Issuu

OCTOBER 2020

E AST OF THE R IVER M AGAZINE O CTOBER 2020 NEXT ISSUE: NOVEMBER 7

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS 10

Multiple Candidates Vie for Two Council Seats by Sarah Payne

Election Changes During COVID-19 by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Candidates for Ward 7 and Ward 8 Council Seats by Elizabeth O’Gorek

IN EVERY ISSUE 04 44 46 47

What’s on Washington Changing Hands The Crossword The Classifieds

Meet Your Neighbor: Philip Pannell – Activist, Mentor, Friend by Eva Herscowitz

Nehemiah Dixon: A Network of Opportunity by Phil Hutinet

Candidates Vie for School Board Seats by Sarah Payne

Local Consulting Firm Helps Provide PPE by Eva Herscowitz

Our River: The Anacostia Keeping Score with the Riverkeeper by Bill Matuszeski

KIDS & FAMILY

Bulletin Board by Kathleen Donner

Notebook by Kathleen Donner

EAST WASHINGTON LIFE 36

Social Distancing Strategy Gets Mixed Reviews by Gavrielle Jacobovitz

Capital Community News, Inc. Publisher of: Capital Community News, Inc. PO Box 15477, Washington, DC 20003 202.543.8300 www.capitalcommunitynews.com www.hillrag.com

ON THE COVER:

Promoting voting in the 2020 fall election are Andy Navarrete, Capital One’s executive vice president of external affairs; Washington Wizards player Bradley Beal; Michael Bennett, chair of the DC Board of Elections; and Monica Dixon, president, external affairs, and chief administrative officer at Monumental Sports. Photo: A. Mark Lee / Plwatcher Media

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EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Melissa Ashabranner • melissa.ashabranner@gmail.com MANAGING EDITOR: Andrew Lightman • andrew@hillrag.com PUBLISHER: Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com Copyright © 2020 by Capital Community News. All Rights Reserved.

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

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FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL AT MOUNT VERNON On Oct. 24 and 25 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., celebrate the crisp autumn season with 18th-Century activities and demonstrations at the Pioneer Farm at Mount Vernon. Social Distancing and masks are required. The Fall Harvest Festival is included with admission to Mount Vernon: $20 for adults; $12 for ages Over 6 to 11; 5 and under, free. mountvernon.org.

WHAT’S ON

Photo: Courtesy of Mount Vernon

W A S H I N G T O N

RUNDISCOVER DC Through October 26, Rundiscover DC will provide you with four new and unique courses to run in different parts of the city. These courses will take you across various landscapes and expand your view of DC. They’ll take you from Glover Archbold Trail to Kingman Island and in between to discover things you may not have ever noticed. The course distances are: Glover Archbold Trail, 5.3 miles; Mural Tour, 4.4 miles; National Arboretum, 5 miles; and Kingman Island, about 7 miles. $38 for all four courses. Registration includes a commemorative poster, a $10 gift card to Pacers Running and a $10 donation to be split between World Central Kitchen and Friends of the National Arboretum. gorundiscover.com/washington-dc

DARK STAR ORCHESTRA AT THE DRIVE-IN Dark Star Orchestra celebrates the Grateful Dead concert experience, live, on Oct. 30 and Oct. 31, at 7 p.m., gates open at 5:30 p.m., at the Showtime at the DriveIn, at the Frederick Fairgrounds in Frederick, MD. Tickets are $50 to $250 at showtimeatthedrivein.com. The fairgrounds are located at 797 East Patrick St. in Frederick. Serious COVID-19 precautions will be in place. Photo: Scott Goldberg

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SOUL STROLLS AT CONGRESSIONAL CEMETERY On Oct. 16, 17, 23 and 24, trespass into the past and discover the secrets of Congressional Cemetery’s “residents.” Soul Strolls, the Cemetery’s annual twilight tours, explore the stories of individuals buried there through guided tours and costumed interpreters. The hour-long tours depart every 15 minutes between 7 and 10 p.m. on Fridays and 6 and 10 p.m. on Saturdays. Adult tickets are $25; children 12 and under, $12; beer, wine and cider for purchase. Historic Congressional Cemetery is at 1801 E St. SE. congressionalcemetery.org. Photo: Courtesy of Historic Congressional Cemetery

SIGN UP FOR YOUR FREE SMALL BUSINESS WORKSHOP TODAY For existing and aspiring District businesses - the Small Business Resource Center is here for you!

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

SPEAK ONE-ON-ONE WITH A LAWYER FOR FREE!

Tuesday, October 6, 2020 10:00 am Register: dcrasbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/51452

Wednesday, October 7, 2020 12:00 pm Register: dcrasbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/51242

WEBINAR: NAVIGATING GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING WITH DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROCUREMENT AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER (DCPTAC)

WEBINAR: FOUNDATIONS FOR A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS: MODULE 2, THE BUSINESS MODEL CANVAS

Thursday, October 8, 2020 10:00 am Register: dcrasbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/48947

Tuesday, October 14, 2020 2:00 pm Register: dcrasbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/50718

WEBINAR: ALL THINGS NON-PROFIT

WEBINAR: FIND THE RIGHT FRANCHISE FOR YOU: A BUSINESS MODEL FOR SUCCESS

Thursday, October 15, 2020 10:00 am Register: dcrasbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/51607

Monday, October 19, 2020 10:00 am Register: dcrasbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/51595

MARSHALL HEIGHTS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION (MHCDO) PARTNERSHIP: STEPS TO OBTAINING A BUSINESS LICENSE

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

Wednesday, October 21, 2020 2:00 pm Register: dcrasbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/50969

Monday - Friday By appointment between 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Register: dcrasbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events

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

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WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

PLANET WORD OPENS Darley Newman

TRAVELS WITH DARLEY The COVID pandemic has changed the face of the travel industry and altered the criteria that guides travelers in planning their trips. On Oct. 20 at 6:45 p.m., Emmy-nominated television host Darley Newman shares insider’s tips and recommendations on where to travel in 2021. Discover the places that combine culture, cuisine, history and a healthy dose of wellness and nature. Mixing familiar places that offer new experiences with often-overlooked locations, Newman shares the best of the best, along with how to get there. From Asia to Europe, the USA to Africa, discover a diverse cross-section of travel opportunities, as well as how to enhance safety practices away from home. This program is part of the Smithsonian Associates Streaming series. $15. Online registration required at smithsonianassociates.org.

Planet Word at 13th and K Streets NW opens on Oct. 22. It is the world’s first museum dedicated to bringing language to life. Prepare to be inspired, surprised and amazed by what you find. Talk to a 22-foot-high word wall to learn how words become part of a language. Probe the mysteries of their magical library and discover secrets hidden in the stacks. Paint with words and watch their meanings come to glowing life before your eyes. The museum will open on a limited basis, requiring visitors to register in advance for free, timed-entry passes. planetwordmuseum.org.

WABA’S THE CIDER RIDE

Photo: Courtesy of the Washington Area Bicyclist Association

As one of the Washington Area Bicyclist Association’s (WABA) ‘Signature Rides,’ the “Cider Ride” helps further WABA’s mission and impact. The ride on Nov. 7 at 8 a.m. travels from Brookland into Prince George County and back. Three route choices allow 10, 30 or 55 mile rides. Enjoy fall-themed treats at pit stops along the way. Then join fellow riders in Brookland for a post-ride celebration. Registration is $55 to $95. NOTE: Due to COVID-19, there may be a shift in the date for the ride and/or they may split it into multiple days. Check at waba.org.

Photo: Khalid Naji-Allah

MARTIN LUTHER KING MEMORIAL LIBRARY REOPENS After extensive renovations, the Martin Luther King Memorial Library at 901 G St. NW reopened on Sept. 24. The library now features a spectacular new, vibrant and transparent entryway; sculptured monumental staircase; a large auditorium and conference center; creative spaces for fabrication, music production and art creation. Other improvements include a ground level café with patio; double-height reading room; newly designed special collections space and a rooftop terrace. dclibrary.org/mlk.

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Do you need mortgage assistance due to the effects of COVID-19? DC MAP (Mortgage Assistance Program) COVID-19 is here to help District homeowners stay in their homes during this pandemic. As businesses in the Washington, D.C. region have had to close or reduce staff, the District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA) recognizes the need to provide assistance to those impacted by the pandemic. DC MAP COVID-19 provides zero- interest monthly assistance loans up to $5,000 for up to six months for qualified homeowners.

Borrower Qualifications: • Must be borrower’s primary residence and must be located in the District of Columbia • Must have been current as of the March 1st payment (prior to being affected by COVID-19) • Must be able to document income affected due to COVID-19 • Borrower must be the borrower on the home loan, not just a member of the household • Must show proof that the borrower is not eligible for forbearance or other types of relief offered through the servicer and/or Hardest Hit Funds • If borrower is still affected after the CARES Act ends, then relief may be offered at that time (See additional terms)

For a full list of borrower qualifications and loan terms, visit

www.dchfa.org/homeownership

DC MAP COVID-19 financial assistance will be granted on a first come, first served basis until the program allocation has been exhausted. Homeowners seeking assistance through DC MAP COVID-19 should call 1-833-429-0537 to begin the process of applying. Questions regarding DC MAP COVID-19 may also be emailed to DCMAP@dchfa.org.

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WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

ART BY MAIL FROM DEL RAY Through Nov. 1, this online exhibit features the artwork of Del Ray Artisans: one-of-akind, small format original paintings in watercolor, oil and acrylic; mixed media art and artful cards; plus, small 3D works. Enjoy browsing the collection. Artwork will be mailed directly from the artist within 10 days of purchase. Del Ray Artisans is a nonprofit arts organization in Alexandria, VA. DelRayArtisans.org/artbymail. Corona Cups by Stephen Lally ($5/ cup donated to INOVA’s Emergency Preparedness Fund), earthenware, 3x3x3”

MURALS THAT MATTER The National Building Museum in partnership with the P.A.I.N.T.S. Institute and the DowntownDC Business Improvement District presents “Murals That Matter: Activism Through Public Art” on the Museum’s West Lawn, Fifth Street between F and G Streets NW. The exhibition features DC street art created earlier this summer in response to social justice protests here and elsewhere. The murals speak to the impact that art can have on the built environment as well as the nation’s urgent need for dialogue and reflection. nbm.org.

ON ART AND PEANUT BUTTER On Oct. 14, 7 to 8 p.m. with Zoom broadcast at 6:50 p.m., California-based artist Shana Moulton joins Hirshhorn Associate Curator of Media and Performance Art Marina Isgro to discuss her ongoing video and performance series Whispering Pines.” Moulton’s performance and video work is built around her alter ago, a fictional character named Cynthia who spends most of her time alone at home. Begun in 2002, the Whispering Pines series was loosely inspired by the artist’s childhood growing up in a senior citizen mobile home park of the same name. Each episode features Cynthia wrestling with anxieties concerning her health, appearance and purpose in life, as she desperately searches for meaning and healing through consumer goods and television. This virtual event is part of “Talking to Our Time,” the Hirshhorn’s online series of free artist talks featuring a diverse group of artists and collectives. View all events at hirshhorn.si.edu/explore/talking-to-our-time. Photo: Video still. Shauna Moulton, The Pink Tower, 2019. Courtesy of artist and Galerie Gregor Staiger and Galerie Crevecoeur

DIAL 1 FOR HUMAN RESOURCES This fall, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company and Telephonic Literary Union repurpose the customer service hotline for stranger, more tender use in HUMAN RESOURCES, an intimate audio anthology for remote times. Telephone lines are open through Oct. 25. HUMAN RESOURCES is the debut production of Woolly Mammoth’s new digital season, Woolly on Demand. In cahoots with a rotating band of co-conspirators, Telephonic Literary Union makes stories for very small audiences using phones, thoughtfully curated environments and the theater of the mind. Tickets to HUMAN RESOURCES are $7 and are available at woollymammoth.net, 202393-3939 or tickets@woolltmammoth.net. Each ticket comes with an access code that is good for four days. 08

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neighborhood news

ELECTI N COVERAGE by Sarah Payne

Multiple Candidates Vie for Two Council Seats

ntersections, front yards and lamp posts around the District are adorned with different colorful signs this fall as 24 candidates seek election to two seats on the DC Council. Under its Home Rule Charter, one of those seats is reserved for non-Democratic Party candidates. Democratic incumbent At-Large Councilmember Robert White (D) is standing for reelection having won the Democratic Party Primary last June. Current incumbent At Large Council Member David Grosso (I) has decided not to run for reelection. District residents will have the opportunity to select two candidates on their Nov. 3 general election ballot and at least one of their choices must be a non-democrat.

