East of the River Magazine – August 2023

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Melissa Ashabranner • melissa.ashabranner@gmail.com

MANAGING EDITOR: Andrew Lightman • andrew@hillrag.com

PUBLISHER: Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com

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

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

Architecture on the Nation’s Front Lawn Walking Tour

Pierre L’Enfant’s 1791 plan for the National Mall envisioned a grand “public walk.” By 1900, that plan had been stymied and ignored. The far-reaching and critically influential McMillan Plan of 1902 reinterpreted the ceremonial core of the city, and much of what we see on the Mall today reflects that proposal. On Saturday, Aug. 12; 8:30 to 11 a.m.; Friday, Aug. 18. 8:30 to 11 a.m. or Sunday, Aug. 27, 9:30 a.m. to noon, enjoy a morning walking tour and discover the Mall’s history, design, and architecture, from its earliest incarnation to the latest developments. Learn what happened to the museum park, the railroad station and its tracks, and why the Mall does not align with compass directions. $70. Tour meets outside the Smithsonian Metro, Mall Exit. No infants, children, or pets. smithsonianassociates.org.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band at Nat’s Park

“The Boss,” Bruce Springsteen is known for his lyrics and energetic concerts, with performances that can last more than four hours. Beginning in 1973, he has released 21 studio albums which include such iconic songs such as Born to Run, Streets of Philadelphia, Thunder Road, Badlands, and Blinded by the Light. The Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band concert, originally scheduled for Aug. 28 at Nationals Park, has been rescheduled for Friday, Sept. 29, 7:30 p.m. All tickets for the original show will be valid. $49 to $299+. Local parking starts at $65. mlb.com/ nationals/tickets/events.

Maryland Seafood Festival

This year on Saturday, Aug. 19 and Sunday, Aug. 20, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (each day), the Maryland Seafood Festival is coming to Annapolis City Dock and Susan Campbell Park for the first time. The Festival hosts many seafood vendors, local shopping, live entertainment, chef’s demonstrations, oyster tastings, a fantastic beverage selection with lots of local craft beer and kids activities. The Crab Soup Cook-off will again occur on-site on Saturday and tickets are available in advance. $20 for adult general admission, 12 and under, free. Parking at the Naval Academy Stadium is $10 and includes a free shuttle to the festival. Festival organizers also encourage you to wander around downtown Annapolis and take advantage of the many attractions within walking distance. abceventsinc.com/maryland-seafood-festival.

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, April 14, 2016. Photo: Alan Karchmer

Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

Capitol Hill Art Walk

The Capitol Hill Restoration Society and the Capitol Hill Art League are sponsoring an Art Walk on Saturday, Sept. 9 and Sunday, Sept. 10 (rain or shine). Local artists and artisans will display their work in their own micro-galleries, in Capitol Hill home-studios, on porches or in yards from noon to 5 p.m. Most will have work for sale. For an evolving list of artists and locations, visit chrs.org/art-walk-2023. Find samples of the work on display and for sale at chrs.org/art-walk-2023-samples. Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, serves as an art space and community center. Visitors to the Art Walk are invited to use their restrooms. chrs.org.

Blade Runner “The Final Cut” at AFI

Los Angeles, 2019, is a squalid, sprawling metropolis, overdeveloped and overpopulated. Harrison Ford is Rick Deckard, a detective on the “blade runner” unit, charged with hunting down and “retiring” replicants—humanlike androids created to toil on off-world colonies. His latest assignment: six Nexus 6 models who have mutinied and returned to Earth to take action against their creators at the Tyrell Corporation. The acclaimed soundtrack, which memorably combines classical melodic composition with futuristic electronic synthesizers, is by the acclaimed Greek composer Vangelis. Ridley Scott directed. Rated R. The screening is part of AFI’s Night at the Movies: A Look Back. Showtimes are Aug. 19 to 24. Tickets are $13; seniors, military and students, $11. The AFI Silver Theatre is at 8633 Colesville Rd. in the heart of the new downtown Silver Spring—accessible by Metro. afisilver.afi.com.

Washington Restaurant Week (summer edition)

Washington Restaurant Week, Aug. 29 to Sept. 3, is DC’s biannual celebration of its dining scene. Diners can enjoy Restaurant Week specials on premises or choose from a variety of to-go options. Participating restaurants have made it easy to discern options, which include delivery, outdoor dining, take-out and cocktail or wine pairings. Multicourse lunch and brunch menus will be available both in-person and to-go at $25 per person. Restaurants will also offer dinner menus at $40 and $55 per person, providing multiple price point options. Cocktail or wine pairings are also available a la carte or on premises. Read more at ramw.org/ restaurantweek.

Photo: Karine Semple

ANACOSTIA RETURNS

FRIDAY SEPT. 1 12 PM – 8 PM

FREE OUTDOOR CONCERTS!

MLK Jr. Ave SE & Good Hope Rd SE

FEATURED PERFORMERS INCLUDE:

• Black Alley

• The Brass-A-Holics

• The JoGo Project

• Joe Falero Band

• Yusha Assad

• The Experience Band & Show AND MORE...

Dulles Day Festival and Plane Pull

The 2023 Dulles Day Festival and Plane Pull to benefit Special Olympics of Virginia is on Saturday, Sept. 9 (rain or shine). The Plane Pull is both an intense competition and a lively festival. While the plane pull is the main event, the festival features a variety of activities and entertainment, including food vendors, live music, and games for all ages. It is a free event to attend. Parking with bus transportation from the parking lot to the event is also free of charge. Donate to Special Olympics Virginia through some of the many activities onsite. Event gates open at 10:30 a.m. with the Plane Pull event beginning at 11 a.m. Gates will close at 3:30 p.m. to new attendees and the event will end at 4 p.m. specialolympicsva. org/plane-pull.

Cellphone: Unseen Connections

(What does your cellphone mean to you?)

In Cellphone: Unseen Connections at the Natural History Museum, through more than 750 objects from around the world, multimedia installations, an interactive group chat, and a graphic novel spanning three gallery walls, explore the unseen personal, cultural, and technological connections your cellphone makes easier. naturalhistory.si.edu.

Evita at the STC Director Sammi Cannold helms this groundbreaking revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Tony Award-winning rock opera. This production is the story of Eva Perón’s meteoric rise from poverty in the rural village of Los Toldos in the Pampas to First Lady of Argentina--brought to life with breathtaking heart and spectacle. Tickets start at $35. Evita is at the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Harman Hall, 610 F St. NW, from Sept. 5 to Oct. 8. shakespearetheatre.org.

DC Jazzfest at The Wharf

The 19th Annual DC JazzFest takes place on Sept. 2 and 3, from 2 to 10 p.m., both days over Labor Day weekend, on The Wharf’s District Pier. This blockbuster weekend event features two outdoor stages and a waterfront destination with restaurants, shops, and stunning views. Here’s The Wharf lineup: Sept. 2, Charles Lloyd; Terri Lyn Carrington; Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro-Latin Jazz Ensemble; Julieta Eugenio Trio; Veronneau; Etienne Charles; Chase Elodia’s Perennials: Sept. 3, Kenny Garrett; Samara Joy; Dave Holland Trio; Big Chief Donald Harrison; Vinny Valentino Group; Mark G. Meadows; Birckhead. For the complete JazzFest around-town lineup, visit dcjazzfest.org/lineup. wharfdc.com.

Photo: Jati Lindsay

Shereen Pimentel and the cast of Evita at the American Repertory Theater. (Nile Scott Studios)

“Moulin Rouge” at the KC

Through Sept. 24, enter a world of splendor and romance, of eyepopping excess, of glitz, grandeur, and glory. A world where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment. Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. Directed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is a theatrical celebration of truth, beauty, freedom, and—above all—love. With a book by Tony Award winner John Logan; music supervision, orchestrations, and arrangements by Tony Award winner Justin Levine; and choreography by Tony Award winner Sonya Tayeh, Moulin Rouge! is more than a musical—it is a state of mind. $45 to $169. Recommended for ages 12 and up. kenedy-center.org.

Rupaul’s Drag Race “Werq the World” at MGM National Harbor

Perception is not reality. Asia O’Hara, Daya Betty, Jorgeous, Kandy Muse, Naomi Smalls, Plastique and select finalists from Season 15 are unknowingly trapped in the Netwerq. On Saturday, Aug. 26, 8 p.m., free your mind this summer at the world’s largest drag production. Uploaded by Voss Events in collaboration with World of Wonder and MTV. Line-up subject to change. $55 to $138. 101 MGM National Avenue, Oxon Hill, MD. mgmnationalharbor.mgmresorts.com.

DuPont Brass. Originally composed of five music majors from Howard University raising money for tuition playing at local Metro stations, DC-based DuPont Brass has since grown to a nine-piece ensemble consisting of brass, a rhythm section, and vocalists.

Musical Crossroads at the NMAAHC

Musical Crossroads tells the story of African American music from the arrival of the first Africans to the present day. In exploring how the intermingling of musical and cultural traditions, styles and beliefs, brought forth new modes of American musical expression, the exhibition expands the definition of African American music to include African American music-makers in all genres and styles. More importantly, in a land where racism and oppression existed as a continuing battle to be fought against and won, it shows how African American music provided a voice for liberty, justice and social change. In the exhibition, visitors have the opportunity to appreciate African American music as a vibrant living art form that has been a vehicle of cultural survival and creative expression. The National Museum of African American History and Culture is at 1400 Constitution Ave. SW. nmaahc.si.edu.

The car is part of Berry’s personal fleet of Cadillacs and was driven during the filming of Hail! Hail! Rock ’n’ Roll, a 1987 documentary that chronicles two 1986 concerts.

Rosslyn Jazz Fest

On Saturday, Sept. 9, 1 to 7 p.m., the Rosslyn BID and Arlington Arts are bringing an exciting lineup to one of the community’s most popular free outdoor music festivals: Galactic, featuring Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph, with additional performances from Pedrito Martínez Group, Oh He Dead, and DuPont Brass. Join them at Gateway Park, 1300 Langston Blvd., for an afternoon of music, food trucks, yard games, community table experiences, and more. Registration is not required but encouraged. rosslynva.org/do/jazz-fest-2023.

