EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | MAY 2012 | CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS 08.............Go See Do
10.............East of the River Calendar 16.............The Bulletin Board 20.............The District Beat • by Martin Austermuhle 22.............The Numbers • by Jenny Reed 24.............A Bridge to Everywhere • by Dana Bell 26.............Anacostia Report Card • by Virginia Avniel Spatz 28.............DDOT Chooses Site for Car Barn • by Dana Bell 30.............Ward 7 Development Update • by Virginia Avniel Spatz 32.............Outside Help for Turner PTA • by Virginia Avniel Spatz 33.............ANC 7A Report • by Mariessa Terrell, Esq. 34.............Mental Health Servicesh • by Candace Y.A. Montague
EAST WASHINGTON LIFE
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36.............Scenes from Lumen8Anacostia • courtesy of ARCH 38.............Fighting Diabetes East of the River • by Stephen Lilienthal 40.............Pandora’s Box of Lumen8Anacostia • by Charles Wilson
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41.............CityDance’s DREAM Program • by Amanda Abrams
KIDS & FAMILY
42.............Kids and Family Notebook • by Kathleen Donner 48.............The KIPP Difference • by Ellen Boomer
HOMES & GARDENS
50.............Changing Hands • compiled by Don Denton
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52.............The Classifieds 54.............The Nose • by Anonymous
ON THE COVER:
Eagle Academy’s Founder and Executive Director Cassandra Pinkney poses with Mayor Vincent C. Gray in front of The Eagle Center, a new integrated community service school located at 3400 Wheeler Rd. SE.
Photo by Andrew lightman
Hill Rag Mid City DC East Of The River Fagon Community Guides THE EDUCATION EDITION 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
Animal Clinic of Anacostia Candace A. Ashley, DVM 20 years of serving Capitol Hill (minutes from Capitol Hill & Southwest via 11th Street Bridge)
2210 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, SE
202.889.8900
American Express, MasterCard, Visa & Discover accepted
Sasha Bruce Youthwork Safe Homes - Stable Families - Tomorrow’s Leaders Building Opportunities - Healthy Lives
Building for the Future:
5032 D Street Project SUPPORT LOCAL YOUTH AS THEY BUILD AFFORDABLE HOUSING. Learn how you can help; convert an abandoned property into a community asset by contacting Sasha Bruce Youthwork (SBY) Development Director, Jim Beck, 202.675.9340 or jbeck@sashabruce.org. WHERE: 5032 D Street, NE WHEN:
May 16, 2012, 11:30am to 1:00pm
WHO:
SBY Staff, clients, volunteers and YOU!
www.sashabruce.org Located at 741 8th Street, SE, Sasha Bruce Youthwork (SBY) has been improving the lives of homeless youth in the Washington, DC metropolitan area since 1974.
Masters
20 years experience
Bathrooms & Kitchens Experts • Masonry Roofing • Handyman work
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
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
BEAUTY, Health& Fitness
Patricia Cinelli • fitmiss44@aol.com Ronda Bresnick Hauss, LCSW • www.quietwaterscenter.com quiet_waters_center@yahoo.com Peter Sherer • Peter@expmatters.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
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Account Executive: Kira Means 202.543.8300 X16 • kira@hillrag.com Account Executive: Lucy Fagon 202.543.8300 X20 • lucy@hillrag.com Classified Advertising: Maria Carolina Lopez 202.543.8300 X12 • carolina@hillrag.com Marketing Asst.: Giancarlo Fagon
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Distribution Manager: Andrew Lightman Distributors: Southwest Distribution Distribution Information: distribution@hillrag.com
Deadlines & CONTACTS
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. A+ Rating
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6 H EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
| APRIL 2012
Publisher: Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com Copyright © 2010 by Capital Community News. All Rights Reserved.
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GO.SEE.DO. Woodrow Wilson House Electric Car Rally.
Woodrow Wilson House, in partnership with the Electric Vehicle Association of Greater Washington, DC, will host an electric car rally on Saturday, June 2, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. during Dupont-Kalorama Museum Walk Weekend. The event will include a parade of electric vehicles down Massachusetts Avenue to Dupont Circle at 11:00 a.m. followed by a display of historic and modern electric cars in Wilson House’s driveway and garage. Visitors can have their photo taken behind the wheel of an electric car, speak to electric car owners to learn what all the fuss is about, discover how to build and race a solar-powered model electric car and see some in use (weather permitting), and get special behind-the-scenes access to the 1921 Milburn Light Electric Opera Coupe-the same make and model driven by Wilson’s secret service agents in the White House – on loan from the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles. Visitors will also enjoy free access to the museum and the exhibition, “Woodrow Wilson, President Electric: Harnessing the Power of Innovation in the Progressive Era” on display through October. Woodrow Wilson House, 2340 S St. NW. 202-387-4062. woodrowwilsonhouse.org 1921 Milburn light Electric Opera Coupe. Photo: Courtesy of Woodrow Wilson House, a national trust Historic site, Washington, dC
The Washington Ballet-Once Upon A Time.
Inspired by fairytales from around the world, The Washington Ballet performs a collection of new productions showcasing its Studio Company dancers and four world premieres from TWB’s David Palmer, Monique Meunier, Elaine Kudo, Lucy Bowen McCauley and Andile Ndlovu. May 19 and 20, 1:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. $50. THEARC Theater, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-8895901. thearcdc.org. The Washington Ballet @THEARC works to enliven the beauty and discipline of dance in southeast Washington. It offers a pre-professional ballet program for children ages four through 18 as well as the adult program with classes in Modern, Hip Hop, Pilates, and African dance. azaria Rice is performing the “finger fairy” variation from sleeping Beauty from last year’s spring Performance. Photo: theo Kossenas
Marine Barracks Evening Parade.
The Evening Parade has become a universal symbol of the professionalism, discipline and Esprit de Corps of the United States Marines. The story of the ceremony reflects the story of Marines around the world. The ceremony begins with a concert by the United States Marine Band. Free. It is wise to have reservations that can be made online at mbw.usmc.mil. Friday evenings, through Aug 31. Guests admitted starting at 7:00 p.m. Guests should be seated by 8:00 p.m. Program begins at 8:45 p.m. Marine Barracks (front gate), Eighth and I Sts. SE. 202-433-4073. mbw.usmc.mil Marine Barracks Evening Parade. Photo: Cpl. Dengrier Baez
Lamb Jam.
Eighteen of DC’s top chefs will ewe-night for the second annual American Lamb Jam produced by the American Lamb Board. This ultimate taste-off will feature top chefs and their creative preparations of lusty lamb dishes accompanied by several wineries, breweries and more. Judging will include awards for Best of Show, 1st Place Awards for Shoulder, Leg of Lamb, Shank and Loin tastes. Guests vote and determine the People’s Choice winner. This year’s chefs are from Bibiana, Poste, Urbana, Occidental, West End Bistro, ici, Againn, 701, Oyamel, Max Fox Brewing Company, Cava, Bistro 525, Bourbon Steak, Boxcar Tavern, Granville Moore, PS’7 and Vidalia. People’s Choice Award for 2011 went to John Critchley from Urbana. $50. Monday, May 21, 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Eastern Market North Hall. dc.fansoflamb.comg
The Preakness Infield.
The Infield action is the people’s party. This popular, multi-entertainment festival features live music on two stages, the bottomless MUG Club and a line-up of activities capped off by the thrilling 137th Running of the Preakness Stakes. InfieldFest features performances by Grammy Award winners Maroon 5 and multi-platinum rapper Wiz Khalifa! The Beer Garden Jägermeister Stage welcomes regional favorites, Mr. Greengenes, Nashville-based country band, Little Big Town, and British rockers, The Darkness. You”ll also see the Budweiser Clydesdales, the famed 82nd Airborne Division Freefall Parachute Team drop-in, the US Air Force B-2 Spirit Stealth fly-over and hear the Naval Academy Glee Club sing “Maryland, My Maryland.” $50 until May 12 and then it’s $60. preakness.com. Shackleford and jockey Jesus Castanon hold off Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom to win the $1 million Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course last May. The 137th running of thoroughbred racing’s middle jewel of the Triple Crown is set for Saturday, May 19 in Baltimore. Photo: Tom McCue, Maryland Jockey Club CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM H 9
CALENDAR
birdsdecay at Vivid Solutions. Photo: Benjamin Nguyen
birdsdecay at Vivid Solutions.
Through June 29. “birdsdecay,” is Benjamin Nguyen’s solo exhibit at The Gallery at Vivid Solutions. Benjamin K. Nguyen is a self-taught, multidisciplinary visual artist from Northern Virginia. Selections from the latest release of his ongoing project birdsdecay emphasize geometrics in organic form. This focus allows Nguyen to explore the inherent mathematical qualities in his chosen subjects. The Gallery at Vivid Solutions, 2208 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE. 202-365-8392. vividsolutionsdc.com/gallery
PATRIOTIC AND MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND EVENTS 2012 Twilight Tattoo at Fort Myer. Wednesdays, May 16, 23 and 30; June 6, 20 and 27; July 11, 18 and 25, Aug 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29. 7:00 PM with pre-ceremony pageantry starting at 6:45 PM. The 2012 Twilight Tattoo season has been extended and will run through the entire summer. Members of the 3rd US Infantry (The Old Guard), the US Army Band “Pershings Own,” Fife and Drum Corps and the US Army Drill Team will perform an hour-long sunset military Pageant. Over 100 Old Guard soldiers dressed in period uniforms will provide a glimpse of Army history from colonial times to the soldier of the future. Summerall Field on historic Fort Myer in Arlington, VA. usarmyband.com Marine Barracks Evening Parade. Friday evenings through Aug 31. Guests admitted starting at 7:00 PM. Guests should be seated by 8:00 PM. Program begins at 8:45 PM. The Eve-
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ning Parade has become a universal symbol of the professionalism, discipline and Esprit de Corps of the United States Marines. The story of the ceremony reflects the story of Marines around the world. The ceremony begins with a concert by the United States Marine Band. Free. It is wise to have reservations that can be made online at mbw.usmc.mil. Marine Barracks (front gate), Eighth and I sts. SE. 202433-4073. mbw.usmc.mil GI Film Festival. May 14-20. The GI Film Festival is the nation’s only film festival dedicated to celebrating the stories of our nation’s armed forces. The GIFF will present films from new and established international and domestic filmmakers that honor the heroic stories of the American Armed Forces and the worldwide struggle for freedom and liberty. Some of the films screened will be fan favorites. Others will be screened for the first time. All will in some way express the courage and selflessness of our fighting men and women and the value of their work. Festival at the US Navy Memorial.
| MAY 2012
$12, screening. gifilmfestival.com
Bridge). 703-607-8000. arlingtoncemetery.org
National Memorial Day Concert. May 27, 8:009:30 PM. The National Symphony Orchestra performs the first of three outdoor holiday concerts. The concert is free and is broadcast live on PBS. Memorial Day is a day to remember the sacrifices made by so many … and a day for healing. On the eve of Memorial Day, come out and enjoy the National Memorial Day Concert, a deeply moving and reverential tribute to the men and women who have given so much to preserve America’s freedoms. Free. West lawn, US Capitol.
Memorial Day Wreath Laying at Arlington. May 28, 11:00 AM. Arrive much earlier. Expect heavy security. Arlington National Cemetery (Virginia end of Memorial Bridge). 703-6078000. arlingtoncemetery.org
“Flags-In” at Arlington Cemetery. Memorial Day Weekend, 8:00 AM-7:00 PM. Each year for the past 40 years, the 3rd Infantry (The Old Guard) has honored America’s fallen heroes by placing American flags before the gravestones and niches of service members buried both at Arlington National Cemetery and the U.S. Soldier’s and Airmen’s National Cemetery just prior to Memorial Day Weekend. Arlington National Cemetery (Virginia end of Memorial
Memorial Day Wreath Laying at US Navy Memorial. May 28, 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM. US Navy Memorial, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. 202-737-2300. navyband.navy.mil
Memorial Day at the World War II Memorial. May 28, 9:00 AM. Wreaths will be placed in honor of our veterans. Guest speakers will give remarks. World War II Memorial, 17th St. between Constitution and Independence aves. NW.
Rolling Thunder Ride for Freedon. May 28, noon. “Rolling Thunder” is an annual motorcycle rally held in Washington, DC during the Memorial Day weekend. Thousands of motorcycles will depart from the Pentagon at noon
HEALTHY FOOD, HEALTHY COMMUNITY Fresh produce from local farmers, plants, art, food-preparation workshops, children activities, nutrition, NEW Homestyle Barbeque!, music and more...
Starting Saturday, June 2th! Fresh Fruit, Vegetables, Bread and Meat.
We DOUBLE your EBT,WIC and Seniors Coupon dollars!! (as long as funds last) “Look for our Ward 8 Shuttle Bus Circulator this season! Check our website for route and dates. Ward8FarmersMarket.com” Saturdays: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm At THEARC!! 1901 Mississippi Ave., SE - Front parking lot Ward8FM@gmail.com • www.Ward8FarmersMarket.com
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CALENDAR ing 19th century African American spokesman. Visitors to the site will learn more about his efforts to abolish slavery and his struggle for human rights, equal rights and civil rights for all oppressed people. Free. 1411 W St. SE. 202426-5960. nps.gov/frdo
SPECIAL EVENTS DC101 Chili Cook-Off. May 12, 11:00 AM. True to its name, the Chili Cook-Off features an intense competition between 101 chili cooks in four categories: Red Chili, Green Chili, Freestyle, and Salsa. Also performing at this year’s event is Cake, The Airborne Toxic Event, Angels & Airwaves, Awolnation, Neon Trees, Civil Twilight and Twin Atlantic. $35 ($60 day-of). RFK Stadium. Saint Sophia Greek Festival. May 18, 19 ane 20; 10:00 AM-10:00 PM. 2815 36th St. NW. 202-333-4730. saintsophiawashington.org
Le Temps Devant at Honfleur Gallery. Photo: Frederic Nauczyciel
Le Temps Devant (Our Time Ahead): Anachronism and Utopia in the French Countryside.
Through June 29. Our Time Ahead takes you to a place of history while simultaneously drawing a familiar connection with modern life. The photographs prompt the viewer to consider their lives, the role of the countryside today, farming and other rural lifestyles through a subconscious co-mingling of contemporary living. Honfleur Gallery, 1241 Good Hope Rd. SE. 202-365-8392. honfleurgallery.com and will roar across Washington, DC on their motorcycles as a tribute to American war heroes. Assemble at Pentagon north parking lot. Memorial Day at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. May 28, 1:00 PM. This year’s Memorial Day observance pays tribute to those who served and died in Vietnam. The ceremony will include Presentation of the Colors, and remarks by a special guest. The observance also includes a laying of wreaths by several patriotic organizations. Each year on Memorial Day veterans and their families congregate at “The Wall” to remember and to honor those who served in the US Armed Forces. On this special day prominent Americans from all walks of life come to the Memorial to deliver thoughtful and patriotic speeches. National Memorial Day Parade. May 28, 2:00 PM. Beginning at Fourth St. and Pennsylvania Ave. NW and ending at 15th St. and Constitution Ave. NW. Expect a lot of music, color and old-fashioned patriotism. nationalmemorialdayparade.com Navy Memorial Concerts on the Avenue.