Meet the Candidates Claudia Barragan (I) is running on a focused platform of equity, diversity and action. Barragan boasts more than 20 years of experience in public service including service as an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner, a former policy staffer for Ward 8 Councilmember Trayvon White (D). Barragan brings an urban planning skillset to the race with experience in land use, zoning and environ10

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mental policy. If elected, Barragan would be the first immigrant woman to serve on the DC city council. www. claudiafordc.com Markus Batchelor (I), just 27 years old, if elected would be the youngest current member of the council. Batchelor has served four years as the Ward 8 representative on the State Board of Education and previously served on Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 8C. Batchelor is focused on reforming education to make it more equitable, increasing paid family leave, improving transportation access for District residents including making the Metro free and improving quality and access to healthcare east of the river. www.markusfordc.com Mario Cristaldo (I) is an immigrant from Paraguay passionate about affordable housing. He is seeking to create a DC that is affordable, livable, diverse and walkable for all residents regardless of their race, economic and social status. Since moving to the District 19 years ago, he has worked on several projects including as a community orga-

nizer for living wages in Montgomery County and for living wages in the District. Cristaldo was then appointed by former Mayor Anthony Williams (D) to serve on the rental housing conversion task force. Cristaldo also supports a Green New Deal for DC, Medicare-For-All and improving access to high quality education for all residents. mario2020dc.com Franklin Garcia (I) is the US Shadow Representative for the District and is a longtime advocate for DC statehood. Garcia was the former president and original founder of the Latino caucus and currently serves as President of the DC Latino Leadership Council. He is running on a platform of â€œinvesting in our collective futureâ€? including increasing job skills training in the public schools, prioritizing District residents in the local job market, ensuring communities feel safe and supported through improved police-community relations and monitoring development and infrastructure with a focus on local businesses and construction. Garcia is also an advocate for increasing the availability of affordable housing in the District and supports relaxing regulations that make it challenging for tenants to get into homes. Franklinfordc.com Marcus Goodwin (I), a native Washingtonian

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and developer of affordable housing, is seeking to apply his business acumen to promote more equitable economic development in the District. Rising crime and homicides are his other priorities. He previously served as the President of the DC Young Democrats and currently serves on the boards of Run Hope Work, the Afterschool Alliance, the CEO Program and the Young Real Estate Council. This election is not Goodwin’s first rodeo. In 2018, he ran as a Democrat against incumbent At-Large Councilmember Anita Bonds (D), coming in third place. This year, Goodwin has been endorsed by the Washington Post. www.goodwinfordc.com Kathy Henderson (I) is a longtime Washingtonian and advocate for affordable and a high standard of housing, literacy and education, improvement for police-community relations and economic opportunities for all residents. A biologist by training, Henderson has been a public servant for many years serving as an AMERICORPS teacher, a local activist in her own community and as an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner. While serving, she has become aware of issues with housing and violence within her own neighborhood and she is committed to making DC communities and neighborhoods a safe place for everyone to live if elected. kathyhendersonfordccouncil.com Christina Henderson (I), as the former chief of staff for current incumbent Councilmember Grosso, is running with his endorsement. In her time working for the council, Henderson worked extensively on education policy. Currently, Henderson serves as legislative staffer for US Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY). Henderson is most interested in finding climate justice and sustainable environmental solutions in the District, improving access to affordable housing, school access and safety and early learning and care. Henderson has been endorsed by the Washington Post. www.christinahenderson.org A’Shia Howard (I) is a fifth generation Washingtonian who is committed to addressing issues facing the 12

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District and her family. Howard believes that the economic and social disparities in DC are linked and has plans to address several differences. She plans to work to expand community programs for the District’s homeless population, law enforcement reform including mental health considerations for officers, reform of senior care and addressing neglect situations for the District’s elderly populations and increased inclusion in housing so all who want to live in DC have the ability to do so. howardfordc.com Chander Jayaraman (I) is a self-proclaimed “true independent” running to increase equality in DC government for all residents. Jayaraman is committed to creating change at the governing level to put residents and their interests first. The ANC commissioner is also an advocate for securing public safety through funding of social programs such as mental health services and economic assistance. Jayaraman wants the District to be more inclusive of residents in economic employment and implement job training programs and protocols to assist people seeking and training for employment. He also has plans to expand educational offerings in the District to include more hands-on opportunities for students through internships and apprenticeships to help students forge paths into adulthood. chander2020.com Ed Lazere (I), former executive director of the DC Fiscal Policy Institute, a progressive think tank, is running with an emphasis on accessibility and social change. The longtime District resident and advocate is focused on housing equity and affordability, expansion of public transportation systems to improve access for District residents, improving access to healthcare in underserved areas and pushing for D.C. statehood. Lazere has been endorsed by the D.C. attorney general Karl Racine, Progressive Change Campaign Committee, Jews United for Justice among many others. edfordc.com Jeanné Lewis (I) is passionate about building and empowering communities. As the current vice president and chief engagement officer of the Nation-

al Committee for Responsive Philanthropy, which advances bipartisan discussion in Congress and in other government agencies, Lewis has professional experience in building alliances and promoting justice among marginalized groups. She is focused on creating sustainable housing for all, increasing accessibility to great schools for all children in the District, working to assist small business infrastructure and increasing access to maternal and child healthcare. Jeannelewisatlarge.com Will Merrifield (I) is running for public office as an act of solidarity with community organizers and activists seeking economic justice in the District where previously private developers often have made decisions. Merrifield believes that the DC government has put profits ahead of people for too long and he plans to change that. If elected, Merrifield plans to remove the profit motive for developers and completely overhaul the affordable housing system to make housing a right rather than a commodity. Merrifield is also focused on decreasing unemployment and a ‘true living wage’ to ensure residents only have to work one job to provide for themselves and their families. willfordc.com Rick Murphree (I) is a business leader, veteran and educator running to improve DC’s economy, veteran’s affairs and education system. He wants to create an economy that works for all DC residents, especially working class families and small business owners. He supports programs that ensure a living wage and businesses that hire and promote locally. He is also committed to using grants and other funds to assist veterans in job searches and providing high quality health care and mental health services to those who have served. Murphee also believes in the importance of good education, regardless of the neighborhood that the child grows up in. He emphasizes his attention to gentrification and other housing issues as root causes for these inequalities and pledges to address them if elected. Murphreedc.com Vincent Orange (I), former Ward 5 and At Large

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councilmember, is running to represent everyday Washingtonians. Orange previously served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the District of Columbia Chamber of Commerce as well as serving as a Ward 5 and At-Large councilmember. Orange is committed to rebooting the District’s economy, extending universal paid leave benefits to nonresidents who work in the District, free tuition for resident students at the University of the District of Columbia and providing students with free technology, internet access and vocational education opportunities to further their education. Additionally Orange plans to pursue legislation that will implement a removal process, enact term limits, ban outside employment for elected officials if elected. vincentorange2020.com Monica Palacio (I) is running on a platform focused on racial justice and equity. Palacio was born in Colombia and raised in New York City in rent-controlled housing. She cites her experience growing up and experiences with poverty and prejudice as fueling her run for the DC Council seat to protect civil rights of minorities, improve quality and access to education, particularly in underrepresented areas and to advocate for DC statehood so that all voices, particularly minorities, are heard. Palacio attended Georgetown University law school and currently serves as the Director of the Office of Human Rights in the District. www.monicafordc.com Alex Padro (I) led the revitalization of the Shaw neighborhood. The sitting advisory neighborhood commissioner currently chairs ANC 6E’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Licensing Committee and sits on its Transportation and Zoning and Planning Committees. Padro is also the executive director of Shaw Main Street. Padro’s top issue is economic reform where he seeks to implement changes across the District to help ameliorate the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. Padro is focused on community building and expanding affordable housing, serving seniors, supporting small businesses and promoting equitable develop14

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ment to rebuild a safer, healthier and more prosperous place for all residents to live. AlexPadro.com Marya Pickering (R) is the lone Republican running for the DC council seat. As an active member of the DC Republican party for more than 20 years, Pickering’s top issues are care of the homeless and seniors, improving the local education systems and increasing the responsibility of the DC government. Pickering is also an advocate for tax breaks for seniors, implementing both private and public efforts to help the homeless, growing second chance employment and the use of opportunity zones. In education, Pickering supports increased funding for charter schools and parents’ rights to school of choice. The candidate believes improving local government through accountability and management and advocates for city-wide trash clean ups and assisting small businesses. Marya2020dc.com Keith Silver (I) is a lifelong Washingtonian running on a platform to make the District a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable place for individuals to live and to work. As a self-proclaimed progressive activist, progressive economic development policies, community engagement, affordable housing, living wages and social justice are his top priorities. The four-time advisory neighborhood commissioner has worked on fair housing, budgeting, senior services previously and plans to continue this work on a broader scale if elected. Keithsilverfordc.com At Large Councilmember Robert White (D) is seeking re-election to the DC council in the 2020 atlarge race. White is running on his proven track record of fighting for transparency, accountability, efficiency and equity. White has previously introduced and co-sponsored legislation regarding housing conditions, and early childhood, secondary and adult education. White is the chair of the Committee on Facilities and Procurement and is the Vice-Chair of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ Board of Directors. White previously served as legislative counsel

to DC Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D) on Capitol Hill. robertwhitefordc.com Ann Wilcox (G) is running as a member of the DC Statehood Green Party. The party is focused on progressive issues such as DC statehood, saving McMillan park as a natural green space and publicly electing a school board. Wilcox previously served on the DC school board from 1994-1998 and is consumer law focused lawyer by training. Wilcox’s top issue is affordable housing and she hopes to address the failure to expand rent control further if elected in addition to working on the Green Party agenda. statehoodgreensofdc.org.

Other Candidates Four additional candidates have registered with DCBOE to appear on the ballot for the at-large seat, but did not respond to requests for inclusion in this article. Joe Bishop Henchman (I) is a libertarian, DC based lawyer and policy analyst. Dr. Michelangelo Scruggs (I) is a pediatric physician. Addison Starter (I) is a DC resident and affordable housing advocate. Calvin Gurley (I) is a DC based accountant. Eric Rogers (I) is the former president of the DC Black Democratic Caucus. u

Endorsed by

A trusted leader and dedicated public servant who believes that your zip code should not determine your access to education,

health, safety, and opportunity in our city. christinahenderson.org Paid for by Friends of Christina Henderson, PO Box 1389, Washington DC, 20013. Yuh Wen Ling, Treasurer. A copy of our report is filed with the Director of Campaign Finance of the District of Columbia Board of Elections.

“EDUCATION IS THE PASSPORT TO A BETTER FUTURE”

ON NOVEMBER 3

ELECT DOROTHY DOUGLAS

FOR AT LARGE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION Currently Ward 7 Democrats State Committeewoman

#5 ON THE BALLOT

· Provide technological resources to students in under resourced and underserved areas. Once we achieve this milestone, our youth will be equipped with laptops, backpacks, pedometers and personal items for them to succeed in school. · Energize the Education Reform Movement: Work with Public Agencies, Elected Officials, and Public & Charter School stakeholders to develop and implement a comprehensive plan to improve the educational outcomes of our children. · Address Bullying: By creating a support system to combat school bullying, including a parent resource center and teacher sensitivity training. · Parental Engagement: Providing a written source of information to the parents of all Wards through a parent newsletter. · Children with Special Needs: Advocacy for a local directory of available resources for parents in the District.

202.640.9854

d.douglas0123@gmail.com

Paid for by The Committee to Elect Dorothy Douglas. 4401 Minnesota Ave, NE - Washington, DC 20019, Tanika Washington, Treasurer. A copy of our report is filed with the Office of Campaign Finance of the District of Columbia Board of Elections.

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Election Changes During COVID-19

Everything You Need to Know to Vote in the November 3 General Election

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

fter a June 2 primary election that was plagued by problems with absentee ballots and long lines for inperson voting, the District Board of Elections (DCBOE) has made many changes to mitigate problems and avoid delays for the upcoming Nov. 3 general election. Here is a guide to what’s changed and what matters as we head to the polls again.

Who Can Vote

To vote in DC, you must be a US citizen, at least 17 years of age, have been a District resident for at least 30 days prior to the election and not been found legally incompetent to vote by a court. Emergency police reform legislation passed by the DC Council on July 7 restored voting rights to District residents currently incarcerated for felony crimes. Those incarcerated for misdemeanors and returning citizens have the right already. DCBOE has mailed ballots to DC residents held at DC Jail and in federal prisons nationwide.

Registering to Vote

District residents register to vote during a Sept. 21 National Voter Registration Day event hosted by DCBOE outside The Anthem (901 Wharf St. SW)

You can register to vote by mail, by email as part of the DCBOE Vote Safe Campaign. Photo: N. Jacobs/DCBOE or online. Download voter registration forms at https://www.dcboe.org/Voters/ a valid DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)-issued Register-To-Vote/Register-to-Vote or pick ID and you consent to use the digital signature that the them up at the DC Board of Elections (1015 Half St. SE), DMV has on file for you. Just save it and send it as an open public libraries, Metropolitan Police Department email attachment to the address below, with the ID numprecincts or fire stations. ber in your email. To register, fill in the form either in hard copy or digIf you do not have a DMV ID or do not want to use itally, completing fields 1 to 13, and send it to DCBOE your signature on file, you must sign a printed form. You by email or USPS. can send it postage prepaid by USPS, or take a picture You don’t have to print the form or sign it if you have 16

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with your smartphone and send it via email. Submit voter registration to the DC Board of Elections: • Via mail or in person: 1015 Half St. SE, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20003 • By email (with form attached) to DCRegistrations@dcboe.org • By faxing to 202-347-2648

Registration must be received online or via mail by Oct. 13. Same-day registration is available if you vote in person at a voting center for early voting or on election day Nov. 3. You must present proof of District residency. Forms of accepted proof include: • A DC DMV-issued ID (because of COVID-19 closures, this ID can be valid or expired as of March 13) • Another valid District or federally issued ID • Student housing statement/ tuition bill • Homeless shelter occupancy statement • Lease • Federal or District-issued government document with your name and address • Government check or paycheck • Bank statement • Current utility bill (electricity, water, gas, phone, internet). Bill or statement dates must be within 90 days of Election Day. The address on the document must match the residence address listed on your registration application. Firsttime voters will be asked for three of these documents.