Screaming Females at Songbyrd

“There’s this cool unsaid group consciousness that comes together where everyone decides, this is the right way to go.” Now a band for half the lifetime of its members, Screaming Females have long been pounding out their own path. Formed in 2005 in New Brunswick, NJ, the trio has consistently created a hearty, surprising mix of indie-, alt-, punk- and stoner-rock. Screaming Females is at Songbyrd Music House, 540 Penn St. NE, on Sunday, Aug. 20, 8 to 11, p.m. (doors at 7 p.m.). Admission is $18 to $22. songbyrddc.com.

Monumental Travesties (Abraham

Lincoln’s head is missing.)

Chance, a Black performance artist, has surreptitiously removed Lincoln’s head from the Emancipation Memorial—a Capitol Hill statue of Lincoln standing over a formerly enslaved man—and now it’s in his white liberal neighbor Adam’s shrubbery. This act of protest unleashes an absurdist chain of events when Adam knocks on Chance’s door, leading the two men and Chance’s wife, Brenda, down a path that questions how the symbols of our past impact our present. With sharp humor, hijinks, and a palpable love for DC, Helen Hayes Awardwinning playwright Psalmayene 24’s searing new comedy explores race, memory, and the often-privileged act of forgetting. $42 to $70. Mosaic’s Monumental Travesties is at the Atlas, 1333 H St. NE, from Sept. 7 to Oct. 1. mosaictheater.org.

Arlington County Fair

The Arlington County Fair, Aug. 16 to 20, is one of the largest free events on the East Coast. In recent years, attendance has reached over 84,000 as people come from Arlington, Northern Virginia, and the DC Metro region to enjoy competitive exhibits, midway rides and games, entertainment, vendors, and more. Each year Thomas Jefferson Community Center is transformed into a special place with something for everyone to see. Although admission is free, there is a cost for some activities. The fair is open on Aug. 16 and 17 from 5 to 10:30 p.m.; Aug. 17, 2 to 10:30 p.m.; Aug. 19, 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Aug. 20, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Arlington County Fair the Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501 Second St., South, in Arlington. arlingtoncountyfair.us.

Shakti at Wolftrap

Iris DeMent at The Birchmere

The twice-Grammynominated Iris DeMent is a singer-songwriter and musician. Her musical style includes elements of folk, country and gospel. Her most recent albums are The Trackless Woods, and Workin’ on a World (2023). Iris DeMent is at The Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria VA on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 7:30 p.m. $45. birchmere.com.

Shakti, the revolutionary ensemble co-founded by British guitarist John McLaughlin and master Indian percussionist Zakir Hussain, continues to defy musical and cultural boundaries with their 50th anniversary tour. The quintet’s seamless hybrid of Eastern and Western musical traditions is created through the dazzling, telepathic interplay of McLaughlin, Hussain, vocalist Shankar Mahadevan, violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan, and percussionist Selvaganesh Vinayakram. On Wednesday, Aug. 23, 7:30 p.m. (gates at 6 p.m.), Grammy award-winning banjo visionary Béla Fleck hits the stage first to heat up the night. $35. wolftrap.org.

Photo: Bob Sweeney

Photo: Dasha Brown

The Bridges of Madison County at Signature

After marrying an American soldier to escape Italy at the end of World War II, Francesca builds herself a home in Iowa, raising two children and settling into a steady but unremarkable routine. Then one day, she meets Robert, a charismatic photographer, who awakens her passion and changes her life forever. With a gorgeous Tony Award-winning score by Jason Robert Brown and a moving book by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Marsha Norman, The Bridges of Madison County is a ravishing story about the choices we make for love. The Bridges of Madison County is at Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, VA, from Aug. 8 to Sept. 17. sigtheatre.org.

The Joy of African Movement at the African Art Museum

On the first three Saturdays of August and September, 9 to 10 a.m. (doors at 8:30 a.m.), shape up at African Art, 950 Independence Ave. SW on Saturday mornings using a variety of ancient and contemporary African practices. Recharge mentally and physically as you work out with Afro-Brazilian movements, contemporary West African dance, and kemetic yoga and meditation. Each discipline is to be practiced in three-week increments. Participants should bring their exercise equipment (e.g., yoga mats). The Joy of African Movement is for ages 16+. Free registration is at africa.si.edu.

Anacostia Jazz Hop Returns

The Anacostia Business Improvement District partners with 202Creates and DC JazzFest on Sept. 1, noon to 8 p.m., for the Anacostia Jazz Hop at several locations in Historic Anacostia. All events are free and open to the public. In celebration of the 19th Annual DC JazzFest, the Jazz Hop will be held in the Art to Go-Go Anacostia Arts & Culture District. Enjoy popup outdoor jazz cafes with live jazz, visual artists, and the opportunity to have tasty bites from up-and-coming chefs and caterers. The event kicks off at noon at the Big Jazz Café, 1234 Good Hope Rd. SE, for opening remarks and live performances. Concurrently, the Jazz Hop will begin at six locations within the Anacostia BID: NSC Café Jazz, 2007 MLK Ave. SE; BIG Jazz Café, 1234 Good Hope Rd. SE; Busboys and Poets, 2004 MLK Ave. SE; CheckIt Enterprises, 1920 MLK Ave. SE; Martha's Outfitters, 2204 MLK Ave. SE, and the Anacostia Arts Center, 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE. Featured performers include The Brass-AHolics, The JoGo Project, Joe Felero Band, Yussah Ashad, The Experience Band & Show and The Lexi T Experience. For more information, visit anacostiabid.org/2023-jazz-hop.

Beau Young Prince at Union Stage

Fresh off a Def Jam deal with over 300 million worldwide streams, a Grammy nomination, a double platinum record, and a long list of video game and film placements, DC native Beau Young Prince is back with “Groovy Baby 3: Summer’s Ending” As always, BYP experiences include some of the city’s most magnetic rising talents. Get ready for a night filled with high energy and music discovery as Beau Young Prince provides the setting for one groovy night. Union Stage, 740 Water St. SW, on Saturday, Aug. 19, 8 p.m. (doors at 7 p.m.). unionstage.com.

Bel la Dona Band.

Photo: Jeremy Reaves

SIGN UP FOR YOUR FREE SMALL BUSINESS WORKSHOP TODAY

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

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 7D “Uniting Communities East and West”

Representing the Capitol Hill/Hill East, Eastland Gardens, Kenilworth, Kingman Park, Mayfair, Parkside, River Terrace and Rosedale neighborhoods

Join us for our September Virtual Public Meeting

Tuesday, September 12, 2023 - 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Stay tuned for our September meeting location More Information: https://7d0761.wixsite.com/anc7d-1

YOUR COMMISSIONERS ELECTED TO SERVE YOU

WEBINAR: LEARN HOW TO BECOME A CERTIFIED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (CBE)

Wednesday, August 2, 2023 • 10:00 am Register: dlcpsbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/58982

2ND SESSION GENERAL BUSINESS LICENSE BOOTCAMP – IN PERSON

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WEBINAR: BUSINESS FOUNDATION SERIES: THE BUSINESS MODEL CANVAS

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WEBINAR: BUSINESS FOUNDATION SERIES: THE LEAN BUSINESS PLAN

Thursday, August 24, 2023 • 2:00 pm Register: dlcpsbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/60460

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

Wendell Felder Parkside - 7D03 7d03@anc.dc.gov

Chairperson

Brian Alcorn Capitol Hill/Hill East – 7D08 7d08@anc.dc.gov

Vice Chair

Brett Astmann Rosedale – 7D07 7d07@anc.dc.gov

Treasurer or 202-630-1632

Ashley Schapitl Hill East – 7D09 7d09@anc.dc.gov

Secretary

Siraaj Hasan Eastland Gardens/ 7d01@anc.dc.gov

Commissioner Kenilworth – 7D01

Mike Davis River Terrace – 7D04 7d04@anc.dc.gov

Commissioner

Ebony Payne Kingman Park – 7D05 7d05@anc.dc.gov

Commissioner or 202-427-2068

Marc Friend Rosedale – 7D06 7d06@anc.dc.gov

Commissioner or 202-455-6238

Brianne Eby Hill East – 7D10 7d10@anc.dc.gov

Commissioner

Who Where How to Contact Me Volunteer Opportunities!

We are now recruiting community volunteers to build our five Commission committees. Our committees include: Community Outreach/Grants, Economic Development/Housing Justice, Environment, Public Safety, and Transportation/Public Space. Contact any Commissioner or 7d@anc.dc.gov for more information.

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

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Small Business Resource Center (202) 442-4538 | dlcp@dc.gov

H H AEL T

H

URGENT CARE CENTERS Strengthening Medical Care East of the River

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

The patient was drinking more water than normal and thought it might be caused by COVID. Wanting a test, she went to the Cedar Hill Urgent Care Center (2228 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE), where Dr. Harvey Lee did an examination. In addition to seeing patients himself, Lee is the Co-Medical Director of Cedar Hill Urgent Care GW Health.

It quickly became clear that it wasn’t COVID. Dr. Lee took a medical history and ran tests that confirmed his hypothesis. The patient was diabetic and possibly had been for years. Her last appointment had been long before this urgent care opened in the neighborhood.

Untreated, diabetes can lead to kidney damage, heart disease, blindness and a shorter life expectancy. So, Dr. Lee started the patient, who is not being named to protect her privacy, on medication. The clinic set the patient up with Medicaid. Lee also made a connection with primary care and specialists, following up a week later to check how things were going.

“So that it is one example where we definitely had an impact,” said Dr. Lee, “and hopefully effected a change in that person’s life.”

Something New in the Medical Landscape

Cedar Hill Urgent Care Center opened in October 2022. It’s the second urgent care clinic east of the river. In addition to Cedar Hill, MBI Urgent Care officially opened in March 2022 at 5140 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave. NE. A new Ward 7 urgent care center is set to open in 2024 as part of the new Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center project.