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Tuesdays, May 29-Aug 28, 8:00 PM. Come out to the US Navy Memorial for an evening of relaxing music by the United States Navy Band and its specialty groups. Free. US Navy Memorial, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. 202-737-2300. navyband.navy.mil 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. US Marine Band Concerts at the Sylvan 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). 202433-5717. mbw.usmc.mil Frederick Douglass National Historical Site. Open daily, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. Tours at 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM From 1877 to 1895, this was the home of Frederick Douglass, the nation’s lead| MAY 2012
DC Jazz Festival. June 1-10. With more than 100 performances in dozens of venues across the city, the DC Jazz Festival is the largest music festival in Washington, D.C. and one of the most highly anticipated cultural events in the nation. The Festival presents year-round music education programs and concerts for DC students and residents by local, national and internationallyknown talent at venues across DC, promotes music integration in school curricula, and supports outreach to expand and diversify the audience of jazz enthusiasts. dcjazzfest.org Dupont Kalorama Museum Walk Weekend. June 2, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM; June 3, 1:005:00 PM. Discover ten diverse museums in one of Washington, DC’s most beautiful neighborhoods. Save on gas and museum admission by hitting the pavement and taking a walking tour or riding the free shuttle between sites. Visit in any order you choose! Free. dkmuseums.com
MUSIC, FILM AND EXHIBITIONS AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD Levine School of Music: The Sounds of U Street. May 12, 6:30-8:30 PM. Historic U Street has been at the center of the musical life of DC for more than a century. Long known as “Black Broadway” U Street is best known for its many jazz clubs that were central to DC’s African American community. Drummer Andrew Hare and his troupe will paint a picture of this vibrant musical street and its influence on American music. $5. THEARC Theater, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ Book Talk and Film Screening. May 14, 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Join them for a book talk, followed by a film screening of To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Copies of the book are available for check out. This program is part of the D.C. Humanities Council “Live to Read” program, a city-wide celebration of reading. Dorothy I. Height/Benning Library, 3935 Benning Rd. NE. 202-281-2583. dclibrary.org/dorothy What’s Blooming in May and June at the Arboretum? Late azaleas, rhododendrons, moun-
tain-laurels, southern magnolias, sweet bay, Chinese dogwood, herbaceous peonies, herbs, old garden roses, lilies, Satsuki azaleas, southern catalpa, fringe-tree, arrowwood viburnum, day-lilies, herbs, water-lilies, rhododendrons, firethorn. Free. There are two entrances: one at 3501 New York Ave. NE, and 24th and R sts. NE, off of Bladensburg Rd. 202-245-4521. usna.usda.gov
CLASSES, TOURS AND TALKS AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD Gardens in Containers. May 20, 1:00-3:00 PM. Sand, activated charcoal, dirt and a plant can make a dull corner a centerpiece of the garden. See how to match containers and location to the plants that will grow on you. Free. Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE. 202-4266905. nps.gov/keaq Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens Tours. May 26, 27 and 28; June 2, 3, 9, 10; 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Awaken your senses and sense of discovery with a ranger led tour of the ponds and wetland area that borders them. Find out who was out during the night eating water lilies and which plants are in bloom. 9:00 AM tour is best for night blooming water lilies. Free. Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE. 202-426-6905. nps.gov/keaq Tub Gardening for Small Spaces. June 2, 2:00-3:00 PM. It only takes a little water in a container to have some fun with aquatic plants. You don’t need to have a pond, a dish will do. Come get pointers and see different kinds of container gardens for a patio or inside your home. Free. Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE. 202-4266905. nps.gov/keaq Use of a Compass. June 9, 1:00-2:00 PM. Find out about Red Fred in the Shed and other standards of compass use. Free. Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE. 202-426-6905. nps.gov/keaq Monday Night Knitting Club. May 14 and June 11, 6:30 PM. Do you enjoy fiber arts? Are you just curious? If so, join them for a two-hour program. All ages and skill levels are welcome! Deanwood Library, 1350 49th St. NE. 202-698-1175. dclibrary.org/deanwood
MARKETS AND SALES Great Brookland Yard Sale. May 12. Dozens of yard sales all around Brookland neighborhood. Get details and a map at brooklandblog. blogspot.com. St. Peter’s Annual Yard Sale. May 19, 9:00 AM1:00 PM. Capitol Hill’s biggest yard sale features yard sale treasurers, a fun fair, grilled food and a bake sale. St. Peter’s Church Hall, 313 2nd St. SE. Aya Community Market. First and third Saturday of every month through Nov 17, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM, Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church, 3000
Pennsylvania Ave. SE. The market provides resources for healthy and sustainable communities through farm fresh produce; educational health speakers and live musical performances; locally produced handmade crafts and baked goods; art, youth activities and more. dreamingoutloud.org NOMA Farmers Market. Wednesdays, May 30-Oct 31, 3:00-7:00 PM. 1200 First St., NE. nomabid.org Eastern Market. Daily except Mondays and important holidays. Weekdays, 7:00 AM7:00 PM; Saturdays, 7:00 AM-5:00 PM; Sundays, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. Flea market and arts and crafts market open Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM. Eastern Market is Washington’s last continually operated “old world” market. On weekends the market area comes alive with farmers bringing in fresh produce, craft and flower vendors, artists, a flea market and street musicians. 200 block of 7th St. SE. 202-698-5253. easternmarket-dc.com Maine Avenue Fish Market. Open 365 days a year. 7:00 AM-9:00 PM. 1100 Maine Ave. SW. 202-484-2722. Ward 8 Farmers Market. June 2-Thanksgiving. Saturdays, 9:00 AM-2:00 PM. Fresh Fruit, Vegetables, Bread and Meat. Market now will double the value of your SNAP, EBT, WIC or senior food vouchers for produce. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. ward8farmersmarket.com
SPORTS, DANCE AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Mother’s Day 5K Dash. May 13, 8:00 AM at Rock Creek Park. The Dash 5K is a challenging, chip-timed 5K through scenic Rock Creek Park benefiting ACHIEVE Kids Tri. $40. 202-271-1633. capitalsprints.com Nats Baseball. May 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20; June 1, 2 and 3. $5, up. Nationals Park. 202-675-6287. washington.nationals.mlb.com National’s Ballpark Tours. WednesdaySunday (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 behindthe-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 Bright Beginnings 5K Run. May 12, 8:00 AM, at Haines Point. Bright Beginnings is a fully accredited child and family development center dedicated to homeless families with young children in Washington, DC. 410-292-1131. active.com/running National Police Week 5K. May 12, 9:00 AM CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM H 13
at 3rd St. NW, between E and F. $30. 703-8285842. nationalpoliceweek5k.com Washington Mystics Basketball. May 14, 19, 26 and 30. 7:00 PM. $17, up. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. wnba.com DC United Soccer Home Matches. May 16 vs Colorado Rapids; May 19 vs Toronto FC; May 26 vs New England Revolution; 7:30 PM. $23-$52. RFK Stadium. 202-587-5000. dcunited.com
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TRAIN FOR FREE ON ARMED FORCES DAY SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2012
Washington School of Ballet Spring Performance-SE Campus Students. May 25, 7:30 PM; May 26, 11:00 AM. The Washington School of Ballet (SE Campus) presents their annual Spring Performance. Students will showcase what they have been working on throughout the year. $20. THEARC Theater, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202889-5901. thearcdc.org Washington School of Ballet Spring Performance-NW Campus Students. May 26, 4:00 and 7:00 PM; May 27, 1:00 and 5:00 PM. The Washington School of Ballet (NW Campus) presents their annual Spring Performance. Students will showcase what they have been working on throughout the year. $20. THEARC Theater, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org
To show our support for all of the U.S. military branches, we invite all past and current Armed Forces Service Members, as well as their friends and family, to experience the challenge of PACK Small Group Personal Training for free at our local Capitol Hill studio on Armed Forces Day. • Join fellow military personnel for a day of jam-packed intense cardio and strength training sessions. • Energize your exercise routine by working out with like-minded, goal-oriented people in a structured setting. • See the difference Fitness Together PACK Training can make for people at all levels of conditioning to feel better, look better and perform better than you ever thought was possible. Call today to reserve your spot for a free PACK Training session on Armed Forces Day!
202.558.6486 | FITNESSTOGETHER.COM/CAPITOLHILL 14 H EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
| MAY 2012
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 tennis courts requires a permit. Proper shoes and attire is required. 202-671-0314. dpr.dc.gov
CIVIC LIFE
Komen Global Race for the Cure 5K Run/ Walk. June 2, 8:00 AM. Event offers a flat, fast, course with ChronoTrack timing. Awards offered to top finishers. All participants receive a commemorative t-shirt and post race refreshments. Proceeds benefit both the National Capital Area Komen screening, treatment & education programs along with the Susan G. Komen Global Promise Fund. 703-416-7223. globalrace.infokomen.org
Homebuyers Pre-Purchase Orientations. May 17, 24, and 31; 11:00 AM. Housing Counseling Services, Inc., a HUD approved non-profit agency, now offers free two-hour Pre-Purchase Orientations every week to help first-time homebuyers navigate the home-purchase process and take advantage of special loan programs offered by DC government. Housing Counseling Services, 2410 17th St. NW. For more information, call Elias Cohn at 202-667-7006.
Tidal Basin 3K Monthly Run. Third Wednesday of each month, noon. This run is free and informal. West Potomac Park (meet on Ohio Dr. at West Basin Dr., near the Tourmobile stand). 703-505-3567. dcroadrunners.org
Job Seekers Drop-In Clinic & One City One Hire Registration. May 17, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM. Need help with your job search? Come to the Job Seekers Drop-In Clinic & the One City One Hire Registration process, where you will receive individualized assistance. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, Computer Lab, Room 311, 901 G St. NW. 202-442-7601. dclibrary.org/mlk
Woodrow Wilson Bridge Half Marathon. Oct 7. Registration open. 703-587-4321. wilsonbridgehalf.com Marine Corps Marathon Registration. Register open at marinemarathon.com. $90. Marathon is Sunday, Oct. 28.
Fitness Together is Committed to the Armed Forces Community!
class is for you. Open to people of all abilities, ages and body types. All you need to bring is yourself, comfortable clothing and an open mind. Judgment free zone: having a great time is encouraged! Register in person at Anacostia Neighborhood Library, or call 202-715-7707. 1800 Good Hope Rd. SE. dclibrary.org/anacostia
Pick-up Field Hockey on the Mall. Every Monday at 6:00 PM. Meets at the fields in front of the Smithsonian Metro stop for males and females who have a passion for field hockey. No experience necessary. Bring water, shinguards, mouthguard, cleats, a field hockey stick, and either a reversible jersey or a light and dark shirt - no grays please. Free. Adult Dance Classes. Mondays, 7:00-8:15 PM, African dance; Tuesdays, 8:00-9:15 PM, Ballet; Saturdays, 9:00-10:00 AM, Zumba. The Washington Ballet @ THEARC offers three adult classes this year. Classes are $10 each or you may purchase a $100 class card for 12 classes. Classes are only $5 for residents who live in the 20020 or 20032 zip codes. (Valid ID required.) THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-8895901. thearcdc.org Free Yoga Classes at Anacostia Neighborhood Library. Every Thursday, 7:00-8:00 PM. Yoga is a great way to relax, unwind and get grounded. Even if you’ve never done yoga before--this
Norton Annual Job Fair. June 7, 10:00 AM3:00 PM. Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Pl. 202-783-5065. norton.house.gov Congresswoman Norton’s NW District Office. Open weekdays, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM. 529 14th St. NW. 202-783-5065. norton.house.gov Councilmember Alexander’s Constituent Services Office. Open weekdays, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM. 2524 Penn. Ave. SE. 202-581-1560. Councilmember Barry’s Constituent Services Office. Open weekdays, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. 2100 MLK Ave, SE, #307. 202-698-2185. Anacostia Coordinating Council Meeting. Last Tuesday, noon-2:00 PM. Anacostia Museum, 1901 Fort St. SE. For further details, contact Philip Pannell, 202-889-4900. Capitol View Civic Association 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. 1350 49th 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. MPD 7D Citizens Advisory Council Meeting. Third Wednesday, Oct. 19, 7:00-9:00 PM. 7D Police Station Community Room, 2455 Alabama Ave. SE. For details, contact Lendia Johnson at 202-698-1454. PSA 703. Last Wednesday, Oct. 26, 6:308:00 PM. St. John CME Church, 2801 Stanton Rd. SE. For details, contact Lt. Edward Aragona at 202-698-1446. ANC 7A. Second Tuesday, 7:30 PM. BenningStoddard Rec. Center, 100 Stoddard Pl. SE. 202-727-1000. 7A@anc.dc.gov. anc7a.org ANC 7B. 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 7C. Second Thursday, 7:00 PM. Sargent Memorial Presbyterian Church, 5109 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave. NE. 202-398-5100. anc7c@verizon.net ANC 7D. Second Tuesday, 6:30 PM. Sixth District Police Station, 100 42nd St. NE. 202398-5258. 7D06@anc.dc.gov ANC 7E. Second Tuesday, 7:00-8:30 PM. Jones Memorial Church, 4625 G St. SE. 202582-6360. 7E@anc.dc.gov ANC 8A. First Tuesday, 7:00 PM. Anacostia UPO Service Center, 1649 Good Hope Rd. SE. 202-889-6600. anc8adc.org ANC 8B. Third Tuesday, 7:00 PM. Seventh District Police Station Community Center, Alabama and McGee Sts. SE. 202-610-1818. anc8b.org ANC 8C. First Wednesday (June meeting is on the nineth because of the holiday), 6:30 PM. 2907 MLK Jr Ave. SE. 202-388-2244. ANC 8D. Fourth Thursday, 7:00 PM. Specialty Hospital of Washington, 4601 MLK Jr. Ave. SW. 202 561-0774 ANC 8E. Third Tuesday, 7:00 PM. SE Tennis and Learning Center, 701 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-561-6616. 8e02@anc.dc.gov l CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM H 15
BULLETIN BOARD Anacostia streetscape art. Photo: Courtesy of LUMEN8Anacostia Launched
LUMEN8Anacostia Launched
LUMEN8Anacostia is a first-of-its-kind, three-month arts initiative that transforms a section of the historic Anacostia Business District into a beacon of light, art and creative expression. It is a temporary public art project and festival to promote the creative arts in Historic Anacostia through the temporary illumination of vacant storefronts, lots, and public spaces along Historic Good Hope Rd. and Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. SE. The initiative also features gallery open houses and showcases of select artist productions. LUMEN8Anacostia, which runs through June, includes over 100 performers, 30 visual artists, and 10 boutiques; over 50 percent of the participants are from east of the Anacostia River. LUMEN8Anacostia is supported by a grant the D.C. Office of Planning received from an unprecedented new private-public collaboration, ArtPlace America. ArtPlace is an initiative of 11 of America’s top foundations working in conjunction with the National Endowment for the Arts and seven federal agencies. Its aim is to drive revitalization across the country by putting the arts at the center of economic development. lumen8anacostia.com
Off-Peak Lane Closures Possible on 11th Street Bridges
DDOT may close lanes during off peak travel times on the 11th Street bridges, related ramps, and portions of the Southeast/Southwest Freeway, I-295/DC 295 and local streets through Friday, June 29 for the 11th Street Bridge Project construction activities. For more information about this work or the 11th Street Bridge Project, contact DDOT Project Manager Ravindra Ganvir at 202-359-6948 visit ddot.dc.gov/11thStreetBridge.
registration, snacks, library card sign up, and more. The ride will start at about 9:30 a.m. The route is to begin at Southwest Neighborhood Library, stop at Anacostia Neighborhood Library, stop at Francis Gregory Interim Library and ride by site of the new library: Designed by “starchitect” David Adjaye, stop at Benning Neighborhood Library and end at Southeast Neighborhood Library. Register in advance at bit.ly/JvKdlY. bikedcpl@gmail.com
Anacostia Community Museum Closed Through July 29
The Tour de DCPL is a librarythemed bicycle ride of DC, stopping at five DC Public Libraries. Bicycleriding library staff and volunteers organize the ride each year as a way to promote environmentally friendly transportation and explore how DC’s neighborhood libraries connect with their communities. This year’s ride is on Saturday, May 19 and begins at the Southwest Neighborhood Library, 900 Wesley Pl. SW. Arrive at 9:00 a.m. for
Due to a major facility lighting upgrade, the Anacostia Community Museum (the galleries and a program room) will be closed through Sunday, July 29. During the closing, the special initiative ACM: Out & About is being presented at primarily offsite venues throughout the area. ACM: Out & About features collaborative arts and cultural programming including the presentation of the program Citified: Arts and Creativity East of the Anacostia River at the 2012 Smithsonian Folklife Festival on the National Mall,
16 H EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
| MAY 2012
Third Annual Tour de DCPL
June 27-July 1 and July 4-8. On July 30, the museum’s public spaces will reopen, programming will resume on site, and the exhibition Separate & Unequaled: Black Baseball in the District of Columbia will be back on view. anacostia. si.edu
Bike to Work Day Anacostia
On Friday May 18, 7:00-8:30 a.m., Commuter Connections and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association invite you to join over 10,000 area commuters for a celebration of bicycling as a clean, fun and healthy way to get to work. Bike to Work Day is a free event for both new and experienced bicycle commuters throughout the region. Those who register will receive a free Bike to Work Day t-shirt, food, drinks, and a chance at winning bicycles or other great prizes. For those with rusty bikes, a free bike repair clinic will be provided. For the first time, Anacostia will have a commuting convoy showing how to cross the bridges into DC. Meet at Martin Luther King Jr Ave. and Good Hope Rd. SE. ambiketoworkmetrodc.org
Ward 8 Community Summit Preliminary Report
On Saturday, July 9, 2011, nearly 600 Ward 8 residents, community leaders, District officials, and guests joined Mayor Gray, Councilmember Barry, other Councilmembers, and Agency Directors at the Savoy and Thurgood Marshall Academy Sports and Learning Center. At this Ward 8 Community Summit, participants worked together to help shape the future of Ward 8. Throughout the meeting, participants used keypad polling to register their views and engaged in facilitated group discussions about the future of Ward 8. Following the summit, Mayor Gray and his administration reviewed feedback from the summit and reported back to the community at a town hall meeting in September. A Preliminary Report that was developed at the end of the Community Summit summarizes the insights and recommendations that were produced by the participants. Additional summit materials including the participant package are available online at dcbiz.dc.gov/ward8summitView.
