Issuu

Beer! Beer! Beer! More Than 50 Brews on Tap Selected by Our Beer Guru Jay Davis

Try Our Beer Flights, Join Our Beer Club, Dine on Chef Brendan Tharp’s Delicious Summer Menu Molly Malone’s 713 8th Street SE • (202) 547-1222 www.mollysdc.com

EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | JULY 2011 | CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS 08 ............Go See Do 10 ............East of the River Calendar 16 ............The Bulletin Board 19 ............Changing Hands • compiled by Don Denton 20 ............Sheridan Station Readies for Opening • by John Muller 23 ............DCPL Summer Reading Program... • by John Muller

EAST WASHINGTON LIFE 24 ............18th Hillcrest Garden Tour • by Michelle Phipps-Evanss 26 ............Think Local First • by Amanda Abrams

EOTR HEALTH SPECIAL 30 ............Letter from Councilmember David Catania

32 ............Letter from Councilmember Yvette Alexander 34 ............Fighting Fear • by Alice Ollstein 38 ............Senior Article • by Darlene Nowlin

42 ............Maame Biney • by Michelle Phipps-Evans 45 ............HIV/AIDS in Wards 7 & 8 • by Candace Montague 48 ............The Obesity Institute • by Monica Z. Utsey 50 ............Healthcare Resources

KIDS & FAMILY 52 ............Kids and Family Notebook • by Kathleen Donner 55 ............East Washington Education Briefs • by John Muller

HOMES & GARDENS 56 ............The Classifieds 58 ............The Nose • by Anonymous

ON THE COVER: Artist: Gerald Griﬃn, “My Country” Medium: Oil on Cavas

View more of Mr. Griffin’s work at http://www.griffingalleryandinteriors.com/

HILL RAG MID CITY DC EAST OF THE RIVER FAGON COMMUNITY GUIDES

Capital Community News, Inc. 224 7th Street, SE, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20003 202.543.8300 • www.capitalcommunitynews.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Melissa Ashabranner melissaashabranner@hillrag.com EDITORIAL STAFF

KIDS & FAMILY

MANAGING EDITOR: Andrew Lightman andrew@hillrag.com CFO & ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Maria Carolina Lopez carolina@hillrag.com SCHOOL NOTES EDITOR: SUSAN BRAUN JOHNSON SCHOOLS@HILLRAG.COM KIDS & FAMILY NOTEBOOK EDITOR: KATHLEEN DONNER KATHLEEN.DONNER@GMAIL.COM

Kathleen Donner • kathleen.donner@gmail.com Susan Johnson • schools@hillrag.com

SOCIETY & EVENTS Mickey Thompson • socialsightings@aol.com

HOMES & GARDENS

ARTS, DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

WIDE SHOE OUTLET Men’s and Women’s sizes up to 15 EE Brands: Naturalizer • Soft Spots Ros Hommerson • Propet Walking Cradles • InStride Slingshots are Back

Marlow Heights Shopping Center 4123 Branch Ave Marlow Heights, MD

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ART: Jim Magner • jjmagner@aol.com DINING: Celeste McCall • celeste@hillrag.com HIT THE CITY: Joylyn Hopkins • joylyn@joylynhopkins.com LITERATURE: Karen Lyon • klyon@folger.edu MOVIES: Mike Canning • mjcanning@verizon.net MUSIC: Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com RETAIL THERAPY: Scott Fazzini • scott.fazzini@gmail.com THEATER: Barbara Wells • barchardwells@aol.com TRAVEL: Maggie Hall • whitby@aol.com THE WINE GUYS: Jon Genderson • jon@cellar.com

CALENDAR & BULLETIN BOARD HILL RAG, MIDCITY DC & EAST OF THE RIVER: CALENDAR EDITOR: Kathleen Donner calendar@hillrag.com, bulletinboard@hillrag.com

GENERAL ASSIGNMENT Michelle Evans • invisiblecolours@yahoo.com Celeste McCall • celeste@hillrag.com Heather Schoell • hschoell@verizon.net Virginia Avniel Spatz • virginia@hillrag.com Peter Waldron • peter@hillrag.com Kathleen Donner • kathleen.donner@gmail.com Stephanie Deutsch • scd@his.com Melanie Sunukjian • melsunuk@gmail.com Shannon Holloway • holloway.shannon@gmail.com Alice Ollstein • alice.ollstein@gmail.com Amanda Abrahams • manda.abrams@gmail.com Lex Kiefhaber • lexk24@gmail.com Roberta Weiner • rweiner_us@yahoo.com Gwyn Jones • gwynjones@aol.com John H. Muller • jmuller.washingtonsyndicate@gmail.com

Rindy O’Brien - Hill Gardener • rindyob@mac.com Derek Thomas • derek@thomaslandscapes.com Judith Capen • judith.capen@architravepc.com HomeStyle: Mark Johnson • mark@hillrag.com

NEWS & NEIGHBORHOOD REPORTS ANC6A, 6B, 6C, 6D:

Roberta Weiner • rweiner_us@yahoo.com • gwynjones@aol.com BARRACKS ROW: sharon@barracksrow.org H STREET LIFE: Elise Bernard • inked78@hotmail.com THE NOSE: thenose@hillrag.com LOGAN CIRCLE • mark@hillrag.com SHAW • Ralph Brabham: Ralph • ralphbrabham@yahoo.com BLOOMINGDALE: Eleanor Gourley • ecgourley@gmail.com 14TH & U: Catherine Finn • cathefinn@gmail.com ANC6B: GWYN JONES

PRODUCTION/GRAPHIC DESIGN LEAD DESIGNER / WEB MASTER: Jason Nickens 202.543.8300 X17 • jason@hillrag.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Jason Yen 202.543.8300 X21 • jay@hillrag.com

ADVERTISING & SALES SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: Deborah Bandzerewicz 202.543.8300 X13 • deb@hillrag.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: Kira Means 202.543.8300 X16 • kira@hillrag.com CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Maria Carolina Lopez 202.543.8300 X12 • carolina@hillrag.com MARKETING ASST.: Giancarlo Fagon

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BEAUTY, HEALTH & FITNESS

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Patricia Cinelli • fitmiss44@aol.com Ronda Bresnick Hauss, LCSW • www.quietwaterscenter.com quiet_waters_center@yahoo.com Peter Sherer • Peter@expmatters.com

ADVERTISING: sales@hillrag.com DISPLAY ADS: 15th of each month CLASSIFIED ADS: 10th of each month EDITORIAL: 15th of each month; submissions@hillrag.com BULLETIN BOARD & CALENDAR: 15th of each month; calendar@hillrag.com, bulletinboard@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.

capitalcommunitynews.com 6 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE

| JUNE 2011

Senart’s New Summer Menu!

Weekend Brunch Saturdays and Sundays – 10 AM to 3 PM

Daily Raw Bar Happy Hour 3 to 6 PM & 11 PM to 1 AM

Senart’s Oyster & Chop House • 520 8th St. SE (202) 544-1168 • www.SenartsDC.com

GO.SEE.DO. Discover Addy’s World at the American History Museum. Through Aug., 10:00 AM-7:30 PM, explore life during the Civil War with a new self-guided museum tour Addy’s World. Addy Walker, an American Girl, is a nineyear old born into slavery who escapes to freedom with her mother during the Civil War. Learn what life was like for Addy and other young African American girls during the Civil War as you follow the guide to discover objects and stories throughout the museum. Pick up free guides at Welcome Desks; take completed and stamped guide to Museum Stores for a free gift. Free admission. On the National Mall at 14th St. and Constitution Ave. NW. 202-633-1000. americanhistory.si.edu Discovery Guide Slave Cabin. Courtesy of National Museum of American History

“What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam?” at the National Archives. Check out butter as its own food group. What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam? is a thoughtful selection of records culled from thousands of pages of material that chronicle the story of the government’s efforts to feed Americans an ample, safe, and nutritious diet. Spanning the Revolutionary War-era through the late 1900’s, the documents, films, and photographs in the exhibition echo many of our current concerns about the Government’s role in the health and safety of our food supply. There are over 100 original records in the exhibit—including folk songs, war posters, educational films, and even seed packets. Passing over the traditional chronological approach, the exhibition is arranged into four themes: “Farm,” “Factory,” “Kitchen,” and “Table.” On exhibit through Jan. 3, 2012. 202-357-5300. archives.gov “For Health...eat some food from each group...every day!”, 1941 – 1945. Courtesy of US National Archives

East River Jazz. If you’re in the mood for “straight ahead” classical jazz, the Anacostia Art Gallery presents Sunday afternoon concerts this summer performed by jazz artists some of whom have performed together for nearly 60 years. Sundays at 4:00 PM, July 10, Craig Alston Quintet (celebrating Vernard R. Gray’s 70th birthday); July 24, Arnold Sterling Quartet; August 7, Dunbar Alumni Jazz Ensemble (Charles Funn’s 18 member jazz ensemble); August 21, Bengie Porecki Ensemble. $25-$30, includes lite fare. Anacostia Art Gallery, 2806 Bruce Pl. SE. 202-610-4188. bzbinternational.com. Courtesy of Anacostia Art Gallery

Table 8. Courtesy of Capital Fringe Festival 2011

Capital Fringe Festival 2011. Here are the basics. It’s held from Thursday, July 4 through Sunday, July 24 at 19 stages in DC with over 700 performances of over 100 productions. Individual adult tickets are $17 plus a required one-time purchase of a festival admission button for $7. Discounts and multiple-show passes are also for sale. Tickets are for sale at 866-811-4111 or at capitalfringe.org and at the box office 60 minutes before each performance. Capital Fringe Festival is the only major unjuried, self-producing, openaccess festival in the Washington, DC area and occurs in July each year. The Fringe Festival provides all artists, whether new or established, a venue to express and develop their talents and artistic visions in total freedom. capitalfringe.org.

Fort Dupont Summer Theatre. It wouldn’t be summer without the Fort Dupont Saturday night concerts. Feel free to bring a picnic, a blanket and folding chairs. Fort Dupont Park is on 376 rolling wooded acres that make it one of Washington’s largest parks. This summer the venue will be closed to the public at 3:00 PM to allow US Park Police to do a security sweep. Entry to the concert venue will start at 5:00 PM and will be through three entrance areas that will serve as security checkpoints where all bags and coolers will be inspected. Here’s the schedule--July 9, The Boys and Girls Clubs (T.A.P.) featuring special guest artist Chelsey Green and a “ Soul Review.” July 16, Regina Belle. July 23, The Manhattans featuring Gerald Alston and Blue Lovett. July 30, Zapp. Aug. 6, The Barkays. Aug. 13, Mandril. The music starts at 8:00 PM. Free. Minnesota Ave. and Randle Circle, SE. 202-426-7723. nps.gov/fodu Courtesy of National Park Service

CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★ 9

CALENDAR

Kids at last year’s Waterlily Festival

Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Annual Waterlily Festival. July 16, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM. Blooming lilies and lotuses; music by BJ&Cody; face painting; gardening workshops; pond, greenhouse and photography tours. Bird walks at 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM. Arrive at 9:00 AM and help clean up the gardens. Free. 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE. 202-426-6905. www.nps.gov/keaq FESTIVALS AND SPECIAL EVENTS Smithsonian Folklife Festival. July 7-11. 11:00 AM-5:30 PM. Evening events at 6:00 PM. 2011 themes are Colombia, Peace Corps and Rhythm and Blues. Free entrance (food is extra). National Mall between 7th and 14th sts. www.folklife. si.edu/center/festival Honoring Mary McLeod Bethune at Lincoln Park. Sunday, July 10, 6:00 PM. Every July 10, The National Council of Negro Women gather to celebrate Mary McLeod Bethune’s birthday. Guest Speaker. All are welcome. 202-737-0120. ncnw.org Hip-Hop Theater Festival. July 11-16. Hip-Hop is an urban art form of stories, people, music, dance, and spoken word. For many in DC, Hip-Hop and its scene is the soundtrack that defines them and their communities. www.hhtf.org DC Africa Festival. Saturday, July 16, noon-6:00 PM. This year the theme is “One City, Many Voices: showcasing Africa’s cultural and economic contributions to the District of Columbia.” The festival will promote the positive legacy of the African community by highlighting: talent, social and networking media, social entrepreneurism as a tool for the betterment of Africans in the Diaspora and Africa’s capability to compete in the global

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| JULY 2011

market. Additionally, the Mayor’s Office on African Affairs will kick off a new initiative: We Count! : A demographic survey of African-owned businesses, organizations and residents of the District of Columbia. Free. Takoma Community Center, 300 Van Buren St. NW. For more information, contact Kenyatta Albeny at oaa@dc.gov. 202-727- 5634.

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD WALA: Legal Issues for Creative Entrepreneurs. Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts presents a six-session series for creative people who want to start their own business. Learn the basics of forming a business for your creative endeavors, from deciding whether to incorporate as a non-profit or for-profit entity, to understanding copyrights and trademarks, contracts and negotiation skills, and finally taxes and leases. Tuesdays, July 5-Aug. 9, 6:00-8:00 PM. 9. Fee. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org Concert Under the Stars. Saturday, July 9, 7:30 PM. Silky Smooth Sounds of HOWARD HEWETT. $25-$30. Open seating. Anacostia Art Gallery & Boutique, 2806 Bruce Place St. SE. 202610-4188 Evolution of the Go-Go Beat in Washington, DC. Saturday, July 9, 1:00-3:00 PM. Charles Stephenson and Kip Lornell, coauthors of The Beat! Go-Go Music from Washington, DC, pres-

ent the history of Go-Go music in the nation’s capital. Gregory “Sugar Bear” Elliot of EU discusses his story and tells how Go-Go led him to the band that was started when he was a t teenager. Sweet Cherie of Bela Dona, a graduate of Howard University, talks about Go-Go music’s influence on other forms of music, including jazz and gospel. Faycez U Know, a popular Go-Go band, concludes the program with a live performance. Books and DVDs are available for purchase. Free. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-633-4820. anacostia.si.edu Avon Dews: New Beginnings Concert. Saturday, July 9, 6:0010:00 PM. Smiley Dew Entertainment presents “Avon Dews: New Beginnings Concert,” a dinner and jazz show celebrating Avon Dews retirement from the Metro and his full time commitment to his music. 6:00 PM, dinner; 8:00, show. $30 at door. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org Comic Book Art Workshop. Sunday, July 10, 1:00-4:00 PM. Use your imagination to create a graphic novel, action, or romance story. Basic instruction includes storyboard design and drawing techniques. William Howard, artist/illustrator, leads the workshop. For reservations, call 202-633-4844. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu Coveted, A Stageplay. Sunday, July 10, 5:00-7:00 PM. Mychea Writes presents a stage play based on DMV Author Mychea’s

debut novel, “Coveted.” Follow the stories of five characters, whose lives are intertwined by lurking secrets that should have been buried a long time ago. See the lines between lovers and friends, and right and wrong become crossed. This show will have you thinking twice before trusting someone that you call your “friend”. Come explore what it is like to be...Coveted! $22. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org Don’t Call Me Geechee! (discussion). Thursday, July 14, 10:30 AM. Ricardo Williams, born and raised in the Gullah region of South Carolina, remembers a special life that retained many aspects of traditional African culture. His illustrated discussion will include the meaning behind the word “Geechee.” Free. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-633-4820. anacostia.si.edu Hunt Place Health Fair. Saturday, July 16, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM. Free. Hunt Pl. NE, between 42nd St. and Minnesota Ave. 202388-8160. unityhealthcare.org DOCUMENTS alternative guide to dc underground. Through July 22. DOCUMENTS: alternative guide to dc underground is a collaborative project between Ayodamola Okunseinde and Yulia Graham investigating subjects of identity through photographic and physically interactive portraits. Based on the likenesses of artists from the DC metro area, the objective of this project is to chronicle connections between artists, their environment, personalities and work through portraiture. By exploring the underlining lattice structure of “subject” and “environment” they hope to revile previously unseen elements of creativity and personal connections that hold the DC area arts scene together. The Gallery at Vivid Solutions, 2208 MLK Jr Ave SE. 202-365-8392. vividsolutionsdc.com Wavelengths Curated by microWave project. Through July 22. Honfleur Gallery presents Wavelengths, an exhibition of four installation artists, curated by microWave project. These four artists have been invited to create installations throughout the gallery’s two-story space, based on their interpretation of the word “wavelength.” In addition to this exhibition, they will have a hands-on community installation project to help raise awareness and funds for those affected by Japan’s recent Tsunami and Earthquake disaster. Honfleur Gallery, 1241 Good Hope Rd SE. 202-365-8392. honfleurgallery. com Summer Comedy Jam. Friday, July 22, 7:008:30 PM. Dem Dudes Entertainment presents an all-star comedy show featuring comics Lonnie Davis, Eddie Bryant, Laughin Lenny, Funny Man Skiba, and Chico who have have appeared on BET’s “Comicview,” HBO’s “Def Jam,” P Diddy’s “Bad Boys of Comedy,” and Martin Lawrence’s “First Amendment.” $20. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-8895901. thearcdc.org Summer Rain Concert. Saturday, July 23, 7:00 PM. After Dark Productions presents The Summer Rain Concert, a production which

will feature five acts from the DMV (DC, MD &VA). The show is themed as a rainy summer day that erupts into a torrential storm and will include Jazz, R&B, Rap, and Funk music as well as modern & hip hop dance and dramatic presentations from young local artists who are considered ADP Associates. Ages 21 and up. $35. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org Jewelry Making Your Way. Wednesday, July 27, 10:30 AM. Let your imagination soar to create a necklace that is designed just for you. There will be lots of wonderful baubles, beads, and techniques to choose from. You are the artist here. Artist Deidra Bell facilitates the program. For reservations, call 202- 633-4844. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. anacostia.si.edu Origami Workshop. Saturday, July 30, 10:30 AM-2:30 PM. Enjoy a fun time that introduces the beginner to the skills and techniques of paper folding. Create a candy dish, puppet, cup, and other interesting objects. This is a family-friendly activity for ages 8 and older. Artist Wanda Aikens facilitates the workshop. For reservations, call 202-6334844. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. anacostia.si.edu Dance the Pain Away. Saturday, July 30, 7:00-10:00 PM. DJ, Moe Flavor Freeman. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Wright family. The Star Burst Room, St Phillips Episcopal Church, 2001 14th St. SE. For more information, contact Sandra “S.S.” Seegars, 202-561-6616 or beasurvivortoday@aol. com. Paper Mosaic Workshop. Sunday, July 31, 1:00-3:00 PM. Create a unique picture with small bits of colored and patterned paper to replicate a mosaic image. Artist Camilla Younger facilitates the workshop. For reservations, call 202-633-4844. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. anacostia. si.edu Community Day 2011. Aug. 6, 10:00 AM3:00 PM, Fort Dupont Ice Arena (park area), 3779 Ely Pl. SE. Community Day 2011 is sponsored by The Connection (Edgewood Bapist Church, First Baptist Church, Mt. Enon Missionary Baptist Church, and Potomac Baptist Church). Event features moon bounce, a clown, face painting, free health screenings, clothes giveaways, school supplies, hot dogs, hamburgers, sodas, popcorn and cotton candy. Music by DJ Don. Ward 8 Farmer’s Market. Saturdays, 9:00 AM-2:00 PM. Ward 8 farmers and vendors will be selling their fresh produce in THEARC’s parking lot every Saturday. There will also be free food samples and expert advice from a UDC Nutritionist. WIC Coupons, Senior Coupons, and Food Stamps accepted. 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. Ward8FarmersMarket.com

