OCTOBER 2013 EAST of the RIVER MAGAZINE
2 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | October 2013 H 3
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE
IS A DID YOU KNOW? If you knowingly collect benefits by intentionally providing false or inaccurate information when you filed your claim, you are committing FRAUD. Examples include: • An individual returns to work but continues to collect UI benefits. • An individual works a part-time job but does not report his or her earnings to the state, thereby collecting more benefits than he or she is allowed.
UI Fraud is punishable by law! PENALTIES Can Include: • Criminal prosecution • Penalties and fines • Forfeiting future income tax refunds • Ineligibility to collect UI benefits in the future Don’t make your unemployment problem worse. If you think you may have committed UI Fraud, let us help you address the issue.
• An individual performs temporary work while collecting UI benefits, but does not report the earnings when filing his or her weekly claim. • An individual holds back information or gives false information to the state UI agency.
4 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
1.877.372.8360 Call us today or visit does.dc.gov to read more about UI Fraud.
Small Business Brief Advice Legal Clinic Meet One-on-One with a Lawyer for Free! Presented by the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Program and the D.C. Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs If you are an existing or an aspiring small business owner, come and meet one-on-one with attorneys at this brief advice clinic. If you do not have specific questions, come and tell the attorneys about your business – they can help you spot legal issues or give you general advice. Date: Tuesday, October 22, 2013 Time: 5pm – 7:30 pm Location: DCRA Small Business Resource Center 1100 4th Street SW, Second Floor Waterfront-SEU Metro Station Please bring any documents relevant to the issues you wish to discuss. This is a walk-in clinic; however, if you wish to pre-register, call Darryl Maxwell, Managing Attorney at 202-737-4700, ext. 3369 or visit http://bizdc.ecenterdirect.com/ ConferencePresignup.action?iD=37424 Language translation services are available upon request.
EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | OCTObER 2013 H 5
6 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | October 2013 H 7
EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | October 2013 | CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS 12.............What’s on Washington
14.............East of the River Calendar 18.............The Bulletin Board 22............. The 30th Annual ACC Anacostia Boat Ride 23............. The Man From Anacostia • by Charles E. Wilson 24.............District Beat • by Martin Austermuhle 26.............The Numbers • by Ed Lazere
37
28............. How An ANC Accounts For Its Money by Charnice A. Milton
29............. E on DC • by E. Ethelbert Miller 30............. Marketplace Boot Camp • by Candace Y.A. Montague 32............. The Aftermath • by Candace Y.A. Montague
38
34............. Healthcare at Your Door • by Stephen Lilienthal 36............. Big K Development Opposed • by John Muller 37............. From Error to Academy • by Virginia Avniel Spatz
EAST WASHINGTON LIFE 38.............In Your Kitchen • by Annette Nielsen
40.............Anthony Johnson Conquers Illiteracy • by John Muller 42.............Jazz Avenues • by Steve Monroe 43............. Nubian Hueman Opens Boutique at Anacostia Arts Center • by Charnice A. Milton 44.............Neighbors to Raise Funds for Mural • by Charnice A. Milton
REAL ESTATE
23.............Changing Hands • compiled by Don Denton
KIDS & FAMILY
52
45.............Kids & Family Notebook • by Kathleen Donner 50.............First Step toward a Career • by Stephen Lilienthal 52............. Friendship’s Early College Program Flourishes by John Muller
53.............The Classifieds 55 ............The Nose • by Anonymous
ON THE COVER: Step dance company Step Afrika! will lead an interactive workshop at the 2013 WPAS Fall Arts Fair, which will feature a variety of family-friendly activities and performances. Photo: Tony Powell. Story on page 14.
EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | October 2013 H 9
Hill Rag • Mid City DC • East Of The River • Fagon Community Guides Capital Community News, Inc. 224 7th Street, SE, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20003 202.543.8300 capitalcommunitynews.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Melissa Ashabranner • melissaashabranner@hillrag.com
Publisher: Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com Copyright © 2013 by Capital Community News. All Rights Reserved.
Look for Next Issue of East of the River on November 9 Online Daily, Printed Monthly | www.eastoftheriverdcnews.com
Editorial Staff Managing Editor: Andrew Lightman • andrew@hillrag.com CFO & Associate Editor: Maria Carolina Lopez • carolina@hillrag.com School Notes Editor: Susan Braun Johnson • schools@hillrag.com Kids & Family Notebook Editor: Kathleen Donner • kathleendonner@gmail.com
BEAUTY, Health& Fitness Patricia Cinelli • fitmiss44@aol.com Ronda Bresnick Hauss, LCSW • www.quietwaterscenter.com quiet_waters_center@yahoo.com Mariessa Terrell • mterrell@sbclawgroup.com Candace Y.A. Montague • writeoncm@gmail.com
Arts, Dining & Entertainment Art: Jim Magner • jjmagner@aol.com Dining: Emily Clark • clapol47@gmail.com Celeste McCall • celeste@us.net Hit the City: Joylyn Hopkins • joylyn@joylynhopkins.com Literature: Karen Lyon • klyon@folger.edu Movies: Mike Canning • mjcanning@verizon.net Music: Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com Stephen Monroe • samonroe2004@yahoo.com Retail Therapy: Scott Fazzini • scott.fazzini@gmail.com Theater: Barbara Wells • barchardwells@aol.com Travel: Maggie Hall • whitby@aol.com The Wine Guys: Jon Genderson • jon@cellar.com
KIDS & FAMILY Kathleen Donner • kathleendonner@gmail.com Susan Johnson • schools@hillrag.com
Calendar & Bulletin Board Calendar Editor: Kathleen Donner • calendar@hillrag.com, bulletinboard@hillrag.com
COMMENTARY Ethelbert Miller • emiller698@aol.com The Nose • thenose@hillrag.com
General Assignment Martin Austermuhle • martin.austermuhle@gmail.com Maggy Baccinelli • mbaccinelli@gmail.com Dana Bell • dana@hillrag.com Elise Bernard • elise.bernard@gmail.com Ralph Brabham • ralphbrabham@yahoo.com Stephanie Deutsch • scd@his.com Kathleen Donner • kathleendonner@gmail.com Michelle Phipps-Evans • invisiblecolours@yahoo.com Gwyn Jones • gwynjones@aol.com Stephen Lilienthal - stephen_lilienthal@yahoo.com Celeste McCall • celeste@hillrag.com Charnice Milton • charnicem@hotmail.com John H. Muller • jmuller.washingtonsyndicate@gmail.com Alice Ollstein • alice.ollstein@gmail.com Will Rich • will.janks@gmail.com Linda Samuel • indabsamuel@yahoo.com Heather Schoell • schoell@verizon.net Virginia Avniel Spatz • virginia@hillrag.com Michael G. Stevens • michael@capitolriverfront.org Peter J. Waldron • peter@hillrag.com Roberta Weiner • rweiner_us@yahoo.com Jazzy Wright • wright.jazzy@gmail.com Jennifer Zatkowski • jenn@hillrag.com
Society & Events Mickey Thompson • socialsightings@aol.com Homes & Gardens Rindy O’Brien • rindyob@mac.com Derek Thomas • derek@thomaslandscapes.com Judith Capen • judith.capen@architravepc.com HomeStyle: Mark Johnson • mark@hillrag.com Catherine Plume • caplume@yahoo.com
Production/Graphic/web Design Art Director: Jason Yen • jay@hillrag.com Graphic Designer: Kyungmin Lee • lee@hillrag.com Web Master: Andrew Lightman • andrew@hillrag.com Advertising & Sales Account Executive: Kira Means, 202.543.8300 X16 • kira@hillrag.com Account Executive: Jennifer Zatkowski, 202.543.8300 X20 • Jenn@hillrag.com Classified Advertising: Maria Carolina Lopez, 202.543.8300 X12 • carolina@hillrag.com Distribution Distribution Manager: Andrew Lightman Distributors: MediaPoint, LLC Distribution Information: distribution@hillrag.com Deadlines & CONTACTS Advertising: sales@hillrag.com Display Ads: 15th of each month Classified Ads: 10th of each month Editorial: 15th of each month; submissions@hillrag.com Bulletin Board & Calendar: 15th of each month; calendar@hillrag.com, bulletinboard@hillrag.com
We welcome suggestions for stories. Send queries to andrew@hillrag.com. We are also interested in your views on community issues which are published in the Last Word. Please limit your comments to 250 words. Letters may be edited for space. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send Last Word submissions to lastword@hillrag.com. For employment opportunities email jobs@hillrag.com.
10 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | October 2013 H 11
s! ent v E ore rM o f ite ebs W Our See
ng
hi s a W
om
.c ton
n
sO hat
W
a month-by-month guide to events
Kensington’s Antique Row
Nestled in the heart of historic Kensington, Maryland, Antique Row is the oldest antiques center in the area. For more than 30 years, Howard Avenue East and its adjacent streets have been a mecca for antique collectors worldwide. Many of the original merchants are still in business, continuing the tradition of honesty and integrity in the trade. Through the years, Antique Row has grown to include more than 80 shops. Their merchants specialize in everything from the finest antiques to the quirkiest collectibles. They offer art galleries, new crafts and gifts, design shops and salons and two eating establishments. Unlike an antique mall, you will have the pleasure of walking tree lined streets, resting on a Victorian park bench beside a planter of flowers and discussing your purchases personally with the owners. kensingtonantiquerow.com
Third Thursday: Merchants in Kensington keep their doors open late on Third Thursdays, attracting visitors with sales specials, live music and food. Photo: Maier & Warner PR
Feet in the Street
On Saturday, October 19, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., all roads in the 376 acre Fort Dupont Park will be closed to motor traffic in order to promote physical activity, green transportation choices and community spirit. Some of the day’s activities are a rock climbing wall, a 5K fun run, a boxing demonstration, nature hikes, face painting, free bike rentals, a soccer clinic, a Capital Bikeshare booth, gardening and cooking classes, a yoga clinic and a farmers’ market. Participants are encouraged to cycle, walk or take transit to the event, but a limited amount of parking will be available near the Fort Dupont Activity Center. 202-4267723. nps.gov/fodu Rent a bike at Feet in the Street. Photo: Courtesy of National Park Service 12 H eAStOFtHerIVerDcNeWS.cOM
DC Reads “Frederick Douglass in Washington, DC: The Lion of Anacostia”
The remarkable journey of Frederick Douglass from fugitive slave to famed orator and author is well recorded. Yet little has been written about Douglass’ final years in Washington, DC. In “Frederick Douglass in Washington, DC: The Lion of Anacostia”, journalist John Muller explores how Douglass spent the last 18 years of his life professionally and personally in his home, Cedar Hill, in Anacostia. The ever-active Douglass was involved in local politics, from aiding in the early formation of Howard University to editing a groundbreaking newspaper to serving as marshal of the District. From Oct-Nov 15, join fellow residents in book discussions around town in the public libraries. Nearby discussions are on Oct 10, 11 a.m. at MLK Library; Oct 21, 6 p.m. and Oct 26, 1 p.m. at the Southwest Library; and Oct 29 and Nov 6, 7 p.m. at the Southeast Library. dclibrary.org. When you’ve completed the book, make a pilgrimage to the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site at 1411 W St. SE (corner of 15th and W). Open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. except Thanksgiving, Christmas and January 1. nps.gov/frdo
Dead Man’s Run at Congressional Cemetery
On Oct 19, 5:30 p.m., outrun the Grim Reaper and other haunts in the 206 year old Congressional Cemetery at dusk. Race starts with a toll of the funeral bell, continues throughout the cemetery and onto the Anacostia Trail for a ghostly evening run full of spooky music, fun, and a full moon. Join fellow runners in the beer tent after the race to reward your own survival. Costumes encouraged, with prize for best costume or team costume. The run benefits the preservation of this National Historic Landmark. Grown-ups run a 5K race and kids run about 1/4 mile. The kids run ($10) starts just after main run. $40 to register at congressionalcemetery.org and everyone gets a tee-shirt. The main entrance to Historic Congressional Cemetery is at 1801 E St. SE. 202-543-0539. Runners approach the finish line. Photo: Congressional Cemetery
Spook-o-rama Variety Show at the Anacostia Arts Center
This year, all gremlins, goblins, and witches on brooms are gathering at the Anacostia Arts Center for a party under the moon. Tilted Torch is thrilled to present Spook-o-rama at this new venue in historic Anacostia, DC’s hottest new arts destination. Join the creatures of the night in celebration of All Hallows’ Eve. Ruby Rockafella will rattle your skeleton bones with her sinful burlesque when she rises from the grave. The Sweater Set will lure you with their blood-curdling lyrics and eerie melodies. Pandora’s Box will make you jump out of your skin with her wicked performance art. At the top of the witching hour, Malibu will cast a spell on you with her vicious variety, while Miss Joule will drive you mad when she escapes from the insane asylum. The head boogieman is the sinister femmecee Shortstaxx. With ghastly games and an outrageous raffle, Tilted Torch will make you scream for more! Come dressed to stir up some fear on this spine-chilling fright night! $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Spook-a-rama is on Friday, Oct 25, 9 p.m. at the Anacostia Arts Center, 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE. spookorama.brownpapertickets.com Miss Joule. Photo: Courtesy of Tilted Torch EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | October 2013 H 13
CALENDAR HALLOWEEN The Ghost Story Tour of Washington. Fridays and Saturdays in Oct, 8:00 PM. Tour meets at 858 Vermont Ave. NW. (McPherson Square Metro “White House exit”). $12, $6 for those under 16 (babes in strollers or carriers, free). Military ID holders are half price on all tours. 301-588-9255. historicstrolls.com
Step dance company Step Afrika! will lead an interactive workshop at the 2013 WPAS Fall Arts Fair, which will feature a variety of family-friendly activities and performances. Photo: Tony Powell
Boo! Run for Life 10K and 2 Mile Fun Walk. Oct. 13, 8:00 AM. The Halloween-themed Boo! Run for Life 10K is a seasonal favorite of many runners. Run the 10K in costume, or enjoy a scenic 2 mile walk around the Tidal Basin! West Potomac Park, Washington DC. $29-$32. 703-786-8581. boorunforlife.com Dead Man’s Run at Congressional Cemetery. Oct 19, 5:30-8:30 PM. Outrun the Grim Reaper and other haunts in the 206 year old Congressional Cemetery at dusk! Race starts with a toll of the funeral bell, continues throughout the cemetery and onto the Anacostia Trail for a ghostly evening run full of spooky music, fun, and a full moon! Join us in the beer tent after the race to reward your own survival. Costumes encouraged, with prize for best costume or team costume! Benefits the preservation of this National Historic Landmark. $40. $10 for the kid’s run. congressionalcemetery.org Boo at the Zoo. Oct. 25, 26 and 27, 5:308:30 PM. Enjoy tasty candy, delicious snack foods, and other special treats from more than 40 treat stations. This family-friendly event offers animal encounters, keeper talks, and festive decorations. Proceeds support animal care, conservation science, education, and sustainability at the National Zoo. $30. nationalzoo.si.edu Air and Scare at Udvar-Hazy Center. Oct 26, 2:00-7:00 PM. Their annual Halloween event, Air & Scare, features the spooky side of air and space at the Udvar-Hazy Center! Each year, people arrive in costume for safe indoor trickor-treating. They participate in creepy crafts, spooky science experiments, and other Halloween-themed activities. The tiniest visitors check out the Tot Zone to play dress-up and hear a story. They can even pose for a photo with their favorite Star Wars character! Free. $15 to park. The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is located a few miles south of Washington Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, VA. airandspace.si.edu Zombie Run 5K at National Harbor. Oct 26, 10:00 AM. Limited to 5,000 participants. Wave “windows” of up to 600 persons will start every 15 minutes. Approximately 100 people will be released every 2 minutes during that time frame. Zombie Run is a zombie-infested 5k fun run where you can be a zombie, a runner, or an observer of the apocalypse. Their charity partner is Smile Train and the goal is to raise enough money to pay for 15 cleft lip and palate repairs for children in developing countries. zombierun.com Congressional Cemetery Ghosts and Goblets Soiree. Oct 26, 6:00-8:00 PM. Billed as a gruesome benefit for Historic Cengressional Cemetery featuring torchlight graveyard tours, organ music, hauntings, and visits from some of
14 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
Washington Performing Arts Society Fall Arts Fair
Oct 13, 1:00-4:00 PM. Free, family-friendly event featuring everything from face painting to a step dance class to an instrument petting zoo. There will be interactive workshops and 13 performances by local professional artists on the WPAS roster of teaching artists, including the WPAS Gospel Choir, dance company Step Afrika!, storyteller Arianna Ross, American folk singer Bruce Hutton, classical string duet Marcolivia, opera artist Karin Paludan, Latin music act Cantaré circle, Latin dance class with Ricardo Loaiza, youth group CityDance Ensemble, go-go band Mambo Sauce, jazz artist Imani Gonzalez, angklung player Tricia Sumarijanto and Luis Garay Percussion World drum. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org their 55,000 residents. $75. Costume or casual attire. 1801 E St. SE. 202-543-0539. congressionalcemetery.org Dia de los Muertos. Oct 26 and 27, 10:30 AM4:30 PM. View several ofrendas (altars), and special programming that includes food demonstrations of traditional foods for the dead around the outdoor firepit, (weather permitting); music and dance performances. National Museum of the American Indian, on the National Mall between Air & Space and US Capitol. nmai.si.edu Drag Queen High Heel Race. Tuesday, Oct 29, 9:00 PM. Always fun, always outrageous and always held on the Tuesday before Halloween, this annual event features elaborately costumed drag queens racing down 17th St. NW from R to Church St. It attracts large crowds to cheer them on so don’t expect to park in the area. The race begins at 9:00 PM but come early because the real fun begins before the race. An informal block party follows. Night of the Living Zoo. Oct 30, 6:30-10:00 PM. Why should kids have all the fun? Join
them for their adult Halloween bash! Wear your best costume while enjoying the National Zoo by moonlight. Experience bone-chilling and mind-boggling performance art including palm readers, fire eaters, talking bats, and illusionists. A valid ID is required for admission. National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW. nationalzoo.si.edu National Building Museum Halloween Ghost Tour. Oct. 31, 8:00 PM and 9:15 PM. Explore the haunted past of the National Building Museum. See a different side of the Museum on this lantern-light tour led by the ghost of Mary Surratt. Who are the irritable rider on horseback and the footless figure? Why are there mysterious faces swirling in the 75 foot Corinthian columns? And, why do these ghosts (and more!) call the National Building Museum their home? All will be revealed on this behind-thescenes tour of the mysteries of the Museum. $18. National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW. 202-272-2448. nbm.org Haunted Hill 2013 Starring Cypress Hill. Oct 31, 8:00 PM. Howard Theatre, 620 T St. NW. 202-803-2899. thehowardtheatre.com
