln’s own brilliant language to reveal surprising aspects of the life of one of our nation’s greatest presidents. Mister Lincoln is at Ford’s Theatre, 514 10th St. NW, from Sept. 20 to Oct. 13. fords.org.

Wilson Bigaud, Adam and Eve, 1953, oil on board, 25 x 30 1/2 in. National Gallery of Art, Promised Gift of Beverly and John Fox Sullivan. Photo: Luke Christopher

Scott Bakula

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival (Every Jam Saves the Bay)

DC Art All Night

(Free overnight arts festival)

DC Art All Night happens from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. the following morning on two nights— September 27 and 28. The festival takes place in all eight wards with different activations on each night, bringing visual and performing arts, including painting, photography, sculpture, crafts, fashion, music, literary arts, dance, theater, film, and poetry, to indoor and outdoor public and private spaces, including local businesses and restaurants. Read more on how to join the fun at dcartallnight.org.

The Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival at Sandy Point State Park on Sept. 21 and 22 (rain or shine), 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., is a conservation and community-focused musical event that blends the finest progressive bluegrass, jamgrass and Americana music with a gorgeous beachfront venue, and a mission to protect the Chesapeake Bay and raise mental health awareness. You’ll enjoy 14 of the best local and nationally touring bands on two alternating stages and an interactive workshop pavilion. Baygrass features locally sourced food, including fresh oysters, microbrews, craft cocktails and wines, beach yoga, music and educational workshops, beach and yard games, kids’ activities, local craft vendors, an exceptional VIP experience and much more. General admission tickets for ages thirteen and over are $225. baygrassfestival.com.

The National and The War On Drugs

Formed in 1999, The National have established themselves as mainstays of arenas and festivals with sold-out performances and headlining slots around the world. The band has scored five top 10 albums on The Billboard 200, multiple Grammy nominations with 2017’s Sleep Well Beastearning the award for Best Alternative Album. The War on Drugs have steadily emerged as one of this century’s great rock and roll synthesists, removing the gaps between the underground and the mainstream. Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD, on Monday, Sept. 16, 6:45 p.m. (gates at 5:15 p.m.). Tickets are $40.50 to $120.50. merriweathermusic.com.

Faithless at Washington Stage Guild

From Sept. 26 to Oct. 20, family differences become amplified when faith is the main point of conversation and contention in Jon Klein’s latest comic drama. Aging atheist Gus and his two adult stepchildren–a minister suffering from a crisis of faith, and his hardened, nonbeliever sister who’s had a glimpse of the afterlife following a head injury–come together when Gus’ teenage, adopted daughter stuns them with her decision to become a nun. Faithless is at WSG’s performance venue, 900 Massachusetts Ave. NW. Tickets start at $50. There is a 10% senior discount. stageguild.org.

An Evening with PJ Harvey at The Anthem

From the outset of her career, the work of PJ Harvey has commanded attention. A multi-instrumentalist, she is primarily a vocalist, guitarist and pianist. In 1991, Harvey formed the eponymous bass/drums/guitar trio in Dorset, England and in March 1992 released Dry which was hailed globally as an astonishing debut album, particularly in the United States, where Rolling Stone magazine named Harvey “Best Songwriter” and “Best New Female Singer” of 1992. An Evening with PJ Harvey is at the Anthem, 901 Wharf St. SW, on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 8 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.). Tickets are $55 to $95. theanthemdc.com.

Aerialists performed during Events DC's activation during Art All Night Shaw 2024. Photo by Victoria Pickering, Courtesy Shaw Main Streets.

Maryland Seafood Festival

The Maryland Seafood Festival returns to Sandy Point State Park, Annapolis, on Sept. 14 and 15, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (rain or shine). The Festival hosts loads of seafood vendors, live music, local shopping and vendor options, a fantastic beverage selection with lots of local craft beer and kids activities. (There will also be plenty of hot dogs and chicken tenders for the kids.) Back this year is the Naptown Seafood Sampler which includes eight samples from area restaurants plus a drink for $25. General admission is $15 ($20 day-of) and free for kids 12 and under. Visit their website for parking information at abceventsinc.com/maryland-seafood-festival/.

Oktoberfest Weekend at the Wharf

It’s that time of the year—put on your dirndl or lederhosen, grab your Dachshund and head to The Wharf for their free Oktoberfest festivities on Friday, Oct. 4 and Saturday, Oct. 5. Here’s the schedule: Friday, 4 to 9 p.m., a free polka dance class and polka dancing to a live band; Saturday, 2 to 5 p.m., cheer on the dogs competing in the annual Wiener 500 Dachshund Dash to benefit Rural Dog Rescue. Starting Monday Sept. 30, visit participating Wharf restaurants and try your hand at Wharfwide stein hoisting contest. Winners from each restaurant will be invited to take their place in the Saturday, Oct. 5 championship contest on District Pier. wharfdc.com.

National Gallery Nights

The NGA’s popular National Gallery Nights after-hours program returns to the East Building this fall on the second Thursday of September, October and November (Sept. 12, Oct. 10, and Nov. 14) from 6 to 9 p.m. The season kicks off with “A Night in Paris,” offering the only opportunity to enjoy the exhibition Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment after hours. In October they celebrate Día de los Muertos, and their November program will be a love letter to the city the NGA calls home. Light fare, gelato, and beverages—including beer, wine, and specialty cocktails—will be sold throughout the East Building. Their September and October programs will also feature activities on the Fourth Street Plaza, open to all without registration. A lottery takes place the week before each event: it opens on Monday at 10 a.m. and closes on Thursday at noon. Additional passes are available at the East Building entrance—first come, first served—starting at 5:30 p.m. nga.gov.

Zen and the Open Road at American History

Marking the 50th anniversary of Robert M. Pirsig’s Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values, this special display features his 1966 Honda Super Hawk motorcycle. With the motorcycle as the centerpiece, visitors also can view Pirsig’s leather riding jacket and motorcycle helmet, the bike’s keys, and the worn motorcycle maintenance manual that accompanied the ride. Pirsig’s typewriter, on which he wrote the book, as well as a typed manuscript and a signed first edition of the book is also on display. Pirsig endured rejection by 121 publishers but persevered, eventually selling the book to the publisher William Morrow and Company. With the publication’s royalties, Pirsig purchased a 32-foot sailboat that inspired his next novel, Lila: An Inquiry into Morals. Zen and the Open Road is in the American on the Move exhibition. americanhistory.si.edu.

Robert M Pirsig’s 1966 Honda Super Hawk motorcycle. Photo: Jaclyn Nash, Courtesy of the National Museum of American History.

St. Vincent at the Anthem

Annie Clark made her recorded debut as St. Vincent in 2007 with Marry Me, quickly becoming regarded as one of the most innovative and fascinating presences in modern music. In 2017, her fifth album MASSEDUCTION would break St. Vincent into the US and UK top 10s and win two more. 2021’s Daddy’s Home found St. Vincent channeling the hungover glamor and gritty sepia-toned soundtrack of 1970s downtown NYC to an ecstatic reception, ultimately winning her a second-Best Alternative Album GRAMMY. Annie Clark (St. Vincent) will be at the Anthem, 901 Wharf St. SW, on Friday, Sept. 13, 8 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.). Tickets are $55 to $95. theanthemdc.com.

The 22+ Weddings of Hugo at GALA

Why in the world does Hugo, a quiet postal clerk, keep getting married? Based on a true story, The 22+ Weddings of Hugo by Gustavo Ott is a raucous tale of “a beautiful crime” that delves into several hidden themes of our day, from empathy and immigration, to love in times of hatred, and the universal need to find refuge in a place, person, or a feeling. This play won the 2018 Marius Gottin Award for non-Francophone plays from the Écriture Théâtrale Contemporaine Caraïbe. Tickets are $22 to $50. The 22+ Weddings of Hugo is at GALA Theatre, 3333 14th St. NW. galatheatre.org.

HFStival at Nat’s Park

The HFStival was an annual festival organized by alternative rock station WHFS that ran from 1990 to 2006 and again in 2010 and 2011. On Saturday, Sept. 21 (rain or shine), 10 a.m. to midnight, HFStival is at Nat’s Park featuring The Postal Service, Death Cab For Cutie, Incubus, Bush, Liv Phair, Jimmy Eat World, Girl Talk, Violent Femmes, Tonic, Filter and Lit. Tickets start at $99. impconcerts. com/event/hfstival. Death Cab For Cutie

Caesar & The Mannequin at the Atlas

Inspired by the Man Ray painting “Shakespearean Equation: Julius Caesar,” in the Phillips collection, Composer Andrew E. Simpson and Librettist Susan Galbraith have concocted a Dadaist fantastical story of a Caesar, a character who is determined to cling to power at whatever cost and sings, “You can’t stick me in a closet; I will not stay there.” This full live-plus-mixedmedia work is expanded from a prescient 2020 opera film produced in response to COVID. In 2024 as we careen toward the November election the story is even more dangerously relevant today than it was four years ago. The Man Ray Project: Caesar & The Mannequin is at the Atlas, 1333 H St. NE, from Sept. 12 to 22. Tickets are $45.25, including service fees. atlasarts.org.

Mosaic’s Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill

On Sept. 5 to Oct. 6, at the Atlas, 1333 H St. NE, journey back to 1959 for an unforgettable rendezvous with Lady Day herself—the incomparable Billie Holiday performed by DC legend Roz White, in the role she was born to play. Featuring classics such as “God Bless the Child” and “Strange Fruit,” this acclaimed play with music transports you to a small bar in Philadelphia for one of the icon’s final concerts, transforming the theater into an immersive nightclub complete with a live band and cocktails. Building on the success of Mosaic’s past productions Twisted Melodies and The Devil’s Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith, this fresh production of Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill explores the triumphs and traumas of Holiday’s life and career while celebrating the resilience of Black women throughout history. Tickets are $42 to $80. mosaictheater.org.

Roz White as Billie Holiday.

Photo: Chris Banks

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

IN Series: The Cradle Will Rock

This famous and infamous 1936 American musical masterpiece became a thundering piece of American history when governments and unions alike tried to ban its first performance. Artists defied those orders to bring this searing work to life, celebrating the labor movement from the seats of a packed theater while the work’s composer and librettist Marc Blitzstein sat alone at the piano onstage. Originally directed by Orson Welles, this imaginative new version honors the story of this rarely heard classic’s origin while it teams with energy, humor, melody and thirst for justice. The Cradle Will Rock is at the Goldman Theater, DCJCC, 1529 16th St. NW, on Saturdays, Oct. 5 and 12, 7:30 p.m. and Sundays, Oct. 6 and 13, 2:30 p.m.

Tickets are $35 to $72. inseries.org.

Because They’re Funny Comedy Festival is at the Anthem

Because They’re Funny (BTF), is a comedy festival from the producers of the American Black Film Festival showcasing BIPOC comedic talent and propelling a new generation of diverse comedians to stardom. Created for anyone who likes to laugh, BTF’s lineup includes headline shows, the “Breakout Comedian of the Year Competition,” panels, comedy classes, networking events, and the “BTF Cares” Charity Fundraiser. At the Anthem, 901 Wharf St. SW, Sept. 28 and 29, 7 p.m., both nights. Tickets are $39.50 to 99.50. theanthemdc.com.