OUTDOOR MUSIC Yards Park Friday Evening Concert Series. Through Aug. 19, 6:00-8:00 PM. Spend your Friday evenings on the river, relaxing on the terraced lawn steps with family and CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★ 11

CALENDAR Theater. Thursdays in summer (weather permitting), 8:00 PM. You are welcome to bring folding chairs, blankets and refreshments to the concert. Free. 15th St. and Independence Ave. SW (on Washington Monument grounds). 202-433-5717. mbw.usmc.mil Air Force Band Concerts. Wednesdays and Fridays in June, July and Aug. 8:00 PM. Air Force Memorial at One Air Force Memorial Drive in Arlington, Virginia. (14th St. Bridge into Virginia, merge onto Washington Blvd. and then Columbia Pike in the direction of the Navy Annex. Then follow signs.) Expect a pleasing mix of contemporary and patriotic tunes and spectacular views of the nighttime Washington, DC skyline. Free. airforcememorial.org

OUTDOOR MOVIES Screen on the Green. Mondays, July 25-Aug. 15. July 25, In the Heat of the Night; Aug. 1, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest; Aug. 8, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes; Aug. 15, Cool Hand Luke. National Mall between Eighth and 14th sts. Screen on the Green Hotline, 1-877-2625866 NoMa Summer Screen. Wednesdays, July 13, Darjeeling Limited; July 20, Some Like It Hot; July 27, Taking of Pelham 123. Food and music at 7:00 PM. Screening at 9:00 PM. Each film preceded by live DJs, barbecue, special guests and more. Free. L St. between 2nd and 3rd Sts. NE. nomasummerscreen.com

Mary McLeod Bethune statue in Lincoln Park. Courtesy of Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site

Honoring Mary McLeod Bethune at Lincoln Park.. Sunday, July 10, 6:00 PM. Every July 10, The National Council of Negro Women gather to celebrate Mary McLeod Bethune’s birthday. Guest Speaker. All are welcome. 202-737-0120. ncnw.org friends and listening to live music from the Yards Park’s boardwalk stage. Friday evening concerts will feature a wide range of live musical performances including jazz, salsa, reggae, and more. Food options will be provided by Devine Foods and Smokin Somethin BBQ, and a beer/sangria garden will be run by Mie N Yu. N and Third sts., SE. capitolriverfront.org FrontStage Lunchtime Concert Series at Yards Park. Wednesdays through Aug. 17, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM. The popular Wednesday lunchtime concerts, now in their fourth year, are moving from behind USDOT to the new Yards Park on the river this season. The 35,000+ employees in the neighborhood can enjoy their lunch break picnicking on the terraced lawn steps or sampling food from food trucks while listening to a variety of bands performing on the boardwalk stage. FrontStage Lunchtime Concerts will feature a wide range of live musical performances each week including R&B, reggae, MoTown and more. 10 Water St. SE or 1 block south of N St. SE (between Third and Fourth sts.)

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Rhythm in NOMA Lunchtime Concerts. Thursdays at NY Avenue Metro Plaza through Aug. 11 and Fridays at Union Center Plaza through July 8. 11:30 AM-1:30 PM. This is a free concert series featuring a variety of local musicians and styles. nomabid.org Jazz in the Sculpture Garden. Fridays through Sept. 9 (rain or shine), 5:00-8:00 PM. National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. Live jazz performed by an eclectic mix of top artists from the Washington area entertains visitors outdoors in front of the fountain or in the Pavilion Cafe (if it’s raining). The Pavilion Cafe features a seasonal tapas-style menu and bar service during the concerts. Everyone can enjoy these concerts. You do not have to order food or drinks. Free. 202- 289-3360. nga.gov Fort Reno Summer Concerts. Mondays and Thursdays, through Aug. 4 (not July 4), 7:159:30 PM. Fort Reno Park (Chesapeake St. between Wisconsin and Nebraska aves. NW, across from Wilson High School). Free. No glass, no alcohol and no drugs allowed in the

| JULY 2011

park. fortreno.com Summer Rhythms and Food Truck Roundup at The Wharf. Fridays, 6:00-8:00 PM. Thursday, Friday and Saturday activities at The Wharf also include Bean Baggo, table tennis and Bocce. The Wharf is a free neighborhood WiFi hotspot. Seventh and Water sts. SW (7th Street Landing). swdcwaterfront.com Military Band Concerts at the US Capitol. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays in summer (weather permitting). 8:00 PM. Mondays, US Navy Band; Tuesdays, US Air Force Band; Wednesdays, US Marine Band; Fridays, US Army Band. Free. West Terrace US Capitol Building. Navy Band “Concerts on the Avenue.” Tuesdays beginning June 7, 8:00 PM. US Navy Memorial. The United States Navy Band and its specialty groups will perform. Free. Seventh and Penn. Ave. NW. 202-737-2300. navymemorial.org US Marine Band Concerts at the Sylvan

Capitol Riverfront Movies. Thursdays, 8:45 PM. July 14, Breakfast at Tiffany’s. July 21, The Bourne Ultimatum. July 28, West Side Story. Free. Tingey Plaza, Second and M Sts. SE. 202-465-7093. capitolriverfront.org U Street Movie Series. July 26 (rain date, July 28). Showtime at sundown. Gates will open at 7:00 PM. Movie shown at the Harrison Recreation Center field, V St. between 13th and 14th sts. NW. Short: Howard Theatre: A Century in Song. Feature: TBD. Free admission. Attendees are encouraged to come early to picnic in the park and listen to music spun by local DJs. Free popcorn will be provided to the first 100 attendees. This year’s movie series lineup includes films that feature and celebrate Washington DC, including both classic and family-friendly Hollywood films set in Washington, DC, documentaries addressing environmental and education issues that resonate here, and films about local U St. entertainment institutions such as the Howard Theater and the 9:30 Club. In collaboration with the AFI Silverdocs Festival, prior to the feature film will be a screening of a short documentary featured at a previous AFI Silverdocs Festival. movies.ustreet-dc.org

SPORTS AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Washington Nationals Baseball Home Games. July 9, 10, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31. 7:05 PM (weekend games at 1:35 PM). $5 and up. South Capitol and N sts. SE. washington. nationals.mlb.com

Nationalâ€™s Ballpark Tours. TuesdaySaturday (non-game days), 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM. On day of night-time home games, tours at 10:30 AM. Take the Nationals Park Ballpark Tour for a behind-the-scenes look at Nationals Park. Over the course of an hour and fifteen minutes you will visit the PNC Diamond Club, the Lexus Presidents Club, the Stars & Stripes Club, luxury suites, the Shirley Povich Media Center, Nationals dugout and Nationals clubhouse. Throw a pitch in the Nationals bullpen. $12-$15. All proceeds from Nationals Park Tours will be donated to the Nationals Dream Foundation. washington.nationals. mlb.com Washington Mystics Basketball Home Games. July 20, 11:30 AM. July 26 and 29, 7:00 PM. $10-$80. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. wnba.com DC United Soccer Home Matches. July 20 and 23, 7:30 PM. $23-$52. $15 college night tickets available on July 20. RFK Stadium. 202-587-5000. dcunited. com Roller Skating at Anacostia Park. Skate any time. This is a covered, outdoor skating pavilion. Free. From Penn. Ave., just before the bridge, south on Fairlawn Ave. and right onto Nicholson and then into the park. 202-472-3873. Southeast Tennis and Learning Center. Open daily; Monday through Saturday, 9:00 AM-9:00 PM; Sunday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM. Four indoor courts. Six outdoor courts. Summer hourly fees at $6 to $10 for adults. Kids 17 and under play for free. 701 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-645-6242. dpr.dc.gov African Dance Class. Every Monday, 7:15-8:30 PM. For adults. No prior experience necessary. Walk-ins welcome. THEARC. $10. 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org Yoga Class. Every Saturday, 10:0011:15 AM. For adults. No prior experience necessary. Walk-ins welcome. THEARC. $10. 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org Free public tennis courts in Wards 7 and 8. Fort Davis Community Center, 1400 41st St. SE; Hillcrest Recreation Center, 3100 Denver St. SE; Kenilworth-Parkside Recreation Center, 4300 Anacostia Ave. NE; Randle Highlands Tennis Courts, 31st St. and Pennsylvania Ave. SE; Anacostia Park, 1900 Anacostia Dr. SE; Bald Eagle Recreation Center, Martin Luther King, Jr Ave. and Joliet St. SW; Congress Heights Recreation Center, Alabama Ave. and Randle Pl.SE; Fort Stanton Community Center, 1812 Erie St. SE. All courts are open daily, dawn to dusk. Some are lighted for extended evening play. Courts are available on a first-come, first-served basis for one-hour intervals; extended use of CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM â˜… 13

tennis courts requires a permit. Proper shoes and attire is required. 202-671-0314. dpr.dc.gov Deanwood (indoor) Pool. Mon-Fri 6:30 AM-8:00 PM; Sat-Sun, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. Free for DC residents. 1350 49th St. NE. 202-671-3078. dpr.dc.gov Ferebee Hope (indoor) Pool. Open weekdays, 10:006:00 PM. Closed weekends. Free for DC residents. 3999 Eighth St. SE. 202-645-3916. dpr.dc.gov Anacostia (outdoor) Pool. Open daily except Mondays; weekdays, 1:00-8:00 PM; Saturdays and Sundays, noon6:00 PM. Free for DC residents. 1800 Anacostia Dr. SE. 202-724-1441. dpr.dc.gov Barry Farms (outdoor) Pool. Open daily except Tuesdays; weekdays, 1:00-8:00 PM; Saturdays and Sundays, noon-6:00 PM. Free for DC residents. 1230 Sumner Rd. SE 202-645-5040. dpr.dc.gov Benning Park (outdoor) Pool. Open daily except Thursdays; weekdays, 1:00-8:00 PM; Saturdays and Sundays, noon-6:00 PM. Free for DC residents. Southern Ave. and Fable St.SE. 202-645-5044. dpr.dc.gov Douglass (outdoor) Pool. Open daily except Wednesdays; 1:00-8:00 PM; Saturdays and Sundays, noon-6:00 PM. Free for DC residents. Frederick Douglass Ct. and Stanton Ter. SE. 202-645-5045. dpr.dc.gov Fort Dupont (outdoor) Pool. Open daily except Tuesdays; 1:00-8:00 PM; Saturdays and Sundays, noon-6:00 PM. Free for DC residents.

Featured on HGTV and Washington Business Journal.

Ridge Rd. and Burns St. SE. 202-645-5046. dpr.dc.gov Fort Stanton (outdoor) Pool. Closed for season. Kelly Miller (outdoor) Pool. Open daily except Mondays; 1:00-8:00 PM; Saturdays and Sundays, noon-6:00 PM. Free for DC residents. 4900 Brooks St. NE. 202-7245056. dpr.dc.gov

Darrin D. Davis

The Anacostia Real Estate Expert!

Anacostia River Realty • 202-678-REAL (7325) 2412 Minnesota Ave. SE • Washington, DC 20020 www.AnacostiaRiverRealty.com

“We are part of Capitol Hill, We don’t just work here... We live here, too. Let our neighborhood experience work for you...”

East Potomac Driving Range. Open daily except Christmas, 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM. Tuesdays open 10:00 AM to 9:30 PM. The East Potomac Driving Range features 50 covered and 50 uncovered stalls for year-round golf practice. $6 for 51 balls. East Potomac Golf Course, 972 Ohio Dr. SW. 202-554-7660. golfdc.com Langston Driving Range. Open every day except Christmas, sun-up to sun-down. In addition to the driving range, Langston has an 18 hole course, snack bar, pro shop and offers golf lessons. 45 balls, $4.75. 180 balls, $14.25. $2, golf club rental. 26th and Benning Rd. NE. 202-397-8638. golfdc.com

| JULY 2011

Big Chair Breakfast Bunch. Saturday, July 9, 10:00 AM-noon. Big Chair Coffee n’ Grill (upstairs). All are welcome to attend and discuss what’s happening East of the River. 2122 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE. 202525-4287. St Elizabeths East Public Meeting. Thursday, July 14, 7:00-9:00 PM. The June 30th public meeting for the redevelopment of St Elizabeths East was postponed until July 14. Imagine SE Public Charter School (Old Congress Heights School), 3100 MLK Ave. SE. Public Meeting on South Capitol Street Tragedy Legislation. Friday, July 15, 10:00 AM, Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, room 103. Meeting on youth behavioral health and truancy legislation, the “South Capitol Street Tragedy Memorial Act of 2011.” Members of the community and stakeholders are invited to attend the meeting to further refine the legislation. Meeting will focus on Title V and VI: Family Resources and Behavioral Health Infrastructure. For further information on the legislation and public meetings, contact the Committee on Health staff at 202-724-8170 or visit SouthCapitolAct.com. Tenant Town Hall. Saturday, July 16, 2:30-5:00 PM. Join tenants from across the city to talk with elected officials and government agencies about our housing needs and priorities; get involved in campaigns for affordable housing; and strategize to build a stronger tenant movement in DC. First Trinity Church, 309 E St. NW. For more information, call 202-540-7419 or email tenantsrights@ledcmetro.org. ledcmetro.org Ward 8 Democrats Unity Brunch. Saturday, July 23, 11:00 AM-1:30 PM. With everything in the news, spirits are down and our energy has scattered. Democrats in DC must be unified in the face of a Republican Congress. Ward 8 Democrats are sending a rallying call to the city. Let’s come together and stand in unity. Brunch at Ole Congress Heights School, 3100 MLK Ave. SE. $25. Tables, $225. Contact Pho Palmer 202-710-4130 or wrd8events@gmail.com. Rally for DC Democracy at the White House. Saturday, July 25, 11:00 AM-1:00 PM, Lafayette Park. Taking the message to president Obama. DC wants voting rights. A bus to take you there will leave from the Anacostia Station at 10:30 AM. 202-889-4900 Congresswoman Norton’s SE District Office. Open weekdays, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM. 2041 MLK Ave. SE, #238. 202-678-8900. norton.house.gov

Stories from the Negro League: Part I. Thursday, July 28, 10:30 AM. The Negro Leagues represent a unique and exciting chapter in American sports history. David Haberstich, curator of photography in the Smithsonian Institution’s American History Archives Center, joins Dwayne Sims, founder and CEO of the Negro League Legends Hall of Fame, in a discussion about Addison Scurlock images of Negro Leagues figures and Howard University sports. A few lucky attendees will receive door prizes. Free. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-633-4820. anacostia.si.edu

Councilmember Alexander’s Constituent Services Office. Open weekdays, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM. 2524 Penn. Ave. SE. 202-581-1560.

CIVIC LIFE

Anacostia Coordinating Council Meeting. Last Tuesday, noon-2:00 PM. Anacostia Museum, 1901 Fort St. SE. For further details, contact Philip Pannell, 202-8894900.