Courtyard Cinema Classics: The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. Oct 31, 7:30-9:30 PM. Spend a spooky Halloween at a special screening of one of cinema’s earliest horror films, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. When the Dr. Caligari and his zombielike somnambulist are accused of murder, there may be something more sinister and supernatural at work. Food and beverages available for purchase in the Courtyard Café. (1920, 67 minutes). American Art Museum, Eighth and F sts. NW. 202-633-1000. AmericanArt.si.edu Where to Get Halloween Costumes. The American Backstage Company, 5380 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria, VA. 703-212-8982. backstagecostumes.com Find Pumpkin Patches in Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. Also find hay rides, pony rides, corn mazes and more. pumpkinpatchesandmore.org
SPECIAL EVENTS Feet in the Street. Oct 19, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM. Outdoor fun for bikers, hikers, climbers and all
kids. Fort Dupont Park, (reference address is 3600 F and Minnesota SE). nps.gov/fodu Washington International Horse Show. Oct 22-27. An equestrian tradition since 1958, the Washington International Horse Show is the country’s leading metropolitan indoor horse show. Each October more than 500 of the top national and international horses and riders, including Olympic veterans, come together in Washington, DC, to compete in six days of thrilling competition. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. wihs.org Southwest DC Home-Boat Tour. Oct 26, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM. Boat owners at the Gangplank Marina will host the Home Boat Tour where houseboats, housebarges, sailboats, trawlers, office barges, and more will be opened to the public. Tickets cost $20, but residents of the 20024 ZIP code receive a $5 discount. Also on the same day, DC Harbor Cruises will offer discounted 60-minute cruises for $15. Like last year, Cantina Marina will offer a 10% discount to tour-goers. A portion of proceeds from the event will go towards local charities in Southwest. dchouseboat.org Atlas Underground: Not Your Usual Gala. Nov 1, 7:00 PM. An exhilarating evening of performances, dining, and dancing celebrating the finest in artistic expression. The evening will include world-class performances throughout the Atlas, including backstage, on-stage, and other spaces rarely seen by audiences. Individual ticket price, $225. The Atlas, 1333 H St. NE. 202-399-7993. atlasarts.org
AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD Growth-Lauren Henkin at The Gallery at Vivid Solutions. Through Nov 1. It was not until after photographer Lauren Henkin had undergone surgery to remove slow-growing benign tumors that she began to identify connections between her photographic inclinations and her health issues. Growth is the collection of landscape photographs that resulted from this point of connection. Henkin photographs discovered disruptions to the urban landscape made by the natural world, scenes that she sees as both invasive and reclaiming. The Gallery at Vivid Solutions is located upstairs at 1241 Good Hope Rd. SE above Honfleur Gallery. 202-365-8392. vividsolutionsgallery.com Resume Workshop at Francis A Gregory Library. Oct 18, 10:00 AM. Join them for a one-on-one resume workshop that will help you create and improve your resume. Walkins welcome! Handouts on resume do’s and don’t’s will be provided and resume handbooks will be available for check-out. Call 202-698-6373 for more information. Francis A Gregory Library. 3660 Alabama Ave. SE. 202-698-6373. dclibrary.org/francis Metro Comedy Entertainment presents Rachel Feinstein. Oct 19, 8:00 and 10:00 PM. Stand-up comedian Rachel Feinstein is most famous as a finalist on the seventh season of NBC’s Last Comic Standing. Her impressive TV credits also include her own Comedy Central Presents special, Russell Simmons Presents: Live at the El Rey, TBS’s Just For Laughs and the syndicated show Comics Unleashed. She’s
also known for her witty and wacky array of character voices-including Ice Cold Rhoda, the Original Gangster Grandma, who reviews the latest in hip hop music. $25. For ages 18, older. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org Bus Tour of Artists’ Studios. Oct 19, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM. (for ages 16 to adult) Visit the working studios of artists and learn how they plan and create their works. Artists, art enthusiasts, students, and collectors are welcome. $10. Bus departs from and returns to Anacostia Community Museum at 1901 Fort Pl. SE. For information, call 202-633-4844. All participants must take the museum’s bus. anacostia.si.edu A Tribute to Ira Blount. Oct 20, 2:00-4:30 PM. Join them in honoring Ira Blount, an extraordinary 95-year-old artisan who has mastered nearly a dozen handcrafts and art forms. A selection of his creations will be on display for the day of the event. Free; for reservations, call 202-633-4844. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu Vincent Price Film “The Raven.” Oct 25, 3:00 PM. Erasmus Craven, played by Vincent Price, is a melancholy magician who turns his back on the Brotherhood of Sorcerers after the apparent death of his wife Lenore, but when a talking raven claims to have seen his beloved Lenore with the devious Dr. Scarabus, played by Boris Karloff, the same powerful wizard who transformed him into a raven, he sets off to see if the raven speaks the truth. An all-out magical war ensues when the squabbling Craven and Dr. Scarabus come face-to-face. Featuring a young Jack Nicholson, this is a must-see. Rated G, 86 minutes, 1963. Francis A. Gregory Library, 3660 Alabama Ave. SE. 202-698-6373. dclibrary.org/francis Metro Comedy Entertainment Presents: Pierre Edwards. Oct 26, 8:00 and 10:00 PM. A veteran of HBO’s Def Comedy Jam, BET’s Comic View and Showtime at the Apollo, Pierre has also been seen in Def Jam’s How To Be a Player, and in For Da Love of Money, which he also wrote and starred in. He recently released his first book, a collection of film anecdotes entitled My 100 Homies & Phonies of Hollywood. $25. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org Dorothy I. Height Neighborhood Library Friends Open House. Oct 29, 7:00 PM. You are invited to attend an informative membership drive for the Dorothy I. Height Neighborhood Library Friends. Learn how you can support and advocate for your Neighborhood Library. Light refreshments will be served. Dorothy I. Height/Benning Library, 3935 Benning Rd. NE. 202-281-2583. dclibrary.org/benning Praise 2013: The Sound of Praise. Nov 2 and 3, 4:00 PM. The PRAISE Experience allows liturgical dance, step, mime and quite frankly movement ministries within the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area to come together to share in the love of Jesus Christ. If you were present at any of the PRAISE programs you can attest to the power of ministering that has gone forth. $10-$12. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-8895901. thearcdc.org
HEALTHY FOOD, HEALTHY COMMUNITY Fresh produce from local farmers, plants, art, food-preparation workshops, children activities, nutrition and more...
SATURDAYS: 9:00 AM TO 2:00 PM AT THEARC!! Fresh Fruit, Vegetables, Bread and Meat. To be eligible to win a tasty prize, TEXT 313131 and ENTER W8FM. We will send you occasional texts about our farmers’ market, including special offers!
We DOUBLE your EBT,WIC and Seniors Coupon dollars!! (up to $15 per week, while funds last) Yes we accept EBT or SNAP, from DC, MD or any other state.
1901 Mississippi Ave., SE - Front parking lot
www.Ward8FarmersMarket.com Have Questions? Want to be on our mailing list? Contact us at ward8fm@gmail.com
EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | OctOber 2013 H 15
CALENDAR daily; Monday through Saturday, 9:00 AM-9:00 PM; Sunday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM. Four indoor courts. Six outdoor courts. Summer hourly fees at $6 to $10 for adults. Kids 17 and under play for free. 701 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-6456242. dpr.dc.gov
“Temperament” A collaboration between Garth Fry, Dan Gray and Peter Krsko using the three mediums in the exhibit: metal, wood & paper. (paper, glue, steel, ripped wood, bicycle) 2013
TEMPERAMENT • MONOLITH at Honfleur Gallery
Through Nov 1. Exhibition presents the work of Garth Fry, Dan Gray and Peter Krsko in a site-specific exhibition. Each artist focuses on one medium (metal, paper, wood) and also contribute to creating two stand alone walls that unite the space. Honfleur Gallery, 1241 Good Hope Rd. SE. 202-3658392. honfleurgallery.com/gallery A Self-Reliant People: Greater Deanwood Heritage Trail. Discover, or see with new eyes, this traditionally African American enclave in Far Northeast when you follow “A Self-Reliant People: Greater Deanwood Heritage Trail.” Fifteen poster-sized street signs combine storytelling with historic photographs and maps to transport you back to the days before Deanwood was Deanwood. To pick up the trail go to Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave. and Division Ave. NE. Walk one block south to Foote Street, at the edge of Marvin Gaye Park. The 90-minute, self-guided tour will bring you along Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, up 49th St. and along Sheriff Rd. back to Minnesota Ave. and the Metro station. Walk the trail at your own pace and take time to enjoy this small town in the city. Don’t forget to pick up a free trail guide from businesses along the way. 202-661-7581. culturaltourismdc.org Knitting and Crocheting at Francis A. Gregory Library. Mondays, 9:30 AM. Knitting will be the primary focus, but crocheting lessons and support will continued to be provided. All levels of experience welcome. Francis A. Gregory Library, 3660 Alabama Ave. SE. 202-698-6373. dclibrary.org/francis Docent-led Tour of Congressional Cemetery. Every Saturday (Apr-Oct), 11:00 AM. Free. Tours begin at the Chapel in the center of the cemetery. Historic Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E St. SE. 202-543-0539. congressionalcemetery.org
SPORTS, DANCE AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Washington Capitals Ice Hockey. Oct 12, 14, 16, 19 and Nov 2. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. 202-628-3200. capitals.nhl.com
16 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
DC United Soccer Home Matches. Oct 12 and 27. $23-$52. RFK Stadium. 202-587-5000. dcunited.com Washington Wizards Basketball. Oct 15, 17 and Nov 1. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. 202397-SEAT. nba.com/wizards Marine Corps Marathon. Oct. 27. 7:40 AM. To watch the runners, go to mcmlocator.com/map. Fort Dupont Ice Arena Public Skating. Fridays, noon-1:50 pm and Saturdays 11:45 am12:45 pm. DC’s only indoor ice skating. Fort Dupont Ice Arena, 3779 Ely Pl. NE. 202-5845007. fdia.org Free Yoga Classes at Anacostia Neighborhood Library. Every Thursday, 7:00-8:00 PM. Yoga is a great way to relax, unwind and get grounded. Even if you’ve never done yoga before-this class is for you. Open to people of all abilities, ages and body types. All you need to bring is yourself, comfortable clothing and an open mind. Judgment free zone: having a great time is encouraged! Register in person at Anacostia Neighborhood Library or call 202715-7707. 1800 Good Hope Rd. SE. dclibrary. org/anacostia Free Yoga Classes for Adults at Dorothy I. Height/Benning Library. Every Saturday, 9:30 AM. This program is free and open to the public. Free Exercise Classes at Kenilworth Elementary School. Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 6:00-7:00 PM. Bring your own mat, water and towel. 1300 44th St. NE. For more information, email peppypromotions@gmail. com or call 301-395-1013 Southeast Tennis and Learning Center. Open
Free public tennis courts in Wards 7 and 8. Fort Davis Community Center, 1400 41st St. SE; Hillcrest Recreation Center, 3100 Denver St. SE; Kenilworth-Parkside Recreation Center, 4300 Anacostia Ave. NE; Randle Highlands Tennis Courts, 31st St. and Pennsylvania Ave. SE; Anacostia Park, 1900 Anacostia Dr. SE; Bald Eagle Recreation Center, Martin Luther King, Jr Ave. and Joliet St. SW; Congress Heights Recreation Center, Alabama Ave. and Randle Pl.SE; Fort Stanton Community Center, 1812 Erie St. SE. All courts are open daily, dawn to dusk. Some are lighted for extended evening play. Courts are available on a first-come, first-served basis for one-hour intervals; extended use of tennis courts requires a permit. Proper shoes and attire is required. 202-671-0314. dpr.dc.gov Deanwood (indoor) Pool. Mon-Fri 6:30 AM8:00 PM; Sat-Sun, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. Free for DC residents. 1350 49th St. NE. 202-671-3078. dpr.dc.gov Ferebee Hope (indoor) Pool. Open weekdays, 10:00-6:00 PM. Closed weekends. Free for DC residents. 3999 Eighth St. SE. 202-645-3916. dpr.dc.gov
MARKETS AND SALES Pottery on the Hill Show and Sale. Nov 1, 6:30-8:30 PM, preview reception, $25. Nov 2, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM; and Nov 3, noon-4:00 PM. Sixteen of the nation’s top ceramic artists gather at Hill Center, bringing with them a wide array of bright, patterned ceramic table platters, fanciful mugs, one-of-a-kind cups, cooking pots and astonishing vases and whimsies. Many hundreds of pieces of their work, many never exhibited before, will be for sale. Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. 202-549-4172. HillCenterDC.org Ward 8 Farmers Market. Open Saturdays, 9:00 AM-2:00 PM. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. ward8farmersmarket.com H Street FreshFarm Market. Saturdays through Dec 21, 9:00 AM-noon. H St. and 13th St. NE. Vendors are Atwater’s; Blueberry Hill; Cedarbrook Farm; Dolcezza Gelato; Full Cellar Farm; Garden Path Farm; Gordy’s Pickle Jar; Keswick Creamery at Carrock Farm, LLC; Quaker Valley Orchards; Red Apron Butchery; Richfield Farm. freshfarmmarkets.org Fresh Tuesdays at Eastern Market. Every Tuesday, 3:00-7:00 PM. Tuesday afternoon farmers’ line of fresh produce. Eastern Market, 200 block of Seventh St. SE. 202-698-5253. easternmarket-dc.com Eastern Market. Daily except Mondays and important holidays. Weekdays, 7:00 AM-7:00 PM; Saturdays, 7:00 AM-5:00 PM; Sundays, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. Flea market and arts and crafts market open Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM. Eastern Market is Washington’s last continually operated “old world” market. On weekends the market area comes alive
with farmers bringing in fresh produce, craft and flower vendors, artists, a flea market and street musicians. 200 block of Seventh St. SE. 202-698-5253. easternmarket-dc.com Anacostia Big Chair Flea Market. Saturdays, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM. The market features a diverse mix of art, crafts, imports, antiques, collectibles and furniture every Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The market will also feature local specialty food items such as fruits and vegetables, flowers, preserves, prepared foods and beverages. 2215 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE. bigchairmarket.com
CIVIC LIFE DC Streetcar Construction Update Meeting. Oct 22, 6:30-8:00 PM. DDOT will provide an update on the final roadway construction currently underway along the H/Benning corridor and what residents can expect as we ready the corridor for delivery of streetcar vehicles. Following the overview, neighbors can participate in localized discussions and ask specific blockby-block questions of the project team. Miner Elementary School, 601 15th St. NE Zoning Regulations Review Public Hearings. Nov 4-20. Hearings are to consider the first major revisions to DC zoning regulations since 1958. The public is strongly encouraged to play a role in this process by participating in the public hearings either by: attendance at the hearing(s); watching the live webcasts; submitting written testimony; and/or presenting oral testimony. Hearings will be held in the Jerrily R. Kress Memorial Hearing Room at One Judiciary Square, 441 4th St. NW, Suite 220-South. All hearings are scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. on Nov 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, and 20. The proposed zoning text is available for review at dcoz. dc.gov/ZRR/ZRR.shtm. Grosso Near You (informal) Meeting. Third Thursday, 8:00-9:30 AM, Big Chair Coffee and Grill, 2122 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE. The meetings will provide the opportunity for constituents to bring ideas and issues directly to Councilmember Grosso as part of an effort to make the DC Council more accessible. Congresswoman Norton’s SE District Office. Open weekdays, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM. 2041 MLK Ave. SE, #238. 202-678-8900. norton.house. gov Councilmember Alexander’s Constituent Services Office. Open weekdays, 10:00 AM6:00 PM. 2524 Penn. Ave. SE. 202-581-1560. Councilmember Barry’s Constituent Services Office. Open weekdays, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. 2100 MLK Ave, SE, #307. 202-698-2185. Anacostia Coordinating Council Meeting. Last Tuesday, noon-2:00 PM. Anacostia Museum, 1901 Fort St. SE. For further details, contact Philip Pannell, 202-889-4900. Capitol View Civic Association Meeting. Third Monday, 6:30 PM. Hughes Memorial United Methodist, 25 53rd St. NE. capitolviewcivicassoc.org Historical Anacostia Block Association. Second Thursday, 7:00-9:00 PM. UPO-Anacostia
Service Center, 1649 Good Hope Rd. SE. For further details, contact Charles Wilson, 202-834-0600. Anacostia High School School Improvement Team Meeting. Fourth Tuesday. 6:00 PM. Anacostia High School, 16th and R sts. SE. Deanwood Citizens Association General Body Meeting. Fourth Monday, except Aug. and Dec., 6:30 PM. 1350 49th St. NE. Deanwood Citizens Association General Body Meeting. Fourth Monday, except Aug. and Dec., 6:30 PM. 1350 49th St. NE. Eastland Gardens Civic Association Meeting. Third Tuesday. 6:30-8:30 PM. Kenilworth Elementary School (auditorium), 1300 44th St. NE. Greg Rhett jrhett3009@aol.com or 202-388-1532. Fairlawn Citizens Association. Third Tuesday, 7:00 PM. Ora L. Glover Community Room at the Anacostia Public Library, 1800 Good Hope Rd. SE.
ANC MONTHLY MEETINGS ANC 7B. Third Thursday, 7:00 PM. Ryland Epworth United Methodist Church, 3200 S St. SE (Branch Ave and S St. SE). 202-584-3400. anc7b@ pressroom.com. anc7b.us ANC 7C. Second Thursday, 7:00 PM. Sargent Memorial Presbyterian Church, 5109 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave. NE. 202-398-5100. anc7c@verizon.net ANC 7D. Second Tuesday, 6:30 PM. Sixth District Police Station, 100 42nd St. NE. 202-398-5258. 7D06@anc. dc.gov
UNITY has always been HERE! Unity Health Care has always been here... As a major part of our nation’s landscape. In your communities, in your neighborhoods
Unity Health Care has always been here... Evolving with the times and bringing nationally recognized innovation in health care technology with community tailored programs and services
Unity Health Care has always been here... Bringing new state-of-the-art health centers that provide quality and convenient medical care
Unity Health Care has always been here... As a leader in primary health care with nationally recognized doctors and connections into some of our city’s top specialties and hospitals
Unity Health Care has always been here... Join the Unity Health Care family and be a part of the health care system that has always been here for you
ANC 7E. Second Tuesday, 7:00-8:30 PM. Jones Memorial Church, 4625 G St. SE. 202-582-6360. 7E@anc.dc.gov
Because at Unity, we Treat You WELL!
ANC 7F. Third Tuesday, 6:30 PM. Washington Tennis and Education Foundation, 200 Stoddert Place, SE
To schedule an appointment please call 202-469-4699 or visit us on our website at www.unityhealthcare.org
ANC 8A. First Tuesday, 7:00 PM. Anacostia UPO Service Center, 1649 Good Hope Rd. SE. 202-889-6600. anc8adc.org
Follow us on Twitter @unityhealthcare and connect us using smart phone app Unity is an employer of choice. Visit our career center for employment opportunities.
