East of the River Magazine – January 2020 by Capital Community News

JANUARY 2020

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IN EVERY ISSUE

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What’s on Washington Calendar The Classiﬁeds The Crossword

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

EAST WASHINGTON LIFE

The Bulletin Board

The Numbers: Now Is the Time to Get Great Health Insurance by Ed Lazere

Our River: The Anacostia; Learning Lessons From A Bridge by Bill Matuszeski

Maternal Health Improvement Bill Progresses: DC Councilmember Charles Allen’s Legislation Is Supported And Tweeked During Health Committee Meeting

Dropping the Needle: The Resurgence of Vinyl; An Odyssey Through DC Record Shops by Finnian Day

Recycling Right! Getting 2020 Off to a Green Start by Catherine Plume

Jazz Avenues by Steve Monroe

HOMES & GARDENS 31

Changing Hands compiled by Don Denton

by Candace Y.A. Montague

Ward 7 Student Places First In National Art Contest: Meet Your Neighbors Bettie and Anna Elizabeth Graham

KIDS & FAMILY SEE CENTER INSERT FOR SPECIAL ISSUE

by Anthony D. Diallo

ON THE COVER:

Collage Dance presents RISE 2020 A celebratory performance to honor dynamic contributions to African-American history. Photo: Raphael Baker. SEE CALENDAR for more info.

Capital Community News, Inc. Publisher of: Capital Community News, Inc. 224 7th Street, SE, Suite 300. Washington, DC 20003 202.543.8300 www.capitalcommunitynews.com • www.hillrag.com

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We welcome suggestions for stories. Send queries to andrew@hillrag.com. We are also interested in your views on community issues which are published in the Last Word. Please limit your comments to 250 words. Letters may be edited for space. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send Last Word submissions to lastword@hillrag.com. For employment opportunities email jobs@hillrag.com.

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WHAT’S ON W A S H I N G T O N

HUNGRY HUMAN HIPPOS ON ICE Hungry Human Hippos, Jan. 11 and Feb. 8, 1 to 4 p.m., is the childhood board game brought to life by DC Fray at The Wharf Ice Rink. Teams of at least four players will collect as much food (balls) as possible. Everyone gets a chance to play. Sign up as an individual, small group or full team, maximum eight per team. The top teams will advance to the championship round to compete for the first-place prize. The full tournament lasts approximately two and a half hours. Come to watch if slots are already taken. Register at dcfray.com. Photo: Courtesy of dcfray.com

LET FREEDOM RING On Jan. 20 at 6 p.m., the Kennedy Center and Georgetown University celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a free, ticketed musical tribute, “the Let Freedom Ring Celebration,” in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. This year’s program features Grammy Award winner Chaka Khan and the Let Freedom Ring Choir. Free tickets, up to two per person, will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at the entrance to the Hall of Nations, beginning at 4:30 p.m. kennedy-center.org. Photo: Courtesy of the Kennedy Center

INTERNATIONAL GUITAR NIGHT International Guitar Night is the world’s premier touring guitar festival. Each show brings together innovative acoustic guitarists to exchange musical ideas in a public concert setting. Watch them play original songs and share musical ideas with their peers. International Guitar Night is at The Barns at Wolf Trap on Jan. 29 and 30 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $32. wolftrap.org The Barns at the Wolf Trap. Photo: Courtesy of Wolf Trap.

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WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY OF SERVICE The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Jan. 20, 2020, marks the 25th anniversary of the day of service that celebrates the Civil Rights leader’s life and legacy. Observed each year on the third Monday in January, MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as “a national day of service” to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. Find a volunteer opportunity at nationalservice.gov or serve.dc.gov. ABOVE: In 2017, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) joined President Barack Obama (D) and First Lady Michelle Obama to participate in a Martin Luther King Jr. day of service at Jobs Have Priority’s Naylor Road program, a temporary family housing facility for families in Southeast. The Obamas donated the First Family’s playground set to the site, which was moved from The White House South Lawn. Photo: Courtesy of the Executive Office of Mayor Muriel Bowser

AFRICAN AMERICAN MOVIE POSTERS “Now Showing: Posters from African American Movies” opened at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture in November. The exhibition is on display until November 2020. It showcases how movie poster design has been used to frame ideas, create moods and stoke interest in films and characters. More than 40 objects and graphics celebrating black films, filmmakers and actors from the museum’s expansive poster collection are on display in the Earl W. and Amanda Stafford Center for African American Media Arts gallery. nmaahc.si.edu. ABOVE: Poster for Black Gold, 1928, ink on paper

DC PROFS AND PINTS

WEST AFRICAN DANCE The KanKouran West African Dance Company introduces the essence of traditional African dancing and drumming to local and national audiences, enriches American cultural heritage through the integration of authentic West African arts and promotes intercultural understanding. This annual MLK Day concert at Dance Place celebrates over 35 years of fulfilling a mission of giving back that which was lost. $15 to $30. Jan. 18, 8 p.m. and Jan. 19, 4 p.m., at Dance Place, 3225 Eighth St. NE. danceplace.org. Photo: Courtesy of the KanKouran West African Dance Company

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Profs and Pints brings college faculty members into bars, cafés, company offices and other off-campus venues to share their knowledge. They speak on subjects of broad interest, including local history, their region’s environment, emerging trends in business or politics and the ideas and innovations transforming our society and culture. In addition, Profs and Pints instructors also offer practical instruction that improves lives. $12 in advance; $15 at door. profsandpints.com/washingtondc. Listen to Justin Jacobs, associate professor of history at American University and scholar of ancient China and the Silk Road, lecture on “Ancient Chinese Philosophy” at the Bier Baron Tavern on Jan. 26, 3 p.m.

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WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

JO KOY, JUST KIDDING As one of today’s premiere stand-up comics Jo Koy has come a long way from his modest beginnings performing at a Las Vegas coffee house. The comedian, who pulls inspiration from his family, specifically his son, sells-out arenas and theaters across the world. Jo Koy is at the DAR Constitution Hall on Jan. 25 and 26 at 7:30 p.m. www.dar.org/constitution-hall/tickets. Photo: Courtesy of Netflix

THE DC CHINESE LUNAR NEW YEAR PARADE On Jan. 26 at 2 p.m., the streets of Chinatown will fill with revelers and spectators as the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association hosts the annual Chinese New Year parade. This year, 4718 in the Chinese Lunar Calendar, is the Year of the Rat, representing carefree fun, good fortune and wealth. An astounding array of parade groups will fill the streets; traditional lions and dragons come to life. The parade route is Sixth Street from I to H Streets NW. dcparade.com.

CRAFTING THE BUDDHA’S IMAGE The image of Buddha is one of the world’s most recognized religious symbols, but its origins are shrouded in mystery. Where did the famous likeness come from and why did it take so long to be created? On Jan. 15, 6:45 p.m., Rob DeCaroli, professor of art history at George Mason University, delves into the history of figural art in India. DeCaroli explores the early history of Buddhist art and the historical factors that eventually led to the acceptance and use of the Buddha’s image. $45. smithsonianassociates.org. 5th c. Buddha statue, Sarnath, India. Photo: Courtesy of the Sarnath Museum

A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS Adapted from the bestselling novel by Khaled Hosseini, the play narrates the lives of two Afghan women. In the war-ravaged Kabul, Miriam and Laila become unlikely allies in the face of the insurmountable odds of a brutal and oppressive way of life. Hopes of a new life lead to an unselfish and shocking decision, changing the course of their futures forever. A Thousand Splendid Suns is at Arena Stage, Jan. 17 to March 1. arenastage.org. Illustration: Charlie Davis

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WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

WOMEN: A CENTURY OF CHANGE National Geographic’s Women: A Century of Change celebrates the trailblazers who have redefined what it means to be a woman. The more than 100 images on display draw from the National Geographic archives featuring images taken by renowned National Geographic photographers including: Jodi Cobb, Lynsey Addario, Ami Vitale and Erika Larsen. The exhibition will be up through spring. $15 admission; $12 for seniors, military; $10 for kids. National Geographic, 1145 17th St. NW. nationalgeographic.org. Schoolgirls in Ghana help prepare for the opening of the Maranatha Maternity Clinic by carrying chairs to the ceremony. Photo: Randy Olson, 2007

MONSTER JAM TRIPLE THREAT

On Jan. 27 at 1 and 7 p.m. and Jan. 28 at 1 p.m., the eight most intense athletes of Monster Jam Washington fiercely battle employing customized highpowered vehicles: Monster Jam Speedsters, Monster Jam ATVs and the famous Monster Jam trucks. There are Pit Parties both days from 10:30 a.m. to noon where fans can meet Monster Jam trucks and drivers. Tickets are $15, up. MonsterJam.com.