Snallygaster Beastly Beer Jamboree

Named for the fearsome and toothy mythical beast said to terrorize the DC region at the turn of the century, Snallygaster returns to DC on Saturday, Oct. 12 (rain or shine). Festival goers can expect a mind-boggling selection of no fewer than 450 highly sought-after draft beers, casks, gravity kegs and bottle pours from over 175 of the finest American and international producers set against a backdrop of local food trucks and two stages of live music. $75 for a 2 p.m. entry; $150 for an entry at noon. They have a family-friendly section where kids can do fun activities such as getting their face painted and pumpkin decorating. Children under 12 do not have to pay. Kids over 12 can gain entry for $10. snallygasterdc.com.

JaJa’s African Hair Braiding at Arena

From Sept. 6 to Oct. 13, at Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW, step into the vibrant world of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, a riotously funny yet deeply resonant play by Jocelyn Bioh. Set in the pulsating heart of Harlem, this comedic gem unravels the complexities of cultural identity, assimilation, and the pursuit of the American Dream within the African immigrant community. Follow the uproarious escapades of Maria, Bea, Miriam, Aminata, Ndidi, Jaja, and others as they navigate life and laughter in Jaja’s bustling hair braiding salon. With humor as rich as its characters, this Tony Award-winning production weaves hilarious moments with profound insights, celebrating the indomitable spirit and interconnectedness that define us all. Tickets are $45 to $95. (Visit arenastage. org/tickets/savings-programs for discounts.) arenastage.org.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS COMMUNITY EVENTS

Fall Exhibitions 2024: African American Fiber Art Guild and Larry O’Reilly Opening Reception Wednesday, September 25, 6:30pm Family Day 2024!

Sunday, September 29, 2:00pm-6:00pm

STUDIO ARTS

Basic Drawing Techniques Course: Drawing From an Image Classes begin Tuesday, September 3, 6:30pm-8:00pm

Local Makers Workshop: Polymer Clay Earrings with Fresh Pear Jewelry Sunday, September 8, 1:00pm-4:00pm

Introduction to Linocut Printmaking Course

Classes begin Monday, September 9, 6:30pm-8:00pm

Contemporary Watercolors Workshop

Saturday, September 28, 12:00pm-2:00pm Introduction to Linocut Printmaking Workshop Saturday, September 28, 2:30pm-5:00pm CONCERTS

American Roots Concert Series:

Jourdan Thibodeaux with Cedric Watson and Joel Savoy

Sunday, September 8, 4:30pm Stone Room Concerts at Hill Center Featuring Alt-Americana Duo Barnaby Bright

Thursday, September 12, 7:00pm Afro Beat, Rap, Jazz, Hip-Hop, & Pop with Collective KINFOLKANDTHEM and Budding Boston R&B Star Heyssis in Concert

Thursday, September 19, 7:00pm

American Roots Concert Series: Alexa Rose

Sunday, September 22, 4:30pm

Global Sounds on the Hill featuring Zedashe: Polyphonic Choir and Folk Dancers from Caucasus Georgia

Friday, September 27, 7:00pm

FILMS AND PERFORMANCES

Epidemics on Film: The Past is the Future

Tuesday, September 24, 6:00pm

COOKING CLASSES & TASTINGS

Brazilian Flavors with Marianne Tshihamba

Saturday, September 7, 11:00am

Kitchen 101: Knife Skills with Chef Wendi James

Tuesday, September 10, 6:00pm

Mother Sauces with Chef Wendi James Series begins Monday, September 16, 6:00pm

Congo Cravings: Chicken Mwamba, Sweet Plantains and Fufu

Tuesday, September 17, 6:00pm

Tiny Cooking School featuring Magpie and the Tiger Chefs Caleb Jang and Roren Choi: Mastering the Fundamentals of Korean Cooking Series begins Friday, September 20, 11:00am

A Trip to Morocco: Chicken with Preserved Lemons, Carrot Salad, and Mint Tea

Saturday, September 21, 6:00pm

On the Noodle Road with Jen Lin-Liu: The Terrific World of Tofu

Sunday, September 22, 11:00am

Kitchen 101: Knife Skills with Chef Wendi James

Tuesday, September 24, 6:00pm

Programmatic support provided by the Capitol Hill Community Foundation and the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities.

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

American Aquarium at Union Stage

American Aquarium is an American alternative country band from Raleigh, North Carolina. They have released seven albums, including their most critically acclaimed album to date, 2012’s Burn. Flicker. Die. The band released their sixth original album, Wolves, in February 2015 when the band’s fans helped raise $24,000 through a Kickstarter project to help fund the album’s production. Union Stage, 740 Water St. SW, on Friday Sept. 13, 7 p.m. (doors at 6 p.m.). General admission is $25, day-of, $30.) unionstage.com.

Folger Consort’s A Tale of Two Cities: The Music of Florence and Venice

Adeem the Artist at DC9

Nightclub

Adeem has built a following by blending Appalachian musical influences and poetic flair with a healthy dose of comedic instinct. His twang-studded gospel represents a worldview too often excluded from modern country music, one that converts shame into celebration. It turns out, people like the sound of embracing the parts of ourselves we’re told to bury—so much so that when Adeem turned to fans to support the follow-up album to Cast-Iron Pansexual, thousands obliged. Dubbing it a “redneck fundraiser,” Adeem raised the money to release White Trash Revelry by asking for one dollar at a time on Facebook. Adeem the Artist is at DC9 Nightclub, 1940 Ninth St. NW, on Thursday, Sept. 26, 8 p.m. (doors at 7:30 p.m.). Tickets are $20. dc9.club.

Both Florence and Venice were European power centers in the 16th and 17th centuries. Both also had exciting musical cultures. The Consort offers pieces by important composers who worked in each city: Claudio Monteverdi and his colleagues who created at San Marco in Venice, Florentine composer Francesca Caccini, and the infamous Florentine philosopher and diplomat Niccolò Machiavelli, who was also an accomplished poet and musician. A Tale of Two Cities: The Music of Florence and Venice is at the Folger, 201 East Capitol St. SE, on Friday, Sept.13, 8 p.m.; Saturday. Sept. 14, 4 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Sept. 15, 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 to $45. folger.edu.

Presidential Library on Feb. 25, 2015.

The Atlantic Festival at the Wharf

On Sept. 19 and 20, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., both days, Atlantic writers and moderators will be joined by elected officials, best-selling authors, notable actors, climate scientists, health-care professionals, tech giants, and CEOs to tackle today’s big questions and meet the moment headon. The $225 Festival Pass (virtual pass is free) gets you two full days of one-on-one interviews, in-depth panel discussions, intimate book talks, exclusive screenings, happy hours, and more. Festival stages are within walking distance of one another, and the daily schedule provides opportunities to connect with fellow attendees over morning coffee, lunches, and happy hours. theatlantic.com/live/atlantic-festival-2024.

The Airborne Toxic Event at 9:30 Club

Known for their dramatic blend of rock and electronic music with orchestral arrangements, The Airborne Toxic Event skyrocketed to popularity with the gold-selling single from the band’s self-titled 2008 debut album, a song which spent eight weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Chart. Since then, The Airborne Toxic Event has played a diverse spectrum of concerts, from performing with the San Francisco Symphony and Colorado Symphony at the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre, to playing at the Coachella and Lollapalooza music festivals. At the 9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW, on Monday, Sept. 16, doors at 7 p.m. $45 for general admission. 930.com.

Photo: Peggy Ryan, Courtesy of Folger Shakespeare Library

The Atlantic Festival participant David Axelrod joined Friends of the LBJ Library members to speak about his memoir, “Believer: My Forty Years in Politics,” at the LBJ

neighborhood news Why Is Crime Declining? Improved Police Morale, New Tactics and More Arrests are Key

by Liz O’Gorek

In the cool dawn light of an early Saturday at the end of last summer 2023, I decided to take a walk in my Lincoln Park neighborhood, with only my cell phone in my pocket. As I crossed a wide street, a silver car pulled up to a curb on the other side, emitting a crowd of young men dressed in black.

The news is my job; I instantly knew which MPD press release I was walking into. I swore under my breath, turned and ran. They caught me in the middle of the street, pulling me to the ground as I screamed up at their masked faces blocking out the sky. “What do you want!?!” I screamed.

“Everything,” was all they said. They never suggested that they had a weapon; they did not take my phone, seemingly taking my repeated, loud instance that I had

nothing of value. Instead, they silently melted away, leaving me in the street.

I know this could have been much, much worse, but still it affected my relationship with my neighborhood. For a while, every time I’d put a hand on the doorknob to go outside, I was seized by fear that it could happen again, to me, or to my kids.

I was not alone.

Beginning in February 2023, the city suffered a major crime spike, which crested in the late summer and early fall. Suddenly, it seemed as if everyone knew someone who had been robbed or carjacked. Residents began to fear for their personal safety as criminals appeared to operate with impunity across the city.

Violent crime increased by 39% in 2023 compared to 2022; homicides were up by 34 percent and carjackings nearly doubled —from 485 to 959.

Fast forward to 2024. Overall crime has declined through the year by nearly 19 percent. Violent crime has fallen even further, 35 percent. Even this summer, traditionally a time when crime rises with the temperatures, crime has not surged.

The District is even besting the national average. Data from 69 cities presented by the Major Cities Chiefs Association shows a six percent decline in violent crime during the first six months of 2024. Homicides declined 17 percent in these municipalities.

In the District, however, homicide is down by more

MPD officers and ranch staffs at National Night Out on Aug. 6 in Lansburgh Park in southwest DC. MPD Chief Pamela Smith is second from left. First District Commander Colin Hall is standing second from right.

than 30 percent as of Aug. 19. Carjackings involving a firearm have fallen 55 percent, while all carjackings have dropped by half. The District is well on its way to seeing the lowest crime rates in nearly 20 years.

What is responsible for the District’s decrease in crime?

New Leadership

In July 2023, Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) selected Pamela A. Smith as the new chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Smith is the first Black women ever to the lead the force.

Smith spent the majority of her public safety career in the US Park Police, the agency responsible for policing federal parks, both urban and rural. Starting there in 1998 as a patrol officer in San Francisco, she served in cities across the country including New York and Atlanta, receiving numerous commendations for her proactive efforts with drug enforcement, sobriety checkpoints, and community engagement.

Smith joined the Canine Unit as an expert handler of explosives. She served as an instructor both at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and the Law Enforcement Driver Training Program.

In 2021, Smith was appointed Chief of US Park Police for Washington, DC. She was the first Black woman to serve in that rank in the Park Service’s 230-year history.

In 2022, Smith joined MPD as the Chief Equity Officer. She led the department’s efforts on diversity, equity and inclusion. In April 2023, Smith was promoted to be the Assistant Chief of Po-

lice for the Homeland Security Bureau. There, she supervised the Special Operations Division, Joint Strategic & Tactical Analysis Command Center, and the Office of Intelligence.

Now, under Smith’s leadership, officer morale has improved.

Improved Police Morale

First District Commander Colin Hall has been an MPD officer for 26 years. Today’s force is different from years past, he said. Officers’ commitment to community engagement and their embrace of new technologies are directly responsible for the decrease in crime, he said.

The pandemic impacted both the rates and types of crimes, Hall said. It had a negative impact on operations.

“We had officers who were trained virtually. That kind of stuff had a huge impact, and I think we’re coming back full strength. I feel like we have the strong support of the mayor and city council. We have that and the community, I feel like we’re going to be successful,” he said.

Officers also notice a change in community attitudes compared to the years of the Black Lives Matter protests. “Now we have a very different environment where they want us. And they [officers] feel

that. And that just makes them be able to do their jobs better,” Hall said.

New Tactics

As MPD Chief, “visibility” has become Smith’s catch phrase. She ordered patrol officers out of their cars and on to the streets. She increased the force’s commitment to bicycle units. She insisted on restoring MPD’s horse mounted unit by the end of 2024. Officers, under her watch, are committing to weekly neighborhood safety walks.