ANC 8B. Third Tuesday, 7:00 PM. Seventh District Police Station Community Center, Alabama and McGee Sts. SE. 202-610-1818. anc8b.org ANC 8C. First Wednesday, 7:00 PM. 2907 MLK Jr Ave. SE. 202-388-2244. ANC 8D. Fourth Thursday, 7:00 PM. Specialty Hospital of Washington, 4601 MLK Jr. Ave. SW. 202 561-0774 ANC 8E. First Monday, 7:00 PM. 3400 Wheeler Rd. SE, Eagle Academy 202561-6616. 8e02@anc.dc.gov u EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | OctOber 2013 H 17
BULLETIN BOARD Love in Afghanistan runs Oct 11–Nov 17 at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater. Illustration: Edel Rodriquez
Southwest Nights at Arena Stage
Individuals who live or work in Southwest DC can buy discounted tickets for specially designated performances of each production. Tickets are $35 for musicals and $25 for non-musicals, plus fees, and patrons may purchase tickets by phone or in person. Proof of Southwest DC residency or employment for each member of the party must be presented at the time of purchase and/or pick-up. Tickets are limited to four per person and are based on availability. Remaining Southwest Nights are Love in Afghanistan, Tuesday, Oct 15 at 7:30 p.m.; Maurice Hines is Tappin’ Thru Life, Friday, Nov 29 at 2:00 p.m.; Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, Tuesday, Dec 24 at 7:30 p.m.; The Tallest Tree in The Forest, Tuesday, Jan 21 at 7:30 p.m.; Mother Courage and Her Children, Tuesday, Feb 4 at 7:30 p.m.; Camp David, Sunday, Apr 20 at 6:00 p.m.; and Smokey Joe’s Café, Tuesday, May 27 at 7:30 p.m. arenastage.org
Free Wealth & Wellness Cafe
If money is always on your mind and, your mind is on money, it is time to get financially fit. These free classes are every Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Ophelia Egypt Program Center, 3933 Minnesota Ave. NE. If you are trying to repair damaged credit, this is a great opportunity to do it for free. No Gimmicks! No Grief ! Just plain $ense!
Kenilworth Park Winterizing Volunteers Needed
Now that fall has arrived, it is time to begin putting the gardens to bed for the winter. On Oct 26, 9 a.m.-noon, volunteers will help the gardens’ staff winterize the plants and grounds or take a last swipe at litter and invasives. RSVP recommended. Please contact Tina O’Connell at 18 H eAStOFtHerIVerDcNeWS.cOM
tina@friendsofkenilworthgardens. org. Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE. friendsofkenilworthgardens.org
Lottery for Affordable Housing Purchase and Rental
Looking for an affordable housing option in DC? DC government now provides incentives to developers to set aside certain units for affordable purchase and rental housing through the Inclusionary Zoning (IZ) program. The IZ program allows low-to-moderateincome households to lease or buy these properties for below market prices through a centralized lottery run by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). You can register for the lottery at dhcd.dc.gov and find out
more about how this program works by attending an Inclusionary Zoning Orientation. The next orientation will be held on Oct 16 at 6 p.m. at Housing Counseling Services, Inc., 2410 17th St. NW. Call 202667-7006 for more information.
Mathew Brady Civil War Photo Contest
Congressional Cemetery is partnering with the US Capitol Historical Society for a photo contest in honor of Mathew Brady who is interred in the cemetery. Brady photographed presidents, generals, politicians, actors, soldiers, and citizens over the course of his career. He forever changed the way Americans saw war by bringing the conflict to their doorstep through his photographs.
The photo contest offers cash prizes with the winning entries to be on display at the US Capitol building complex. Three categories that represent typical Brady themes include landscapes, objects, and people. One grand prize winner will receive $1,000, and a winner of each category will receive $500. All four winning images will be framed and will be on display in the US Capitol building complex. Professional and amateur photographers can submit entries online at sites.google.com/ site/bradyphotocontest/home. The contest closes May 15, 2014.
Exploring The Anacostia Watershed
On Wednesday, Oct 9, 12:303:30 p.m., learn how Groundwork Anacostia River DC assists in the clean-up of the Anacostia River. On Sunday, Oct 13, 1-4 p.m., learn how the Groundwork Anacostia River DC assists in the clean-up of the Anacostia River. Participants view the related exhibition and take a field trip to local watershed litter trap sites. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202633-4820. anacostia.si.edu
SOME (So Others Might Eat) Dedicates Mural to Mayor Gray
On Thursday, Oct 3, SOME unveiled a mural at Marguerite’s Place, 740 Barnaby St. SE, in honor of Mayor Vincent C. Gray in gratitude for his support of additions to
FY13 and FY14 Budgets that will help thousands of District residents to improve their lives. Youth residing in SOME’s affordable housing worked with artist, Kyle Holbrook, Executive Director of Moving Lives of Kids Community Mural Project to create a mural symbolizing the significant role affordable housing plays in strengthening all aspects of family life. The mural highlights health, employment, education and the reuniting of loved ones. SOME was already providing over 200 units of affordable housing in 2005 when it determined that DC’s lack of affordable housing was the most significant challenge facing the city’s low income and homeless residents. SOME set a goal of creating 1,000 new units of affordable housing and launched its Affordable Housing Development Initiative, chaired by William Conway of the Carlyle Group. Since the beginning of the new initiative, SOME has opened 415 additional units of affordable housing for families and single adults, including the elderly.
Public Skate Sessions at Fort Dupont Ice Arena
Public skate sessions are Fridays, noon-1:50 p.m. and Saturdays 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Dress for warmth and safety. Clothes should be easy to move in, and pants must not fall below the heel of the skate (sweatpants or leggings are a good choice). Wear gloves or mittens, and one pair of thin, long socks or tights that fit snugly (no ankle socks). A helmet or knit hat is strongly recommended (loaner helmets are available). Children (12 and under) and seniors are $4, adults (13 and older) are $5. Skate rental is $3. For more information, call 202-584-5007. Fort Dupont Ice Arena, 3779 Ely Pl. NE. fdia.org
Serving All of Your Real Estate Needs
Thomas Jenkins & Company Certified Public Accountants Licensed in DC, MD and VA
Paula L.Ross-Haynes GRI, ABR,SFC,CIN, NOTARY
6725 Suitland Road, Ste 104 • Suitland, Maryland 20746 Office:301-736-2449 • Cell:301-442-2188 www.essentialpropertiesrealty.com paularhaynes@comcast.net
Corporation, Partnership, Trust, Individual Income Tax & Financial Planning
202-547-9004
316 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Suite 402 Washington, DC 20003 EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | OctOber 2013 H 19
BULLETIN BOARD Cherry Blossom Festival Seeks Local Talent
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is accepting submissions for the first annual National Cherry Blossom Festival Sing Into Spring Competition, a call for local talent that will highlight the region’s outstanding vocalists in the National Cherry Blossom Festival Paradeâ on Saturday, April 12, 2014. Up to four winning soloists and/or vocal artists will perform in the largest spectator event of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The 2014 Parade is from 10 a.m. to noon and runs along Constitution Ave. NW. Submissions are now being accepted online at nationalcherr yblossomfestival.org/ get-involved/performing-arts/ sing-into-spring-vocal-competition through Nov 15, 2013. The competition is open to all residents of Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia, ages 8 and up. Those under 18 require parental consent. Only vocalists are eligible, instrumental performances will not be accepted. A selection committee, including celebrity judges, will choose up to 20 finalists to move forward and perform live at Hard Rock Café Washington, DC in early Jan 2014. Judges will then select up to four winners to perform live in the Parade. Selected vocalists will join an outstanding lineup of celebrity entertainers, marching bands from across the country, energetic performers, giant colorful helium balloons, and elaborate floats in a grand spectacle of music and showmanship seen only once a year during the finale event of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
DC’s Field to Fork Network
DC’s Field to Fork Network refers to the dozens of organizations working in Washington, DC to foster regional change in how we approach our food. Members of the Network represent urban gardeners, farmers’ markets, distribution co-operatives, food banks, local government agencies, academic institutions, nutrition educators, community organizers, 20 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
and cooks--their work encompasses everything between a gardener’s or farmer’s field and your fork! Read more at fieldtoforknetwork.org
Nash Run Trash Trap Cleanup
The Anacostia Watershed Society has been experimenting with a stationary device built to strain the trash from the flowing waters of Nash Run, located adjacent to the
trash trap lies across a small stream and they cannot work during highflow events. For more information, contact Masaya Maeda at mmaeda@ anacostiaws.org or call 301-6996204 x110. Dress for field activities.
rounding the Anacostia River. This program repeats Sept 10. Free; for information and reservations, call 202-633-4844. Anacostia Community Museum at 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu
Verbal Gymnastics at Anacostia Community Museum
Monthly Hazardous Waste and Shredding Drop-off
On Tuesday, Oct 22, 10:30 a.m.12:30 p.m., poet and playwright
Household Hazardous Waste/E-cycling/Personal Document Shredding drop-off is held every first Saturday, except holidays, at Ft. Totten, 4900 John F. McCormack Dr. NE, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. District residents may bring toxic items such as pesticides, batteries and cleaning fluids to Ft. Totten, along with computers, televisions and other unwanted electronic equipment. Personal document shredding also is available and residents may bring up to five boxes of materials to be shredded. No business or commercial material will be accepted. For a list of all household hazardous waste Pontoon Boat Tour on the Anacostia and e-cyclables accepted by Water Quality Specialist, Masaya Maeda, welcomes all to the Anacostia WaDPW, please click on the tershed Society Pontoon Boat Tour. He takes water samples every Thursday HHW link at dpw.dc.gov. through October, 9:45 p.m.-noon. During the tour he will demonstrate sampling methodology, discuss water quality issues, and explain life on the river. Meet at Bladensburg Waterfront Park, 4601 Annapolis Rd. Bladensburg, MD Changes Impacting (meet near the 2nd gazebo on right counting from the most southern one). Ticket Fines and Registration is required. Suggested donation is $20/person, $30/couple or parent/child. anacostiaws.org Boot/Impound Process Starting Oct 1, some The Anacostia Watershed Society welcomes community members to join us on guided pontoon photo enforcement, movboat rides, on Thursday mornings through the end of October. Our Water Quality Specialist, Masaya Maeda provides a guided tour, sharing the Anacostia’s history and its recovery including ing violation and parking the animals we may see along the way. He also takes water samples and will demonstrate our fines increased or decreased sampling methodology, discuss water quality issues and explain the river. Check www.anacostiaws. based on the FY14 Budget org/calendar to register and for more information. Credit: Anacostia Watershed Society. Support Act. The changes are as follows: Speeding 11-15 mph will increase from $92 to $100. Speeding Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. This John Johnson hosts an interactive 16-20 mph will increase from $100 is an excellent opportunity to learn workshop that incorporates poetry to $150. Speeding 21-25 mph will about the trash challenges of the and storytelling. Participants use increase from $150 to $200. FailAnacostia and what is being done their observation of community ure to come to complete stop before to address it. On Saturday, Oct 26, and personal experience to create a turning will decrease from $100 to 9 a.m.-noon, they need about 10 unique and original piece, unlocking $50. Street sweeping violation will people for this cleanup. The task re- the poet and wordsmith inherent in be $45. Additionally, effective Oct 1, quires squatting down for a relative- all of us. Johnson also shares some the Department of Motor Vehicles ly long time, and may be physically of his poetry and tips that highlight Immobilization Act of 2013 requires demanding. Please RSVP because the creative spirit of the spoken all outstanding ticket fines, penalties they need to communicate with you word. This program is also geared and fees to be paid before a boot is prior to the event. This event might to promote awareness and civic en- removed or a vehicle is released from be canceled suddenly because the gagement in the communities sur- impoundment.
District’s Health Insurance Exchange is Ready to Assist Medicaid Applicants
The Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF) has announced that DC residents who need medical assistance on Oct 1, 2013 can still apply for Medicaid and those applications will be processed without delay, according to Wayne Turnage, Director of the District of Columbia Department of Health Care Finance. Beginning Oct 1, DC residents who want to apply for Medicaid have several new options for submitting applications. Through DC Health Link-the District’s new on-line health insurance marketplace and automated eligibility system-residents will be able to complete and submit an electronic application over the Internet. Using the DC Health Link Contact Center (1855-532-5465), residents will be able to apply over the telephone, working with trained eligibility and enrollment experts.
Homicide: 3000 Block of 30th Street, SE
Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a fatal shooting which occurred in the 3000 block of 30th Street, SE. On Saturday, Sept 28, at approximately 12:40 a.m., patrol officers from the Seventh District responded to the 3000 block of 30th Street, SE for the report of sounds of gunshots. The decedent is identified as 34 year-old Devar Battle of SE Washington, DC.
Enterprise CarShare Expands to DC
Enterprise CarShare announces the launch of its services in Washington, DC. On Sept 23, more than 40 locations will be available throughout the metro area. Washington, DC is the fifth new major market to offer Enterprise CarShare retail services in the past two years. Enterprise CarShare is now available on more than 75 university campus-
es and 40 government and business campuses and in more than 15 markets including New York, Boston, Philadelphia and Chicago. To support the launch of the services, Enterprise CarShare is introducing an integrated marketing campaign that includes advertising, event sponsorships, street teams, public relations and social media efforts. The multiyear marketing strategy emphasizes Enterprise CarShare benefits, accessibility and the unique member experience. Also, for a limited time, Enterprise is offering to waive the application fee and one-year membership charge for any Washington, DC members and include discounted hourly rates for trips made before Dec 31, 2013. enterprisecarshare. com/DC
“Skip the Trip” to the District DMV
With more than 40 services available online and through the mail, the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV ) is reminding customers of their option to “Skip the Trip” to DC DMV Service Centers. “Visit us on Your Time,” is the theme of the newly revitalized campaign encouraging the public to visit dmv.dc.gov and learn more about the agency’s online and mail services. “Approximately 600 people visit each DMV service center daily, and many of them can use their computers, laptops or tablets for their transactions,” said DC DMV Director Lucinda Babers. “Ideally, only customers who need services that require an in-person visit are the ones at the Service Centers.” Also, for customers who may not have computers in their home, they can use the computers at any District Public Library to access DMV’s website securely, or send their request through the mail. DC DMV’s website is available daily from 6 a.m.-11:59 p.m., making it accessible to customers outside of DMV’s regular hours of operation. The Service Centers are open Tuesday–Saturday from 8:15 a.m.-4 p.m. u EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | October 2013 H 21
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
The 30th Annual ACC Anacostia Boat Ride
T
he weather on September 28 was perfect for a luncheon cruise on the Anacostia River as the Anacostia Coordinating Council (ACC) celebrated its 30th anniversary with a sellout crowd aboard the Nina’s Dandy. Mayor Vincent Gray, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, City Council Chairman Phil Mendelson and his colleagues Jack Evans, Muriel Bowser, Tommy Wells, David Grosso and Vincent Orange networked with nearly 300 community activists and leaders. DC’s U.S. Representative Nate Bennett Fleming served as the master of ceremonies of a program that included community service awards to Verizon, DC Wards 7 & 8 Prevention Center, and WJLA news reporter Sam Ford. Anacostia’s We Act Radio (1480 AM) videotaped the cruise, which is one of the stellar annual events sponsored by an East of the River organization and is the major fundraiser for the non-profit work of the ACC. Reservations are already being accepted for the September 27, 2014 cruise. u
22 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
CHANGING HANDS Changing hands is a list of most residential sales in the District of Columbia from the previous month. A feature of every issue, this list, based on the MRIS, is provided courtesy of Don Denton, manager of the Coldwell Banker office on Capitol Hill. The list includes address, sales price and number of bedrooms.
Neighborhood
How Do You Cut Your Pancakes?