NPG PORTRAIT FINALISTS The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery (NPG) presents the finalists in its fifth triennial Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition in a major exhibition through Aug. 30. Every three years, artists living and working in the United States are invited to submit one of their recent portraits to a panel of experts chosen by the museum. The works of this year’s nearly 50 finalists were selected from over 2,600 entries. The firstprize winner receives $25,000 and a commission to create a portrait of a living person for the museum’s permanent collection. portraitcompetition. si.edu. Ajma, Refugee from Afghanistan by Carla Crawford. Oil on Canvas, 2016, from the Collection of the Artist

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TONI MORRISON: A PORTRAIT On Feb. 9, 11 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., explore the life and works of Nobel laureate Toni Morrison with Michele L. Simms-Burton, founding board member of the Toni Morrison Society. Simms-Burton traces Morrison’s career in a creative arc that spans her formative years at Howard, her work as an actress and professor; her role as an editor at Random House and her breakthrough first novel. Morrison’s honors include a National Book Award and a Nobel Prize for Literature. $125; $50, student. smithsonianassociates.org. Photo: Courtesy of Smithsonian Associates

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JANUARY COMMUNITY CALENDAR Meet Ward 7 Councilmember Vincent C. Gray. Moderated by: Chioma Iwuoha, Eboni-Rose Thompson and Erika Harrell. Master of Ceremony: Keith Hasan-Towery, Marshall Heights Civic Association President. Light refreshments served. Tala Thai Restaurant, 4020 Minnesota Avenue Northeast Discuss The Comp Plan’s Impact on Ward 8. Interested in shaping the direction of Ward Eight?

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Jonathan B. Tucker

performs on Jan. 28. Tucker is a writer, educator, performer, poet, curator, program coordinator and DJ. Twilight Tuesdays at the Anacostia Community Museum. Tuesdays until 8 PM. See exhibits. Learn about their collections and hang out in their Sunburst Room. Here is the schedule: Jan. 14, hip hop dancing demonstration courtesy of Culture Shock DC; Jan. 21, champion boxer and Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Mark “Too Sharp” Johnson talks about his boxing gear, now part of the museum’s permanent collection; Jan. 28, slam poets in action courtesy of Jonathan Tucker, Poetry Teaching Artists; Feb.4, get pointers on how to play chess and other fun table games; Feb. 11, arts educator Alma Robinson leads a family workshop on designing valentine cards on “Why I Love My Community. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu.

Jan 13 and 27, 6:30 to 8:30 PM at Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School, 3200 Sixth St. SE. For more information visit http://bit.ly/ward8compplan and https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ward8-comprehensive-plan-engagement-forums-tickets-86937870511. Rise + Rhyme. Mondays, 9:30 AM. Enjoy this weekly morning storytelling and performance series for children ages 5 and under. Busboys and Poets-Anacostia, 2004 MLK Ave. SE. busboysandpoets.com.

SIGN UP FOR YOUR FREE SMALL BUSINESS WORKSHOP TODAY For existing & inspiring District businesses - the Small Business Resource Center is here for you! Senior Entrepreneurship Workshop Thursday, January 9, 2020 10:15 am – 11:45 am Hattie Holmes Senior Center 324 Kennedy Street NW Washington, DC 20011 Register: dcrasbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/47876

DCRA at UPO: How to Start a Business Tuesday, January 14, 2020 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm United Planning Organization 2907 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE Washington, DC 20032 Register: dcrasbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/48381

MHCDO Location: One-on-One Basic Steps to Obtaining a Business License Wednesday, January 15, 2020 Walk-in hours: 1:00 - 5:00 pm Marshall Heights Community Development Organization 3939 Benning Road NE, Washington, DC 20019 Between 1:00 pm & 3:00 pm Register: dcrasbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/48689 Between 3:00 pm & 5:00 pm Register: dcrasbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/48690

DCRA at Your Neighborhood Library – Learn the Process of Starting a Business Tuesday, January 21, 2020 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm Francis Gregory Library 3660 Alabama Avenue SE Washington, DC 20020 Register: dcrasbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/48230

Franchising 101 Tuesday, January 28, 2020 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs 1100 4th Street SW, 3rd Floor, Room E-300 Washington, DC 20024 Register: dcrasbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/47869

SBRC’s One-On-One Session: Basic Steps to Obtaining a Business License Monday – Friday 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (By appointment) Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs 1100 4th Street SW, 2nd Floor, Room E-268 Washington, DC 20024 Register: dcrasbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events

All Things Non-Profit Thursday, January 16, 2020 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs 1100 4th Street SW, 2nd Floor, Room E-200 Washington, DC 20024 Register: dcrasbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/47905

Jacqueline Noisette | (202) 442-8170 | jacqueline.noisette@dc.gov Claudia Herrera | (202) 442-8055 | claudia.herrera@dc.gov Joy Douglas | (202) 442-8690 | joy.douglas@dc.gov Tamika Wood | (202) 442-8004 | tamika.wood@dc.gov

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Author Theodore Greene. Jan. 18, 2 to 4 PM. Greene talks about his book, “Not in MY Gayborhood: Gay Neighborhoods and the Rise of the Vicarious Citizen.” Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Place SE, Anacostia.si.edu. MLK Peace Walk and Parade. Jan. 20, 11 AM to 3 PM. Join Mayor Muriel Muriel Bowser (D) for the 2020 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Peace Walk and Parade. Help them honor this great American

hero. Whether you can march or simply be an observer, all are welcome. Anacostia Park Entrance at MLK Jr. Ave. and Good Hope Rd. SE. Busboys and Poets Weekly Open-Mic. Tuesdays, 8 to 10 PM. Expect a diverse chorus of voices and a vast array of professional spoken word performers, open mic rookies, musicians and a different host every week. Busboys and Poets-Anacostia, 2004 MLK Ave. SE. busboysandpoets.com.

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Soufside Sip & Shop Brunch. Every third Sunday of the month, 11 AM to 3 PM. Congress Heights Arts and Culture Center, 3200 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE. chacc.org. Soufside Sip & Shop Happy Hour. Thursdays, 6:30 to 9 PM. Featuring music, food, vendors and vibes. Congress Heights Arts and Culture Center, 3200 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE. chacc.org.

East of the River Spanish. Sundays, 10 to 11:45 PM. Congress Heights Arts and Culture Center, 3200 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE. chacc.org. This Bitter Earth at Anacostia Playhouse. Feb. 22 to March 22. Jesse, an introspective black playwright, finds his lack of activism questioned by his white boyfriend, Neil, an impassioned member of the Black Lives Matter Movement. Anacostia Playhouse, 2020 Shannon Pl. SE. theateralliance.com.

“A Right to the City” at the Anacostia Community Museum. Through April 20, 2020. After a half-century of population decline and disinvestment, DC and similar urban centers around the country have been witnessing a “return to the city,” with rapidly growing populations, rising rents and home prices. This exhibit explores the history of neighborhood change in the nation’s capital. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu.

A Self-Reliant People: Greater Deanwood Heritage Trail. Discover this traditionally African American enclave in Far Northeast by following “A Self-Reliant People: Greater Deanwood Heritage Trail.” Fifteen poster-sized street signs

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Tour the Frederick Douglass House. Tours are at 9:00 AM, 12:15 PM, 1:15 PM, 3:00 PM and 3:30 PM. Ranger led tours are the only way to see the inside of the Frederick Douglass house. Tour tickets are available by reservation or on a first-come, first-served basis. Tours last about 30 minutes. 1411 W St. SE. nps.gov/frdo.

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RS/24 by Clayton LeBouef at Anacostia Playhouse. Jan. 23 to Feb. 9. A veteran of the stage, Clayton LeBouef has written an ethereal drama exploring how the lives of two characters Hubie, a record shop owner, and a distressed Street Worker, collide one night on a chance encounter. Anacostia Playhouse, 2020 Shannon Pl. SE. anacostiaplayhouse.com.

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Bird Walks at Kenilworth Park

combine storytelling with historic photographs and maps to transport you back to the days before Deanwood was Deanwood. culturaltourismdc.org/portal/820.

Sundays at 8 AM. Walk takes place over a 1.5-mile route. Participants should be prepared to stand and walk in both sunny and shaded areas and on unpaved trails. Tours are offered year-round and will focus on park history as well as wildlife found along the Anacostia River and flowers blooming during that season. Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens, 1900 Anacostia Ave. SE. nps.gov/keaq.