In June, MPD unveiled a new helicopter. The Airbus H-125 helicopter is fast, agile and possesses a glass cockpit to increase visibility. The department has also created a drone program.

In April 2024, MPD launched the Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC). There, investigators collect and analyze incoming calls and data to facilitate quick responses to crimes in progress. The center links MPD to federal police forces. It taps into the CameraConnect DC system, a network of CCTV cameras connected to the police.

The RTCC has significantly cut police response times and allowed officers to cast a wide electronic net to help apprehend fleeing suspects. This has significantly changed police tactics. Here is an example.

On July 1, three men held up a scooter driver at gunpoint on the corner of 11th St. and Independence Ave. SE. The RTCC dispatched a “lookout” containing images of the suspects taken from public cameras. The center then monitored possible escape routes. The three were quickly spotted and arrested on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Ave. SE.

RTCC also provided patrol officers with a video of the suspects tossing the gun involved. Investigating officers then found the same men had attempted to carjack another person on the 900 block of Pennsylvania Ave .SE. Later, a third victim arrived at the scene of the arrest. The three, he reported, had carjacked him in Prince George County and then used his stolen scooter to commit the other robberies. The RTCC images directly contributed to building a stronger case, MPD said.

MPD Commander Hall attributes the significant 2024 crime drop directly to Smith’s leadership. More specifically, her insistence on increased police visibility and the embrace of new technically driven tactics are what are making the difference.

“We’re blending the old and the new,” Hall said, “All that is a credit to her.”

The combination of the RTCC and boots on the street has led to an increase in arrests, which had fallen during the years of the pandemic.

Increased Arrests

MPD only issues formatted data on arrests in the following year, but Commander Hall gave us some good news. In 2024, MPD reported a 25 percent increase in overall

arrests, but did not provide overall data. Due to increased retail antitheft operations, arrests for theft have doubled, going up 104 percent. Arrests in homicide cases have also increased by 18 percent, Hall said.

Carjackings are down by half; 320 compared to 636 at the same point last year; police have made 92 arrests, accounting for nearly a third of cases.

From the high of nearly 1,000 carjackings in 2023, reports are significantly declining, said MPD First District Commander Colin Hall. As important are the arrests. The DC Council’s controversial Secure DC legislation, Hall pointed out, increased the court’s ability to detain suspects pretrial. As a result, suspects are prevented from immediately reoffending after arrest.

“We need to arrest them (offenders), we need to keep them —and then we’re pushing the US Attorney sustain it,” Hall said, praising the legislation.

Councilmember Brooke Pinto (Ward 2-D), who chairs the DC Council on Public Safety and the Judiciary and helped push the Secure DC Bill, did not respond to requests for comment.

To aid in closing cases, the United States Attorney’s Office of the District of Columbia (USAO) has formed “investigative teams” made up of federal and MPD law enforcement officers. These teams build federal cases against people driving gun violence. USAO also reviews every firearms arrest to evaluate whether it can be federal prosecution.

The certainty of rapid punishment, rather than its severity, is directly linked to the reduction of crime rates, according to political scientists at the University of Utah. USAO still declines to charge the majority of MPD arrests.

Prosecutors Charge More Cases

Do prosecution rates have an effect? It’s hard to tell.

In 2017, the US Attorney declined to pursue 33 percent of all the cases that crossed his desk. By 2022, the city did the opposite —it only prosecuted 33 percent, declining just over 66 percent of cases it received. The next year, 2023, crime rose 25 percent.

There is not a direct link between crime rates and prosecution rates when you map them together. But it is difficult to ignore the District experience over the past three years. When prosecution rates were higher in 2021, crime rates appeared to decrease; as prosecutions fell the next year, crime rates went up.

As crime rose in 2023, USA DC Attorney Matthew Graves increased prosecution rates to 44 percent, bumping it up to 55 percent in the last few months of the calendar year.

Reported crime is now down 18 percent as of Aug. 26. 2024 is not yet over. Yet, Graves is already celebrating the decrease.

“If you got to a 36 percent reduction in homicides year over year at the end of the year, you would be hard pressed to find another jurisdiction that had that much of a drop

at any point in time,” Graves said at a March press conference, quoting the decline in homicide for the year to date. “Anything close to that would be historical.”

“The steep drop in violent crime we have seen in the first half of 2024 is good news, but our office remains firmly focused on doing everything we can to continue this trend,” Graves said.

Public Perceptions of Safety

Public perceptions of safety tends to trail rather than lead reality. While statistics show crime in the District in decline, many citizens do not feel safe. The good news has clearly not reached the general populace. Asked about crime by this reporter, most were not aware of the new data showing its decline.

A man who has worked in the Capitol Hill neighborhood for several decades, but lives in Virginia, is an excellent example of the perceptual disconnect. He has heard about the declining crime stats. Yet, the news has not impacted his sense of personal security. Even though it is more expensive for him to live in Virginia, the safety and security it provides is worth the cost. “I love DC, but I live in Virginia for safety,” he said. “It’s just not safe,” he said of the District.

His sentiment is shared in Ward 7.

“If you’re looking at TV, the newspaper and the social media that say it’s heading down, I think, if anything, it’s stable, and in some cases, it’s on the rise,” resident Francis Campbell said of the Justice Department’s crime data.

The reported decrease could be the result of a variety of factors including underreporting and the community’s increased awareness about crime and its consequences, Campbell noted.

The decline in crime appears uniform across the District —violent crime is down by 35 percent in Ward 8 and 36 percent in Ward 7. Homicide has decreased 18 percent. Robberies have fallen by almost half. But those two wards still account for a disproportionate share — 40 percent of violent crime and 55 percent, or more than half of homicides.

Returning to the Scene

I made a vow to myself that I would not let my experience mar my sense of the neighborhood. I continue to go out alone in the mornings and evenings, perhaps with an increased sense of wariness but without tremendous fear.

But I am privileged to live in an area that is disproportionately benefiting from the trend. Violent crime is down by 52 percent in my Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC), and there have been no homicides in 2024.

It is clear the overall public’s sense of safety is chasing the actual decline in crime. Yet, perceptions guide public policy. It remains to be seen whether 2024 will be an iturning point or a blip. u

Got Lead Water Pipes?

How to Find Out, Why They Need to be Replaced, and How to Do It

by Catherine Plume

Lead is bad for humans—especially pregnant women, pets, and wildlife—and can severely affect the mental and physical development of children younger than six. Lead poisoning occurs when lead builds up in the body, often over months or years. At very high levels, lead poisoning can be fatal. Many District residents unwittingly ingest lead through drinking and cooking water that comes through lead water pipes that are found in the District.

According to DC Water, an extensive review in May 2023 found that there are some 42,000 lead service lines across DC. The accompanying diagram shows the immensity of the problem with red indicating “Verified Lead,” orange indicating “Suspected Lead,” yellow indicating “No Information,” green “Suspected Non-Lead” and blue being “Verified Non-Lead.” The District is a mishmash of red, orange, and yellow.

According to Sherri Lewis, a DC Water representative, “The highest concentration of lead service lines and replacements is in Wards 4 and 5, with DC Water prioritizing replacements in areas with a high number of lead service lines, historically underserved communities, and those with vulnerable populations.”

How Do You Know If You Have Lead Pipes in Your Home?

A first stop in determining if you have lead pipes in your home is the DC Water Service Line Map at https://geo. dcwater.com/Lead/. Enter your address to see if there are lead service lines on your property, on District (public) property, both, or neither, when and how this information was gathered, or if there’s no available information. Homes constructed after 1986 and larger multi-family homes are less likely to have any lead water pipes. A District law also requires landlords to disclose to tenants whether a given property contains any known lead pipes and the results of any lead testing. It requires the same of homeowners with respect to potential home buyers before any sales occur. If the map indicates that you do have lead water pipes, DC Water offers several options to replace these pipes.

Lead Free DC

Lead Free DC was initiated in 2019 with a goal of replacing all District lead water service pipes by 2030. Since the program’s initiation, DC Water has discovered that there are many more lead water pipes across the District than initially documented, so that timeline will likely be extended.

DC Water Initiated Lead Replacements

Under this program, DC Water replaces lead service pipes in conjunction with other construction and capital improvement projects across the District. During these projects, replacement on private property is free for all residents—regardless of income. You can check out the Lead Free DC Construction Dashboard to see if there are any planned projects in your neighborhood and when they are tentatively scheduled.

Customer Initiated Lead Replacements

DC Water also offers two additional, customer-initiated programs to replace lead service lines—private-side only replacements and voluntary full replacements.

• Private side Only Lead Replacements

For residents with a lead pipe on private property, and a non-lead pipe in public space, the Lead Pipe Replacement Assistance Program (LPRAP) provides a free or discounted replacement. The program, in partnership with the District Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), provides ALL

eligible homeowners enrolled in the program with a 100% discount on their private service line replacement.

• Voluntar y Full Lead Replacements

If both the public and private portions of the service line are lead and the neighborhood is not currently scheduled for a replacement as part of a capital improvement project, DC Water customers can enroll in the Voluntary Replacement Program. Under this program, customers who are willing to voluntarily pay for their private side replacement can skip ahead of the program’s replacement schedule. Similar to replacement during DC Water initiated construction projects, DC Water will pay for all work in public space and coordinate work so both the public and private pipes are replaced at the same time. The property owner pays for work on private property. Per DC Water, the cost to voluntarily replace a lead pipe through the Voluntary Full Pipe Replacement Program varies based on how far the property line is from the house and currently averages between $2,500-$3,500.

In 2020, I looked at DC Water’s lead map and found that the status of the pipes on my Capitol Hill home was listed as unknown on both the public and private side. I worked with DC Water and found an approved contractor who brought a crew to

examine my pipes. They first dug a hole on the public side in front of my house and found it was lead. I nervously watched as they dug a hole on my property (the private side) and was relieved when they found a copper pipe. I celebrated by buying doughnuts and coffee for the crew and watched as they replaced the public space pipe.

Lewis, the DC Water spokesperson notes, “Through the Lead-Free DC Program, DC Water has replaced more than 6,300 lead service lines in the District and is committed to removing all lead pipes. We continue to secure funding for this program and to educate District residents about the program and the health and safety risks of leaving lead pipes in the ground. When replacing service lines, we will restore a property to its original state or better, including landscaping, drywall, bricks, concrete and pavement.”

Do you have lead pipes leading to your house? Do your neighbors? Help spread the word about DC Water’s Lead-Free DC initiative—and maybe buy some doughnuts for those contractors who come out and do the hard excavation work.

Catherine Plume is a lifelong environmentalist, a writer, and a member of the Sierra Club DC Chapter ExCom. Perspectives expressed are her own and do not necessarily represent the positions of that organization. u

Lead service lines can be located on public space, private property, or both.

Source: DC Water

DC Water is replacing lead service lines across the District. Contact DC Water to get your lead pipes replaced as soon as possible. Credit: C. Plume

Are you an aspiring or existing business in the District? The Small Business Resource Center (SBRC) is here for you!