Voting by Mail

Unlike the primary, for the general election all registered voters will be mailed a ballot, which should be received starting the first week of October. DCBOE has outsourced mailing to K&H Integrated Print Solutions, a firm that also handles the ballots for 20 million other voters, including distribution of 5.5 million mail-in ballots in Los Angeles County. If you don’t receive a ballot by Oct. 21, DCBOE says you should prepare to vote in person. You can check your mail-in ballot by visiting www.dcboe.org. K&H uses intelligent mail barcode technology to track ballots from shipment to receipt by DCBOE, from the voter through USPS, so that both voters and DCBOE can see where the ballot is and whether it has been reE ast

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The Anthem marquee advertises the Sept. 21 National Voter Registration Day event hosted by DCBOE outside the venue at 901 Wharf St. SW as part of the DCBOE Vote Safe Campaign. Photo: N. Jacobs/DCBOE

ceived. Ballot tracking and in-person voting are integrated with the DCBOE voter registration (VR) system, which “credits” a voter’s profile with returning a ballot or with in-person voting. Suppose you get nervous that your mail-in ballot has not been counted and go vote early in person. Your profile will then be “credited” with a vote in the VR. If DCBOE receives your mail-in ballot a few days later, it will be scanned and rejected by the system. The system prevents voter fraud. Once a profile is credited, a vote from that individual will not be counted again, no matter in what format it is submitted. Voting twice is obviously illegal, with penalties of up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Ballots submitted by USPS must be postmarked by Nov. 3. Mail-in ballots can also be submitted at voting centers without waiting in line. In addition, DCBOE has installed 55 special drop-off boxes throughout the Dis18

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trict (see accompanying lists). Ballots must be deposited by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3.

Voting in Person

Anyone can vote early; that is still true during the pandemic. The change is that you must wear a face mask and practice social distancing. Early voting takes place from Oct. 27 to Nov. 2, at 32 early voting centers located across the city. Four are located in each ward and include “super voting centers” at Capital One Arena (601 F St. NW) and Nationals Park (1500 S. Capitol St. SE). Early voting sites will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 96 vote centers (including the 32 early voting centers) will be open on Election Day, Nov. 3, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Unlike a normal election, you can vote at any one of the voting centers, both for early voting or on Election Day, regardless of where you live or the polling place to which you would

be assigned in non-COVID-19 times. Although this is an expansion in the number of polling places from the June 2 primary election, when only 20 polling places were open (normally there are 144 voting centers), District officials say that voters can still expect to wait in long lines due to additional cleaning procedures and social distancing. DCBOE Executive Director Alice Miller told the DC Council that as many as 150,000 voters may elect to vote in person. “I’m going to say it again. There will be lines,” Miller declared. “No matter how many vote centers are open, there will be lines.” However, as long as you are in line by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3, you will be allowed to vote.

Changes to Technology

Following the June 2 primary, DCBOE dropped the Vote4DC mobile app, citing a high fail rate. DCBOE’s Miller told a Sept. 10 DC Council public oversight hearing that the board had also upped the call-center capacity and expanded the access points to the VR system to allow for the expected increase in processing voter registration applications and absentee ballots. DCBOE is processing mail-in ballots as they are received, but they will not release results until after the polls are closed on Election Day. Tallies released Nov. 3 will include mail ballots received prior to Election Day, in-person votes and early voting. Results are expected to be published on the dcboe.org website on election night and updated daily after Nov. 3. But DCBOE said that final counts could take as long as Nov. 13, since the city will wait 10 days to receive mail-in ballots and will count them as long as they are postmarked by Nov. 3. Learn more or get assistance by visiting www.dcboe.org, calling 202-727-2525 or 202-741-5283, or by visiting 1015 Half St. SE, Suite 750, between 8:15 a.m. and 4:45 p.m., Monday to Friday. u

KATHY HENDERSON “A POWERFUL VOICE FOR THE COMMUNITY”

Kathy Henderson is a “true leader” with a REAL record of making D.C. Government work for D.C. residents. As a 20-year effective ANC, Kathy delivered new street lights, trees, alleys, speed humps and advocated for economic development residents actually wanted. Kathy was recognized by People and Essence magazines and won awards from the Chief of Police, U.S. Attorney, CSOSA, and others for her work to make our city better and received a past Washington Post endorsement. Kathy Henderson is a preservationist, environmentalist, member of the D.C. Chamber of Commerce, supports creating affordable housing, including home ownership and she understands Government well.

kathyhendersonfordccouncil.com Paid for by the Committee to Elect Kathy Henderson.

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Candidates for Ward 7 and Ward 8 Council Seats

Trayon White Faces Multiple Challengers in Ward 8 Race

by Elizabeth Oâ€™Gorek

he council seats for both Ward 7 and Ward 8 are on the ballot this November. Three candidates are challenging the incumbent Ward 8 councilmember for the seat. Meanwhile, the current Councilmember is the only registered candidate on the ballot for Ward 7. Here are thumbnail sketches of the candidates: Candidates are listed alphabetically, with incumbents appearing at the end of the list.

Ward 7

There is only one registered candidate on the ballot in the contest to represent Ward 7 on DC Council. Incumbent Ward 7 Councilmember Vincent Gray was elected to represent the residents of Ward 7 in 2004 and 2016. He served as Chairman of the Council of DC from 2007 to 2011 and as the seventh mayor of the District of Columbia from 2011 to 2015. Gray graduated from Dunbar High School and George Washington Uni-

versity and has held political office for nearly 20 years. As Councilmember, Gray has prioritized issues including healthcare, grocery access and early childhood education. He has advocated for increased access to healthcare for residents of Wards 7 and 8, including the establishment of a new hospital. He has pushed to end the food deserts in the east end of the city by encouraging the establishment of grocery stores and holding those in operation accountable to residents. Finally, he is working to fund early childhood education for kids from birth to age three across the District. In addition to representing the residents of Ward 7, Gray currently serves as Chair of the Council Committee on Health. vincegray2020.com | Twitter: @VinceGray2020 Instagram: @VinceGray2020 | vincegray2020@gmail.com

Incumbent Ward 7 Councilmember Vincent Gray

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Ward 8

Christopher M. Cole is a native Washingtonian who attended Frank W. Ballou Senior High School and is now a certified paralegal working as Human Resources Manager for electrical contractor A. Wash & Associates. In the past, Cole has advocated for Returning Citizens, partnered with the DC Department of Employment Services (DCOES) and Wheeler Creek Community Development Corporation to facilitate the Project Empowerment Program and was the Founder of the Young Male Achiever Program in partnership with the FH Faunteroy Community Enrichment Center. Cole said he is committed to enhancements in mental health, crime and safety, education, workforce development. In terms of safety, he said it is imperative to bridge the gap between the community and law enforcement. He wants to create a Parent Rearing Accountability Program to provide mandatory classes to those parents who are a part of the intake/release and parole and probation process of youth offenders age 12 to 21. He plans to use his experience working alongside non-profits and politicians to promote positive change and collab-

orations between residents, businesses and government. He believes as an Independent Candidate he can help to create legislation that will enhance the quality of life for all communities and cultures, bridging gaps that will bring Ward 8 together. christophercoleforwardeight.com christophercoleforwardeight@ gmail.com | 202-855-9019 Christopher M. Cole Nate Derenge won the Republican nomination in June to be the party’s candidate to represent Ward 8 on DC Council. Derenge moved to Ward 8 five years ago and quickly grew fond of the people, parks, and places in Southeast. In the primary, Derenge presented a platform with specific proposals for increased safety and greater economic opportunity for Ward 8 residents, but he said the Council and Mayor’s actions of the past six months have caused him to focus specifically on what he calls “the legislation and economic oppression that has been implemented in the name of COVID-19.” Since the primary, Derenge has published two videos about rim removal at Ward 8 basketball courts, posted a web page about the District’s avoidance of publishing age data and co-morbidity for COVID deaths, and has attempted to coordinate a debate with incumbent Councilmember Trayon White, Sr. nateward8.com Twitter: @NateWard_8

Nate Derenge

Fred Hill is running as an Independent to represent Ward 8 on the DC City Council. He said the qualities that he feels Ward residents deserve include “a councilman who is committed, empathetic, energetic and willing to do the work that is needed to effect change.” Hill’s platform priorities include increasing affordable housing and working to ensure that local small businesses participate in wealth building. He says he also plans to aggressively pursue a living wage for Ward residents, access to better health care, a reduction of senior property tax cuts to zero, a distribution system for local organically grown fresh food and a better quality of life for all those who live, work and play in Ward 8. “In my life I have demonstrated the strength and persistence to get things done,” he said. Hill said that as a businessman who has been successful, it is important to him to give back to his community. E ast

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WARDS 7 & 8

Fred Hill

“I have seen what can happen when good people work together,” Hill said. “We can make our community stronger and better.” www.fredhillward8.com @FredHill4Ward8

EAST OFTHE RIVER DCNEWS .COM

Incumbent Democratic Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White, Sr. was born and raised in Southeast DC, graduating from Ballou High School before completing a business degree at the Uni-

versity of Maryland. In 2008, White founded and served as Executive Director of nonprofit Helping Inner City Kids Succeed (HICKS), which creates activities for youth development in some of Washington’s toughest neighborhoods. He received the President Barack Obama Volunteer Service Award in 2010. In 2011, with the support of former Mayor and then Ward 8 Councilmember Marion Barry, White was elected as Ward 8 Representative on the State Board of Education to complete the term of the late William Lockridge, winning re-election in 2012. White entered the race for Barry’s seat on council in 2015. He lost by less than 80 votes, but won in 2016. White has continued his social activism throughout his council term, leading a protest to demand local hiring at a southeast development. He is the Chair of the Council Committee on Recreation and Youth Affairs. www.trayonwhite8.com | Instagram: @ trayonwhite | Twitter: @trayonwhite | trayonwhite2020@gmail.com ◆

Trayon White, Sr. 22

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Alex PAdro will HelP MAke Your NeigHborHoodâ€™s

Dreams Come True

Alex Padro has led the effort to transform Shaw from a neighborhood primarily known for drugs, prostitution and gang violence to a world-renown dining and entertainment destination filled with public art and restored African American landmarks. Over a 20-year career as an ANC Commissioner and economic development leader, Alex has added thousands of new units of affordable and market-rate housing to Shaw while maintaining the neighborhoodâ€™s economic and ethnic diversity. Alex wants to help other District neighborhoods that are still waiting for brighter days to get the new development, businesses, and civic improvements that others already enjoy, without displacement. He has made it happen in Shaw and can make positive change happen in all eight wards as an At-Large Councilmember.

on november 3, 2020,

eleCT alex PaDro DC CounCil aT-large! EndorsEd by

FinD ouT more aT alexPaDro.Com. PAId For bY THe CoMMITTee To eleCT Alex PAdro, PleAsANT P. MANN, TreAsurer.

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Candidates Vie for School Board Seats

he State Board of Education (SBOE) is responsible for advising the State Superintendent of Education on educational matters including: state standards; state policies, including those governing special, academic, vocational, charter and other schools; state objectives; and state regulations proposed by the Mayor or the Superintendent. The SBOE is also responsible for approving: academic standards and high school graduation requirements. The board establishes definitions for adequate yearly progress and academic proficiency for all educational agencies. It also sets standards for “highly qualified teachers” and supplemental education providers. Other responsibilities include policies for parental involvement, residency verification, attendance requirements and home schooling. The SBOE is composed of elected, nonpartisan representatives from all eight wards and one at-large member. It holds public meetings twice a month, and each member receives an annual stipend of $15,000. Members serve four-year terms, and elections are staggered so that no more than five members are elected in any particular cycle. This year, there are six candidates running for the one At-Large seat in the Nov. 3 General Election. There are four candidates for Ward 7 seat and three for the Ward 8 seat.