American Bittern in Kenilworth Mars. Photo: J. Read, Courtesy of the National Park Service

SPORTS AND FITNESS Capital City Go-Go at The Entertainment and Sports Arena. Jan. 11, 15, 17, 21 and 23; Feb. 8, 13 and 25; March 2, 20, 22 and 28. Single game tickets start at $10. Entertainment and Sports Arena, 1100 Oak Dr. SE. esaontherise.com. Fort Dupont Ice Arena Public Skating. Saturdays, Jan. 18 and 25, 1 to 3 PM; Sundays, Jan. 12, 19 and 26, 2:30 to 4:30; Tuesdays, Jan.

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7, 24, 21 and 28. Skating is $5 for adults; $4, 12 and under and seniors 60 and over; and $3 for skate rental. Fort Dupont Ice Arena, 3779 Ely Pl. SE. fdia.org. Anacostia Park Run. Weekly Free 5k Timed Run. Saturdays, 9 AM. Anacostia Park, 1900 Anacostia Dr. SE. Registration required before first run. Beginners welcome. Every week runners grab a post park

run coffee at a local cafĂŠ. Read more at parkrun. us/anacostia. Vinyasa Yoga. Wednesdays, 6:30 PM. Unite the mind, body and spirit through a soothing moving meditation practice of yoga. All levels. $5; mat rental $1. Congress Heights Arts and Culture Center, 3200 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE. chacc.org.

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neighborhood news

MLK Day Children’s Performance Photo: Fort Dupont Ice Arena

Skate for Free at Fort Dupont

In celebration of National Skating Month, Fort Dupont Ice Arena is offering free 25-minute mini-lessons on Jan. 20, 11 to 11:25 a.m. and 11:30 to 11:55 a.m. These free lessons include skate and helmet rental and admission to the two-hour public skate session from noon to 2 p.m. Space is limited; registration required at fdia.org/calendar. Priority is given to children from 5 to 16. Fort Dupont Ice Arena, 3779 Ely Pl. SE. fdia.org.

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The Wharf Receives Champion Award

On Nov. 16, Elinor Bacon, Partner at Hoffman-Madison Waterfront, accepted the BroadFutures Champion Award on behalf of The Wharf for the development’s support of BroadFutures’ mission to create a diverse and inclusive workforce. BroadFutures is a non-profit organization that provides training, mentoring and paid internship opportunities for young people with learning disabilities. The Wharf has been working collaboratively with the nonprofit for the past two years to provide summer internships for participants in its programs. To date, a total of 17 interns have been placed at Hyatt House, Canopy by Hilton, InterContinental, Entertainment Cruises, Colonial Parking, CBRE Property Management and the Southwest Business Improvement District. broadfutures.org.

The Wharf Job Fair

The Wharf will hold a Phase 2 Construction Job Fair for DC residents, on Jan. 24 from 10 a.m. to noon in Southwest. In partnership with the DC Housing Authority and collaboration with the DC Department of Employment Services, Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen (D), Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6D, the Southwest Neighborhood Assembly and other community-based organizations, the Job Fair will be held in at the DC EnVision Center/DCHA Southwest Family Enhancement & Career Center, 203 N St. SW. The Wharf prime contractors Balfour Beatty, Donohoe and DPR, are fully committed to working with The Wharf ’s community and service partners as well as The District Government to maximize employment opportunities for DC residents. They are eager to participate along with their subcontractors in the upcoming Job Fair. Pre-apprenticeship training is offered by Building Futures, a fair attendee. As Phase 2 progresses, additional Job Fairs will be held both in Southwest DC and in Wards 7 and 8.

On Jan. 20, 3 p.m., in honor of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, “1001 Black Inventions” will be performed at the Anacostia Library, 1800 Good Hope Rd SE. “1001 Black Inventions” is an eye-opening play that introduces audiences to brilliant black men and women inventors. It then takes the audience into the Twilight Zone utilizing a typical American family attempting to survive in a world without inventions created by Africans and African Americans. Discover how Black ingenuity is an integral part of their everyday lives. All seating is first come, first served. theessentialtheatre.org.

Toy Drive Helps 400 Youth

On Dec. 2, hundreds of toys filled the hallway inside the Anacostia Playhouse. Neighbors, from across the city, made donations as they entered the black box theater to attend the 7th Annual Multicultural Holiday Celebration and youth gift drive, sponsored by the Anacostia Coordinating Council (ACC). Inside the theater, attendees were celebrated for their contributions and reminded of the reason for the season. “We recognize the importance of bridging the gap of religion and culture during this festive time of year,” said Lamont Mitchell, ACC’s board chair. This year’s program enlisted the help of several city luminaries to help highlight the principals of Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah. A palpable spirit of unity was in the air by night’s end when the host, Monica T. Ray, announced a record 400 toys had been collected in the hallway outside the theater. All donations benefited the Metropolitan Police Departments 7th District’s Annual Holiday party, now in its 50th year. “We look forward to being part of this meaningful event for years to come,” says Philip Pannell, ACC’s Executive Director. For more information visit www.anacostiacc.org.

Career Drop-In Clinics

Need assistance in seeking employment? Possess the basic digital literacy skills required in the modern workplace? Attend the twohour Job Seekers Drop-In Clinic on Jan. 13 and 27, Feb. 10 and 24; 5 to 7 p.m. at Capitol View Library, 5001 Central Ave. SE. Get oneone-on assistance. The Job Seekers Drop-In Services include creat-

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ing an email account; establishing a job board account; building and typing a résumé; conducting online job searches and completing online job applications. dclibrary.org/capitolview.

Free Legal Assistance

On Jan. 27, 10 a.m., the Neighborhood Legal Services Program (NLSP) brings free legal help to Benning Library, 3935 Benning Road NE. Get help with Social Security Income (SSI)/Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) applications, denials and terminations. Learn how to deal with criminal records including: assistance with record sealing; discrimination by landlords and employers or employment background checks. Get help with getting a driver’s or professional license; dealing with delinquent student loans; bad credit reports; wage garnishment; debt collection lawsuits; placement on DC’s Child Protection Register and the recovery of security deposits from former landlords. Walk-ins are welcome; registration is preferred. dclibrary.org/benning.

Ward 8 Homebuyer Club

MANNA and the 11th Street Bridge Park, a project of the Ward 8 based non-profit Building Bridges Across the River and THEARC, are offering a monthly Homebuyers Club for Ward 8 residents. This free club will prepares participants to purchase a home. Join them on the first Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. Coffee starts at 9:30 a.m. bbardc.org.

Honfleur Gallery Renovations

Honfleur Gallery, 1241 Good Hope Rd. SE, is closed through April 30, 2020 for renovations. An exhibition of sculpture and painting by Jay Coleman is scheduled to open on May 29. honfleurgallery.com.

Service Project Resources

Interested in or planning a service project? Check out these free resources from Serve DC and partners: MLKDay.gov for project toolkits and guides; nationalservice.gov/serve for resources and toolkits; ysa.org for youth specific resources; Rock Your World-DC Youth Services Toolkit at serve.dc.gov/ node/181762.

Fort Stanton and Shepherd Parkway Cleanups

On the first Saturday of every month, help remove trash and invasive plants from Fort Stanton Park, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers meet in front of the Ft. Stanton Recreation Center, 1812 Erie St. SE. Wear boots, durable pants and work clothes. Bring a water bottle. Refills provided. Documentation of community service hours will be provided upon request. Ward 8 Woods also holds Shepherd Parkway clean-ups every second Saturday of the month from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers meet in the picnic area near the corner of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X Avenues SE. Gloves, bags and light refreshments are provided. Wear boots and work clothes. For questions, contact Nathan at 301-758-5892 or nathan@ward8woods.org. 20

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Volunteer at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

Help the National Park Service maintain, share and improve the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. With nearly 700 acres to manage, rangers appreciate and value volunteers. There are a wide range of volunteer opportunities. Some options require training and a commitment of time, but others are as easy as registering and showing up. Either way, it’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors and meet others. Visit their volunteer page at kenaqgardens.org/get-involved/volunteer/.

Foreclosure Assistance

Rev. Dr. Ronald

K. Miner, Sr.

, embraces a ch ild. Photo: Isa Own a home in DC? Beiah Myers hind on a mortgage? Being sued by a lender? Need help with property taxes? Victimized by a mortgage scam? Attend Housing Counseling Services’ Foreclosure Prevention Clinic. On Jan. 29, 6 to 8 p.m., at 2410 17th St., Suite 100, NW. To register, call the foreclosure prevention hotline at 202-265-2255 or contacting them at info@ housingetc.org.