Wednesday, September 4, 2024 • 10:00 am Register: dlcpsbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/63703

Thursday, September 5, 2024 • 2:00 pm Register: dlcpsbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/63808

Tuesday, September 10, 2024 • 6:00 pm Register: dlcpsbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/63816

Wednesday, September 11, 2024 • 10:00 am Register: dlcpsbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/65570

Wednesday, September 11, 2024 • 6:00 pm Register: dlcpsbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/63811

Thursday, September 12, 2024 •10:00am Register: dlcpsbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/65606

MARSHALL HEIGHTS COMMUNITY DEV

Thursday, September 26, 2024 •10:00am Register: dlcpsbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/65606

SBRC ONE-ON-ONE CALL SESSION: STEPS TO OBTAINING A BUSINESS LICENSE

Monday – Friday by appointment between 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Register: dlcpsbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events

SBRC ONE-ON-ONE CALL SESSION: “TALK BUSINESS AFTER HOURS”

Wednesdays by appointment between 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm Register: dlcpsbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events

BUSINESS DIAGNOSTIC CHECK - IN PERSON WEDNESDAY’S – SYCAMORE & OAK

Wednesdays by appointment between 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Register: dlcpsbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events

FurnishHopeDC Lends A Hand Providing Essential Furnishings

by Brittany McAlister

The typical day at FurnishHopeDC (FHDC) is “Busy, busy, busy,” said its Director of Outreach and Client Relations Adriane Herbert. The nonprofit provides families and individuals in Wards 7 and 8 with free quality furniture and essential household items. It has furnished 800 homes so far, said FurnishHopeDC’s founder Niki Mock.

The non-profit collects gently used furniture, home goods, and other necessary items through donations from the community. These items are then redistributed to families and individuals in need, allowing them to furnish their homes and start fresh. In addition, the nonprofit sets up and arranges the donated items in the recipients’ homes, ensuring that they have a functional and welcoming living space.

“FHDC has given people in Ward 7 and 8 communities respites from confusion because even though people may be housed, it would make no sense if the housing is not a home,” Herbert said.

Creating Homes

Having basic furniture and other necessities is an important signal of normalcy. “Children’s well-being is affected because they don’t always have the adequate basic life necessities as needed, like comfortable bed sheets and a decent bowl to eat cereal out of,” says Herbert.

“The organization strives to create a comfortable and safe living environment for those who are transitioning out of homelessness or facing financial hardships in Ward 7 and 8,” said Mock.

The current goal of FHDC GoFundMe page is $20,000. Thus far, the nonprofit has raised $8,136. “Every dollar you donate helps furnish the homes of residents who need basic furniture and household goods,” states the organization’s website.

Money is not the only objective, FHDC also relies on donations of gentlyused furniture and household goods. These include, but are not limited to: couches/chairs, beds, toddler beds/cribs, dressers, dining room/kitchen tables/kitchen chairs, dishes, pots/pans, sheets/towels, televisions, microwaves, and bicycles.

“If it wasn’t for the donors, there would be no FHDC assisting individuals and families in need,” said Herbert.

FHDC “offers a sense of stability and hope to those who are struggling by providing these basic necessities,” said a Ward 7 resident.

“I respect Niki for what she’s doing and bringing this stuff to our hood,” said Herbert.

LEFT: Adriane Herbert (left) and Niki Mock, FurnishHopeDC partners in front of one of their six storage units on Southern Ave. Photo: Courtesy FurnishHopeDC

Starting Up

37 years ago, Mock moved to the DC area. Moving to Ward 8, she began volunteering after witnessing the hardships of her neighbors. She helped build a library at the Abram Simon Elementary School and assisted families in need through the Washington Hebrew Congregation. At Stone Soup, she also created videos for other nonprofits to aid in fundraising.

“It bothered me at a very young age just the fact that being White or having fair skin gives a person more advantages in society,” said Mock.

In May of 2020, Mock created a GoFundMe campaign to raise money to buy a box truck to distribute furniture to those in need in Wards 7 and 8, motivated in large part by the reduction of services due to the pandemic. This soon led to the founding of FHDC and linking up with Herbert, who had founded her own non-profit Village of H.O.P.E. Inc (www.villageofhopeinc.org).

One of the first challenges was finding a perma-

nent home for the FHDC’s furniture distribution operation. The organization “had to operate out of a box truck for nine months before securing a new location on Good Hope Road,” said Mock. That initial location proved unsustainable due to its high rent and safety issues.

“Currently, I have five storage units and offices at the Hive, but clients cannot see the furniture beforehand which poses a challenge,” Mock said.

How It Works

FHDC obtains its furniture through donations. The organization does not take any really large items, due to the limitations of the spaces it furnishes. Glass items are also declined due to their danger to children. TV stands, night and coffee tables are in large demand. FHDC takes household items in good condition if a donor drops them off. Furniture pickup can be arranged.

Volunteers are critical. They help FHDC find furniture, organize its storage facilities, arrange household goods for client delivery and transport furniture. They also assist Herbert with home visits. The organization is also seeking help with grant writing. It is also training volunteer mentors to assist clients with caring and arranging their homes.

FHDC has a three-step intake process for its clients. First, they must be a resident of Wards 7 or 8. Herbert then conducts a home visit to assess client needs assisted by volunteers. They check the size of the rooms, doorways, whether access is up flights of stairs as well as the overall condition of the home. They then arrange curbside delivery, although items can be brought into the home itself for an additional $40.

Ward 7 and 8 residents who are interested in receiving furniture are encouraged to email adriane@furnishhopedc.org to start the process. To learn more about Furnish Hope DC or to volunteer, visit www.furnishhopedc.org or call 1-771-215-0529. For questions about furniture donations, email donatefurniture@furnishhopedc.org. u

Above: A very happy little girl is thrilled with her room, furnished with donations to FurnishHopeDC.

Below: FurnishHopeDC’s Niki Mock, box truck driver Darnell Morris (left) and Dave Wilson, his assistant, deliver furniture to families in Wards 7 and 8.

Adriane Herbert and a volunteer with boxes of donated home goods.. Photo: Courtesy FurnishHopeDC.

Fort Dupont Park Summer Concerts Announced

The National Park Service has announced the 2024 concert schedule. Join them on Saturdays, Sept. 7, Sept. 14 and Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. (gates at 5:30 p.m.) for family-friendly free, live music performances from wellknown artists with past and present hits. Here’s the lineup: Sept. 7, Experience Unlimited (E.U.) featuring Sugar Bear, The Blackbyrds and DJ Lance Reynolds; Sept. 14, Rahsaan Patterson, The Amours and DJ Lance Reynolds; Sept. 21, Avery Sunshine, Maimouna Youssef (aka Mumu Fresh) and DJ Lance Reynolds. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and food. Dogs on a leash are also welcome. Prohibited: alcohol or illegal substances, large coolers, glass bottles, grills and open ames and umbrellas. Fort Dupont Park’s amphitheater is at 3600 F St. SE. nps.gov/fodu.

A Night at the Museum: Celebrating 57 years of ACM!

On Thursday, Sept. 10, 7 to 10 p.m., join the celebration of 57 years of the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. Embracing the legacy of preserving the community stories of Washington DC, this year they are pulling a page from the past and hosting a 90’s themed party. Guests will enjoy throwback vibes by Farrah Flosscett and be entertained by local breakdancers. Experience ACM’s current exhibition: A Bold and Beautiful Vision: A Century of Black Arts Education In Washington, D.C. 1900 -2000. Bar service provided by Sugar Rim, small bites by 7 Starr Wings and Penny Candy to bring home the nostalgia. Free admission but reserve a spot at anacostia.si.edu/events.

First Saturday Bird Walk at Kenilworth Park

On the First Saturday of every month, join a NPS volunteer birder at 8:30 a.m. for a bird walk around the aquatic gardens. All are welcome including beginners. Be sure to bring water, sunscreen and binoculars if you own some. A limited number of binoculars can be borrowed with a photo ID. It is a slow-paced, two-hour walk covering about one mile. No reservation required. Just show up. nps.gov/keaq.

Black Beaches During Segregation by Rik Freeman

Through Sept. 28, Hon eur Gallery, 1241 Marion Barry Ave. SE, presents “Black Beaches During Segregation” by award-winning DC muralist and artist Rik Freeman as part of its Artist in Residency program. This series of oil paintings focuses on the Atlantic Seaboard and how segregation and Jim Crow laws meant to degrade the humanity of Black people, instead inspired the creation of these Black beaches and recreational areas. Says Freeman, “I chose to portray the fellowship, joy, and history of Black Beaches, a history of overcoming the degradation of racist Jim Crow laws.” Gallery hours are Thursday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m., or by appointment. hon eurgallerydc.com.

DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in

DC Open Doors

DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership inthe city. is programo ers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on rst trust

DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership i city. is programo ers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on rst trust

DC Open Doors

homebuyer or a D.C. resident , be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia

DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership inthe city. is programo ers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on rst trust homebuyer or a D.C. resident , be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia

HPAP provides interest free deferred loans for down serves as a co-administrator of this DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) rst-time home buyer program.

DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership in the city. This program offers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on first trust mortgages.You are not required to be a first-time homebuyer or a D.C. resident to qualify for DCOD. You must, however, be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia.

HPAP provides interest free deferred loans for down serves as a co-administrator of this DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) rst-time home buyer program.

years or older who have fallen behind on insurance and tax payments as a result of their reverse mortgage. Quali ed District homeowners can receive up to

DC4ME

years or older who have fallen behind on insurance and tax payments as a result of their reverse mortgage. Quali ed District homeowners can receive up to

DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees.

DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees. DC4ME is o ered to current full-time District government employees, including employees of District government-based instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower's employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia.

years or older who have fallen behind on insurance and tax payments as a result of their reverse mortgage. Quali ed District homeowners can receive up to

COVID-19

DC4ME is offered to current fulltime District government employees, including employees of District government-based instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower’s employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia.

COVID-19

DC MAP COVID-19 provides nancial assistance to those a ected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quali ed borrowers can receive a loan of up to $5,000 per month to put toward their mortgage for up to six months.

COVID-19

Upgrade Electric Vehicle Charging Station in Ward 7

The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) has announced that it has started work to repair and upgrade an inoperable electric vehicle charging station in Ward 7 that will have higher charging capacity and be available to the public 24/7. The EV charging project will replace an out-of-service charging station at 3355a Benning Rd. NE near I-295. This station will add four high-capacity DC fast charging ports that will more than triple the speed of vehicle charging compared to the previous output. For more information on the DC’s transportation goals and the Transportation Electri cation Roadmap, visit doee.dc.gov/node/1481281.

Family-Friendly Late Skate at Anacostia Park

On the last Saturday of the month, Sept. 28 and Oct. 26 (Halloween Late Skate), skate until 10 p.m. and enjoy the featured DJ or band. Events last throughout the day and include double dutch, lawn games, job fairs, boat trips and

more. You can skate anytime at Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion--the one and only roller-skating rink in the National Park Service. nps.gov/anac.

National Public Lands Day

Volunteer Event at Fort Dupont

On Saturday, Sept. 28, 9 a.m. to noon, join the Student Conservation Association to remove litter and invasive species at Fort Dupont Park. All participants will receive a public lands fee-free coupon in honor of National Public Lands Day. Wear close-toed shoes and bring a water bottle. It is also recommended that participants wear pants and a hat. Those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. No reservation needed. Meet at the Fort Dupont Park Activity Center, Fort Dupont Drive. nps.gov/fodu.