Urgent care centers are something of a national trend. There are 14,418 urgent care centers in the USA and 17 in the District. Nationally, patient volume has increased by 60 percent since 2019, fueled by shortages in primary care. According to the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) the United States will face a deficit of up to 124,000 physicians by 2034.

A 2018 Primary Care Needs Assessment found that challenges to scheduling and access to care were two leading barriers to care for patients, positing walk-in urgent care as one solution. But other experts have argued that these facilities, designed to quickly diagnose and treat isolated issues, can divert patients from a long-term relationship with a primary care provider. That relationship, they argue, is key to preventative services that improve health outcomes and increase longevity.

What do these new urgent care clinics mean for health care east of the river?

Urgent Care

An urgent care center is a walk-in clinic outside of a hospital that diagnoses and treats minor illnesses and injuries in a relatively short visit. They often have an emergency physician on staff and can order lab tests and x-rays. In that way, they can serve as a middle ground between hospital emergency rooms and primary care providers, relieving stress on both systems.

Stress on emergency services is a concern in the District.

Gaps in health care have long been noted in District communities east of the river. Until the Cedar Hill Regional Hospital is complete in 2025, residents have limited access to services through the soon-to-close United Medical Center (UMC). Most primary and some secondary services in the area are offered through Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), notably Unity Health, which operates six Health Centers in the two wards.

A 2016 assessment by DC Fire Emergency Medical Services (DC FEMS) found that of the 170,000 calls placed to 911, non-emergency calls accounted for about 72 percent of calls. According to the study, “[t]hese types of transports overburden the EMS response network and reduce the availability of resources to respond to true emergencies,” not only tying up ambulance crews but also medical teams in local hospital Emergency Departments (EDs).

About 21 percent of ER visits from Wards 7 and 8 could be addressed in clinical settings, the 2018 DC Primary Care Needs Assessment found.

One reason Ward 7 and 8 residents turn to emergen-

Image: Dr. Marcus Davis, Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White, Sr. and Dr. Randall Lee (right) at the October 2022 ribbon-cutting for the new Cedar Hill Urgent Care facility. E.O’Gorek/CCN

cy services is because, compared to other parts of the city, it is di cult to access either hospitals or primary care.

When a patient calls 911, the DC FEMS team must take a patient to an ED, not leaving until the patient is in the care of a nursing team. The ability to get to an urgent care clinic can free up resources for life-threatening emergencies.

But urgent care doesn’t just reduce stress on the system. It is also cheaper. “You read stories about surprise bills all the time,” said Dr. Vivian Ho, the James A. Baker III Institute Chair in Health Economics at Rice University. “Someone comes in for stitches which could have been done at an urgent care center, and they get a $30,000 bill.”

A 2019 study found that average fees for treatment at EDs cost $1,700 compared to $180 at an urgent care. Ho says that’s largely because the clinics do not charge a facilities fee. That’s usually justi ed as covering the costs of specialists and equipment always available whether ED is dealing with a heart attack, a gunshot victim or an earache.

Detour or Doorway?

Critics of urgent care say that the convenience of dealing with a health issue quickly and without an appointment can divert patients from a relationship with a primary care provider.

Unity Health Services operates six health centers in Wards 7 and 8, providing a key portion of the primary care available east of the river. “Urgent care is an important part of the health care ecosystem,” Chief Medical O cer (CMO) Dr. Stephanie Cox-Batson said. “We are not taking away from that.” For instance, she said, urgent clinics can provide speedy access to x-rays, casting for fractures or suturing for extensive lacerations.

The problem, say critics, comes when urgent care is used as an alternative to, rather than in conjunction with, a primary care provider. Individuals with a regular primary care provider are more likely to receive health education and preventative services necessary to preventing and managing illness and death.

That’s because while urgent care focuses on a medical issue, primary care centers on the patient’s overall health. They will know if a medication made the patient nauseous or, if weight loss is a goal, to avoid prescriptions where weight-gain is a potential side e ect.

“To have someone that understands your entire health history and your personal health goals—all of that is going to ultimately give you the very best health care,” said Dr. Cox-Batson. Often, those who turn to urgent care are those who fall through the cracks in primary care.

But Cedar Urgent Care’s Dr. Lee said sometimes those are not cracks, but doorways. He points to stories like that of the diabetic patient above. Rather than diverting patients from a primary care relationship, he said, the Cedar Hill urgent care facility tries to connect patients to care. They have conversations with Unity Health daily and monthly, for instance, referring patients to providers in the GW network and in the neighborhood.

“We feel obligated as an urgent care facility to help connect them with the other resources in the area,” said Lee, “and we’re willing to partner with anybody else that will set up shop there, to entice additional partners to come and join our e orts to provide additional resources and care to those citizens.”

WHEN TO SEEK EMERGENCY CARE OR CALL 911 E

mergency departments (EDs) treat life-threatening situations. Always seek emergency care when a life or limb is at risk. A medical issue can be more serious than it appears. Especially consider medical history and context for babies, pregnant women, people taking immune-suppressing medication and those with underlying conditions. A fever accompanying another symptom is often reason for ED care. If you are in doubt, trust your instincts.

Seek emergency care for symptoms such as:

• Chest pain

• Di culty breathing

• Weakness or numbness on one side

• Fainting, loss of conciousness, change in mental state

• Injuries to eyes or head

• Dislocated joints, broken bones

• Major blood loss

• Seizures

• Severe cuts requiring major stiches

• Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy

Go to Urgent Care

If your injuries do not threaten your life or body but you still need treatment that can’t wait until tomorrow, contact your primary care provider (PCP) to see if they o er same-day appointments. If you don’t have a primary care provider or yours is unavailable, seek Urgent Care for:

• Allergies

• Fever

• Sprains or muscle strains

• Minor fractures

• Smaller cuts requiring stitches

• Dehydration

• Abdominal pain

• Diarrhea, vomiting

• Ear or sinus infections

• Suspected pink eye (unless it a ects vision, then ED)

• Timely prescriptions

Primary Care Provider (PCP)

Because they are familiar with your medical history, your doctor can make the most informed decisions about your condition. They can help you with questions about your health, diet or prescriptions. Balance that history with the urgency of your condition and the availability of your PCP –except in emergencies.

• Regular physicals and check-ups

• Mild u symptoms

• Sore throat

• Rashes without fever

• Congestion

• Sore throat

• Urinary infection

• Prescription renewal

• Referrals to specialists, labs or testing

Unity Health Care Chief Medical Of cer Dr. Stephanie Cox-Batson. Courtesy Unity Health Care

DC: An Unusual Case

But the urgent care clinics coming as part of the Cedar Hill Medical Center are an exception to the national rule. Experts agree that it is unusual for urgent care clinics to open in economically disadvantaged areas. “Mostly, they go up in middle class suburbs, in shopping strips, where there are a lot of people with insurance and they can make a lot of money,” said Dr. Ho.

Instead, these new urgent care clinics provide walk-in care to communities that leaders have identified as medically underserved. Dr. Friedman expressed surprise when Dr. Lee’s anecdote about the diabetic patient was described to him. Most urgent care, he said, is not set up to refer patients to primary care or to insurance. That means urgent care is rarely a door to the medical ecosystem.

Studies have shown that when an urgent care center comes to an area, Medicare spending will increase over six years, presumably because providers diagnose conditions that require ongoing care. And some private investors can make urgent care a pipeline to additional business as they send patients to their providers or hospitals for additional care.

However, most data comes from urgent care located in affluent, privatelyinsured communities. “The effect of an urgent care in an area that was previously medically underserved could be very different,” Dr. Friedman said.

Unity’s Cox-Batson says she is glad patients have another option for urgent care. But, she notes, urgent care is not emergency care. “There is still a need for another level of care to complete this ecosystem east of the river,” she said.

Like many in the medical community, she says Unity is looking forward to the opening of the new Cedar Hill Hospital, saying it will go a long way toward completing the overall picture of healthcare east of the river.

“There are many pieces to the complete health picture,” she said. “Sometimes putting that picture together isn’t necessarily easy.” But completion is the goal, said the Unity CMO, and many people are committed to putting it together—with all of the different levels of care that are needed. u

MAX ROBINSON CENTER IS MOVING AND EXPANDING New, World-Class Facility to Open Aug. 14

by Sarah Payne

The bright, art-deco style walls of Whitman-Walker’s Max Robinson Center, 2301 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE, are difficult to miss. For decades, the clinic has served Ward 8 as medical facility specializing in HIV and gender affirming care for decades. Now the clinic is moving to 1201 Sycamore Dr. SE on the St. Elizabeth’s East Campus and expanding its services dramatically.

Expanded Medical Care for Ward 8

Housed in a new and much larger building, the 118,000 sq. ft. clinic features more than 60 exam rooms, eight dental chairs and 12 behavioral health suites. It also houses a pharmacy on the Alabama Ave SE side of the building, open to both the

center’s patients and the general public. Now, residents can obtain mammograms and x-rays without traveling across the Anacostia River. The new facility hosts a full array of diagnostic services. Whether individuals seek specialized medical care or a routine dental cleaning, the clinic’s extensive services in primary, dental and behavioral health care cover all the bases, according to Executive Director and Chief External Affairs Officer Abby Fenton.

The large array of services at the new clinic will improve access to healthcare in Ward 8, traditionally underserved.

“I think because of the economics of that area it’s difficult for a lot of people to access healthcare,” Whitman-Walker Board Member and patient, André Eleazer said. “There hasn’t really been a hospital or a lot of health care centers in Ward 8 until recently and I think this is going to present a lot more health opportunities to the people in that area.”

“You won’t have to go out to other facilities to get specialized treatment, it will be in-house,” Eleazer said. “Overall, it’s going to be more convenient and it’s a fresh, new, beautiful environment for people to come to.”

Patient care is slated to begin on Aug. 14 and will feature expanded spaces for research, something Fenton notes is at the forefront of Whitman-Walker’s mission.

A Little History

Whitman-Walker began in 1973 as a small venereal disease clinic for gay men in the basement of a Georgetown church. It became a fully chartered medical clinic in 1978, first moving to 17th Street NW and later to Adams-Morgan.