Comment on The DC Comprehensive Plan

The DC Office of Planning (OP) is accepting feedback on its draft of the DC Comprehensive Plan (The Comp Plan) through Feb. 14. In its current form, approved in 2006, the Comp Plan does not sufficiently address the District’s longterm needs around housing, equity, resilience and public resources. Public comment is critical. OP has adjusted its schedule to ensure sufficient time for review while also allowing adequate time for adoption of the Comp Plan by DC Council in 2020. More information about the Comp Plan substance, process and opportunities for input can be found at plandc.dc.gov.

Recycle Christmas Trees

Holiday trees and greenery will be collected by appointment from households serviced by the Department of Public Works (DPW) between Dec. 27 and Jan. 31. Items collected during this period will be composted, to help support the District’s waste reduction efforts. Only residents in single family homes and apartment buildings with three or fewer units are eligible for this service. When setting these items out for collection, remove all ornaments and lights. Do not put the trees and greenery in a bag. DPW crews will collect them from the front of residents’ houses. Alternatively, residents can drop off holiday trees at Benning Road Transfer Station at 3200 Benning Rd. NE or South Capitol Street Graﬃti Shop at 2700 South Capitol St. SE. After Jan. 31, res-

R.E.D.E.E.M. CDC’s Coat Drive Impacts Ward 7 School

On Dec. 13, 2019, the R.E.D.E.E.M. Community Development Corporation sponsored its Second Annual Mega Coat Drive to benefit students at the Charles Houston Elementary School, 1100 50th Pl. NE. Each of the 277 students from grades pre-kindergarten to fifth received new coats, hats, scarfs and gloves. Donations for new coats were solicited from the congregation of the First Baptist Church of Deanwood and private donors. Members of 12 church Fellowship Circles collaborated to purchase over 300 new coats. On the event day, individual gift bags were sorted according to grade level by volunteers and transported to the school in a caravan led by the church bus. Rev. Dr. Ronald K. Miner, Sr., Pastor wearing a Santa hat, presented coats to individual students. For more information about the First Baptist Church of Deanwood or R.E.D.E.E.M., call 202396-0534.

YOUR DAILY ONLINE NEWS SOURCE

WARDS 7 & 8

Free Compost

Free compost up to five 32-gallon bags is available for District residents yearround while supplies last at the Fort Totten Transfer Station. Residents must bring their own bags.

VetsRides

Mayor Muriel Bowser (D), the Oﬃce for Veterans Affairs (OAV) and the DC Department of For-Hire Vehicles (DFHV) has reintroduced VetsRides, a citywide, on-demand shared ride program that provides veterans with access to free transportation for medical, employment, lowincome housing or other opportunities. Program eligibility is defined as a DC veteran resident with annual income less than $30,000. Trips are restricted to the District. The hours of operation are weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information or to register, call 202-724-5454 or visit ova.dc.gov.

$25 Million in Arts Grants Awarded

The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) recently awarded $24,738,534 in competitive grants to support arts and humanities projects, nonprofit organizations and individual practitioners across the District. This marks the largest annual issuance of grant funds in the agency’s 51-year history. CAH awards grants through a competitive process. Applications from individuals and organizations are reviewed by independent panels that then make award recommendations to the CAH board of commissioners for final approval. Those applicants not receiving funding are offered technical assistance to support future applications. A complete listing of FY 2020 grantees is available at dcarts. dc.gov.

Free Lifeguard Training

DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) provides free lifeguard training

certification courses in preparation for summer 2020. The agency employs the International Lifeguard Training Program (ILTP) to train and certify lifeguards to work both indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities. Lifeguard candidates must successfully pass written and practical tests. ILTP Course Completion Certificate can be used to gain employment at any aquatic facility in the world. DPR offers these courses at various aquatic centers through July 2020, waiving all fees. Starting July 1, 2020, the courses will be available for a nominal fee. Applicants can register now at dpr.dc.gov.

Enroll in DC Health Link

DC Health Link’s open enrollment lasts three months. Residents have until Jan. 31, 2020 to shop, compare and get covered. Make sure to take a look at the new standard plan option that allows residents obtain needed medical services without first having to meet a deductible. Those who select a standard plan have access to primary care, specialty care, mental health care, urgent care and generic prescription medications. Visit DCHealthLink.com to get started.

METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT WASHINGTON, DC

HOMICIDE VICTIM

Up to $25,000 Reward VICTIM’S NAME

Charnice Milton

Capital One Arena Goes Digital

LOCATION

2700 block of Good Hope Road, SE

Monumental Sports & Entertainment has announced all concerts and shows at Capital One Arena as well as season tickets for the Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards are now available through Ticketmaster Presence that replaces paper tickets with digital passes.

DATE/TIME

Wednesday, May 27, 2015 CONTACT

Hypothermia Hotline

See someone outside in need of shelter or a welfare check? Call the Shelter Hotline at 202-399-7093 or dial 311. If there is an immediate risk to safety, call 911. When calling, include the time, the address or location of the sighting and a description of the person’s appearance. Have an item for the Bulletin Board? Email the info to bulletinboard@hillrag.com. u

9:40 PM

05.28.15 HOMICIDES/2015/MILTON_CHARNICE.PDF

idents should place holiday trees where their trash is collected. The items will be picked up with the trash as space in DPW trucks permits. DPW will compost items collected between Dec. 27 and Jan. 31. Trees and greenery collected after Jan. 31 will not be composted.

EAST OFTHE RIVER DCNEWS .COM

Detective Chanel Howard

(202) 437-0451

(cell)

Detective Robert Cephas

(202) 497-4734

(cell)

Homicide Branch

(202) 645-9600 (main)

DESCRIPTION OF INCIDENT

On Wednesday, May 27, 2015, at approximately 9:40 pm, Ms. Charnice Milton was shot and killed in the 2700 block of Good Hope Road, SE. The Metropolitan Police Department seeks the public’s assistance in gathering information regarding this homicide. H O W TO H E L P O U R I N V E S T I G AT I O N

This case is being investigated by the Department’s Homicide Branch. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the detective(s) listed above or the Command Information Center (CIC) at (202) 727-9099. Anonymous information may also be forwarded to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411. TEXT TIPS 50411

COMMAND CENTER 202 727-9099 up to

$25,000

DO YOUR PART TO HELP PREVENT AND SOLVE CRIME. The Department currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for any homicide committed in the District of Columbia. Your assistance is appreciated by your community.

reward

Learn more about the MPD Rewards Program mpdc.dc.gov/rewards DCPolice

@DCPoliceDept

We care. Do you?

OfficialDCPolice

CATHY L. LANIER Chief of Police

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The Numbers

Now Is the Time to Get Great Health Insurance

C residents are lucky for our city’s long history of expanding health coverage and pursuing policies that give access to medical care. One of the bright spots is DC Health Link, the healthcare exchange created after passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). DC Health Link is ranked as one of the best exchanges in the country at providing affordable, quality health plans to small businesses and residents. With DC Health Link, you can make it your New Year’s resolution to focus on your health and the health of your family. Open enrollment for individuals through DC Health Link runs through Jan. 31. If you are a District resident in need of health insurance, visit DCHealthLink. com to get enrolled and start 2020 with the peace of mind that comes with having healthcare coverage.

What Successful Health Coverage Looks Like

When the Affordable Care Act was enacted in 2010, the District quickly expanded Medicaid well above the minimum federal requirements. District lawmakers also chose to build a health insurance exchange designed by and for the residents it serves, rather than relying on the federal exchange. Today, residents with incomes up to 200% of poverty (319% for a family of three) can get free coverage through Medicaid. And individuals and families with incomes above Medicaid income eligibility and up to 400% of poverty (between $55,363 and $83,120 for a family of three) can get help paying for private coverage. DC Health Link provides health insurance to more than 20,000 residents through the individual marketplace and almost 95,000 through the small business marketplace. The positive results are clear. Since DC Health Link opened in 2013, the uninsured rate has been cut in half. The District now ranks second best in the nation in insurance coverage – with almost 97% of residents covered.