At-Large Candidates

Jacque Patterson is a former ANC Commissioner and was selected as Capital City Fellow under Mayor Anthony A. Williams. He previously served on the Chancellor’s Parent Cabinet, was appointed to the State Board of Education’s Every Student Succeeds Act Task Force, and currently sits on the Local School Advisory Team (LSAT) of his children’s school. Patterson has lived in the District for more than Jacque Patterson 25 years and is a long-time community activist. Patterson believes a student’s zip code should not determine the quality of the education students receive. He is focused on elevating community voices within the schools, increasing resource equity, improving teach24

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by Sarah Payne

er retention and dismantling racism both in policy and in practice. Learn more at www.jacque4dc.com. Mysiki Valentine is a native Washingtonian, teacher and mentor. Valentine previously served as a volunteer teacher with Americorps but left the classroom to pursue change in education policy. ValenMysiki Valentine tine has worked for the DC Council as an Advocacy Manager for the Fair Budget Coalition to ensure that the DC budget achieves racial and economic equity. He also serves as board member for Many Languages One Voice (MLOV), supporting efforts to empower the vibrant immigrant community. Currently, Valentine serves as a mentor and raises awareness for LGBTQ and communities of color. Valentine believes that DC’s education system must afford residents learning opportunities, invest in the development of educators, make schools more transparent and accountable, address the chronic underfunding of schools in Wards 7 and 8 and put an end to the racist policies and practices responsible for the achievement gap. Valentine advocates the full funding of the Birth-to-Three Act and making the University of the District of Columbia System tuition-free for DC residents. Learn more at www.valentinefordc.com. Ravi Perry is the son of Ohio educators and has dedicated his life to serving in the field of education. Perry is an urban policy expert and Chair of the Department of Political Science at Howard University. A Ward 7 resident, Perry strongly supports greater investment in vocational and trade skills development. He believes that special attention should be paid to disabled students and Ravi Perry

English language learners. Perry believes that education is under attack and that the White House is “occupied by an ideology that is against education” which inspired him to run in this election cycle. Learn more about Perry and his platform at raviperry4dc.com. Chris Martin is an entrepreneur looking to bring a fresh perspective to the state school board. As the father of three young children, Martin believes in the need for parent voices on Chris Martin the board. Martin hopes to close the District’s achievement gap through use of his experience in business while giving parents peace of mind and supporting educators. Martin is also focused on listening to parental concerns about equity, school quality, curriculum and overcrowding. Learn more at chris4education.com. Le’Troy Murphy is a native Washingtonian and a graduate of the DC public schools. He is also a parent of a child currently enrolled in DCPS. Murphy plans to focus on early childhood education and Le’Troy Murphy teacher retention. He believes the teachers deserve to earn a livable wage. He hopes to give a voice to lower income citizens. Murphy has chosen not to accept outside donations for his campaign and does not have a website. Dorothy Douglas is a single mother of three, grandmother of seven and an outspoken voice for Wards 6, 7, and 8 for more than 30 years. Douglas is a former DC public school educator who has been involved with a variety of community education efforts including assisting in fundraising more than one million dol-

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experience at the local, state and national level. Previously, lars for the construction of Duke Ellingservices. He plans to coordinate with Reid served as the preschool special education coordinaton School of the Arts. Douglas was the parent and teacher organizations to imtor in the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Educafirst black woman to be the Ward 7 repprove student outcomes. Smith wants to tion. In that role, she created training on inclusive pracresentative for the DC State Board of Edre-establish feeder patterns in the directices for early childhood providers including child care, ucation where she participated in efforts tion of STEM, finance, arts and culture, traditional and charter public schools and DCPS. Carlene to enhance standards of curriculum and vocational training, and business to coalso has developed policy and created monitoring systems to support the transitional infrastructure ordinate elementary and middle school designed to protect the rights of children with delays and from classroom to workplace. Douglas curriculum progression to high school. disabilities. Currently, she manages a portfolio of over $30 is running to ensure that her communiLearn more at www.DontrellForward7. million in personnel preparation ty in Ward 7 receives its fair share of reccom. Douglas Dorothy grants for institutions of higher ognition and resources to secure memCharles Boston is an alumeducation. Reid is running to bers’ needs being met. Learn more at electdorothydouglas. nus of Anne Beers Elementary School, the Unicontinue the advocacy for equiwordpress.com. versity of Maryland, and Georgetown University in funding technology, educaty. He works as an engineer professionally and tional programs, and innovative has experience in trade instruction for transWard 7 Candidates curriculum for students in Ward portation and construction as well as school adKaren Williams is the 8. Learn more at letsreid.com. ministration. Boston is a dedicated youth adcurrent Ward 7 incumLaJoy Johnson-Law is a vocate and engaged coach. He volunteers with bent and is running for parent support specialist for the Young Marines, First Lego League, Nationreelection. Williams is a Advocates for Justice and Edual Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA), fifth generation Washcation. Holder of a master’s in USA BMX, USA Cycling, and Selective Seringtonian who attendPublic Administration and parvice. With two children in the public schools, Charles Boston ed and taught in the ent, she serves the Ward 8 rephe promises to be the “voice” of DC public schools. She resentative on the Thrive by Five Coordinating students, parents, and teachers in has served on the State Council, co-chairs the Ward 8 Democrats’ comthe SBOE. Boston aims to improve Board of Education for mittee on legislative affairs and is a member of the education systems east of the rivseveral years and her legKaren Williams Ward 8 Education Council. “Advocacy is not just a er Learn more at www.charlesforsislative work on the State part of my community work, but it is also a critical boe.com. Board includes collaborating with the Office of the State part of my career,” she states. If elected, JohnsonEboni-Rose Thompson has Superintendent of Education. She served as both presiLaw plans to champion an expansion in SBOE chaired the Ward 7 Education Coundent and vice president of the Board and has worked expolicy efforts related to special education, transcil since 2012. Thompson attended tensively on the development of the “No Child Left Beparency, accountability, mental health and family both DC public and charter schools hind” waivers and graduation requirements, with the engagement. and received a Bachelor of Arts from Board on credit flexibility regulations and the developShe is parthe University of Pennsylvania. She ment of the State Diploma for students completing the ticularly conserved three terms as an Advisory General Education Development or National External cerned with Neighborhood Commissioner and Eboni-Rose Thompson Diploma Program programs. Learn more at karenwilthe challengis currently a portfolio manager at liams.vote. es faced by families the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation. Dontrell Smith of color. Learn more Thompson wants to ensure that Ward 7 youngsters have is a native Washingabout Johnson-Law the same opportunities she did. On the State Board, she tonian, a parent and plans to focus on high school graduation requirements, at www.lajoylaw2020. DC public school academic standards and on ensuring children have adcom. and Howard Univerequate academics. Thompson plans to expand both the Ryan Washingsity graduate. Smith quality and quantity of ton (Ward 8) did not works for the federal the programs offered at respond to a request government as a proDC public schools and for comment in time gram manager reviewimprove transparency for publication. LaJpy Johnson-Law ing internal controls in budgeting and defor over 15 departSarah Payne is a History and Neuroscience student at The Unicision making. Learn Dontrell Smith mental organizations versity of Michigan interning with the Hill Rag. She writes for more at ebonirosedc. to ensure they follow the policy established by the govand serves as an assistant news editor for Michigan’s student com. ernment. He is also a former ANC Commissioner for Ward newspaper, The Michigan Daily. You can reach her at sarahp@ 7 where he also served as the treasurer. In his personal hillrag.com. u Ward 8 time, Smith has served as a substitute teacher for DCPS. Carlene Reid is a speSmith promises to monitor funding for Ward 7 schools to cial educator with ensure adequacy of class instruction, strong curriculum, more than 15 years of core competencies, adequate staffing and wrap-around Carlene Reid

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Ward 8 & At Large State Board of Education Candidate Forum

Monday, October 19th - 6:30 to 8:30 PM The Forum features all At-Large & Ward 8 Candidates Participate in a virtual At-large and Ward 8 State Board of Education candidate forum hosted by all of the Ward 8 civic associations. The forum will be co-moderated by Denise Rolark Barnes, publisher of The Washington Informer newspaper, and Andrew Lightman, editor of the East of the River newspaper.

THE FORUM IS HOSTED BY: Anacostia Coordinating Council

Bellevue Neighborhood Civic Association

District of Columbia Federation of Civic Associations

Congress Heights Community Association Fairlawn Citizens Association

Federation of Citizens Associations of the District of Columbia

Fort Stanton Civic Association

The Original Great Ward Eight

Hillsdale Civic Association

East of the River newspaper

Historic Anacostia Block Association

The Washington Informer

Washington Highlands Civic Association

THE FORUM IS A VIRTUAL EVENT HELD VIA ZOOM. HERE IS THE INFORMATION: Join Via Web @

Join via Telephone.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82883630849?pw d=SXYyTUNzeGh5ZkdSK2xkdzFMQmYrUT09 Meeting ID: 828 8363 0849 Passcode: 432950

Telephone Number: 301-715-8592 Meeting ID: 828 8363 0849 Passcode: 432950

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Local Consulting Firm Helps Provide PPE

Soul Tree Connects Customers to Masks and More

hen COVID-19 cases began surging, the nation faced an immediate shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE). Locally, District healthcare workers had to care for coronavirus patients with scant supplies of protective gear, risking exposure to the virus as they treated it. But one local consulting firm has helped people in the District and across the country access PPE, even in the pandemic’s early days. Soul Tree (www.soultreeconsulting.com) – a DC consulting firm focused on assisting government agencies, corporate customers and schools – has helped to keep people safe during the pandemic, thanks to years spent developing relationships with retailers and agencies across the DMV, according to president and CEO Marni Barron. Originally focused on education consulting, Soul Tree

by Eva Herscowitz

has expanded its scope since its founding in 2011. It has partnered with Aetna, which insures DC government employees, and AmeriHealth, which connects residents to Medicaid. Soul Tree has also developed an enduring connection with NOVA Retail, a Virginia-based promotional marketing and event company that provides custombranded products. To produce its custom products, the retail company had worked for 11 years with manufacturing plants in China. When those plants began producing COVID-19 PPE, NOVA Retail decided to shift its focus. That shift prompted NOVA Retail to call Barron in March. Around then, the retailer developed a subsidiary called Patriot Safety Company (www.patriotsafetycompany.com), sensing that its events-focused business wouldn’t be feasible during the pandemic. Patriot Safety Company employees asked Barron, whose array of clients has grown over the years, a simple question: “Do you have anyone you know who would want to buy PPE?” Barron’s response was straightforward: “The whole world.”

Supplying Locally and Nationally

A back-to-school “backpack kit” from Patriot Safety Company includes a 20-pack of kids’ flat-fold KN95 face masks, two bottles of hand sanitizer and two packs of sanitizing wipes. Photo: Patriot Safety Company

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Barron had contacts eager to purchase the masks, sanitizers and face shields Patriot Safety Company was beginning to distribute. But facilitating sales to government entities and healthcare companies required going through some technical hoops, she said. As she navigated this process, cases began to rise as PPE dwindled. “My heart would break,” she said. “I would watch the news and see places like New York City, which was one of the first that couldn’t get the supplies, and we’re sitting here with a warehouse filled with them in Northern Virginia.” Soon, though, she managed to fulfill legal requirements, first connecting with local contacts and then healthcare com-

Marni Barron, Soul Tree’s president and CEO. Photo: Marni Barron

panies. Due to longstanding relationships with the Chinese manufacturing plants and an existing delivery process, NOVA Retail did not experience supply delays. Thanks to that, Barron’s expertise and Soul Tree’s expansive clientele, Patriot Safety Company was able to provide lifesaving equipment to healthcare professionals, including Aetna employees. The company has even distributed Aetna-branded PPE kits throughout the country, including backto-school “backpack kits” stocked with child-size masks, mini-sanitizers and alcohol wipes. As distribution expanded beyond the DC area, Barron began connecting with more customers: universities, school systems, medical suppliers, hospitals, government institutions and individuals. With the help of Soul Tree, Patriot Safety Company

has sold over 1.5 million PPE units since mid-March.

From Goggles to Gowns

When it comes to COVID-19 preparedness, Patriot Safety Company has many offerings. Products that ship the day of purchase include K95 masks, surgical masks, children’s masks and cloth masks. Beyond face coverings, the company stocks sanitizers and wipes, face shields and goggles, thermometers and gowns. Patriot Safety Company says it sources “only the best possible materials from ethical, reputable and trusted sources.” Most products come in packs. A bundle of 100 three-ply medical masks costs $75. Heather Ness is one customer who purchased supplies from Patriot Safety Company and she calls Barron a lifesaver. The hand sanitizer, K95 masks and child-sized masks she received were “packed perfectly and pristine,” she said. Not only did Barron help Ness find PPE, including a comfortable mask for her son, she has also helped connect people across the DMV to supplies, Ness added. “They did a wonderful job with the way they set up the company. Their ability to help the city was huge.” Patriot Safety Company also provides COVID-19 resources, including an overview of Virginia’s face-covering mandate, an infographic depicting how to properly wear a mask and a short article comparing cloth and medicalgrade masks. Barron said Soul Tree’s respect and connections in the DC-area have enabled Patriot Safety Company’s widespread sales. “Within our local areas,” Barron said, “that’s where we’ve got the relationships.” Shop Patriot Safety Company’s products at www.patriotsafetycompany. com. Visit Soul Tree’s website at www. soultreeconsulting.com. Eva Herscowitz is a journalism student at Northwestern University, where she writes for the student newspaper. She is interning with the Hill Rag. You can reach her at eva@hillrag.com. u

TAE KWON DO WE HAVE RESTARTED! 10’ SOCIAL DISTANCING. FULLY MASKED. TEMPERATURE CHECKS. 6TH & EYE ST., NE. - PARKING • MASTERGUTMAN@GMAIL.COM

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Our River: The Anacostia Keeping Score with the Riverkeeper

he Anacostia Riverkeeper is part of the Waterkeeper Alliance, which operates along rivers and their watersheds all around the world. There are 18 Waterkeeper organizations operating throughout the Chesapeake watershed alone. The interim Anacostia riverkeeper is Trey Sherard, who has spent the past eight and a half years working with communities along our river. Sherard also serves as chair of the Anacostia Watershed Citizen Advisory Committee hosted by the Metropolitan Council of Governments. And he is a member of the Mayor’s Leadership Coordinating Council for the River. Sherard grew up along the Atlantic coast in Wilmington, North Carolina, and studied marine biology at Duke. I spent some time recently learning what the riverkeeper is doing, and asked about progress on the Anacostia.