Ward 8 Community Summit. Saturday, July 9, 9:30 AM-3:30 PM. Ward 8 is experiencing unprecedented

202.546.3100 210 7th Street, SE. #100. WDC 20003 www.monarchtitle.net

14 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE

Oxon Run (outdoor) Pool. Open daily except Mondays; 1:00-8:00 PM; Saturdays and Sundays, noon-6:00 PM. Free for DC residents. Fourth St. and Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-645-5042. dpr.dc.gov

change in many areas. How can we all benefit from what is happening in our community? Participate in a day-long interactive work session to develop priorities for economic development issues that will be used to ensure the community shapes this change. Savoy and Thurgood Marshall Academy Sports and Learning Center, 2427 MLK Ave. SE. 202-442-8999. americaspeaks.org/ Ward8CommunitySummit

Councilmember Barry’s Constituent Services Office. Open weekdays, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. 2100 MLK Ave, SE, #307. 202-698-2185. Ward 7 Democrats Monthly Meeting. Fourth Saturday, noon-2:00 PM. Ward Memorial AME Church, 241 42nd St. NE. 202-584-8477 or info@ward7democrats. ward7democrats.org

Capitol View Civic Association Monthly Meeting. Third Monday, 6:30 PM. Hughes Memorial United Methodist, 25 53rd St. NE. capitolviewcivicassoc.org Historical Anacostia Block Association. Second Thursday, 7:00-9:00 PM. UPO-Anacostia Service Center, 1649 Good Hope Rd. SE. For further details, contact Charles Wilson, 202-834-0600. Anacostia High School School Improvement Team Meeting. Fourth Tuesday. 6:00 PM. Anacostia High School, 16th and R sts. SE. Deanwood Citizens Association General Body Meeting. Fourth Monday, except Aug. and Dec., 6:30 PM. First Baptist Church of Deanwood, 1008 45th St. NE Eastland Gardens Civic Association Meeting. Third Tuesday. 6:30-8:30 PM. Kenilworth Elementary School (auditorium), 1300 44th St. NE. Greg Rhett jrhett3009@aol.com or 202-388-1532. Fairlawn Citizens Association. Third Tuesday, 7:00 PM. Ora L. Glover Community Room at the Anacostia Public Library, 1800 Good Hope Rd. SE. 6th District Citizens Advisory Council. Second Monday, except July and Aug. 7:00 PM. 6th District HQ, 100 42nd St. NE. ANC Meeting for 7-A. Third Tuesday, 7:30 PM. Benning-Stoddard Rec. Center, 100 Stoddard Pl. SE. 202-727-1000. 7A@anc. dc.gov. anc7a.org ANC Meeting for 7-B. Third Thursday, 7:00 PM. Ryland Epworth United Methodist Church, 3200 S St. SE (Branch Ave and S St. SE). 202-584-3400. anc7b@pressroom.com. anc7b.us ANC Meeting for 7-C. Second Thursday, 7:00 PM. Sargent Memorial Presbyterian Church, 5109 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave. NE. 202-398-5100. anc7c@verizon.net ANC Meeting for 7-D. Second Tuesday, 6:30 PM. Sixth District Police Station, 100 42nd St. NE. 202-398-5258. 7D06@anc.dc.gov ANC Meeting for 7-E. Second Tuesday, 7:008:30 PM. Jones Memorial Church, 4625 G St. SE. 202-582-6360. 7E@anc.dc.gov ANC Meeting for 8-A. First Tuesday, 7:00 PM. Anacostia UPO Service Center, 1649 Good Hope Rd. SE. 202-889-6600. anc8adc. org ANC Meeting for 8-B. Third Tuesday, 7:00 PM. Seventh District Police Station Community Center, Alabama and McGee Sts. SE. 202-610-1818. anc8b.org ANC Meeting for 8-C. First Wednesday (June meeting is on the nineth because of the holiday), 6:30 PM. 2907 MLK Jr Ave. SE. 202-388-2244. ANC Meeting for 8-D. Fourth Thursday, 7:00 PM. Specialty Hospital of Washington, 4601 MLK Jr. Ave. SW. 202 561-0774

Ave. SE. 202-561-6616. 8e02@anc.dc.gov

OUT OF TOWN Fireworks at National Harbor. Every Saturday, 9:30 PM, through Sept. 3. No coolers, glass, or outside food and beverages allowed on hotel property or outdoor waterfront areas. National Harbor Waterfront, PG County, MD. gaylordhotels.com Alexandria Birthday Celebration (with fireworks!). Saturday, July 9 (rain date July 10. If rain date is needed, some activities may not be included.). Concert at 6:00 PM, fireworks at 9:30 PM. An evening of music, activities and fireworks, including: children’s activities and refreshment sales starting at 4:00 PM, performance by the Alexandria Singers at 6:00 PM, presentation of civic awards by the Mayor at 7:30 PM with birthday cake, and the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra’s pops concert with soprano Millicent Scarlett at 8:30, concluding with the fireworks and Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture,” complete with cannon fire provided by the U.S. Marine Corps at 9:30 PM. Free. Oronoco Bay Park, 7 No. Lee St., Old Town Alexandria, VA. 703-883-4686. alexandriava.gov 18th Century Market Fair at Claude Moore Colonial Farm. July 16-17, 11:00 AM-4:30 PM. Event features food, live entertainment, stalls selling various goods, activities for children, puppet show, Gypsy fortune teller, show of rare curiosities, music and dancing. $2.50-$5. Claude Moore Colonial Farm, 6310 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA. 1771.org

Liberty North Community Market Food, Produce, Arts & Crafts Every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00-4:00 At the corner of 5th and Eye Street, NW Closest Metro: Gallery Place-Chinatown

www.libertynorthcommunitymarket.com

Sandy Point State Park. This 786-acre Maryland State Park is located along the Northwestern shore of the Chesapeake Bay. The park’s beaches and picnic areas are well known for their scenic water views that overlook the Chesapeake Bay. The park provides its guests with swimming beaches, picnicking, fishing, crabbing, boating, hiking, youth group camping, areas of historical interest and wildlife viewing. The park also has a marina store and boat rentals. $5-$6. Sandy Point State Park, 1100 East College Pkwy, (Anne Arundel County, at the western terminus of the Bay Bridge, off U.S. Routes 50/301 at exit 32). dnr.maryland.gov Presidential Salon with James Madison. Sunday, July 31, 3:00-4:30 PM. Join President James Madison in Gadsby’s historic Assembly Room as he discusses and engages guests about political and personal issues of 1811. Take part in this conversation with the fourth President of the United States and be a party to the public debate in the company of James Madison, as presented by John Douglas Hall. Reservations are recommended. Period attire welcome, but not necessary for participation in this program. $10-$15. Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St., Alexandria, VA. 703-746-4242. alexandriava.gov ●

ANC Meeting for 8-E. Third Tuesday, 7:00 PM. SE Tennis and Learning Center, 701 Mississippi

CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★

BULLETIN BOARD Aerial view of the park design with blooming trees.

Day of Community Planting at Planters Grove On July 12, 8:00 AM-noon, 50th St. and Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave. NE, join the collaboration as Planters, its national non-profit partner The Corps Network, local government departments, community organizations and neighborhood volunteers to celebrate a day of community planting. DC Planters Grove is the second of four urban parks created across the US as part of the 2011 “Naturally Remarkable” tour. The park’s revitalization builds upon recent efforts by the District of Columbia to redevelop the broader Marvin Gaye Park corridor into a hub of healthy recreation, outdoor activity, civic participation and public-private partnership. Renowned landscape architect Ken Smith designed the natural green park. Part urban revitalization, part urban art, the Planters Grove is inspired with unique Northeast Washington DC influences found in locally-sourced reclaimed materials and native plants and flowers.

Solar-Powered Deanwood House Groundbreaking Empowerhouse, a team of students competing in the Solar Decathlon from Parsons The New School for Design, The Milano School of International Affairs, Management and Urban Policy at The New School, and Stevens Institute of Technology, broke ground on a solar-powered, two-family home in the Deanwood neighborhood. Developed in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Washington, DC and the DC Department of Housing and Community Development, the house will be a model for green-energy, affordable housing and the first Passive House—the leading international energy standard—in the District of Columbia. Each unit is designed as a “net–zero” system, one that produces all of its energy needs, but will achieve peak efficiency when joined. Adhering to Passive House principles, which have only just begun to be recognized in the United States, the house will consume up to 90 percent less energy for heating and cooling than a typical home. newschool.edu 16 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE

Connecting Cultures ERFSC Event

Reclaiming the Edge

On Thursday, June 30, the Washington Seniors Wellness Center was transformed into a Caribbean Village as “Connecting Cultures” – an intergenerational event in celebration of Caribbean American Heritage Month was held. Spearheaded by East River Family Strengthening Collaborative’s Director of Communications, Rosie Parke (who is of Jamaican heritage) and WSWC’s interim executive director, Elise T. Nicholls; the event was more exciting than anyone could have imagined. “This is the most fun I have had in years; the Caribbean volunteers are so warm and the food is delicious” remarked one of the over 150 seniors who attended the event. The other comments were along the same lines and the smiles on everyone’s face were additional evidence that the event was awesome. Seniors enjoyed four hours of nonstop Caribbean music, Caribbean entertainment, Caribbean fashion, Caribbean food, and Caribbean vibes from the many Caribbean volunteers. For more information and to view photos go to www.erfsc.org.

River Ecology and River Health Community Forum

| JULY 2011

The Anacostia Community Museum is conducting a research and educational initiative that focuses on urban waterways, especially rivers, their watersheds, and associated creeks and streams. The project explores, among other things, social conditions, environmental burdens, citizen concerns and involvement, and cultural and recreational traditions associated with urban rivers. This community discussion focuses on river ecology, water treatment, river health, and human health issues, with lessons drawn from the Anacostia River, Washington, DC., and other national and international urban rivers. Tuesday, July 12, 7:00 PM. 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-633-4820. anacostia.si.edu

Proposed East of the River DC Circulator Service The District Department of Transportation is planning to provide DC Circulator service east of the Anacostia River. The proposed extension was developed during the DC Circulator’s

10-year planning process in 2010 and 2011. To connect east of the Anacostia River the proposed extension will cross the South Capitol Street Bridge to serve Historic Anacostia, Skyland and the Giant Food store at Camp Simms. The route would terminate at the Congress Heights Metro Station. ddot.dc.gov

Temporary Closure of Branch Avenue, SE at Pennsylvania Avenue The District Department of Transportation is scheduled to temporarily close Branch Ave. SE on either side of Pennsylvania Ave. SE to rebuild the roadway for the Pennsylvania Avenue Great Streets Project. The closure will start at 10:00 AM on Thursday, July 7 and remain in place through 5:00 AM on Monday, July 11, weather permitting. Branch Avenue will be closed for approximately 100 ft. north and south of Pennsylvania Ave. The remainder of Branch Ave. will remain open and accessible to local traﬃc. There will be no access onto Branch Ave. at the intersection of Pennsylvania Ave. Vehicles will be prohibited from turn-

ing north or south onto Branch Ave. from Pennsylvania Ave. during this closure. Pennsylvania Ave. will remain open. Sidewalks will be kept open and temporary crosswalks will be set up at intersections. Variable Message Boards will be set up throughout the impact area to alert motorists of the upcoming closures. 202-904-3911. ddot.dc.gov

Ward 8 Farmers Market Welcomes Field-to-Fork Network Ward 8 Farmers Market at THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE is open Saturdays, 9:00 AM2:00 PM. This year they welcome the Field-to-Fork Network. This group of community gardens will sell their produce as well as specialty products such as pesto, soaps and salsa. Each item will be produced from DC soil, by the eﬀorts of community members and volunteers. For anyone using WIC or Senior vouchers or an EBT/SNAP card, the market will double the value when you buy produce from their farmers. For those who need it the most, Ward 8 Farmers Market is half-price. ward8farmersmarket.com

Ray’s the Steaks at East River New Hours Ray’s the Steaks at East River at 3905 Dix St. NE is now open on Mondays, 11:30 AM-9:00 PM; Tuesdays-Thursdays, 11:30 AM-9:30 PM; Fridays, 11:30 AM-10:00 PM and Saturdays for dinner only, 3:00-10:00 PM. It is closed on Sundays. 202396-7297.

Learn About Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning Free seminar and luncheon especially created for responsible adults who want to be sure they have their aﬀairs in order. Expert in the ﬁeld Ethel Mitchell, Esq. will explain why planning ahead is so important and will reveal details about wills, trusts, living wills, advance medical directives and durable power of attorneys. The seminar is Aug. 17, 10:00 AM. RSVP by Aug. 7 at 202-581-1500. Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church, 3000 Pennsylvania Ave. SE.

Black Men in Service to the Community Event On Saturday, July 16, 9:45 AM1:00 PM, join Family & Friends of CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★ 17

Incarcerated People and Hands On Greater DC Cares for a morning of fellowship and community service in the River Terrace Community. They are calling Black men from Ward 7 to come together in unity to clean the River Terrace Park. The goal of this event is for Black men of all ages to come together and show a commitment of being involved and engaged. There will also be a mini-resource. River Terrace Park, Anacostia Ave and Dix St. NE. To sign-up for this event, visit blackmeninservice.eventbrite.com. To sign-up a group or if you have questions about how your organization can get involved, contact Jackie at jmckinney@greaterdccares. org or 202-777-4459.

DDOT Conducting Bridge Repairs Along Anacostia Freeway (I-295)

INTERESTED IN PURCHASING A HOME?

FREE

foreclosure counseling credit repair homebuyer counseling tenant purchase counseling

The District Department of Transportation is conducting a series of bridge deck repairs, overlays and preservation activities along the Anacostia Freeway (I-295). The work is being performed on five bridges: Anacostia Freeway over the Anacostia Park Entrance, Anacostia Freeway over Howard Road, Anacostia Freeway over Suitland Parkway, Anacostia Freeway over Firth Sterling Avenue and Anacostia Freeway over South Capitol Street. The repair work will require single lane closures on the Anacostia Freeway. Two lanes will be maintained in each direction for traffic. Temporary signs and traffic control measures will be in place to alert and guide the traveling public through this area. Motorists should be prepared for delays. ddot.dc.gov

“Moving Forward” Summit to Address Family Violence

HOMEBUYER EDUCATION WORKSHOPS FOR SUMMER 2011 SATURDAYS 9 AM - 5 PM Jul. 9th & 23rd • Aug. 6th & 27th • Sept. 10th & 17th

FEE $25. (Includes manual, PayPal fees; light refreshments and lunch) 727 15th Street NW, 8th Floor | DC 20005

At the NCRC Training Academy REGISTER at: http://hbetraining2011.eventbrite.com For more info call: 202-464-2719 email: pfayle@ncrc.org

visit us at www.NCRC.org

18 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE

| JULY 2011

UNIVERSITY LEGAL SERVICES Ofﬁces at Marshall Heights CDC 3939 Benning Road, NE | Washington DC 20019 202.396.1201x 131 | www.uls-dc.org

“We are committed to addressing the unspoken issues that have been destroying our families from the inside out,” says Rev. Dr. Kendrick E. Curry, Senior Pastor of The Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church.“Silence about the pain of growing up with absentee parents, child/spousal abuse, neglect or other family dysfunctions only passes it on to future generations. The church must be the safe haven where those suﬀering in pain as well as those inﬂicting pain can all be healed.” Saturday, July 9, 7:30 AM-3:00 PM. $25, adult; $40, two adults; $15, teen. Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church, 3000 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. 202-581-

1500. pabc-dc.org

DC United Collects Soccer Equipment During July Throughout the 2011 Major League Soccer season, DC United collects items at every home game to benefit pre-determined nonprofit organizations within the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area. This July, the club will collect soccer equipment to benefit Athletes to Atleta in support of United Drives. As a DC United signature program, United Drives assigns a different charity drive for each month of the MLS regular season, including the collection of games, toys, food, children’s books, and school supplies. Athletes to Atleta is an anti-gang program aimed at encouraging North American high school students and soccer enthusiasts to give back to their country of origin while providing them a strong connection with their home school through after school and summer activities, such as playing soccer. Founded in Northern Virigina, Athletes to Atleta hopes that involvement in their program will keep young men wearing school colors rather than gang colors. Athletes to Atleta also provides high school students with the opportunity to learn real life skills in shipping, international trade and web design through the collection and shipment of soccer equipment to Latin America. July soccer matches are July 20 and 23, 7:30 PM at RFK. Soccer equipment may include uniforms, cleats, soccer balls, trophies and goalie equipment. 202-587-5000. dcunited.com/community/united-drives

What You Can Do if Your Power Goes Out If your power goes out, do not assume that PEPCO is aware of an outage in your area or that a neighbor has called to report an outage. PEPCO needs to hear from every affected customer to help locate problem areas. Call PEPCO’s 24-hour outage report line at 1-877-737-2662. If you cannot use your home phone, it is still important to call and follow all the phone prompts. Make sure PEPCO has a working phone number where you can be reached about service restoration. To report wires down, call 202-872-3432. Check on elderly and at-risk friends and family to make sure they have access to plenty of water, a telephone and food. DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency Hotline is 202-727-6161. They may provide transportation to a cooling center or on site cooling buses for residents.

Volunteer at 2nd Annual DC Africa Festival The Mayor’s Oﬃce on African Aﬀairs (OAA) is hosting its 2nd Annual DC Africa

Festival on Saturday, July 16. The festival highlights African culture and communities in DC. Volunteers are needed in various capacities and anyone interested should send their name, phone number and email to OAA@dc.gov with “DC AFRICA FEST 2011 VOLUNTEER” in the subject line. Festival at Takoma Recreation Center, Fourth and Whittier/Van Buren, NW).