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by Ed Lazere

DC Has Resisted Efforts to Roll Back the ACA

This success comes from fully embracing the Affordable Care Act – even in the face of recent federal efforts to weaken it – with the shared belief that everyone in DC should succeed. The federal government shortened its open enrollment period to six weeks, but the District provides residents three full months. That means open enrollment runs through Jan. 31, during which time District residents can shop, compare and get covered. While the federal government has slashed funding for outreach and enrollment events, DC Health Link assisters are blanketing the city to find people who don’t have coverage and get them enrolled before the open enrollment period ends. DC Health Link holds regular enrollment events, participates at community events across the District and is able to provide one-on-one help to any resident who requests it. When the federal government cancelled the individual mandate to purchase health insurance, Mayor Bowser and the DC Council established a local individual responsibility requirement. This move helps everyone to get covered, which also holds down premium increases for all. The federal government recently expanded shortterm, limited duration plans and association health plans – often called “junk plans” as they aren’t required to offer essential health benefits or meet other vital consumer protection standards. The District quickly passed legislation to ensure those plans won’t flourish here. DC Health Link also does a great job of offering plans that best fit the needs of businesses, individuals and families who know that deductibles can be a struggle. That’s why DC Health Link has introduced a standard plan option. Standard plans cover many in-network medical services without having to meet the deductible first. These services include primary care, specialist visits, generic drugs, urgent care, outpatient mental and behavior health and outpatient substance abuse treatment.

A Best Friend to Small Businesses

DC Health allows small businesses to compete with bigger businesses by offering employees quality health insurance. Time management is critical for all small businesses, and DC Health Link offers support tools to make the coverage process easy and efficient. At DCHealthLink.com, employers have an online eligibility check and cost calculator at their fingertips. Employees have tools to compare plans based on personal health needs, prescription drug needs and preferred doctors. Brokers are available to manage the enrollment process at no cost to small businesses. DC Health Link allows employers to offer a really wide choice of health plans to employees – something only big businesses used to be able to do. There are 156 health plans offered by Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield, Kaiser Permanente and United Healthcare. Employers have options to offer choices among all plans at one metal level (platinum, gold, silver, bronze), all plans from one carrier, or one plan from one carrier. Even if every employee picks a different plan, the employer just gets one bill. DC Health Link is a critical resource to help small businesses attract and retain talented employees. Also, healthy employees miss fewer days of work. DC Health Link’s open enrollment runs through Jan. 31. Visit www.dchealthlink.com to shop, compare and enroll in coverage that meets your needs and budget. If you prefer one-on-one help, enrollment centers throughout the city offer free expert assistance. DC Health Link can also help by phone at 855-532-5465. Small businesses, as well as individuals and families eligible for Medicaid, can enroll through www.dchealthlink.com throughout the year. Ed Lazere is the executive director of the DC Fiscal Policy Institute (www.dcfpi.org). DCFPI promotes budget and policy solutions to reduce poverty and inequality in the District of Columbia and increase opportunities for residents to build a better future. u

Our River: The Anacostia

Learning Lessons From A Bridge by Bill Matuszeski

e have all made great progress working together to bring back the Anacostia River as an asset to the City. The water quality is improving, the fish are returning, the parklands along the shorelines are better kept; there is much to be proud of. The solutions are complex and expensive, but folks have generally stepped up to the plate, taken on the tasks and helped pay for the results. This high level of cooperation among agencies at all levels, facility owners, environmental groups and the public is impressive and is a result of a major on-going effort to keep everyone informed and engaged under the leadership of the DC Department of Energy and the Environment (DOEE) and the Maryland Department of the Environment. How important and difficult that effort is occasionally becomes apparent when the system breaks down. This seems to have happened with respect to a pedestrian bridge being proposed by the National Park Service and the DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) that would cross the River at the southern end of the National Arboretum. The bridge would serve many valid purposes. It would provide access to the Arboretum from the existing trail system on the Anacostia side of the River. It would connect the Arboretum and the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens for hikers and bikers. It would aid access for bike commuters living in neighborhoods on the Arboretum side of the River. This access would be enhanced by adding trails to the north and south from Benning Road to New York Avenue and beyond. The Park Service and DDOT developed their proposal as followon to an earlier “re-alignment” effort, which included an “Environmental Assessment” (EA) that dealt with the banks and trails along the River. Neither the proposal nor the EA included the bridge or changes to the nearby banks, which are comprised of fill for the most part. Depending on these documents rather than initiating a new Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement, the partners moved forward to mod-

ify the existing Assessment and to complete the design document for the bridge.

Boaters Needs Left Out

Unfortunately this approach failed to seek out and engage the full range of public interests, as would have happened with a new proposal and environmental analysis, especially if it were to lead to a full-blown Environmental Impact Statement for public review. While sometimes this does not create a problem, here we had a separate group of interests that was left out – the boaters. Those working on the bridge proposal for the Park Service and DDOT were apparently unaware of the number of colleges and high schools and others who have found the upper tidal Anacostia the perfect place to practice rowing and racing skills in shells and kayaks and other craft. One reason for this is the absence of motor craft in the area, due in large part to the low-level rail bridge that crosses the River above Pennsylvania Avenue, and keeps nearly all boats to the south. Another is the array of boat rentals and services available at Bladensburg Waterfront Park. On a typical day there are dozens of college crew members on the upper River before dawn, and hundreds of high school students learning and practicing rowing in the late afternoon. Most are part of their college and school teams. They store their vessels and operate out

of the Boathouse at the Bladensburg Marina. In addition to the near-absence of motor craft, the reason this part of the River is so popular is that there is now only one place between Bladensburg and Benning Road that has crossings with support piers in the River – where New York Avenue and Amtrak cross over at the Maryland/DC line. The proposed bridge to the Arboretum would add another crossing with piers. According to the project team, a clear span alternative would be difficult to build because of the soils along the riverbanks and the distance to cross. Also, a clear span would require a higher arch, which would visually interfere more with the views of the natural landscape. The main concern of the schools, parents and others supporting the rowing community is the increased exposure of the youth to the chances of hitting one of the piers. In addition, they find the arguments against a free-span crossing at the Arboretum unconvincing since there is a crossing of just such a pedestrian bridge over a wide area of the River right above the boathouses in the Bladensburg Marina. Finally, some simply regret that the open, natural look and feel of the River at that point would be lost.

A Solution

There is one solution that could meet everyone’s objectives, but it would require some backing off by the parties. That would be to build a bridge with piers, but

Proposed New Anacostia Bridge at the Arboretum. Photo: National Park Service

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Maternal Health Improvement Bill Progresses DC Councilmember Charles Allen’s Legislation Is Supported And Tweeked During Health Committee Meeting by Candace Y.A. Montague

hortly before the winter recess in December the health committee convened to talk about the Maternal Health Care Improvement and Expansion act and give the community and advocates a chance to be heard. “I introduced this bill because I was extremely concerned about the state of maternal health in the District of Columbia. We must act with urgency to match the acuity of this problem. No woman should die in childbirth but that is far from our reality here in the District.” stated by Charles Allen, DC council representative for Ward 6, during the December 18th Health Committee Hearing on B23-362 Maternal Health Care Improvement and Expansion Act. The legislation, which was co-introduced by Allen’s colleagues Councilmembers Cheh, Grosso, Bonds, McDuffie, Evans, Mendelson, Robert White, Trayon White, Silverman, and Nadeau and cosponsored by Councilmember Gray was proposed in June 2019. The bill recommends expanded maternal health services be covered by insurance, creates a center on maternal health and wellness and requires implicit bias training in continuing medical training. The proposal has received overwhelming support. But critics say there are a few areas that need work before it can be passed into law. “The absence of OB services in the District is an embarrassment. We are working towards building a new hospital in the southeast quadrant that will replace United Medical Center where obstetrical services have been terminated. As a result, when you look at parts of wards 5,7, and 8 there’s no OB capacity at all. It’s just unconscionable,” stated Vince Gray, Ward 7 Councilmember and health committee chair during the hearing. In his press release regarding the bill, Allen said that although the council has established a maternal mortality review committee, the District can still be proactive in helping expectant mothers. “We know women need more access to health care during and after a pregnancy. We know community-centered health care can improve outcomes. We know a sense of community can help pregnant women and new mothers talk through challenges.” This bill would also extend maternal health care coverage for one full year for anyone at 319% of the federal poverty line.