Engaging the Public

The riverkeeper’s main task, I learned, is to reach out and engage the public in the clean-up progress along the Anacostia, and to assess the work to be done and how to make it happen. Depending on the issue, the job is to engage communities, neighborhoods, families and/or individuals. This includes learning what is possible through such activities as fishing, kayaking, boat tours and citizen monitoring of water quality. “We also demonstrate green infrastructure actions at churches and other large community gathering places that you can carry out at home on your property – such things as controlling stormwater runoff by installing rain barrels or rain gardens, Sherard says. “Also, there are some issues where the political clout of organized citizens is the best way to assure a positive response from government or the private sector.” 30

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by Bill Matuszeski

Measuring Progress

Sherard is quite pleased with progress to date and is looking forward to more. One of the big issues is the handling of combined sewer overflows or CSOs. Nearly all the older US cities, for the last century or more, have used stormwater runoff to flush out the sanitary sewer effluents from houses and businesses. But the engineers who designed and installed these systems failed to envision the increased stormwater flow from development and paving over the years. Since it would be a Trey Sherard proudly surrounded by Anacostia River trash. Photo: Anacostia Riverkeeper disaster to allow the combined sewers to back up es until they were banned in 1979. They into basements or overCommunicating have ended up in air, water, soil and fish flow into the streets, they were designed and Monitoring and do not break down. The company has to discharge directly into rivers and As Sherard sees it, “The key now is to esagreed to pay $52 million to help pay for streams during a storm. Soon there was tablish a credible information system to the clean-up. a call for clean-up, and since separating designate what is safe to do where – swimIn another important action, the Dethe sewer lines was prohibitive, in many ming, fishing or whatever. The combined partment of Energy & Environment cities the decision was made to build tunsewers are not the only sources of pollut(DOEE) has delivered the interim record nels to store the combined sewage until it ants, so more needs to be done. And there of decision (ROD) to define how they will could be handled by the treatment plants. must more efforts supported to engage the clean up contaminated sediments in the DC has been leading this effort napublic in helping monitor water quality River. “The ROD is focused on a numtionally, and the system designed for the and cleanup efforts themselves to know ber of sites where the most serious polAnacostia, which is well underway, is the what is safe, when and where.” lution is evident,” says Sherard, “but the best in the region. There has already been Sherard also believes that control clean-up of these early action areas will be a 90% reduction in combined sewer overand reduction of toxic pollution has been just the first big steps toward the successflows in the Anacostia, and when the tunhelped by DC’s recent legal settlement ful cleanup of over a century of toxics ennel system is complete in 2023 that will with Monsanto related to PCBs, a partering the River.” The interim ROD and go up to 98%. ticularly nasty family of toxic chemicals other related reports are available at www. Sherard is also pleased with the new found throughout much of Our River and anacostiasedimentproject.com. trash collection boats run by DC Water, known to cause cancer and life-long learnwhich appear to be doing a good job of ing disabilities in children born to mothgathering up much of the trash that has ers exposed to them. PCBs were proMore to Be Done entered the system through direct runoff, duced by Monsanto and used in paints, All this is not to say that everything is fine. sewers or other sources. sealants, caulking and electric appliancAs optimistic as Sherard is about the prog-

ress, he has a list of things that still bear watching. “First, we need to develop the means to tell the public quickly and accurately about safe and unsafe areas and conditions – increasing investment in DOEE’s volunteer water quality monitors and adding real-time spill advisories by DC Water for overflows and breaks in sewer lines.” “Second,” he notes, “we need to make sure that progress continues on toxic clean-ups beyond just the early action areas in the Interim ROD, in particular Kenilworth Park (formerly landfill), the cove below the site of the old Pepco powerplant above Benning Road, and Lower Beaverdam Creek in Maryland, which empties lots of toxics into the river at the DC line.” “Third,” he continues, “there are numerous toxic hotspots just below the threshold for early action under the interim ROD. They should not be forgotten while the bigger problem areas are being treated.” “Fourth,” he adds, “we need to know how setting the channel depths on the river for the toxics cleanups will impact the river’s capacity to handle flash floods and large water volumes from storms now and in the future. Once the channel depths are set and capped to control the toxics in the sediments, it will be difficult and expensive to deepen them, if allowed at all.” “Finally, plastics are a pervasive pollutant difficult to capture and remove, so significant effort needs to go into preventing their widespread distribution. Singleuse plastic bottles, for example, comprise up to 60% of the floating trash in our river. Existing laws on plastic bags and foam need to be better enforced.” These are the tough problems. If you want to help in finding solutions and keeping the pressure on to make progress, feel free to check in with Sherard and the Anacostia Riverkeeper offices at www.anacostiariverkeeper.org or by e-mailing trey@ anacostiariverkeeper.org. You will find them a great bunch of folks to work with on practical solutions. Bill Matuszeski is a member of the Mayor’s Leadership Council for a Cleaner Anacostia River and the retired director of the Chesapeake Bay Program. He serves on the board of Friends of the National Arboretum and on citizen advisory committees for the Chesapeake and the Anacostia. ◆

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Center, 3999 Eighth St. SE; Anacostia Senior High School, 1601 16th St. SE; Malcolm X Opportunity Center, 1351 Alabama Ave. SE. earlyvoting.dcboe.org. Mail-in Ballot Drop Boxes through Nov. 3 (8 p.m.): Anacostia Library, 1800 Good Hope Rd. SE; Parklands-Turner Library, 1547 Alabama Ave. SE; Bellevue (William O. Lockridge) Library, 115 Atlantic St. SW; Seventh District Police Station, 2455 Alabama Ave. SE; The ARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE; Department of Human Services, 2100 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE; Hendley Elementary School, 425 Chesapeake St. SE; Patterson Elementary School, 4399 South Capitol Terrace, SW; Fort Stanton Rec Center, 1812 Erie St. SE. dcboe.org/Voters/Whereto-Vote/Mal-Ballot-Drop-Sites.

“I Have a Dream” Basketball Court Unveiled

Recreation, in conjunction with the Steve Francis FounOn Aug. 28, the Bowser Administration and the DC Department of Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Oxon Run Park in Ward of memory the dation, unveiled newly renovated basketball courts dedicated to ion, dedicated the mural to honor the anniversary of 8. Steve Francis, former NBA All-Star and founder of the Steve Francis Foundat located on the corner of Wheeler Road and Valley Avethe March on Washington. The mural was painted on the two basketball courts rights, and civil and racial equity by using Steve Frannue SE. The “I Have a Dream” mural was designed to raise awareness of voting for racial justice. New hoops and nets were also addcalling athletes cis’s platform and standing in solidarity with other professional Hunter, Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White, Steve ed to the outdoor courts. Taking part in the ribbon-cutting were DPR Director Francis and a group of community leaders and residents.

Early Voting Places and Drop Boxes in Ward 7

Centers for Voting Early from Oct. 27 through Nov. 3: Deanwood Rec Center, 1350 49th St. NE; Benning Stoddert Rec Center, 100 Stoddert Pl. SE; Hillcrest Rec Center, 3100 Denver St. SE; Ridge Road Community Center, 830 Ridge Rd. SE. earlyvoting.dcboe.org. Mail-in Ballot Drop Boxes through Nov. 3 (8 p.m.): Capital View Library, 5001 Central Ave. SE; Deanwood Library, 1350 49th St. NE; Benning (Dorothy I. Height) Library, 3935 Benning Rd. NE; Francis A. Gregory Library, 3660 Alabama Ave. SE; Sixth District Police Station, 5002 32

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Hayes St. NE; Benning Ridge Service Center (DMV), 4525 Benning Rd. SE; Penn Branch Center (back parking lot), 3202 Pennsylvania Ave. SE; Ridge Road Community Center, 830 Ridge Rd. SE. dcboe.org/Voters/Whereto-Vote/Mal-Ballot-Drop-Sites.

Early Voting Places and Drop Boxes in Ward 8

Centers for Voting Early from Oct. 27 through Nov. 3: Ballou Senior High School, 3401 4th St. SE; Entertainment and Sports Arena, 1100 Oak Dr. SE; Ferebee-Hope Rec

Feedback Sought for Ward 7 DC Circulator Route

DDOT is considering seven options for a new DC Circulator route in Ward 7 as part of the DC Circulator Transit Development Plan (TDP) 2020 Update. Through the TDP, DDOT evaluates the DC Circulator system, analyzes options to improve operations, and assesses recommendations for system expansion. Through Oct. 23, the public can complete a System Expansion Survey to provide feedback on the seven options. The survey can be found at survey.zohopublic.com/zs/lXB3e7. A paper copy that will include a postage paid return envelope can be requested by calling 202-991-4645. There will be a DC Circulator Ward 7 Route Virtual Public Meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Register at eventbrite.com/e/123052628725. Materials from this meeting will be made available online at dccirculator.com/tdp2020 within 12 hours of the conclusion of the meeting.

Solar-For-All Ward 8 Renewable Energy Facility Opens

The brownfield, 4669 South Capitol St. SW, is home to 7,280 solar panels installed by Department of General Services, in part by Solar Works DC, DOEE and the Department of Employment Services low-income solar installation and job training program. It will provide over 750 residents with up to $500 in annual electricity bill savings. In 2017, DGS contracted GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic to design and build the community solar energy system on a degraded 15-acre brownfield. DGS will maintain the system and manage it within the DGS portfolio. Solar for All brings the benefits of solar energy to 100,000 low to moderate income families in the District of Columbia. The DC Department of Energy and Environment is partnering with organizations across the District to install solar on single family homes and develop community solar projects to benefit renters and residents in multi-family buildings. doee.dc.gov.

Residences at St. Elizabeths East Near Completion

The final buildings of The Residences at St. Elizabeths East are nearing completion. The $107 million historic adaptive reuse development includes 202 affordable homes and 50 market rate homes on the St. Elizabeths East Campus, providing high-quality, affordable housing to the Congress Heights neighborhood in Ward 8. Located at 1201 Oak Dr. SE, adjacent to the Entertainment and Sports Arena, The Residences at St. Elizabeths East was the renovation of seven historic buildings totaling 354,000 square feet of rental units. The Residences are comprised of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, including affordable units for households earning up to 50% of the median family income, which is $58,600 for a family of four. The development is currently 55 percent preleased, with a projection of being 75 percent leased upon project completion in early October and 100 percent leased by year-end. Amenities for residents include a fitness center, clubroom, secured parking, and community areas including a

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erations on the National Mall route weekdays from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., and weekends from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fares are still suspended on all DC Circulator routes. dccirculator.com.