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

Help Support Common Good City Farm Since 2007, Common Good City Farm has distributed over 12,000 servings of fresh vegetables to low-income adults and families and engaged over 1,500 DC school children in farm education. Their farm lessons range from planting, to insect pollinators, and nutrition. “Kids were asking for seconds of salad,” exclaims Jeremiah Lowery, Program Fellow, after leading a group of excited kids in harvesting vegetables and preparing a salad for everyone to enjoy. Make a vital gift today to get this harvest to children and families through cooking classes in their outdoor kitchen, farming lessons in their kids’ garden, and other fun activities. Your donation today will enable more children and families to receive their summer harvest through nurturing learning activities about healthy eating, growing food, and collectively protecting our earth. 202-330-5945. CommonGoodCityFarm.org

DC Department of Health Tips on How to Stay Healthy in the Heat As temperatures heat up, the DC Department of Health reminds residents of the importance of staying healthy in the heat during the summer months, particularly when temperatures reach 90 degrees and higher. Extreme heat and humid conditions can cause many medical problems such as heat exhaustion and stroke; therefore residents are advised to take caution when outdoors in high temperatures. Remember to drink plenty of water; stay out of the sun; avoid drinks with caﬀeine, alcohol, and large amounts of sugar; wear clothing that is loose-ﬁtting, light colored and breathable, such as cotton; dress infants and children in cool, loose clothing and shade their heads and faces with hats or an umbrella; limit sun exposure during mid-day hours and in places of potential severe exposure such as beaches; wear sunscreen; schedule outdoor activities carefully; do not leave infants, children, or pets in a parked car; provide plenty of fresh water for your pets, and leave the water in a shady area. If you do not have access to a cool-temperature location, visit a recreation center, library, or senior center. ●

Neighborhood

Address

FEE SIMPLE ANACOSTIA 1603 U ST SE 2246 MOUNT VIEW PL SE 2015 NAYLOR RD SE 1443 RIDGE PL SE 2118 14TH ST SE 1826 MINNESOTA AVE SE 2215 CHESTER ST SE 1616 RIDGE PL SE

$270,000 $154,500 $104,000 $89,000 $70,000 $62,000 $60,000 $54,500

3 4 3 2 3 2 2 2

$230,000 $195,000

3 3

$222,000

$161,000 $155,000 $86,000 $52,000

3 2 2 3

$250,000 $211,500 $200,000 $190,000 $189,000 $174,999 $172,000 $172,000 $169,000 $169,000 $139,000 $125,000 $69,900 $65,000 $58,900 $50,000 $40,000

3 4 4 5 2 2 2 2 4 3 4 3 2 4 2 3 3

$169,900 $125,000 $95,000 $90,100 $65,000

3 3 3 2 3

$269,000 $265,000 $255,000 $115,000 $103,000 $93,450

3 3 4 4 3 2

$49,900

$70,000 $34,900 $22,000

2 2 1

$75,000 $42,000 $37,000

2 1 1

BARRY FARMS 1414 MORRIS RD SE 2337 POMEROY RD SE

CHILLUM 5622 2ND PL NW

CONGRESS HEIGHTS 73 DANBURY ST SW 603 ATLANTIC ST SE 4026 2ND ST SW 124 YUMA ST SE

DEANWOOD 4411 GRANT ST NE 1008 50TH PL NE 408 53RD ST NE 260 45TH ST NE 804 51ST ST NE 836 DIVISION AVE NE 5131 SHERIFF RD NE 6328 SOUTHERN AVE NE 5206 CLAY ST NE 4419 JAY ST NE 4440 BLAINE ST NE 5321 GAY ST NE 6312 SOUTHERN AVE NE 6334 SOUTHERN AVE NE 4207 FOOTE ST NE 215 56TH ST NE 4727 JAY ST NE

FORT DUPONT PARK 1310 42ND ST SE 1100 45TH PL SE 4145 ALABAMA AVE SE 1140 46TH ST SE 4616 REED TER SE

MARSHALL HEIGHTS 5200 BASS PL SE 5204 BASS PL SE 5206 BASS PL SE 5050 CALL PL SE 5139 HANNA PL SE 4621 EAST CAPITOL ST SE

CONDO ANACOSTIA 2317 16TH ST SE #301

CONGRESS HEIGHTS 725 BRANDYWINE ST SE #204 724 BRANDYWINE ST SE #104 10 HALLEY PL SE #10-302

HILL CREST 2101 FORT DAVIS ST SE #A 2011 38TH ST SE #A 2107 SUITLAND TER SE #301

● CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★ 19

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS merous hills and bluﬀs. In the 1960’s, the Sheridan Terrace public housing project, built on the hill overlooking the Suitland Parkway, was constructed and touted as “urban dwellings with a suburban appeal.” However, water drainage problems caused the units to slowly deteriorate. By the early 1990’s less than 50 families remained; the last resident moved out in 1993. According to local lore, President Clinton realized foreign dignitaries ﬂying into Andrews Air Force Base would likely take the same route to downtown Washington, passing by Sheridan Terrace. Clinton did not want the site to mar the foreign leaders’ impressions of the nation’s capital and therefore, in 1997 the entire development was demolished.

HOPE VI

Looking down Sheridan Road towards Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue as Sheridan Station comes to life.

Sheridan Station Readies for Fall Opening article & photos by John Muller

n the early months of his second term, President Bill Clinton’s motorcade, returning to the White House from Andrews Air Force Base, barreled down Suitland Parkway, riding past the abandoned Sheridan Terrace public housing development. The sprawling 11 acre site with 183 units in multiple buildings sat vacant. It had become the domain of drug dealers who sold to squatters scattered throughout the graﬃti strewn buildings; in the parking lot were burnt out cars with outof-state license plates. Topographically deﬁned by its rolling landscape that reaches in from the Anacostia River, the neighborhood bearing the river’s name has nu20 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE

Looking down Sheridan Road towards Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue as Sheridan Station comes to life.

| JULY 2011

For more than a decade the site sat as nothing more than a large pile of dirt until William C. Smith, wellknown throughout East Washington, joined with Jackson Investment Co. and Union Temple Community Development Corporation to compete for HOPE VI funds being administered through the DC Housing Authority to redevelop the former Sheridan Terrace. HOPE VI, a program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is a federal initiative that provides funds to develop sites of former public housing projects into mixed-income communities. An earlier phase of the program funded the redevelopment of the former Arthur Capper Carrollsburg Dwellings oﬀ M Street SE prior to the construction of the Nationals Stadium in 2006. Sheridan Terrace was the seventh such project in DC. Chicago is the only other city with a greater presence of Hope VI projects. The ideology of HOPE VI focuses on defensible space, a concept of environmental design aimed at reducing crime and increasing neighborhood safety through the deliberate use of architectural design and new urbanism, a design concept promoting walkable neighborhoods made of mixed housing options that are connected to hubs of public transportation. After three rounds of competition,

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From a Sheridan Station apartment the Washington Monument and National Cathedral can be seen in the distance.

the group led by WCS won a $20 million grant in 2007 to begin the ﬁrst phase of the redevelopment of Sheridan Terrace, re-named Sheridan Station because of its proximity to the Anacostia metro station. Sheridan Station, now within the area being branded as “CHASE” (Congress Heights, Anacostia, Saint Elizabeths), is located directly east of Sheridan Road, bound by Howard Road, Sayles Place, Bowen Place, Stanton Road, and Pomeroy Road. To fully fund the ﬁrst phase, estimated to cost $28.8 million, nearly $6 million in federal stimulus grants have also been provided. The total project has an estimated cost of $105 million; it is to be completed in four phases and will eventually include 344 units, of which 161, 48%, will be for sale and 183, 52%, for rent.

Sheridan Station’s 1st Phase Lofts in the first phase of development will be available for rent this fall; 114 units are planned to come online, with 45 former residents expected to return. There are eight different layouts in efficiencies and 1 and 2 bedroom units. The forsale townhomes and condominiums, with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths begin at $250,000 and $235,000, respectively. Units offer 9-foot ceilings with stainless steel Energy Star appliances, walk-in closets, wood laminate flooring, and a washer and dryer. For units that face Suitland Parkway, the portrait windows have been re-enforced to block out noise from the passing traffic. “Aside from the design itself,

which we believe to be sleek and urban while capitalizing on unique topography and sight lines, we have the advantage of location, location, location,” observed Carol Chatham, Vice President, Communications of William C. Smith + Co. Breaking ground on May 10, 2010, WCS has remained tightly on schedule. Chatham points to “cooperation amongst ﬁnancial partners, excellent consultants, and sub contractors” as the reason the project’s timeline has remained on pace. “Sheridan Station is designed to do more than just uplift people. It will have an economic impact as well as improve housing options in the immediate area,” said Barry LeNoir, Chairperson of the Sheridan Station Hope VI Advisory Committee and President of the United Black Fund whose standalone building sits at the junction of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, Howard Road, and Sheridan Road. Over the past 18 months LeNoir has been involved in the “interactive engagement process” of “getting former residents ready to participate” in the return to the site of their former homes. The group has held monthly meetings since the project’s inception and focused on identifying needed on-site amenities, which will include a 5,500 square foot health and wellness center, community meeting rooms, green rooftop garden and a computer lab. “The Advisory Committee is an invaluable resource. Being able to hear from former residents of Sheridan Terrace and having the beneﬁt of their experiences, both good and

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bad, is helping us create a sense of place,” says Chatham.

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS for District of Columbia Housing Authority “Landlord & Tenant Cases” Solicitation No: 0260-2011 THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY (DCHA) is seeking Contractor(s) to provide the necessary resources, to obtain legal services related to and involved in the prosecution of DCHA’s Landlord/Tenant cases, including, but not limited to, the preparation, filing and litigation of complaints and appeals within the District of Columbia judicial system and finalizing cases on behalf of DCHA at the conclusion of litigation SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS will be available at District of Columbia Housing Authority, 1133 North Capitol Street, NE, Suite 300, Administrative Services/Contract, Washington, D.C. 200027599 (Issuing Office); between the hours of 9:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday, beginning Monday, June 20, 2011. PROPOSAL DOCUMENTS are due to the Issuing Office by 11:00 am on Monday, July 18, 2011. Contact the Issuing Office on (202) 535-1212 for additional information or email admsrv@dchousing.org or lmcleod@dchousing.org.

22 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE

| JULY 2011

For long-time Anacostian and community activist Hannah Hawkins, Sheridan Station is waitand-see. Known for her work with Children of Mine, an enrichment program for neighborhood children located in historic Anacostia, Hawkins began her program in the late 1980’s by transforming two empty apartments in Sheridan Terrace into a welcoming community space. “I went there when no one else wanted to go,” remembers Hawkins, who moved her program to its current location on Mount View Place in May 1992. “I walked those corridors every day, morning, noon, and night.” Hawkins warned that “we know William C. Smith has done a wonderful job re-developing that area and we don’t want to see it a year later declining.” Citing the growing perception of “a great conflict” between homeowners and government subsidized renters at the mixed-use development Henson Ridge off of Alabama Avenue in Congress Heights, Hawkins said, “I hope and pray they will do major screening. I want everyone, the owners, the renters, the developers, and the community to benefit from this.” With the recent opening of some notable small businesses on lower Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue and the continued growth of Anacostia’s arts district, WCS knows there is a newfound attention on the area. “Many eyes are watching the Sheridan project,” says Chatham. “Success at Sheridan will encourage further development along the MLK corridor.” “Retailers are always asking about new housing units when they are looking to invest in Anacostia,” said Stan Voudrie of Four Points LLC. “Sheridan Station, along with Matthews Memorial Terrace, is very positive for the neighborhood. High density helps to push commercial development and investment which everyone wants.” For more information and for rental rates got to http://www.sheridanstation.com. ●

DCPL Summer Reading Program Aims to Stop Summer Setback by John Muller during the school year, they progress at about the same rate as their peers. Over the summer, it’s a dramatically different story. During the summer months, disadvantaged children tread water at best or even fall behind. It’s what we call “summer slide” or “summer setback.” “There are effective ways for students to get the most out of their summer reading,”says Kate Shatzkin with the National Sumer Learning Association. “When adults can be involved in the process, to guide along the story and an understandThe DC Public Library’s Teen Summer Reading Program runs until August 24th. ing of what they’re reading, it helps to reinforce the real s a way to encourage summer reading among teenagers, the DC benefits of summer reading.” In addition to the library’s summer reading Public Library has launched a program allowing those who have program, every Tuesday throughout the sumread four books to enter into a contest to spend mer, at 7pm at the Martin Luther King Jr. Mea day with one of more than fifty professionals morial Library at 901 G Street NW, there will from the Secretary of Education to a member be a book club meeting for teens in the young of Congress to a filmmaker to an award-win- adult division’s 2nd floor space. The program is called the “Any Book Book Club.” Teens are ning journalist. The “Shadow Your Future” program is an encouraged to join a free flowing conversation outgrowth of ongoing conversations between about books by discussing their favorite book, a library staff and teenagers according to DC- book they hate, a book they would like to write, PL’s Rebecca Renard. “If a teen reads at least or they talk can simply talk about anything and four books they can select the career field they everything about books. To register for the DC Public Library are most interested in and spend a day with a professional in that field. They can also bring Teen Summer Reading Program you can stop a friend with them.” Teens that read up to six by your neighborhood library or visit www. books will receive a flash drive and be entered dclibrary.org/summerreading on the Internet. The program is open to ages 12 – 19 and runs into a contest. According to research by Johns Hopkins until August 24th. sociology Professor Karl Alexander, low-income youth suffer significantly from a loss of Library Construction Update Continuing construction of the Francis academic skills over the summertime. This loss further widens the achievement gap which be- Gregory Branch Library, on Alabama Avenue gins to develop at the elementary level and can in Ward 7, and the Washington Highlands predicate a student’s decision to attend college Branch Library, on Atlantic Street in Ward 8, remain on schedule with grand openings still or even graduate from high school. “We discovered about two-thirds of ninth- planned for the fall. The two libraries would grade academic achievement gap between join the Anacostia, Benning, Deanwood, and disadvantaged youngsters and their more ad- Parklands-Turner branches as the half dozen vantaged peers can be explained by what hap- brand new buildings to open in less than two pens over the summer during the elementary years, representing a near full-scale transforschool years,” said Prof. Alexander in a research mation of East Washington libraries. ● brief. “Statistically, lower income children begin school with lower achievement scores, but

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EAST WASHINGTON LIFE

The 18th Annual Hillcrest Garden Tour article and photos by Michelle Phipps-Evans

The backyard of Michael and Thomasina Woods.

n June 18, the Hillcrest Community Civic Association hosted its 18th annual garden tour this year and the residents of this Ward 7 community showcased their gardens—and in some cases, their homes—to a generalpublic. More than 50 people celebrated spring with a tour through Hillcrest on a beautiful, not-too-hot Saturday morning. Each year, the Hillcrest Garden Tour Committee oﬀers something a little diﬀerent. One year, it was curb appeal; another year, several gardeners bragged about being minimalists; and yet another highlighted sculptured gardens. This year, there was more diversity among the 10 gardens on display in the Park Drive/31st Place section. The tour is conducted in two groups. What was fun this year was that although the tour booklet featured 10 homes, one tour group got to see two

24 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE

| JULY 2011

extra homes. One was the home of Gladys Gordon, who has lived on 31st Street, SE, for the past 20 years. “I love flowers and I plant them every year,” she said. Her backyard is a virtual oasis, sectioned off with its garden swing, wicker chairs, and metal bar stools and table. Tourgoers were surprised with the creativity of her backyard. The other impromptu visit was to the Burke home where Pastor Kenneth Burke and Yvonne Burke, both HCCA board members, showed off a beautiful vegetable garden. Gordon’s neighbor, Maureen Gaston, whose home was first on the tour, featured mainly perennials—lots of irises, peonies, azaleas; and some annuals to add color in the summer. She has lived in Hillcrest for more than 42 years, and she said one of the first things she planted was a maple tree in her rear yard. “I used the red mulch to keep away ants, bugs and

things,” she said. “And red just brings the color out.” Besides the neighbors, the tour attracted several visitors during the Father’s Day weekend. That included two nieces of resident Miles Steele, a member of the Friends of Francis Gregory and a former co-chair of Neighbors Through Art (the Palisades-Hillcrest partnership). His niece, Jerri Steele Johnson, who is from Michigan, said she was getting ideas from the tour. “I’m a caregiver,” she said. “I can take a plant, plant it, and it’s my sanctuary. I’m really getting a rise out of this.” Her sister, Margaret, who lives in California, nodded her head in agreement. Ward 7 Councilmember Yvette Alexander also enjoyed the gardens and her neighbors accompanied by her 11-year-old pooch, Kokomo. “This is such a beautiful way to showcase our Hillcrest community,” she said. “And it also brings

The circular flowerbed of the Brown home features a miniature water fountain.

(L-R) Tour guide Richard Evans holds the mike for Michael Brown who discusses his garden.

Attendees admire the sloping landscaping that belongs to Frank and Lummie King.

Kenn Hopkins highlights the areas of his yard he enjoys.

our neighbors together outside of a community meeting.” Attendees oohed and aahed at the home of Michael and Lisa Brown, who have been in the neighborhood about 14 years and have a circular ﬂower bed with an eclectic display of annuals. Michael, who does most of the lawn work and shrubbery, said he took advantage of the hills and terraces. The front lawn extends 100 feet across and is framed by a beautiful wooded area. At the home of Frank and Lummie King, it is Lummie who is the avid gardener. Living in their home since 1967, she says she gets “joy, peace and happiness” from sharing her gardens with visitors. Most exciting in her yard is the sloping landscape, which she ﬁlled with the brightest color combinations of arrangements, which she admits she likes selecting, arranging and organizing.

Michael and Thomasina Woods, residents for 33 years, are both avid gardeners. Entering their garden, for a second one can forget that this is Hillcrest and not a backyard on a Caribbean island. Thomasina admitted that she works on it “every day.” And it shows. They have a diverse collection of trees and shrubs. Their vegetable garden features cucumbers, tomatoes, and peas, which beneﬁt from a compost made from kitchen scraps. Michael said he is really proud of his trees. The tour was almost at the end by the time walkers reached Margaret Roberts’ and Michael Preston’s home. Margaret said even though she has only been there for nine years, she’s a “lifer,” in Hillcrest. Her approach to gardening is to plant the ones that “come back every year,” that don’t need too much gardening. “I try out things that don’t need a lot of work,” she said, adding that

much of her garden is Asian-themed. Her garden has two Japanese maples, some azaleas, junipers and variegated liriope. Their home is known to many because of their outstanding white stone enclosed porch. Across the street are Kenn Hopkins, Jose Deartage and dog, Mokha, who have lived in Hillcrest for three years. Kenn said he wanted a colorful theme for the lawn reminiscent of his home in California. Therefore, their garden includes some unique plants like the Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar, Hinochi Pine and Prickly Pear Cactus. He explained to attendees how to keep the croton plant during the winter by covering it up. The last home belonged to Gregg Harris and Sam Perryman who were also this year’s hosts for the reception. Living in Hillcrest for seven years, it took several seasons of pruning and planting roses, dahlias, hostas, lilies

and mums to make a natural fence. They also had a functional back yard with wicker furniture and bar stools. They cherish the azaleas in the front of the house, which they believe to be 50 years old. An added value of the Hillcrest Garden Tour is that homeowners offer tips on weeding, fertilizing and mulching. The tour was summed up by Chesterland, Ohio, visitor, Irene Graham who was in the District for ﬁve days visiting family. “It was beautiful,” she said. “I learned a lot. I don’t think there was any house that was disappointing. I made notes and I’m hoping to bring these plants back home and people here are just wonderful.” For more information or to see more photos of the tour, visit Hillcrest’s Web site at www.hillcrestdc.com. ● CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★ 25

EAST WASHINGTON LIFE

Think Local First Keeping the District Funky and Unique article & photo by Amanda Abrams

Busboys and Poets owner Andy Shallal in front of his popular 14th Street eatery.

o some District residents, Columbia Heights, with its wildly popular Target, endlessly crowded Chipotle, and convenient Starbucks, is the picture of a neighborhood redevelopment success story. To others, though—and you can count Busboys and Poets owner Andy Shallal among them—it’s a tragedy, an area whose long-term sustainability will always be limited by the fact that it’s anchored by a number of national chain stores. “It looks good and feels good, but over the years, I don’t see Columbia Heights having any real sense of character,” said Shallal. “I don’t think it’s a good model for how we can do business.” When it comes to redevelopment, Shallal certainly seems to know what he’s talking about. His restaurants

have been deemed single-handedly responsible for a surge of interest in several “transitional,” “growing,” or “up-and-coming” neighborhoods like 14th and U streets and Arlington’s Shirlington area. But Shallal isn’t just thinking about his own bottom line. He’s one of the founding members of Think Local First, an initiative that’s been around since 2006 but came into its own last October and is now an established nonproﬁt. Using marketing and advocacy tactics, the group aims to strengthen local businesses and help them compete with the growing number of chain stores and restaurants in the city. Most intriguingly, the organization is creating a network of independent business owners to share best practices for working in DC—a city where opening and operating a business can be likened to

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| JULY 2011

running an obstacle course.