In 1983, it received the first District government contract for AIDS services. Subsequently, it expanded

to provide HIV testing, dental, nursing, food security, legal and hospice services. In 1987, it moved to an even larger facility on 14th Street NW. The organization became the central player in the District’s campaign against the HIV epidemic.

HIV work drew Whitman-Walker across the Anacostia River, where AIDS was ravaging the Black community. The organization opened its Max Robinson Center in 2005.

“Most medical treatment facilities are concentrated in Northwest DC,” the Center’s research clinician Megan Dietrich said. “Max Robinson has served Wards 7 and 8 east of the river historically, but it’s a small clinic.”

André Eleazer first visited the clinic in the 1990s. Clinicians accepted him, immediately putting his at ease, he recalled. “There was still some stigma about HIV and about people being gay.”

“You kind of got treated differently when you went to other health clinics in the city, not all, but some. Whitman-Walker had a more welcoming environment; it was not judgmental,” Eleazer added.

Fenton emphasized that the clinics are for everyone.

A waiting room in the new Max Robinson Center.

“While we see a lot of folks who identify as LGBTQ, we also see straight folk. We see a lot of people who are HIV positive, but we see a lot of people who are HIV negative,” Fenton said.

New Facility, Same Community

The Max Robinson Center may be moving, but the “cozy, family feeling” and close-knit community are moving with it. The center’s commitment to the community spans beyond traditional medical and dental services.

“A lot of our patients think of Max Robinson as a safe space,” Dietrich said. “If they get into a situation where they need help or they need to reconnect to healthcare or they don’t have food, they can come to Max Robinson and we can help get them reengaged and connected.”

Eleazer acknowledged that the move has brought some qualms about the continuity and standard of care for patients but emphasized that the features and ease of access to the new center will make the transition smooth.

“Even though change can be hard sometimes we always give change a chance,” Eleazer said. “ I think in this instance there’s going to be a lot more things that are o ered to make visits to the clinic more ful lling.”

For current patients, Fenton assures that the “same great care and same great faces” for which WhitmanWalker is known will be present in the new location.

Visit whitman-walker.org for more information about the new facilities, research initiatives and pharmacy access.

Sarah Payne is a reporter for Capital Community News. She can be reached at sarahp@hillrag.com. ◆

Assessing DDOT’s Impact in Ward 8

The Rhetoric is Equity, and the Reality is Exclusion

by Paul Davis

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is all-in for equity. On its website, DDOT uses 28 words to describe its mission, 61 words for its vision, and 287 words for its commitment to equity; this includes a statement and a de nition.

The emphasis continues in moveDC–the District’s Multimodal Long-Range Transportation Plan (2021)–where DDOT Director Everett Lott pledges:

“Equity will be considered in everything we do – moveDC will ensure that our investments in transportation bene t all residents, visitors, and commuters.”

The plan over ows with references to equity, including in its Policy Statements (e.g., N: “Improve economic equity and accessibility through safe, e cient, integrated, and a ordable transit options), its Goals (e.g., “Equity”), and its Strategies (e.g., #1: Ensure Equity in DDOT Projects).

Despite the fervency of its rhetoric, DDOT’s observations are rather predictable, such as this section from its Equity Statement:

Deep-rooted structural injustices and inequities safe, DDOT disproportionately ed

Deep-rooted structural injustices and inequities have contributed to the disparate access to safe, a ordable and e cient transportation… DDOT also acknowledges these inequities have disproportionately and negatively impacted environmental and health outcomes in our underserved communities.

This ality treated

This is true. It is very obviously true. The reality that underserved communities are not treated equally is not news to residents East of the River. Ward 8 su ers from many of the “deep-rooted structural injustices and inequities” that DDOT references; this re ects decades of decision-making about transportation that–by intent and impact–diminish communities in Ward 8. This is not a rhetorical problem–it’s a real problem.

Try crossing the 11th St. Bridge on foot towards Navy Yard without getting plowed by cars exiting Interstate 295. Because of

the monumental stupidity of the crossing, pedestrians must dangerously extend themselves–unprotected by a curb extension–into the intersection before they can even see (or be seen by) vehicles exiting the interstate.

Or try pushing a wheelchair or stroller through the Good Hope Road & Martin Luther King Jr. intersection during rush hour. The hostility of the infrastructure is palpable–everything is working against the safety of the person: this is what it feels like when the speed and convenience of automobiles are prioritized over the lives of Ward 8 residents.

Or try biking into Congress Heights along Martin Luther King Jr. to visit the Entertainment and Sports Arena, or along Good Hope Road to Lidl in Skyland, one of the few groceries East of the River. The dysfunctional infrastructure on these roads enables high-speed, reckless driving that threatens everyone, especially those walking or biking.

Dangerous, hostile, and dysfunctional–that is what transportation inequity looks like, and it’s everywhere in Ward 8.

Solving This Inequity

It is good that our culture–including DDOT–is awakening to the terrible reality of inequity. But the point is not to admire the problem; the point is to solve it.

Solving a problem like transportation inequity starts with the idea of a ourishing community. Communities can be assessed by any number of measures–schools, jobs, recreation, safety, governance, housing, transportation, etc. Communities “rich” in these measures can ourish. When limited resources are divvied up, neighborhoods with more economic or political clout receive more investments and resultant infrastructure; areas like Ward 8 are excluded. In the context of transportation, this means that Ward 8 is impoverished by fewer, inferior options for moving around.

This isolates neighborhoods East of the River from the life of the city; it creates expensive dependency on private car ownership; and it causes a disproportionate number of injuries and deaths from preventable collisions. The way to change the lack of transportation options is very simple–it’s to create new transportation options. It is only within this context that bike lanes can be considered.

Currently, children do not bike safely around their neighborhoods in Ward 8. Residents do not bike safely to work, to shop, to exercise in Ward 8. Visitors do not bike safely to explore Ward 8. This is the reality of transportation inequity.

Biking exempli es the safe, sustainable, and reliable transportation the District needs. It reduces vehicular congestion; it’s good for the planet; it saves money; it’s a fun, functional way to exercise; and it sparks joy. DDOT knows this.

New Project – No Bike Lane

Yet when it comes to projects in Ward 8, DDOT’s rhetoric about equity devolves into the reality of exclusion. Recently, DDOT initiated a Good Hope Road SE Corridor Safety Project to address safety issues on Good Hope Road between Minnesota Avenue and Alabama Avenue; this project has the potential to transform Good Hope Road. Yet when DDOT presented its plans, it declared at the outset: “This project does not include a bicycle lane...”

Good Hope Road is an extraordinary candidate for bicycle infrastructure: it serves as the rst welcome to DC’s East of the River communities after crossing the 11th St. Bridge. It connects Wards 7 and 8, and numerous neighborhoods including Anacostia, Fairlawn, Skyland, and Hillcrest.

Beginning this project without even considering bike lanes is an injury to Ward 8, but the insult is revealing: it directly contradicts DDOT’s approach to

equitable transportation. Ward 8 is treated di erently for the same reasons Ward 8 is always treated differently: indi erence (“they don’t need it”), condescension (“they don’t want it”), disdain (“they don’t deserve it.”)

Here’s the rub: it is unsurprising when people on the outside impose damaging policies on Ward 8. But this time, the calls are coming from inside the house. There are prominent voices in Ward 8 full of passionate intensity against bike lanes: the damage they create is self-in icted.

These voices insist–loudly–that bike lanes don’t belong in Ward 8. Not everyone bikes, that’s true. But not everyone is an elementary school student either, and people of common sense and decency still want good elementary schools in their communities. Bike lanes are good, like clean water, good schools, safe streets, and a ordable housing are good. The absence of these things represents a problem to be xed, not to be coddled. All voices have the right to express themselves, even misanthropic ones, but DDOT leaders have the responsibility to be serious.

When DDOT fails to deliver multimodal transit options like bike lanes in Ward 8, it moves Ward 8 backwards, and communities East of the River are served another missed opportunity for equity.

DDOT’s rhetorical commitment to equity is a good place to start. But words don’t keep Ward 8 residents safe. If DDOT is serious, it should go all-in for an equitable transportation system in Ward 8 that includes bike lanes. Ward 8 residents and visitors deserve to bike and walk around their communities and neighborhoods without risking their lives.

Paul Davis wasn’t born in Ward 8, but he got here–gratefully–as soon as he could. He is helping to build a community initiative, Ward 8 Bike Alliance, to organize support for safe cycling in this wonderful ward. Drop him a line at paul.timothy. davis@gmail.com ◆

Ward 8's biking community is growing.

Photo: Paul Davis

UIP Management Condemned ANC 8F Report

by Andrew Lightman

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 8F (ANC 8F) met on July 25. Commissioners Brian Strege (8F03, secretary), Edward Daniels (8F04, chair) and Nic Wilson (8FO1) were in attendance. Commissioners Rick Murphree (8F02, treasurer) and Clayton Rosenberg (8F05, vice chair) were absent.

Chair Daniels introduced a resolution decrying alleged unhealthy and unsafe residential conditions at The Onyx, 1100 First St. SE. Opened in 2008, the 14-floor, 260-unit building is managed by UIP Property Management, Inc (www.uippm.com).

UIP was invited to the commission’s meeting, but chose not to attend. More than a dozen angry Onyx residents, however, did put in an appearance.

Residents provided a detailed list of issues. To begin with, they began by narrating the actions UIP allegedly took to stifle tenant organizing. Then, they detailed maintenance failures and building fires.

Residents complained of security failures including non-residents sleeping in corridors and hallways as well as an automobile stolen from the building’s garage.

“It is emotionally scaring every day to walk through those hallways,” a resident stated. “We are not safe. Everything is wrong in this building,” said another.

Lastly, they complained about a bacterial infection in the water system that feeds the building’s pool that resulted in a number of illnesses.

“UIP must be held responsible for the unhealthy and dangerous environment that they have allowed to continue,” stated a resident. “They are giving the illusion that it is a luxury high rise. It is no longer a luxury high rise. They are a slum lord.” stated one resident.