Select DPR Facilities Open with Limited Access

ation to develop and implement activities and programs for persons with disabilities. This new line of programming focuses primarily on seniors and youth. The Healthy Activity Initiative has launched in correlation with the year-long celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the American Disabilities Act. The Initiative involves coordinating a host of activities including arts and crafts, health and nutrition, kids, camps and co-ops, therapeutic recreation and games, and activities for seniors. Because of the pandemic and the need for social distancing, several Initiative’s events this year will be held virtually. In addition to supporting the Therapeutic Recreation Center in Ward 7, the Initiative provides adaptive programs

DPR has announced registration for limited in-person fall programs at specific DC Department of Parks and Recreation Photo: Courtesy of goDCgo locations, as well as virtual programs. The actual programs and Ten Years of Capital Bikeshare Celebrated offerings will begin On September 20, Mayor Bowser, DDOT, and its six partner jurisdictions celebraton Tuesday, Oct. 13. ed 10 years of Capital Bikeshare, which provides affordable, convenient, and susWhile offering limittainable mobility to riders in the Washington metropolitan region. Riders have taken ed socially distanced more than 27 million trips over Capital Bikeshare’s 10-year history. The system fleet programs at 29 recrehas more than 600 stations and more than 5,000 bikes, including classic and ebikes, ation centers through and membership has grown from 1,204 original members at inception to 26,585 acits reservation systive members currently. capitalbikeshare.com. tem, DPR has included seven indoor pools playground, recreational area, and outdoor grilling area. for lap swimming-onFor more information, visit steapts.com. ly and limited swims programs. Residents can access 19 free fitness centers through advanced reservations. Tech lounges can also be reserved DHCD Financing Provides 26 Affordable with limited occupancy. All patrons are required Homeownership Units in Ward 7 to present State-issued Photo ID upon entry to The Department of Housing and Community DevelopDPR’s recreation centers--to facilitate COVment has provided more than $6.4 million in financing ID-19 contact tracing. All Programs and access from the Housing Production Trust Fund to produce 26 to facilities are available to registrants only. No new homeownership units in the Twining neighborhood walk-ins. Visit dprprograms.com. of Ward 7. The project will feature two one-bedroom/ one bath units; the remaining units will be comprised of Changes to DC Leaf Collection three-bedroom units with either two or two and a half DPW has announced changes to the 2020-21 bathrooms. Twelve units will be available for households leaf collection season to keep residents and with annual income between $44,100 and $63,000 (50% DPW crews safe and healthy. This year, resiAMI); six units for households earning between $52,900 dents will be asked to use a “contactless,” more and $72,600 (60% AMI); and eight units for households environmentally-friendly process of placing between $70,550 and $100,800 (80% AMI). EstimatHope, by Kristy Little, at Honfleur Gallery their leaves in paper bags. Collections will still ed completion date for this project will be spring 2022. Sculptor and aerialist Kirsty Little finds honest organic moveoccur twice in each neighborhood, beginning dhcd.dc.gov. ment in both spheres. Based in the UK for two decades, a sudNov. 9, through Jan. 4. DPW will provide 20 free den move to the USA in 2011 left her finding her way in the art paper bags to each residence serviced by DPW world and changing her style of performance. She works with Circulator Hours Extended to assist in the transition. dpw.dc.gov. porcelain, wood and wire to create anatomical shapes, more reThe following Circulator routes now operate weekcently plastic and fish, focusing on the ecological crisis in our days 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and weekends 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.: Oceans. Kristy Little’s Hope at Honfleur Gallery, 1241 Good DPR Healthy Activity Initiative Union Station to Georgetown; Rosslyn to Dupont CirHope Rd. SE, runs through Nov. 7. There is an artist’s talk on Focuses on Disabled Persons cle; and Woodley Park to Adams Morgan to McPherson Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Amerigroup DC and a Virginia-based Sports ImSquare. Routes still ending at 9 p.m. include the ConSunday by appointment. Contact Jess Randolph to schedule an age franchise are joining forces for a three-year gress Heights to Union Station route and Eastern Market appointment at jess@thedchive.com. project with DC Department of Parks and Recreto L’Enfant Plaza. DC Circulator has also resumed op34

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for persons with disabilities at the following recreation centers: Petworth and Upshur in Ward 4; Edgewood and Theodore Hogan in Ward 5; King Greenleaf and Randall in Ward 6; Benning Park, Deanwood and Kenilworth in Ward 7; Barry Farm and Ferebee Hope in Ward 8. dpr.dc.gov.

DC Invests $4 Million to Help Continue Outdoor Dining Through Winter Months

Mayor Bowser announced the investment of $4 million through the new Streatery Winter Ready Grant program to assist restaurants as they winterize their outdoor dining areas and maintain outdoor dining operations through the colder months. The Mayor’s Office of Nightlife & Culture, along with the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, will provide grant recipients with $6,000 to purchase winterization materials such as tents, heaters, propane, lighting, furniture, advertising cost, and more. Businesses can apply at coronavirus.dc.gov/recoverybusiness. While the application deadline is Oct. 31, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the funds are exhausted.

Free eWaste Recycling Events in DC

DC residents, small businesses and non-profits can recycle electronics without cost at e-waste recycling events throughout 2020. Upcoming events are: Oct. 10, Takoma Community Center, 300 Van Buren St. NW; Oct. 17, New York Avenue Rec Center, 100 N St. NW; Oct. 24, Rosedale Community Center, 1701 Gales St. NE; and Nov. 7, Marvin Gale Rec Center, 16 61st St. NE. All e-waste recycling events are held rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A complete list of events and acceptable items can be found at rlgamericas.com/DCecycling.

October Foreclosure Prevention Webinars

Having difficulty paying your mortgage, condo fees or property taxes? Do you own a home in DC, Maryland or Virginia? If so, the non-profit Housing Counseling Services will be conducting foreclosure prevention webinars every Wednesday in October at 2 p.m. The webinars are free but registration is required at housingetc.org. You have questions, you may also call the Foreclosure Prevention hotline at 202-265-2255.

October Tenant’s Rights Webinars

Do you have questions about your tenant rights in DC? Struggling with a loss of income and wondering what help is available to help pay your rent? Then participate in the Tenant Rights and Resources webinar hosted by Housing Counseling Services: in Spanish on Oct. 13, 6 p.m.; and in English on Oct. 20, 6 p.m. Free but registration is required at housingetc.org. You may also call Tenant Services at 202-900-9464.

Supportive Services for Veterans

Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness may receive assistance through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program at Housing Counseling Services. Through this program vets in DC and the surrounding counties may receive case management, assistance with rent, utilities, housing, and other necessities. For information call 202-667-7366 or visit housingetc.org.

DC’s COVID-19 Hotline

District residents who are homebound due to CO VID-19 can request support from the District for food and other essential items. Call 1-888-349-8323 or visit coronavirus.dc.gov/gethelp. u

THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) SOLICITATION NO.: 0028-2020

PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING SERVICES The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) requires qualified firms to provide a comprehensive range of Professional Architectural & Engineering services on an as-needed basis for rehabilitation and new construction projects. SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS will be available on DCHA’s website at www.dchousing.org beginning Monday, September 14, 2020. PROPOSAL RESPONSES ARE DUE ON OR BEFORE Thursday, October 29, 2020 at 11:00 AM. Email Lolita Washington, Contract Specialist at lwashing@dchousing.org with copy to business@dchousing.org for additional information.

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Social Distancing Strategy Gets Mixed Reviews

No Arrests Made for Violating the Mayor’s July Order

iding down Valley Avenue, which runs perpendicular to Oxon Run Park, ANC 8C03 Commissioner Robbie Woodland saw a “massive crowd.” Woodland, who represents the Saint Elizabeths area, had previously contacted DC officials about large gatherings taking place without permits and in violation of the Mayor’s gathering limits. Concert attendees had begun gathering in Oxon Run

by Gavrielle Jacobovitz

around late afternoon on July 25 and ANC 8E05 Commissioner Christopher Hawthorne, whose district covers a large portion of the park, had been fielding calls from his residents about it. Woodland and Hawthorne met up

it,” Woodland said. “They told us they were only there to monitor it.” Together, Hawthorne and Woodland walked through the park—Hawthorne filmed the crowd, for evidence of what was going on. Woodland said she had three masks on and was so afraid she “started shaking.” Hawthorne posted the video to social media. This large gathering made local news, as some others have. In weeks following, when 22 people were shot at a gathering in Southeast, Hawthorne said that officials had been warned. But beyond events that make headlines, local officials and residents in Wards 7 and 8 said they’re seeing large gatherings and lack of mask-wearing in violation of the Mayor’s public health emergency orders— but no one is enforcing them. The Mayor gave the MPD the authority to issue the potential penalties listed in her public health emergency orders in July. But the MPD has avoided punitive enforcement measures. An MPD spokesperson wrote in a statement that the MPD “has not made any arrests or issued fines for violations” of the Mayor’s July mask order. Residents and local officials shared mixed reviews of the MPD’s enforcement strategy with East of the River. Most weren’t looking for officers to“lock people up, suggesting other means of enforcing and encouraging social distancing, spanning from dispersal of crowds to preventative strategies.

The City’s Approach to Enforcement

Police were present at the scene but did not attempt to disperse the crowd, according to Hawthorne and ANC 8C03 Commissioner Robbie Woodland.

at the park which by then had a crowd of over 400 people, they estimated. “Metropolitan Police Department] officers were there and they would not break it up. They would not enforce 36

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In late June, when the city entered Phase 2 of its response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, gatherings of more than 50 people were prohibited. On July 22, Bowser extended the public health emergency and issued a mask order. Violations could bring penalties: charges could lead to prosecution, and fines could reach up to $1,000. The MPD was authorized to enforce the order for those over 18. At a press conference on July 29, when a reporter asked the Mayor about large retailers declining to enforce the order, fearing for employees’ safety, Bowser resolutely said they should “call the police.” But a new question emerged: what would they do? The MPD’s strategy for enforcement has been oriented around “voluntary compliance.”At the start of DC’s

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“Metropolitan Police Department] officers were there and they would not break it up. They would not enforce it,” Woodland said. “They told us they were only there to monitor it.”

pandemic response, the MPD spokesperson called it the department’s “desired goal” in a statement. “MPD continues to do our part to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in our city by encouraging and educating the public on wearing masks and adhering to the Mayor’s orders,” the MPD spokesperson wrote. While they haven’t made arrests or issued fines under the current orders, the MPD did issue citations in response to six incidents, back when the Mayor’s order banned gatherings of 10 or more people. On July 22, Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) answered the question of who had the power to enforce her public health emergency orders: the MPD. When a reporter asked Bowser if she’d seen the video of the Oxon Run concert, the Mayor said a block party with more than 50 attendees is in violation of the city’s orders. “If you’re asking me is MPD going to be able to stop every intentional group of people and lock them all up, probably not,” she said, instead suggesting a “community response.” “Let’s not act like we haven’t spent the past six weeks saying that the police shouldn’t lock up young Black people,” Bowser said. When asked whether he was aware of how the MPD was instructed to enforce the mask mandate—whether there is a consistent protocol in enforcement—Ward 6 Councilman and Chair of the Committee on the Judiciary and People gather at a concert in Oxon Run Park on Saturday, Public Safety Charles Allen (D) told East of July 25. the River it was “pretty unclear” to him. Allen also said he didn’t see calling 911 for mask to 400 people in the first place.” order violations as the “direction that we need Ward 7 Councilman Vincent Gray (D) and to be going in.” Ward 8 Councilman Trayon White (D) were not “From a public health perspective, we ceravailable for comment. tainly need to have people comply with the order “I think everyone should wear masks and I on masks and the physical distancing” Allen said. think its morally reprehensible to not wear masks, “How you enforce that, of course, is a very differbut I don’t agree that the government should force ent story. I think that we always need to be lookanyone to wear masks under threat of any form of ing for ways to enforce things, but do so in a way sanction or punishment” said Patrice Sulton, the that doesn’t exacerbate underlying tensions,” Aldirector of DC Justice Lab, an organization that relen added. He later stressed the importance of findsearches and advocates for change in the District’s ing out about events and contacting organizers becriminal justice system. Sulton said using punishforehand “to stop the gathering from ever getting 38

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ment and incarceration in response to all social problems is affecting all areas of policy and regulation in DC

Community Perspectives

Social distancing isn’t being enforced where she lives, an Anacostia resident told East of the River. In a parking lot across from her home, gatherings she says exceed the 50-person limit occur regularly. “They party all day long, all night long,” she claimed. “We call the police. Nobody does anything.” She said MPD officers “just come and look. They might sit there for a while. And then they leave.” Residents and local officials in Wards 7 and 8 who spoke with East of the River diverged in their views of how effectively the police are enforcing social distancing, whether they should be, and what other strategies the city could take. But most agreed that arrests weren’t the best approach, or at least shouldn’t be the first one taken. Commissioner Hawthorne disagreed with the Mayor’s response to the reporter who asked her about the Oxon Run concert, explaining he understood what she was saying but thought it was a “weak excuse.” He wasn’t looking for the Mayor to lock people up—and nobody was asking for that, he said. But he did want the police to disperse the crowd. Hawthorne had told other news outlets he sought a “written protocol” for how officials would deal with large gatherings. “As far as enforcement, as far as getting resources and literature out to the community, the message has [fallen] by the wayside,” Hawthorne claimed. “The positive tests are showing up here. But we’re getting less and less attention.” ANC 8C07 Commissioner Salim Adofo, who represents Congress Heights, including parts of Oxon Run, said that there is not a consistent community view about MPD enforcement of social distancing. Some feel that amid months of being cooped up people should be allowed to have a bit of fun. Others expect compliance with the Mayor’s order. Of them, some seek police enforcement while others don’t want to see arrests. Adofo supports enforcing the rules

in the orders. His suggestion is a warnings system: a series of warnings that could lead to a citation. “We have to do what we think is in the best interest of everybody health-wise,” he said. “It’s not about the officer and the individual. It’s about the larger community.” Still, Adofo noted the importance of not tying up the courts or pushing people who can’t afford fines into debt. ANC 8D04 Commissioner Monique Diop, whose district covers Bellevue, stressed personal responsibility and accountability over MPD enforcement. Diop said when she hosts events, she has a “COVID plan,” including a counting clicker and masks, and she emphasized the responsibility of organizers. “We can’t enforce everything so sometimes we have to enforce ourselves and just make good decisions about what to do, especially in this pandemic,” Diop said. According to Diop, the MPD was responsive when 8D’s commissioners emailed 7th District captains in mid-August after they received calls from community members about word of a large upcoming community event in Oxon Run. The MPD reached out to people involved, she said, and before the event, they were there to tape it off. “They didn’t stop the event, but they did some preventive measures to keep it from getting out of hand,” she said. ANC 7E03 Commissioner Ebbon Allen, who represents the Benning Park area, echoed Diop’s sentiment. He said “the community has to buy in as well,” and hold people violating the Mayor’s orders accountable. The MPD has been “great” at communicating with him about large events, Allen said. But he highlighted the importance of a preventative strategy, disseminating literature conveying the significance of social distancing. “Everybody is not on social media and everybody doesn’t have access to electronic devices,” he said. And from what he’s hearing from some of his residents, sometimes the MPD’s “actions don’t speak louder than words—as far as officers wearing masks themselves.” u