Helping business owners navigate a tricky environment The group’s main point, said Trisha Clausen, its executive director, is that local businesses benefit the community in a way that national companies like Walmart and Subway and Payless never will. “The multiplier effect [of spending money] is two to five times greater with a local business, because they’re spending their money there, hiring local graphic designers and local accounting companies and so on,” she pointed out. “Compare that to Walmart, where so much goes back to Bentonville [Ark.].” And if local businesses are focused on the triple bottom line—not simply earning a profit, but also operating in an environmentally sustain-

able manner and benefiting the community as well—then it’s a win-win situation for just about everyone. But a lot of local businesses need help getting there. Unlike Busboys and Poets or Cake Love, which was also involved in the organization’s start, most of DC’s small services and restaurants lack the resources to learn how to operate more efficiently or brand themselves in a new way. “There’s so much marketing that the big boys pay for, but a mom and pop shop with mom and pop actually working there and one or two employees, they don’t have that budget,” explained Nizam Ali, part of the family that owns Ben’s Chili Bowl and another one of the initiative’s 11 founding board members. Plus, just operating in DC can be tough: a report issued in December by the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council, a national nonprofit, ranked DC’s policy environment for entrepreneurship as #51—dead last—in friendliness. It can be like pulling teeth, said Ali. “You have to deal with so much government stuff, it’s unbelievable,” he said. “A $100 or $500 fine makes a big difference to the small guy, and then you’re spending half your life downtown.” That’s where Think Local First comes in. To encourage independent business owners to share knowledge and practices about what really works, the nonprofit hosts a monthly breakfast at Busboys and Poets. Usually at least 30 of the initiative’s 200 members show up to hear a speaker—Constantine Stavropoulos, owner of the popular Tryst and the Diner, spoke at a recent gathering—and then the guests break up into small groups and talk about things like social marketing or how to better appeal to customers. “If you ask many business owners, they’ll say they keep coming back because of the connections they make; we actually like each other,” explained Shallal. “We share ideas, we tell stories about challenges we

face. It’s always nice to be with your peers so they can give you some reassurance about how you’re doing things. There’s no real manual for this stuﬀ.”

Not just talk But Think Local First is more than just networking. One of the group’s earliest decisions was about switching over to wind poweredenergy; the company Clean Currents approached it and several businesses signed on. Ben’s was one of them. “We’re proud of that,” said Ali. “We’re trying to serve as an example, that if a 50-year-old dinosaur mom and pop can change, so can they.” To address the city’s business climate from the other side, the organization also advocates for particular policies at the Wilson Building. Members supported legislation calling for more transparency when the city elects to reward businesses with tax subsidies; there’s currently no formal process. That bill didn’t pass, but the group is considering a new proposal that would require an economic impact study, similar to an environmental impact study, when big box retailers of a certain size come in. And then there’s the organization’s marketing arm, which consists of a website listing local businesses and relevant activities coming up, as well as a few promotional events. July 9-16, for example, the organization will be hosting Eat Local First, one of its most ambitious projects so far. It’ll be a targeted campaign focusing on locally-grown food and the DC restaurants that serve it, and will include cooking demonstrations, discounts at speciﬁc restaurants akin to those that occur during restaurant week, garden tours, and a closing street party.

Gradually reaching out The organization is a citywide one, but so far, members are largely concentrated in the Adams Morgan/ U Street area. The group is slated to expand throughout the city, but will have to demonstrate its added usefulness beyond neighborhood-centric business groups like the Capitol Hill Association of Merchants and Professionals (CHAMPS). Martha Huizenga is a partner at Capitol Hill-based DC Access, a local wireless internet service provid-

er, and has been a member of Think Local First since 2009. She said the events she’s attended have been interesting, but admitted that making the trek across town—most Think Local First get-togethers seem to be on U Street—can be a disincentive to participating, especially since she already has an established network of fellow business owners on the Hill through CHAMPS. East of the river, business owners are used to taking care of themselves. Briony Hynson, creative director of Honfleur Gallery in historic Anacostia, wasn’t particularly surprised to see that there were virtually no businesses from her neighborhood listed on the Think Local First website. “We frequently feel isolated from what’s going on in the rest of the city,” she explained. In response, community boosters developed their own marketing initiative last year, titled Eat Shop Live Anacostia, to support local businesses. But Nikki Peele, the brains behind that initiative, said there’s probably room for both groups to work in the area. “I applaud their efforts, and would like to see ways to work together,” she said. That shouldn’t be too hard. Think Local First is ultimately designed to prod DC residents to think about their city in a new way, as one whose character is in part defined by the quirky, locally-owned businesses that serve it. It’s an important campaign, because as the city swells and becomes a more popular destination, it will invariably attract more out-of-town retailers. And that would be a shame, said Shallal. “I don’t want Walmart to come here by default, because there’s nothing better. I’d be devastated to have a Walmart next to me. I live in Adams Morgan and every space is unique, and I’d hate to see that be lost.” That’s what the organization is trying to prevent, he continued. “We want to be the real chamber of commerce, the local chamber of commerce. With the regular chamber, they create a level playing field [for everyone], which doesn’t serve local businesses. We don’t want a level playing field. We create more jobs and pay more taxes—shouldn’t we have the advantage?” For more information go to http:// www.thinklocalfirstdc.com/. ● CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★

The Obesity Institute Dr. Yolandra Hancock Helps East of the River Families Battle Childhood Obesity

Fighting Fear Fear and Bad Habits Can Stand Between Cancer Patients and Quality Treatment

HIV/AIDS in Wards 7 & 8 Changing Attitudes is an Important Step in the War Against AIDS

Maame Biney 11 Year Old Dominates Speed Skating Field

Senior Wellness Centers Are the Place To Be Join Your Neighbors for Exercise, Nutrition and Community

CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM â˜… 29

African American Health Special

hank you to East of the River Magazine for your special focus on the healthcare of your readers. The health and wellbeing of the public should be matters of primary importance to elected officials. Since I became the Chairman of the D.C. Council’s Health Committee over 6 years ago, I have worked hard to increase access to healthcare, expand services, and give our children the tools they need to live healthy lives. Together, we have accomplished much, including cutting the number of uninsured District residents in half, dramatically expanding Medicaid benefits, revamping school-health programs and much more. There are two achievements that I feel are particularly important to residents east of the Anacostia River. The first is the remarkable transformation of United Medical Center (UMC) in Ward 8. It has now been nearly four years since the District of Columbia took emergency action to assist the sale of UMC. Since that time, the hospital has benefited from a level of investment not seen anywhere else in the country. From new equipment to additional services, the resurgence of this hospital is one of the real success stories in the area of healthcare in the District. I am proud of the role I have played to support this hospital. The residents of Wards 7 and 8 deserve equal access to high quality healthcare. Moreover, they deserve elected leaders who deliver on their promises and work hard on their behalf when the cameras are turned off. Thus, I am proud of the exciting new partnerships I have helped to forge between other city healthcare institutions and UMC. These include the opening of a state-of-the-art pediatric emergency room operated by Children’s National Medical Center, the addition of 13 new obstetricians from the Washington Hospital Center, and a new clinic focused on specialized HIV/AIDS care run by Dr. Lisa Fitzpatrick of Howard University and the National Institutes of Health. Speaking of HIV/AIDS, the District recently released the HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD, and TB Epidemiological Report 2010. The report is the latest evidence that the District’s efforts to combat HIV/AIDS are working. In the past four years the city has nearly tripled the number of publicly supported HIV tests. In 2010, we distributed more than 4 million condoms, removed 320,000 used needles from the street and continued our nationally recognized advertising and social media campaign to promote condom use. Our aggressive and innovative approach to confronting the HIV/AIDS epidemic is testing more people and connecting those who test positive to care earlier and more often. This not only improves the quality of life of infected individuals, it is also a highly effective prevention strategy. Recent scientific study indicates that infected individuals who seek care early and properly use medications are significantly less likely to transmit the disease. Unfortunately, a generation of ineptitude on behalf of our local government resulted in a system that was rife with fraud and gave rise to today’s headline-grabbing 3.2% infection rate. Because we are testing more people and giving them the care they need to live longer, healthier lives, we will be forced to live with epidemic levels of HIV/AIDS for some time to come. I am pleased, however, that for the first time in a generation, we are beginning to make real progress in our fight against HIV/AIDS. Thank you again to the East of the River staff for your focus on these important issues. If you would like to learn more about our efforts to improve healthcare in the District of Columbia, please visit my website at www. davidcatania.com. Sincerely, David A. Catania D.C. Council At-Large

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D F FO ISC OF OR F IH R R OU ER FR O EV OU NT S E PC O R S A E O LU “P S ND RP T A IG .F IO NC N BM N A U P ” TA AT KE .C O M

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Ward 7 and District of Columbia Residents: Recently, I kicked off a fitness campaign to motivate my fellow Ward 7 residents, as well as all District of Columbia residents, to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Many of you have joined me in this cause to spread the word about the benefits of healthy eating habits and exercising on a regular basis and for that I say, thank you. Unfortunately, we have a long way to go to get our community to an ideal fitness level but it is possible. We can first start with our children. Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic that is affecting many of our youth in the District of Columbia and nationwide. Our children really are our future and it is important that we encourage them to incorporate exercise into their daily lives but we must first lead by example. Walking your children to school, taking them to the playground, playing sports and even taking bike rides in the park are just a few ways to get our children moving. There are many diseases that affect our community that could easily be prevented if we choose a healthier lifestyle. Studies have shown that highblood pressure, certain cancers and respiratory problems could be cured if we ate better and exercised more. Here are some ways in which you can change your habits: • Drink at least eight glasses of water a day • Exercise at least 30 minutes a day • Eat more fruits and vegetables • Cut down on fast food/junk food Let’s also remember that total fitness is more than just eating right and exercising more, it also means protecting yourself from STDs and not abusing your body with drugs and alcohol. I know it can be hard to change from old habits, but it is necessary if you want to live a long and healthy life. Encourage your friends and family to do the same so that you will have a support group that will hold you accountable in your commitment to a healthier lifestyle. We must all become knowledgeable about how our bad habits are negatively affecting our bodies. The benefits of exercising and changing our nutritional habits far outweigh the results of eating fast food and sitting in front of the television all day. So let’s get to it everyone! Live your life happier, healthier and longer. Sincerely, Yvette The Honorable Yvette M. Alexander Councilmember – Ward 7

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CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★ 33

African American Health Special

Fighting Fear Fear and bad habits can stand between cancer patients and quality treatment article & photo by Alice Ollstein

hen Stephen Johnson went to the hospital two years ago complaining of a swollen foot, doctors discovered, among other health problems, a tumor the size of a melon in his stomach. After many painful surgeries, chemotherapy treatments, and battles with Medicaid and Social Security, Johnson has become an advocate for cancer patients, and volunteers with the DC Cancer Consortium to make sure others in his community do not make the mistakes he made. Johnson lives in Southeast DC, which has some of the highest cancer and cancer mortality rates in the city—especially breast cancer, colorectal cancer and prostate cancer. There are many clinics, but no full hospitals that oﬀer comprehensive cancer treatment. “We have to travel to the middle of the city, west of the White House, to get services,” said Johnson. When there are services available, like mobile units that give free screenings, the community often does not know about them, or does not understand the importance of taking advantage of them. To combat these trends, hospitals, churches, community organizations and survivors across the city are teaming up to reach out to the underserved communities most at risk for developing cancer.

Culture and Fear

Thelma Jones.

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Even when services are available and well-publicized, culture, fear and bad habits can stand between cancer patients and quality treatment. “I was Stage 4 when I finally got tested, because I was one of the knucklehead men that didn’t go see a doctor. I suffered for that,” said Johnson, who is starting a men’s cancer support group to encourage men to get tested regularly and seek treatment immediately. He says the macho culture among men of all races causes them to think they are tough enough to handle their health themselves. Johnson has a message for these men: “Even if the littlest thing feels wrong, go see the doctor. Big toe aching? Coughing? Go see the doctor. Don’t be afraid. It’s better to know. Don’t wait until it’s too late.” Thelma Jones is a breast cancer survivor who now works as a navigator at the Smith Farm Center for Healing and the Arts in Southeast DC. She says fear of the unknown makes many cancer patients skeptical about alternative treatments that could greatly benefit them—like group therapy, yoga, and a healthier diet. “Because a lot of people aren’t familiar with it, they say, ‘I’m not so sure I want to do that.’ I try to explain what it is before they start frowning and think it’s voodoo medicine,” she said. Jones sees superstition even about conventional medicine, including a general mistrust of doctors. “There’s still that myth that once you cut a person, it causes the cancer to metastasize and kills you,” she said. “I grew up hearing that too, from my grand-

parents and parents. We’ve got to get people educated.” Jones has 12 clients, but hopes to increase her caseload to at least 25. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention ranks DC third in the country for breast cancer incidence and ﬁrst in breast cancer death. “I’m always looking at how we can reach more people,” said Jones. “When you look at the numbers of African American women dying with or developing aggressive forms of breast cancer, you know we need to do something now.” Johnson sees his outreach work already having an eﬀect, and says his personal story as a cancer survivor has more of an impact on people than statistics and facts. “My friends are taking more of an interest in their health now,” he said. “You can’t force a horse to drink the water, but if you lead the horse to the water, it’ll think, ‘Maybe I need a sip of this.’ Jones sees a similar trend in her own community. “We still have some challenges, but I like how a lot of people are embracing the idea of wellness,” she said.

Spreading the Word Outreach is what makes or breaks the eﬀectiveness of the various cancer treatment services in DC—because even the best programs fail if the community is not aware of them. “In the inner city, the services are there, but they’re not broadcast where they should be,” explained Johnson. “The hospitals could do a lot more in getting folks aware, especially in the black community.” Executive Director VaVonne Vaughan of the DC Cancer Consortium agrees that hospitals and clinics should step up their outreach and education. “We know the doctors have great inﬂuence over the patients,” she said. “They have a tremendous impact on our ability to catch cancer early and prevent it.” She says doctors should remind their patients to get regular cancer screenings, even if they are coming in for something unrelated. “We want to appeal to those doctors to think about the whole patient, especially east of the river,” she said. Another challenge, says Amari Tearson-Fields, the Department of Health cancer program manager, is creating outreach materials that different communities can understand and relate to. To make sure every DC CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★ 35

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resident knows to get a mammogram at 40 years old and a colonoscopy at 50 years old, the Department of Health has made pocket-sized information cards in Arabic, French, Spanish and Vietnamese and Mandarin Chinese. They’ve also developed special materials for DC’s gay and lesbian, Salvadoran and Ethiopian communities. “There’s such a need for culturally appropriate, translated materials,” she explained. “It’s important to look at who’s in your population and tailor that material to them. We use images and cultural references that are appropriate, and research from those communities when it’s available. We also work closely with community partners who know where people are living, praying, playing, and moving. It’s not the Department of Health up on a hill trying to make decisions for the community. We’re working in and with the community.” These partners include African American churches, local clinics, and community development groups. The Cancer Consortium has new opportunity to get its message out to the community: R&B artist Raheem DeVaughn is kicking oﬀ a weekly Internet radio show this month with a segment on cancer issues. Three-time Grammy winner DeVaughn, whose father died of cancer, recently received the key to the city. The show will air on www.blis.fm/raheem on Sunday nights from 7 to 9 p.m.

Navigating the Bureaucracy Johnson was lucky enough to have a family member who helped him with everything from scheduling medical appointments to getting reimbursed by Medicaid and Social Security Disability, to buying food and caring for his young son while he was hospitalized. But life was still a struggle. “Sometimes I would come out of chemo and would have to race to turn in Social Security paperwork,” he said. “That delayed me from paying my rent, but by the grace of god I had a landlord that was understanding. And fortunately I had the strength to drive myself. It’s so hard when you’re not feeling good and you still have to schedule a van.” Now, the new DC Cancer Consortium’s Citywide Patient Navigator Network helps patients like Johnson manage. “It’s hard to navigate a health care system, so we created a safety net so you don’t fall through the cracks,” explained Vaughan. “We help you deal with just about anything that could happen to you if you’re diagnosed. The program links people with services from screenings to survivorship, so they are not lost in the continuum of care.” The Navigator Network connects patients with 27 organizations at 38 sites around DC. “It’s as simple as getting someone to clean your house, or deliver cooked meals to you when you don’t have the energy to cook, or help you with a childcare issue,” explained Vaughan. “When patients are tired and sick,

these things make a huge impact their lives.” Johnson is impressed with the program. “They created a navigation system that’s out of this world,” he said. If patients have questions about anything from insurance forms to support groups to alternative treatments, they can call the DC Cancer Answers hotline, where trained professionals ﬂuent in many languages will direct them to the resources they need. DC’s Department of Health hopes these services will reach the communities that need them most. “In Wards 7 and 8, we have big issues in access to treatment and compliance with treatment,” said Tearson-Fields. “People have a propensity to fall through the cracks. They’re afraid. They don’t know what to do. So navigation becomes very impactful.”