Improving Legislation

Councilmember Allen’s proposal would require private insurance, Medicaid, and DC Healthcare Alliance to include at least two postpartum health care visits as opposed to one. The law would also require coverage of maternal care home visits, fertility preservation ser24

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vices, and transportation stipends for travel to and from prenatal and postpartum visits. With obstetric centers closing at United Medical Center in ward 8 and Providence Hospital in ward 5, some expectant moms have to travel farther to get to pre and post-partum appointments. “We know for some women transportation is a barrier. For families on a tight budget, that means skipping medical appointments. This bill also includes a travel stipend to get to their preferred health care provider,” said Allen. Dr. Kanika Harris, commissioner with the DC Lactation Commission, spoke in support of the bill at the hearing. She is particularly hopeful that the maternal health center will assistance with expectant mothers and newborns. “This bill is the first step to saving lives and reducing maternal mortality in DC The maternal health center is long overdue that will serve wards 5,7 and 8. The center will provide support, resources and continuous care including breast feeding.” Women from wards 7&8 came to testify in support of the bill. Mercedes Small-Lewis, mother of one son, ward 7 resident and participant in District of Columbia Primary Care Association’s Maternal Health Equity Action Lab, says she is excited about the opportunity to get support for mothers in the post-partum period. She wanted to get more support through mom meet-up groups but had trouble getting to the location of the meetings with her baby in tow. Small-Lewis favors virtual group meet-ups to ease the inconvenience of transportation. Melisa Byrd, Senior Deputy Director and Medicaid Director Department of Health Care Finance, points out some redundancy within the bill noting that Doula nonprofit organizations have already done the footwork to develop a manual for integrating services within the perinatal worker training. DC Health supports Doula-based strategies in the District by supporting Mamatoto Village’s evaluation of the perinatal health worker program. Mamatoto Village is a non-profit organization in Northeast that provides maternity support and Doula services to women. “Given the pilot that has already begun and the completed training manual by Mamatoto Village, it is not necessary to conduct a feasibility study as outlined in the bill.”

A Big Issue Getting a Bigger Response

The legislation comes at a time when maternal and infant mortality rates are of grave concern within the public and among policymakers. According to the United Health Foundation, maternal mortality rate among DC women in 2018 was 36.1 deaths per 100,000 live births.

That number is remarkably higher than the national rate of 20.7 deaths per 100,000 live births. Several pieces of legislation have been proposed and/or passed to help lower the mortality rates including the establishment of the maternal mortality review committee proposed by Councilmember Allen in 2017 and passed in July 2018, the Investigating Maternal Mortalities Amendment Act of 2019, introduced by Mayor Bowser, to speed up the forensic reporting process, and the Perinatal Health Worker Training Access Act of 2019 intended to bolster available perinatal personnel in communities.

Continuous Care for Moms and Babies

Critics of the bill say there’s still work to be done before it is suitable for a vote. Sara Imershein, MD, Vice Chair, DC Section of the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG) testified that the language in the bill should cover all medically indicated health concerns within the 12-month period and not just maternity concerns. “We know that maternal death and morbidity happen in areas that don’t appear to be related to pregnancy but may be.” Dr. Imershein also took issue with codifying or arranging the law in a rigid sequence. “Detailed medical recommendations--how many visits, when they occur--should not be codified or legislation itself could become the barrier to implementing newer and better medical care.” Last May ACOG issued an opinion statement that post-partum visits should be comprehensive and ongoing instead of singular visits prescribed by legislation. ACOG DC does not support a brick and mortar maternal health wellness center. “We feel that this will take funds away that are limited from points of services where they need to be provided,” Dr. Imershein testified. Later, Councilmember Allen addressed her concern. “The idea behind a center came from a lot of the feedback we got from providers. Not that it would be limitied to one facility but creating a central access point. It would be something where a center could provide a focal point or a resource point for some.” The bill will remain with the health committee for markup sessions in the upcoming months. Councilmembers Allen and Gray will continue to work with constituents and health care organizations to tailor the bill to meet the needs of moms in DC. Candace Y.A. Montague is the health reporter for Capital Community News. Follow her @urbanbushwoman9 u

locate it immediately downstream of the New York Avenue highway and railroad crossings. The added danger to boaters would be minimal, since the existing piers are enormous and the ways to navigate around them wellknown. And little or none of the advantages of the existing proposal – Arboretum access, connecting the Arboretum to the Aquatic Gardens, new trails and biker access from the west – would be harmed; in fact the connection between the Aquatic Gardens and the Arboretum would be enhanced, since the entrance to the former from the trail system is located right below the existing bridges. The Park Service and DDOT would need to do some additional design and site testing, and the boating interests would need to be involved in the design and precise location of a new bridge with piers. So we can anticipate learning some lessons from this bridge. Can we work together on a satisfactory solution? Can we repair relations between key players in the Anacostia clean-up? Or will people dig in their heels and stick to their guns? The first way is the best way, and the way we have made the Anacostia recovery such a success so far. Are we “building bridges” or “burning bridges”? Let’s hope it’s the former. Bill Matuszeski writes monthly about the Anacostia River. He is the retired Director of the Chesapeake Bay Program, on the Boards of the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and the Friends of the National Arboretum, a DC member the Citizens Advisory Committee on the Anacostia River and a member of the Mayor’s Leadership Council for a Cleaner Anacostia River. u

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Ward 7 Student Places First In National Art Contest

Meet Your Neighbors Bettie and Anna Elizabeth Graham

by Anthony D. Diallo

ver since she was a toddler, Anna Elizabeth has carried around a crayon. That seemed to be the way she communicated,” said her mother Bettie Graham, a Ward 7 resident. “She was about two years old before she really started understanding and comprehending me,” she continued. “Maybe it was because she was home alone with her father at seven-weeks-old when I went back to work and they bonded. He would talk to her only in Spanish and when I would come home, she did not quite understand me,” said Graham interviewed at her Penn Branch home on P Street SE that she shares with Anna Elizabeth’s father Efren Martinez Montero. In Ann Elizabeth’s case, her crayon became a life line, earning her a national art award.

The Challenges of Autism

Anna Elizabeth was identified as autistic when she attended Rosemount Center’s pre-school program at age four. She was unusually reserved and did not comprehend things as quickly as her peers. There were earlier clues. Ann Elizabeth cried as an infant even if neither hungry, wet or physically ill, her mother said. Autism is a complex neurobehavioral condition that includes impairments in social interaction and language and communication skills combined with rigid and repetitive behaviors. Children with autism may exhibit body movements such as rocking, pacing or hand flapping.

Anna Elizabeth with her teacher, Ms. Noele McConico.

Autistic children learn and process differently from their peers. They often avoid eye contact with adults or anybody they have not felt completely comfortable with. They often become hyper-focused on something trivial or irrelevant. Their peers and adults can interpret these behaviors as either antisocial or even hostile. It is a challenge for autistic children to make meaningful friendships. However, those who gain their trust often become life-time confidantes. Anna Elizabeth is definitely no exception. She “friends” for life! 26

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lady.” When Anna Elizabeth visited her home several years ago, she rearranged the refrigerator magnets into a huge smiley face within a few seconds of seeing them, Proctor recalled.

Flaunting It

Anna Elizabeth, now a fifth-grader at John Tyler Elementary School, was selected as the first-place winner in the national “Kids Flaunt It” contest (www.scholastic.com/flauntit). The contest encourages youngsters to be proud of their differences. As the contest website states, “The things that make me different make me, me!” Graham encouraged Anna ElizArt & Autism abeth ito enter the contest. She only conceded a The arts in general and drawing in particular are imday before the deadline. “I gave it some thought. portant standard curricular elements of both generMy mom is a contester and she really, really pushed al and special education. In Anna Elizabeth’s case, me. I’m good at drawing and I like doing it,” addrawing has helped her cope with autism and not mitted Anna Elizabeth. always being in sync with her peers. Unlike many “As opposed to me telling Anna Elizabeth what classmates, Anna Elizabeth prefers TED Talks was best for her, I had to step back and listen to about geography and entertainment to television, her tell me what was best for her. I have allowed for example. myself to be the parent that she needed rather than Long-time family friend Monique Proctor rethe parent I thought about being,” said Graham, sides about five houses down the block from Anna who now serves the community as an informal Elizabeth. Proctor marvels at how she has evolved children’s disability advocate while being a stayinto a “respectful, well-mannered and creative young at-home mother. Graham brought “Flaunt It” to the attention of Anna Elizabeth’s teacher Noele McConico. McConico submitted the 10-year-old’s entry. The firstplace student prize is an HP Sprocket Photo Printer with accessories. The first-place teacher will be honored with a $100 gift card to chapbooks.com and a one-year educational subscription to a Scholastic Classroom Magazine. Madeline Tulley is the project manager with the Scholastic National Partnerships at Scholastic Incorporated, the sponsor of the competition. According to Tulley, “Don’t Hide It, Flaunt It” intends to feature a photo of Anna Elizabeth and her entry and place it on their website, www.donthideitflauntit.com/ superpower-milo-park. Winning her first contest both surprised and delighted Anna Elizabeth. Although math is still her favorite subject, art is quickly becoming a runnerup. Her mother hopes that her daughter Bettie Graham (mother), Anna Elizabeth Martinez-Graham (daughwill submit more entries in the future. ter) and Efren Martinez Montero (father) u