Shepherd Parkway Cleanup Needs Volunteers
On May 18, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM, volunteers will work to restore the natural splendor of one of DC’s most neglected wooded areas. By removing trash, and invasive species, volunteers will be protecting our trees, wildlife, and rivers-and making the park a place for all to enjoy. Gloves, bags, and lunch will be provided. Wear good shoes and clothes you can get dirty. For information and to RSVP, contact Nathan Harrington at nbharrington@ yahoo.com. Meet at Malcolm X Ave. and 2nd St. SE, just off 295 and close to the Congress Heights Metro. anacostiaws.org
Small Business Brief Advice Legal Clinic
There is a Small Business Brief Advice Legal Clinic on Wednesday, May 23, 5:00-7:30 p.m. at the Anacostia Economic Development Center, 1800 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. SE, Suite 100. This clinic is for aspiring or existing small business owners. Attendees will meet one-on-one with attorneys for advice on any legal issues their businesses may be facing. 202-7374700. dcbar.org
May Friends Day at Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Garden
The Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Garden Friends needs 20 or more volunteers to spend a delightful May morning doing work in the gardens to spruce things up. May 19, 9:00 a.m.-noon, 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE. 202-426-6906. nps.gov/keaq
Jazz Meets Hip Hop Concert and Master Class
The DC Jazz festival presents a master class with saxophonist/ composer, Dr. William E. Smith and his band, W.E.S. Group. The master class will demonstrate the connections between jazz and hip hop music and give students and teachers an understanding of the unifying features of these cultural creations originated in the African American community. Smith CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM H 17
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS May 26, 9:00 a.m.-noon. For more information, contact Masaya Maeda at mmaeda@anacostiaws.org or call 301-699-6204 x110. anacostiaws. org
Groundbreaking for MetroTowns at Parkside
On Apr 13, ground was broken for a new housing development. MetroTowns at Parkside, 810 Barnes St. NE, will offer 83 new green three-bedroom townhomes affordably priced from the mid-$200s and 42 one/two/three bedroom rental homes. For more information, including sales hours visit MetroTownsDC.com.
Photo: Courtesy of Ward 8 Farmers’ Market
Ward 8 Farmers’ Market Celebrates 14th Grand Opening
On June 2, Ward 8 Farmers Market will return to THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE, for its 14th season supplying fresh food to Ward 8. This year the lineup will be expanded by a record number of vendors and producers from the Ward. The market will operate on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. until Thanksgiving. This year five growers, producers, and vendors come from Ward 8: the organic garden at THEARC (veggies), Bree’s Plants (houseplants), Epiphany “Awaken Your Senses” (natural skin care), Sweet Potato Fix (desserts), and Shawn’s Barbecue. Shopping at Ward 8 Farmers’ Market keeps money east of the Anacostia, helping local small businesses thrive and hire. Thanks to a grant from the Wholesome Wave Foundation, the market is bringing back the popular Bonus Dollars program. Anyone paying for their purchases through a food assistance program (SNAP, EBT, Food Stamps, WIC or Senior FMNP) is entitled to matching dollars, up to $25, for produce. In addition to the Ward 8 vendors, W8FM welcomes back Penn Farm, offering a full range of vegetables; Terrapin Station Herb Farm offering fruit and jam along with herbs; Garden Path Farm, offering Amish pasture raised meat; and Firehook Bakery, offering fine artisan breads and pastry. For the first time, W8FM features Lydia’s Field at Wheatland, a new farm offering more than a dozen varieties of heirloom tomatoes. ward8farmersmarket.com
is currently the Music Industry Coordinator at North Carolina Central University, where he teaches courses on the music industry, management and hip hop history. He was previously assistant professor of music at American University where he taught courses in jazz history, rock history, music appreciation, and conducted the American University Jazz Ensemble. Smith also lectures on jazz, hip-hop and spirituality at the University of Maryland, University of Delaware, and Howard University. The W.E.S Group features Dr. Will Smith, (sax); Noble Jolley, Jr. (Piano); Eric Wheeler (bass); and Nathan Jolley (drums); and Khalif (KJuice) Bobatoon (MC). Friday, June 1, 10:30 AM. This event is FREE and
open to the public. THEARC Theater, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-8895901. thearcdc.org
18 H EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
| MAY 2012
Nash Run Trash Trap Cleanup
The Anacostia Watershed Society has been experimenting with a stationary device built to strain the trash from the flowing waters of Nash Run, located adjacent the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the trash challenges of the Anacostia--and what is being done to address it. They need 4-5 people for this cleanup. The task requires squatting down for a relatively long time and may be physically demanding. Dress for field activities. Saturday,
SOME Opens Affordable Housing for 49 Homeless Men and Women
SOME (So Others Might Eat) has opened Gasner House which will provide safe, dignified and affordable housing to 49 homeless and extremely poor men and women. Gasner House is located at 2810-2872 Texas Ave. SE. The dedication and opening ceremony took place on April 11. By the close of 2012, SOME will have developed 490 apartments, efficiencies and private rooms towards its goal of 1,000 units of safe, affordable housing for homeless families and single adults, including the elderly and mentally ill. For over 40 years, SOME has served the poor and homeless in Washington, DC. SOME meets the most basic needs of the District’s homeless and poor residents with food, clothing, and medical care and empowers people to break the cycle of homelessness through the provision of supportive services, affordable housing, job training, addiction treatment and services for the elderly. some.org
Anacostia Riverwalk Trail Bridge Opens
On Apr 24, the new Anacostia Riverwalk Trail Bridge (just northeast of the Pennsylvania Ave. SE overpass) opened to the public. The new trail bridge provides a seamless connection between Benning Rd. and the Tidal Basin. ddot.dc.gov
Public Comments for Saint Elizabeths East Master Plan
The DC Office of Planning has published a Draft Saint Elizabeths East Master Plan and Design Guidelines for public review and comment. The plan lays out a vision for vibrant, mixed-use development with community serving amenities that will create an important hub for Ward 8 and District’s emerging innovation economy. The 180-acre campus is one of the District’s largest redevelopment sites; therefore, the plan is comprehensive in scope to provide standards for revitalization of historic resources, land use and development, infrastructure, open space and sustainability. The plan is intended to be a resource and tool for multiple parties that will play a role in the redevelopment of the campus over time. Comments must be postmarked to DCOP by May 18. Sent comments to Evelyn Kasongo, Ward 8 Community Planner, DC Office of Planning, 1100 4th St. SW, Suite E650,Washington, DC 20024. Call her at 202-442-7613, fax at 202-442-7638 or email at evelyn.kasongo@dc.gov. You can download the Master Plan at stelizabethseast.com/ document-center.
Crystal’s Flowers Opens in Deanwood
Crystal Craft officially opened Crystal’s Flower and Gift Shop at 4313 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave. NE, in December 2011. It offers a variety of flowers, balloons, gift baskets and other items, and is able to fulfill orders for weddings, funerals and other occasions. 202-396-2797. crystalsflowerdc.com
Eagle Academy Public Charter School Breaks Ground on State of the Art Eagle Center in Ward 8
Washington D.C.’s first early childhood public charter school, Eagle Academy Public Charter School, today announced the launch of their new integrated community service school, The Eagle Center, at a Groundbreaking Ceremony held at the new facility located in Ward 8 at 3400 Wheeler Road, SE. Leading the groundbreaking ceremony were Mayor Vincent Gray, Council Chairman Kwame Brown, Ward 8 Councilmember Mar-
ion Barry, ANC8E Commissioner Melvin Sims, and Eagle Academy’s Founder and Executive Director Cassandra Pinkney. Eagle Academy Public Charter School, established in 2003, is a highperforming community school providing an innovative academic program to young children, from PreK-3 through Grade 3, free of charge. In 2011, the city awarded Eagle Academy a 67,000 square feet school in Ward 8 – the former McGogney Elementary School - to develop The Eagle Center. Eagle Academy is currently renovating and building a state-of-the-art, green facility that will include the school, a parents/community center, gymnasium, indoor pool, and a community health center. It is estimated the renovated facilities will be ready for occupation by July 2013. For additional information on Eagle Academy Public Charter School and its programs and services visit: http://www.eagleacademypcs. org/.
SOS: Steps of Success to Wellness at THEARC
The SOS: Steps of Success to Wellness is a training series, taught by experienced medical practitioners including several pediatricians and a dentist. Sessions take place the third Thursday of every month from 5:00-7:00 p.m. The remaining schedule is May 17-Hypertension and Diabetes: The Silent Killer led by Dr. Chen; June 21-Waiting to Exhale: Living with Asthma led by Dr. Wood. Free. For more information or to register, contact Ellen Wiggins at 202-436-3076. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org
Ayris T. Scales Joins DC Promise Neighborhood Initiative as Executive Director
The DC Promise Neighborhood Initiative Inc. has appointed Ayris T. Scales to serve as the nonprofit’s first executive director. Ms. Scales brings more than a decade of experience in community development and program management. She has held leadership roles in the private and public sectors in Washington, DC, Savannah, Ga, and Indianapolis, Ind. Most recently, Ms. Scales served as the Interim Executive Director of the DC Commission
on the Arts and Humanities, a grant making agency that supported cultural development throughout the nation’s capital. She was previously DCCAH’s Deputy Director with responsibility for the agency’s policy and day-to-day operations. In 2005, she joined the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development as a Project Manager where she oversaw capital projects east of the Anacostia River totaling $250M and worked on two mayoral initiatives, New Communities and Great Streets. The DC Promise Neighborhood Initiative is a nonprofit organization with a mission to increase the number of children who complete their education from cradle to college and enter adulthood as productive participants in the 21st century economy and in the civic life of their communities. It has created a partnership among neighborhood schools, private corporations, residents, service providers, expert partners and funders to build a pipeline of services and supports for the children and families of the Kenilworth-Parkside community in Ward 7. dcpni.org
New Smart-Phone App Launched for 311 Users
This free download allows citizens to report service requests from their iPhone or Android mobile devices. Currently, there are over 80 different service requests to choose from, including complaints about trash, potholes, graffiti and illegal dumping. This new tool, together with the Citywide Call Center and 311Online, is another way residents can report a problem. Information from all these sources is funneled into one database for tracking and resolution. The free app automatically pinpoints the location of the reported problem using GPS technology. Registered users can also attach a photo and provide the exact location for the service request. Once the request is submitted, users will receive an e-mail from 311 confirming receipt of the request, including the service request number. Citizens can also track the status of their requests any time.
Pups in the Park Back by “Pup”ular Demand!
Get ready to enjoy extraordinary afternoons of baseball this season with your four-legged friends! Purchase
a discounted Washington Nationals ticket for you, your family and your favorite pups and support the Washington Humane Society. 100% of every $8 dog ticket purchased for a Pups in the Park game will benefit WHS. Remaining Pups in the Park dates are Saturday, June 2 vs. Atlanta Braves 4:05 p.m.; Saturday, July 7 vs. Colorado Rockies 4:05 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 22 vs. Milwaukee Brewers 1:05 p.m. Human tickets, $22. Dog tickets, $8. All dogs must have a dog ticket to enter the game. Nationals Park, 1500 S. Capitol St. SE. nationals.com/pups
Capital Bikeshare Launches Online Helmet Sales and Annual Monthly Installment Memberships
Capital Bikeshare announced members will now have the option to purchase helmets at a reasonable cost online and to pay for annual memberships in smaller, monthly installments. DDOT and Arlington County believe these new programs will encourage greater helmet use by members and help eliminate the financial barrier for some potential members by providing annual memberships at a low monthly rate. The customized Capital Bikeshare helmets will be available for purchase at capitalbikeshare.com and will be sold at a discounted rate of $16, with an annual or monthly membership purchase or renewal. The new monthly installment payment option allows members to pay just $7 a month with a full 12-month commitment. capitalbikeshare.com
DDOT Selects American Manufacturer to Build New Streetcars
DDOT has selected Oregon Iron Works, Inc. to manufacture two modern streetcars for the DC Streetcar system. The new vehicles will be built in the United States and will run-along with the three vehicles the District already owns-on the H Street/Benning Road line beginning in 2013. The proposed Cooperative Purchase Agreement sent to the Council utilizes an existing contract for streetcar vehicles between Oregon Iron Works and the city of Portland, Oregon. Oregon Iron Works was founded in 1944 and now has more than $100 million in annual sales and 400 skilled craftsmen and support employees. It is the only domestic manufacturer of street-
car vehicles and has the only streetcar test track in the US for testing vehicles before they are delivered. For more information about the DC Streetcars, visit dcstreetcar.com.
$2000 Available for Community History and Preservation Projects
For the past five years, the Humanities Council of Washington, DC has made over 80 grants to citizens and organizations interested in preserving the heritage of the city’s unique neighborhoods, landmarks, and culture through the DC Community Heritage Project (DCCHP). This year, HCWDC will maintain its commitment to preserving local history and culture, by investing in neighborhoods which have not yet had their stories told. In recent years, DC has become a renaissance city, through an influx of buildings, monuments, and newly minted Washingtonians. With all this change, struggles reconciling the old with the new are inevitable. As such, they are encouraging residents, long-time or newly-arrived, to preserve the histories they have come to appreciate. The DCCHP provides the skills and financial means for every neighborhood to make its history known. They welcome new concepts from neighborhoods already reached by the DCCHP, but they need proposals from communities such as Trinidad, Lamond-Riggs, Lincoln Heights, Brightwood, and others that have not received a grant. Any DC resident with a story to tell about their community is encouraged to apply. If you have questions, contact Mark Smith, Director of Grants and Special Projects, Humanities Council of Washington, DC, 925 U St. NW, Washington, DC 20018 at msmith@wdchumanities.org or 202387-8391.
Get Fit for Free in Ward 7
On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through July 12, 6:007:00 p.m., get fit with African dance, strength training, boot camp, Zumba and Pilates. Classes at Kenilworth Elementary School, 1300 44th St. NE. Bring your own water bottle, towel and exercise mat. For more information, call Donnita at 202-621-4470 or Peppy at 301-395-1013. l
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NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
District Beat
April Primary Adversaries
T
he April 3 D.C. primary came and went, but the issue of the April 3 primary isn’t going anywhere. In the wake of last month’s balloting, plenty of residents and political watchers are openly wondering whether an April primary should be repeated. This was the first year that the District’s primary—usually held in September—was moved up. The change came in the wake of a 2009 federal law making it easier for overseas voters and service-members to cast absentee ballots; while D.C. was given as pass on the new requirements for the 2010 mayoral election, it was forced to comply for the 2012 primary.