I
BR
FEE SIMPLE ANACOSTIA 1448 MINNESOTA AVE SE 1919 13TH ST SE 2128 13TH ST SE 1604 V ST SE 1324 MORRIS RD SE 1432 BANGOR ST SE
by Charles E. Wilson
just love breakfast! I can eat a breakfast meal anytime during the day. And of course my favorite breakfast meal is pancakes. Whether blueberry, strawberry, or regular, if you say pancakes I will come running to the table. Whether they are from Ward 8’s IHOP or the Market Lunch at Eastern Market, you best believe that I am there on a Saturday morning, ready to gulp down a short stack with eggs, bacon, and a glass of orange juice. While sitting at the table enjoying my pancakes, I may look over at my friend’s or another customer’s plate to see if they are in food heaven like me. What I’ve noticed is, similar to leadership style, everyone has their own way of cutting their pancakes. After much observation I’ve concluded the way you cut your pancakes reflects your leadership style and personality. Typically pancake eaters use one of the following cutting styles: crisscross, cut-as-you-go, or half-and-half. Let us analyze each style and see if it fits your personality. We begin with the criss-cross pattern. This eater will cut their pancakes in a symmetrical pattern before pouring the syrup. They will eat each piece starting from the outside and working in, always leaving the middle piece last. The last piece tastes the best because it has time to absorb the syrup and butter. If you are this type of pancake eater you are most likely a planner. You like to see the big picture and take a step-by-step approach to your goal. Reaching your goal is like finishing that last piece of the pancake. After all your hard work, reaching your goal tastes so sweet. However, you may be averse to change and get uptight when you cannot predict the steps in the process. Next is the cut-as-you go eater. Instead of being symmetrical like the crisscross eater’s, their pancakes take on unpredictable form as they cut them. They don’t care how the pancakes look, they just want to eat what’s on the plate. This pancake eater most likely leads spontaneously. If you are this kind of eater you like change and hate to be placed in a box. You can also irritate the crisscross pancake eater, who is probably agenda-driven and wants to stay on task. You are
Close Price
aware of your ultimate goal but believe there are multiple ways to get there. This leadership style sees winning as the goal, not the process. Finally there is the half-and-half eater. This person will cut the pancakes in half then set one half to the side and pour the syrup. They will eat one half first and then start on the next half. I consider this style the project facilitator. Should you be this kind of eater you will be overwhelmed if there is too much on the plate at one time. You reach the goal by eliminating the distraction of the big picture and beginning with a smaller, more attainable goal. Completing projects in a systematic approach, removing the big picture, helps move you closer to reaching the goal. You are the perfect addition to a team because you are able to identify tasks and have the determination to complete them to help the crisscross and cut-as-you-go styles reach their goal. There is no right or wrong way to cut your pancakes. At the end of the day it is all going to the same place – your mouth. Just as there is not a right or wrong way to eat your pancakes, there is not one single way to lead. All three leadership styles have strengths and weaknesses but ultimately can get to the same goal. For example, Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X were pushing for the same cause. They had different leadership styles and both were effective. I remember when President Barack Obama was first elected. His critics said that he was not hardcore enough, yet at the end of his second term most will think he accomplished a lot during his presidency. There are also unique styles of leadership in our ward. Let’s be sure to embrace different styles of leadership and encourage each other to improve the quality of life in our community. So next time you are eating pancakes make sure you are observant. Remember, you can learn a lot about a person by how they eat their pancakes! Charles E. Wilson is a former candidate for the Ward 8 City Council seat. He is currently the Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner for 8A 05 as well as president and co-founder of the Historic Anacostia Block Association and River East Emerging Leaders. You can read his blog, The Art of WARd 8, at www. artofward8.blogspot.com. u
$343,000 $325,000 $255,000 $200,000 $150,000 $140,000
4 4 3 3 3 2
CHILLUM 6119 DAKOTA AVE NW 22 NICHOLSON ST NW
$375,000 $340,000
CONGRESS HEIGHTS 4406 BARNABY RD SE 831 MARJORIE CT SE 811 CHESAPEAKE ST SE 4002 1ST ST SW 726 CONGRESS ST SE
$230,000 $190,000 $179,000 $130,000 $120,000
DEANWOOD 417 60TH ST NE 1023 50TH ST NE 4232 GRANT ST NE 245 57TH PL NE 307 57TH ST NE 4906 JUST ST NE 4501 JAY ST NE 245 56TH PL NE 930 52ND ST NE 4248 DIX ST NE
$375,000 $269,900 $215,000 $205,000 $138,000 $134,299 $105,000 $90,000 $85,000 $65,000
FORT DUPONT PARK 4533 C ST SE 703 BURNS ST SE 7 RIDGE RD SE 3345 DUBOIS PL SE
$325,000 $315,000 $260,000 $199,000
HILL CREST 2537 36TH ST SE 1714 25TH ST SE 3034 M PL SE
$389,900 $195,000 $159,000
KINGMAN PARK 602 21ST ST NE
$207,000
MARSHALL HEIGHTS 5527 C ST SE 5307 D ST SE 5028 A ST SE 5530 BASS PL SE
$300,000 $315,000 $220,000 $180,000
RANDLE HEIGHTS 1909 VALLEY TER SE 1915 SAVANNAH PL SE
$256,000 $235,000
3 3
3 4 3 2 3 5 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 2 3 4 3 5 3 3 4 2 3 3 4 4 2 4 3
CONDO FORT DUPONT PARK 4469 B ST SE #101 4002 E ST SE #104 4000 E ST SE #101
$100,300 $61,000 $37,000
HILL CREST 2006 38TH ST SE #101 2037 38TH ST SE #102
$64,100 $40,000
MARSHALL HEIGHTS 5208 F ST SE #1 4932 A ST SE #403
$149,900 $95,000
RANDLE HEIGHTS 2832 HARTFORD ST SE #204 u
$55,000
2 3 2 2 1 2 1 2
EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | October 2013 H 23
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
Walmart Woes
What Effect Will The Councilmember’s Positions On The Defeated Living Wage Bill Have On The Mayoral Election?
T
ommy Wells, darling of big business. Jack Evans, friend to organized labor. That might sound like an upside-down, Opposite Day description of the two D.C. legislators and mayoral contenders, but it’s also how they aligned themselves this summer when the D.C. Council debated and voted on a contentious Living Wage Bill that would have forced Walmart and certain other large retailers to pay employees $12.50 an hour. Wells, contra his usual image as a progressive standard-bearer, voted against the bill in July and again in September, when the Council tried to override a veto by Mayor Vince Gray. Evans, for his part, bucked his usual pro-big business persona and supported the bill during both votes. Their respective alignments are indications of some of the complicated strategizing going into next year’s mayoral primary, where Evans and Wells are already lined up against Muriel Bowser (D-Ward 4) and could face Gray, should he choose to run.
Pay…
The bill wasn’t new when it was introduced earlier this year—the idea of forcing large retailers to pay above the District’s minimum wage of $8.25 has been floating around for close to a decade. But with Walmart planning to bring six urban-format stores to D.C. over the next three years, the new version of the proposal attracted loud support from labor unions and progressive activists and intense opposition from business groups and the Arkansas-based retailer itself. Supporters of the bill argued that with a growing economic divide in D.C. and the rest of the country, Walmart could afford to pay employees a little more. In fact, they argued, the $12.50 living wage—roughly $26,000 a year for 24 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
By Martin Austermuhle became law. The bill seemed tailor-made for Wells, who has made a career of being a progressive outlier on the Council. But he was quick to reject it—as did Bowser, and later Gray—saying that it would chase away jobs that pay, especially in areas that have no jobs to begin with: “I view this as a job killer. We are not rural America. We need our minimumwage jobs, our low-wage jobs,” he said, according to The Huffington Post. Evans, on the other hand, sounded an almost populist tone in favor of the bill when he told WTOP: “It has become very difficult, as you know, to live in the District of Columbia. We are prospering beyond what any other city in America is doing and, as a result, it is expensive to live here. So people who are working, particularly in the retail industry, are having a hard time.”
…Politics
Anti-Walmart poster attacks Councilmember Tommy Wells. Photo: Andrew Lightman
a full-time worker—could help a family of three escape poverty. Opponents countered that while the bill may have been well-intentioned, it was also discriminatory, focusing only on retailers occupying more than 75,000 square feet of space in the city. Walmart would have to pay the higher wage, they pointed out, but not Apple or Nike. They also worried that other large retailers that had long eyed the District would start looking to the suburbs instead—“retail leakage,” as it’s called, amounts to $1 billion in lost revenue per year—and that Walmart would get cold feet and start backing out of some of the stores it had planned. It did just that, threatening to yank three stores if the bill
So what caused Evans and Wells to play a game of switcheroo? For Evans, the matter may have been more political than it was for Wells. If he ever wants to be mayor, Evans knows that he needs to convince voters that he won’t side with big business every time big business comes calling. There was also a little vote-trading going on: in exchange for supporting the Walmart bill, Evans managed to get the votes he needed to pass a quarter-point decrease of the sales tax, which took effect on Oct. 1. For Wells, the political calculation was less naked—though the political consequences could be more severe. Like Bowser and Gray, Wells recognized that while Walmart might not offer great jobs, it at least offers jobs. That’s especially true in the parts of town where Walmart is setting up shop—wards 4, 5, and 7 among them—which is exactly where Wells will need to work hardest to get votes. In
his quest to become the city’s first white mayor, Wells will want to peddle the progressive label as often as possible, but he won’t want to be weighed down by it—especially when progressives are often white and well-to-do. For Bowser and Gray, the calculus was much the same: the first Walmart is set to open on Georgia Avenue in Bowser’s ward, while one of the most important, the Walmart at the long-underdeveloped Skyland Town Center, is in Ward 7, Gray’s home turf. Wells is also a more nuanced candidate than many people give him credit for, and he could have seen the bill as inherently flawed. Though few people would disagree that Walmart should be able to pay its employees more than it often does, the bill would have created an obvious contradiction: certain large retailers would have to pay the “living wage,” while others wouldn’t. Among those that wouldn’t were supermarkets with existing collective bargaining agreements in place, some with salaries under what Walmart would have been forced to pay. This led Wells, along with Bowser and Gray, to ask an obvious question: if supporters of the bill agree that D.C. businesses and retailers should pay employees more, why not push for an across-theboard increase in the city’s minimum wage? Wells was quick to propose just that, introducing a bill that would push the minimum wage up by $2 over two years and increase the deductions that middle- and low-income families could claim. Gray has recently said he’d like to see the minimum wage increased, and Bowser at least wants a commission formed to study the issue. None of this was much consolation to the coalition that backed the Walmart bill. Ahead of the debate over whether or not to override Gray’s veto of the bill, Wells and Bowser’s faces appeared on posters around town proclaiming them as part of “D.C. poverty wage coalition.” Among those pushing Wells to change his stance was Elissa Silverman, a former AtLarge candidate and policy analyst
at the D.C. Fiscal Policy Institute, which also advocated in favor of the Walmart bill. After neither Wells nor Bowser budged on the vote to override Gray, supporters of the bill said they wouldn’t soon forget how the two mayoral aspirants voted. This, of course, sets up an interesting dynamic for the campaign ahead: Who exactly will unions and progressives side with in the mayoral contest? They’re peeved with Gray, Wells and Bowser, but will they back Evans, not exactly the best pro-union bet, instead? At least one small union has already has: in late July, the Maryland/D.C. State Council of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers endorsed Evans, citing his support for the bill. Gray has already started covering his bases, should he choose to run. In the midst of the debate over the bill, he announced that the new D.C. United stadium to be built at Buzzard Point would be governed by a project labor agreement, which guarantees that construction jobs go to union workers. That leaves Bowser and Wells at a disadvantage, with Wells hurting the most. It’s unlikely that his most stalwart progressive supporters will vote against him in the mayoral primary, but they may also have been put off enough by his vote on the Walmart bill to contribute and volunteer less— both of which will be central to Wells’ campaign, especially as he remains committed to rejecting any corporate contributions. Wells can hope that those progressives soon forget the Walmart bill ever existed, and that might be easier if he manages to push through his bill increasing the minimum wage for all D.C. workers. Even there, though, he faces difficulties: Council member Vincent Orange (D-At Large) has introduced an alternative that would offer a larger increase than what Wells is offering. Martin Austermuhle is a freelance writer. He lives in Columbia Heights. u EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | OCTObER 2013 H 25
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
theNUMB3RS 3.327.649.10
Boosting DC’s Minimum Wage Has Broad Support
A
starting wage of $12.50 minus benefits for employees of DC big-box retailers proved to be controversial among our city’s elected officials. But even some of the legislation’s strongest critics agreed with supporters on one key point: that DC’s minimum wage is too low and needs to be raised. On the same day the DC Council failed to overturn Mayor Gray’s veto of the Large Retailer Accountability Act, three bills were introduced–with broad support—to boost DC’s minimum wage to more than $10 an hour. And the next day, the mayor himself said that raising the minimum wage is one of his top priorities. Raising the minimum wage – at both the local and federal level – has been demonstrated time and time again to increase take-home pay without resulting in job cuts that hurt low-wage workers. It is one of the most studied economic topics, and the vast weight of the research points to “little if any effect” on jobs. Now is the time for DC residents to hold our elected leaders to their word, as the public debate shifts from the Large Retailer Accountability Act to what might be called a Keep Your Word on Raising the Minimum Wage Accountability Act.
Raising The Wage Helps DC Families And Our Economy
Everyone knows how expensive DC has become. Whether you recently looked for an apartment and saw $2,700 rents for studios or found out your neighbor sold his tiny house 26 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
by Elissa Silverman
for much more than the asking price, we are witness daily to DC’s rising housing costs. It boggles the mind to think about how anyone can live in the District on the current minimum wage of $8.25 an hour. Yet many struggle to do just that. At $8.25 an hour, a parent with two kids working full-time earns well below the federal poverty line. Most of DC’s low-income households are in fact working, and many have one or more people with a full-time job. Others work part-time because they work in retail or other service industries where part-time work is the norm. DC has among the highest levels of income inequality – the gap between rich and poor – in the United States. The lowest-earning fifth of DC households have an average income of just $9,100, while the richest five percent have an average income of $470,000. Steps to raise wages are critical to helping low-income residents continue to call DC home. Analysis of a $10.10 wage—as proposed for the entire country by Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) and Rep. George Miller (D-CA)—shows that it would help 36,000 DC workers, according to the Economic Policy Institute. The estimated $58 million in increased wages would be spent at markets, clothing shops and hardware stores, helping District businesses large and small. The direct and indirect impacts would help an estimated 16,000 children. Almost all affected workers—95 percent—are 20 years or older. This has many benefits, not only to the individual household, but the city as a whole because these
residents will be less reliant on taxpayer-funded programs for health care, housing, and food assistance. That saves DC money, allowing us to shift those funds to other investments.
Raising The Minimum Helps Workers Without Job Loss
Economists have studied the impact of minimum wage increases for decades. And what they have found is good news for low-wage workers: Raising the wage floor provides an income boost for low- and moderate-income households without leading businesses to cut jobs notably. This year, noted economist Paul Krugman wrote that: “U.S. experience offers many ‘natural experiments’ in which one state raises its minimum wage while others do not…the great preponderance of the evidence from these natural experiments points to little if any negative effect of minimum wage increases on employment.” Two economists, John Schmitt and David Rosnick, specifically examined the impact of city-level minimum wages in in a 2011 paper and similarly concluded that “citywide minimum wages can raise the earnings of low-wage workers, without a discernible impact on their employment.” The economic research cannot prove why a minimum wage increase works this way, but they make educated guesses: Some businesses with minimum wage jobs – such as retail – need to be in specific locations to reach customers and cannot move in response to wage hikes. Also, busi-
nesses adjust to higher labor costs in many ways, including efficiencies in other parts of their operations. Higher wages also result in lower worker turnover – perhaps because are happier and more committed – a tremendous benefit to a business. This “high-road” approach of paying workers more to get better workers is one that many employers take, most famously Costco. The retailer has average hourly pay of over $20 an hour, and they are wildly successful.
The DC Elected Officials Accountability Act
The vast majority of DC residents support efforts to raise low wages. A recent Hart Research poll found that seven of 10 residents supported the Large Retailer Accountability Act, and six of 10 would like to have seen a minimum wage increase plus a higher wage for large retailers. This suggests that a majority of all residents will back a standalone minimum wage hike. The minimum wage in 1968, measured in today’s dollars, was $9.55 per hour. U.S. labor productivity has risen by 135 percent since then. If the minimum wage had kept up with productivity growth over this period, it would now be $18.67 per hour. Three of the four bills now being considered by the Council would raise the minimum wage to over $10 per hour over the next two to four years. That would bring DC’s wage floor to roughly the 1968 level – though without any adjustment for productivity improvements since then. Here’s a rundown of what has been introduced:
•
Councilmember Wells introduced a bill that would increase the minimum wage to $10.25 over two years and set future annual increases to the consumer price index. This bill also would increase the standard deduction in DC’s income tax, helping reduce the high taxes paid by DC’s low- and moderateincome families. • Councilmember Catania introduced a bill that would increase the minimum wage to $10.50 over three years, but it would not index to inflation after that. The bill would also amend the city’s paid sick leave law to include tipped restaurant workers. • Councilmember Orange introduced a bill to increase the minimum wage to $12.50 an hour over the next four years and tie future increases to the consumer price index. The bill would also raise the minimum wage paid to tipped workers to 70 percent of the minimum wage. The minimum wage before tips for these workers currently is just $2.77 an hour in DC. • Councilmember Bowser introduced a bill to create a commission on DC’s minimum wage and report recommendations within nine months. Now is not a time to be distracted. There are many things our government can do to improve the lives of low-wage households in our city, including improving the educational resources and outcomes for their kids, providing good job training in growing sectors of our economy, and keeping housing affordable. But having a city of residents who earn above the poverty level makes all these investments pay off even more. Silverman is the communications director and workforce policy analyst at the DC Fiscal Policy Institute. u
WIDE SHOE OUTLET Men’s and Women’s sizes up to 15 EE Brands: Naturalizer • Soft Spots Ros Hommerson • Propet Walking Cradles • Easy Street The East of the River Experts!
Anacostia River Realty
Slingshots are Back
Sell. Buy. Property Management. 2412 Minnesota Ave. SE, Suite 101 Washington, DC 20020
202.678.REAL(7325) www.AnacostiaRiverRealty.com
Marlow Heights Shopping Center 4123 Branch Ave. Marlow Heights, MD
301-702 1401 Free Gift With Ad EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | OCTObER 2013 H 27
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
How An ANC Accounts For Its Money
J
anis Hazel is upset. A representative for the 7D 05 single-member district (SMD), Hazel noticed that her Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC), 7D, has been accruing extra money over the last few quarters. “We have relatively few expenditures over the years,” she said. “Usually the money is used for office rent and bank fees.” However, she accused the ANC of refusing to spend its allotted money on those few expenses. A look into ANC 7D’s financial records seems to confirm her accusations. The Commission spent $698.22 for office rent during the first quarter of the 2013 fiscal year; in the 2012 fiscal year, it paid over $2,000 in the first and fourth quarters. However, the second and third quarters show no expenses. While her fellow commissioners did not comment on the situation, Hazel’s concerns raise questions about ANC finances.
What Is an ANC?
Created by the Advisory Neighborhood Commission Act of 1975, ANCs consist of elected officials who “advise the Council of the District of Columbia, the Mayor and each executive agency, and all independent agencies, boards and commissions of the government of the District of Columbia with respect to all proposed matters of District government policy ... which affect that Commission area.” These matters could include education, planning, social service programs, and budget. If needed, ANCs can employ staff members and spend public funds and donations for public purposes within their commission area. Each ward is divided into commission areas according to factors such as geographic borders and election districts; each commission area is further divided into single-member districts based on Census data. Every SMD, which usually has at least 2,000 residents, votes for a commissioner every two years. A typical ANC could have 2 to 12 commissioners depending on the area.
What Are the ANC Rules for Finance?
The DC government distributes funds quarterly to all ANCs from general revenues and other sources authorized by the City Council. ANC money is used to pay for expenses, employee wages, neighborhood programs, and grants. The amount 28 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
by Charnice A. Milton
each ANC receives “shall bear the same ratio to the full sum allotted as the population of the neighborhood bears to the population of the District.” This means that the smaller the population in a commission area, the less money the ANC receives. Conversely, the larger the population the more money the ANC receives. The Office of the DC Auditor (ODCA) is responsible for providing financial oversight to, and conducting audits of, ANCs. Every commission treasurer submits quarterly reports to the auditor, which include copies of receipts, invoices, grant requests, canceled checks, and other proof of expenses. After ODCA reviews the report, which is signed by the chairman, treasurer, and secretary, it notifies the commission of discrepancies, missing documentation, or illegal expenditures. That notification could include a request to provide missing documentation within a specific time or a recommendation for deductions. Commissions cannot receive their quarterly allotments without first submitting a report to ODCA. Failure to do so by the end of the fiscal year means forfeiting unclaimed allotments, which go instead into the District’s General Fund. If a commission fails to submit three consecutive reports, the auditor can seize the check book, meaning the ANC has to ask the auditor to approve every expense. Also, the Mayor could, at the auditor’s request, ask a commission’s bank to freeze its accounts.