Residents reached out to Chair Daniels, who tried to mediate a solution. Daniels found UIP to be non-responsive. He then reached out to the appropriate city agencies and the councilmembers for assistance. The Office of the Tenant Advocate, Daniels reported, is now working with the residents to organize an association. The DC Dept. of Buildings has also inspected the premises and found major infractions, Daniels stated.

The resolution by Daniels requests The DC Dept. of Licensing and Consumer Protection to terminate UIP’s business license. It also asks the DC Dept. of Buildings to conduct more inspections of the property and asks the DC Attorney General to investigate UIP. The commission unanimously supported the resolution.

Public Safety

Lieutenant Kenneth Taylor briefed the commission on public safety. Motor vehicle thefts have been cut in half compared to the previous month, he reported. The Navy Yard suffered two assaults involving firearms, one of which was closed by an arrest, he stated.

Robberies increased from 10 to 13, one of which has been closed by an arrest. One set of perpetrators used a scooter to rob pedestrians. Theft from autos and general thefts are slightly up, he reported.

Secretary Strege asked whether MPD conducts traffic enforcement. The department primarily relies on red light and speeding cameras, Taylor replied.

Is MPD is properly resourced to make the Capitol Quarter courtyard at 3rd and L St. SE a priority? asked Commissioner Wilson. Crimes of violence take priority over qualify of life issues due to constrained manpower, stated Taylor. He cited Sursum Corda, where 50 rounds were fired on a recent evening as an example.

M Street Dedicated Bus Lanes

The DC Dept. of Transportation (DDOT) is installing a two-way cycle track and dedicated bus lines on M Street between 11th Street and Half Street SE starting on Aug. 7, stated Bicycle Program Specialist Will Handsfield. The agency plans a protected bidirectional bike lane for the north side of the street. A dedicated bus lane and new bus platforms will grace the street’s southern side.

The agency, Handsfield stated, will avoid scheduling construction on game days. However, this may entail doing some night work to keep the project on schedule. The project will take six to eight weeks to complete, weather permitting, he said. It starts on July 31.

Southeast Library Interim Services

The DC Public Library’s (DCPL) Southeast Branch is shutting down for two to three years for renovation. No date has yet been set for the commencement of construction. The SE Library Task Force (www.anc6b.org/committees-task-forces/southeast-library-task-force) organized by ANC 6B has taken the lead on negotiating for the provision of interim services.

The taskforce has managed to secure agreement with DCPL to provide a laptop vending machine and printing services at Arthur Capper Recreation Center (www.dpr. dc.gov/arthurcapper). They are now attempting to add

book pickup and drop-off as well. Two DCPL digital navigators will also be stationed at the center to assist users.

Capper/Carrollsburg Lots

The DC Housing Authority (DCHA) replied to the commission’s last letter, stated Chair Daniels. The agency restated its commitment to providing 234 apartments for those displaced by Hope Six redevelopment of the Arthur Capper/Carrollsburg Public Housing Complex (www.jdland. com/dc/capper.cfm). The project which began in 2004 is still ongoing.

DCHA may be examining a land swap to accommodate a public school, Daniels stated.

Secretary Strege reported having some success getting maintenance and landscaping work done on DCHA’s three remaining undeveloped parcels. Two of these are serving as parking for the Nationals, lots run by U Street Parking. The third is simply fenced and remains undeveloped.

The commission requested DCHA to consider allowing residents to park on the Nats lots on non-game days. No accommodations could be made until the current lease with U Street Parking expires, DCHA replied.

DCHA has asked the Zoning Commission, which has authority over Planned Unit Developments (PUDs), for an extension of its current interim uses for the parcels. Commissioners resolved to oppose any such extension, to request adequate maintenance and landscaping be performed on the sites, to allow residential parking in the lots

Other Matters

Free To Move, a car share service, has parked damaged cars near Canal Park and Cube Storage. DDOT will be reaching out to the company to address the matter.

The commissioner voted to withdraw its protest of a liquor license application for El Rey, 79 Potomac Ave. SE. Approval of settlement agreement was tabled.

The commission approved its financial reports for the second and third fiscal quarters.

The commission voted to protest Tinette’s, 71 Potomac Ave. SE, application for a liquor license in absence of a settlement agreement on the basis of peace order and quiet.

ANC 8F generally meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month. The next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 26 at DC Dept. of Transportation Headquarters, 250 M St. SE. For more information, visit anc8f.org. u

Anacostia Jazz Hop Returns

The Anacostia Business Improvement District partners with 202Creates and DC JazzFest on Friday, Sept. 1, noon to 8 p.m., for the Anacostia Jazz Hop at several locations in Historic Anacostia. All events are free and open to the public. In celebration of the 19th Annual DC JazzFest, the Jazz Hop will be held in the Art to Go-Go Anacostia Arts & Culture District. Attendees to Historic Anacostia’s ourishing arts district will be treated to the neighborhood’s charm, music, and arts o erings at various creative hubs—from dynamic jazz performances at the Anacostia Arts Center to artistic expressions and exhibits at Busboys and Poets. In addition, everyone will delight in the Popup outdoor jazz cafes with live jazz, visual artists, and the opportunity to have tasty bites from up-and-coming chefs and caterers. The event kicks o at noon at the Big Jazz Café, 1234 Good Hope Rd. SE for opening remarks and live performances. Concurrently, the Jazz Hop, a variety of dynamic performances, will begin at six locations within the Anacostia BID: NSC Café Jazz, 2007 MLK Ave. SE; BIG Jazz Café, 1234 Good Hope Rd. SE; Busboys and Poets, 2004 MLK Ave. SE; Check-It Enterprises, 1920 MLK Ave. SE; Martha’s Out tters, 2204 MLK Ave. SE) and the Anacostia Arts Center, 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE. This year, there will be new PopUp cafe venues throughout the business corridor. Some of the featured performers are The Brass-A-Holics, The JoGo Project, Joe Felero Band, Yussah Ashad, The Experience Band & Show and The Lexi T Experience. anacostiabid.org/2023-jazz-hop.

New Voices New Works: ACT ONE Playwrights Needed

Anacostia Playhouse is seeking new and non-produced 10-minute plays for New Voices New Works: ACT ONE, the rst installment of their 2023-2024 Playwright Pipeline. This year’s theme is “We Are Family.” Plays should address the theme of family whether literally, spiritually, and/or socially. Plays should be set in an East of the River location. Selected playwrights will work with a professional director and actors to prepare for a nal staged reading performance. The ACT ONE Play Festival will be held in November 2023 at the Anacostia Playhouse. The festival is an opportunity to introduce new and seasoned playwrights to Washington’s theater community, as well as establish relationships among writers, producers and directors. All chosen plays will have staged readings directed by a local Washington director. Due to the high volume of submissions they receive, they may be unable to respond individually to each work sample that is submitted. Submissions will be accepted through Aug. 25. Read more at anacostiaplayhouse.com/2023/07/12/act-one-new-voices-new-works/.

Connecting Land, River, and Sky Birding Boat Tour

On Saturday, Aug. 26, 7 a.m., take the free Connecting Land, River, and Sky Birding Boat Tour at Anacostia Park. anacostiariverkeeper.org.

Bird Walks at Kenilworth Park

Every Tuesday, inde nitely, at 8:30 to 10 a.m., join park rangers and expert volunteers on this special walk at the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, 1900 Anacostia

Army Band Concerts at the Capitol

In the waning days of summer, you can enjoy US Army Band Concerts while watching the glorious sunset over the National Mall on the steps of the west side of the Capitol. All concerts are free and at 8 p.m. Here’s the schedule, Fri- day, Aug. 11, Music of the American Landscape; Friday, Aug. 18, The Heart and Soul of Country Roads; Thursday, Aug. 24, The Brass Quintet; and Fri- day, Aug. 25, A Star Spangled Spectacular. At this time of night, there’s park- ing near the Botanic Garden. usarmyband.com.

Bel la Dona Band, Photo: Jeremy Reaves

DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in the District.

DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in the District.

DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in the District.

DC Open Doors

DC Open Doors

DC Open Doors

DC Open Doors

DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership in the city. is program o 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.

DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership in the city. is program o 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.

DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership in the city. is program o 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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Visit

Ave. SE. Bring your binoculars or an ID to borrow a pair from the visitors’ center. nps. gov/keaq.

11th Street Bridge Park Walking Tour

The 11th Street Bridge Park walking tour on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 5:30 to 7 p.m., is an opportunity to visit the future site of the park and hear an insider’s perspective on the park’s history, design, and progress. Meet at Capital One Cafe, 1203 Good Hope Rd. SE. bbardc.org.

Non-native Invasive Species Removal at RFK Meadows

The NPS Invasive Plant Management Team hosts a non-native invasive plant removal event on the second Saturday of each month at RFK Meadows. Meet at the entrance of Kingman and Heritage Islands Park at 575 Oklahoma Ave. NE, along the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail. This is a volunteer e ort to help rescue green spaces from non-native invasive species through the hands-on removal of especially harmful trees, vines, and owering plants. During the events, participants will learn how to identify and control

several non-native invasive plants threatening our natural communities. Please wear sturdy shoes, pants, and a long-sleeved shirt. All supplies will be provided. Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older to participate. No registration required. nps.gov/ anac/planyourvisit/calendar.

Free Legal Clinics at Benning Library

On the fourth Monday of every month (next on Monday, Aug. 28) 10 a.m. to noon, free legal information will be provided by lawyers with the Neighborhood Legal Services Program. Get help with criminal sealing, disability and other public bene ts, protection from debt collection, student loans, unemployment and wrongful placement on the child protection registry. No registration required. For more information, call 202-832-6577. Benning (Dorothy I. Height) Neighborhood Library is at 3935 Benning Rd. NE. dclibrary.org.