Anti-April
But was April the best choice of months? Many seem to think not. Candidates and their campaigns said that it disturbed what had become a comfortable rhythm in D.C. politics: hopeful politicos could use the warm weather and neighborhood parades that mark the summer months to raise awareness, attract support and pitch their candidacies. With an April primary, they were left with much less favorable conditions—who wants to knock on doors in January and February, after all? But it wasn’t just the candidates griping. Parents of D.C. public school students were concerned that an April 3 primary would coincide with spring break, meaning that they might be out of town. Challengers and political analysts said that residents seemed blissfully unaware that an election was coming up, making 20 H EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
by Martin Austermuhle
it harder to attract their attention or raise money. All told, many said, this gave incumbents an additional advantage leading into re-election contests. (D.C. history shows that incumbents certainly don’t need more advantages—every incumbent in April won their respective races.) Others complained that in a city where the Democratic primary is the de facto general election, the April primary could produce elected officials that will stay in office for eight months after losing. In a 2011 committee report on the legislation moving the D.C. primary up to April, Councilmember Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3) commented that having lame ducks for that long might lead to “the current officeholder pursuing his or her duties with less zeal during the several months prior to the term’s expiration.” More broadly, April just seems to be a bad time for elections—for last year’s April 26 special election, a rabbi sued over the fact that balloting coincided with the last day of Passover. And if the current schedule is kept, the 2014 D.C. mayoral primary will fall on—no, really— April Fools Day.
Moving Months
In the wake of the April 3 election, D.C. legislators have already started floating the idea of changing the election’s date. Speaking on “The Politics Hour” on WPFW 89.3 FM shortly after the balloting, councilmembers Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) and Tommy Wells (D-Ward 6) said that the primary should be moved to later in the year. “April is a crazy time to be voting,” said Barry. | MAY 2012
Wells agreed. “I think that having it in April is not fair to the voters. I think that we got a very low turnout, I don’t think people fully knew who the opponents were...a lot of people didn’t know there was an election going on in April and I think we should change it back to June,” he said. Cheh, who ushered through the bill that changed the date of the primary, doesn’t seem particularly keen on the idea, though she did hint that June might be a possibility. “We couldn’t have a September primary because of federal law. By the time we would have sent out absentee ballots and the like, the earliest the primary could have been was August. No Councilmembers wanted an election in August, and the same with July. I personally wanted a date in early June, but other members were adamant about having it as early as possible,” she said. Chuck Thies, a political analyst and consultant who has worked on a number of local campaigns, seems to think a change would only be fair to challengers. “In all seriousness, the current schedule benefits incumbents. The 2014 date should be moved back such that petitioning and campaigning begins in the same year as the election. Challengers lose valuable weeks during the holidays,” he said. Maybe so, but one thing seems unchanged from years past—turnout. While many assumed it would be low, possibly historically low, some 17 percent of voters came out to vote on April 3. Comparatively speaking, that’s not bad. The September 2008 primary with the
same combination of ward and AtLarge seats didn’t even hit 13 percent. Moreover, had the Democratic presidential primary been contested this year, turnout would likely have been even higher. (The February 2008 presidential primary saw turnout of close to 40 percent.) Seeing that turnout was par for the course, it would seem to make sense to stick with April instead of changing the date—again. But if the primary were moved to June—May is a likely no-go, seeing as it falls squarely during D.C. Council budget sessions—it would be best to move the presidential primary alongside the local primary, both for cost-savings and turnout. Cheh noted the benefit of joining the two. “Having the primary on April 3 allowed us to combine it with the Presidential preference primary, and aligned us with other states like our neighbors in Maryland and also Wisconsin. The other great thing about combining them is that we saved the city $800,000-$1 million in election costs,” she said. While we often say that democracy is invaluable, it isn’t free—the D.C. Council has had to allocate hundreds of thousands in extra funding for elections in 2011 and 2012. For Thies, any talk of a new primary date should come along with more substantial changes to how D.C. runs its elections. In a column published by NBC4, Thies argued that the current system “tilts heavily in favor of incumbents and the deep pocket special interests who support them.” To correct that tilt, he called for public financing of campaigns and non-partisan primaries where
the two top vote-getters move on to the general election. That may take longer to happen—if it ever happens at all—but any discussion of changing the date of the primary will have to happen sooner. Under the current schedule, mayoral hopefuls are likely to start announcing their intentions by early 2013. And if it goes anywhere, it’ll have to pass through Councilmember Muriel Bowser’s (D-Ward 4) Committee on Government Operations—and Bowser’s name has been floated as a potential mayoral contender. She’d be running with the advantages of incumbency that Thies cited, and to date she’s been quiet on whether or not an April primary should be repeated.
Final Count in Orange/ Biddle Rematch
As we went to press last month, the contest between Councilmember Vincent Orange (D-At Large) and Sekou Biddle was separated by only 543 votes—and that was without provisional and absentee ballots. On April 13, those were counted, and Orange widened his lead to 1,746 votes. While that guaranteed him the victory, it also marked the second in as many elections where he has won by a very narrow margin. In Orange’s case, the win all but guarantees him a continued spot on the D.C. Council—but not much beyond that. His poor showings in wards 1, 2, 3, and 6—not to mention the fact that he narrowly lost the all-important Ward 4 vote—means that any future attempts at higher office may be damned. Martin Austermuhle is the Editor-in-Chief of DCist.com and a freelance writer. He lives in Petworth. l
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NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
The Numbers
Going, Going, Gone DC’s Affordable Housing Stock Is Disappearing
A
nyone who has tried to rent or buy a home in DC recently knows what a struggle it has become to find a decent place to live that fits even remotely within their budget. New research confirms what we can see around us – that rents have skyrocketed throughout the city, even in the face of a recession, and far outpaced changes in the incomes of most DC households. While DC’s increasingly expensive housing is affecting many of us, the challenges are particularly great for low- and moderateincome households whose incomes have barely budged to cope with rent hikes. Over the last decade, half of the low-cost rental housing options have disappeared in the midst of DC’s renaissance, leading to more and more families having to pay more than half of their income on housing. This can be a big problem because it means that they have little left for other basic necessities like food, clothing, and transportation each month. There is no way DC will hold on to the affordable housing it still has – to maintain diversity in areas such as H Street and SW Waterfront – without concerted investments from the city. The good news is that DC has a variety of housing tools to build and preserve more affordable housing. The bad news is that these tools largely have been left idle in the shed in the wake of the Great Recession. And DC’s main source for affordable housing construction and renovation has been cut significantly meaning that the District’s 22 H EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
by Jenny Reed future capacity to build and preserve affordable housing will be considerably restricted.
A Quick Climb
Rents in DC are rising, and quickly. The typical rent for a onebedroom apartment rose 50 percent over the past decade, beyond inflation, to $1,100 by 2010. And surprisingly, prices haven’t slowed in the recession. In fact, median rent rose faster in just the last 3 years of the decade than in the first seven. Why? It’s largely due to the fact that more people have moved to DC recently to take advantage of the relatively strong job market but also that many people are opting to rent while they wait out the housing bust. And it isn’t just rents that have climbed quickly over the last decade. Despite a dip in the recession, home values remain far higher than they did at the start of the decade. The median home value in DC in 2010 was $400,000, double the 2000 level.
Going, Going, Gone
As hard as it may be to believe, DC has not always been a place where rents start at $1,100. In 2000, about half of all apartments in the city rented for under $750. That obviously is no longer the case. The rapid rise in housing prices has led to a disappearance of DC’s affordable housing stock over the last decade. Since 2000, DC has lost 35,000 apartments with rent and utility costs under $750 a month, fully half of what was affordable in 2000. (That would be affordable | MAY 2012
– using the standard that someone should not spend more than 30 percent of their income on rent – to someone making roughly $15 an hour. While that is a pretty modest salary, it is well above DC’s minimum wage of $8.25 an hour and DC’s living wage of $12 an hour.) That decline is the equivalent of losing a 300-unit building month in and month out for a decade. Meanwhile, DC’s housing stock is just becoming filled with a much larger share of high-cost rental units. Higher-cost rental units – with rents over $1,500 – more than tripled over the past decade. High cost rental units made up just eight percent of the rental stock in 2000; by 2010, they made up over 30 percent. Things look even worse for DC’s stock of affordable houses, which have almost vanished. The number of homes with values of $250,000 or less – a good option for moderate-income households – fell by 70 percent over the past decade. At the same time, the number homes with values over $500,000 more than doubled.
A Rising Burden
The incomes of most households are not keeping pace with rising rents. As a result, housing is consuming a growing share of household budgets in the District, and many now have “severe housing cost burdens” as defined by the federal government – meaning that they spend more than half of their income on housing. One in five DC households, or more than 50,000
households, spent more than half of their income on housing in 2010, an increase of 15,000 households since 2000. The severe housing burdens are most heavily concentrated on DC’s lowest income households. Nearly two-thirds of these families spend more than half of their income on housing. But severe burdens are impacting more moderate-income residents, too. About one-third of renters that earn between $30,000 and $60,000 have severe housing burdens, a large jump from the less than one in ten households at the start of the decade.
The District’s Investment in Affordable Housing
The combination of rapidly rising housing costs and stagnant incomes is making it harder and harder for DC’s low and moderate-income residents to live in the District. Since the private market produces almost no affordable housing on its own, it is critical that the District support the creation and preservation of affordable housing. The District has a variety of housing tools, each serving a specific purpose and each critical to make housing available all along the continuum of affordable housing needs – from homelessness to homeownership. These tools help the District to create and preserve affordable rental and homeownership opportunities. Unfortunately, these affordable housing tools have largely been dormant due to the Great Recession. In fact, the District’s investment in af-
fordable housing has fallen by one-third since the start of the recession. One of the programs that has taken the biggest hit is the Housing Production Trust Fund (HPTF) – DC’s main source for affordable housing construction and renovation. The trust fund’s resources are tied to DC’s deed recordation and transfer taxes, which took a big nosedive in the recession. In addition, it has experienced significant cuts both last year and in the Mayor’s FY 2013 proposed budget. These cuts will severely limit the District’s future ability to support the creation and preservation of affordable housing. Mayor Vincent Gray has put together a Comprehensive Housing Strategy Task Force to make recommendations this fall that would lead to the creation of increased affordable housing. These would be updates to a 2006 task force that issued a 15-year housing strategy blueprint for DC. With the rapid loss of affordable housing in DC, it’s critical that task force find ways for the District to produce and preserve additional affordable housing in DC. Reed is policy director at the DC Fiscal Policy Institute (www. dcfpi.org), which conducts research on tax and budget issues that affect low- and moderateincome DC residents. To read the new report, Disappearing Act: Affordable Housing in DC is Vanishing Amid Sharply Rising Housing Costs visit www. dcfpi.org l CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM H 23
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
A Bridge to Everywhere
A recreation bridge connecting Capitol Riverfront and Anacostia is proposed by Dana Bell
W
hen DDOT planned the new 11th Street Bridge, it imagined a more efficient way to get cars, pedestrians, and bicyclists across the Anacostia from Capitol Hill to Ward 8. The new bridge would have three spans, including an expansion of pedestrian and bike lanes sixteen feet across. The two outermost bridges-the downstream bridge and the upstream bridge, as they are referred to – would be demolished, their piers converted into osprey habitat. But when the DC Office of Planning took a closer look at the bridges, they saw an opportunity to make something completely different. These days, bridges are more than just utilitarian thoroughfares that get you from point A to point B. They are Point A. The gold standard of bridge-as-destination is the High Line – an old railway bridge converted to a linear public park spanning neighborhoods on Manhattan’s West Side. There are plenty of river bridges that have also been re-commissioned – Austin, Columbus, and the Hudson Valley all boast popular attraction bridges. “Who doesn’t love a bridge?” Harriet Tregoning, the Director of the DC Office of Planning asked at a preliminary meeting in March. As the plans for the bridge kick off, the promise of the project is clear – as is the enthusiasm for it. The new bridge offered up a blank slate for the two sides of the river, a way to connect a city that has been divided for a
The Office of Planning deliberately chose the downstream bridge – the bridge next to Poplar Point and the baseball stadium – to connect the two developing riverfronts. Any activity on the bridge will be in view of the activity along the Navy Yard and Yards Park and within view of the
24 H EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
| MAY 2012
long time. Could a recreation bridge be what DC needs to stitch together the two sides of the river?
A Community Connector
fireworks during the baseball games. As Poplar Point becomes a part of the Anacostia Riverfront Park, the bridge can serve as a unifying property. “At the minimum, it could be a community connector...It’s great that we have a lot of activity but we are divided literally by the river,” said Tregoning. The bridge and the surrounding parks are at the heart of a huge amount of development. Projects in downtown Anacostia, the develop-
ment of St. Elizabeth’s, and further growth at Capitol Yards and Hill East will grow the population to upwards of 30,000 people. “This is an area with a lot of population growth,” says Tregoning. Connections to this part of town are also improving. The Circulator routes provide a direct connection to the area. The streetcar will facilitate access in the future, especially if a stop is installed directly on the bridge. But the two banks of recreation remain largely divided. The improved pedestrian bridges will make it easier to move between the two, but making the bridge a part of the recreation infrastructure would create unity between the two banks. To make the bridge a viable park, it needs to have types of activities that would regularly bring residents onto the river. So the DC Office of Planning is taking it to the people to find out what would it take to make a bridge a destination. “The majority of meetings have been in Ward 8, because that’s where the residents are most intimately connected with the river,” says Patricia Zingsheim, the Associate Director of Revitalization and Design and the Project Manager for the bridge.
A Blank Slate
After meeting with dozens of neighborhood leaders and groups in the community, the DC Office of Planning hosted its first informational meeting at the end of March. Tregoning presented the “word cloud” that they had compiled over the past meetings. The largest words
were the ones brought up the most frequently. The four biggest words were “education,” “checkers,” “health,” and “tables.” The suggestions at the meeting reached far and wide as people considered everything that could be accomplished on the bridge. Tregoning rattled off different ideas for activities. “It could be a park...there could be adventure recreation with rock walls, ziplines, things that we don’t have anywhere else in the city,” she said. Other recommendations included concerts, horseshoes, pole vaulting, a Truckeroo, a permanent café and vertical agriculture. The participants offered up their own suggestions, such as vertical agriculture, solar panels, and emphasizing that no matter what, there would need to be ample shade. One man suggested utilizing the space under the bridge, adding “I want to say that we should think outside the box but what I really want to say is we should think under the bridge.”
An Active Bridge
An important aspect of the bridge is to address the lack of recreation space East of the River. “We’re a city that has a lot of disparities, and the Anacostia River is a dividing line in those disparities,” Tregoning said. Ward 7 and Ward 8 had the highest prevalence of obesity in the city, at 39.9% and 41.9% respectively, compared to Ward 3 which has a low of 18.7%. The DC Office of Planning tapped the DC Department of Health to develop an active program that would deal with some of the health problems in the District. For the Department of Health, this project represents a new approach to health. “We have to cast a focus on the individual, but look at solutions through the community,” said Autumn Saxton-Ross from the DC Department of Health. “We want to create intersections here to promote health and
not just have a fun bridge,” SaxtonRoss said. An additional programmatic element comes from the youth employment program that will incorporate a mentorship for twenty interested youths in design, engineering, landscaping, and urban planning.
An Ambitious Plan, an Uncertain Future
The project has been embraced by many in the city, but that does not guarantee it a future. “I can’t think of any infrastructure project that solves so many different issues,” said Scott Kratz, who has been volunteering on this project for the past 10 months. Greta Fuller, an ANC Commissioner in Ward 8, was also optimistic about the project, but tempered her enthusiasm. “I think it’s a wonderful thing,” she said. “It’s truly in the conceptual stage. There are so many things to make it into a destination.” No matter how great the plan, there has to be a way to pay for it. It is currently estimated between $25-35 million to reconstruct the bridge, and it is unlikely that any of that money can come from the cash-strapped District budget. Like the High Line, the bridge would likely receive most of its funding from private sources. Tregoning listed different potential partners, both local and national, and the participants suggested other sponsors, from Wal-Mart to Hudson Trail Outfitters. A very preliminary timeline estimated that securing funding, holding a design competition, and constructing the bridge would bring about an opening in 2016 at the earliest. “This could be iconic, it could be a new landmark of the city,” Tregoning said. “If not, the bridge will go away as it was planned to do, and we’ll all go back to doing what we were doing. l
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25
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
Anacostia’s Report Card Region Grapples with Stormwater Runoff by Virginia Avniel Spatz
ABOVE: Fencing helps aquatic vegetation survive within the Anacostia.