Commission 6A’s treasurer, knows the difficulties that come with an ANC’s attempting to improve its financial standing. “When he [her husband] first came in, Ward 6 ANCs and their boundaries were different,” she said, noting that the present ANC 6A was the product of merging two earlier commissions. As the new ANC 6A convened, they realized they had a problem. “The finances were dysfunctional,” Nelson recalled. “The bank accounts were frozen; the checkbook was taken away.” In addition there were few proper financeial records. “They really worked like crazy,” Nelson said. “They worked closely with the auditor to figure out what happened.” Today ANC 6A’s finances have improved, with much of their quarterly allotment going toward administrative expenses and grants. The commission also has one of the most organized financial records in the city. “We get a good rating every year from the auditor,” Nelson said. One way that the commission keeps records organized and accessible is by posting them on their website. “We are very scrupulous about posting every document,” said Nelson, who helps maintain the ANC 6A website. “If a commissioner wants to find something, it’s there. If the auditor has a question, the treasurer can show a document without being in the same room.” She also said that the move shows transparency: “You can’t get more transparent than this!”
What Is the Auditing Process?
Commissioner Hazel hopes that ANC 7D will have the same transparency. One way residents can become aware is by attending ANC meetings. While many commissions advertise their meetings through social media, a complete schedule is available on OANC’s website. Another way is by reading the commission’s financial records online on ODCA’s website or by visiting the ANC office (depending on the area). According to DC law, residents are allowed to do this “in accordance with reasonable procedures that shall be issued by the Commission after notice and comment concerning the time and place of access,” as financial records are considered “public record.” It is through community awareness that commissions can improve, especially when it comes to finances. u
Every year ODCA conducts three to eight ANC audits, usually at the request of a councilmember or commissioner. The results are then given to the affected ANC, the City Council, the mayor, and the Office of Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (OANC). If the auditor finds proof of illegal activities, the results are also given to the Office of the Inspector General, the Office of the Attorney General, and other law enforcement agencies. The commission then has 90 days to respond or it will forfeit its next allotment until a response is filed.
Can ANCs Fix Their Finances?
Elizabeth Nelson, whose husband serves as
How Can I Be More Aware?
What Is The Price of the Ticket?
B
by E. Ethelbert Miller
y the time you read this, the incident I describe would have happened weeks ago. By the time you read this another similar incident could occur. It was a Sunday and I was on a bus going up 16th Street. It wasn’t a crowded bus. There were a few Ethiopian women dressed in beautiful white garments returning from church. Two men got on and went to the back of the bus. I was reading A Poet’s Craft, a new book by Annie Finch, and was engrossed with where poems come from and how things turn into poems. Behind me I heard the voice of a black man; the angry black man rage that often reminds me of how middle class I’ve become. If you want to know why my head is often in a book pull out your cell phone and take a picture of what I’m going to write next. The black man was yelling at a gay white and latino couple. I soon discovered he was upset with their open acts of affection. He wanted them to move to the front of the bus. Yes, this incident did take place prior to the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington. The black man was demanding his right to sit in the back of the bus – alone. Things started to become very confrontational. The white gay man marched to the front of the bus and reported the problem to the bus driver. The bus driver (black like me) stopped his vehicle, got up from his seat and went to the back of the bus. He told the black man he was going to have to leave the bus if the incident continued. Up front I saw an elderly white woman quickly get off the bus. It had become one of those days like back in the 1960s, when planes were being hijacked and redirected to Cuba. But I was on a 16th Street bus going suddenly nowhere on a Sunday morning. I was in the middle of the politics of now, a changing city, a changing world. The black
man was offended by the new values, the openness and tenderness shown between men, the act of public intimacy one could only describe as love. Do you want to live in a society in which who you love is a crime? Who is protected by the law? Who is driving the bus? Where are we going? The black man got off the bus. He was yelling now at everyone. He was telling us that the love between the two male passengers was wrong. For a quick moment I was thinking like a new pope and wondering , who gives anyone the right to condemn the lifestyle or life of someone else? How sad to enter out into the world with one’s lover only to have the day slap you in the face with hatred and prejudice. How does one uphold beauty in the midst of so much ugliness? After the black man departed and the bus departed, the gay couple moved to the back of the bus. I was left feeling like Rosa Parks staring out a window. There are times when dignity is a torn garment we all wear. There is a silence that turns even the best of us into observers. Still, we survive because of small acts of courage and the refusal to have the world cave in on our heads. I see the world through eyes shaped by a glorious tradition and history. When I read about the anti-Gay laws being passed in places like Moscow, I know there will soon be blues singers in Russia. Somewhere people are falling off the bus. Here in D.C. one can still manage to travel to Silver Spring with hope. E. Ethelbert Miller is a literary activist. He is the author of several books of poetry and two memoirs. Mr. Miller is the director of the African American Resource Center at Howard University as well as the board chair for the Institute for Policy Studies. H
FOUNDATIONS FOR HOME AND COMMUNITY needs you become a therapeutic foster parent. Learn more at our next orientation in Washington, D.C.
Call 202.654.5126
get
Full service HVAC Company Owned & Operated on Capitol Hill Since 1903
Furnace or Boiler Cleaning and Tune Up Boilers • Furnaces • Rooftop Units Worn out heating equipment? Replace now & receive the lowest prices of the year! 6 month same as cash financing Sell & Service all Brands | 24-7 Service
www.getwarmfast.com | 202.291.1000 Allied Service comApAny Serving dc, md & vA
EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | OCTObER 2013 H 29
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
Marketplace Boot Camp
How To Make Decisions About Health Insurance Under The Affordable Care Act
A
fter much anticipation the health insurance marketplace, a provision of the Affordable Care Act, has finally opened. And it brings many options and questions along with it. Which plan should you choose? How much will it cost? Do you have to choose a plan at all? It can be a little daunting. Try not to let it overpower you. Here is a brief guide to get you started.
by Candace Y.A. Montague can expect to pay more out of pocket. If you are a more frequent visitor to the doctor’s office, smoke, and/or take regular prescriptions, gold or platinum might be the choice for you. Your premium will be higher but your out-of-pocket cost will be lower.
Heavy Metals
Each insurance plan has four categories: bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. The names do not designate the quality of care you are destined to receive. They classify how you will pay in premiums, how much you will pay for hospital visits or for prescriptions, and how much you will pay total over the year if you have a lot of healthcare costs. Bronze is the least expensive while platinum is the most. There is also a catastrophic category for people under age 30 and select people with very low incomes. Are you a relatively healthy person who doesn’t smoke or take medications regularly? Consider a bronze or silver category. These categories carry a lower premium (cost per month), but if you have an unexpected doctor’s visit, as for an accident, you 30 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
Choosing an Insurance Broker for Individuals
In the District the medical insurance providers are Aetna, Kaiser Permanente, United Healthcare, and Care First. Delta Dental, Dentegra, Dominion DDS Dental Services, Guardian, and Met Life are the dental providers. When looking for a plan that suits your family, compare plans and costs with your family needs. All plans must offer a basic package of services called the Essential Health Benefits. This will cover things like maternity and newborn care, pediatric services, emergency ser-
vices, hospitalization, mental health, and substance abuse services. The rest depends on what you’re looking for. Do you take medications regularly for a medical condition? Are you the caregiver of an aging relative? Do you have a child with special needs? Consider these kinds of questions when shopping for a plan and make sure the provider gives you the most bang for your buck. Don’t worry about pre-existing conditions like diabetes or HIV/AIDS. According to the law health insurance carriers are not allowed to deny anyone coverage because of that.
I Can’t Afford the Premium. Must I Have Health Insurance?
See if you qualify for premium assistance or Medicaid. Fill out an application (one application can be used for both). From there your income is reviewed using the Modified Adjusted Gross Income method. If you qualify for assistance your premium, co-pay, out-of-pocket expenses, and prescription costs could be reduced. Do you have to have health insurance? In a nutshell, the answer is yes. The law requires that every tax-paying citizen of the United States have health insurance. You must provide evidence of it
when you file your taxes at the end of 2014. If you fail to provide proof you may be subjected to a penalty of $95 the first year. The penalty will be higher every year after that. There will very few exceptions. If you already have health insurance that has been covering you since March 23, 2010, and you are satisfied with it, keep it. You are not required to buy new health insurance.
Still Need Help?
The District Health Benefit Exchange is prepared to assist you with specific questions on an individual basis. There are several ways to get help and they are all free. Call 855-532-5465, Monday-Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. midnight. Or visit www.dchealthlink.com. You can send an email to info@ dchealthlink.com. in-person assisters (also known as navigators) can walk you through the process if needed. Visit dchealthlink.com and click on “Find a Trained Expert.� You can enter your zip code and get a list of navigators who can help you on an individual basis. You have until March 31, 2013, to select an insurance provider. Take your time, weigh your options, and select the best provider and plan for your family and budget. The Marketplace puts the power of choice in the hands of the consumer. Candace Y.A. Montague is the health reporter for East of the River. u
Artisan
Cuisine
Providing Capitol Hill with the most elegant and professional in-home fine dining experience.
Professionally trained and personally focused. Our menus are designed to meet your needs. Corporate Functions, Holiday Parties, Private Events
ChefNeilWilson@aol.com | 301.699.2225 ChefJasonLawrence@hotmail.com | 202.549.7422 EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | October 2013 H 31
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
The Aftermath
What Domestic Violence Leaves Behind And How It Affects More Than Just The Victim by Candace Y.A. Montague
I
t can begin with a derogatory comment. Maybe the next time a person’s prized possession gets destroyed during an argument. Then it can lead to a push or a slap. Before you know it, a simple disagreement can lead to a full physical attack. Domestic violence is an act of control and power that terrorizes and isolates victims. But the victim is not the only person feeling the effects when the dust settles.
The Effects on Children
On December 9, 2012, 20-yearold Selina Brown waited for the B2 Mt. Rainier bus at a stop on Minnesota Avenue. She was arguing with her boyfriend, Javon Foster. When the bus arrived the argument continued. Selina was holding her 23-month-old daughter Kodi in her arms when Javon pulled a gun and fired several times. Selina was struck in the face, neck, and chest. Bullets grazed Kodi’s face. Three days later, Javon, 27, committed suicide in New York. To this day young Kodi bears a scar across her face from that fateful day when she lost her mother to domestic violence. 32 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
Domestic violence has many victims. Kodi’s scenario, sadly, is not unique. Children are frequent witnesses to arguments, property destruction, or physical altercations. For a child, watching a violent dispute can be jarring on many levels and creates a distorted mental blueprint of how to solve problems. Nationally one in ten phone calls to the police to assist in a domestic dispute comes from a child. A boy who witnesses domestic violence in his home is twice as likely to replicate the same behavior as an adult. It is important for the victim and the children to seek help for healing. Unfortunately the aftermath for Kodi is a facial scar and four more upcoming surgeries. Her grandfather, DC police officer Derrick Ferguson, says Kodi has changed because of the incident. “Kodi has always been a bundle of joy. But now she is real overprotective. She has severe abandonment issues and violent tendencies that weren’t there before. She misses her mother so much some days she has these tantrums. All we can do is hold her and tell her how much we love her.”
When the Woman Is the Abuser
There was a time long ago when Queen Afi Gaston had a bit of a temper. Correction: she had anger issues. She would curse, degrade, insult, and threaten. Queen Afi did what she
thought was the right thing in a relationship: rule with an iron fist. If her boyfriend didn’t follow her instructions, he could be slapped. If she suspected he was seeing another woman, his car was keyed and his tires were flattened. Queen Afi made sure that any boyfriend of hers was going to be loyal and dutiful. If not, there would be consequences. One evening, after finding pictures of other women around the house, Queen Afi engaged in a verbal dispute with her son’s father. Determined to “shut him up” and consumed with extreme anger, she stabbed him. She was arrested. He was forgiving. The charges were dropped. Later on, in another fit of rage and jealousy, she held a Glock 9 mm pistol to his head during a heated dispute. “There were some brothers [I dated] that would let me slap the hell out of them. And then there were some that stomp me with their Timberlands [boots]. But I stayed around and we continued to fight,” she recalled during her Internet radio show. “In the end he was going to do what I said do. He was going to be with me.” The aftermath for her was to get help for her anger issues and turn her life around to help others. In 2009 Queen Afi founded Domestic Violence Wears Many Tags, a nonprofit organization in DC. She now serves a motivational speaker and workshop
facilitator who helps foster discussions about the warning signs of an abuser. She advocates for victims and, surprisingly, for the abusers as well. Queen Afi regrets her violent ways and shows gratitude that her lifestyle didn’t get her into prison. “I thank God that gun didn’t go off. My son would have been without a father. He would have been without a mother because I would have been locked up.”
Aftermath on the Community
Rape, physical assault, and stalking due to intimate partner violence can impair a victim’s ability to work and perform daily routines. This kind of loss of productivity perpetuates poverty and prevents victims from being an active part of the community. Lauren C. Vaughan, executive director of My Sister’s Place, says intimate partner violence has a great effect on income. “From the victim’s perspective she’s thinking, I lost my job because I missed too many days because I couldn’t go to work with a black eye. My partner/boyfriend/husband is the breadwinner so I have to stay with him because I don’t want to be homeless.” A 2003 US Department of Health and Human Services study of adult female victims who were victims of intimate partner violence found that 35 percent of those who were stalked, 21 percent of those who were raped, and 17 percent of those who were physically assaulted lost time from paid work. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that intimate-partner-violence costs exceed $5.8 billion per year in lost wages, healthcare, housing, and other issues. Contrary to common belief, domestic violence
is not a private issue. Not only does it affect the victim and the family but also the community at large. District police received more than 31,000 domestic violence calls in 2012. Police officials estimate that half of the calls for service come from Wards 6 and 7. “People have to remember that domestic violence is a crime. And crime always affects the community. It has a ripple effect,” says Vaughan. Community activist Sandra “S.S.” Seegers, head of the Ward 8 Council against Domestic Violence, says domestic violence is a community problem and people need to speak up more often. “This has been a problem for years. And we need to get involved. Call the police. Say something. Don’t just give up and say ‘That ain’t my business.’ If you’re on my street, it’s my business.” Intimate partner violence can have immediate and lasting effects on the mind, body, and spirit. Unfortunately the disputes leave scars not only on the victim but on their families and the community in which they live. The Ward 8 Walk against Violence will be on Saturday, Oct. 12, at The Arc on Mississippi Avenue in SE. Registration is at 9:00 a.m. The 3K walk will begin at 10:00 a.m. For more information contact Sandra “S.S” Seegers, founder, at 202-561-6616 or beasurvivortoday@ aol.com. Proceeds will benefit Kodi Brown and her family. For more information about Queen Afi and her organization, Domestic Violence Wears Many Tags, visit www.dvwmts.org. Candace Y.A. Montague is the health reporter for East of the River. Credit: Ward Eight Council against Domestic Violence. u
Where to Turn for Help Information provided by the Metropolitan Police Department Domestic Violence Unit
Police Headquarters
300 Indiana Ave. NW, Room 3016 Washington, DC 20001 Phone: 202-727-7137 Fax: 202-727-4382 mpdc.dc.gov/about/units/dvu/dvu.shtm
Domestic Violence Intake Centers SE Domestic Violence Intake Center United Medical Center Building 1328 Southern Ave. SE, Suite 311 202-561-3000
DC Superior Court
500 Indiana Ave. NW, Room 4550 202-879-0152
National DV Resources National DV Hotline 800-799-SAFE
Local DV Resources ouse of Ruth H 202-667-7001
y Sister’s Place M 202-529-5991 SAFE 202-879-7857
EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | October 2013 H 33
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
Healthcare at Your Door
Home Health Care Allows The Elderly To Stay Out Of Nursing Homes by Stephen Lilienthal MHCP nurse with patient
M
arilyn LaBrash sits in her bedroom, an oxygen mask covering her face. Several tanks of oxygen of various sizes are in the room. An oxygen machine makes a constant whirring sound. Just turned 93, LaBrash is doing well. Despite severe vision and hearing impairments she still reads newspapers and listens to books on tape using adaptive devices to enhance her seeing and hearing. Most important, she’s able to continue living with her daughter and grandchildren. “I don’t know what a nursing home is like,” says LaBrash, “I’ve never been in one. But I do not think I’d get the attention in a nursing home that I get here.”
Independence at Home
What many older people wish for, LaBrash is able to experience. As Americans age and medi34 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
cal care costs climb, policymakers and healthcare professionals increasingly realize the need for new models to deliver healthcare for older people. Currently more than 600 older DC residents are benefitting from the nationally recognized Medical House Call Program (MHCP), administered by MedStar Washington Hospital Center (MWHC).
Team-Based Medicine
Doctor house calls are not new but they represent a fading memory. MHCP’s blending of oldschool house visits with 21st century technology helps housebound Washingtonians with chronic conditions to remain at home rather than be in a hospital or nursing home. MHCP is not the first or only provider of such care nationally. The US Department of Veterans Affairs has been providing its Home-Based Primary Care for over 35 years. Pro-
grams in Boston, New York City, and other cities exist too. MHCP was created in 1999 by MWHC geriatric physicians K. Eric De Jonge and George Taler. At first MHCP consisted of the two physicians and a secretary. MHCP’s team serves patients, most suffering from several chronic illnesses, who can leave their homes only with great difficulty. MHCP’s roster now includes five geriatric doctors, five nurse practitioners, five social workers, and seven administrative staffers. MHCP serves primarily low- and middle-income neighborhoods in DC including Brookland, Shaw, and Capitol Hill. Nearly all participating patients rely on Medicare; 30 percent can qualify for DC Medicaid. The average age of participants in MHCP is 82. A recent proposal to a grant-making foundation asserts that this year, on average, once MHCP patients leave hospital, only 15 percent end up being readmitted within 30 days. Nationally the average for this population is approximately 25 percent. “The MHCP’s low readmission rate,” the proposal asserts, “speaks to the team’s ability to respond to urgent events and help keep people out of the hospital, which ultimately reduces costs and promotes higher levels of patient satisfaction.” Too often older patients end up in nursing homes or hospitals simply because they lack the help they need to remain at home. Once a patient exhausts their financial wherewithal, Medicaid takes over. According to MHCP’s grant proposal, “House call teams in the U.S. have proven they can save up to 25 percent in costs to such [highcost] patients.”
Staying at Home
For many MHCP patients visiting a doctor is difficult, requiring special transportation, even assistance in leaving the home, particularly if it has stairs. “Plus, often there’s a lot of problems with placing people in a facility. There’s a lack of familiar
faces and places,” says Julie Maggioncalda, who serves as director of volunteers and social services for Capitol Hill Village (CHV),a nonprofit that helps older Hill residents living in their homes. Maggioncalda says that on average CHV refers three or four members to MHCP. MHCP encourages patients, their families, and home health aides to call for a visit when it appears problems are developing. The relationship, says Janet Goldberg, MHCP’s chief nurse practitioner, can last as long as a decade, allowing for trust to be built and help “avoid the suffering of aggressive health care” that often disregards the wishes and well-being of patients. Access to the home allows MHCP to identify safety issues, help oversee diet, and establish bonds with family members.