AfterDark@THEARC

On Saturday, Sept. 9, 6 p.m., join THEARC as they transform the space into a swanky speakeasy and raise their glasses

The DC Dream Center Block Party

The DC Dream Center, 2826 Q St. SE, a community center in Ward 7, is holding a block party on Saturday, Aug. 26, noon to 3 p.m. The free event features food, live music and performances, and games, arts & crafts, face painting, a bounce house, community information, and three on three basketball in the gym. The block party will be a time to bring the community together, thank partners, vol- unteers, and celebrate six years and counting. They o er over 30 free programs and events including after-school sessions and summer camps, one-to-one men- toring, adult employment training, exercise classes including yoga, exercise and taekwondo, Bible studies, weekly prayer breakfasts and bi-monthly reconciliation luncheons. dcdreamcenter.com.

H Street Festival Applications Open

The 18th H Street Festival is on Saturday Sept. 16. There are many ways to join organizers in celebrating the vibe on the H Street NE Corridor. H Street Festival is famed for its performance line ups across 15 staging areas, incredible food choices, the mile-long shopping experience and the countless patios H Street businesses host. H Street businesses always come through with fantastic promotions and o erings on festival day. Volunteers are needed. Visit hstreetfestival.org/participate.

to the transformative achievements of THEARC as it celebrates 18 years of service to the community East of the Anacostia River. Sponsorships are available. Reach out to Sara Lange at slange@thearcdc.org with any questions. bbardc.org/project/thearc.

Senior Day in the Park, Aug. 18

On Friday, Aug. 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., join other seniors for a free, fun day of health and wellness activities at the Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion, 1500 Anacostia Dr. SE, in celebration of National Senior Citizens Day. Enjoy live music performances by talented local artists--dance along or simply relax while listening to your favorite tunes. You can also participate in engaging tness activities such as GoGo tness, yoga and line dancing. National Senior Citizens Day was rst established in the United States on August 21, 1988, by presidential proclamation to honor and recognize older citizens who have paved the way for generations to come. tinyurl. com/seniordayinthepark.

Ranger Tours at Kenilworth Park

Every Saturday and Sunday through Nov. 4, at 11 a.m., join a ranger on a guided walk of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, 1900 Anacostia Ave. SE. Learn about the history of the park and the community, the ecology of the tidal marsh, and the sto-

Photo: Courtesy of the DC Dream Center

The Free Words Prison Project

The Free Words Prison collects books by hosting book drives all across DC and collects money to buy the most requested books. Cecilia Lapetina, a high school student at Duke Ellington, started Free Words Prison by sending books to incarcerated people in 2020. In the past two years, Free Words Prison has raised over $7,000 and collected thousands of books. They ship over 100 books monthly to facilities all over the US. Their goal is to empower and rehabilitate people through reading, in turn decreasing the isolation of the prison system and stimulating individual growth and positive change. They try to foster a love of reading behind bars, encourage the pursuit of knowledge and self-empowerment, and break the cycle of recidivism. Many book requests come from prisoners with little or no access to adequate prison libraries or educational programs. Volunteers are crucial for their organization and opportunities are available in-person or virtual. Read more at cecilialapetina123.wixsite.com/my-site-1.

ry behind the beautiful lotuses and water lilies in the park. nps.gov/keaq.

Dead Man’s Run Registration Open

This year, the Dead Man’s Run 5k at Congressional Cemetery is on Saturday, Oct. 14, 5:30 p.m. As the funeral bell tolls, runners bound around the cemetery

and continue out onto the Anacostia Trail for a ghostly evening run full of spooky music and fun. Costumes are encouraged, with prizes for the best individuals and teams. Dogs and strollers are allowed in the race, however, for safety reasons, they are required to start at the back of the group. Registration is $35. All proceeds support the cemetery’s non-pro t 501(c)(3) organization and fund the preservation of this National Historic Landmark. congressionalcemetery.org.

Dinner Under the Stars at the Arboretum

Late Skate Saturdays at Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion

On “Late Skate” Saturdays, Aug. 26, Sept. 30 and Oct. 28; skate until 10 p.m. and enjoy the featured DJ. Events last throughout the day and include double dutch, lawn games, job fairs, boat trips and more. Free skate rental (socks required) is available with a government issued ID. You can also skate anytime at Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion—the only roller-skating rink in the National Park Service. nps.gov/anac.

Friends of the National Arboretum invite you to join them at Dinner Under the Stars on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 5:30 to 9 p.m. Enjoy cocktails in the National Arboretum’s Ellipse Meadow and a tented dinner in view of the Capitol Columns. Spend a wonderful fall evening with colleagues, business leaders, and government representatives. The dinner is a fantastic way to mix and mingle—senior sta and o cials from Capitol Hill and the Administration will be invited, however attendance cannot be guaranteed. By attending the Dinner, you

Park Ranger at Anacostia Park. Photo: Courtesy of the National Park Service

The DC Bike Ride

On Saturday, Sept. 9, starting at 8 a.m., enjoy DC on car-free streets. The 2023 ride consists of 20-miles of DC roadways, crossing the Potomac River towards Virginia before returning to the District. Make quick stops along the route to enjoy local music and food to keep you energized along the way. The Start Line is at West Potomac Park, near the MLK Memorial at 121 West Basin Dr. SW. The Finish Festival with live entertainment, fun activities and food trucks is between the Capitol and the Mall. Event proceeds bene t community partners working towards safer streets for all and growing our bicycle community. $190. dcbikeride.com.

DCHFA Oversees Financing of Affordable Apartments in Ward 8

On July 28, the District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency completed transactions for the nancing of 461 units of a ordable housing. The Villages at Parklands Phase I is comprised of two apartment communities, The Huntington Village Apartments Tenant Association, Inc. and Orchard Park Village Tenant Association, Inc., which organized and exercised rights under the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act to acquire their buildings then selected Dantes Partners, L& M Development Partners, and H Street Community Development Corporation as the developers to rehabilitate their homes. The total development cost is $121 million. The apartment buildings were constructed in the Randle Heights neighborhood during the 1950s and last underwent renovation in 2006.

WABA Senior Block Party

The Washington Area Bicyclist Association invites seniors 55 and older to a block party on Saturday, Sept. 9, noon to 2 p.m. at Dupont Circle. WABA is celebrating DC’s senior community and facilitating a conversation about tra c safety when walking, biking, and driving. Throughout the program, you will have a chance to hear from transportation professionals and community leaders. This is an informal and free event. There will be food, music, drinks, trivia, a speaker agenda, and a shaded seating area. Read more at waba.org/blog/2023/06/senior-block-party.

support FONA’s work supporting and promoting the National Arboretum. As its primary 501 (c) (3) nonpro t partner, they complement the National Arboretum’s work by ensuring its research and gardens are a resource for DC residents and tourists from around the world. They also invite visitors of all ages to form deep and mindful relationships with nature through education programs, recreation programs, and events. fona.org/dinner.

New Affordable Housing Development in Ward 7

On July 17, the Neighborhood Development Company (NDC) held a groundbreaking ceremony on a new affordable housing mixed-use development in Washington DC’s River Terrace Community. The property will be the rst Net-Zero Ready, PHIUS a ordable housing development project in Washington D.C. Located at 3450 Eads St. NE, the property will feature green sustainable construction combined with emerging businesses that will address needs in the community such as health and wellness, beauty, banking, and nancial planning. 3450eadsdevelopment.com.

Labor Day Art Show at Glen Echo

This year, the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture continues its tradition of presenting one of the largest art shows in the region in the Park’s historic Spanish Ballroom over Labor Day weekend. The annual Labor Day Art Show will be held from Sept. 2 to 4, noon to 6 p.m. (all days). A 52-year tradition, the exhibition includes artwork in a wide range of media, including sculpture, painting and drawing, ceramics, glass, jewellery, photography, textiles, furniture, and works on paper. Artists from the Park and around the region participate in the annual exhibition, and thousands of visitors are expected over the three-day weekend. glenechopark. org/LDAS.

RFK Stadium Demolition Update

Smoot Construction Company of Washington, DC has completed the abatement of identi ed asbestos containing materials and non-structural demolition work within RFK Stadium. Additionally, all utilities servicing the

stadium have been disconnected. Structural demolition will commence once the compliance work is completed, and approval is received from the National Park Service. eventsdc.com/news.

Public Comment: Damage Assessment Plan for the Anacostia

The National Park Service invites public comment on a draft Damage Assessment Plan (DAP), which details the proposed approach to conducting a natural resource damage assessment and restoration for the Anacostia River. They encourage the public to review the plan and provide comments through Sept. 16. The draft DAP and additional information are available on parkplanning.nps.gov/AnacostiaDAP.

Chuck Brown Day, Aug. 19

The ninth annual Chuck Brown Day will take place Saturday, Aug. 19, 2 to 7 p.m., at a new location, Fort Dupont Park’s amphitheater. This event commemorates the legacy of the “Godfather of Go-Go” and the music of DC. For eight years the event has been held at DPR’s Chuck Brown Memorial Park, but this year it will be held at a larger venue, and one historically known for its summer music concert series. Relatives of the singer will be present, along with the Chuck Brown Foundation who will host their annual “Back to School Giveaway” at the park, starting at 1 p.m. The event will also feature a kid’s fun zone and more. The event will feature performances by The Chuck Brown Band, Backyard Band. The District Kings, DJ Kool and DJ Quicksilva. Food trucks and vendors will be on site. DPR recommends bringing a blanket or lawn chair for an afternoon of entertainment and fun. dpr.dc.gov. ◆

A Living History in River Terrace

Residents Tell their Stories

by Matthew McClure

On a summer evening in late June, our dog went missing. Like a hairy Harry Houdini, he slipped out of his leash on a nighttime walk, and hightailed it down 34th Street NE, one of the main roads in our neighborhood of River Terrace. This little cul de sac community of around 2000 residents, nestled against the banks of the Anacostia River in Ward 7, is as close-knit as family, and within minutes someone had found our dog and returned him to us. That’s why I love living here.

A Place for Families

I moved to River Terrace with my partner in September of 2022. Our house is one of the original planned unit devel-

opments settled in the late 1930s and designed by George Thomas Santmyers Jr. Small but cozy, these solid brick homes were built for families looking for a place to settle after the Second World War. Exclusionary covenants written into house deeds meant at the time that Black DC residents couldn’t own property in River Terrace, but as soon as these were declared unconstitutional in 1948, the neighborhood witnessed a slow but steady transformation to the vibrantly textured community that it is today.