Washington Mystics at Entertainment and Sports Arena

The Washington Mystics are the premier professional women’s basketball team playing in Washington, DC. Here’s the September line-

Go-Kart-Fun at Union Market

In partnership with Events DC, Union Market District is creating a unique go-kart racing experience, powered by the world’s premier go-kart racing operator, K1 Speed. From Sept. 19 to 22, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., each day, and for the rst time in DC, the parking lot at the Market will be transformed into an outdoor racetrack. The weekend will be packed with go-karting excitement for all ages (minimum required height of 58”), from seasoned racers to complete beginners. Each 15-minute race will accommodate six drivers, making every race a thrilling and enjoyable shared experience, perfect for making memories with family and friends. But it’s not just about the speed; groove to live music, enjoy awesome entertainment and dig into a variety of delicious food and beverage from Union Market District’s favorite restaurants and bars. unionmarketdc.com/event/go-karts-at-union-market.

Open Streets DC (no cars, just people)

On Saturday, Oct. 5, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (road closure is from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.), Open Streets returns to Seventh Street NW. One mile of Seventh Street NW, from Rhode Island Avenue to E Street, will be closed to vehicles to allow people to safely walk, run, bike, and play. Open Streets will include hourly programmed classes and demonstrations, including yoga, dancing, and more. The event is free and suitable for all ages and abilities. No cars, just people! openstreets.dc.gov.

up: Minnesota Lynx vs. Mystics, Sept. 8, 3 p.m.; Atlanta Dream vs. Mystics, Sept. 15, 3 p.m.; New York Liberty vs. Mystics, Sept. 17, 7 p.m.; and Indiana Fever vs. Mystics, Sept. 19, 7 p.m. Tickets start at $33. The Entertainment and Sports Arena is at 11 Oak Dr. SE. eventsdc.com/venue/entertainmentand-sports-arena.

Essential Theatre presents ZORA

In song, dance and memoir, this play brings the Harlem renaissance alive as it a ected the life of Zora Neale Hurston. The Essential Theatre Women’s Work Program’s ZORA is at the Anacostia Arts Center, 1231 Marion Barry Ave. SE, from Sept. 18 to Oct. 6. Tickets are $35. The play is appropriate for ages eleven and older. theessentialtheatre.org.

American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith

What happens when a people decide to govern themselves? America’s national treasures come to life in this compelling exhibition that examines the bold experiment to create a government “of the people, by the people, and for the people.” American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith at the American History Museum explores the history of citizen participation, debate, and compromise from the nation’s formation to today. Through objects such as Thom-

as Je erson’s portable desk, used to draft the Declaration of Independence and the table on which Elizabeth Cady Stanton wrote the Declaration of Sentiments, the exhibition focuses on the changing political ideals and principles of the nation, citizenship in a pluralistic society, and political participation and engagement. americanhistory.si.edu/explore/exhibitions/american-democracy.

DC PARK(ing) Day 2024

DC PARK(ing) Day returns on Friday, Sept. 20, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. This annual event is an opportunity for District residents and businesses to display their creativity, building a pop-up park in curbside parking spaces throughout the District. Initially started in San Francisco in 2005, PARK(ing) Day is an event in which residents, businesses, and community organizations re-think the use of public space by converting metered on-street parking spaces into temporary parks. Since its inception, the event has spread to cities around the world. Read more at public-spaceactivation-dcgis.hub.arcgis.com/pages/parking-day.

Southwest Nights at Arena Stage

Arena Stage patrons who live or work in Southwest DC can buy discounted tickets for specially designated Southwest Night performances of each production. Tickets are $36 for musicals and $26 for nonmusicals, plus fees. Proof of Southwest DC residency

Call for Entries: An Artistic Self-Portrait

In 2026, the United States will come together to mark a momentous occasion: the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. As we reflect on our nation’s progress and acknowledge the work yet to be done, our collective cultural journey gives us the opportunity to engage, evolve, and elevate the narrative of our nation’s story. Through Dec. 31, 2025, as part of the Kennedy Center’s 2026 Promise of US programming, the public is invited to submit an artistic self-portrait to be part of a virtual wall of faces expressing the myriad diversity of America’s peoples and the promise of America’s future. This ever-expanding mosaic will be featured on the Center’s website and social channels. Read more and submit a portrait at kennedy-center.org/whats-on/festivals-series/promise-of-us/join-us/portraits.

or employment for each member of the party must be presented at the time of ticket pickup. Tickets are based on availability. Here are the dates through the end of the year: Jaja’s African Hair Braiding; Sept. 10, 7:30 p.m. and Sept. 21, 2 p.m.; The Other Americans; Oct. 24, 8 p.m. and Oct. 27, 2 p.m.; DATA; Nov. 1, 7 p.m. and Nov. 10, 2 p.m.; Death on the Nile, Nov. 30, 2 p.m. and Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m. arenastage.org.

Diabetes Education at Francis A. Gregory Library

On Saturdays, 1 to 2:30 p.m., join Francis A. Gregory Library, 3660 Alabama Ave. SE, for in-person sessions to learn about diabetes and the skills necessary to improve your health. Topics covered include healthy eating, physical activity, monitoring, medications and preventing complications. You will also have access to a diabetes educator and lifestyle coach, a registered dietitian, a fitness instructor and a support group. No registration required. dclibrary.org.

Volunteer at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

On Saturdays, Sept. 21 and Oct. 19, 9 a.m. to noon, participate in a variety of park stewardship activities including invasive plant re-

moval, litter collection, flower bed weeding, trail maintenance and more. Some activities involve working in shallow ponds. These events will run rain or shine—dress accordingly and plan to work outside. All necessary tools and supplies including gloves, boots, waders, shovels, rakes, wheelbarrows, trash bags, trash pickers and more will be provided. Space is limited, however, walk-up registration is available if space permits. Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is at 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE. There is plenty of parking. nps.gov/keaq.

New Lane Place Pedestrian Bridge Opens

The District Department of Transportation has announced the completion and opening of the new Lane Place Pedestrian Bridge over DC-295. The new bridge, which replaces the previous structure that was struck by a truck and collapsed on June 23, 2021, is now open to the public, providing a safer and more accessible route for pedestrians. This significant infrastructure project is designed to enhance pedestrian safety and connectivity in the community. The new bridge will improve access to mass transit and other neighborhoods for residents in Mayfair, Parkside, Eastland Gardens, and the surrounding communities of Ward 7. laneplacepedestrianbridgedc.com.

AARP Annual Community Health, Wellness and Resource Fair

The Southwest Waterfront AARP’s Annual Community Health, Wellness and Resource Fair is on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at River Park Mutual Homes’ Charles Goodman Common Room, 1311 Delaware Ave. SW. The Fair provides: George Washington University hearing screenings, medical professionals, legal counsel for the elderly with resources and services, Department of Insurance, Securities and banking resources and services, and public service Information. It is open to the entire Washington, DC senior community, their families, friends, and neighbors. Off-street parking is available. The Waterfront Metro on the Green Line is two blocks away. Bus 74 stops in front of the River Park Delaware Avenue Gate. A box lunch will be provided. For further information contact Betty Jean Tolbert Jones, bettyjeantolbertjones@yahoo.com or 202-554-0901.

Sounds of Africa Concerts at the African Art Museum

Celebrate 60 years of African Art with the Sounds of Africa concert series featuring the music of the African diaspora. This ongoing series brings together a lineup of artists who are pushing the boundaries of music from Africa while honoring its roots. Here’s the lineup: Sept. 28, 4 to 7 p.m., Artist Collective features talented musicians and vocalists in the DMV community from across Africa and its diaspora; Oct. 26, 7 to 10 p.m., Crank Lukongo and Dior

Ashley Brown and the Filthy Animals--Crank Lukongo combines the rhythmic foundation of DC’s Go-Go music with elements of soul, jazz, reggae, blues, rock, Afrobeat, folk, and hip-hop; Nov. 16, 7 to 10 p.m., Dokun Afrotonics Afrobeat Band featuring Wunmi–This band offers a vibrant blend of Afrobeat infused with Brazilian styles and Afro-Cuban rhythms. Wunmi brings her R&B, soul, funk, and Afrobeat expertise to the stage. Grab a drink, enjoy the lively beats, and dance the night away. africa.si.edu/event/ sounds-of-africa-concert-series-2/.

2024 Slice of Life Pie Selling

Sign-ups

are Open

Food & Friends is the only community-based program that prepares and home-delivers nutritious meals and support, free of charge, to individuals living with a serious or chronic illness throughout the Washington, DC region. To sign up to be a Slice of Life Pie seller, click on Seller HQ and Login at the top of page at sliceoflifedc.org/about-slice-oflife. If you already have an account, reactivate it. If you are a new user, create an account. You can also create or join a team. Recruit your friends, colleagues and family to sign up as sellers as well. Pie sales to the public open on Oct. 1. sliceoflifedc.org.

Friends of Anacostia Park Names New Executive Director

Freshfarm ACM Farmstand

The FRESHFARM ACM Farm Stand takes place on the outdoor plaza of the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE, every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., through Nov. 23. Park View Farms supplies the farm stand with their own homegrown produce and additional fruits and vegetables that they aggregate from neighboring farms. The stand offers FreshMatch, FRESHFARM’s incentive program, which provides a dollar-to-dollar match on all federal benefits (WIC and Senior and WIC FMNP) spent at the stand, helping shoppers take home more fresh and nutritious produce and local foods. The stand also accepts Produce Plus, a benefit program unique to Washington, DC, which provides locally grown, fresh produce to District residents with limited access to fresh, healthy food. anacostia.si.edu/events.

Memorial and Kennedy Center. This free tour meets at the parkway side of the footbridge. No registration required. nps.gov/this.

Opioid Overdose Awareness Event

Friends of Anacostia Park has announced the appointment of Kenyatta T. Brunson as its new Executive Director. Brunson is an accomplished leader in nonprofit management and community engagement, bringing extensive experience to her role. Brunson will lead Friends of Anacostia Park in its mission to enhance and preserve one of Washington, DC’s largest green spaces. Her appointment marks a significant milestone as the organization enters a next-level growth and strategic development phase. For more information about Friends of Anacostia Park and upcoming initiatives, visit friendsofanaostiapark.org or contact Lydia Daniel at lydia@thefoap.org.

NPS Theodore Roosevelt Island Tours

Every Saturday through Oct. 26 at 10:30 a.m., join a ranger or National Park Service volunteer for a 75-minute walk on Theodore Roosevelt Island. You will learn about the conservation legacy of our 26th president, Theodore Roosevelt. You will also learn of the 1st United States Colored Troops who trained on the island during the Civil War and the Mason family who owned the island for more than one hundred years. Theodore Roosevelt Island features areas of marsh and swamp that can be seen from a boardwalk. It also features an upland forest and views of the Lincoln

On Wednesday, Sept. 18, 4 to 8 p.m., the h3 Project hosts their annual opioid overdose awareness and prevention event at Columbus Circle in front of Union Station. This event focuses on education and resources relating to opioid overdoses, opioid overdose reversal, and opioid overdose prevention. The h3 Project’s vision is to create a future in which all individuals--regardless of gender, age, race, religion, or sexual orientation--experiencing homelessness and/or human trafficking--are given opportunities to live meaningful and self-directed lives, in homes of their choice, with support and services they need for success. The h3 Project embraces the spirit of recovery and an attitude of self-directed hope, partnering with each individual to help shape their personal journey and realize their potential. h3projectdc.org.

BBQ and Barrels at Nat’s Park

On Saturday, Oct. 5, 3 to 6 p.m. (rain or shine), experience the ultimate fusion of flavors as BBQ and Barrels returns to Nationals Park for its second annual event. Savor the rich and distinctive profiles of American whiskey, rye, and bourbon, featuring selections from Bardstown Bourbon, Virginia Distillery, Uncle Nearest, Kentucky Owl, Buffalo Trace, Blue Run, Found North Whisky, KO Distilling, Walker’s Cay and more. Pair these fine spirits with delectable local BBQ dishes from Rocklands, and Silver Sons Barbecue all while enjoying live music and other festivities. General admission is $75; early entry, $95; non-tasting, $25. All guests must be at least 21. mlb.com/nationals/ tickets/events/bbq-barrels.