The Difference
Driving to a Brookland home, social worker Ruth Shea talks about Marilyn LaBrash and how she continues to do well. Even a hospitalization this spring had not stopped her. LaBrash’s daughter, Shirikiana Gerima, greets Shea and Goldberg, familiar faces in her home. “In Mom’s case, [MHCP] is helping her to thrive. She’s doing relatively well given her maladies,” says Gerima. Other “pillars” helping LaBrash are Esther, her caregiver, and the fact that she can live with her family. “Each one makes the other one work.” Still, reliance on oxygen means that when LaBrash leaves the house “her stress level goes sky high.” Fortunately those instances are greatly reduced due to MHCP’s “coming here.” LaBrash credits MHCP for providing “a sense of security that I wouldn’t have otherwise.” When things go wrong, such as a recent nosebleed, MHCP came to make sure she had not lost too much blood. It’s not just the presence of care in the home but coordination within the team, including more prudent prescriptions of medicine. Goldberg offers to look at a sore on LaBrash’s arm. LaBrash is ada-
mantly opposed because a visiting nurse will be there tomorrow. A deal is struck that LaBrash will have the wound looked at tomorrow.
The Future
Julie Beecher, director of strategic initiatives for MWHC’s Geriatrics/MHCP program, says 50 percent of Medicare’s spending nationally is generated by 5 percent of its beneficiaries – those with multiple chronic conditions, often infirm, the very people MHCP is serving. Currently Medicare covers only 70 percent of MHCP’s fees. “We have to go to philanthropy to make up the gap,” explains Beecher. “Under the fee-for-service model, we’re losing money.” Simultaneously Medicaid is facing great pressure to reduce costs. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Innovation Center is conducting a national demonstration project to assess the cost savings house-call programs can deliver. MHCP is participating in the project and, if able to meet the cost and quality benchmarks, will be able to obtain a portion of the shared savings from Medicare. Now, with the Affordable Care Act, if MHCP and other programs can prove their effectiveness the MHCP program may be expanded. Beecher writes in an e-mail that a different payment model that rewards health outcomes and reduces unnecessary expenditures would allow home-based primary care programs to expand nationally. “There’s a rising population of elderly residents here in DC in need of primary-care providers. And they may not be able to access the office setting. A Medical House Call Program like ours is part of the solution to our health care crisis. We look forward to the day when we can serve all zip codes in Washington and expand to Maryland and Virginia.” For more information about MHCP call 202-877-0570. Stephen Lilienthal is a freelance writer. u EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | October 2013 H 35
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
Big K Development Opposed By Community Historic Review Board Rejects Latest Plan by John Muller
N
early a dozen residents offered public testimony in opposition to a proposal to develop a six-story building on the 2200 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue. Subsequently, on October 3rd, the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB), by unanimous decision, denied the culmination of a three-year effort by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to develop the Big K parcel on the 2200 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE. Community opposition to the development plan presented by Reston-based Chapman Development, with design drawings rendered by PGN Architects, was two-fold; an outright rejection of a new building that would permanently alter the streetscape of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, and the stipulation that to develop the Big K parcel the two existing homes at 2234 and 2238 MLK would be moved to a nearby city-owned lot on V Street SE where the homes would finally be restored. “I’ve never seen a historic District move to a side street,” Greta Fuller, ANC 8A 06, said in her impassioned public testimony to HPRB at October’s hearing. Since DHCD acquired the Big K parcel in the summer of 2010, citizens of the Anacostia Historic District have been under the impression that the city would preserve and restore the
three historic homes at 2228, 2234 and 2238 MLK and incorporate them into their development plan, Fuller said, but instead the community has been misled. During her presentation Fuller showed slides that have been previously shared with the community over the course of three years which argue for a low-scale development plan which included the three restored homes and the former Big K liquor store at Morris Road and MLK. Shareema Houston, a resident of Pleasant Street SE who previously served on the Anacostia Historic Design Review Committee, asked why the third home of 2228 MLK, which was demolished more than a year ago, had been forgotten and lost from the current discussion. “We were promised that a replica of
36 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
2228 MLK would be rebuilt after the city catalogued the molding, the cornices, all the exterior details of that home,” Houston said. “My concern is we are going to put a massive building here that does not compliment the historic district and we are not talking about trying to preserve what is already there.” Members of HPRB were clearly moved by the outpouring of community support, one HPRB member said she would hereafter refer to the Big K liquor store as “Conway’s Grocery store,” in reference to James Conway who built the original store in 1906. The Big K lot is no newcomer to the attention of Tim Dennee, of the Office of Planning’s Historic Preservation Office (HPO), who researched and wrote the latest staff report on the site and the delibera-
tions of HPRB, who have heard cases involving the site for years. The denial by HPRB of the proposed development followed a contentious meeting in early September at DHCD’s headquarters at MLK and Good Hope Road in which residents of Anacostia spoke out against the lack of transparency and consultation with the community in creating the development plan. Tim Chapman, principal of Chapman Development, said few words at the HPRB hearing and had a lone witness -- former Marion Barry staffer Brenda Richardson -- speak in favor of his proposed development. At September’s community meeting Councilmember Barry drew the ire of the crowd when he said, “Not all developers are bad,” and subsequently offered his support of Chapman, who developed the Grays building in the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue SE. Barry did not attend October’s HPRB hearing. As DHCD and Chapman Development presumably return to the drawing board, Fuller says she is not discouraged. “Now that the ruling has been made and for once the community’s concerns have been listened to, I look forward to sitting down with DCHD and Chapman Development and supporting a project that honors and preserved the integrity of the Anacostia Historic District, the only historic district in Ward 8.” u
From Error to Academy SouthEast Welding Academy Opens in Historic Anacostia by Virginia Avniel Spatz
D
elmus Nelson was assigned to his first welding job through a human resources error. Unable to rectify the error, but not trained for the skills required, he sought out the proper certification. That led to a career and his own business – good fortune that he is now paying forward. Nelson Welding is located in Historic Anacostia, just behind the Big Chair, which the company helped renovate in 2005. Nearby, Nelson points out, unemployed individuals “sit all day ... If even one can get a trade and feed his family, I’ll be giving back what was given to me.” “God put me someplace I wasn’t supposed to be,” Nelson insists, remembering the mistake that sparked his career. He founded the SouthEast Welding Academy (SEWA) to help launch others into the trade, with proper training from the start. Adjacent to Nelson Welding, at 1103 W St. SE, SEWA opened its doors last month. The first students are expected to be certified by the end of the year.
Vision and Tenacity
“While I was running the Sasha Bruce Youthbuild construction train-
Potential trainees explore SouthEast Welding Academy facilities.
ing program a young man ... needed a chance to prove himself,” recalls Charles Thornton, now director of the District’s Office of Returning Citizen Affairs (ORCA). “Mr. Nelson agreed to take him on while work was slow and he has been there ever since, and that was 2008.” At that time Nelson began planning for the academy. Now, says, Thornton: “I commend Mr. Nelson on his tenacity and not giving up on his vision and his desire to make a difference in the lives of others.” SEWA will “assist many District residents seeking employment,” Thornton says, noting the importance of “certified skill sets” and adding that “the outlook for welding is extremely good.” The academy will be particularly important to returning citizens, Thornton explains. SEWA is one of several providers partnering with ORCA, which “has a 100 percent placement rate for experienced certified tradesmen” He notes that “linking men and women returning home with services immediately is one of the keys to successful reentry.”
“Not for Everyone”
Marcus Bruce, construction trainer at Sasha Bruce Youthwork, brought potential trainees to SEWA’s Sept. 3 open house. SEWA will be a good fit for many Sasha Bruce youth, says Bruce (no relation). Charmia Carolina, 21, was the only woman visiting from Sasha Bruce. Already working on carpentry skills, she is eager to train for fields where there “are not a lot of females.” But like other potential trainees, Sasha Bruce participants await funding news. A private, anonymous donor funded the first students. Six are currently enrolled. Many more are awaiting the opportunity. “People come in every day to enroll,” says Avis
Holland, SEWA’s human resources director. But the program requires 120 hours of instruction, much of it hands-on with expensive equipment, while most interested individuals are currently unemployed. “We’re trying to get funding so we can get these students in here.” SEWA has applied for a grant. Meanwhile Holland is seeking donations from local businesses and houses of worship. The $4,000 tuition includes job placement assistance and help preparing for certification exams. The academy will prepare students for special exams – such as the one required for bridge work – as well as basic certification. With those credentials, Nelson says, an individual “can work anywhere in the world.” Still, he admits, “you have to be determined. It’s difficult, especially in the beginning ... And it’s not for everyone ... you have fire falling on you.” Students and donors may contact Avis Holland at SouthEast Welding Academy, 1103 W St. SE, 202-610-9858. www.southeastweldingacademy.org Virginia Avniel Spatz is feature reporter on We Act Radio’s “Education Town Hall,” WeActEd.wordpress.com, and contributes to East of the River and The Hill Rag. u
Avis Holland (center rear) hosts Sasha Bruce Youthwork visitors at SouthEast Welding Academy’s Sept. 3 open house. EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | October 2013 H 37
J
eff Herrell
Preserving the Season’s Bounty
by Annette Nielsen
A
Jeff Herrell in the straining stage of grape jelly preparation from grapes he picked at the J. Rose Vineyard in Damascus, Md. Photo: Annette Nielsen
38 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
fter returning from Peace Corps service in West Africa, working in agriculture, Jeff Herrell moved to Columbia Heights and quickly turned his front yard into a garden. He moved to his lovely Anacostia home in 2005. Since then he has added a backyard garden that includes a strawberry patch, raspberry bushes, and fruit bearing trees. He makes pickles, jam from his own strawberries, and cans his heirloom tomatoes, all on display in a large kitchen cupboard. Growing up in an Indiana farming family where they’ve had cows, horses, pigs, and sheep and where his dad raises hunting dogs, Herrell says he learned how to can with his mom and grandmother. “We canned everything – and made many varieties of jams and jellies. When I was last visiting, we harvested many ears of corn; we took three five-gallon buckets, removed the sweet corn with an electric knife, and froze some really delicious corn. I was even able to package some up in a cooler pack and bring it with me on the flight back to DC.” Herrell continues, “I love cooking – I grew up in the kitchen, under-
foot, especially with my grandmother. She’d let me pull up a chair while she rolled out the pie dough, bread, or noodles, and she’d tell me stories about the family. When I cook now I feel a connectedness to my relatives, especially when I make the noodles, because the recipe goes back to my great-great grandmother.” In a town where it’s all about who you know, Herrell and his partner, Tommie Adams, have a couple of friends, Jan Rieke and Judy Streeter, who own J. Rose Vineyards in Maryland. They grow grape varieties for eating and for making wine; most of their wine grapes go to other wine makers. Recently Herrell was able to go with a neighbor and pick Concord grapes for a batch of jelly. Herrell’s method is straightforward. His recipe is the one included with the Sure-Jell pectin box, but he adds, “The family’s secret ingredient is the method for straining the fruit – my mom always picks out one of my dad’s well-worn t-shirts, one you could read a newspaper through. She uses it like you’d use cheesecloth; the fruit juice easily drips through, leaving a very clear liquid.”
EAST WASHINGTON LIFE
As Herrell presses the grapes to get the juice, young Trey and his sister Janay run into the kitchen, followed by their mom, Twyla Alston, Herrell’s neighbor. Alston says that she had a great time helping pick the grapes, “and we were able to sample different varieties of grapes at various stages of ripeness, too.” Alston recently started gardening at her home. “Jeff was part of the reason I started gardening,” she notes. “The first thing we planted was sunflower seed – I’ve learned a lot about gardening since then.” The beautiful yield of over five cups of clear, jewel-colored juice is reheated with sugar and pectin. The mixture is placed in sterilized jelly jars (the half-pint size works well) and then processed for about ten minutes, according to the Sure-Jell directions. The leftover that doesn’t quite make a full jelly jar finds its way to a slice of bread, paired with peanut butter. Janay bites into the sandwich. “Nice!” Trey declares to the grape jelly creation, still a little warm, just off the stove, “I want some more.” Herrell remarks that he has a wonderful group of neighbors. They usually have a standing date, gathering for “Taco Tuesday,” and they all end up in his dining room around his great-grandmother’s table. Now he’ll be inviting them over for his traditional grape jelly and biscuits too.
Jeff’s Jelly-Holder Biscuits
The key to the recipe is the 20 kneads, don’t roll too thin, and use the hot pizza stone. 2 cups all-purpose flour 4 teaspoons baking powder 3 teaspoons sugar ½ teaspoon salt ¼ cup shortening ¼ cup butter 1 egg 2/3 cup milk Yield: approximately two dozen biscuits In a bowl combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Cut in shortening and butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a small bowl beat egg and milk; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Turn onto a well-floured surface; knead ONLY 20 times then stop. Roll to 3/4-inch thickness; cut with a 2½ -inch biscuit cutter. Place on lightly greased baking sheet (I bake mine on a hot pizza stone). Bake at 450°F for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm with grape jelly! u
LEFT: Twyla Alston and Kendall Graham picking Concord grapes at the J. Rose Vineyard. Photo: Jeff Herrell. CENTER:Jeff Herrell in the straining stage of grape jelly preparation from grapes he picked at the J. Rose Vineyard in Damascus, Md. Photo: Annette Nielsen RIGHT: Twyla Alston with son Trey and daughter Janay taste-testing a fresh batch of grape jelly – and proof of taste in the request for a second round of peanut butter and jelly. Photo: Annette Nielsen
EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | October 2013 H 39
EAST WASHINGTON LIFE
Anthony Johnson Conquers Illiteracy
O
ne of the proudest moments of Anthony Johnson’s life was when he first read a book to his eldest daughter; she was 23 years old at the time. This was one of many insights Johnson, 50, shared last month at the Deanwood Recreation Center to an intimate conclave of family, friends, co-workers, and literacy practitioners and advocates who gathered to celebrate the launch of his book, “The Dum One,” a revealing and often agonizing telling of his troubled upbringing and struggles with illiteracy. Co-written with his former tutor, Beverly Greene, the book chronicles Johnson’s coming of age as the youngest in a family of six illiterate children raised by a hardworking but also illiterate mother in Kenilworth Gardens. The book’s genesis came when Greene and Johnson were paired as tutor and student at Literacy Volunteers and Advocates (LVA), a 26-year-old nonprofit based in the Edgewood neighborhood of NE Washington that provides one-onone tutoring for adult learners at or below a sixth-grade reading level. “Advocacy is what Anthony has done,” Rita Daniels, LVA’s executive director, said in remarks at the book launch. “He is the face of adult literacy by exposing his life. With that exposure he’s helping people and has become a spokesperson for all adult learners.” Standing at six-plus feet tall and a burly 200 something pounds, Johnson recalls in “The Dum One” that as a young child, along with his siblings, he was terrorized by neighbor40 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
by John Muller
Anthony Johnson with members of his family and literacy practitioners
hood bullies until he hit his growth spurt. “Coming up in Kenilworth, as some of you know, you had to fight to survive; we didn’t have a choice. Once I grew I could throw down with the best of ‘em,” Johnson said, raising his fists. “But when it came to the words, they were my biggest fear. I couldn’t put up a fight.” Throughout “The Dum One” Johnson confesses he was advanced from one grade to the next not because of his ability to do the gradelevel work, but because of his age. By the time he got into high school he was assigned to Phelps, a vocational school, where he was placed in an auto-mechanic apprenticeship program. A friend of his, who
had been working on cars with his father since he was five years old, quickly fell behind in the class because of his helplessness to read and write. The friend soon dropped out. Shortly thereafter Johnson transitioned to selling drugs and also left school. After abandoning the drug trade for fear he would wrongfully incriminate his family, Johnson secured a number of jobs, managing to get friends and family to fill out his applications. Once on the job Johnson memorized his tasks, completed checklists without being able to read them at an overnight disabled care facility or, as a special police of-
ficer, had friends fill out the occasional incident report. At the grocery store Johnson recognized pictures and symbols without being able to read labels, and while driving identified a red octagonal sign as giving the direction to stop without being able to read the individual letters, S T O P. Johnson says the process of creating the book was therapeutic but painful. “I loved writing it but I hate what’s in it.” The writing of the book was done primarily by Greene. “While tutoring Anthony, he often shared some of his life experiences with me,” Greene, a Howard University graduate and business administration con-
Hillcrest
Evelyn Branic, GRI
Hillcrest is one of Washington’s best kept secrets. There are few residential areas within the city that offer detached homes at affordable prices. The tranquil treelined streets, generous lots and manicured lawns offer a quiet retreat from the city. If you have not visited Hillcrest, consider previewing some of the gracious homes recently offered for sale. Stop by an open house on Sunday or call to schedule a private tour. Come and discover this gem of a neighborhood!
sultant, said in an email. “His stories were always interesting and I would tell him so. He mentioned that he had been told, ‘You should write a book with all the stories you have.’ I encouraged him to work toward that, believing it would be a cathartic experience for him and believing that he would someday master reading and writing enough to write his story.” Greene, whose work schedule was subject to change, and Johnson worked together from July 2010 to September 2011. “Several months after I stopped tutoring Anthony he called me up one day and asked me if I would help him tell his story. I quickly agreed, not knowing or having any expectation of what the result would be. I just wanted to support him,” Greene says. “I was extremely honored that he asked me because, for one, he had another tutor at this point and I am sure there are other people in his life that he could have asked as well.” After nearly seven months of weekly interviews with Johnson and members of his family Greene began the process of putting together the narrative. “I took the assignment quite seriously because his story not only involves himself but his family as well. It was very important to me to represent them correctly and to respect their privacy even in telling a story like this, where you’re being so candid.” After Johnson’s remarks at the book launch, many in the
audience expressed their admiration of him for coming forward with his story, relating his experiences to people they knew. “A lot of people never got their GED because they were ashamed to admit they had problems reading,” said a woman. Seated in the front row, another woman, fighting back tears, expressed how the title hit home with her. “When my son was in elementary school he had a hard time learning how to read and write,” she said. “I’ll never forget he came home one day and said, ‘Mom, I’m the dumbest one in the class.’ It still hurts my heart today, so I just want to thank you for what you’ve done.” In the back of the room were Johnson’s siblings, including his sister Sandra, who has shared her life story of being an adult learner from the White House to local schools. When asked what he thought of his younger brother’s accomplishment, Sammie Johnson, 52, said, “I wasn’t surprised. I had a lot of emotions; I wanted to see what was in his memory bank.” Johnson, who continues to attend weekly tutoring sessions, admitted at the event and in the introduction to the book that the most fitting tribute of the book is within his immediate family: “The chain of illiteracy has ended.”