P
icture Lena Horne, her filmy sleeves and the window curtains behind her fluttering in the wind, singing “...stormy weather, since my man and I ain’t together...it keeps rainin’ all the time.” Now look beyond her into the storm-drenched street: A small group waits out the storm, surrounded by concrete, metal and brick; no plants or pervious surfaces are visible. (Musical logic doesn’t ask why there’s a window behind the orchestra or why it’s open in the rain. “Stormy Weather,” Twentieth Century Fox, 1943. Scene available on YouTube.) Imagine a similar scene unfolding somewhere in the Anacostia Watershed today. The river’s second annual report card, released by the Anacostia Watershed Society last month, describes the picture: While the “pitterin’ patterin’, beatin’ and spatterin’ drives [the singer] mad” inside, the torrent outside is rushing into storm drains, picking up trash and sediment on the way. Eventually – far off-camera but still unfiltered and unimpeded – the runoff reaches the local river, contributing dangerous levels of pollution. “Unmitigated stormwater runoff
When “rain’s pouring down” in the Anacostia Watershed today, some of it hits surfaces softened by green roofs and pervious paving. Some is filtered through reclaimed brown-
26 H EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
| MAY 2012
LEFT - RIGHT 1. Jim Foster, president of the Anacostia Watershed Society, hopes more people will enjoy direct experience of the river. 2. AWS says the presence of fish-hunting birds, like this eagle, along the Anacostia are an indication that fish are returning to the river.
is the number one source of pollution for the Anacostia River,” says Brent Bolin, AWS advocacy director. It remains “the only source of Chesapeake Bay pollution that is still increasing.”
Stormy Weather and the Anacostia
fields and new rain gardens or retained in rain barrels. Much, however, still runs freely, picking up volume and speed until it reaches the river. There, according to this year’s report card, runoff erodes the banks, clouding water upstream, dropping sediment and trash downstream. DC’s bag tax has reduced plastic bags flowing into the river, and the new Montgomery County bill is expected to have a similar effect. But runoff still carries sediment, chemi-
cals, cigarette butts and other trash, including animal waste. For days after a bout of stormy weather fecal bacteria is high. Aquatic vegetation is negatively effected, AWS reports, and the lack of vegetation itself is detrimental to other aspects of water quality. The Maryland section of the river received an A in dissolved oxygen and a B+ in chlorophyll, improvements AWS links to a better tree canopy. Only an A is considered
WIDE SHOE OUTLET “passing,” according to the new Mid-Atlantic Tributary Assessment Coalition scale. Maryland received failing grades (C to F) in fecal bacteria, water clarity and submerged vegetation, while both upper and lower DC sections failed (grades ranging from B- to F) on all measures. Overall Anacostia water quality failed with a C-minus. The individual grades highlight specific concerns. But local activist organizations – including AWS, Anacostia Riverkeeper, and Groundwork Anacostia River DC – agree that the river as a whole remains in critical condition and that the biggest challenge is stormwater runoff. Addressing that challenge, the Maryland General Assembly recently passed legislation requiring stormwater fees in nine counties, including Montgomery and Prince George’s. The District already has such a fee. These fees provide a dedicated source of funding for infrastructure improvements. In addition, fee discounts are designed to encourage better storm water management practices.
Your Money or Your Impervious Surfaces
“People see that their water bills are increasing, but they don’t necessarily see how this relates to impervious surfaces,” says Groundwork executive director Dennis Chestnut. District water bills include “impervious area” and“stormwater” fees. Each is calculated per Equivalent Residency Unit (ERU), 1000 sq. ft. of impervious area such as roofs, driveways and patios. The “impervious area” fee is $6.64/month per ERU; mandated discounts for runoff reduction is still in negotiation. The“stormwater” fee is $2.67/month per ERU. Later this year, property owners can receive a discount of up to 55% of this fee for improved stormwater management. In addition, some stormwater management costs are reimbursed through RiverSmart Homes, offered by the District’s Department of Energy. The program offers householders up to $1200 for rain barrels, pervious pavement, rain gardens, bayscaping (planting native species, which create less stress on the environment), and shade trees. Call 202-535-2252 or apply through DDOE’s website. Rain barrels also provide direct savings for property owners, says Riverkeeper Mike Bolinder. For an investment of $20-300 (reimbursable through RiverSmart Homes), he explains, “a homeowner can save $100 bucks a year,” using retained water for gardening, car washing and other purposes. “In a few years, we will look back and think that we were crazy to use perfectly good drinking
water for plants.” Further payoff will result, Chestnut adds, as “efforts to reduce runoff will ultimately reduce the cost of the tunnel DC must install” to manage combined sewer overflow. “The more that everyone in the Watershed – including the federal government with all their property – makes these efforts, it will reduce some of the costs that are going to be incurred going forward.”
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Report Card and Responses
“The river doesn’t know it just passed under New York Avenue,”AWS president Jim Foster mused, leading a recent boat tour. The political report card, however, examines separate jurisdictions. AWS considers policy effectiveness in the District, Maryland, Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, and the federal governments. Jurisdictions are rated on overall planning and on stormwater, toxics, and trash policies. The District received high marks for its MS4 (separate storm sewer system) permit, its bag bill and litter traps, and its comprehensive planning. Contact AWS for the full report. Reviewing the report, Bolinder says, “Riverkeepers is thrilled with improvements, but we caution activists who care so much now not to rest on their laurels. We have to be careful not to become unintentional victims of our modest success.” Bolinder also urges strong community involvement in healing the river, with special emphasis on including those “that have borne the brunt of industrial pollution for 100 years or more,” often poor and minority communities. No plan succeeds, he concludes, without “inviting the community to be part of it.” Chestnut concurs: “The health of river will never be achieved without focusing on communities that border the river.” Groundwork advocates for a stormwater awareness campaign, on the order of the bag bill outreach, as well as increased funding for direct community engagement. AWS president Jim Foster believes the Anacostia still “suffers from invisibility.” AWS and others are working to increase physical access to the river for all to enjoy. Although that C-minus means the river is not yet fishable or swimmable, Foster notes, it offers many recreational opportunities and a great natural retreat. “People don’t believe this beauty is possible in the heart of the city.” Anacostia Watershed Society, AnacostiaWS. org, 301-699-6204. Anacostia Riverkeeper, AnacostiaRiverkeeper.org, 202-863-0158. GWARDC, Groundworkdc.org, 202-5061391. l
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NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
DDOT Chooses Controversial Site for Car Barn by Dana Bell
O
ver the winter, DDOT has finalizing the work that needs to be done to make the long-awaited streetcar a reality. They have been working on the engineering aspects of the turnaround by Union Station. They have chosen a manufacturer for the cars, and are designing the substations and cantilevers that will power the trains along the line. When DDOT held its quarterly update this month at Spingarn High School, it introduced one of the last major components. The location was integral to the presentation as DDOT presented its plans for building the Car Barn Training Center (CBTC) on the western lawn of Spingarn. The CBTC is the last piece of the puzzle, a 15,000 square foot structure that will eventually house the fifteen cars, office space, and the training facilities for the DC Streetcar. But the CBTC is also proving to be one of the most controversial steps as DDOT hurries to finish up this line. The line from Benning Road that will eventually reach up to Georgetown is tentatively called the “One City” line, a nod to Mayor Gray’s ubiquitous governing slogan, but the meeting at Spingarn showed how hard that promise may be to keep.
A Rendering of the Proposed Car Barn Photo: DDOT
28 H EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
| MAY 2012
A Tight Deadline
DDOT has been considering several different locations along the line, but the summer 2013 deadline limits the number of suitable locations. The priorities of the CBTC are the location and the constructability: it should be accessible from the streetcar line and on a property already owned by the DC government. “We want to stay on budget and stay on schedule,” said Monica Hernandez, a spokesperson for DDOT. One of the requirements for the choice of the car barn was that it could be “constructible for a late summer, early fall service,” suggesting that the deadline might already be extended from the last quarterly update meeting. As DDOT ran through the options, the importance of the deadline ruled out some of the parcels that were further away from the line or had complicated ownership problems. The western abutment of the line by Union Station has two potential spots: one is not owned by the District and another runs through a residential neighborhood, a battle that DDOT already avoided earlier this year. Still others, like the Eads Street Garage, the former trash transfer site and former Pepco site across the Benning Road Bridge, are not owned by the
District and are a considerable distance from the existing tracks. A site on the RFK parking would be a fairly non-controversial place for the site except that it is owned by the Federal Government and has prohibitive zoning that makes it recreation-only. For all of these sites, DDOT says that either the distance or the “ownership constraints” makes them ineffective for the deadline and budget of the streetcar.
Choosing Spingarn
That leaves the Spingarn lawn as the favored choice of DDOT engineers and planners. “We have criteria that we’re looking for,” Hernandez said. “The space is large enough, there is existing right-of-way, it’s DC government-owned, and there is proximity to the actual streetcar line.” The site also gains additional points for its proximity to Spingarn itself—DDOT plans to partner with the school to develop a high school vocational program that would train students in the upcoming field of train and trolley maintenance. The community survey put out by DDOT informed their design plans for the car barn. The results favored green, traditional architecture, and landscaping for the car barn. Nearly three-quarters of respondents wanted an observation area for school groups and others to observe the process. For the most part, there is still optimism about the streetcar and the benefits it could bring along the H Street and Benning Road corridor. But much like the outrage from the speculation over a streetcar line through 2nd and 3rd Streets in Northeast, there was a vocal and passionate response from many members of the community. “I’m not disheartened, I’m angry,” says Kathy Henderson, who is running for the Ward 5 Council seat. “We are primary stakeholders,” says Henderson, “and they are proceeding quickly in light of not having a councilmember.” Henderson is currently circulating a petition against the streetcar barn. The construction on the property is especially acute for Spingarn High School and for the vistas onto the Langston Golf Course. Both hold an important historical role in the African American communities of DC and the construction of a trolley barn – the bastion of the gentrified DC – is a sensitive proposition to make. “They don’t have the right to force this on us because it’s easier,” Henderson said after the meeting. As DDOT moves forward, they are still working with the community to implement the various elements of their plan. The materials from this meeting, and from previous meetings, can be found at www.dcstreetcar.com. l
CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM H 29
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
Ward 7 Development Update Donatelli Groundbreaking Shifts, IDEA Addition Opens by Virginia Avniel Spatz
D
eveloper Chris Donatelli is “finalizing his financing,” according to Ward 7 Councilmember Yvette Alexander, for “Park 7” in the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue NE. The residential project with ground-floor retail is slated for ground-breaking in “second quarter 2012.” Alexander says it is on target to meet the timeline, and the office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) now projects July or August. Some details remain fuzzy, however, and Donatelli has not communicated with the community for months or responded to queries from East of the River. A recently formed MinnesotaBenning Task Force is seeking answers.
Task Force Asking for Details
The Task Force includes representatives of ANC 7D (where the project is now situated) and ANC 7A (including the project post-redistricting), as well as local businesses and other community members. The group is asking for copies of pertinent information which should be public record and requesting that Donatelli to meet with the community. Requested information includes specific plans and strategies to meet legal requirements regarding affordable housing, LEED (environmental) guidelines and First Source hiring. Several questions focus on plans to implement and monitor mandated agreements with CBEs (certified small, local and disadvantaged enterprises). In addition, the Task Force is asking for “a copy of the final and signed Community Benefits Agreement” (CBA) for this project. Amin Muslim, director of Councilmember Alexander’s constituent services, heatedly repeated during the April 30 Task Force meeting that “people in this room right now” were involved in the CBA process. The initial process took place several years ago, not long after Donatelli was awarded the project. Muslim did not provide, or offer to provide, copies of 30 H EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
a final, signed agreement. Community participants in those initial discussions – including ANC 7D Chair Willette Seaward – have reported that no final CBA has been provided. Donatelli has not responded to requests to share a copy.
Tax Abatement
Alexander reported that the 30year tax abatement, which she proposed last summer, has been abandoned. Instead, she says, Donatelli seeks a ten-year abatement. (The earlier proposal involved more than $54 million in one-time fees as well as property and sales tax; a similar ten-year exemption would cost the District roughly $20 million.) The Councilmember said she was not proposing new legislation and stressed that DMPED was“working to ensure this financing.” The DC Council’s Committee on Finance and Revenue has yet to receive information needed for a hearing on an abatement of any size.
IDEA plans to share new gymnasium, including a second-floor track, with neighbors of the school.
Spokesperson Jose Souse reports that DMPED’s position, expressed several times in recent months – i.e., DMPED is not pursuing an abatement – “has not changed, and we have informed [Alexander’s] office that her statement was inconsistent with DMPED’s on the matter.”
Affordability and New Communities
At the Task Force meeting on April 30, as well as in ssome neighborhood listserve discussion, questions were raised about the relationship of Park 7 to the New Communities Initiative. There are many questions
Minnesota Benning Phase 2, now called “Park 7,” on hold since 2008, scheduled to break ground by June... or maybe July or August. | MAY 2012
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about the meaning of “affordable.” In particular, there are concerns about replacement housing for residents of Lincoln Heights/ Richardson Dwellings: On the one hand, many worry that Park 7 will not bring the promised mixed income density needed to support the retail establishments residents want to see; on the other hand, community members fear that replacement housing will not materialize and lower income residents will be displaced from Ward 7. Councilmember Alexander told the April 30 meeting that “Park 7 can be transitional housing for NCI,” adding that such is the case“whenever there are city dollars in a project.” Patricia Malloy, chair of the Lincoln Heights/Richardson Dwellings NCI Council, said Park 7 has not been part of replacement housing discussions. DMPED reports that “Minnesota-Benning is not a part of our NCI.”
Health, Wellness and Education Center Opens
A new health and wellness center is coming to Deanwood this month. IDEA Public Charter School, 1027 45th St. NE, recently completed construction on a twostory, 30,000 square foot addition. In addition to classrooms, the new facility includes a gymnasium, track, and weight room which IDEA will make accessible to the community. Space for a community health clinic has a separate entrance from 45th Street. Potential clinic operators may use additional space for health and exercise classes. Other features include a Deanwood artifacts display case and an evolving display of tiles handmade by students, faculty and community members, “all who are invested in the school.” The area is in need of walkable health
services, particularly for elderly residents, says Timothy McKalip, director of development for IDEA. The school is in negotiations with clinic operators who offer preventative and drop-in services, including related health education. Providing a home for this needed service allows the school to “give back to the neighborhood.” Moreover, combining classrooms, gymnasium, arts spaces and health services “helps demonstrate wellness in the widest sense,” McKalip explains. “Mental, spiritual and physical health – it’s all connected.” The $8 million LEED Gold project was funded, in part, by grants from DC’s City Build initiative, the Special Facility program and the District Department of the Environment. A rain garden along 45th Street helps manage stormwater. The project also incorporates a geothermal heating system and can serve to educate the public about this relatively new technology. Some neighbors have grumbled about loss of green space and other aspects of the project, McKalip notes. Rev. Dr. Brian W. Jackson, of the adjacent Randall Memorial Church, says his congregation is a big supporter, however. “The school’s presence and what they’re doing enhances life for the whole community,” says Rev. Jackson. “The new addition is fabulous. Some members and I toured and were quite impressed.” Randall Memorial plans to arrange for use of the facilities, and the church’s marching band hopes to perform during opening festivities on May 18, he adds. The grand opening for IDEA’s new facility takes place on May 18, 1-8 p.m. To learn more about the Minnesota-Benning Task Force, contact Greg Rhett, jrhett3009@aol.com, 202550-4612 l
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NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
Outside Help for Turner PTA No Obvious Assistance for Larger Issues by Virginia Avniel Spatz
T
he DC PTA, the “state” level Congress of Parent Teacher Associations, is stepping in to oversee elections at Turner @Green Elementary School. DC PTA president Gwendolyn Griffin is helping to arrange the school’s first election of PTA officers in three years. In addition, Griffin explained, membership fees ($5/year) had not been collected for some time, and DC PTA is assisting in creation of an updated list of paid members. A meeting to review this process was held at the school, 1500 Mississippi Ave. SE, on May 1. Seating reflected long-standing divisions at the school and points to a general lack of resources to address challenges like those at Turner. On one side of the multi-purpose room sat Principal Robert Gregory, vice principal Coquette Petrella and Instructional Superintendent Barbara Adderley (who all remained silent except for one procedural question), other faculty and some parents. On the opposite side – beyond an entire column of empty seats – sat PTA president Cheryl Moore and several others vocal in criticism of school management. In addition to school security, at least two MPD officers were present throughout the meeting which drew fewer than 30 adults and involved no disturbance. Moore and Gregory have been embattled for several years over school management issues. She has been barred from the school and says the PTA was not allowed to meet on the premises. Some meetings over the years were held in Moore’s home. One parent said she’d been unaware that Turner had a PTA. A number of participants objected to the focus on electoral procedure, insisting that deeper problems in the school community be addressed. Griffin, who held the floor 32 H EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
| MAY 2012
for the entire evening, asked participants for a list of concerns, which were recorded for later response. She promised to bring individuals responsible for answering the various questions/concerns to a meeting at the school on May 15.