Healthy Living and Prevention Health professionals and survivors say lifestyle changes, not just treatment, are necessary to bring down the high cancer and cancer mortality rates in Wards 7 and 8. Jones has helped developed special health programs at the Union Temple Baptist Church, which men and women can participate in between services on Sundays. These educational workshops focus on nutrition, exercise, meditation and stress relief. Featuring food, music and community, the workshops try to engage those do not usually prioritize their health. “We believe that every individual has the ability to help heal his or herself,” explained Jones. “We embrace conventional medicine, but we encourage people to look at complementary procedures to live fuller and longer lives.” Many pinpoint food as a problem area. Johnson believes the black community is suffering from the effects of eating badly, and he says he meets the most resistance when he talks about healthy diets. “You can’t walk around eating sticky buns and drinking soda,” he said. “You can’t pile your plate a foot high with food, then sit on your butt. You gotta move. You gotta drink enough water.” Jones also worries about the diet of many communities of color. “Most African American and Latino women have serious problems with weight and obesity,” she said. “We’re bread and potato people, but we need to get them to understand the need of changing. They know it’s affecting them.” While acknowledging that many communities don’t have access to fresh, healthy food— which is often expensive—Jones argues: “Yes, it’s less expensive to eat junk food, but what we don’t pay on the front end, we’ll pay later on in serious illnesses and diseases.” Johnson weighed over 300 pounds when he began cancer treatment. He now works to stay fit and healthy, and is trying to pass on what he’s learned to the next generation. “I was so big I couldn’t tell I had a tumor the size of a

baby inside of me,” he said. “Now I tell my son he has to eat right and move around.”

Funding Under Threat Despite their success, the deﬁcits plaguing the local and federal government threaten the future of these cancer treatment and prevention programs. Last year, the Cancer Consortium saw its budget cut by 3.5 million dollars. Among the many programs funded by the Cancer Consortium are Breathe DC, which helps residents quit smoking, the Screen for Life program at Howard University, and Project Wish, which screens low-income women for breast and cervical cancer. Stuart Berlow, the Cancer Consortium’s policy manager, is upset by the funding cuts. “Our budget is being used to fund programs where those services are so needed, and the cuts are preventing us from developing certain programs, or funding the existing ones as we’d like to,” he said. “We need to communicate the message to the City Council that taking from us is taking from their constituents. And I hope that as the economy rebounds, the funds do too.” Vaughan says nothing inspires her more to ﬁght for funding than the patients themselves: “To hear someone say a program you funded saved her live, and gave her the ability to watch her children grow up, that’s when I knew we were making some worthwhile investments.” ●

Resources • DC Cancer Consortium www.dccancerconsortium.org • DC Cancer Consortium’s Citywide Patient Navigator Network dcpnavigatorrp.wikispaces.com/ • DC Cancer Answers hotline 202-585-3210 • Breathe DC 1-800 QUIT NOW • Screen for Life (Howard University) - 202-865-7741 • Smith Farm Center for Healing and the Arts in Southeast DC www.smithfarm.com CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★

African American Health Special

Senior Wellness Centers Are the Place To Be Join your neighbors for exercise, nutrition and community by Darlene Nowlin

ship fees and no strings attached to membership. A member since 2008, Kermit Boulware, 65, began attending Congress Heights Senior Wellness Center after he had open heart surgery on December 10, 2007. The retired social worker from the DC Department of Human Services had been physically ﬁt for most of his life. The former athlete played football in high school and went on to North Carolina A&T College where he played with the Aggies. “I was not myself when I joined Congress Heights; I was weak and heavy,” he said. Working in the open gym three days a week walking and working out has paid oﬀ for this former government employee. “I worked hard and I got a lot of encouragement to keep pushing,” said Boulware.

Nutrition

re senior citizens planking or lying down East of the River? The newest fad hasn’t spread to the District’s seniors, but they are definitely dancing the Cupid’s Shuffle and the Wobble at the Congress Heights Senior Wellness Center and the Washington Seniors Wellness Center both of which are located East of the River. These wellness centers offer a wide range of activities for District residents age 60 and older, both retirees and those who continue to work. Seniors are also choosing to participate in programs such as these across the

city and are taking positive steps toward maintaining active and healthy lifestyles. According to 2008 data compiled by the DC Oﬃce on Aging from the DC Department of Health Center for Policy, Planning and Evaluation, heart disease is the number one cause of death for people age 60 and older in the District of Columbia. The Centers for Disease Control suggests that heart disease can be prevented by eating a healthy diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables; maintaining a healthy weight; regular exercise which can lower blood pressure and cholesterol; not smoking because it greatly increases your risk

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for heart disease; and limiting alcohol consumption, which can cause high blood pressure. The Surgeon General recommends that adults should engage in exercise that is moderate in intensity level for at least 30 minutes a day, as often as possible. The Oﬃce on Aging and its Senior Service Network of agencies incorporates exercise and nutrition education in most of the programs it provides. The wellness centers are free as are most of the programs provided through the Oﬃce on Aging, only requiring registration and clearance from your personal physician. Many persons contribute to the program but there are no costly gym member-

Nutrition is not offered through most health club memberships and if it is available at all there is a separate cost associated with the service. At the DCOA programs seniors are introduced to nutrition education. “A lot of people don’t know about nutrition and what it takes for a body as a whole to survive,” Mattie Holloway enthusiastically exclaims. Holloway, a 65-year-old resident of Ward 8, participated in the Champ Program at Congress Heights that combined exercise and nutrition to achieve goals set by participants. The 90-day program included a goal of 5000 steps per day and nutritional information to achieve better health. Holloway’s objectives were to maintain her weight and lower her cholesterol. “Professor Ward is a stone teacher!” Holloway said about the nutritionist at the Congress Heights Senior Wellness Center. Carroll Dyson, 69, a retired teacher with the DC Public Schools added, “The dietician Ms. Ward is very good with tips and different ways to fix food.” Dyson a diabetic attributes her “good numbers” to the combination of exercise and nutritional education she has gained from attending the

center. Like Boulware, Ms. Dyson is also challenged by Linda Grimes, a Congress Heights Senior Wellness Center ﬁtness instructor. “Linda demonstrates and then watches me do it [exercise], so she challenges me,” said Dyson. I am now walking two miles in less than 30 minutes in the open gym. Everyone here is very helpful,” Dyson adds. Seniors at the Washington Seniors Wellness Center (WSWC) also know the importance of nutrition and using fresh ingredients. They practice what they have learned at their “Salad Socials” in the summer and “Soup Socials” in the winter. The participants maintain a fresh vegetable and herb garden to help them practice what they have learned at the center.

Cultural Fun Learning doesn’t end in the classroom at WSWC. Many of the trips that the participants take are to the cultural museums across the city and visits to the African American Trail in DC. More recently WSWC seniors participated in an event that connected cultures through the “Caribbean Fest.” The intergenerational event featured Caribbean inspired dishes, music, and lots of dancing, including a steel band playing pan music and a disc jockey playing music from rhythm and blues to reggae. “We will be featuring more evening social events so we can include more people in our programs. Call us anytime to ﬁnd out what we have planned,” WSWC Director Elise T. Nicholls said. The WSWC also has a weekend meal program that has more than 80 seniors that participate from across the city. Seniors enjoy a meal, exercise with instructor Rodney Jordan and often venture out to various activities. Many of the seCAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★ 39

niors work during the week and enjoy stopping in for the meal and the socialization. Seniors who participate in the meal sites across ward 8 are in for a treat on July 21 when they will feature a “Watermelon Feast.” Evelyn Minor, nutritionist for both the Access Housing Services Inc. (Ward 8) and East of the River Family and Strengthening Collaborative (Ward 7), explains that the nutritional benefits of watermelon is behind the planning of this special day. Watermelon is packed full of nutrition, helps with hydration and is low-fat. Watermelons are also an excellent source of vitamin A, which helps maintain eye health and is an antioxidant; vitamin C, which helps strengthen immunity, heal wounds, prevent cell damage, promote healthy teeth and gums; and vitamin B6, which helps brain function and helps convert protein to energy. Watermelon is also a great source of potassium, which helps muscle and nerve function, helps maintain the body’s proper electrolyte and acid-base balance, and helps lower the risk of high blood pressure. The amino acids citrulline and arginine, which can help maintain arteries, blood flow and overall cardiovascular function are also said to be a benefit of watermelon consumption. And you thought that watermelon was just an enjoyable, cool snack on a scorching hot day! Think of the nutritional benefits of watermelon as you cool off this summer. Seniors East of the River and across the city have various choices this summer to help them remain active. Learn more about programs and services offered at each of these wellness centers or any other program provided by the DC Office on Aging by calling 202-724-5626 or accessing them on the web at www.dcoa.dc.gov. Darlene Nowlin is Customer and Information Services Specialist for the District of Columbia Office on Aging. darlene.nowlin@ dc.gov ● 40 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE

| JULY 2011

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African American Health Special

Maame Biney 11 Year Old Dominates Speed Skating Field by Michelle Phipps-Evans

ost 11-year-old girls have are hanging at the Mall, watching “Hannah Montana,” web surfing, Tweeting, doing homework, and having fun with friends. But this is not the experience for Maame (mamee) Biney. Instead, she is up by five on Saturday mornings, and is on the ice with her skates by 6:30 a.m. at the Ft. Dupont Ice Arena in Ward 7. “Preventing myself from falling is the most challenging part,” said Maame, a Ghana-born youngster living in Reston, Va., with her father, Kweku Biney. “But having fun is the best part.” Maame is a speed skater with DS Speedskating, where she studies under Olympic gold medalist Coach Kim DongSung. Last March, she won in the 9- to 10year old category at the speedskating nationals in Wausau, WI. Besides winning her events, she set a new national record, as well as winning five gold medals. She won her heats for the semi finals and finals in the 222 meters, the 333 meters, the 500 meters, and the 777 meters finals in her division, the Pony Ladies. Her father said he believed she made history, becoming the first African-American woman to win these titles. “It’s kind of impressive for someone who wasn’t even born here to be on the ice,” Biney said. His daughter migrated from Ghana when she was five; and like many little girls, she was 42 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE

| JULY 2011

11-year-old Maame Biney competes at the speedskating nationals in Wausau, WI. Photo: Kweku Biney

signed up to try figure skating. However, after three months, the coach told Biney she was too fast for figure skating, and maybe she should try speedskating. So, at 6, Maame joined the Kids On Ice (KOI) Learn To Speedskate class at the Fort Dupont Ice Arena. “The speedskating program was launched following the initiative of two (East of the River) parents after their children saw Shani Davis at the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City,” said Nathaniel Mills, the coach for the program since its 2002 inception. Davis was a speedskating Olympic champion, a gold and silver medalist for 2006 and 2010, and the current world record holder for the 1000m and 1500m. He was the first African-American to earn a spot in the

2002 Winter Olympics, and was the inspiration behind Inner City Excellence (I.C.E.), a skating-based youth development program rooted in Olympism that serves hundreds of children each year. “They found me and together we inspired the rink to start the program,” Mills said. “Thanks to FDIA’s support and expansive vision— and the sacriﬁce of dozens of dedicated parents— we’ve practiced at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday mornings ever since.” Like many others, Mills had no idea there was a covered rink in the District. “I have been dedicated to skating-based youth development at FDIA and throughout DC,” Mills said. “From the start-up, the DCICE speedskating club, FDIA has helped us in-

cubate Summer I.C.E. Camp, Saturday I.C.E. Academy, and out-of-school-time I.C.E. School. FDIA has always been our nonproﬁt collaborator, and this year we’re establishing the Inner City Excellence (I.C.E.) Foundation to support the growth of our city-wide skating programs, including our innovative After-School I.C.E. Skating program. DC Inner City Excitement was the name the founders gave it. According to Mills, who was a speedskating Olympian in the 1990s, the speedskating program focuses on teaching basic skills and Olympic values. “We’ve always emphasized ‘Fun and Finding Joy In Effort’ ahead of competition,” said Mills, who now works for Team Shani Davis, handling media, publicity and legal issues. “This permits beginners who just like to skate to have a safe space to grow. The results speak for themselves as several children who got their start in the program are now competing at the national level.” He said that early on, Maame wasn’t a skater he identiﬁed as a natural skating talent. “Because she was having fun—and improving just enough to avoid being discouraged—she stayed with it,” Mills opined. “She had a smile on her face every practice and enjoyed having a peer group of young beginners her age that were in the same boat.” Mills said much credit should go to her father’s perseverance and patience, which led to Maame’s becoming “one of the top young skaters in the United States in her age group.” “She’s incredibly dedicated, an excellent listener, and physically mature,” Mills said. “Combine that with a dedicated parent and you have the

CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★ 43

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The gold five medals Maame Biney won in March. Photo: Michelle Phipps-Evans

makings of a champion.” To look at Maame, many see a quiet little girl; who becomes alive on the ice. According to her father, he is trying to make sure success does not go to her head, especially since she is becoming a mini-celebrity at her elementary school. “I try to encourage her not to talk about it too much,” said Biney recognizing the sacriﬁce they both make. It was a few days after her wins in March, and she was on a rare two-week hiatus from skating. “I wish I could do more for her, so she can be with her friends, but we have to forgo certain things.” One mother whose son skates at Ft. Dupont had kind words for his daughter. “Maame is a really sweet girl, very humble and fun,” said Elizabeth Carr whose son, Jasper, speedskates with DS Speedskating and at FDIA. “She has always been very kind to my son, who is not nearly so dedicated as she is but looks up to her a lot.” “I’m profoundly inspired by her growth,” Mills added. “Kweku is a world-class parent and I trust he’ll have his daughter’s back in every way needed as she progresses through the sport. My role is to support her growth as an Olympian in Life, regardless of whether she qualiﬁes for an Olympic Team, which is certainly within the realm of possibility, whether in 2014, 2018 or beyond. “ More information on I.C. E. could be found at, www. InnerCityExcellence.org, and more information on the Fort Dupont Ice Arena in Ward 7 can be found at www. fdia.org. ●

African American Health Special

HIV/AIDS in Wards 7 & 8 Changing attitudes is an important step in the war against AIDS article & photos by Candace Montague

n a humid Saturday morning at Antioch Baptist Church, four faithful members wait patiently in the air-conditioning for Reverend Arnold Davis to arrive via Metro Access. Reverend Davis is 91 years old, has cataract on his eyes and walks gently with a footed cane. He is escorted into a room of smiling faces and takes his seat at the head of the table. Reverend Davis is the head of the AIDS ministry at Antioch. Today the group has gathered to prepare for National HIV Testing weekend in which the church will be a testing site. Reverend Davis wanted to ensure that everyone feels welcome. “Whether we like it or not the AIDS problem ain’t getting no better. We have to get rid of the condemnatory attitude. We have to make everyone feel welcome including our homosexual friends.” Attempting to change the attitude towards HIV and AIDS is only one battle in the overall war against AIDS. This small group is a start but there is so much more involved.

The Invisible Roadblocks

Members of the Antioch Baptist Church AIDS Ministry discuss ways to make inroads on the HIV/AIDS problem in their community.

According to the 2010 Epidemiology Report from DC Department of HIV, AIDS Hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis Administration (HAHSTA), the HIV infection rate in Ward 7 is 2.7 percent and 3.1 percent in Ward 8. For many observers the solution lies in treating the disease in isolation. However, there are critical underlying factors that not only interfere with eradicating the virus but also perpetuate the spread of it. The ﬁrst of them is poverty. Ward 7 has the highest rate of unemployment in DC at 20.7 percent and Ward 8 comes second with 18.6 percent. For a person who is out of work or underemployed and at risk of having their TANF beneﬁts cut, health care is secondary at best. Their focus is getting their basic living needs met. Chances are they have very little time or inclination to work on getting screened or to seek treatment for HIV. The next factor is stable housing. Housing seems to fall under the radar as it relates to HIV/AIDS but it is actually a critical component. When perCAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★ 45

manent housing is established, people have space to organize their belongings including medications. Research has proven that HIV positive patients are less likely to adhere to their medications if they have nowhere to live. They are also more likely to not receive effective doses of medications because the medications are not being properly stored (some need to be refrigerated). Medication adherence makes a person less likely to infect others by lowering the viral load in their system although they are still contagious. In Wards 7 & 8, many families are struggling to keep their homes or are moving from place to place because they do not have a permanent home. Councilmember AtLarge David Catania introduced the Inclusionary Zoning Amendment Act of 2011 earlier this year to help citizens who are victims of domestic violence, chronically homeless, suffer from mental illness or have HIV, secure housing. Domestic violence is another component that contributes to HIV infection. Last year Ward 7 generated 25 percent of the domestic violence related calls received by the Metropolitan Police Department while Ward 8 generated 28 percent. It is often difficult to negotiate condom use with a man who has a history of violence. He may also be the breadwinner of the family and pay the largest portion of the bills. And even though his female partner may be aware of his risky behaviors, the fear of being physically abused or financial dependence will almost force her to submit to his bidding.

Stigma and Alternative Lifestyles At the AIDS ministry meeting at Antioch Baptist, Reverend Davis spent a large portion of the meeting discussing the acceptance of homosexuals into the family unit. He stressed that shunning them will not help. “I do have homosexual friends. I want that to be clearly known. I want to encourage each of you to get to know someone who is in the LGBT community because if you have 100 members in a church, you have at least four or ﬁve homosexuals.” The discussion meandered to working with young people and getting other churches involved more, but the thread of homosexuality never left the table. When it comes to HIV and AIDS in the African-American community, the focus still seems to cling to homosexual orientation. But according to the recently released 2010 Epidemiology Report from HAHSTA, the primary mode of transmission of HIV among 46 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE

| JULY 2011

African-Americans is heterosexual contact. Councilmember Catania, who is the chair of the Health Committee, says that stigma and lack of education make the problems complex. “The problem in many of our communities has been the stigma of HIV/AIDS. There has been a lot of denial. The fear and stigma of the disease keeps people from getting tested and results in continued behavior that can cause transmission of HIV. It will take the combined eﬀorts of civic, religious, and community leaders to eﬀectively respond to the continued spread of HIV.” AIDS in Wards 7 & 8 is not about homosexuals. It’s about heterosexuals being responsible.