2230 Branch Ave, SE $420,000
B
velyn R
E
A
2530 36th Pl, SE $319,000
ranic L
T
Y
2730 Ft. Baker Dr, SE 2-unit • Under Contract
3340 Alabama Ave, SE Coming Soon!
202.741.1674
www.cbmove.com/evelyn.branic
Licensed DC, MD & VA
Office: 605 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, WDC 20003 Phone: 202.547.3525
To purchase a copy of “The Dum One” email thedumonebook@gmail. com. u EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | OCTObER 2013 H 41
EAST WASHINGTON LIFE
jazzAvenues O
ne of the more rewarding additions to the jazz scene in recent years has been the seasonal series at the Atlas Performing Arts Center on H Street NE, where curator Brad Linde has fashioned provocative and stimulating treats for music lovers. Now in its third year, jazz at the Atlas pushes the envelope this month, especially with back-to-back performances by homeboy Brian Settles on Oct. 23 and then Wadada Leo Smith on Oct. 25-26. A graduate of Duke Ellington School of the Arts and Howard University, Settles has become known, according to Atlas information, for “creative risk-taking” and “freely swinging between traditional and unconventional forms of jazz.” He has demonstrated all of that and more in previous appearances at the Atlas, the DC Jazz Festival, Bohemian Caverns, and elsewhere. Settles will be playing with his band, Central Union, featuring Corcoran Holt, bass, Jeremy Carlstedt, drums, Jean Marie Collatin-Faye, percussion, and Neil Podgurski, piano. Next up is Smith, who “in honor of the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington will present his Smith presents Ten Freedom Summers, his tribute to the Civil Rights movement paying homage to heroes including Emmett Till, Rosa Parks, Medgar Evers and Martin Luther King, Jr.,” according to publicity information. More than music, the production features “archival news footage and evocative but abstract cinematic imagery.” The production was inspired conceptually by August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning 10-play “Pittsburgh Cycle,” in which each play chronicles a decade of African-American life in the 20th century. Go to www.atlasarts.org for ticket information and more details.
Kristine Key … Nice
Vocalist Kristine Key, who has shared the stage with such talents as Nancy Wilson and Branford Marsalis, among others, has released her debut CD, “Nice…as Can Be,” and will be appearing on Oct. 11 at Westminster Presbyterian Church. The date also features DeAndrey Howard on trumpet, 42 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
by Steve Monroe
woman instrumental winner of the 26-year event. A statement by the Monk Institute said the competition and gala concert “came to a close with roaring applause as first place winner Melissa Aldana traded choruses with saxophone great Jimmy Heath and joined an all-star cast in a finale featuring Heath’s classic composition ‘Gingerbread Boy.’” Tivon Pennicott, 27, of Marietta, Ga., and Godwin Louis, 28, of Harlem, N.Y., finished second and third respectively. Aldana won a $25,000 first-place scholarship and a recording contract with Concord Music Group.
Vocalist Kristine Key, who has released her debut CD, “Nice … as Can Be,” appears Oct. 11 at Westminster Presbyterian Church.
Vince Smith, keyboard, Blake Meister, bass and Ron Compton, drums. Key, who studied at the Berklee College of Music and the New England Conservatory, has drawn fine reviews for her CD, which features romantic favorites “I Will Wait for You,” “Let’s Fall in Love,” and “I’ll Close My Eyes.” See www.kristinekeymusic.com for more information.
Aldana Wows Judges at T. Monk Competition
Although she was the only woman among the 13 semifinalists in last month’s Thelonious Monk Institute saxophone competition at the Kennedy Center, Melissa Aldana said she never felt out of place because of her gender, according to information from www.berklee.edu, the website of her school, the Berklee College of Music. “Even though I know that [my win] is a big deal, because I’m the first one, I never felt different because I’m a female. I felt I was competing with all those great young musicians and I’m just one of them,” said Aldana, of Santiago, Chile, as she became the first
October Highlights: Roy Hargrove, Oct. 8-13, Blues Alley ... Wayne Shorter/Curtis Fuller Tribute, Oct. 10, Twins Jazz ... Kristine Key/Collector’s Edition, Oct. 11, Westminster Presbyterian Church ... The Mosaic Project, Geri Allen, Terri Lyne Carrington, Esperanza Spalding, Oct. 11, Kennedy Center ... JazzAlive Forum: Willard Jenkins, Keeping Jazz Alive, Oct. 16, University of the District of Columbia Recital Hall 46 … Allison Crockett, Oct. 17, Twins Jazz ... Stanley Clarke, Oct. 17-20, Blues Alley ... Larry Brown Quintet, Oct. 18, Westminster Presbyterian Church ... Winard Harper/The Jeli Posse, Oct. 18, Kennedy Center ... Sharon Clark, Oct. 18, Chez Billy ... Javon Jackson, We Four: Celebrating John Coltrane ... Oct. 19, Kennedy Center ... Ralph Peterson, Oct. 18-20, Bohemian Caverns ... Brian Settles & Central Union, Oct. 23, Atlas Performing Arts Center ... Lena Seikaly, Oct. 25, Chez Billy ... Thad Wilson Quartet, Oct. 25-26, Twins Jazz ... October Birthdays: Walter Bishop Jr. 4; Jo Jones, Larry Young 7; Pepper Adams 8; Abdullah Ibrahim, Kenny Garrett 9; Thelonius Monk 10; Junior Mance, Harry Edison, Art Blakey 11; Mel Rhyne 12; Art Tatum, Ray Brown, Von Freeman, Lee Konitz, Pharoah Sanders, Johnny Lytle 13; Fela Anikulapo-Kuti 15; Roy Hargrove 16; Cozy Cole 17; Wynton Marsalis 18; Jelly Roll Morton 20; Dizzy Gillespie, Don Byas 21; Ernie Watts 23; Jimmy Heath 25; Milton Nascimenton 26; Zoot Sims 27; Clifford Brown 30; Illinois Jacquet, Booker Irvin 31. u
Nubian Hueman Opens Boutique at Anacostia Arts Center by Charnice A. Milton
W
hen the Anacostia Arts Center held its open house on Sept. 14, visitors had the chance to welcome two new boutiques and a wellness center. One of those boutiques is Nubian Hueman, specializing in ethnic-inspired fashion and beauty brands. While the organization has maintained an online presence since 2011, this is its first physical location.
Nubian Hueman
“I’m highly influenced by African style,” said Anika Hobbs, founder and curator of Nubian Hueman. Hobbs, who is an accessory designer, began Nubian Hueman to find and cultivate artists and designers inspired by the African diaspora and other ethnic traditions. “It takes a lot of research,” she said. “Usually that means browsing blogs, going to Fashion Week, and listening through word of mouth.” Her website states that the goal is to “flourish into a multi-faceted lifestyle brand that provides a retail conduit to a target market of ethnic-oriented fashionistas and enthusiasts alike. Nubian Hueman believes not only in its mission to influence physical appearance, but also in its ability to improve the quality of lives.”
Settling in Anacostia
Hobbs sees the new boutique as an extension of that goal. “It’s more personable in comparison to the website,” she explained. “It’s a better way of making relationships with the customers.” Hobbs also hopes that the boutique will become more of a lifestyle space. In the future Hobbs hopes to host demonstrations and an arts program for students. “The Anacostia Arts Center was a good place to start,” she said, adding that its mission is similar to Nubian Hueman’s.
Jöelle Jean-Fontaine (left), pictured here with customer Risikat Okedeyi (right), is one of many designers affiliated with Nubian Hueman. Photo: Charnice A. Milton
Not only does the location gives the collective a chance to connect with more artists, but it also helps Anacostia grow as an arts and business district. “I love the fact that she chose Anacostia,” declared Kate Davis, Anacostia Arts Center’s director. “It’s a type of store the area doesn’t have.” Davis believes that the location is perfect for the boutique, expecting that visitors coming from the center’s Black Box Theater, art galleries, and the upcoming cafe will stop at the boutique.
Helping Artists
While Hobbs has worked with designers from the United Kingdom, Canada, and Kenya, she featured two American designers for the boutique opening. One is Cecily Habimana, an Anacostia-based designer. Her brand, Simply Cecily, is an Africaninspired line of dresses, skirts, and shorts. “I met Anika during Fashion Night Out,” Habimana said. “We exchanged cards and have been working together for six months.” When asked why she decided to join with Nubian Hueman, Habimana replied, “It’s hard doing anything by yourself.”
Both Hobbs and Habimana help each other’s brands by pairing outfits with Hobbs’ accessories. Another featured designer was Bostonbased stylist Jöelle JeanFontaine, whose Kréyol Nubian Hueman founder and curator Anika Hobbs (left) and line was inspired by her designer Cecily Habimana (right) pose with a piece from Haitian heritage. The line Simply Cecily. Photo: Charnice A. Milton offers clothing, accessories, and home décor, and she said. “This store is more original.” Jean-Fontaine is also known for styl- Both customers liked the fact that ing music artists and other high-pro- Nubian Hueman gives a portion of file clients. “I’m excited for this new sales to nonprofit organizations as market!” she said. well as socio-development and fair-
Customer Reviews
During the grand opening visitors enjoyed their shopping experience. As a native Nigerian, Baltimore resident Murja Hamadu felt drawn to traditional African-inspired fashion and beauty. “A good friend of mine who is friends with Anika told me about the event,” she said. “I like the fact that the pieces are creative and different.” Another visitor, Penn-Branch resident Jenifer Trowell, agreed. “Sometimes, I feel that too many stores here are the same,”
trade causes. While Hobbs is happy with customer responses, her goal is for Nubian Hueman to become a community gathering place. “People should definitely come by,” she said. “Let’s start a conversation.”
Nubian Hueman is located in the Anacostia Arts Center (1231 Good Hope Road SE Washington, DC 20020). Operating hours are 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday through Friday and noon to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday. Visit nubianhueman.com for more information. u
EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | October 2013 H 43
EAST WASHINGTON LIFE
Neighbors to Raise Funds for Mural by Charnice A. Milton
L
Rendering of a possible mural for Thai Orchid’s Kitchen. Photo: Maceo Thomas
ocated on Pennsylvania Avenue in the Fairlawn area, Thai Orchid’s Kitchen has become a neighborhood favorite since opening in 2010. “Since January, we’ve been meeting there for monthly community dinners,” said Maceo Thomas, a Ward 7 resident. “You can pay one price for an all-you-can-eat experience.” Last month Thomas began a campaign to raise funds to bring a mural to Thai Orchid’s wall, the culmination of a process that began a year ago.
Working with MuralsDC
In spring residents submitted a twopage proposal nominating Thai Orchid for the MuralsDC initiative. Murals DC is a partnership with the Department of Public Works (DPW), the Commission on the Arts and Humanities, and nonprofit organization Words Beats & Life, Inc. The purpose of the project is to limit the amount of illegal graffiti, revitalize community sites, and teach youth about the art of aerosol painting. Usually MuralsDC concentrates on areas that are frequent tagging targets, but residents can nominate a private property as long as the owner permits it. “We attended a community meeting at the restaurant to discuss the mural last summer,” said Nancee Lyons, a 44 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
representative from DPW. “There were probably 40-60 people present, with the overwhelming majority appearing to strongly desire or at least be open to the idea of a mural on the wall.” However, not everyone supported the idea of a mural. “There were no more than five or six residents who expressed opposition to the mural but it was unclear as to whether they opposed the mural or just wanted more of a say in the process,” Lyons stated. “Honestly, there appeared to be some other issues going on so perhaps the proposed mural was just the straw that broke the camel’s back.” Thomas, who also attended the meeting, agreed that the MuralsDC process was a point of contention, but said it was “more about politics than just a mural.”
The Project Stalls
While it received support from Ward 7 Councilmember Yvette Alexander, the mural project was at a standstill in the fall. After learning that Mayor Vincent Gray will be making the final decision, Thomas talked to him during MuralDC’s event for their Ben’s Chili Bowl mural. “When I spoke with [Mayor Gray] at the event he said that his people were handling it.” However, according to Thomas, a small group of residents convinced the mayor to
block the project. While Mayor Gray is a Ward 7 resident, Lyons stated, “the Mayor doesn’t get involved. This was an anomaly.” Words Beats & Life’s executive director, Mazi Mustafa, gave another reason for the stalled project. “There had been concern about producing a project with government funds,” he said. “As a result DPW chose not to move forward.” Both men agree, however, that Thai Orchid’s owner and most of the community want the mural. “So many people were very concerned,” said Thomas. “I saw usually quiet people speak up for the mural.”
The Community’s Response
“If the issue was the government, then the solution is to raise funds privately,” Mustafa said. Last month Thomas began. While he and his neighbors plan to raise $500 toward costs, Words Beats & Life set up a page on the Network for Good website. The overall goal is $20,000 with half going toward commissioning the project and the other half toward maintenance. So far donors have raised $1,035. “It’s really about engaging the community,” said Mustafa. “It’s about asking how you can play a bigger role in making your community better.” u
KIDS & FAMILY
Kids & Family Notebook by Kathleen Donner
Haunting Hour Read-aloud and Crafts at Deanwood Library
On Thursday, Oct 24, 4 p.m., scare up a good time with frightful, ghastly and ghoulish retellings of English tales. For ages 7-12. Deanwood Library, 1350 49th St. NE. 202-698-1175. dclibrary.org/ deanwood
Fort Dupont Basic Skills Skating Lessons Registration Process Changed
Fort Dupont Ice Arena offers group skating classes to area youth, ages 5-18 (kindergarten to twelfth grade), through its Kids On Ice® program. Kids On Ice is a free, community program whose mission is to make skating accessible and affordable for Washington-area children. Classes are offered on Saturdays during a Fall 8-week session and Winter 8-week session. Class times are currently 10:45-11:10 am, 11:10 - 11:35 am, and 12:50 - 1:15 pm. Due to the popularity of their programs their registration process has changed. New students who submit registration by the new student deadline will be entered into a lottery for available spots. Returning students from the previous season will be guaranteed admission as long as registration is submitted by the returning student deadline. (A returning student is defined as a skater who has had regular attendance in class during the previous season. Ex: fall, winter etc.) Fall classes are underway and they are at capacity. Registration for winter classes begins Nov 2. Skaters must be 5 years old, absolutely no exceptions. Read more at fdia.org or call 202-584-5007.
Robots at THEARC
The Creative and Therapeutic Arts Services at Children’s National Medical Center and the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum have teamed up with Ross Global Management to present an innovative series of arts programs for young people titled, Robots at THEARC. The series of programs have been created with the dynamic 5 ft. x 6 ft. painting, Little Rooster and the Me-
Do The Write Thing at Kelly Miller Middle School
Do The Write Thing Foundation of DC is sponsoring weekly after-school poetry writing sessions at Kelly Miller Middle School in Ward 7. This is a continuation of a six week summer program that resulted in the publication of a book of poems. Youth are now participating in booksignings at venues such as Eastern Market, local book festivals and churches. Their book, Poetry in Motion, is available at amazon.com. Do The Write Thing is seeking funding to expand its after-school program to a five-day program. Individuals can make contributions through workplace campaigns such as United Way (8195), DC One Fund Drive (8195) and Combined Federal Campaign (77516). For further information, visit dothewritethinginc.org. Wayne Givens, Marion D. Ingram (DTWT executive) and Chakemah Coleman Congressional Black Caucus booksigning.
chanical Robots, as their central focus, to encourage science, technology, engineering, and math education. The painter, James Williams II, will be intimately involved with the project. Little Rooster and the Mechanical Robots will be on view at the Corcoran Community Gallery at THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE, September 16 through Oct 14, 2013. The surrealist paint-
ing depicts a vivid scene in the 1930’s. In it, Little Rooster, an energetic young African American boy tinkers in his father’s science laboratory, surrounded by African American engineers, electronic equipment, and the gigantic robots that are being energized with electric current. The larger-thanlife dynamism of the painting is guaranteed to thrill children of all ages.
EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | October 2013 H 45
KIDS & FAMILY
grandchildren. The group also serves as a “one stop-shop” to access legal advice, referrals, housing resources, and assistance with completing forms and applying for benefits for grandchildren. Sessions take place the 1st Monday of every month from 6-7 p.m. For more information or to register, contact Ellen Wiggins at 202436-3076.
Children’s Movies at Deanwood Library
Frederick Douglass Oratorical Contest Deadline - Nov 11
The application deadline for the 2013 Frederick Douglass Oratorical Contest is Nov 11 at 4 p.m. The goal of the contest is for students to experience the same transformative power of language that Frederick Douglass did as a young man. The contest is open to all students in grades 1-12 and is hosted in early December. Students memorize and present a portion of a Douglass speech from a stage at his home of Cedar Hill. Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, 1411 W St. SE. (corner of 15th and W). 202-426-5961. nps.gov/frdo Park Ranger Braden Paynter chats with a pervious year’s contestant. Photo: Courtesy of the National Park Service
Wards 7 and 8 DC Prevention Center
Wards 7 and 8 DC Prevention Center has been leading community change efforts around the reduction and prevention of youth substance use. They, along with the other DC Prevention Centers, have been educating, training and developing the capacity of the communities to create action plans that are changing how we view risks factors that influence early use and consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. The Wards 7 and 8 DC Prevention is a community resource hub with a wealth of information on drugs and tobacco and alcohol specific training. To be part of their community effort, call 202388-3001 or visit bricinc.org/ward78-prevention-center. 46 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
Pop-Up Book Showcase at Francis A. Gregory Library
The Francis A. Gregory Library has a special collection of pop-up books. Many of these books are very delicate and not available to check out, but can be read and handled in the library. On Monday Oct 14 at 6:30 p.m., the librarians will present a short introduction about our pop-up books, including how to handle them and how to get started on making your own basic pop-up cards. Please note that young children must be accompanied by a parent to handle some of the more delicate books. Francis A. Gregory Neighborhood Library, 3660 Alabama Ave. SE. 202-6986373. dclibrary.org/francis
National Family Volunteer Day at Kenilworth Park (save the date)
On Nov 16, 9-11 a.m., bring your family and participate in National Family Service Day! It’s a great tradition to show your children the value of service and show gratitude for nature’s beauty. RSVP recommended. Please contact Tina O’Connell at tina@friendsofkenilworthgardens.org. Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE. friendsofkenilworthgardens.org
Grandparent Support Group at THEARC
Children’s Health Project of DC offers a support group to encourage grandparents who are raising their
On Fridays, Oct 18 amd 25 and Nov 1, 8, 15 and 22, 10:30 a.m., kids ages 3-7 can watch movies based on children’s books. Some of the titles are Wheels on the Bus, Where the Wild Things Are, Pocket for Corduroy and Noisy Nora. Deadwood Library, 1350 49th St. NE. 202-698-1175. dclibrary.org/deanwood
Barn Night and Kid’s Day at the Horse Show
The Washington International Horse Show Barn Night is a favorite with local young riders and horse enthusiasts who attend in groups and have a chance to enter contests, win big prizes and enjoy a fun, horse-filled evening! Barn Night is on Thursday, Oct 24, with activities beginning on the concourse at 6:00 p.m. It includes a Stablemates painting party hosted by Breyer Animal Creations. The first 100 kids to arrive will receive a special prize, also courtesy of Breyer. Enjoy the exciting and hilarious Gambler’s Choice Show Jumping Costume competition, a Shetland Pony Racing exhibition presented by Charles Owen, a t-shirt toss, plus an autograph session with top riders. wihs.org Kids’ Day is a free, fun, event created to educate kids and their families
EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | October 2013 H 47
about horses and equestrian sport. It will take place (rain or shine) on Saturday, Oct 26, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. both inside Verizon Center and on a closed city street just outside the arena. wihs.org
Open Schools App Helps Parents with School Decisions
DC public school parents face an array of complex education choices, but need better information to decide what’s best for their kids. Open Schools (edu.codefordc.org) is a web application developed by Code for DC, the local chapter of the Code for America Brigade. Open Schools will make comparing school demographic and performance data simpler, empowering parents to make better choices. Using simple pick lists and visual navigation, parents can find out which schools children from their neighborhood attend. Alternatively, they can choose a school and see which neighborhoods the students who attend come from. Open Schools is a project developed by a team of volunteers, in collaboration with the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). The data is downloadable from opendatadc.org.