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Meet Your Neighbor Philip Pannell – Activist, Mentor, Friend

by Eva Herscowitz

hilip Pannell remembers times Phil Pannell at a meeting of the where, at the height of the HIV/ Anacostia Coordinating Council AIDS crisis in the District, multiple friends’ funerals were scheduled for the same day. A grassroot advocate for HIV/AIDS prevention and care, particularly in Ward 8, Pannell recalls his young adulthood as a time when he spent sad and painful hours with friends in their final days. For Pannell, activism focused on pressuring the Whitman-Walker Clinic to open its first AIDS outreach center east of the Anacostia River, and working to bring together the District’s LGBTQ+ residents across racial lines. Pannell was then, as he is now, equal parts empath, organizer and friend. “At a fundamental level,” he said, “I’m looking at the situation like, ‘Hey, this could be me. I really want somebody to against a police raid and ignited the gay liberation movebe advocating for me.’ That’s why I got inment. His activism continued in the District, where getvolved with the HIV/AIDS issue.” ting arrested at protests — from demonstrations for DC Pannell, who turns 70 this September, has remained at statehood to those agitating for HIV/AIDS treatment — the helm of Ward 8 community organizing since he moved became routine. to D.C. in the mid-1970s. His lifetime of advocacy has ofThe 230-mile move from New York City to DC did ten intersected with his identity as a Black Washingtonian, more than embed Pannell in the country’s political pulse. gay man and Ward 8 resident. Spanning elected official, It sparked an “enduring” friendship with former Council spokesman, campaign organizer, agitator and loyal local Chairman Arrington Dixon, who hired 25-year-old Panleader, he has transcended labels despite accumulating a nell to manage the community side of his campaign for laundry list of bureaucratic titles. Ward 4 Councilmember. His influence is undeniable. Working for Dixon, then a member of the District’s “He really does have a heart for community,” DC first home rule government, was a “totally new world,” Democratic Party Chair Charles Wilson said. “He’s alPannell recalled. When Dixon won the election, Pannell ways excited about the kind of work he does, and he’s alran his constituent service office. This was Pannell’s first ways wanting to get other people excited about it. He’s alDC job, but it certainly wouldn’t be his last. ways willing to keep pushing.” To name a few: Ward 8 Democrats President, Ward 8 coordinator for Mayor Anthony Williams, Congress D.C. Transplant Turned Ward 8 Leader Heights Community Association President, Advisory Pannell developed a concern for civil rights growing up in Neighborhood Commissioner, Friends of the Parkland“rigidly segregated” Newport News, VA, and as an underTurner Neighborhood Library Treasurer and East of the graduate at New York City’s Fordham University joined River Community Court Advisory Board Member. The the burgeoning Anti-Vietnam War movement. list goes on. In the summer of 1969, he found himself in GreenMany of these positions he’s held for multiple terms, wich Village the night of the Stonewall riots, when paand nearly all share a location: Ward 8. Pannell moved trons at the gay, lesbian and transgender bar fought back to the ward 32 years ago, and has served as the Execu40

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

tive Director of the Anacostia Coordinating Council (ACC) since 1995. “I intentionally moved here to see how I can be helpful in a part of town which in many cases is neglected and underserved,” he said. “When you’re in that type of community and you want to better things, you can’t help but be active.”

‘In the Land of A.R.E’

Pannell has thrived as the Executive Director of the ACC, a role where “his personality and capacity and talent has flourished,” Dixon said. Under Pannell’s leadership, the ACC has attracted hundreds of attendees at its meetings and connected with community organizations serving what Dixon calls “Anacostia River East,” or A.R.E. “His range is broad,” Dixon said. “From education to crime to environment, you name it, he has a feel for it and commitment to it, particularly as it relates to our community and in the land of A.R.E.” Like his list of titles, Pannell has amassed a catalog of official-sounding awards, like the 2011 U.S. President’s Call to Service Award, which recognized his five decades of advocacy. That advocacy can be aggressive and, at times, blunt: “When he wants you to do something, he will stay on you,” Dixon laughed. But that’s “why he gets results,” he added. ANC-6D04 Commissioner Andy Litsky met Pannell nearly 30 years ago when their paths first crossed while working on a political campaign. He said Phil’s quick wit and “legendary rhetorical command” is unmatched. “If I had only one word to describe Phil, it would be fierce,” Litsky said. “You know, in 1976 he testified before the City Council in support of same sex marriage. Forty-five years ago!” Pannell’s friends echo that his impact cannot be overstated. From sweeping reforms (moving the Ward 8 Democrats to embrace vote-by-mail in the 80s) to on-theground work (sponsoring local Christmas caroling and spending hours registering others to vote), Pannell has “always been there to organize,” Wilson, the DC Democratic Party Chair, said. (continued on pg. 45)

Nehemiah Dixon A Network of Opportunity

by Phil Hutinet

y high school counselor told me I couldn’t get into MICA [Maryland Institute College of Art],” Dixon said. In the end, he would prove her wrong. Not only would he graduate from MICA with a degree in General Fine Arts, but he would go on to create work purchased by international collectors, found his own company and, more recently, direct community engagement for one of DC’s—and the world’s— most prestigious art institutions, The Phillips Collection in northwest DC. Dixon’s life journey began on Southern Ave. SE. Born at Greater Southeast Community Hospital, Dixon grew up nearby, mainly in Hillcrest. His grandparents lived on Camden St. SE for over 65 years until their recent passing. He attended Anne Beers Elementary school and later graduated from School Without Walls. “Attending MICA was always my plan,” Dixon explains. However, he started his undergraduate studies at Bowie State, and then transferred to Delaware College of Art and Design before finally applying and matriculating at MICA, training as a painter. His mother’s sudden passing in 2004 led Dixon to suspend his studies; he would later finish the two courses he needed to finally graduate in 2013.

Hoodies

On July 13, 2013, George Zimmerman was acquitted of the second-degree charge of murdering Trayvon Martin. In reaction to this injustice, Dixon began to work furiously to respond to the outpouring of emotions he felt. After working on numerous drafts, Dixon concluded that the work he would create had to be three dimensional to have the impact he sought. But Dixon was trained as a painter. “Painting was my first passion, but at MICA I found that all of our paintings looked alike,” Dixon said. If he were to do it all over again, “I would have studied sculpture instead.” Undeterred by hindsight, Dixon’s critically acclaimed “Hoodies” series, which earned him local and internationally acclaim, are in fact sculptures.

To create the series, Dixon tapped into his network. He talked to seasoned artists like Alonzo Davis and Alan Binstock. Binstock has created many publicly commissioned sculptures and is an expert at using resin and steel. Resin is a type of plastic that molds easily into various forms. Dixon began practicing manipulating resin and fabric to combine the two mediums. He even talked to a chemistry professor to understand how to gain mastery over the substance. Dixon produced two series of final works—a series of “Black Hoodies” and a series of “White Hoodies” cast from the former works. The sculptures have been shown throughout the region at numerous galleries and at the Foggy Bottom Sculpture Biennial in 2018. The works have been purchased by local and international collectors including one Nehemiah Dixon III in London.

It Takes A Network

Before reaching his rising status as an artist, Dixon remembers the long windy road he took to get there. In 2007, he showed work in a group exhibition at the Pass Gallery, a commercial space located off 16th Street NW while working at his first job at The Phillips Collection. There he connected with one of the installers who worked for a local company called Artex. Dixon was so taken by the work of the installers that he applied for and

Nehemiah Dixon, “White Hoodies”, from East City Art’s “CONFLUENCE Select” exhibition at Otis Street Art Studios, fall 2019.

eventually got hired by the company. He spent several years working on large-scale installations at world-class regional museums like the National Gallery of Art. His next break came at Joe’s Movement Emporium in Mount Rainier, Maryland. His mother-in-law’s nonprofit partnered with Joe’s which is how he met Brooke Kidd, the organization’s executive director. While she wasn’t hiring at the time, Kidd contracted Dixon to teach a visual arts class and it very quickly led to Dixon being hired full-time as an arts instructor. Dixon caught the attention of Barbara Johnson of neighboring Art Works Now where he eventually went to work as managing director. He was particularly interested in the arts organization as its mission focuses on social justice. Before Dixon could settle into his new position, major grant funding led to a creative placemaking initiative in Maryland’s Gateway Arts District called Art Lives Here. Once again, Dixon was thrust into a new leadership role. “This is when I learned to become an arts administrator,” he says, as he managed part of the massive year-long project and grant. (continued on pg. 45) E ast

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kids & family

by Kathleen Donner

The Race for Every Child: Virtual Edition! Register now for the Race for Every Child: Virtual Edition! The Children’s National Hospital’s annual 5K is on Oct. 17. Participants may run or walk separately in their own neighborhoods and unite to raise funds for Children’s National Hospital. Sign up today at raceforeverychild.org. Invite family, friends, colleagues and neighbors to join a team. There is no registration fee. Fundraising--in support of their patients--is encouraged. childrensnational.org/giving. Photo: Courtesy of Children’s National Hospital Foundation

Black & Latino Student School Fair

The Black Student Fund & Latino Student Fund Annual School Fair is on Oct. 11, 2 to 5 p.m., online. The Black Student Fund’s commitment to bringing independent schools and black families together led to the creation of the annual Fair in 1972. The Fair has become an effective student venue and continues to be one of

the largest school fairs of its kind in the region. For over forty years, the fair has provided a networking opportunity for thousands of families in the metropolitan area to meet with representatives from more than sixty independent schools. In addition, it features interactive seminars focused on the admissions process, the financial aid process and personal/family financial management. Read more and register at blackstudentfund.org.

A Presidential Board Game

The Presidential Board Game, for ages 11 and up, takes players inside the Electoral College process. Two teams, Democrats and Republicans, fight for control of state delegations to ultimately win more than 270 electoral votes. The Presidential Board Game is an entertaining and educational family game, fun for both kids and adults. $34.95. Find it at nationalarchivesstore.org.

First Kids

Theodore Roosevelt Family (1903) Photo: Courtesy of the Library of Congress

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

The White House is the official residence of the Presidents of the United States as well as their families. Children of presidents are often referred to as “first kids.” These children have the opportunity to live in the White House, travel the world and meet famous people. First kids are challenged by growing up in the public eye and are constantly surrounded by Secret Service agents. Even with this unusual lifestyle, White House history is full of stories of first kids just being kids. These children go to school, spend time with their parents, care for pets and find ways to have fun. Learn what it has been like to grow up at different moments in White House history through the experiences of several first kids. Visit whitehousehistory.org/ teacher-resources/first-kids-1.

DC Makes $3.3 Million Investment to in Home Internet

Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) has launched the $3.3 million “Internet for All” initiative to provide free internet access for up to 25,000 disconnected low-income students and

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Art Tales for Pre-K

region of Africa. Explore African art through an African lens. Make a poster board focusing on the geography of Africa. Create a power point presentation. Read a book by an African author. Watch a film about Africa. Create a blog. Compose a poem. Create a virtual tour. Write a commentary. Read more at africa.si.edu.

Need ideas for how to talk about art with little ones? In each box at nga.gov/education/teachers/lessons-activities/pre-k, explore artworks with children, read books with related themes and try making some art. Download for extra creative fun! nga.gov.

Afterschool Meals at Select Recreation Centers

cams at nationalzoo.si.edu/webcams/panda-cam. A neonatal exam will be performed when keepers are able to retrieve the cub, which may take a few days. The sex of the cub will not be determined until a later date. nationalzoo.si.edu.

The OSSE and DC Dept. of Recreation (DPR) have resumed the District’s Afterschool Meals program at ten recreation centers. These sites serve free and nutritious grab-and-go style meals weekdays from 2 to 4 p.m. There are no applications, income requirements or ID required for youth 18 and under visiting a DPR Afterschool Meal site. Afterschool Meal sites include: Arthur Capper, 1000 Fifth St. SE; Barry Farm, 1230 Sumner Rd. SE; Deanwood, 1350 49th St. NE; Edgewood, 300 Evarts St. NE; Emery Heights, 5701 Georgia Ave. NW; Fort Stanton, 1812 Erie St. SE; Raymond Recreation Center, 3725 10th St. NW; Ridge Road, 830 Ridge Rd. SE; Therapeutic, 3030 G St. SE; Trinidad, 1310 Childress St. NE. The program will expand to additional sites in the coming weeks. For more information and updates, visit dpr.dc.gov. A full list of available food resources can be found at coronavirus.dc.gov/food.