National Apple Harvest Festival

Located in the heart of Pennsylvania Apple country, just north of Gettysburg, the National Apple Harvest Festival celebrates the fall season with beautiful handmade crafts, delicious food, and jam-packed entertainment. The festival has special attractions ranging from steam engine displays, live music, antique cars, orchard tours, pony rides, tastings and craftsman demonstrations. The National Apple Harvest Festival is on Oct. 5, 6, 12, and 13; open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. $10 admission; free under twelve. The festival is held outdoors annually at the South Mountain Fairgrounds in Biglerville, located nine miles northwest of Gettysburg. appleharvest.com.

DC Theatre Week Returns

During Theatre Week, Sept. 26 to Oct. 13, you can purchase tickets for $20, $40, or $60 to over 30 shows. They’ve got musicals, plays, classics, new work, and more. During Theatre Week, you can immerse yourself in the full world of DC-area theatre. Read more at theatreweek.org.

Neighborhood Legal Services: Jazz for Justice

This year, the Neighborhood Legal Services Program celebrates 60 years of providing free civil legal services to DC’s most vulnerable individuals and families. Join them on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 9 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.) for Jazz for Justice 2024 at the Intercontinental Washington DC-The Wharf, 801 Wharf St. SW, where they present Karen M. Hardwick, Senior Vice President & General Counsel at WGL Holdings, Inc., and Washington Gas Light Company, with their prestigious Leader of Justice Award. To learn more about the event and purchase tickets and/or donate, visit nlsp.org/donate/jazz-for-justice-2024.

Do you have a notice for Bulletin Board? The EOR Bulletin Board includes event notices, volunteer opportunities and other community news. If you have a notice, send it to bulletinboard@hillrag.com. ◆

east washington life

Theater Night

A Curated Preview of Theater in the DMV

by Matthew McClure

Nobody said it better than Smokey Robinson and The Miracles. Women really do make the world go ‘round, so this month’s column previews theater that tells the stories of strong, independent women who have and continue to craft lasting legacies. We’ve also included a roundup of DC Theatre Week, running from September 26 to October 13, in case you needed a reminder of why you absolutely shouldn’t miss this performing arts extravaganza (discounted tickets, anyone?). See you there!

On Right Now

Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill

Mosaic Theater Company

Showing Sep 5 – Oct 6 www.mosaictheater.org

Step back to March of 1959 and watch in awe as the iconic Billie Holiday – known as Lady Day – once again takes to the stage to wrap her sweet, smoldering voice around you like a loving embrace.

This journey to the past is courtesy of Mosaic The-

ater Company’s Reginald L. Douglas, who is directing Lanie Robertson’s Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill in partnership with Washington Performing Arts. Robertson’s play opened in Atlanta, GA in 1986 and is an intimate portrayal of the life of the imitable Billie Holiday as told through a repertoire of her most popular songs. This legendary jazz singer with an unmatched vocal range is being given soul again by DC’s equally legendary Roz White in a theater at the Atlas Performing Arts Center that’s been cleverly disguised as a smoky jazz bar in Philadelphia.

White, who has several Helen Hayes Awards in recognition of her outstanding contribution to music and theater in DC, has always felt a special connection to Holiday. “The preparation for me is digging into the parts of myself that are very similar. I’ve studied the great ladies of Jazz, Blues and Soul my entire life. Billy Holiday is another legend that I’ve been celebrating. I’ve been connected to her forever.”

Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill takes place in the twilight years of Holiday’s career -when the ravages of drugs, alcohol and sporadic bouts of imprisonment began to take their toll on the singer’s body and voice. But White is adamant that her rendition of Holiday is a tribute to the songstresses’ passions and dreams on and off the stage, rather than a story about substance abuse. “The preparation has been to remove any negative connotations. Life is life. What we may not know is that she wanted to cook, and she wanted kids. She gets to tell those stories and gets to be human. I’m not trying to do an impersonation of Billie Holiday. What we’re doing is celebrating the light that she brought into the world with her music.”

Robertson’s musical selections cover the full range of Holiday’s inspirations, from Bessie Smith (Gimme a Pigfoot and a Bottle of Beer) to Abel Meeropol’s hauntingly evocative Strange Fruit. While Holiday’s career peak predated the onset of the Civil Rights movement, her determination to perform only on her terms and craft her own sound were the seeds of a larger agitation against disenfranchisement. “I believe Strange Fruit was the beginning of art as activism.” White agrees. “Actually singing a song in protest.”

Something to look forward to will be the

chemistry between White and her band members, specifically William Knowles (on piano) and Greg Holloway (on drums and percussion), both of whom she’s worked with for over 25 years. White’s synchronicity with her musicians mirrors that of Holiday and the men she performed with on stages from Café Society to Carnegie Hall. “William called me a bourbon drinking, trash talking jazz musician in rehearsal and I was like, yes! That’s it!” White laughs. “It’s going to feel like family up on that stage.”

In the Spotlight

Theatre Week

From September 26 to October 13, DC audiences will be immersed in the plethora of award-winning creativity that embodies theater in our city. Theatre Week is Theatre Washington’s annual homage to the city’s creative stage family, where you’ll be able to chat to playwrights, actors, directors, producers, and theater experts while walking, biking or bussing DC’s many stages.

Amy Austin, CEO and President of Theatre Washington, says Theatre Week is all about celebrating the city’s theater community. “There’s so much collaboration that happens.” Austin says. “Between artists, designers. It’s very close knit in many ways and that allows for conversations that con-

nect them. We think of Theater Week as a time of exploring and discovery. We create events that get people out and thinking about theater. You’re able to learn more about the community and who’s in it.”

One of the purposes of Theater Week, Austin points out, is to cover the broad range of stage experiences possible in DC, from Woolly Mammoth’s gritty experimental shows to Arena Stage’s big-ticket pageants. ”The variety of theater that we have and the diversity of voices is what Theater Week brings to the surface.” Austin’s top recommendations for DC Theatre Week? “It’s so hard to pick out particular productions, because I want people to pick out what speaks to them. What kind of theatre do you want to see? There are lots of great productions coming. There are over 30 to choose from!”

Don’t Miss:

The City on the River Concert, Sunday, September 22 at 2 p.m. at The Wharf in SW DC. This event is totally free but

Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill: Roz White as Billie Holiday.

Photo: Chris Banks.

does require registration. You’ll be able to experience the talents of 15 of DC’s superstar performers for 90 minutes up close and personal, and Melani N. Douglass—a DC based artist, curator, thinker and leader—will exhibit an installation and facilitate intimate community conversations focused on the impact of theater.

The Theatre Week Kicko Fest, Saturday, September 28 from 1 to 5 p.m at Arena Stage (1101 6th St SW). Not only will you get to have conversations with theater makers from over 40 DC theaters, but you’ll also get to witness John Johnson’s Playback Interactive Theatre, where Johnson and his performers will enact community stories gathered during the event and “play them back” to audiences. There’s no charge to at-

tend this event but you’ll need to register to attend.

To register for tickets and learn more about DC Theatre Week’s full schedule including bike and walking tours of DC theaters, visit www.theatreweek.org.

Catch before Closing

Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, Arena Stage Showing Sep 6 – Oct 13 www.arenastage.org

Jaja’s African Hair Braiding is open for business! Ghanian-American playwright Jocelyn Bioh’s play about a group of close-knit West African immigrant women sharing secrets, laughs, hopes and aspirations within the sancti ed space of Jaja’s hair salon in Harlem premiered at the Manhattan Theatre Club last year and will feature Victoire Charles as Jaja for its Arena Stage debut.

Charles is from Queens and understudied the role of Jaja during the Broadway run. She feels a deep a nity with this tale of strong women ghting for acceptance, respect, recognition, and independence. “Our rst rehearsal was a day of beautiful tears.” She con des. “The connection we have to these characters and the connection we have to Jocelyn; she’s a force beyond.” Bioh’s play spotlights the hallowed ground of hair salons that you’d recognize from the streets of Lagos to the alleys of Harlem.

As a rst-generation American citizen born of Haitian parents who immigrated to New York in the 1960s, Charles resonates with the undercurrent of identity politics that forms part of the play’s narrative. She’s also aware of the life-changing power of being able to see a story you identify with up on stage. “The stars of the show are these women that Jaja has wrangled together to make this prosperous business. She knows their hopes and dreams and let downs. You’re going to see everyone’s American Dream unfold. All the things they left behind and the things they’re hoping for in the future.”

The relatability of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, as Charles says, is being able to see the sacri ces that people make for those they love to build a legacy that outlasts themselves. And that’s a story that everyone can identify with. ◆

How to participate:

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Webinar ID: 91628647160 Passcode: 776540

YOUR 2023-2024 COMMISSIONERS ELECTED TO SERVE YOU

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Chairperson

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Vacancy in Single Member District 7D02 By computer: https://dc-gov.zoom.us/j/9162864 7160?pwd=NVdldTZiRitFODdSUVJZQVBGdHk5UT09

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We invite volunteers to join our five Commission committees, which include: Community Outreach/Grants, Economic Development/ Housing Justice, Environment,

Victoire Charles plays Jaja in Jaja’s African Hair Braiding.

Meet Anthony Moore Licensed Professional Counselor

by Anthony D. Diallo

As a teenager, other students and friends always felt comfortable confiding their deepest secrets to Anthony Moore. Girls would tell him personal things about their boyfriends and guys would share their fears and aspirations.

“Maybe I should not admit to this, but I was always that empathetic guy. Perhaps at times, too empathetic. My mantra is about helping people to attain and maintain peace,” said Moore, 58, who received his license as a Maryland therapist 14 years ago and earned his District of Columbia credentials in 2016. He plans to acquire his Virginia license in the future as well.

Start Up

Right now Moore is transitioning from his former life as a school counselor in Fairfax, Virginia. His primary concern right now is identifying the best brick and mortar facility to counsel clients in-person—individuals, couples, and families—as opposed to only seeing them virtually or talking to them on the phone.

“I am looking forward to expanding and getting office space in either Ward 7 or Ward 8 [East of the River] as soon as possible,” said Moore.

Moore’s clients have sought his expertise in handling many different life challenges including career counseling, grief and loss, family conflict and parenting, sports performance, and marital and pre-marital counseling. Therapy is paid for out of pocket for services, through their insurance, or a combination of insurance and self-pay.

Although Bill Williams was not an official client of Moore, he is a longtime friend. Williams considers Moore “trustworthy, serious, sincere, conscientious, and caring. He has been invaluable to me during some rough patches and been there for me through childbirths, a divorce, and especially when my father passed.” Williams, who is the Managing Director of the Hush Harbor Group LLC

in Germantown, initially met Moore 39 years ago while both were in school.

Ecstatic East of the River Resident

The transplant from upstate New York, who grew up as the youngest of five children in an Albany suburb, has lived in the Dupont Park neighborhood of Ward 7 since 2004, sharing his single-family home with his wife Dione and. their two adult children—Daniel and Bailey. Before the move to Dupont Park, the family lived just off Alabama Avenue in Southeast for 10 years.

“I love living in Ward 7. It is ideal and refreshing. You can get anywhere in 30 minutes – Maryland and Virginia. This is a hidden gem. Southeast has a lot to offer, especially now that we have such new restaurants like the Highlands Café and Grill and Miss Toya’s [Southern Kitchen] in the Penn Branch Center],” Moore said.