It’s easy to see why River Terrace (also called Lilly Ponds due to its proximity to the nearby Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens) was and still is so attractive to first time homeowners like us. It’s close to the Orange Metro Line and buses are always on time, meaning downtown is at most 20 minutes away. House prices have stayed affordable, hovering in the

mid $300,000 to upper $400,000 range, and there are acres of lush green park space right on your doorstep. Deer roam through the River Terrace Park at the end of our block and the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail passes right by our house.

A Proud History

We’re part of a new wave of residents looking for more space post the Covid-19 pandemic, but some of our neighbors have been here for years, like Michelle Hall. She’s preparing for a big birthday celebration, so I manage to meet with her while she’s cooking up a storm for her family in the kitchen of her home on 34th Street. “We moved here in 1973. I was 14,” Hall remembers. “My uncle and cousin already lived in the neighborhood so we were the third part of our family to move here.”

For the River Terrace 70th Anniversary celebrations, Hall paid homage to the first African American family to move into the neighborhood by writing and performing a small theatre production. She’s managed to find the script and reads a few excerpts to me. “It was 1949. His name was Odis von Blasingame. He had a wife, Georgetta, and a little baby. They lived on Ames Street.” Hall played the role of Georgetta Childress von Blasingame who, in the play, told the story of how her family were targeted with stones, trash fires and offensive language by a group of white men within 30 minutes of moving in. Not to be deterred, Odis von Blasingame became the first president of the Riv-

Aerial view of River Terrace and its surroundings. Photo courtesy of Library of Congress.

Anacostia Ave. NE in the early 1950s. The E. Capitol St. Bridge had not yet been built. Photo courtesy of M. Grimstead.

er Terrace Community Organization and a role model for the neighborhood.

Solid Investments

Dolores Winter moved to River Terrace from Capitol Hill in November of 2000, and lives with her husband Reggie on a corner lot right next to the house that Odis and Georgetta called home almost 75 years ago. “I wasn’t married. No kids. So I thought, you know, I need my own house. I bought the house with the HPAP Program,” Winter tells me over a glass of iced water on her porch, where we’re chatting and escaping the heat during a hot and humid summer afternoon. At that time, through HPAP (the Home Purchase Assistance Program), Winter received $20,000 towards the purchase of her property. “I paid $83,000 for this house. Can you imagine?” she laughs.

Reggie Winter’s history in River Terrace goes back to 1960, when he was a member of the American Legion Royal Sabres Drum and Bugle Corps that was based in the neigh-

borhood. “We used to march all over River Terrace,” he reminisces. “We went to competitions in Washington, Philadelphia, New York. If we didn’t win first place, we knew something was wrong. We came first or second every time.” Mrs. Winter shows me an 11-inch piece of concrete, bored out of her basement wall when she moved her gas line to build a new porch. Houses in River Terrace are solid. Not even the 2011 quake could put a crack in her wall. “These houses are built twice as strong as they needed to be,” says Mr Winter. “These bricks are quality. Washington DC bricks were so good, other cities were outbidding DC to buy them. Next to the Arboretum on Bladensburg Road there are still big kilns where they used to fire these bricks. River Terrace houses are built with those Washington bricks.”

Community Activism

The River Terrace Community Organization (RTCO) has roots in the neighborhood as deep as the ones beneath the old oak and elm trees lining its streets. It was formed in 1950 by Black residents like Odis von Blasingame and is the longest running continually active community organization in the country. It celebrates 75 years in 2025. Malissa Freese was president of the RTCO from 2017 to 2021 when she handed the reins over to Sharon Culver, the current president. “Folks don’t realize how big of a job it is,” Freese confides to me. I’m interviewing her while we take a stroll through the River Terrace Park, where she’s currently trying to get a nonprofit volunteer group started that can assist the chronically understaffed National Parks Service with maintenance and upkeep.

Freese knows that there is a deep and active history carried by the community and residents who have spent their whole lives in the houses bordering the park and beyond. “Those people will share their stories with you. They used to have garden tours and parades during River Terrace Day. George Gurley lived here and he’s the one that fought with PEPCO. We were a cancer cluster at one point.” Freese is referring to the old PEPCO Benning Road plant, just across from River Terrace, where in 1990 the plan to install two new electrical generators was mooted due to pressure from River Terrace residents and Gurley in particular, who were suffering from the noxious gases drifting into their neighborhood. Thankfully, the toxic plant was demolished in 2014.

Stories Worth Telling

On early evening walks through River Terrace, we’re greeted by neighbors who’ve spent their whole lives in this small patch of the city. It’s bittersweet to realize that these lifelong residents are now in their twilight years and so many of their stories have yet to be shared. In many big and small ways, the quiet history of America’s civil rights movement has played out within the brick walls of these homes. And of course, now every neighbor that greets us also knows our dog. Learn more about the rich history of River Terrace by visiting riverterracehistoryscapbookdc.org or visit the River Terrace Community Organization (RTCO) Facebook page. You can also stop by over the Labor Day weekend to participate in the 15th Annual River Terrace Reunion Committee Picnic and meet local residents. u

Members of the Lawn Rangers Gardening Club working on the Community Flower Garden at Clay St. and Anacostia Ave. in the 1960s. The old PEPCO power plant can be seen in the background. Photo courtesy of E. Lewis.

Posing for the camera in the alley off of Anacostia Ave. in the 1960s. Photo courtesy of K. Anderson.

Malissa Freese in the historic River Terrace community rose garden across from Anacostia Ave. and Clay Street NE.

Michelle Hall, a local amateur historian, is currently working on a publication focused on the history of River Terrace.

Meet Malcolm Battle: A Brilliant Basketball Coach

by Anthony D. Diallo

Renowned local basketball coach Malcolm Battle announced recently that he would be leaving Bard High School Early College DC (BHSEC) to coach at his alma mater, Archbishop John Carroll High School.

The “tough decision” comes after Battle spent three years at BHSEC as the athletic director and head basketball coach and won the DC Interscholastic Athletic Association in February and the District of Columbia State Athletic Association championship in March.

“I didn’t want to leave,” Battle told his Bard student-athletes and several parents last month. “I was approached and offered two other high school positions that I turned down but when Archbishop called…I knew it was the right time and decision.”

Time at Bard

His time at BHSEC has been fraught with challenges despite the team’s overall success. BHSEC opened in August 2019 as a partnership between Bard College in New York and the District of Columbia Public Schools. The school was first located in Ward 7 in the Fort Dupont Park area of Southeast before transitioning to Ward 8 in a new state-of-the-art facility in January within the Congress Heights neighborhood on Alabama Avenue on the grounds of the former Malcolm X Opportunity Center.

“We didn’t have a home gym. We didn’t know until the last minute where we were going to practice some days,” the coach recalled while pointing out some of the difficult obstacles

Championship-winning basketball Coach Malcolm Battle, the recently departed Bard High School Early College DC basketball athletic director/ coach, returns to his alma mater - Archbishop John Carroll.

Second team photo of the Cesar Chavez Lobos where Malcolm Battle coached for six years.

he faced at BHSEC. Battle and his assistant coaches often ferried the student-athletes to and from practices and games in their private cars.

Ward 7 Representative and Role Model

Battle is a fiercely proud, homegrown Washingtonian who lived predominantly in the Benning Heights community and knows Wards 7 and 8 like the back of his hand.

“I love being from East of the River. I wear it like a badge of honor. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else in life.”

Although Battle adores his community and represents it well, that fact alone did not shield him or make life any easier as a teenager and young adult. On the contrary, Battle has had to overcome both physical and emotional scars he suffered in the past.

Two days before his 16th birthday, Battle’s father, Mike Battle, “a family member who struggled with chemical dependency,” murdered his mother (Battle’s grandmother) and then committed suicide. This life-altering tragedy occurred in Hampton, Virginia but had far-reaching effects on the teenager living alone with his mother in Ward 7. Although Battle has three siblings sired by his father, he is his mother’s only child. Gloria Battle, now 77, lived with her husband until their son turned four years old.

Then, while visiting family in the Northeast quadrant and simply sitting on a stoop, Battle was struck by a stray bullet that entered near his temple, went down his face, and exited on one side of his neck. He was rushed to Washing-

ton Hospital Center where he stayed for a significant amount of time. It was the second consecutive summer that Battle spent time at Washington Hospital Center. The year before, in 1990, he was involved in a car accident and had to recuperate at the center.

Basketball... the Saving Grace

Despite the growing pains or perhaps because of them, basketball has always been a redeeming influence on Battle as an adolescent, young adult, and now as a 50-year-old.

“It means everything to me. [Basketball] is the one constant in my entire life. It’s connected me with all sorts of people. I have traveled because of it. It has allowed me to be the best version of myself,” said the battle-tested coach. Having graduated from Archbishop Carroll in 1990 as part of the first co-ed class, Battle was raised in the Catholic faith but now studies the teachings of Islam. He currently resides with his partner, Terri Hankins, whom he refers to as “my saving grace.”

Listening to jazz musicians like Terence Blanchard, Norman Brown, and Joe Sample relaxes Battle while watching “almost any kind of documentary” stimulates his intellect. “I remember seeing a Johnny Cash documentary and thinking how amazing it was.”

The basketball whisperer has two biological daughters—Dyamond Battle and Dearra Hart and one, Pamela Banks, whom “I kind of adopted through DCPS.”

The self-described student advocate and disciplinarian reflected on his time as a young hoopster and admitted that “Coach Battle wouldn’t like the young Malcolm Battle, the basketball player” who had been kicked off two teams while at Archbishop Carroll.

It is learning experiences like that one that make Battle so relatable to the young men he coaches who have similar backgrounds and come from similar environments.