African Art At-Home Activities

Have an item for the Kids & Family Notebook? Email the details to bulletinboard@hillrag.com. u

Mary Cassatt, Little Girl in a Blue Armchair, 1878, oil on canvas, Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon, 1983.1.18. Mary Cassatt painted many images of mothers and children. She portrayed the scenes that she saw around her: children taking a bath, playing in the sand and spending time with their parents. Observing from real life, Cassatt was able to capture everyday moments.

families from DC Public Schools and public charter schools. The funding, allocated from the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), will cover SNAP and TANF eligible families for the 20202021 School Year. The Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) in partnership with OSSE will coordinate the effort to bring broadband directly to homes through Comcast’s Internet Essentials and RCN’s Internet First programs. OCTO is reaching out to eligible families via email, phone and text message to directly connect households with students enrolled in DCPS and public charter schools to the internet providers. More information on the program is available at techtogetherdc.com/internetforall.

Giant Panda Cub Born at The Zoo

Giant panda Mei Xiang (maySHONG) gave birth to a cub at Smithsonian’s National Zoo on Aug. 21. Animal care staff witnessed the birth at 6:35 p.m. Mei Xiang picked the cub up immediately and began cradling and caring for it. The panda team heard the cub vocalize and glimpsed the cub for the first time briefly immediately after the birth. They are monitoring Mei Xiang and her cub via the Zoo’s panda 44

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Visit africa.si.edu/education/at-home for details about at-home projects for kids, K to 12. Research a particular

Find a Corn Maze, Pumpkin Patch or Hayride Find pumpkin patches, pick-your-own pumpkin farms, hayrides and corn mazes in Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia at the labor-of-love pumpkinpatchesandmore.org. The site claims to have the world’s best pumpkin pie and pie crust recipes as well. It also has home canning, preserving, drying and freezing directions. Most pumpkin patches and corn mazes open by mid-September; some earlier. In winter, find cut-your-own Christmas tree farms at pickyourownchristmastree.org.

Blue Ridge Mountain Maze between Charlottesville and Lynchburg, VA, has a selection of pumpkins and local farm products; a courtyard of fun activities for kids including farm animals, pumpkin sling shots, giant slides, mini-mazes, rope mazes, tire swings, giant hay bale obstacle course, fidget ladders and more. Blue Ridge Mountain Maze, Lovingston, VA. blueridgemountainmaze.com. Photo: Kate Knott

Changing Hands

(Philip Pannell, continued from pg. 40)

Still Organizing

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.

by Don Denton NEIGHBORHOOD

PRICE

$650,000 $520,000 $395,000 $308,000

3 4 3 2

$709,000 $440,000 $399,999

4 4 4

$474,000 $470,000 $470,000 $407,000 $400,000 $385,000 $319,000 $300,000 $232,000 $232,000 $200,000

3 3 3 3 3 3 5 4 2 2 0

$620,000 $555,000 $549,900 $515,000 $510,000 $494,000 $463,000 $460,000 $460,000 $440,000 $431,000 $405,000 $395,000 $365,000 $360,000 $207,000 $180,000

4 5 6 4 4 5 4 3 4 4 3 3 3 2 3 2 3

$495,000

$475,000 $460,000 $417,000 $365,000 $340,000 $285,000 $231,000

3 3 2 2 4 2 2

$600,000 $549,000

6 4

FEE SIMPLE ANACOSTIA

2242 Mount View Pl SE 1777 W St SE 2329 15th Pl SE 2108 16th St SE

BARRY FARMS 1334 T St SE 2519 Stanton Rd SE 1485 Morris Rd SE

CONGRESS HEIGHTS 1107 Congress St SE 234 Malcolm X Ave SE 1207 Alabama Ave SE 4005 Blakney Ln SE 636 Brandywine St SE 614 Elmira St SE 3365 Brothers Pl SE 3824 1st St SE 125 Chesapeake St SW 129 Chesapeake St SW 3020 7th St SE

DEANWOOD

832 48th St NE 42211/2 Grant St NE 107 46th Pl NE 5925 Foote St NE 5211 E Capitol St SE 117 Division Avenue NE 244 Division Ave NE 1114 45th St NE 707 56th Pl NE 327 56th St NE 419 55th St NE 5103 Sheriff Rd NE 5336 Gay St NE 1327 49th St NE 4802 NE Eads St NE 46 58th St SE 4614 Hayes St NE

FAIRLAWN 1319 T St SE

FORT DUPONT PARK 4023 Ely Pl SE 4208 Fort Dupont Ter SE 851 Adrian St SE 4331 G St SE 212 36th St SE 3107 E St SE 3031 K St SE

HILL CREST

2411 36th St SE 1511 28th St SE

3424 Texas Ave SE 2043 36th St SE 3027 O St SE 2519 Minnesota Ave SE

MARSHALL HEIGHTS 5345 D St SE 848 51st St SE 841 51st St SE 226 54th St SE 5512 C St SE 5524 C St SE

RANDLE HEIGHTS 2314 Naylor Rd SE 2407 Naylor Rd SE 1711 25th St SE 2016 Mississippi Ave SE 2388 Elvans Rd SE 2026 Savannah Pl SE 3422 24th St SE

$525,000 $490,000 $470,000 $435,000

3 3 3 3

$445,000 $427,000 $375,000 $365,000 $364,900 $210,100

4 3 4 2 2 2

$599,900 $550,000 $420,000 $420,000 $410,000 $399,999 $250,000

4 4 3 3 3 3 2

$169,900

$120,000

$146,000

$150,000

$109,000

$135,000

$432,691

$640,000 $575,000 $479,000 $450,000 $425,000 $395,000 $380,500 $366,000 $360,725 $305,000 $300,000 $280,000 $240,500

2 2 3 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 1 1 1

CONDO ANACOSTIA

2351 16th St SE #204

BARRY FARMS

2634 Bowen Rd SE #303

CONGRESS HEIGHTS

724 Brandywine St SE #302

DEANWOOD

4116 Ames St NE #302

GARFIELD

2841 Gainesville St SE #204

HILL CREST

2106 38th St SE #102

MARSHALL HEIGHTS 4920 Call Pl SE #D2

TRINIDAD

1205 Morse St NE #1 1210 19th St NE #4 1830 I St NE #3 1404 Holbrook St NE #4 1404 Holbrook St NE #1 1721 Trinidad Ave NE #3 1111 Orren St NE #106 1274 Simms Pl NE #4 1725 Trinidad Ave NE #1 1668 Trinidad Ave NE #3 1230 Holbrook Ter NE #101 1227 Meigs Pl NE #C 1233 Raum St NE #3 ◆

(Nehemiah Dixon, continued from pg. 41) From 2016-2019 Dixon then formed his own company called Nonstop Art. He was contracted by several organizations to produce community-engaged arts programming including creating a community maker space at Oxon Run Manor (which was previously covered by East of the River), work at various Prince George’s County elementary schools with artists Leslie Holt and Tsedaye Makonnen, and public programming at Brookland Manor Apartments. During this time, after attending an annual Art Table event titled “State of Art DC”, Dixon met and connected with Director Dorothy Kosinski of The Phillips Collection. He learned about an opening at The Philips Collection and decided to seize the opportunity. Earlier this year, he went through the interview process leading him to become Director of Community Engagement for the respected institution. Dixon’s career has now come full-circle. Scientists like to forward the old adage that “chance favors the prepared mind.” In Dixon’s case, creating a vast network of people has provided opportunities as an artist and as an arts administrator. But these people are not just anyone. According to Dixon, these are people who you love, who support you and who are, as Dixon puts it “your greatest cheerleaders,” like fellow artists Mark and Denise Wamaling. Within his network, Dixon also credits his success to Margaret Boozer, co-director of Red Dirt Studios, another person who has had a profound influence over him. In his spare time, Dixon continues his artistic practice at Red Dirt in Mount Rainier, MD where he maintains a studio. Ultimately, it was one of Dixon’s professors at MICA whose words he never forgot when he told his students “the people you meet after school will become your network; choose them well. These are the people who will help you grow and find opportunities.“

These days, Pannell is still organizing, still living in his apartment, even as the pandemic upturns the country and the world. For now, he’s moved the ACC’s activities online. “I actually wind up being involved in more meetings now,” he said. “Some days, I have literally started virtual meetings at eight o’clock in the morning and will be online until after sunset.” Though Pannell said he has no hobbies — a regrettable fact he attributes to long work days spent organizing for the ACC — he’s a life-long mentor to many. “Philip has been instrumental in every young elected person’s life, to get them to where they are,” Wilson said. “If they really look back and if they’re honest with themselves, they can credit Philip Pannell.” Friends frequently mentioned Pannell’s sense of humor, both for its power to mobilize and spark joy. A few years ago, Wilson organized a Philip Pannell roast, and over 500 community members showed up to poke fun at Pannell’s big personality. “People really cracked up,” Wilson remembers. Pannell is also a loyal friend, especially to Dixon. Pannell would babysit the daughters of Dixon and his former wife, third District mayor Sharon Pratt. And Dixon gifted Pannell, a musician, his brother’s old ebony clarinet. Dixon peppers his description of Pannell with candid adjectives: smart, sincere, dogged, committed. He called Pannell his best friend. “We’d love him,” Dixon said. “I love him. He’s a special guy, and it’s impossible to recognize him enough for what he does.” Eva Herscowitz is a journalism student at Northwestern University currently interning with the Hill Rag. She writes for Northwestern’s student newspaper, The Daily Northwestern. You can reach her at eva@hillrag.com ◆

E AST

Phil Hutinet is the publisher of East City Art, DC’s alternative art source. For more information visit www.eastcityart.com. ◆

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1. Parabola 4. Bump 7. Dance bit 10. Prog. interruption 13. Sky sighting 16. Dinghy or dory 18. Emirates, for short 19. Porters 20. Black Eyed Peas’ will._.__ 21. Negative word 22. Places for spectacles 25. Wd. from Roget 26. Blasting material 27. Wine order 28. Imagined, in a way 29. Make fast 30. Chemical ending 31. Interlocks 32. Supernatural force 33. What M. can stand for 35. Baltic feeder 39. Co. with a butterfly logo 40. Hoopster Baylor 41. Sombrero 44. Govt. regulators 46. Tech sch. grad 48. Safe places 52. Pace counter 54. Camcorder maker 56. Former White House nickname 57. Gillette Stadium and TD Garden, for example 58. Trademarks, abbr. 60. Place for an NFL team 64. Carole King’s “___ Born to Follow” 65. Paddington or Grand Central 67. Kidded around 68. “Strength , Courage and Wisdom, singer, India 70. Defense Agency that is developing auto-steering vehicles

71. Like many LAX flights 72. Time in power 74. Guts 76. Gourmet’s favorite perception 80. Place for an NFL team 82. Eighty-six 83. Places for concerts and conventions 84. Neither Rep. nor Dem. 85. Zippo 86. Seat belt attachments 88. It blows off steam 92. Stuporous 95. Seating sections 96. One form of ID 97. Seat of New York’s Oneida County 99. Double-crosser 101. “___ chance” 103. Met wear, perhaps 106. Jack-in-the-pulpit, e.g. 108. Birds that can’t fly 113. SAT follower 114. Part of an old-fashioned pin-up 115. Fergie’s ex 117. Directly 118. Number of weeks per annum 119. “Acetyl” add-on 120. Place for an NBA team 122. Picnic pest 123. Transmitter of genetic info 124. Gamepieces 125. It may be cocked or cupped 126. Roadside 127. All right! 128. “Dig in!” 129. “__ how you are!” 130. ‘The Gold Bug’ writer 131. Football positions

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38. Butler at Tara 41. Queen in Greek myth 42. Fruity coolers 43. Space available on a ship 45. Plated critter 47. Military specialist 49. Algonquian speaker 50. Snitched 51. What’s more 52. Kit mitt 53. Neo’s venue 55. Opposition 59. Position 60. Get inside 61. Mahayana movement 62. Put weight on 63. Middle kitchen counters 65. Greet and seat 66. Apr. addressee 69. Currency arm of the U.N.

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72. Russo of the “Lethal Weapon” series 73. Water whirl 75. Oil provider 77. Doesn’t sit still for mistreatment 78. Relative of a gull 79. Sibilant symbol 80. Whit 81. Southernmost city of Israel 83. Bulletproof ___ 87. Van Gogh: “___ Cypresses” 89. Big ___, Calif. 90. Display unit 91. “Umbrella” singer 93. Recipient 94. Football stat 98. Attacked 100. Paint thinners for short 102. Comic actor Johnson 103. Mount on a surface 104. Patriot Tom 105. “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina” musical 107. Football Hall-of-Famer Blount 109. Forewarn 110. PC key 111. Acidic 112. Novi Sad residents 115. Egyptian snakes 116. Blubber 117. Planting unit 121. City with Paulo

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