The Road to Success is Being Paved Gradually There are signs of improvement in DC towards lowering the HIV infection rates. There are 13 different places to get an HIV test free of charge east of the river. If people test positive, they can get into treatment much quicker than in the past. If people cannot afford medications or lack proper health insurance coverage, DC has the AIDS Drug Assistance Program with no waiting list. Councilmember At-Large Catania says DC is a vanguard in HIV treatment. “We’re doing a lot right. Despite the alarmingly high rates of transmission that remain in some communities, the District is a national model when it comes to HIV treatment and prevention programs. The city has distributed 3,890,000 male condoms while piloting a female condom distribution and education program. Family Medical Counseling Services, located in Ward 8, has been enlisted by the city to provide rapid testing and immediate counseling and treatment services at DMV offices. District residents who cannot afford anti-retroviral medications can get them free of charge.” As the AIDS ministry meeting winds down into the final prayer, the five member committee decides to use Father’s Day as a time to implore men to get tested. They recognize that this won’t be easy, but it’s a definite starting point. One member points out that sometimes you don’t see gains personally so you lose momentum. Reverend Davis infuses them with the statement “we’re gonna keep pushing until something begins to gel.” Candace Y.A. Montague is a freelance writer based in Washington, DC. ●

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African American Health Special

The Obesity Institute Dr. Yolandra Hancock Helps East of the River Families Battle Childhood Obesity by Monica Z. Utsey Yolanda Hancock, MD helped to organize and briefly spoke at the Pediatric Obesity Symposium, organized by the Obesity Institute at Children’s National Medical Center, on May 18, 2011 at the Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Center (THEARC). Photo Credit: Children’s National Medical Center

he numbers are shocking. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 17 percent of children in the U.S., age 2 to 19, are obese. In our Nation’s Capitol the ﬁgures are worse, particularly in Wards 7 and 8. According to the Summit Health Institute for Research and Education, Inc., 22.8% of children in Washington, D.C., between the ages of 10 and 17 are obese, making the District the highest in the nation for childhood obesity. The District’s Director of Health, Dr. Pierre Vigilance, says that if you live in Wards 5-8, you are more likely to be obese than if you live in Wards 1-4. There is a strong link between low socio-economic status and obesity, according to Dr. Yolandra Hancock, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at George Washington Uni-

The girls of Step It Up working on their step routine. Photo credit: Dr. Yolandra Hancock

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versity School of Medicine & Health Sciences and the Associate Director of the Children’s National Medical Center Obesity Institute in Southeast. “If you have a single mother with three children and you give her $100 she is going to feed her family the best she can and buying fresh fruits and vegetables can be costly,” said Dr. Hancock. “Stopping off at McDonalds can be easier.” Dr. Hancock, who has treated patients that range from a 400-pound 13-year-old to an obese 6-month-old baby already wearing a size 2T, knows how difficult it can be for families to be successful in what she calls an “obese-centric” environment. “For families to feel empowered to make healthier choices they need tools. Near our health center I have to walk by McDonalds, New York Chicken and Kentucky Fried Chicken just to get to Safeway. If I had $5 and two screaming kids it would be much easier to get two Happy Meals from McDonald’s and get on the bus and go home,” said Dr. Hancock. At the IDEAL Obesity Clinic in Southeast, which stands for Improving Diet, Energy and Activity for Life, Dr. Hancock and a team of doctors treat children ranging in age from 2 to 18 who have been classified as obese. Here is where children and families receive the tools they need for success in the battle against childhood obesity. Patients are followed every two weeks for the first three months, then monthly for one year. Services include a comprehensive physical, as well as nutritional counseling, health education classes, physical activity classes, parenting education and weight management counseling. Even given this kind of support, it is an uphill battle. Residents East of the River often

Community Child Development Center

Top 10 Tips

hildhood Obesity Prevention from Elva Anderson, Health Educator, Community Pediatric Health Art Therapist and Certiﬁed Nutritional Consultant at the National Children’s Center Obesity Institute in Southeast DC. 1. Parents can help their children by becoming more educated about nutrition and wellness. Many parents are misinformed or uninformed. Parents need to understand that food is medicine. 2. Go to your local farmers market. You are helping the farmers and helping the family because children are seeing you pick vegetables and fruit and taking pride in what you eat. 3. Parents should start cooking again. Get back in the kitchen. Allow your child to cook with you. Let the little ones wash oﬀ the fruits and vegetables. Frying is out, return to baking and broiling. 4. Understand the importance of portion control. Watch the portions that your children are eating. Parents have to know the serving size on the food. 5. Reduce stress by getting the TV and computers out of your children’s room. Obesity is not just about what we are eating, but obesity is also about what is eating at us. Emotional eating can be caused by what’s going on in the family, in school and in the community. 6. Find out what your children are eating at school. Be proactive in the school. Ask for a salad bar or a garden. 7. Drink more water and cut out the sugary drinks, including juice. Eat your fruits, don’t drink them. 8. Rule out food allergies. Sometimes weight gain can be caused by the body responding to food allergies and sensitivities, contributing to weight gain and obesity. 9. Rule out glandular malfunctions such as diabetes or hypoglycemia that could be causing obesity. 10. Take baby steps when making changes. You don’t have to change everything in your cabinet overnight. But you have to become more aware and ask questions.

have more access to fast food restaurants than grocery stores. “In 2005 there were no grocery stores in Ward 8 and a family had to travel to Ward 5 just to go grocery shopping. In 2006, there was only one grocery store in Ward 7. Even with the new Giant grocery store in Ward 8, if you live near the former Greater Southeast Hospital you have to take a bus to the grocery store just to get healthy food. We expect a lot of families to make such huge sacriﬁces of time and money,” said Dr. Hancock. Despite these challenges, Dr. Hancock remains positive. “I think the First Lady setting obesity prevention as a priority speaks volumes to the general public and African Americans in particular,” said Dr. Hancock. “What I hope to see happen in the next 10 years is that all Americans incorporate healthy lifestyle choices into their daily living practices. I hope that just like brushing our teeth and taking a bath are the norm so will eating fruits and vegetables and exercising for one hour a day—without having to be reminded by a physician.”

“A Child’s World for Learning”

Open Year round 6:30am to 6:00pm Ages 2 to 4 plus School age Developmentally Appropriate Programs Toilet Training • Certified Educators Hot Balanced Meals • Educational Field Trips Tuition Based on Income Two Locations 4021 Minnesota Ave NE Washington DC 20019

1105 50th St., NE Washington DC 20019

202-397-1170

202-397-8754

For more information: The Obesity Institute at the Children’s National Medical Center THEARC 1901 Mississippi Avenue SE Appointments: 202-476-7200

Community Resources: Step Up to Health Step Up to Health is a wellness and mentoring program, in the African-American tradition of stepping, for middle school girls at risk of being overweight or obese. More info: 202-476-7200

Girls on the Run Girls in 3rd-8th grade train by walking and running with their peer group and mentors in preparation for running a 5K race. More info: 202-258-7876 or http://gotrdc. org/

Ward 8 Famers Market THEARC 1901 Mississippi Avenue SE THEARC Saturdays 9am-4pm June 4-November ● CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★ 49

African American Health Special Capital Caring Capital Caring helps families make he most of every moment. An advanced illness can be overwhelming. Patients and families must make a lot of complicated decisions, often very quickly. It’s not easy to know how to navigate today’s health care maze. Capital Caring, a leading nonproﬁt organization, can help. For over 34 years, we have helped 75,000 families cope with advanced illness by providing excellent pain relief and symptom management, emotional and spiritual support to families across the region. Anyone medically eligible can access our care, regardless of their ability to pay. Learn more by calling 855-571-5700 or visiting www.capitalcaring.org.

Carolyn Boone Lewis Health Care Center

Healthcare Resources AARP Legal Counsel for the Elderly AARP Legal Counsel for the Elderly, Senior Medicare Patrol’s mission is to empower Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries to protect, detect, and report health care fraud. Our primary goal is to teach Medicare beneficiaries how to protect their personal identity, identify and report errors on their health care statements, and identify deceptive health care practices, such as illegal marketing, providing unnecessary or inappropriate services and charging for services that were never provided. When Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries are unable to act on their own behalf to address these problems, we work with families, caregivers and other to address the problems. www.smpresource.org, 202-434-2099.

5 million people in the U.S. have Alzheimer’s, the sixth leading cause of death and the only top 10 cause that cannot be prevented, cured, or even slowed. The Alzheimer’s Association has created a list of 10 warning signs to help distinguish between normal age-related changes and the ﬁrst signs of Alzheimer’s. If you or someone you care about is experiencing any of the signs, please see a doctor. Early diagnosis gives you a chance to seek treatment and plan for the future. To learn more, visit www.alz.org or call toll-free 800-272-3900.

Ascensions Psychological and Community Services

African-Americans are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than other populations - yet are less likely to seek a diagnosis. More than

Ascensions Community Services, Inc. provides psychological interventions to women and men living in Wards 7 and 8. Our mission is to help individuals rise above past and current diﬃculties to a place of renewed wellness, competency, and stability. Ascensions’ caring and skilled therapists oﬀer individual therapy and take special pride in our women’s

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Alzheimers Association

groups. We address a variety of issues including relationship diﬃculties, depression, trauma, anxiety, grief/loss, anxiety, poor self-esteem, and parenting concerns. At Ascensions, no one is ever turned away because of the inability to pay and we are usually able to schedule clients within 24 hours of referral. www.2ascend.org, 1526 Howard Rd., SE Washington, DC 20020, 202-889-4344.

Capital Breast Care Center Did you know you can get your mammogram on the Hill? Come to Capital Breast Care Center (CBCC) and get yours today. CBCC provides breast health education,mammography, and navigation services using state-ofthe-art medical care and holistic cancer care. CBCC provides screenings and health education to all women. Next time you need your mammogram, stay on the Hill and come to CBCC. www. capitalbreastcare.org, 202-784-2700, 650 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Suite 230, Washington, DC 20003.

The Carolyn Boone Lewis Health Care Center is a 2010 and 2011 Delmarva Committed to Excellence Award recipient in pressure ulcer and restraint reduction, located at 1380 Southern Ave. S.E., Washington, DC 20032. The 183-bed licensed long-term nursing care facility is nestled in the southeastern corridor of the District of Columbia. A Nexus Health Company, CBL provides 24hour nursing services with 7-days/ week medical staﬀ coverage. We oﬀer infusion therapy; respite, hospice and dementia care; pain, wound and diabetes management; and nutritional and recreational programming. We also provide psychotherapy, podiatry, dental, orthopedic and rehabilitation services utilizing state-of-the-art equipment. Private and semi-private rooms are available. Contact us at 202-279-5880 to schedule a tour or visit us at www.cblhealth.org.

Children’s National East of the River Lactation Support Center The Children’s National East of the River Lactation Support Center oﬀers various services for new and expectant mothers. Open from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday, the Center teaches mothers proper nutrition, feeding techniques, and their rights as breastfeeding mothers. Prenatal breastfeeding education classes, mom-to-mom support groups, and one-on-one meetings with a nutritionist, peer counselor,

DC Department of Securities and Banking For most District of Columbia residents—insured or uninsured—it should be noted that by 2014, new benefits and added consumer protections will make all health insurance plans stronger. This is due to the health reform law, which was enacted by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010. All residents will experience obvious changes, such as all public and private health insurance plans will be required to cover preventative care, including immunizations for infants and children with no co-payment. Dependents can stay on health plans until 26; and children with pre-existing conditions cannot be denied coverage. The District of Columbia government is hard at work implementing the many new regulations of the law, including those that prevent health insurance providers from taking away your coverage when you need it most or unfairly increasing how much you pay. In 2014 the District will launch its first health insurance exchange—a one-stop marketplace for individuals and small business owners to buy affordable (and in many cases), subsidized health insurance coverage. Therefore, the Mayor’s Health Reform Implementation Committee (HRIC) encourages you to attend any of its community dialogue sessions, focus groups, or community forums, which began 2010. The HRIC hopes to engage residents and stakeholders who will have a final say in how this health insurance market should operate. For more information, visit the HRIC’s website at www.healthreform.dc.gov. For any other questions, call 311. * The next meeting will be in Ward 7 on Thursday, July 21, 2011, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church, 3000 Pennsylvania Ave., SE. * Ward 8 residents should look out for a meeting the week of July 25.

and lactation consultant help mothers overcome the challenges of feeding a new baby while creating plans that ensure that babies get all of the right nutrients when mothers go back to school or work. For more information, call 202-476-6941 or visit us online atwww.Childrensnational. org/LactationSupport.

vices is a ﬁve-year-old Chiropractic and Physical Therapy Service located in the heart of Historic Anacostia. Dr Nesly Clerge and Dr Jang oﬀer a combined 15 years of experience. We treat for auto accidents, workplace injuries and elder care illnesses. We accept Medicare and Workers Comp. 2041 MLK Ave SE, Washington DC 20020, 202-610-0260.

DC Cancer Consortium More people die from lung and prostate cancer in Ward 7 and 8 than anywhere in the city. Ward 8 alone has the highest number of people diagnosed for prostate, lung and colorectal cancer. The District of Columbia Cancer Consortium (DCCC), a network of 75 member organizations, was created to change that reality. Our cancer resources phone line, DC Cancer AnswersSM (202) 585-3210 provides referrals for screenings and access to care for patients, survivors and those who care for them. Visit us online at www.dccancerconsortium.org.

DC Pain & Rehabilative Services DC Pain and Rehabilitation Ser-

DOH HIV DC wants you to join the Rubber Revolution, a new movement in our city that life feels better with a condom. The Rubber Revolution is changing the conversation about condoms, promoting the availability of free condoms in DC and encouraging people to use condoms for their health and pleasure. Condoms are highly eﬀective in blocking HIV, sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies. Explorewww. rubberrevolutiondc.com with helpful information, where to ﬁnd free condoms, how to order 10 free condoms for DC residents and share your opinion. And don’t forget to get wrapped up in the moment. Call 311

HMA DC Dept Health Fatherhood Initiative The DC Department of Health I Am a Healthy DC Dad Campaign addresses infant mortality in a way that engages fathers. Campaign messages: I will commit to being a father; I will keep my baby safe, and I will stay ﬁt and healthy promote responsible fatherhood. Whether sharing parenting responsibilities, using community resources, or getting regular health screenings, each is a step in the right direction. Healthy families include parents who put their children ﬁrst. Call 1-800-666-2229 to learn more about how the I Am a Healthy DC Dad campaign can help you to be the best father for your baby.

IHOP IHOP offers delicious choices throughout the menu to make your favorite meals fit more within your nutrition goals. Choose one of our many “SIMPLE & FIT” under 600 calorie items or ask for our tips on how to enjoy lower calorie versions of your favorite IHOP classics by making a few changes when you order. IHOP gives you the freedom to choose no matter what you’re looking for. Two locations: 1523 Alabama Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20032. 202-563 5890. For free offers and discounts sign up for our “Pancake Revolution” at ihopcorp.fbmta.com.

Sibley Center for Weight Loss Surgery We want you to know that weight loss surgery is both safe and effective. It can help you lose weight, keep it off and even resolve many of the diseases associated with morbid obesity. At the Sibley Center for Weight Loss Surgery, we are committed to helping you achieve your weight loss goals and enjoy a healthier, more active lifestyle. We offer major bariatric surgery procedures including Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass and Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (Lap-Band® and Realize Band®) and Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy. We are proud to be a part of the Johns Hopkins Medicine family of hospitals, one of the leading healthcare authorities in the United States and the world. Our dedication to your safety means that you will have a team of caring professionals guiding you through the process. 202-370-6565, www.sibley. org/weightloss

Specialty Hospital Hadley Why Choose Us? The Outpatient Surgery Center at Hadley offers a much more convenient, as well as more personal approach to surgery. We offer two operating suites featuring the most advanced equipment, and our specialized staff helps each patient visit go as quickly and smoothly as possible. In addition, outpatient or same-day surgery costs are generally lower because lengthy hospital stay costs are eliminated. Best of all, you get to go home after your surgery and recover in the comfort of your own home with a little extra attention from your family and friends. For more information, contact The Outpatient Surgery Center at Hadley at 202.373.5902, 4605 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SW, Washington, DC 20032.

The Washington Home & Community Hospices These days it’s not easy to ﬁnd peace of mind, especially when a family member is facing advanced illness or impending end-of-life. Fortunately for Washingtonians there is hospice where patients receive holistic comfort care and families enjoy emotional support. For 122 years, compassionate care has been provided by a team of professionals including doctors, nurses, social workers, spiritual advisors and care attendants in a setting of your choice such as patient’s own home, assisted living or wherever you call home. Hospice care is fully covered by Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance. Call 866-234-7742 for complimentary consultation.