“He has always been a standup guy. He’s a tremendous coach. He’s a great connector with those young inner-city kids who may not have father figures in their lives, or he becomes an extended family member for those kids with two-headed households. He puts everything into those young men. I’ve seen him chauffeur them to games, feed them, and then take their uniforms home to wash,” said Duane Simpkins, the newly appointed head coach at American University, who has known Battle for more than 20 years and considers him “one of my best friends.”

From Lobos to Falcons and Returning to the Lions

Before BHSEC, Battle was the assistant athletic director at Cesar Chavez Charter School. Besides being the liaison between the booster club, school administration, and the sports program, he fought against youth/gang violence by organizing a Ward 7 task force that included parents, counselors, social workers, and school resource officers.

Now that he is leaving the BHSEC Falcons as an award-winning coach, he intends to do the same as an Archbishop Lion. The Catholic high school already has an accomplished athletic director, so Battle will focus solely on basketball.

According to Battle, he has assisted in placing more than 60 high school students from either Bard or Chavez into D1, D2, or D3 college basketball programs around the country.

“I’ve been knowing Malcolm for quite some time now. He knows everybody in the basketball community. The work he did at Chavez and at Bard speaks for itself. His biggest ability is to take those athletes and young men and put them in situations to be most successful. Washington, DC is the top basketball area in the country. Malcolm did what he had to do at Bard. He did what he had to do to put them [BHSEC] on the map,” said Edward Hill, former Howard University Sports Information Director, and current freelance writer. “Malcolm is that dude!” u

Coach Malcolm Battle (third from left), posing with the Bard Falcons in March, after winning the DCSAA championship.

The Cesar Chavez Lobos team with Coach Battle in the middle (fourth from right).

The Eastsider The Eastsider Goes To East Africa

by Leniqua’dominique Jenkins

Every year, I fly across the world to various parts of Africa. Africa is more than three times the size of the United States. It is a labyrinth of wonder and the reasons to visit and revisit are countless. Returning to East Africa to care for orphans, enhancing sustainability, assisting with charitable initiatives, and spending time with friends that have become family will always be at the top of my list. This year marks my fourth year traveling with Anji Degante. Each year she curates a travel experience that introduces travelers to East Africa. This year, my experience has pushed me to a new level of introspection. Here is a list of five things that traveling through East Africa has taught me :

1. Remember to check my privilege.

The word “privilege” is an interesting term and commonly ascribed to white or white passing folks. Which is why

many readers may be surprised by its application to my travel experience. Anyone can have privilege. According to an article I read in The New Yorker by Joshua Rotham, “the idea of “privilege” is that some people benefit from unearned, and largely unacknowledged, advantages, even when those advantages aren’t discriminatory.” During my travels, I was constantly conducting privilege checks. Reminding myself, it’s expensive to fly back and forth, I am an American passport holder, I am proficient in standard English, and all of these privileges that I did not work for positively impact my experience in East Africa. My understanding of this allows me to leverage my privilege to make East Africa and my community East of the River better. We all have privilege. But we are all not willing to use it to be an ally. During this group trip, we collectively donated over 120 lbs of rice, 80 lbs of cooking oil, toys, groceries, hygiene items, and school supplies to an orphanage in Kasarani, Kenya. These donations will radically improve the quality of life of these children.

2. Be open to new friendships.

I met Jamelle Harris, a Ward 8 neighbor and entrepreneurial powerhouse, a few weeks before I was planning to embark for Africa. We met in one of the most unexpected places under the most stressful circumstances. In the midst of surrounding chaos and uncertainty we bonded. We connected over many topics, but our shared love for the continent sealed our friendship. Our friendship is a beautiful reminder to build bridges and friendships at every juncture in life, especially the hard ones. On the day I met Jamelle, I didn’t expect we would be traveling the world together. Over the time span of 16 epic days, we explored 15 cities and 3 counties. We have unschooled ourselves of untrue information about East Africa and developed a tool kit that we will use to make ourselves and communities in Ward 7 and 8 better.

3. Rest

is an act of rebellion.

Freedom of transportation, access to fresh produce and grocery stores, reduction in gun violence, and environmental justice is-

sues have been points of contention raised by community advocates and myself. Intentionally finding moments to rest in an ecosystem that seems to demand exhaustion in exchange for marginal results is hard. Thankfully, I am learning that rest is a form of activism. And when I am rested, I show up clearer, stronger, and better for myself, community, and others.

4. Be present.

I did not religiously post on social media during my time abroad. Most likely, many folks will learn about my expedition via this article. We can miss the moment, reaching for our phones and editing the lighting of special moments in our lives. My time abroad has been a continued exercise of being present for things and people that matter.

5. Be Honest.

Truthful storytelling is critical and urgently needed. While traveling I made a brief visit to Rwanda. Like most, my only introduction to this very small country was via the movie “Hotel Rwanda.” This blockbuster inspirational fiction drama has been a global hit. It tells a story about a Hutu hotel owner and his Tutsi wife that allow Tutsi minorities to take refuge in their hotel during what is now known as the Rwandan genocide. The opinion of locals that I talked to is that the movie is a horrible depiction of the tragic events that transpired between April 7th through July 15th, 1994. The locals expressed personal accounts of brutal tribal warfare, massive loss of entire families, gripping fear, and continued grief. I reached Rwanda a little after the 100 days of national mourning. The firsthand accounts gripped me with sadness and served as an unexpected reminder of how powerful the work is that I do. This leg of my travel reaffirmed why I loved writing, particularly for the East of the River News.

My time abroad is coming to an end. The crisp air, exotic safaris, and warm chapatis will soon be sweet memories. However, the lessons Africa continues to teach me are timeless.

Leniqua’dominique Jenkins works on the DC Council. The views expressed here are her own. She can be reached at jenkinseastoftheriver@gmail.com. u

Changing Hands

Changing Hands is a list of residential sales in Capitol Hill and contiguous neighborhoods from the previous month. A feature of every issue, this list, based on the MRIS, is provided courtesy of Don Denton, Associate Broker at Coldwell Banker Realty on Capitol Hill. The list includes address, sales price and number of bedrooms.

The Man from Anacostia

Thou Shalt Not Kill

by Philip Pannell

Last month there was a breakfast meeting of Wards 7 and 8 clergy and faith leaders with the owners of east-of-the-river funeral homes to discuss security at the services for homicide victims. It was a morbid topic of conversation but a timely one considering that this year there were shootings and murders associated with a few of those funerals.

In a tragically bizarre incident at a Prince Georges County cemetery last June, the owner of the Compassion and Serenity Funeral Home was in an argument with another funeral home director and shot two people during a burial. One of the victims killed was a pallbearer who tried to stop the argument. This horrific scene occurred during the interment of 10-year-old Ariana Davis who was killed by a stray bullet during a shooting in the 3700 block of Hayes Street, NE. The owner of the Compassion and Serenity funeral home showed no empathy and brought trauma to a bereaved family that day.

Shootings at funerals and burials. Now death is being murdered these days.

In January of this year the THOU SHALT NOT KILL movement was launched. It has been a simple visibility campaign with red and white posters, t-shirts, buttons and yard signs reminding the public of the biblical Sixth Commandment. Practically all people except the perpetrators of it are sick and tired of the violence. And while most people are do not participate in peace walks, vigils or stop-the-violence meetings or events, they might wear a t-shirt or a button or display a poster or yard signs. Only a few individuals and organizations have donated the

time and funds to make these items free to the public. The chief contributors have been former DC Concilmember William Lightfoot, Busboys and Poets proprietor Andy Shallal, the East of the River newsmagazine, the Anacostia Coordinating Council and the office of Mayor Bowser. After the passing of Linda Harlee Harper, who was the first director of the Office of Gun Violence Prevention and the director of the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, all DC Government support for the THOU SHALT NOT KILL movement dried up.

On July 29th the acting DC police chief Pamela Smith spoke at a lunch meeting of Wards 7 and 8 faith leaders that was sponsored by the Anacostia Coordinating Council, East River Family Strengthening Collaborative, East of the River Clergy Police Community Partnership and the Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative. It was held in the Merrick Recreation Center of Saint Thomas More Catholic Church. The day before that meeting two men were killed two blocks from the church. The murders occurred in the Washington Highlands neighborhood, which has one of the highest rates of violence and killings.

One of the murder victims was 20-year-old Tyjon Clayton, a Ballou High School graduate who worked at the Smithsonian. His grieving grandmother spoke on the microphone and told the new police chief and everyone assembled in the gym that her grandson was simply coming out of a store and was shot and killed. She held up his picture and tearfully said “My grandson was innocent and he’s gone.”

During the luncheon meeting with the acting police chief, I staffed the Anacostia Coordinating Council’s table which distributed THOU SHALT NOT KILL tshirts, posters and buttons. Tyjon Clayton’s relatives came to the table and took the last of the posters and the buttons. All the materials were gone. And unless there is support from the DC government and the community the THOU SHALT NOT KILL visibility movement will be gone as well.

Long-time Ward 8 community activist Philip Pannell can be contacted at philippannell@ comcast.net. Pannell is the Exebcutive Director of the Anacostia Coordinating Council. Help Make Wards 7 & 8 Great! Become a Member of the Anacostia Coordinating Council: Visit http://www.anacostiacc.org/join-us.html. u

Just A Matter of Time

by Myles Mellor

Across:

Look

Bar order

Narc’s org.

Ending for east and west

Down:

76. Sidekick 77. One of the Jacksons 78. Cries of aversion

79. “Evita” role

83. Huck Finn’s creator

84. Crenshaw or Hogan

85. Down a doughnut

86. Jr. and sr.

88. Educational certificate 89. Mountain covers 90. “Cheers” regular 91. Christmas season 95. Bullet points 96. “Pledge of Allegiance” word 97. Brownish pigment 98. Whoop 99. Body of Hindu or Buddhist writings

100. Profit, abbr.

101. Screen

102. Antipollution org.

105. Country bumpkin

107. Which person in future?

108. Economic start

109. Expression of suprise

112. Like some piano keys

114. Brain scan, for short

117. Original manufacturer’s equipment, abbr.

119. High school subj.

120. The Indians, on baseball scoreboards

121. Admit wrongdoing

122. Language of Indochina