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east washington life

Dropping the

Needle

he needle drop on a vinyl record is a classic cinematic shot. Consider The Shawshank Redemption scene where Andy Dufresne plays Mozart from the warden’s office. Maybe you have seen that Corona commercial that opens in a similar fashion. The moment of silence preceding the needle touching down coupled with the initial scratching sound the record makes as the speakers hum to life captivates the eyes and ears. In the not too distant past it appeared that vinyl faced extinction, much like the eight-track tape. Yet, despite the popularity of streaming services, vinyl has survived and thrived. Go to any show at the 9:30 Club. Watch the toque and flannel set buying records at the merch counter. According to the Record Industry Association of America’s 2019 mid-year report, vinyl accounted for $224 million of the music industry’s $5.4 billion revenue, up 13% from last year. Sales continue to surge.

The Resurgence of VinyRl ecord Shops An Odyssey Through DC by Finnian Day

The Magic of Vinyl The way a record is made is one of those ordinary miracles that one is simply accustomed to. Mixed sound is played into a record cutting lathe where the sound waves move a needle head, cutting grooves into a thin lacquer disc. The depth of the grooves represents the shape of the sound-wave. Then the lacquer copy is used to make a stamper, a perfect negative image of the record made of metal with ridges instead of grooves. The stamper is loaded into a hydraulic press, pushed into soft vinyl, and that becomes the record. From there the record’s needle rests on the ridges and the needle’s movement shakes a magnet inside a coil of wire which induces a fluctuating electric current. The current travels to a speaker, which converts electrical signals into kinetic movement, in turn creating the music. Vinyl stores are modern Cabinets of Curiosity in which one can discover and rediscover music.

Customer ﬂips through the records at Som Records just before closing time.

EastofthERivERDCNEws.Com

The albums in their racks make up the soundtrack of our lives. I recently embarked on an odyssey through five DC vinyl shops.

Joint Custody Joint Custody (1530 U St. NW, www.jointcustodydc.com) is tucked a few steps below street level, literally giving it that true “underground” feel. The store’s vast vinyl collection is packed into shelves. Featured albums line the walls. “I appreciate the importance of the physical, which is why stores are important. A physical space allows people to come and engage with something they like alongside other people,” says proprietor Ambrose Nzams. “I like to hold stuff in my hand, and I love to look at things that you can find in the album.” I selected Little Feat’s Sailin’ Shoes. The artwork by Neon Park is gorgeous. The liner notes incorporate song lyrics and song credits. Reading

along after dropping the needle is an experience that streaming cannot match.

SOM Records Walk for about five minutes down the street and climb down another short staircase and visit Som Records (1843 14th St. NW, www.somrecordsdc.com). The walls, mostly hidden under posters and mounted record covers, are painted a deep orange that subdues the lighting. Listening table at Som Records situated near This cozy hole in the wall features a the front window. From here you can give records a listen and watch walkers pass by. varied selection of music genres and an especially good international mix. A record player set up by the front window allows customers to lisSongbyrd employee holding ten to a record, while watching passersby. one of her favorite albums, “I definitely consider the audience. I play stuff people Black Flag’s Wasted…Again. would appreciate, stuff they should get to know, something that’s a little bit off the beaten path, and then I might massage some more pop favorites in there,” says SOM’s DJ Will. Is there a right way to listen to vinyl? “It is like cereal, “Will said. “Cereal featuring milk, not milk featuring cereal.” That vinyl sounds better than digital music is a universally acknowledged fact, he stated. “The range on a vinyl is warmer, and it captures more of the space the music was produced in. You are also listening to a band as they were meant to be heard,” Will said.

The Best of The Rest Adam’s Morgan’s Smash Records (2314 18th St. NW, www.smashrecords.com) has evolved from its punk and

rock origins to sell all of music and merchandise. There are CDs, cassettes, clothes, books and even board games. A quick and breezy walk up the street takes one to Songbyrd Record Cafe and Music House (2475 18th St., www.songbyrddc.com). A coffeehouse by day and well-known Indie music venue at night, the store’s selection of records is by no means meager. Kill the ten minutes waiting for a superb smoothie by flipping through records. Now off across town. Georgetown’s Hill and Dale Records (1054 31st St., www.hillanddalerecords.com) is the final destination. The store sells newly made records. Its organization and selection of both the contemporary and classic records is superb. The ambiance is open and airy reminding one of an Apple Store. Most DC record shops possess the vibe of an attic or basement vibe. Flipping through records feels like a stroll into the past. Perhaps investing in the equipment required to listen to records is not your thing, but it’s still worth stopping into one or all of these shops to savor the ambience. Browse the bins. Pick out something that looks cool. Ask someone in the shop to play it. Take pleasure in the musicality of vinyl the way we used to. Finnian Day recently graduated from Wesleyan University and is taking things easy for the time being. He’s got a small record collection, mostly inherited from his father. You can contact him at finnianday15@gmail.com. u

Storefront view of Smash Records.

Hill and Dale employee, Melissa Groth, standing between the record bins in front of her artwork. You can check out more of her work at www.mgpaints.com.

Joint Custody employee talking music and records with a customer.

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Recycling Right!

Getting 2020 Off to a Green Start

ow that the party season has passed, tis the season for New Year’s resolutions – and decluttering. Recycling is evolving in the US and in DC, and there are new rules and new programs to help you improve, and expand, your recycling practices. Here are a few areas to focus on.

Don’t Bag Recyclables in Plastic

Plastic bags clog recycling machinery, and a single bag caught in a conveyer belt gear can shut down a recycling center for an entire day – or longer. Recycling facility managers are all too aware of the havoc that plastic bags can cause, and staff are instructed to remove any plastic bags from conveyer belts, so the bags – and all their wonderful recyclable content, are sent to the landfill. To ensure your recyclables are recycled, place them directly in the recycling bin.

by Catherine Plume

Recycling Holiday Lights

Unfortunately, most holiday lights are difficult to fix once they burn out. Through the end of January, Mom’s Organic Market locations (including the location at 1501 New York Ave. NE) will recycle working or non-working holiday lights. They’ll be transferred to a recycling center where raw materials will be recovered and reused to create any number of products, from roofing to flatware. Meanwhile, consider investing in LED holiday lights, which last longer and run on a minimal amount of electricity. They may be on sale!

DC Is Changing Procedures for Recycling Holiday Trees and Wreaths

Trees and wreaths will be collected from Dec. 27 to Jan. 31. Residents in households served by the Department of Public Works should call 311 between Dec. 27 and Jan. 10 to schedule a collection date. All ornaments and lights should be removed, and trees and greenery should be placed in front of the home for collection and composting. Do not place trees and greenery in bags. After Jan. 31, greenery should be placed Yes, Virginia, holiday lights can be recycled! Photo: C. Plume next to your trash bin, for collection with the trash as truck space permits. Unfortunately, ipate in a short class. For more information, see https:// trees and greenery collected after Jan. 31 will zerowaste.dc.gov/homecomposting. not be composted. And, remember, this compost is If home composting isn’t for you, you can still drop free to DC residents, so when you’re looking to imoff food scraps at Eastern Market every Saturday at the prove the soil quality of your yard or garden, just station located next to Rumsey Pool. head up to Fort Totten for compost any weekday from 1 to 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Dispose of Electronics Properly

Recycle Food Scraps

Please don’t put your recyclables in a plastic bag. Photo: C. Plume

E a s t o f t h e R i v er D C N e w s . c o m

When food waste goes to a landfill, it generates methane, a greenhouse gas that is much more toxic than carbon dioxide and contributes to global warming. The DC government is now providing vouchers of up to $75 to incentivize home composting. Importantly, both worm-composting and backyard systems are included in the program, so you don’t have to have a backyard in order to participate. To receive a voucher, you’ll need to partic-

Batteries embedded in electronics can cause fires at landfills and waste-incineration facilities, so putting electronics in the trash bin is not allowed. For working electronics that you’re ready to pass along, Craigslist DC, Facebook Marketplace and even eBay offer online venues for selling these goods. Meanwhile, if you’re in a hurry to get rid of items, offer them for free on neighborhood Listservs such as NextDoor, TrashNothing DC and Craigslist “Free Stuff.” If you’re looking to donate electronics, consider Habitat for Humanity’s ReStores, Community Forklift, Value Vil-

homes & gardens / changing hands

lage, Salvation Army and Goodwill. Many of these organizations will pick up your items and provide a donation receipt. For those electronics that don’t work anymore, take them to Fort Totten on any Saturday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. or drop them off at one of the District’s Roll Off Days, scheduled in each ward.