District agency has staff trained in assisting citizens with issues they believe are not well addressed by the DCPS chain of command or simply seeking a safe venue to voice their concerns.
Concerns at Turner and Beyond
For parent convenience, Griffin said, Turner will hold PTA and Local School Advisory Team elections simultaneously. The PTA and LSAT operate differently, with separate bylaws and guidelines, however, and different individuals have the right to vote in each election. The PTA, a non-profit membership organization, “is an inclusive organization that is open to all adults who care about children and schools.” Non-parent PTA members will not participate in electing a parent LSAT representative. On the other hand, non-PTA parents can vote for parent representatives to the LSAT, a “group of elected and appointed members that shall exist at each [DC public] school....to advise the principal on matters that promote high expectations and high achievement for all students.” Elections of parent representatives to the LSAT are“conducted by the local school parent organization.” In addition, the LSAT includes one “Parent Group Leader (of PTA, PTO, PTSA HSA or other such group)” chosen by that organization. Moore will be convening a nominating committee to put forward candidates for PTA officers. At press time, however, she did not yet have access to the new membership list. (Griffin reports that fees collected – a total of $65 – will be held in escrow by DC PTA until Turner’s new officers are in place.) The election date had not been announced but must be decided so as to provide three weeks advance notice. l
Some community concerns centered around the new building Turner is to occupy, beginning in August. Others included child safety, following several injuries in recent weeks; apparent loss of parent contact numbers and student medical records; treatment of special education students; attitudes of faculty toward parents and the barring of individuals from the school. In response to a parent question, Griffin also offered to serve as contact for anyone experiencing retaliation for speaking out about anything at the school. Beyond assistance with the election, however, DC PTA has no particular capacity for community conflict resolution. The National PTA provides resources and training to members of its 25,000 local units around the world and counsels congresses on local issues. National offers options and guidance to congresses dealing with organizational problems but cannot intervene directly or address non-PTA concerns. The short-lived office of the Ombudsman was intended as an independent, impartial avenue for responding to school issues; it closed in 2009. The Deputy Mayor for Education does not offer conflict resolution or investigative services. State Board of Education members are regularly approached with local school issues; the SBOE, as a policy board, is not set up to handle them. The Mayor and the DC Council have legal oversight of schools, but neither can directly intervene. No
Next Steps at Turner
ANC 7A Report by Mariessa Terrell, Esq.
A
dvisory Neighborhood Commission 7A (ANC7A) continues moving forward with its Reform Agenda. With $56,172.58 in available resources, not including two allotments totaling $8,819.08 and $16,900 set aside for community projects, the Commission is poised to positively impact its constituents. The ANC 7A public meeting chaired by Chairman Villareal “VJ” Johnson was held on May 1, 2012. Attendees included Commissioners Carson-Carr, Gilbert, Hamlett, Kent, Thompson, Washington. Other notable guests included Amin Muslim, Director of Constituent Services and DL Humphrey, Deputy Director of Constituent Services, both from Council Member Yvette Alexander’s office; along with Sandra Lee, from the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Engagement; Desiree Brown, Special Assistant - Community and Parent Relations, Division of Special Education of OSSE; ANC 7B Commissioner Phillip Hammond; and Tara May, President of the Dupont Common Home Owner’s Association.
HIGHLIGHTS
Desiree Brown on Special Education
Desiree Brown touted OSSE’s citywide training website to be launched by the end of 2012 for the purposes of providing quality review for the fragmented DC Special Education programs. Specifically, the site will enable residents to observe the status of 24 special education programs throughout the District (12 DC public schools, 12 charter schools).
2010 Contractor Settlement
ANC 7A is a co-defendant with the District of Columbia in a suit brought by Gregory Hemby, a former AN7A contractor. Hemby, who was hired in a Special Call meeting on December 29, 2010 by then Chairperson Shelia Carson Carr, was terminated unanimously in April 2011 because of lack of performance. Mr. Hemby
is representing himself in this matter and is asking for $9,000 plus related hardship costs based on a contract signed with Commissioners Sheila Carson Carr and Karen Settles. The original contract stipulated that Hemby would receive $750 per month plus $15 per hour. After a brief discussion, the Commission voted to authorize the District of Columbia Attorney General to negotiate a settlement on their behalf. Commissioners Carson Carr and Thompson abstained from the vote.
7A Initiatives
The Commission voted to initiate four community-wide programs and initiatives including. Commissioner Thompson 7A02 will spearhead the 7A Cleans beautification project targeting several Single Member Districts. This initiative is designed to encourage constituents to participate in the beautification of target areas through partnerships with Greater DC Cares, Department of Public Works, 7A etc. Treasurer Martha Kent and Villareal Johnson will co-chair 7A Reads, a reading program designed to encourage Kimball, Davis, Plummer and Sousa students from grades K-8 to read with their families. The program will be held three times a week for the summer months at the Dorothy Irene Height Public library on Benning Road. Volunteers are needed to read to students along with their parents. Commissioner Nicole Hamlett who also convenes a “Black Girls” Run group every Sunday morning at 9 a.m. at L’Enfant Square, (Penn and Minnesota Ave., SE) will coordinate the 7A Health and Fitness Bootcamp. The Bootcamp is designed to address the high rates of obesity and heart disease in Ward 7. The 15 sessions will be held at the DC Parks and Recreation Therapeutic Center (3030 G Street, NW ) and will feature aerobic classes, nutrition workshops and individual weight/body fat analysis. Participants are asked to “weigh in” on the first and last day of the program. The Partici-
pant who loses the most weight and/ or body fat will be eligible to win a $50 gift certificate from a local DC store. Secretary Latese Gilbert and Treasurer Martha Kent will co-chair the 7A Back to School Readiness initiative to donate book bags full of school supplies to a number of students within its boundaries. More information about the details of this project will be shared at the June 2012 Meeting.
Future Special Call Meetings
Two Special Call meetings will be held in June. The first special call meeting will be with the Washington Tennis and Learning Foundation and the DC Department of Parks and Recreation to discuss the disruption to the Benning Stoddert current and summer programs due to constructions The second meeting will be held in conjunction with the Office of Ward 7 Councilmember Yvette Alexander regarding Reservation 13. The meeting will give the residents of Ward 7 information about the future development plans for Reservation 13 as well as the 2002 approved Master Plan.
June Public Meeting Agenda
A representative from DDOT will attend the June meeting in response to a request for additional speed humps in ANC7A neighborhoods. Other attendees will include the DC Auditor who will discuss the fiscal health of ANC 7A and the Metropolitan Police Department. The MPD will be asked to address concerns about the number of fights among neighborhood youth congregating at Deanwood Recreational Center. Additionally, during the June meeting, constituents will have an opportunity to raise issues related to the increase in car thefts, car break ins and abandoned vehicles in 7A02 and 7A05 The next ANC7A meeting will be held on June 5, 2012 at the Dorothy Height Library located at 3935 Benning Road, NE, Washington, DC 20019. www. anc7a.com l CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM H 33
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
Making the Case for Mental Health Services Funding issues and lack of a productive business models create a bind for outpatients article & photo by Candace Y.A. Montague
M
ental health in DC difficult to attract direct service process. The more consumers you isn’t looking so staff such as psychiatrists and coun- are able to generate the more you healthy lately. In the selors. Also, there’s an issue with will eventually increase your revpast 18 months, eight reimbursement. A lot of providers enue. If the volume is being cut of the District’s outpatient mental haven’t been paid for services that down because the Managed Care health care providers have closed were given as far back as January. Organizations aren’t doing what and an additional five have had to Many service providers don’t have they need to do, then eventually lay off personnel. According to the DC Behavioral Health Association, approximately 25,000 people throughout the city are in managed care but aren’t getting the mental health services they need. Additionally, approximately 12 percent of schoolaged children in Ward 7 and 7.9 percent in Ward 8 exhibit behavioral health conditions needing treatment. Adults with schizophrenia living in Wards 7 & 8 access the ER at higher rates than their counterparts in other areas of the city. If you factor in adults with substance abuse problems and depression issues who also use the ER for service without health insurance, you will see there’s a real crisis in the Carroll Parks, board president of the DC Behavioral Health Association and CEO of Capital Community mental health arena. Services LLC. Carroll Parks, board president of the DC Behavioral Health Association and CEO of Capital Community Services LLC, a cash reserve [smaller companies they won’t be able to survive. located at United Medical Center, earn just enough to make payroll sat down for an interview to discuss every week] and they rely heavily So then do more people need to the needs and vanishing support for on those checks coming in every be identified for mental health mental health services in the Dis- week. It impacts their ability to pay services? the staff and other things. That’s trict. There are two different tracks: what I think has led to the closing Managed Care Organization track What are the factors that are of so many companies. and Fee for Service Mental Health
leading to the deterioration of mental health services in the Wards 7 & 8?
What would be a good business model for a mental health service provider?
The fees for mental health rehabilitation are low and are not enough to sustain the programs. This is especially true in Wards 7 and 8 where programs are very small. Having low rates makes it
Have an idea of what your total volume need is. Agencies need to evaluate their consumer base to determine if they can deliver appropriate services. It’s a volume driven
34 H EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
| MAY 2012
Rehabilitation track. There are a lot more MCO patients that are not getting care in Ward 7 & 8. If you run the data on Medicaid ‘eligibles’ you will find a higher number of people in Wards 7 & 8 qualify for mental health services. The issue isn’t that the people aren’t there; the issue is that the companies who
have managed care carved out are creating barriers for the people to get care. They are not doing enough outreach to make people aware of the fact that they have those benefits available. The other concern I have has to do with the paneling process. In order for a patient to be evaluated we have to gather a staff of doctors, psychiatrists, and LICSWs. The time it takes from the application process to getting to the panel is a long wait. If you can’t get paneled, then you can’t be seen.
What about mental health services for youth?
There needs to be a collaborative effort from several government and other agencies to intervene with the necessary treatment. Conflict resolution, dispute resolution, mentoring, and other things need to be offered to our young people to help them navigate some of the developmental milestones that come while growing up. Trauma is another factor. When you look at kids who come from very impoverished communities and homes with limited resources who also witness trauma around them, it’s clear that there is a need to help them manage that situation or else depression will set in. Unfortunately, trauma becomes normalized among the youth. No kid should see trauma as a normal experience. The DC Council Health Committee is still deliberating about the budget for FY 2013. They are concerned about a number of issues concerning mental health services in the District. Candace Y.A. Montague is a freelance writer in DC. l
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36 H EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
LUMEN
| MAY 2012
ANACOSTIA
EAST WASHINGTON LIFE Type 2 Diabetes and African-Americans
Tiffany Ingram, Program Director, and Mary Merritt, Executive Director, of the American Diabetes Association - National Capital Area, display publications that can help people with diabetes.
Fighting Diabetes East of the River
Too many East Of The River residents struggle with this chronic disease by Stephen Lilienthal
C
hiquita Spriggs, a 29 year old working mother, sits in the office of Dr. Boisey Barnes’ on Martin Luther King, Avenue SE, discussing how she has lost 15 pounds over the last six weeks thanks to Zumba workouts and healthier eating.
What triggered those changes?
Concerned about her weight, Ms. Spriggs visited Dr. Barnes. After conducting tests, Dr.Barnes learned Ms. Spriggs had diabetes. She had been bothered by a dry mouth and vision problems, but did realize that these were potential symptoms of diabetes. Now she knows better. (Increased thirst, frequent urination, and weight loss are other symptoms.) Controlling her diabetes is important now. “You just have to have the will to do it,” asserts Ms. Spriggs. Her aunt was diagnosed with diabetes but, after losing weight, now has it under control. She credits Dr. Barnes’ office manager, Dee Brown, with encouraging her to eat better and exercise regularly. 38 H EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
Diabetes East of the River
Statistics compiled by the DC Department of Health show Ward 8 leads the city in its rate of diabetes. Ward 7 has a high rate too. Sitting in his office, Dr. Barnes, a cardiologist, eats a salad while discussing diabetes EOTR. Obesity, says Dr. Barnes, is the real problem in most Type 2 diabetes. Both Type 1 (once called juvenile diabetes) and Type 2 are certainly influenced by genetics. Type 1 diabetes usually occurs in children or young adults due to an inability to produce insulin. Patients with Type 1 diabetes will require constant injections of insulin. Type 2 is certainly influenced by genetics but diet and lifestyle play important roles in determining susceptibility. Therefore the detrimental aspects of the disease can be minimized, sometimes reversed, with proper treatment and regular health care. Unfortunately, too many people EOTR are unaware they have diabetes or not managing it properly.
| MAY 2012
Type 2 Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body is unable to use glucose -- considered to be “basic fuel for cells” -- for energy because the body is either not making enough insulin, which is required to help transport the glucose to the cells, or not using the insulin it makes as well as it should. The glucose builds up in the blood instead of nourishing cells by supplying energy. As cells fail to obtain their fuel, things go wrong. Diabetes symptoms often include a dry mouth, listlessness, blurry vision, a numbness in the hands or feet. Poorly treated, diabetes can lead to blindness, kidney disease, nerve damage, heart disease and stroke and amputations due to poor circulation. Another form of diabetes, gestational diabetes, first diagnosed in pregnancy, usually goes away at delivery. A history of gestational diabetes increases a woman’s risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. People with Type 2 diabetes should regularly measure their blood glucose (blood sugar) levels. Another test, the A1C level, is relied upon by physicians to learn how well their patients with diabetes have been managing their blood glucose levels over a three month period. It’s like a report card grade in Dr. Barnes’ view. Statistics show African-Americans are more susceptible to Type 2 diabetes than non-Hispanic whites. Unfortunately, Type II diabetes is showing up more in children now due to their consumption of fast food diets, sugary soft drinks, and a lack of exercise. Dr. Barnes says simple lifestyle changes by residents and greater awareness on the part of policymakers of problems such as “supermarket deserts” could help to curb the high rate of diabetes EOTR.