Retired School Counselor

Moore worked for 25 years as a school counselor for Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), before retiring this past March. He counseled both students and parents on the best ways for children to be successful in high school and beyond. Moore also conducted group sessions on how to overcome problems and find solutions. Expectations for each child to succeed in FCPS are high.

“It was challenging, but at times very gratifying. You learn to embrace your duties and over time, do your job to the best of your abilities. The biggest challenge at times was working with and assisting people who didn’t understand that you were helping them.”

The veteran educator expounded by sharing a story of how one mother, while attending a social affair, casually complained about

Moore to one of his peers— another counselor—saying that he (Moore) had done nothing for her son. That same mother was stunned to learn that not only had Moore advocated for her son, but he had taken the extra time to travel to Charlottesville and meet with the University of Virginia admission staff on the son’s behalf.

Mental Health

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, September is Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Month. It is a month when people especially remember the lives lost to suicide and the thousands of people dealing with depression daily.

Moore has counseled individuals battling with depression and recalls firsthand an incident that adversely affected him as an undergraduate student at Howard University. He and a fellow student were walking back home to their dormitory hall when they heard and partially witnessed an assailant shooting someone.

It was a harrowing experience. Moore, years later, found out that his friend received counseling to cope with the incident. Moore, however, did not. Instead, Moore tried to cope with the incident on his own. That did not work. His grades suffered and it became his worst academic year.

Kimberly Nichols-Green is a friend of Moore’s from college. She remembers how “he could be both funny and serious. His funniness comes out more. Anthony can read people pretty well. The profession that he has chosen is very suited for him. He can get info from people who weren’t initially planning on divulging that much info [and then use that information to help them].”

Communication, or the lack thereof, is the primary issue behind people’s problems, Moore believes. Often in a relationship or even marriage, the person does not completely express their expectations to their partner or betrothed. No one, according to Moore, can meet uncommunicated expectations.

“I want people to win! Everybody has a story. Getting down to what that story is… that is important. People have trauma in their lives,” said Moore who is trying to help one client, couple, or family at a time with their lives and trauma.

You can reach Anthony Moore at www.aidancounseling.com. The company’s phone number is 240-685-1602. u

Anthony Moore (middle), and his family. His son, Daniel Moore (left), daughter, Bailey Moore (right), his wife, Dionne Moore.

The Man from Anacostia A Prayer for Ward 8; On the Arrest of Trayon White

by Philip Pannell

Humans are imperfect; we all make mistakes. Nevertheless, there are certain occupations where I want those professionals to be better than I am. I can hold grudges. I want my pastor to be unceasingly forgiving. I am impatient. I want teachers to have the patience of Job. I can have flashes of anger. I demand that the police always be even-tempered. And I want my elected officials to be the examples that youths can aspire to be.

We in Ward 8 were shocked by the arrest of our Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White Sr. and everyone has expressed disappoint ment. However, equally disappointing are some of the reactions of our residents. Some persons say our Councilmember was set up. Yes, he was. That was exactly what the FBI sting was designed to do. The antidote to being set up is to always be honest. The hallmark of integrity is to do the right thing even when no one is watching.

guilty verdict was reached in the court of public opinion. In a legal court, he could have possibly been found not guilty on the basis of temporary insanity. The public’s commonsense immediately reached the decision P Diddy was crazy.

Howard University had given the Bison graduate an honorary degree, which after the video was released it revoked. The Howard University Board of Trustees in its statement said that Comb’s behavior in the video was “fundamentally incompatible with Howard University’s core values and beliefs and that he is deemed no longer worthy to hold the institution’s highest honor.” The board also disbanded the scholarship program in his name, returned his $1 million contribution and discontinued a gift agreement for a pledge of $1 million. Now, that is how you make an immediate and clear statement.

There are those who say he took bribes in order to help the community. (I think all of us would love to have that type of unconditional support.) But I do not think he was being Robin Hood. It looks like he was robbing the hood — particularly of funds earmarked for violence interruption.

All of our community activists and leaders are singing from the hymnal of due process. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. I, too, am in that chorus. But I am also in the pew of commonsense.

In June of this year, after a video was released of the hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs showing him physically beating his ex-woman friend, a quick

In our community there are those who too many times are willing to overlook, rationalize, accommodate and justify negative behaviors in the name of socio-economic deprivations or racial injustice. We see the results of this manifested in Metro turnstile jumping, supermarket shoplifting and the refusal of murder witnesses to anonymously give tips. The community should not be subjected to depraved behaviors because of individuals’ deprivations.

I read the charging affidavit alleging the criminal activities of our Ward 8 Councilmember. It was as sickening as a Donald Trump speech. The photos of his taking bribes looked like pictorial masterpieces in a rogues’ gallery. They were candid head shots of his playing tricks and trash with taxpayer’s cash.

I am a strong Democrat but I in good conscience

cannot vote to reelect our Democratic Ward 8 Councilmember. The other candidate on the ballot is a right-wing Republican. I refuse to choose between conservatism and corruption. I will write in a name and I urge Ward 8 voters to do the same. There are declared write-in candidates and, also, voters can write in their own names. However, I predict that the incumbent will win reelection and Ward 8 will look foolish and be the butt of more jokes. My hope is that a majority of Ward 8 voters with their writeins will send the message that ethical values count.

All of the immense good that our Ward 8 Councilmember has done for our community is in no way negated by the photos and recounting of his alleged illegal activities. What is so sad is that his upward vocational, economic and political mobility was accompanied by an ethical and moral decline. He was infected by the virus of materialism which led him to move on up to a deluxe apartment in the sky. Maybe he was joined by George and Louise Jefferson as they looked over the Anacostia River and at the Ward 8 neighborhoods that still constitute the unpromised land.

I am praying for our Ward 8 Councilmember, his family, friends, our community and the city.

Long-time Ward 8 community activist Philip Pannell can be contacted at philippannell@comcast.net. Pannell is the executive director of the Anacostia Coordinating Council. Help make Wards 7 and 8 great! Become a member of the Anacostia Coordinating Council. Visit http://www.anacostiacc. org/join-us.html. u

Changing Hands

CONDO

kids & family

National Fossil Day at Natural History

On Wednesday, Oct. 16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., celebrate National Fossil Day with real dinosaurs and free, kid-friendly activities in the museum’s David H. Koch Hall of Fossils—Deep Time. Scientists and educators from the Smithsonian will be on hand to welcome families and anyone interested in exploring Earth’s deep past. You can touch and hold real fossils, observe experts at work in the FossiLab, get up-close to the Nation’s T. rex and discover new paleo icons. No registration required. naturalhistory.si.edu.

by Kathleen Donner

Hill Center Family Day

Family Day at Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, is on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2 to 6 p.m. Guests can enjoy horse drawn carriage rides provided by Harmon’s Carriages and kiddie rock music by King Bullfrog. Balloons by Brenda will create memorable works of balloon art and Turley the Magician will impress the crowd. There will also be face painting as well as arts and crafts activities. The Hill Center is delighted to bring this free, family event to the residents of Capitol Hill and the surrounding community. hillcenterdc.org.

Family Days at the LOC

Upcoming Family Days at the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building, 20 First St. SE, in the Great Hall are Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 14, Hispanic Heritage Month; Oct. 19, Halloween; and Nov. 9, Veterans Day. Every Library of Congress visitor, regardless of age, must have a free timed-entry ticket to enter the historic Thomas Jefferson Building. Passes are available 30 days in advance. A limited number of same-day tickets are made available each open day at 9 a.m. at loc.gov/visit.

Art in the A.M. at the Renwick

On Tuesday, Sept. 24, 9 a.m., children ages birth to five and their care-

givers are invited to the Renwick Gallery, 1661 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, before hours, to learn, connect, and create in the galleries. Participants will learn about the different materials and textures used in fiber art by exploring the exhibition Subversive, Skilled, Sublime: Fiber Art by Women. After the tour, children will practice their weaving skills on a community piece, then begin their own individual projects using yarn, paper, and other materials. Space is limited for this program and registration is required at americanart.si.edu.

Hill Family Biking: Tiny Streets 2 Ride

Saturday, Sept. 28, 4 to 5:30 p.m., is the second edition of the Tiny Streets Ride. Join Hill Family Bik-

The Big Build at the National Building Museum

On Saturday, Oct. 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., all ages are invited to National Building Museum’s The Big Build, a free hands-on festival exploring a wide variety of unique, interactive activities with roofers, plumbers, home remodelers, construction workers, carpenters, designers, and artisans. The Big Build fills the Museum’s Great Hall with interactive booths including a nail driving contest and a structural engineering station with an earthquake simulation to discover how buildings can be built to be more stable. Everyone will be using real tools and you can even climb inside construction equipment in the outdoor Petting Zoo. The Tech Room will have augmented reality demonstrations, VR experiences, and other immersive digital activities to engage older children and teens. Books read in the Storytime Room will inspire younger visitors as they hear about architects, carpenters and roofers, building a new home. The National Building Museum is at 401 F St. NW. nbm.org.

Photo: Phillip Lee, Smithsonian Institution.

Visit the Democracy Lab at the Capitol

Learn about the work of Congress in this hands-on education gallery. The collaborative activities in the gallery are designed for children between the ages of eight and 14, however visitors of all ages are welcome. Visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult (parent, guardian, teacher and/or chaperone) always. Sta are available to assist and answer questions, but not to supervise children. They recommend that you allow 15 to 30 minutes for a visit to ensure that everyone has time to engage in all the activity stations. The Democracy Lab is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (hours are subject to change). Groups of 15 or more children must make a reservation in advance of their visit. visitthecapitol.gov.

The 2024 Frederick Douglass Oratorical Contest

Frederick Douglass learned to give speeches from reading The Columbian Orator, a book he bought for 50 cents when he was an enslaved boy in Baltimore. “Every opportunity I got, I read this book,” Douglass wrote in his 1845 autobiography. Students between the ages of six to eighteen can participate in the Frederick Douglass Oratorical Contest and learn to be a condent public speaker. Applications are accepted from Sept. 16 to Nov. 16. The contest dates are Dec. 3 to 7. You can apply on-line or in person at the Frederick Douglass Visitor Center, 1411 W St. SE. Deaf and hard of hearing students are welcome. For contest information and an application go to nps.gov/frdo.

ing for a four-mile bike ride on some of the most picturesque one-block streets on the Hill followed by free ice cream at The Capital Candy Jar. They’ll then have a group ride to Late Skate at Anacostia Park Roller Skating Pavillion. They’ll have volunteers marshaling to ensure everyone stays together. MPD bike team will also be participating in the ride to connect o cers with the community. If your bike needs some TLC, come 15 minutes early to get some help. They will have bike maintenance tools available, as well as some experienced amateur bike mechanics on hand. Meet at Maury Elementary parking lot on 12th Pl. NE. Participation is free. hillfamilybiking.org.

Harvest Day at the REACH Plaza

Experience an 18th-Century Marketplace

On Sept. 14 and 15, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., take in the sights and sounds of the marketplace on Mount Vernon’s 12-acre eld. Chat with colonial artisans selling traditional handcrafted food and wares. Hear live music from the colonial era. Play 18th-century games on the bowling green. Watch as expert artisans demonstrate period crafting techniques. Mount Vernon’s Colonial Market & Fair is included with general admission--$28 for adults; $15, ages six to eleven; kids, birth to ve, free. mountvernon.org.