Washington Regional Transplant Community Washington Regional Transplant Community (WRTC) is the federally-designated, non-proﬁt organization that facilitates organ, eye and tissue donation in the Washington, DC, area. WRTC makes these precious life-saving gifts available for use in transplants and research. WRTC also promotes awareness for the need for organ, eye and tissue donors, and maintains the “Donate Life DC” donor registry. Register to become a donor at the DMV whenever you get or renew your driver’s license by checking the “yes” box on the organ donor section of the application, or register online at www.DonateLifeDC.org. For more information about WRTC, visit www.BeADonor.org. ● CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★ 51

KIDS & FAMILY

The show stopping Sousa dancers closed the evening with a dance that left the audience wanting more. Photo: Doris Dabney

An Evening of the Arts at John P. Sousa Middle Schools Sousa Middle School closed out its year with a stellar performance from the Performing Arts program. The evening began with a dessert reception and art auction in the auditorium lobby. Parents enjoyed various desserts donated by three local businesses and staﬀ, as they perused the over 100 pieces of artwork created by sixth, seventh and eighth grade students. Following the reception, the program featured soloists singing the “Negro National Anthem” and “The Star Spangled Banner.” Throughout the evening, the audience was moved by the vocals, dance, speakers, and musical selections. Talent swept across the stage as the theater students brought a light and comic skit entitled “Three and a Half Years,” performed by the sixth and seventh grade theater students. Eighth grade students were recognized for their academic achievements and high school acceptance. The performing arts team and students truly lived up to the Sousa motto that “excellence is the standard.”

Notebook by Kathleen Donner

IBM Visits KIPP-DC College Prep On June 15, IBM executives and employees in the Washington, DC area joined KIPP-DC College Prep 9th graders and leaders from the Smithsonian National Museum for African American History and Culture to celebrate the 100th anniversary of IBM’s founding. During the celebration, KIPP-DC College Prep students teamed together with IBMers to develop and submit personal stories of innovation, service and heritage to the museum’s national interactive exhibit--the National Memory Book Exhibit. The commemoration featured 52 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE

interactive classroom discussions and a pep rally featuring a presentation by IBM’s Sr. Vice President, Rod Adkins, who highlighted the importance of science, technology, engineering and math education among minority students. KIPP-DC, 2600 Douglass Rd SE. kippdc.org

Summer Skating Saturdays at Fort Dupont This summer, instead of structured Learn to Skate classes, the Kids on Ice program will oﬀer four open practice sessions exclusively for KOI skaters, | JULY 2011

past, present and future! All children ages 5-17 are welcome to participate, both those new to skating and those who have been in the KOI programs for years. These sessions will be open to all skaters registered in KOI program (Learn to Skate, Hockey, Speed and Synchro) in the Fall/Winter 2010/2011 sessions, as well as ﬁrst-time learn-toskaters. Skilled instructors will be on the ice to lend a hand and work on basic skating skills, but unlike in years past there will not be structured 25-minute lessons. Instead all skaters will have to opportunity to skate for 90 minutes-a great way to have fun and get out of

the summer heat, and more time spent skating is the best way to improve! Free except for $3 skate rental. Saturdays, July 9, 16, 23 and 30, noon-1:30 PM. 202-584-5007. fdia.org

Movie Tuesdays at THERAC Bring your children to THEARC Tuesdays this summer to see free hit movies. There will also be fun activities and concessions sold for $1. All movies are rated G or PG. July 12, Barnyard; July 19, Megamind; July 26, The Wild Thornberrys, Aug. 2, Justin Bieber: Never Say Never; Aug. 9, Shrek Forev-

er After; Aug. 16, Kung Fu Panda. If interested in attending, please RSVP to Kimberly Douglas at kdouglas@ thearcdc.org. 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org

All Things Gullah Family Day On Saturday, July 23 ( July 24, rain date), 11:00 AM-4:00 PM, enjoy a day of fun for the whole family with arts and crafts activities, demonstrations, storytelling, live entertainment, a vendor’s marketplace, and an orator’s circle. The event accompanies the exhibition Word, Shout, Song: Lorenzo Dow Turner Connecting Communities through Language. Activities represent Gullah/Geechee culture. The marketplace gives an opportunity for local artisans, particularly those east of the Anacostia River, to sell their crafts. The marketplace also features artisans from the coastal regions of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, with crafts and items representing Gullah/Geechee culture. The orator’s circle provides a venue for people to share their Gullah/Geechee experiences. The event ends with what promises to be the largest “Ring Shout” ever recorded. For more information, call 202-633-4875. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu

Kids Free at Newseum Through Labor Day, Sept. 5, the Newseum will waive its admission price for all youth visitors, 18 and under, regularly $12.95. The Newseum’s “Summer Fun Deal” promotion is designed to encourage families, particularly in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area, to experience the Newseum. Up to 10 kids will be admitted free with a paid adult admission. 888-639-7386. newseum.org

Roller Skating at Anacostia Park Skate any time. This is a covered, outdoor skating pavilion. Free. From Penn. Ave., just before the bridge, south on Fairlawn Ave. and right onto Nicholson and then into the park. Skates may be borrowed for use. Sizes are limited. 202-472-3873.

DC Creative Writing Workshop Since 1995, the DC Creative Writing Workshop, based at Charles Hart Middle School, has introduced thousands of students to the joys of self-expression and the written word.

Since the program’s expansion to Ballou High School and Simon Elementary, students from those schools have attended readings, plays and other literary events, won dozens of writing awards, and enjoyed a wealth of new experiences not otherwise available to young people in Ward 8. For more information, contact Alan King at 301-437-3368 or aking@dccww.org. dccww.org

Eagle Academy Public Charter School End of Year Performance Eagle Academy Public Charter School, a high-performing public school located in the Blue Castle across from the Navy Yard, held another successful end of the school year performance on May 21 at the Howard University Cramton Auditorium. Approximately 1,000 parents, relatives and friends of Eagle Academy enjoyed performances by the “Soaring High Through the Arts” Before and Aftercare clubs. The almost 200 Eagle Academy students, ages 3-7, that participated in the event delighted the audience with professionally choreographed Salsa, Ballet, Tap, Modern Dance, and African Dance. The program included a drama performance, a gymnastics performance, and a Hip Hop tribute to Michael Jackson. The night concluded with a singing performance by the students with special guest, Grammy-nominated EnglishAmerican rapper Slick Rick. 202544-2646. eagleacademypcs.org

DC Sail Camps and Sailing Opportunities Kids Set Sail is a weekly camp for children aged 7-14 where teamwork is established through hands on experience sailing the Potomac. Throughout the week, campers are taught boating through a multitude of exciting and invigorating lessons. They will learn water safety, navigational skills, assorted sciences, and most importantly sailing! Kids Set Sail is 8, one-week sessions through Aug. 12. Schooner Camp takes place on their 65 ft. Schooner, the American Spirit. This camp is intended for preteens up to high school students. For one week, campers assume control and learn how to sail, crew and maintain a large boat. Along with boating skills, children are taught navigational skills, ecology, and other assorted math and science lessons. Schooner Camp runs

CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★

in 4, one-week sessions from July 11Aug. 5. When Schooner Camp is not in session, the American Spirit is used for recreational and private charters. DC Sail hosts several events that take place on the American Spirit such as Sunset Sails, Boating and Baseball and their annual July 4th Fireworks Cruise. DC Sail targets local youth who do not typically have the opportunity to get on the water. Scholarships are available for both Schooner Camp and Kids Set Sail. These are ﬁlling up quickly so apply now at dcsail.org/scholarships. For the last ten years, DC Sail has been providing DC area people with a place to develop sailing and boating safety skills. For more information visit dcsail.org or call 202-547-1250.

Memorial Scholarship Fund Established in Honor of DeAndre Lorenzo White The family of DeAndre Lorenzo White has established a scholarship fund to honor the memory of their 17-year-old son who tragically died on November 3, 2010 as a result of a car accident. “DeAndre was a very special young man, whose incredible life ended far too soon. His family wants to keep his memory alive by giving young people scholarships, in his name, to help their dreams come true,” shares Cheryl White, DeAndre’s mother. The DeAndre Lorenzo White Memorial Scholarship Fund will award two scholarships annually to eligible and deserving college bound students. Contributions are being accepted at The New Macedonia Baptist Church, 4115 Alabama Ave. SE, where DeAndre had beeen an active member. Contributions will also be accepted by any Suntrust Bank by mentioning The DeAndre Lorenzo White Memorial Scholarship Fund. All checks should be made payable in the fund name. For more information about DeAndre, the scholarship fund bearing his name, and additional instructions for donating to this fund go to deandrewhitescholarshipfund.com. Pastor Walker can be reqached at 202-583-5555.

Power Summer Academy for Rising 9th Graders Students on their way to high school who don’t have a job and live or go to school in Ward 8 are eligible to participate in this program. It provides a safe, summer bridge program ﬁlled with fun and learning. The program is at American University. They take the students by 54 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE

| JULY 2011

bus to campus from SE every morning. United Planning Organization, 3839 Alabama Ave. SE. Call Kenneth Carroll at 202-583-8659.

Gullah Inspirations Composition in Genre and Culture The Teen Spoken Word On Sunday, July 24, 2:00 PM, come and hear students from the “Composition in Genre and Culture: Summer Teen Writing Workshop” as they share their poetry and inspirational reﬂections on the Gullah culture in an afternoon of interpretation, preservation, and community connections from our most prominent budding writers. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-633-4820. anacostia.si.edu

KIPP DC Awarded $1 Million in Race to the Top Funds KIPP DC to receive 2011 Race to the Top Charter School Teacher Pipelines grant—a $1 million grant to support Capital Teaching Residency (CTR), a teacher-training program led by KIPP DC and EL Haynes public charter schools. Born out of both schools’ expertise in training excellent teachers, CTR aims to close the achievement gap by increasing the number of highly effective educators in DC’s urban schools. The award, a federal grant through the US Department of Education, will help the Capital Teaching Residency train 57 new teachers in hard-to-ﬁll subject areas this school year, including math and science, special education, and early childhood education. kippdc.org

Nationals Baseball Family Day On Saturday, July 9, 11:30 AM3:00 PM. Take me out to the museum! The American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery are pleased to welcome all to their ﬁfth annual Baseball Family Day with the Washington Nationals Baseball Club. Come take your picture with ball players from noon1:00 PM and enjoy lots of fun activities, crafts, and musical performances. Free. American Art Museum, Portrait Gallery, Kogod Courtyard, Eighth and F sts. NW. 202-633-7970. americanart. si.edu ●

East Washington Education Briefs by John Muller

tanding behind the podium at the Academies of Anacostia’s 2011 Commencement, valedictorian Patrice Haney was brought to tears as she individually thanked the people she credited with helping her succeed. A packed crowd at the historic Lincoln Theatre on U Street NW shouted words of encouragement to Haney and her classmates throughout the ceremony that featured Academy Award nominated actress Taraji Henson, a former student at Ballou Senior High School and Howard University, as the commencement speaker. Last year’s speaker was First Lady Michelle Obama. Haney led a graduating class of over a hundred students. During Haney’s time at Anacostia, Friendship Public Charter School assumed management and organization of the school, changing the school’s name to the Academies at Anacostia. In February, the school on 16th Street SE competed in “It’s Academic” for the ﬁrst time since 2004. With the encouragement of her counselor, Haney will be attending Middle Tennessee State University and plans on majoring in accounting. “I did some investigation on the college and I loved it. I love the diversity of the campus and their academies.” Haney’s achievement extends beyond the classroom and onto the

Joe and Patrice Haney at her graduation from Academies at Anacostia.

athletic ﬁeld where she competed in varsity sports throughout high school. “She is a natural born leader,” said Frank Briscoe, a physical education teacher at Anacostia since 1979 and Haney’s softball and basketball coach. “She is willing to step up when others are nervous or reluctant. She doesn’t let her size deter her.” Graduates plan on attending colleges and universities throughout the country, including Penn State University, Morgan State University, Bethune Cookman University, Xavier University of Louisiana, and Delaware State University.

Kaboom! CEO Darrell Hammond with first Lady Michele Obama and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan at the opening of the Imagine Southeast Public Charter School in southeast Washington.

6 Friendship Graduates to Play Collegiate Basketball Last month Friendship Collegiate Academy on Minnesota Avenue held an event recognizing six seniors on the women’s basketball team as they announced their intentions to play collegiate basketball. Winning the regular season championship of the Washington Charter School Athletic Association, the team ﬁnished 25-9 this past year. “It took time but hopefully this is the turning point for the program. We have a lot of young players and it will take time to build again,” said Tesha Nixon Cunningham, a reading specialist at FCA and head coach of the girl’s varsity team for the past three years. Cunningham played small forward for Georgetown University’s Women’s team from 1993 until 1998 and served as an assistant coach for George Mason University’s Women’s team from 2000 to 2003, during a period when the team earned its ﬁrst twenty win season. Cunningham attributes the team’s success to a “combination of them working really hard on the court and staying academically on-point.” The team’s combined

GPA, 3.2, has been a source of pride for school oﬃcials at FCA. Said Cunningham, “The real winning is when they earn money for school.” Part of that winning included year-round preparation and competition in AAU tournaments throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. “To get our players proper exposure we had to bring them to the coaches and the tournaments,” says Cunningham, who created Get AMPed!, Athletes Mentoring Program, to help support the academic, emotional, and social strains that can arise in competitive high school team sports. Averaging 8 points and 8 rebounds a game as a small forward, Shaneice Chandler, of the Washington Highlands neighborhood, plans to compete for Salem International University in West Virginia. “I wanted basketball to get to college. I don’t really have goals of playing professionally,” said Chandler who only began playing basketball in the 7th grade. The other ﬁve students planning to play basketball at the collegiate level are Courtney Lucas and Alaysia Washington at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, Briana Diggs and Jaquita Cherry will attend Garrett Community College in the far western panhandle of Maryland and Valencia Sanders will attend Frederick Community College in Maryland.

First Lady celebrates 2,000th KaBoom! at SE Charter School No stranger to East Washington, First Lady Michelle Obama and more than 500 volunteers organized by KaBOOM! helped build a new 4,000 square-foot playground at Imagine Southeast Public Charter School, in the old Congress Heights School building, at 3100 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue. “The inspiration to found KaBOOM! began with a community playground build in Anacostia and that’s why we chose to return to the area for the 2,000th KaBOOM! build to celebrate our 15th birthday. Every child in Southeast, Washington, DC and across the country deserves to have a great place to play,” said Darrell Hammond, KaBOOM! Founder and CEO. The K-5 school, in its ﬁrst year at their current location, did not previously have a playground and viewed this as a necessity. The new playground includes space for a community garden that will be open to the public and will eventually serve more than 2,000 children and families in the immediate neighborhood. “We couldn’t have asked for anything more,” said Stacey Scott, Imagine Southeast Public Charter School Principal. “Having a playground for our children to enjoy will have a monumental aﬀect on our school.” ● CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM ★ 55

CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS To place a classified in East of the River, please call Carolina at Capital Community News, Inc. 202.543.8300 x12 or email Carolina@hillrag.com

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THE NOSE

Ain’t Nobody’s Business If Do by Anonymous

he other day, The Nose opened his meager paycheck. Sighing, he wondered how he would be able to treat his fellow scribblers to drinks at the coming Hacks & Flaks. This happy hour, infamous throughout The District, is the time when members of The Nose’s declining fraternity (The Hacks) imbibe in the company of The District’s Public Information Oﬃcers (The Flaks). Would The Nose be forced to raid the coin jar next to his front door to eke out a few bucks? Pity The Nose, Dear Readers! In the absence of a medicinal bourbon, faced with

58 ★ EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE

a droning Flak intent on extolling some arcane mayoral initiative, The Nose might well contemplate a long walk oﬀ a short pier. Elbow deep in reading DC vs. Thomas, The Nose raised his head, awestruck. In the words of this very lawsuit lay the ideal solution to his dire predicament. Inspired, The Nose founded “Team Hack,” a charity devoted to the welfare of his aging journalistic brethren. No need to register as a 501(c)(3), or apply for District approval. One or two clicks of the Internet. Cut and paste. The Nose had a set of bylaws. After a virtual trip to the Cayman Islands, the new entity was duly incorporated. A few calls to corporate Flaks hailing from developers and public utilities and Team Hack was up and running. After all, who would raise an eyebrow at a few hundred going to such a worthy cause? Now came the time to ﬁnd real cash. Team Hack applied for a grant from a city trust fund. Ostensibly, the funds were to underwrite journalistic training for the District’s elementary students. The checks rolled in. Of course, Team Hack’s corporate bank account had to have a signatory. The Nose volunteered. A thousand for a trip to Vegas…Several hundred for beers with the boys at Secrets…A few rounds of golf at Langston…A VIP table at Love. The Nose’s expenses mounted. No worries. Team Hack graciously covered the lot. Suddenly, the engine

| JULY 2011

of the Nose’s ancient Saab dropped onto his driveway. Team Hack to the rescue. The charity purchased him a spanking new Audi. Later, The Nose transferred the vehicle into his name; so much easier for insurance purposes. Team Hack even funded the publication of The Nose’s very own hagiography. To thank the Attorney General for his inspirational report, with apologies to Lady Day, The Nose composed a musical tribute to that tome’s central character… There ain’t nothing I can do, or nothing I can say, Some folks will criticize me So I’m gonna do just what I want to anyway, And don’t care if you all despise me. It ain’t nobody’s business if I do. If I should take a notion To oppose the Attorney General’s motion, It ain’t nobody’s business if I do. If my non-proﬁt buys a car on Sunday And I retitle it on Monday, It ain’t nobody’s business if I do. And if I ain’t got no money And a Developer says, “All right, take all of mine honey,” It ain’t nobody’s business if I do. If I lend myself the government’s nickel And it leaves me in a pickle, It ain’t nobody’s business if I do. For the record, in The Nose’s humble opinion, an Audi is an overrated ride. ●

WACIF

Washington Area Community Investment Fund, Inc. WACIF helps small business owners succeed!

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To register and for more information please call WACIF at 202-529-5505 or visit www.wacif.org Interpretation services and accommodations for persons with disabilities are available. Contact WACIF one week prior to event for any special assistance needs. Support for WACIF’s programs and services is provided by: DC Department of Housing and Economic Development; DC Department of Small and Local Business Development; Neighborhood Investment Fund, Government of the District of Columbia, Ofﬁce of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development; Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development; U.S. Small Business Administration; The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation; American Bank; M&T Bank; TD Bank; The Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation; D.C. Pro Bono Bar Program; Citi Foundation and other corporate and individual donors and investors.