Exercise, Diet And Access To Good Food
According to Dr. Barnes, a diet with less fat, salt, and sugar combined with exercise for 30 minutes a day, five days a week can be highly beneficial in delaying or preventing diabetes. Dr. Barnes maintains the relative dearth of supermarkets in Wards 7 and
8 as well as the many residents who lack transportation helps hinder the fight against diabetes in Wards 7 and 8. Actually, there are more supermarkets in the area than there were fourteen years ago when Ward 8 had none. Plus, a community market for fresh vegetables and fruit is held at the Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church in SE DC during the spring, summer, and fall. But the fact is that for too many people, it’s often easier to go to the corner store or a takeout restaurant, such as those that line Martin Luther King, Ave. SE, than to a supermarket selling fresh fruits and vegetables. As Dr. Barnes likes to tell his patients, “As Americans, we’re digging our grave with a knife and a fork” to try to warn them about the detrimental impact a poor diet can have on making one susceptible to diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
Educating EOTR Residents
Efforts are being made to better inform residents about diabetes and its proper treatment and care. On March 27, the American Diabetes Association - National Capital Area (ADA-NCA) had a booth set up at the Safeway in the Good Hope Marketplace shopping center. Tiffany Ingram, Director of Programs for the ADA-NCA is talking to four men. Mrs. Ingram asks each man to take the Diabetes Risk Assessment Test, which consists of seven simple questions to determine whether testtakers are prone to Type 2 diabetes. Questions include one’s age, blood pressure, how physically active you are, and whether a family member has suffered from diabetes. (The risk assessment test is available online at: (http:// www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/ prevention/diabetes-risk-test/) Mrs. Ingram tells one man he has an increased risk. Frequently, when Mrs. Ingram talks to people, she will stress creating healthy dishes, taking advantage of diabetes support groups, and getting annual check ups. “There are lots of misconceptions people still have about diabetes,” says Mrs. Ingram, such as “it’s just a poor man’s disease” and “people with diabetes can’t eat dessert.” Mrs. Ingram is ever-quick to hand out material about wise meal planning that stresses proper proportions
of food. The largest portion of a dinner plate should be devoted to non-starchy vegetables, followed by smaller portions of starches such as rice or potatoes, and meat, such as grilled chicken or fish. And the ADA publishes a number of resources, including cookbooks to help people who have diabetes eat healthy, tasty dishes. There’s even a soul food cookbook. There are also resources about proper foot care. When Ms. Ingram meets Ms. Spriggs in Dr. Barnes’ office, she lets her know that the United Medical Center’s Diabetes Center (UMCDC) on Southern Avenue, SE offers Diabetes SelfManagement classes. (The twopart classes are held every second and third Saturday of the month from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. There is a fee, but most major medical plans and Medicare and Medicaid will cover the expense.) “Diabetes education is important,” stresses Cherrel A. Christian, a Diabetes Nurse Educator at UMCDC, “because patients will deliver the majority of their own care.” In August, ADA-NCA will hold its “Victory Over Diabetes” program at the Deanwood Recreation Center offering EOTR residents health screenings, exercise and cooking demonstrations. Plus, the ADA has its “Live Empowered” ambassador program in which members of churches, hospitals, and community organizations are trained to educate and bring diabetes awareness to the community. Mary Merritt, Executive Director for the ADA-NCA emphasizes the ADA is striving to “stop diabetes and its deadly consequences.” The more residents take advantage of the resources, advice, even healthier food, available to them through the ADA-NCA, local hospitals and medical centers such as UMCDC, and the farmer’s market, the more likely that the high rate of diabetes EOTR can start to be reversed. Stephen Lilienthal is a freelance writer living in Washington, DC. l
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EAST WASHINGTON LIFE
Charles Wilson Lumen8 Volunteer. Photo by Andrew Lightman
The Pandora’s Box of Lumen8Anacostia by Charles Wilson
L
ast month, there was an awesome art-inspired festival event in Anacostia called Lumen8Anacostia. Artists from all over the city converged on downtown Anacostia turning a normally quiet Saturday afternoon into a premier arts extravaganza. Beyond the art, there was also great music and artistic entertain-
ment. The event brought people from all over the city. It was a great feeling to walk up and down MLK Ave and Good Hope Rd without a care in the world and truly enjoy the neighborhood. I actually think I burned a hole in my shoes as a result of so much walking. The event provided a refreshing atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. Volunteering all day at the
40 H EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
| MAY 2012
event also allowed me the opportunity to catch up with other Ward 8 residents to get their feedback. Typically, these conversations fell into two categories. It was either an immediate “I Love It” or an “I Love It,” with a sense of hesitation. The immediate “I Love It” translated into the joy of the positive atmosphere in downtown Anacostia that day and seeing the possibility of the neighborhood. The mood was set and it seemed everyone was smiling and genuinely enjoying the art, music and conversation with others. Suddenly those vacant and boarded-up store fronts came alive with the energy of the art galleries, live music, live radio, food trucks and pop-up restaurants. Then there were the conversations I had with those who had a bit of hesitation in their response. You see, for years we have had conversations about improving the quality of life in our Ward 8 community. And while that is what we really want, we wonder if that can be achieved while keeping the core essence of our community intact. To be blunt, does this change come only with the change of the race/ color of our neighbors as has been the case in other District communities where the face of improvement and change has not been that of the African American family and young professional. Is it possible to keep the core essence of the community intact and still experience that positive change? The idealist in me says absolutely. The other side causes me to also hesitate and wonder if this is indeed possible especially considering the severe unemployment rate coupled with the fact that Ward 8’s homeownership rate is only 30%, which means 70% of the population is susceptible to changing. Lumen8 opened a Pandora’s Box that some of the existing community is not ready to open. The only way to insure the preservation of the core essence of our neighborhoods is for the existing community to get involved in the process of not only in planning events like Lu-
men8, but also stressing the importance of homeownership to existing residents. When you are involved you can be deliberate in channeling the change. If you sit on the sidelines and just complain you instead will be susceptible to the change with modification. To further the point, during the event I heard some state that this could be the next H Street, meaning they were reflecting on the success the H Street Festival has had in revitalizing the area over the years. I think we are selling Anacostia and Ward 8 short of its true potential if we play copycat. The reality is that it will soon be difficult to distinguish H St, from U St, from 14th St and from Adams Morgan. We need to capitalize on what has not been successfully done and combine Art and Soul. Being deliberate about adding a jazz or neo-soul component with the Arts District Vision would be perfect. Hearing some Frankie Beverly, Earth Wind & Fire and Lauryn Hill will still attract visitors from all over the region to our great neighborhood. Lumen8 served its purpose by highlighting the greatness of Anacostia for all to see. For the reasons stated above, that can be both a good and bad thing, depending on who you ask. You got a sense from watching the visitors and reading follow-up articles that the spotlight has been turned on. There will be more Lumen8 type festivals East of the River in the future – that is a good thing. What we must do is participate more in the process. By participating, you are able to steer the conversation and play an integral role in the direction of change. Charles Wilson is a neighborhood activist in Historic Anacostia located in Ward 8. He is also the Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner in Single Member District 8A04. Be sure to check out his blog, The ART of WARd8 at http://artofward8.blogspot.com/. He can be reached at charleswilsonhu@gmail.com or on Twitter at CharlesWilsonDC. l
CityDance’s DREAM Program It’s Not Just About Dance
I
by Amanda Abrams
t was halftime at the Verizon Cenengage in it, and then they choreograph a ter and the crowd was dispirited. The dance and perform it at the end of the year. Washington Wizards had taken on This year’s show will occur at the Atlas the Cleveland Cavaliers, but the Wizards Performing Arts Center on May 25. were down by a few points and the night Those dances might look completely wasn’t looking so good. different from one another. A few years Suddenly, a bevy of kids in brightly ago, Quinn remembered, one group was colored t-shirts – more than 100 in all working with senior citizens and choreo– swarmed the court. Within seconds, graphed an abstract set of movements to they had arranged themselves in a the song “Wade in the Water.” Meanwhile, large spiral pattern and laid down quianother group that was focusing on recyetly until the sound of an alarm clock cling chose a much more literal theme that filled the space. Then it was five minincluded cleaning up a trash-strewn stage. utes of nonstop dancing to a bouncy That final project focuses on comhip hop beat. And then it was over, six munity service, but the process itself emweeks’ worth of rehearsals that had fipowers students. As a group, they choose nally come to fruition. – with little input from the teacher – their That sounds like the end of a story, subject and activities, and later make a but it’s not. For the kids, participants swath of decisions about the performance, On parents’ night at Turner at Green Elementary School, DREAM program students show their stuff. Photo credit: CityDance in an after-school program led by the including its movement, storyline, music North Bethesda-based CityDance, it and costumes. “Throughout the year, the was merely a midpoint. Sure, the March program leads up to a place where the kids classes and activities for students – “but we’re also 3 Wizards show was a huge adrenaline rush and a very, very sensitive to the needs of the community.” can do something like that,” said Quinn. “They can’t very big deal, but it was only one component of a Over time, the initiative has gradually evolved do it by day one, but we develop a very strong class project that has community engagement, not per- into a fairly standard progression. CityDance begins culture of belonging and membership and teamformance, at its heart. the year with a kickoff performance at each partici- work that’s 100 percent necessary for the outcome.” The project is CityDance’s DREAM initiative, pating school that showcases professional dancers – That sense of belonging was clear one afternoon an outreach program that provides dance lessons and men and women representing a range of ethnicities at Turner at Green Elementary, located on Missishistory to DC public school students in grades three and demonstrating a variety of styles – in action. “It’s sippi Avenue in Southeast. Six students were lying through five while simultaneously guiding them to the best way we know to get kids excited and inter- on the floor developing colorful posters featuring apply their potential for expression to community ested in dance,” said Quinn. “We try to show that themes of nonviolence and peace – anti-violence service projects. It’s the newest project of an organi- this isn’t just about leotards and tights.” was their chosen topic – breaking the silence to joke zation that’s best known for its ballet and contemAnd then it’s first-come, first-serve for those with one another or comment on their creations. porary dance classes for Montgomery County teens. students who want to sign up for the program, The environment was clearly a welcoming one. But CityDance, which is housed in the Strathmore which occurs twice a week after school for 32 weeks. Rayshon, a sprightly fifth grader who’s in her Music Center, takes pride in its efforts to reach a Quinn and her five teachers use the program as third year in the program, said she loves it. “I like range of children and adolescents throughout the a vehicle for lessons related to community engage- Miss Rachel” – that’s Rachel DiLeo, the teacher – “I region, including those in schools located east of the ment. So, early in the year, when teachers introduce like dancing, I like us all getting along.” Anacostia River. Her brother, Nikko, joined the program this a dance genre like hip hop to the students, they emEstablished seven years ago through a pilot phasize its roots in self-expression and empower- year, after seeing how much his sister enjoyed it. program at Ward 8’s Turner at Green Elementary ment, and encourage the students to talk about how While working on his poster, he was a little disSchool, the DREAM initiative quickly expanded. it relates to ideas of community-building. tracted. But the third grader shone when the group These days, it covers roughly 110 children in sevThe big performance – at a Wizards or George- rehearsed a movement sequence DiLeo had choen schools located throughout the city. East of the town University basketball game (or both, like this reographed to a Ray Charles song – particularly river, 25 kids from Turner at Green and CW Har- year) – comes near the middle of the program. That during the improvisation section, when he was alris elementary schools are involved in the program. means the two months prior to it are spent fever- lowed to be fully physical. Meanwhile, CityDance is developing a partnership ishly learning choreography created by local hip hop That’s kind of the point of the program, exwith KIPP’s Benning Road campus and has begun artist Aysha Upchurch. The students first learn it on plained Quinn: because it emphasizes a number of teaching classes there to middle schoolers who aged their own, then eventually come together with the different skills, children have a chance to excel in a out of the DREAM program. variety of ways, even if they’re not great dancers. six other schools and practice as a group. It’s an initiative whose motives and progress have “Some kids might not be the best movers in After the big performance, the kids begin a combeen deeply thought out. “We like to be strategic,” munity service project of the kids’ own choosing. It class, but then they take ownership in the class explained Kelli Quinn, CityDance’s director of ear- might focus on anti-bullying, self-esteem or work- structure and are natural leaders. You see all kinds of ly arts and community programs. “We come into a ing with senior citizens; each school picks a different things with the kids,” related Quinn. “That’s what’s community with basic goals” – like providing strong topic. First the students learn about the topic and beautiful with dance: there’s a place for everyone.” l CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM H 41
KIDS & FAMILY
Kids taking a splash at a DPR pool. Photo: DC Department of Parks and Recreation
DC Outdoor Public Pools Open Memorial Day Weekend All DC public outdoor pools will be open on Saturday, Sunday and Monday of Memorial Day weekend and weekends thereafter until school is out and then daily through the summer. Every outdoor pool is closed one day a week for cleaning and maintenance. All DC public pools are free for DC residents. 202-673-7647. dpr.dc.gov
Kids & Family Notebook by Kathleen Donner
Seaward Academy Summer Camp at Langston Golf Course
Seaward Academy is hosting Summer Camp at Langston Golf Course, 2700 Benning Rd. SE, from June 25-Aug 17. Camp is open to children in grades 1-8. Camp activities include: math and reading enrichment, humanities and STEM projects, gardening, golf lesson, museum trips, swimming and biking. All participants are re42 H EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
| MAY 2012
quired to pay $25 to hold space. Registration is $160 a week. Sibling rates are offered. Cost includes breakfast and afternoon snacks. Students are to bring their own lunch. 202-422-7300. seawardacademy.webs.com
Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative Men and Boys Program
The goals of the Boys and Men Program are:
to promote healthier human functioning among African American Men and Boys through socialemotional development; to increase the positive life functioning of African-American Men and Boys; to support the positive development of African American Men and Boys through the provision of social and therapeutic services, character education, and life management training; to equip those who work with this population, with effective intervention strategies and to establish
Looking for a school for your 7th to 12th grade student?
Health and Wellness Center Grand Opening: Friday, May 18, 5-8 pm
Come to IDEA Public Charter School’s open house and learn about our technology programs and our JROTC program! IDEA students get the opportunity to participate in paid internships, exciting field trips, earn professional computer certifications and work on hands-on projects. This year, IDEA students will get to cheer on the district champion football and the basketball team in our brand-new gym! This health and wellness facility is a sprawling addition that houses a health suite, a full-size basketball court, a jogging track, weight room and much, much more! Get a NEW IDEA!
Integrated Design & Electronics Academy 1027 45th St, NE | Washington, DC 20019
202.399.4750 | www.ideapcs.org CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM H 43
COLLEGE IS WITHIN YOUR REACH!
College Info Center Providing highschool students, parents and adult learners with integrated college and graduate education assistance
college applications, financial aid, advising and academic tutoring
Main Programs: Get Financially Fit for College – Helps families of
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44 H EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
| MAY 2012
Volunteer contractors hard at work. Photo: Courtesy of Fort Dupont Ice Arena
Fort Dupont Ice Rink Receives $200,000 Facelift on “Contractors Care about Kids On Ice Day” Nearly 16 years ago, a group of concerned parents gathered to form the Friends of FDIA (Fort Dupont Ice Arena) to save the only indoor ice skating rink in Washington, DC. The rink, located in Marshall Heights, serves at-risk kids through Kids On Ice. On April 28, over 100 volunteers and more than a dozen companies banded together to provide badly needed repairs to the aging facility, refurbishments to walls, roofing, insulation and more. Participating companies on Contractors Care Day include: Ashland Equipment, BFPE International, Capitol Drywall, Davis Construction, Freestate Electrical, GBA Associates, Gordon Contractors, Knoll, Shaw Contractor Group, Kramer Consulting, Precision Doors and Hardware, The Selective Companies, Smith Group Architects and Tricon. In addition to the $200,000 in materials and labor donated by these construction and contractor companies, the Federal government recently turned jurisdiction of the rink to the District of Columbia. The District plans for capital improvements and support for Kids On Ice to benefit youth throughout the city. Built as part of the 1976 Bicentennial Celebration, the Fort Dupont Ice Arena has been since named an America’s Promise “Safe Place” by General Colin L. Powell, where it serves 7,000 children annually. fdia.org
an information clearinghouse that disseminates information and provides crucial linkages to community services. Men and Boys Program services offered are parent skills training, life skills training, fatherhood training and supportive case management. Fathers who live in DC and fathers with children who live within a 20 mile radius of DC are eligible. 2041 Martin Luther King Jr Avenue, SE, Suite 304. 202-889-1425. fsfsc.org
The Sanchez siblings, grades 2, 7 and 8, attend Perry Street Prep together
Free Kids T-Shirts at Nats vs. Orioles
On May 20, 1:35 p.m., the first 10,000 fans 12 and under get free t-shirts presented by ExxonMobil. washington.nationals.mlb.com
Grandma’s Cautionary Tales
Grandma Sally Kathryn Mims tells an entertaining mix of ghost, folk, and cautionary tales found in African, African American, and Caribbean literature. Grandma Mims tells ghost stories just for scary fun and the folk and cautionary tales that helped her learn how to think before acting and to listen to parents. The stories promise to engage you in an entertaining and interactive manner. The program ends by reinforcing the adage that children can use positive thinking and action to overcome a bad situation. May 12, 2:00-3:00 p.m., Anacostia Neighborhood Library, 1800 Good Hope Rd. SE. anacostia.si.edu
Ward 8’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School Participates in Healing Walls Project
Specialty Hospital of Washington-Hadley and Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School 4th and 5th grade art students are participating in the Healing Walls Project. This project is
(Serves Preschool – Grade 12)
We have openings for Middle School students! Perry Street Prep 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Students have the opportunity to: • Acquire a COLLEGE PREP education • Make friends from DIVERSE cultures and backgrounds • Participate in SPORTS and CLUBS • Enjoy HIGH TECH classrooms • Learn from CARING teachers • Take SPECIAL CLASSES like technology, art and music • Be part of a FAMILY community
BEST OF ALL – Your child doesn’t have to switch schools or leave their friends when they enter 9th grade. They simply move upstairs to our Perry Street Prep High School.