On Saturday, Oct. 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., join local nonpro t FRESHFARM for a fun and tasty journey through the local food system. Dive into handson activities to learn how food is grown and made—and discover easy ways to get involved, from cooking to composting. Plus, enjoy music, local vendors, and a day of fun for the whole family. Free, no reservations required. kennedy-center.org.

Portrait Gallery Kids at the NPG

On select Mondays, Sept. 9, 16, 23 and 30; Oct. 7, 21 and 28; Nov. 4, 18 and 25, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., children and families are invited to learn, play and create at the National Portrait Gallery, Eighth and G streets NW, in the Education Center E151. Join educators as everyone explores a new topic and di erent materials. Participants will look at art, enjoy hands-on activities, listen to music and participate in story time. Portrait Gallery Kids is a fun way to engage with art and each other. Free; no registration required. npg.si.edu.

Second Saturdays at the NGA

Beginning Saturday, Oct. 12, at 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. and 11 to 11:45 a.m., this series of free workshops designed for families with young children ve and under explores the power of the arts to promote wellness of the mind and body. Every second Saturday of the month, local arts organizations o er two 45-minute workshops at the National Gallery of Art. This event is free but tickets, available on Sept. 10, are required. nga.gov.

Photo: Courtesy of George Washington’s Mount Vernon

The Natural History Butterfly Pavilion

Sundays through Thursdays, 10:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., stroll among butter ies and beautiful blooming plants in the Butter y Pavilion. Butter ies y freely around the Pavilion, landing on plants and sometimes people. The Butter y Pavilion is a brightly lit climate-controlled environment kept at 80 degrees Fahrenheit and 80 percent humidity, making it the ideal home for hundreds of butter ies. Admission is $8 for adults (13 to 59); $7 for seniors and kids (2 to 12), Tuesdays, free. Timed entry tickets are required including free Tuesdays. Tickets are available only on-site at the Butter y Pavilion Ticket Desk. All children under the age of 13 are required to be accompanied by an adult. naturalhistory.si.edu.

Dead Man’s Run Kid’s Race

Homecoming Family Day at President Lincoln’s Cottage

During the Civil War, the Lincoln family called the Cottage home. Tad Lincoln spent three summers of his childhood exploring the grounds of the Soldiers’ Home as well as the rooms of the Cottage. Here he played with friends, soldiers, animals, as well as his family. Each year, President Lincoln’s Cottage, 140 Rock Creek Church Rd. NW, welcomes families to enjoy the grounds as the Lincoln family did with a full day of free family fun at Homecoming. Families can enjoy arts and crafts, story time, pony rides and petting zoo, live music, cottage and grounds tours, Zumba and family work outs. This year Homecoming Family Day is on Saturday, Sept. 21, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. lincolncottage.org.

Dead Man’s Run is Congressional Cemetery’s annual fall 5k fundraiser. This year it’s on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 5:30 p.m. (rain or shine). The race starts with a toll of the funeral bell and continues throughout the Cemetery and onto the Anacostia Trail for a ghostly evening run full of spooky music and other fun. They also o er a kid’s race prior to the start of the 5k. Participation in the children’s run is free for any child who has a parent, guardian, or friend registered for the 5k. Children may still participate, if no runners are registered, for a $5 fee. Registration for the children’s race is in the chapel the day of the race and a parent or guardian must sign a waiver. Costumes encouraged. Congressional Cemetery is at 1801 E St. SE. congressionalcemetery.org.

A Bilingual Frida Libre at GALA

Alex may seem like a quiet, shy boy, but he secretly holds big ideas in his head. He wants to be a luchador (wrestler) and defeat bad guys in the ring. His life changes when he meets brave and colorful Frida, an unusual girl who dreams of being a doctor. Forced to collaborate on a science project on butter ies and metamorphosis, the pair discovers how true friendship can help overcome fear and transform dreams into reality. Inspired by the childhood of legendary Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, Frida Libre is an uplifting story featuring delightful songs that explore the meaning of friendship, bravery, and transformation. Frida Libre is at GALA Theatre, 3333 14th St. NW, on Saturdays, Oct. 12, 19 and 26, at 2 p.m. General admission tickets are $12 for adults; $10 for children. galatheater.org.

Black Student Fund & Latino Student Fund Annual School Fair

The Black Student Fund & Latino Student Fund Annual School Fair is on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2 to 5 p.m., at the UDC Student Center, 4200 Connecticut Ave. NW. Registration and the Non-School Vendor Concourse open at 1:30 p.m. Admission is free. For fty years, the BSF/LSF School Fair has provided a networking opportunity for thousands of families to meet with representatives from more than sixty independent schools. Parents and prospective students get rst-hand knowledge about each school’s programs, community, admission requirements and nancial aid process. In addition, the fair features interactive seminars focused on the admissions process, the nancial

Image design: Ariel Gómez

aid process and personal/family nancial management. Read more and register at blackstudentfund.org and/or latinostudentfund.org.

Race For Every Child Run/Walk

The Race For Every Child on Saturday, Oct. 19 at Freedom Plaza, is a fun event with a serious purpose--to promote children’s health and wellness, and raise much-needed funds that help Children’s National ensure every child can bene t from world-class medical care. Registration is free through Oct. 13. There is a $30 fee to register between October 14 and 19. Children between the ages of three and ten are eligible to participate in the 100-yard Kids’ Dash. Pre-race activities start at 7 a.m.; 5k at 8:45 a.m.; and Kids’ Dash at 10 a.m. foundation.childrensnational.org.

Cabin John Kids Run 2024

The Cabin John Kids Run is on Saturday, Oct. 5, 9 to 10 a.m. at Cabin John Regional Park in Potomac. In the interest of promoting children’s running, this race is free to all runners 17 and under. (No timing chips used.) Participants can run a quarter mile, half mile or one mile. Registration must be done by a parent. Read more and get directions at mcrrc. org/calendar-event/cabin-john-kids-run-2024.

Winnie the Pooh at Imagination Stage

Everyone’s favorite bear from the 100 Acre Wood is surrounded by Christopher Robin, Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo, Rabbit, and Owl in this delightful and gentle musical. Set during one busy day, there’s a He alump to catch, Eeyore’s tail to nd, and a misunderstanding between Rabbit and Kanga to sort out. In the end, friendship and understanding win the day. Winnie the Pooh is at Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, from Sept. 18 to Oct. 27. It is best for ages three and older. Ticket prices start at $12. Imagination

Mo @ the NSO in the Kennedy Center

On Saturday, Sept. 21, 2 and 4 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 22, 2 and 4 p.m., with the help of all-star guests, New York Times best-selling author/illustrator Mo Willems introduces fun musical ideas, explores big emotions, and invites viewers to listen, play, and create. In partnership with the National Symphony Orchestra and conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez, Mo uses music and storytelling to take kids and former kids on a playful journey of symphonic delights. Mo @ the NSO is most enjoyed by ages ve and older. Tickets start at $25. kennedy-center.org.

Stage uses dynamic pricing, so prices may be higher for more popular performances. imaginationstage.org.

NSO Family Concert: Halloween Spooktacular! (an annual tradition)

Every Wednesday Capitol Hill Jazz Jam

9/5 - Minh Vo

9/6 - Stephen Harvey

9/7 - TBA

9/12 - Jeff Antoniuk

9/13 - Charlie Ballentine

9/19 - New Voices

9/20 - Kevin Cordt 9/21 -TBA

9/14 - Phil Ravita

9/28 - Daniel Murray 9/27 - Art All Night Concert 9/28 - Maija Rejman

On Sunday, Oct. 27, 2 and 4 p.m., the Kennedy Center Concert Hall transforms into a ghostly sight when ghoulishly attired National Symphony Orchestra musicians, led by conductor Michelle Merrill, celebrate Halloween. Enjoy a concert lled with musical treats from fa-boo-lous new works to spooky old classics. Arrive early for trick-or-treating and a special Haunted Hall Musical PLAYspace. Tickets are $25 to $28. The Halloween Spooktacular! is most enjoyed by ages ve and older. kennedy-center.org. ◆ Mon-Fri 11am – 1:30am Sat & Sun 10:30am – 1:30am

XWORD

“Singers”

Across:

1. Smirnoff perhaps

6. Inveigle

13. Juice drink ending

16. Still

18. Knights’ equipment

19. Ramble

21. Heat again, as water

22. Shoddy

23. “Ready ___ ...”

24. Pop singer

26. Pop singer

28. Approves

29. Rap doctor?

31. Superciliousness

32. Top-notch

38. Hypocrite

41. In case

42. Exxon Valdez, e.g.

45. “Little Women” author

46. Silk dress material

47. Handheld device

48. Travel

50. Questioning expressions

53. Bubbly name

54. Football positions, abbr.

56. Spanish soccer captain

58. Creep

62. Night sky blazer

65. Tractable

66. Two pop singers

70. Deceive

71. “A fish called ___” movie

72. Altruist’s opposite

73. Dramatic event

74. Over, poetically

75. Short plastic type of worm

77. Atlantic food fish

78. Degree in karate

80. Belonging to that guy

83. Soaks meat

89. “Lapis” follower

91. They can’t be trusted

92. Came down and settled

96. Supple

by Myles Mellor

97. Violent weather

98. “I conquered,” to Caesar

99. Geological time span

100. Elvis hit “A Fool Such ___”

102. Pop singer, first name

104. Pop singer

114. Role player

115. Seaport of Sicily

116. Island in West Indies

117. Kind

118. Receive from a predecessor

119. Evening bell

120. Dry, as wine

121. Sound equipments

122. Incite

Down:

1. Hop, skip or jump

2. No longer stuck on

3. Figure skater Thomas

4. Bow

5. Alphabet book phrase

6. Beater in the kitchen

7. Assists

8. Popular fashion magazine

9. “Birdman” star, Stone

10. Tootsie

11. Former Fords

12. Wind dir.

13. Temper, as metal

14. Rock brothers

15. Puts in

17. Cheer for the torero

19. Baseballer Clemente

20. Spoon bender

25. 1781 surrender site

27. Run after Q

29. Handel’s “Gloria in Excelsis ___”

30. ___ Chris Steak House

32. Get wet

33. At an event it can be black

34. “Turn to Stone” band

35. 8 1/2 x 11 in. size

36. Hang behind

37. Buttercup family member

38. Worthless or oversimplified ideas

39. Earlier, of a model for example

40. Bogeyman

43. French summer

44. On pension (Abbr.)

49. Windshield flier

50. Dubai bigwigs

51. “The Planets” composer

52. Compass point

55. A.C. measure

57. Type of berry

58. El ____

59. Polished

60. Stay away from

61. Put on, as cargo

62. News channel

63. Peculiar

64. Business degree

65. Hazard for a letter carrier

67. Overwhelming admiration

68. Port city of Denmark

69. Emotionally unstable

70. U.S. Army medal

74. Top of the world

75. World time zone (abbr.)

76. Like sushi

79. Very attentive

81. Labor org, for short

82. Kind of card in phones

84. Drawing game

85. Roadie’s cargo

86. Place to network

87. Hospital rooms

88. Bygone fast jet, briefly

90. Twice, a Gabor

92. “On the Beach” actress, Gardner

93. Fragrant flowers

94. Winter gutter spike

95. It’s always sold in mint condition

100. Prenatal test, for short 101. Sings like Fitzgerald 103. Apple operating system

104. Confined, with “up” 105. Tennis great, Arthur 106. Exploitative type

107. Onetime Italian capital 108. Off-road goer, for short 109. Some bucks

110. Chef’s measure

111. Wine county

112. Elbe tributary

113. Duke of ___, Shakespearean character

115. Prefix for ‘’giving’’ or ‘’taking’’