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

Reuse, Borrow, Rent

Did you know that the DC Public Library has a wealth of digital books and audiobooks that you can borrow? It also offers online classes through the Library Express program. In addition to many other programs, the DC Department of Parks and Recreation has a great tool-share program that any DC resident over 18 years of age can sign onto. See https:// dpr.dc.gov/service/garden-tool-share-program. Frager’s Hardware offers a wide array of rental goods including tools and party supplies, while Craigslist, eBay, Nextdoor and Facebook Marketplace are excellent sources for finding used but functioning goods. What are your plans for getting 2020 off to a green start? Catherine Plume is a lifelong environmentalist, a writer and a blogger for the DC Recycler: www.DCRecycler.blogspot.com; Twitter: @ DC_Recycler. She is also the vice chair of the DC Chapter of the Sierra Club, but the perspectives expressed here are her own and do not necessarily represent the positions of that organization. u

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J anuary 2020

east washington life

January Highlights: Clarence Ward III, Jan. 11, Twins Jazz … Meshell Ndegeocello “Exploration Through Geographical Memories, Jan. 11-12, Blues Alley … Lionel Lyles, Jan. 15, Alice’s Jazz and Cultural Society … The Twins Jazz Orchestra, Jan. 16, Twins Jazz … 21st Anniversary Celebration/A Legacy-Maker Session, Jan. 17, Westminster Presbyterian Church … Salim Washington, Jan. 17-18, Twins Jazz … Big Chief Donald Harrison Quartet, Jan. 17-18, Keystone Korner/ Balt. …An Afternoon of Artistic Excellence/

Our New Year’s Jazzy Greetings

Happy New Year’s greetings to all and to all a jazzy 2020. Special wishes go to our jazz masters favorites like Bobby Felder, Nasar Abadey, Sharon Clark, Karen Lovejoy, Michael Thomas, James “Tex” King, Steve Novosel and many others. More special wishes go to our producers/promoters like the DC Jazz Festival, CapitalBop, and Vernard Gray, and Bobby Hill/Transparent Productions; our radio stations WPFW and WOWD; our venues including Blues Alley, Twins Jazz, Westminster Presbyterian Church, the Atlas Performing Arts Center, Alice’s Jazz and Cultural Society, the Kennedy Center, Rhizome, Sotto, Local 16, Jo Jo’s, and others, and in Baltimore Caton Castle and the new star there, Keystone Korner.

Our imminent, world-acclaimed songstress Sharon Clark rian Church.

E a s t o f t h e R i v er D C N e w s . c o m

by Steve Monroe

Carl Grubbs, Lafayette Gilchrist, Todd Marcus,

Special hopes go for the continued rehabilitation of one of our favorite journalists, producers and promoters of the music William “Bill” Brower. Condolences go to family and friends of pianist Larry Willis, one of heroes who passed away late last year, And we must give special condolences to the family and friends of one of the music’s legendary champions, former Congressman John Conyers Jr. of Michigan, who passed away in October.

Jan. 18, Walters Art Museum/Balt. … Jazzmeia Horn, Jan. 18, Kennedy Center … New York Afro Bop Alliance Big Band, Jan. 20, Blues Alley … Elijah Jamal Balbed Quintet, Jan. 23, Kennedy Center … Jamaaladeen Tacuma/Greg Osby/ Ronnie Burrage, Jan. 23, Keystone Korner/Balt. … Sharon Clark, Jan. 24, Westminster … Wallace Roney “Blue Dawn-Blue Nights,” Jan 24-

East River Jazz News

Our own Kent Miller Quartet has been invited to perform in the 2020 Havana Jazz Plaza International Festival, January 14 through January 19, 2020 by the Sección Internacional de la Instituto de Musica Cubana, according to East River Jazz. The group includes renowned bassist Miller, saxophonist Benny Russell, pianist Darius Scott and drummer Greg Holloway. East River Jazz, a DC based jazz presenter has confirmed to present the ensemble on January 17 at the Museo Nacional de Bellas Arte Cubano. The Havana Jazz Plaza International Festival was founded by pianist Jesús Valdés Rodríguez, better known as Chucho Valdés, the legendary Cuban pianist, bandleader, comperforms January 24 at Westminster Presbyteposer and arranger. For

25, Blues Alley … Tedd Baker, Jan. 24-25, Local 16 … Ron Carter Trio with Russell Malone and Donald Vega, Jan. 24-25, Keystone Korner/ Balt. … Kassa Overall’s “Blue Swamini” featuring Carmen Lundy, Jan. 25, Kennedy Center … Letizia Gambi Quintet, Jan. 29, Blues Alley … Maddy Curtis, Jan. 29, Twins Jazz … Benito Gonzalez Trio, Jan. 30, Blues Alley … Benny Golson Quintet with Eddie Henderson, Jan. 31, Blues Alley …Max Light, Jan. 31, Twins Jazz … Bill Charlap Trio with Peter Washington & Kenny Washington, Jan. 31, Keystone Korner/ Balt. …

January Birthdays: Frank Wess 4; Kenny Clarke 9; Max Roach 10; Jay McShann 12; Melba Liston, Joe Pass 13; Gene Krupa 15; Cedar Walton 17; Jimmy Cobb 20; J.J. Johnson 22; Gary Burton 23; Antonio Carlos Jobim 25; Bobby Hutcherson 27; Roy Eldridge 30.

further information, visit www.eastriverjazz.net

Early Bird Tickets for DC Jazz Fest Finale

The DC Jazz Festival has announced today that early bird discount tickets are available for its finale event, DC JazzFest at The Anthem, June 21 to conclude the 16th annual 10-day celebration, June 12-21 of DC JazzFest presented by Events DC. Tickets for The Anthem show at The Wharf (artists to be announced) went on sale to the public December 6 through ticketmaster.com. In 2019, DC JazzFest at The Wharf attracted more than 117,000 attendees across the star-studded weekend and recorded the largest single day attendance in the festival’s 15-year history. See dcjazzfest.com

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InReview … Jeff Denson’s “Between Two Worlds”

“Homeboy” bassist Jeff Denson’s latest CD “Between Two Worlds,” released in October, is a scintillating, bluesy excursion. Denson, originally from Arlington, Va., teams with French guitarist Romain Pilon and all-world drummer Brian Blade on gems including “Sucre,” “Madrid,” and the title tune. Bassmusicianmagazine.com says the recording “…places the acclaimed bassist/composer in brilliant, like-minded creative company that spans the globe.” Denson has studied at Virginia Commonwealth University, Berklee College of Music, Florida State University and the University of California San Diego. The CD features 10 original compositions: five each by Denson and Pilon. Of the album’s title, Denson says “As musicians we float between two worlds … One, a physical plane and the other a powerful reality that can only be found with the most open of ears, hearts and minds.” For more information see www. jeffdenson.com. Steve Monroe is a Washington, D.C. writer who can be reached at steve@jazzavenues.com and followed at www.twitter.com/jazzavenues. u

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83. Travel far and wide 85. Flowering 89. Founded: Abbr. 92. Festive celebration 93. Noted Broadway Prince 94. Old time calculators 96. Original manufacturer’s item 98. Egg container 100. Yankees’ league 103. “Scram!” 105. Ludicrous 110. Early communications satellite 111. Kind of column 113. Douro river port 114. Utah city 115. Get to the point! 118. Miser’s pronoun 119. Venerator 120. Hoover, for example 121. Ticklish one 122. Ollie’s partner 123. Baked on coatings 124. Operative 125. Cleaning cabinet supplies

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Look for this months answers at labyrinthgameshop.com 14. One of the original Mouseketeers 15. Approve 16. Native New Zealander 17. Combined 18. Certain gin fizz 24. Voyageurs Natl. Park locale 25. Point at 30. Feel as if 33. Scale 35. Formerly 36. ___ Speedwagon, rock group 37. Yellowstone sight 40. Prefix with drama 41. Farsi-speaking land 42. Folic acid, for one 44. Computer speed

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