Perry Street Prep is free to residents of D.C. Apply online today at http://www.pspdc.org/newstudent_application
1800 Perry Street NE, Washington, DC 20018. Call Admissions at 202.551.0804. CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM H 45
designed to provide the SHW patients and residents with uplifting artwork that will inspire and assist them in their healing process. Healing is not so much something that happens; it is about more than that. It’s the recognition of wholeness, within our selves, others and the environment. It is an understanding that health is connected with the physical, emotional, social and spiritual. The use of the Healing Walls Project is a holistic approach to healing.
BGCGW FBR Branch
All Stars Summer Camp
The Boys & Girls Club FBR Branch “All Stars Summer Camp” consists of 8 weeks of programs starting June 25-Aug. 17, 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Camp includes fun daily programs/ activities, weekly field trips, swimming, and special events. A healthy breakfast, lunch and snack are provided. Youth ages 5-12 are eligible for the program. Space is limited and registration is granted on a first-come, first-served basis. $800 per child for 8 weeks, if paid in full by June 10. Cost rises to $150 per week after June 10. For more information and to begin registration, call 202-610-9710. thearcdc.org
Southeast White House Needs Cameras
The Southeast DC Partners at the Southeast White House is planning their summer camp. Their goal is to expose the children to a variety of art forms. One of these is photography. To do this, they need 15-20 functioning digital cameras, preferably with view finders. If you would like to donate a camera or have any questions, contact Tina Henderson at 202-997-4099 or sedcpartners@gmail.com. The Southeast White House is on Pennsylvania Ave., one mile east of the Anacostia River. Demographically, the median income is $17,000 per year. 22% of the population live in public housing and 35% qualify for public assistance. 77% of the children live in single-parent families. The Southeast White House is a “house on a hill for all people.” Southeast White House, 2909 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. 202-575-2909. sewhitehouse.org
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46 H EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
| MAY 2012
DC Scholarship Search Event
They will go over how to avoid scams, how to create a successful scholarship portfolio, how to navigate DC grants and DC scholarships and how to do an online search. May 14, 6:00-7:30 p.m. MLK Library, room 324, 901 G St. NW. Light dinner served. RSVP at 202-442-8398.
I.D.E.A.L Clinic at THEARC
Children’s Health Project of DC offers the I.D.E.A.L Clinic (Improving Diet, Energy and Activity for Life) for children and adolescents that meet certain weight criteria. The clinic offers a comprehensive medical and social history assessment, evaluation of any weight related complications, weight management counseling and monitoring, and specialist referrals. There is also a Wellness Program at THEARC which includes individual education and nutritional sessions, fitness classes, and activity counseling (art therapy and journaling). The program is offered the first and third Thursday mornings (for new visits), and every Thursday afternoon (for follow-up visits). For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 202-436-3065 or email cclyles@childrensna-
tional.org.
Family Programs at National Museum of African Art
African sand art painting is an old and popular art form in many parts of Africa, particularly the Congo and Zimbabwe. It is strikingly beautiful and has a natural charm. On Saturday, May 26, 1:00-4:00 p.m., come create a “painting” with sand. For ages 12, up. Free; RSVP at 202-633-4646. Space is limited. On Friday, June 8, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., discover the beads of Africa. Since ancient times beads-made from shells, stone, metal, and glass-have been prized symbols of wealth, royalty, beauty, remembrance, and status in Africa. Join them at their Bead Station and create a beaded bracelet for yourself or a friend! Free, walk-in event. National Museum of African Art, 950 Independence Ave. SW. africa.si.edu
Jazz ‘N Families Fun Days at The Phillips Collection
This highly popular free, weekend-long event celebrates the synergy between jazz and the visual arts. Presented in partnership with The Phillips Collection, Jazz ‘n Families Fun Days features dynamic entertaining and interactive programs where visitors can create and enjoy performances and activities, like an instrument petting zoo, storytelling, family jazz band portraits, and face-painting. In the galleries, art inspires musical interpretation as musicians interpret art through improvised sound. Children have opportunities to create their own art surrounded by masterpieces by Renoir, Pablo Picasso, Georgia O’Keefe, and many others. Featured jazz artists in the past include the Berklee World Jazz Nonet; Michael Bowie Trio; Charles Rahmat Woods Quartet, Reginald Cyntje, and the DC Jazz Collaborative. June 2, 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. and June 3, noon-5:00 p.m. Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St. NW. 202-387-2151. phillipscollection.org
New School Enrollment
ABOUT US: •
Founded in the fall of 1999
•
Accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
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3 year old Pre-K– Grade 5
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Independently run with a strong Board of Trustees
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Recognized by US Department of Education as Outstanding Charter School
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Challenging Curriculum
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Exciting Creative Arts and Technology Program
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Positive school culture
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Open to all DC Residents
5300 Blaine Street, NE Washington, DC 20019 202-398-6811
Please visit us at www.artstechacademy.org
Citywide Middle School Chess Tournament
A Citywide Middle School Chess Tournament, sponsored by Chess Challenge in DC in Partnership with DCPS, is on Saturday, June 2, 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at Woodrow Wilson High School, 3950 Chesapeake St. NW. Unrated and open to all DC middle school students, it is a four round tournament with blitz play-off. There are trophies for top three finishers and prizes for all. Early registration through May 18 is $10-includes tshirt, lunch and prizes. Register at chesschallengeindc. org. 202-363-2008
Healthy Kids Fun Run Registration Open
Children ages 5-12 experience the thrill of reaching the finish line in the one-mile, just-for-fun Healthy Kids Fun Run, held the day prior to the Marine Corps Marathon. The event includes a family fitness festival, mascots, healthy snacks, giveaways and music. $6, plus processing. Registration will close when race field has reached capacity. Saturday, Oct 27, start times vary. Pentagon North Parking Lot, Arlington, VA. marinemarathon.com l
CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM H
47
KIDS & FAMILY
The KIPP Difference by Ellen Boomer
A
s an educator who spent more than a decade as a classroom teacher, I can confidently state that KIPP schools are unlike any other school I have observed. First graders proudly cheer for their classmates who volunteer to work at the board. Fifth graders line up quietly in the hallways as they transition from class to class. Ninth graders must consider the reasons why they should organize their research material a particular way. While some aspects of KIPP (an acronym for Knowledge Is Power Program) classrooms are traditional – building blocks in the kindergarten rooms, textbooks and rows of desks in the middle and high school classrooms – what makes KIPP charter schools unique is the unexpected: Students willingly wear uniforms; teachers spend ten hours a day in the
The KIPP Method
The typical day at KIPP starts at 8 a.m. and does not end until 5p.m., which matches most parents’ work schedules. With monthly Saturday classes and a mandatory, three-week summer session, students end up spending 40 percent more time in the classroom than their peers who attend traditional public and private schools. The nine-hour day “allows teachers to make a profound impact on their students’ Discussing a book with Kristy Ochs, AIM principal lives,” according to eighthgrade history teacher Noah Dougherty. classroom; and administrators Colorful signs remind students of have the autonomy to design the various tenets of the school’s mistheir school’s curriculum. sion, known as the “Five Pillars”: High Expectations, Choice and CommitKIPP’s History ment, More Time, Power to Lead, and KIPP charter schools start- Focus on Results. All members of the ed in 1994 when Mike Fein- KIPP community, including teachers, berg and Dave Levin completed students, parents, and administrators, their tenure with Teach for are expected to abide by these pillars, America (TFA). Feinberg and and the teachers reinforce the school’s Levin took what they learned in mission by weaving in life-lessons with TFA and worked within a lo- academic ones. cal school district in Houston, Academic success and ambition Texas to provide an alterna- are an integral part of the KIPP mistive educational model, starting sion. Middle and high school classwith one fifth-grade class. The rooms are named after the college KIPP method proved so effec- or university the homeroom teacher
Working one-on-one
Students lined up between classes, reading
48 H EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
tive that it spread from Houston to other cities around the country, and in 2001, Susan Schaeffler opened the first KIPP DC school. There are now nine KIPP schools in DC, each with a different name (i.e. Promise Academy, LEAP Academy), and spanning three different campuses, two in Southeast DC and one in Northwest. A tenth school – the third DC KIPP elementary school – will open this summer. As an open-enrollment charter school, KIPP receives 90 percent of its funding from local and federal governments while the schools’ remaining operating costs are covered by foundation grants and private donors. Because of the growing success of their program and free tuition, KIPP schools often have a waiting list for admission.
| MAY 2012
attended. Pennants from college and universities that past “KIPPsters” have attended decorate schools’ walls.
The Difference
The distinctive KIPP method has made such an indelible impact on eleventh-grader Jennifer Jones that, after she earns an undergraduate degree in Math Education, she wants to spend time teaching at a KIPP DC school before earning a Masters degree. “I’m grateful to KIPP for teaching me how to work through conflicts and to stay focused on what happens in the classroom, regardless of distractions.” As a mentor for younger students, Jennifer leads by example, saying, “KIPP helped me notice the leader in me.” The two main factors that distinguish the KIPP program are the “level of intention and the commitment to the teachers’ professional growth,” according to Jessica Cunningham, KIPP DC Chief Academic Officer. Not only does KIPP encourage their teachers to be life-long learners, but it also offers teachers opportunities to grow within the program. The majority of KIPP principals and vice principals were once KIPP teachers, so they have a deep understanding of and commitment to the program. Ms. Cunningham praised the depth of knowledge of KIPP teachers, noting “a fifth-grade math teacher needs to be just as knowledgeable about teaching calculus as she is about teaching fractions to provide her students with the foundation they need.”
An Extended Family
Regina Pradier, whose grandsons attended KEY Academy, said “KIPP taught my grandsons to ask for help and made them realize they are responsible for their own success.” One grandson, who is a sixth grader, “starts his homework the minute he gets home,” while her grandson who is a sophomore seeks out his teachers for extra help. Parents must sign their child’s homework every night, and teachers must be available via cell phone for questions and discussion until 10 p.m. According to Ms. Pradier, this uniquely collaborative network among teachers, students, and parents is integral to KIPP’s success. Another noteworthy factor of KIPP’s collaborative environment is the exposure children have to hands-on experiences that challenge them in different ways. Karen Meyers, whose daughter Nina is a graduate of KEY Academy and currently attends Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire, said KIPP “exhausts children with extra-curricular activities” and the school “exposes kids to new experiences such as
bungee jumping and white-water rafting.”
Focused on Results
This type of exposure and support does not end when students graduate from a KIPP program. KIPP supports its students “through and not to,” according to Nick Watson, College Support Advisor and University Partnership Manager; in other words, KIPP has systems in place to help students navigate their educational life beyond KIPP. Watson and his cohorts have relationships with colleges and universities where KIPP students have thrived, and he creates opportunities for middle and high school students to talk with KIPP graduates about the demands of college life. The next goal for KIPP is to have 75 percent of their students graduate from a college or university. While this may seem like a lofty goal, KIPP students have been able to achieve impressive, measurable results in a short time. For example, 85 percent of kindergarteners at LEAP Academy were reading at or above grade level after just one year at KIPP. On the DC CAS, which is a series of standardized tests, 92 percent of KIPP tenth graders demonstrated proficiency in math and 78 percent demonstrated proficiency in reading.
Evidence of KIPP’s Long-term Impact
Although KIPP tracks quantifiable results, the most impressive results are the students themselves. Graduates leave KIPP with the drive to succeed and the confidence to believe they can accomplish any goal they set for themselves. Pegi Ylli, currently a sophomore at The George Washington University and a graduate of KEY Academy middle school, noted that KIPP “levels the playing field” for economically disadvantaged students. After KEY, Pegi attended The Potomac School where she “faced new challenges” but felt KIPP prepared her to “speak her mind and participate.” During her years at KEY, Pegi said she learned, “there is no finish line.” For eight-grader Jada Brooks, being a KIPP student means, “someone will always have my back,” and “no one will bring my shine down,” – meaning no one can stop her from accomplishing her goals. For more information on KIPP DC schools, please visit their website: http://www.kippdc.org/. Ellen Boomer is an Eastern Market resident, former teacher, current tutor, and freelance writer. She enjoys traveling, cooking, and playing a competitive game of bocce in Yards Park with her friends. She can be reached at emboomer@gmail.com. l CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM H 49
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.
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| MAY 2012
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CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM H 53
THE NOSE
Me and My Shadow
I
by Anonymous
f you really need a friend in Washington, get a dog. There is something to be said for this old piece of wisdom. After all, what would Fido say to the FBI agent knocking on his door? Agent: “Did you ever contribute to Vincent Gray’s campaign?” Dog: “Woof!” Agent: “Did you ever purchase a money order at the behest of Jeffrey Thompson?” Dog: “Woof! Woof!” Agent: “Are you now, or have you ever been, a member of the Communist Party?” Dog: “Woof! Woof! Woof!” (Head nodding vigorously.)
Having plumbed the depth of his most confidential source in the city’s administration, The Nose was confident of getting a leg up on his competitors at Channel 411, WAM-PU and WBTM. In the early hours of the morning, in the parking garage of the Reeves Center, The Nose met with Vince’s Shadow.
Departing this frustrating interview, driving down through the historic center of DC Jazz, The Nose whistled this tune: Like the slogan on a bumper Like the yard sign on a lawn Like you’ll never get rid of your shadow Vince, you’ll never get rid of me Let all the others investigate and fuss Whatever happens, we’ve got us. Me and my shadow We’re closer than money orders and Mr. Thompson We’re closer than Mr. Sulaimon and Mr. Brooks Strolling down the Pennsylvania Avenue Wherever you find him, you’ll find me, just look Closer than a blogger and his keyboard Me and my shadow We’re closer than cigar smoke in the Players’ Lounge We’re closer than Barrack is to Michelle No prosecutor can bust this team in two We stick together like glue And when it’s campaigning time That’s when we walk Doorbells start to ring Cabs and buses pickup seniors Robotic fingers work the phones What a surprise Then Cha-Ching Cha-Ching! Victory! Me and my shadow And now to repeat what I said at the start They’ll need a grand jury to break us apart We’re alone but far from new Before we get finished, we’ll make the town roar We’ll talk it up on Kojo, and then a few more We’ll wind up at the Wilson Building with all of our friends, A hiring party that will never end For my shadow and me!
The Nose: “I hear that you were a busy beaver during Vince’s last campaign.”
After all, what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows. l
Loyalty, it seems, has gone to the dogs. Ruminating late one night over this issue, his brain cells greased by his favorite poison, The Nose had a revelation. The only really trustworthy thing in life is one’s shadow! Think about it. No matter which way one turns, one is followed by this gray doppelganger. Perhaps this is why the District’s politicians have over the years turned to these confidants to run dark operations in support of their campaigns. With all the press reports of money orders and other shenanigans, it was time to go to the source, The Nose mused. Picking up his cell phone, he dialed Vincent Gray’s closest advisor, Samurai “The Cat.” The Nose: “Samurai, I need a favor.” Samurai: “Meow!” The Nose: “Can you give me the cell for Vince’s Shadow?” Samurai: “Meow, Meow!” The Nose: “Come on Samurai! When I have ever asked for anything?” Samurai: “202-SHA-DOOW.”
54 H EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
Vince’s Shadow: “No comment.” The Nose: “Didn’t you realize that the press would notice consecutively numbered money orders? All of us graduated from elementary school.” Vince’s Shadow: “I will neither confirm nor deny knowledge of such contributions.”
| MAY 2012
Join the CaPitol hill Fourth oF July Parade!
J
oin neighbors, family, friends, princesses, pets, PTA’s, The Commandant’s Own Drum and Bugle Corps and the contestants for the Ms. United States Pageant! It’s the 2012 4th of July Parade on Capitol Hill! Walk, run, roll or dance down Barracks Row in your best Independence Day design. Bang pots, blow a kazoo, decorate a bike, car, float, wagon or yourself with streamers, balloons, paint or flags. The more creative the better! The Miss United States Pageant Contestants will sign autographs at the Metro Plaza for attendees afterwards. It’s the eleventh year for our community event. You can’t miss it!
Wednesday July 4th, 2012 @10 aM starting at 10 aM at 8th and i and ending at the eastern Market Metro Plaza For more information and to register...please register by July 1st, even if you just want a space in the line-up! www.tiberdc.com/4thofjuly http://4thofjulyparadeoncapitolhill.eventbrite.com/
Sponsored in part by Tiber Creek Associates of Capitol Hill, Inc., Naval Lodge No. 4, Barracks Row, The Miss United States Pageant, The Commandant’s Own Drum and Bugle Corps, Robert Bergman and The Hill Rag,