Miss Piggy Joins Kermit the Frog at the American History Museum
The National Museum of American History received a new donation of more than 20 Jim Henson puppets and props from the Henson family. Miss Piggy and the Swedish Chef from The Muppet Show, Bert and Elmo from Sesame Street, and Red Fraggle and Traveling Matt from Fraggle Rock are among the new additions. They will join the museum’s current Jim Henson Collection, which includes Oscar the 48 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
Grouch, Kermit the Frog and the cast of Sam and Friends. The museum will place Miss Piggy on view within the American Stories exhibition in March 2014. In addition, several of the puppets from the Jim Henson Collection--including the original Kermit, not yet a frog, and Cookie Monster--will go on view this November in a display case that will include marionettes, hand puppets and ventriloquist figures. This display will explore the role these iconic characters have played in American culture and the impact they have had on popular entertainment.
“Frightfully Funny” at the National Gallery of Art
Join them, Oct 5 and 19, 10:30 a.m.; Oct 6 and 20 at 11:30 a.m., for a selection of animated films featuring witches and monsters. In a new release from the creators of The Gruffalo, a friendly witch and her cat suffer hilarious consequences when they offer some Room on the Broom to a group of helpful animals ( Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, UK, 2012). Other films include A Dark, Dark Tale (Ruth Brown, Weston Woods Studios, 1983) and Leonardo the Terrible Monster (Mo Willems, Weston Woods Studios, 2007). Approximately 50 minutes. Free and for ages 4, up. Seating is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Groups are welcome. No advance registration required. National Gallery of Art, East Building Auditorium, 4th St. and Constitution Ave. NW. nga.gov
Night Adventure at the Botanic Garden
Ever wonder what it’s like to be at the U.S. Botanic Garden late at night after the public and gardeners have gone home? A night
adventure awaits you as you venture out on a flashlight tour of the Jungle, explore night-blooming flowers and night pollinators, experience the cool of the night desert and participate in several hands-on plant science experiments. Please note: Participants must be between the ages of 8 and 12 and be accompanied by an adult. No adults may enroll without registered children. Parents must remain on site during the program. Night Adventure is on Saturday, Oct 26, 7-9:30 p.m. It’s free but preregistration is required. US Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW. 202-2258333. usbg.gov
Back To School Safety For Teen Drivers
As part of their ongoing effort to help raise awareness for teenage driving safety, Driving-Tests.org, a leading online educational learning site that offers free permit practice test services to US learner drivers, recently released a new Parent-Teen Safe Driving Contract, which is available for free download at driving-tests.org. Why is a Parent-Teen Driving Contract necessary? Car accidents are still the leading cause of death for 15-20 year olds, accounting for almost 40% of all teen deaths. Helping your teenager learn how to be a safe, careful driver can make the difference in their survival behind the wheel. Although this parent-driver contract may seem rather formal, it should serve as a symbol of the great passage of knowledge that goes into learning how to drive. u
The East of the River Experts!
Anacostia River Realty Sell. Buy. Property Management. 2412 Minnesota Ave. SE, Suite 101 Washington, DC 20020
202.678.REAL(7325) www.AnacostiaRiverRealty.com
Animal Clinic of Anacostia Candace A. Ashley, DVM 20 years of serving Capitol Hill (minutes from Capitol Hill & Southwest via 11th Street Bridge)
2210 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, SE
202.889.8900
American Express, MasterCard, Visa & Discover accepted
EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | OCTObER 2013 H 49
KIDS & FAMILY
First Step Toward a Career High School Student Learns About TV Behind The Screen by Charnice A. Milton
W
atching the “Today” show has been helping Gami-Lou Beli to create a dream, one leading her to this day in late August. Gami is standing with Sara Dia, a program advisor with For Love of Children (FLOC), an after-school program, at the front desk of the Office of Cable Television (OCT), when Ferman Patterson, supervisory producer, greets them. Some day the high school senior who now sees the names of reporters and TV anchors with West African surnames and says, “That could be me one day!,” may reflect on this visit as launching her toward her own “Gami Beli” byline or TV news signoff.
Are Kids’ Dreams Enough?
Gami, who attends Archbishop Carroll High School, is participating in the Scholars in the Workplace program, sponsored by FLOC, a nonprofit in Adams Morgan that serves primarily children from low-income families. FLOC tutors school students but also has a Scholars Program that helps children become the firstgeneration members of their family to obtain postsecondary education, whether from a college, community college, or vocational program. Knowledge about college that middle class kids take for granted is often lacking in the families of lower-income kids. FLOC’s Scholars Program provides students with help in developing their college applications and essays, takes them on tours of colleges and universities, teaches them about budgeting and the financing needed for school, and provides SAT/ACT test prep. Gami is benefitting from FLOC’s help. Her father, a native of the Ivory Coast, works, but she has two younger brothers, who will need to start thinking about paying for postsecondary education. Right now Gami is looking at colleges and universities, and FLOC’s Scholars Program has helped her to consider “where do you really want to end up ten years from now?” FLOC’s Scholars in the Workplace program exposes teens to the real world of work. Often teens will spend a day in a workplace, decide to “cancel out” that option, then start considering another career. Gami, with FLOC since seventh 50 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
grade, says the program’s staff and volunteers are “people who care.” FLOC, she says, “helped me to develop an understanding of who I could be.”
Seeing TV Close Up
Patterson provides an excellent introduction to Gami about how TV works and the programming that OCT offers. He produces the program “Washington Full Circle,” which showcases interesting DC people and events, “Cable Talk,” which examines the cable TV industry, and “Inside One City,” the show of Mayor Vincent Gray. Patterson appreciates the value of mentoring talent and Gami’s interest in TV and journalism. He spent his college years working as a researcher at The Washington Post under investigative journalist Bob Woodward’s tutelage. That job helped him to secure the funds needed to obtain his degree in broadcast journalism from Howard University. Patterson pitches Gami about OCT’s programs for interns and employees of the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) run by the DC Department of Employment Services. OCT takes on college interns in the fall and spring semesters, who work anywhere from 12 to 20 hours a week assisting with production. During the summer SYEP students can obtain a valuable learning experience at OCT. This summer’s crew had regular duties, recording them in detailed weekly logs, and, as their parting assignment, developed their own commentaries for broadcast. They also assisted their SYEP colleagues in producing their commentaries by manning cameras, overseeing audio, or running the teleprompter. Patterson relates the story of 2013 SYEP intern Dakota Goforth, entering the University
FLOC Scholar Gami-Lou Beli and Ferman Patterson, supervisory producer, at the Office of Cable Television
of the District of Columbia, who knows sports inside out and who, like Gami, dreams of being on camera one day. But when Goforth was developing his commentary discussing why DC sports teams are performing so poorly, he loaded it with stats. Guidance from Patterson and OCT staff helped Goforth develop an appealing opening statement and to trim the stats, helping to make it an exemplary commentary. “You need to be compelling when crafting the script,” Patterson tells Gami.
Next Summer?
Could Gami, who spent this summer with SYEP working at a DC Public Library branch, end up as a SYEP employee at OCT next summer? “It’s important to apply early with DOES,”
Patterson tells her. “We try to give students who’ve done [TV production] the priority,” he says. Gami’s interest in learning about journalism and broadcasting and her tour of OCT are no guarantee of a SYEP slot. But her visit can help to make her a viable contender. As her visit ends, Gami now knows about the control room, the difference between linear and non-linear editing, and how a producer interacts with a host when taping a program. She has met the staff of OCT, talking in-depth with Mohamed Shameen, supervisory editor. After leaving OCT, Gami calls Dia, who’d left OCT earlier, to tell her how much she enjoyed her day and of her keen interest in pursuing a SYEP slot there. Stephen Lilienthal is a freelance writer. u
PJ’s Stylists
get
Locticians & Barbers
50.00 Dreadlocs
SPECIAL
Gami’s Commentary
My main interest is becoming a reporter who is as an on-air talent. Growing up, I had always enjoyed watching the news. The power of broadcast journalism is to capture the audience and, for some reason, I see that as a superpower. By becoming an on-air talent presenting the news I will be able to be in the homes of many and touch people of different backgrounds. I realized that the Scholars in the Workplace experience could either make or break my dreams and would show me the reality of what actually lies behind the camera. As I walked closer toward the building I started getting nervous and didn’t know what the atmosphere would consist of at all. But by the end of the day I realized that I can really see myself in the studio, even with a name that is fairly different from anyone else’s. u
SHAMPOO, CONDITION, RETWIST & STYLE
Please call 202.678.3195! Walk-ins welcome. 2410 MLK Ave. SE WDC 20020
1 - 1/2 blocks from Anacostia Metro Tue. & Thu. 9 am - 8 pm | Wed. & Fri. 9 am - 6 pm | Sat. 7 am - 4 pm
Full service HVAC Company Owned & Operated on Capitol Hill Since 1903
Furnace or Boiler Cleaning and Tune Up Boilers • Furnaces • Rooftop Units Worn out heating equipment? Replace now & receive the lowest prices of the year! 6 month same as cash financing Sell & Service all Brands | 24-7 Service
www.getwarmfast.com | 202.291.1000 Allied Service comApAny Serving dc, md & vA
EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | OCTObER 2013 H 51
KIDS & FAMILY
Friendship’s Early College Program Flourishes by John Muller
W
ithin a matter of seconds of entering three separate Advanced Placement classes at Friendship Collegiate Academy’s campus on Minnesota Avenue NE, I was greeted by a student ambassador. “Hi, my name is Briana Williams,” said the junior extending her hand. “Welcome to AP US Government and Politics. We are reviewing the three separate powers of federalism-reserved, concurrent, and delegated-that are outlined in the United States Constitution.” Overall, more than a dozen AP classes are offered at Friendship this school year which help support the Early College Program led by Dr. Arsallah Shairzay, an administrator at the school for more than a decade. After visiting the classes, I sat down with three students to discuss their experiences in the Early College Program that provides students college tours, summer courses, and an overall introduction to the academic and social rigor they will encounter at institutions of higher learning. This program has helped lead to a 95 percent ontime (within four years) high-school graduation rate for Friendship Collegiate Academy, higher than many neighboring high schools.
Jay Cammon, Jr.
A running back and outside linebacker for the school’s nationally known football team, Jay Cammon hits the books as hard as he hits an opposing quarterback on a fire blitz. Last summer, Jay attended a three-week long pre-law program at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York through the Early College Program and help from the Office of the State Superintendent for Education (OSSE). Although a confident and effusive young man, Jay is realistic about balancing his academic and athletic goals. When I ask if he plans to continue playing football in college, without hesitation 52 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
homecoming on November 16. “You have to work hard if you want to be someone and overcome,” China says, adding, “Only then can you play hard.” While putting her academics first, China plans to apply to Spelman University and Clark University in Atlanta, Bucknell and University of Pennsylvania and Temple University in Philadelphia.
Mr. Ugorji’s AP Computer Science
L-R: Daniel Spruill, Jay Cammon, Jr., Dr. Arshallah Shairzay and China Green. Photo: John Muller
he says, “Hopefully in the Ivy League or a small [Division]-1 school.” During our conversation, the 16-year-old junior, with no hint of glibness, cited an axiom that applies not only to high school students, but is the unspoken mantra of successful people. “You have to balance your time if you want to be somebody and make a difference,” Jay said. “You have to have an achiever’s schedule; that’s a different schedule than people who are not achieving.”
Daniel Spruill
Readers of East of the River may recognize Daniel’s last name – his sister Kendra was featured in a February story about Posse Scholarship recipients. With Kendra attending Bucknell University, Daniel, a 16-year old senior, has established his own credentials as he applies for college. Through the Early College Program, Daniel took a whirlwind tour of Philadelphia, visiting U-Penn, Temple, and Villanova. Daniel has already earned college credits. Last summer, with a scholarship from OSSE, Daniel attended an eight-week course at Stanford University in electrical engineering. When I asked if he had a chance to visit any of the nearby offices of technology companies, Daniel said, with a smile, that he didn’t see Mark Zuckerberg walk-
ing around in his hooded sweatshirt. Daniel, a mid-fielder on the soccer team, said that he has had his ups and downs while at Friendship, especially when it comes to organization. While taking multiple AP classes, two SAT preparation classes and coursework at the University of the District of Columbia, Daniel was glad to discover the utility of Google Docs, an online system which allows you to create, share, and manage documents, spreadsheets, and college essays. “I kind of fell off for a little while, but now I am using my time better which makes life and my school work easier.”
China Green
When I asked 17-year old senior China Green to confirm the spelling of her first name she said, “Like the country.” I asked her if she spoke any Chinese. China responded by introducing herself in what sounded like flawless Mandarin. With support from OSSE, China spent four weeks at Duke University last summer where she took classes in philosophy and Mandarin. China has earned more than just academic credentials. After serving as the junior class president, she is now the Mayor of the school, head of the student government. In that role she is actively fundraising for Friendship’s
Over the past year I have visited Friendship Collegiate Academy a handful of times. The school promotes a culture of true achievement that is reinforced by steadfast administration from Dr. Shairzay and classroom instructors such as John Ugorji, an alumni of the Early College Program, who teaches AP Computer Science, offered in partnership with Microsoft’s TEALS (Technology Education and Literacy in Schools) Program. “Thanks to AP Computer Science and AP Economics courses I took at Friendship, I received my initial exposure to what I think are important areas of study, especially in today’s economy,” said Ugorji. “The AP Computer Science course challenges the students to think critically and abstractly with a goal of solving a problem. A majority of my students aspire to enter careers in the STEM [Science – Technology – Engineering – Mathematics] field and understand that this course can be instrumental to their success.” While visiting Ugorji’s classroom, I saw students writing code in long-hand. When asked to come to the board to demonstrate the code’s functionality, a slew of hands shot up. When I asked the students who was the best programmer in the class, many voices attested to their supremacy. “Thus far, the students have stepped up to the challenges I’ve posed,” Ugorji said. For more information on Freindship Edison go to http://www. friendshipschools.org. u
To place a classified in East of the River, please call Carolina at Capital Community News, Inc. 202.543.8300 x12 or email Carolina@hillrag.com
CLEANING SERVICES
ELECTRICIAN
STANDARD CLEANING SERVICE INC. Commercial & Residential
MASONRY CHIMNEY REPOINTING, LINING & REPAIRS!
HALLIDAY CONCRETE & BRICKPOINTING Historic Masonry Repointing & Repairs Restoration cleaning on historical brick and stone Basements & Waterproofing Experts in both in new and traditional masonry
Ana Julia Viera 703.719.9850 • 703.447.9254 Days
NO Job Too Small! We Do it All!!
Free Estimates • Bonded & Insured References Upon Request
202.637.8808
Serving D.C. since 1918 Licensed, Bonded & Insured, DC
15% Discount New Customers
HEATING & AIR
SUPPORT YOUR NEIGHBORS AND LOCAL BUSINESSES!
AIR CONDITIONING
PAINTING/PLUMBING
ROOFING
WHS PLUMBING & HEATING
FLAT ROOF SPECIALIST
Superior Service and Quick Response
Polar Bear
AIR CONDITIONING PLUMBING & HEATING, INC.
202-333-1310 www.polarbearairconditioning.com
LICENSED BONDED INSURED FALL & WINTER SPECIALS FREE ESTIMATES
We are Repiping & Drain Cleaning Specialists · Competitive On The Spot Pricing · Same Day, Nights, Weekends & Emergency Service · Licensed Plumbers and Gasfitters · Underground Domestic Water and Sewer Line Leak Detection · Underground Pipe Locator
Hill Family Owned & Operated Call William at
(202) 255-9231 20 years of experience Licensed, Bonded and Insured LSDBE Certified
www.whsplumbingandheating.com
WE STOP LEAKS! • Roof Repairs • Roof Coatings • Rubber • Metal • Slate
• Tiles • Chimneys • Gutters • Waterproofing • Roof Certifications
We Do Everything!
BOYD CONSTRUCTION INC. LIC. BONDED. INS
75 years in service
BBB
Member
202-223-ROOF (7663)
EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | OCTObER 2013 H 53
Keith Roofing
EXPERT WORKMANSHIP AT REASONABLE PRICES! Residential/Commercial • Over 40 years in Business Chimney Repairs • Storm & Wind Damage Repair
WE WILL BEAT YOUR BEST PRICE New Roofs, Maintenance & Repairs Seamless Gutters Experts
• New or Re-Roofing • Tear-Off & Replacement • Flat Roof Specialist • Copper, Tin, Sheet Metal & Rolled • Seamless & Flat Roofs • Re-Sealing • Tar, Asphalt, Gravel, Hot Coats • Modified Bitumen • Ask about our gutter specials
Stopping Leaks is our Specialty!
Insurance Claims • Free Estimates • 24Hr. Service
WE DO IT ALL!
Fully Insured • Licensed • Bonded “No Job Too Large or Small” Senior & Military Discounts Available!
202.637.8808 Licensed, bonded & Insured, DC
202-486-7359
All Work Inspected by Owner...Deals Directly with Customers! All Work Fully Guaranteed
WANT TO ADVERTISE IN THE CLASSIFIEDS?
CAROLINA LOPEZ
202.543.8300
G G ROOFING
AWARDED BEST WASHINGTON, DC CONTRACTOR OF 2012 BY ANGIE’S LIST
Our website just got a whole lot better!!
FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED • “50 YEARS EXPERIENCE” • Flat
Roof Specialists • Chimney Repairs • Roof Coatings Modified Bitumen • Skylights • Gutters & Downspouts • Shingles • Preventive Maintenance • Slate • Metal Roofs •
10% OFF WITH THIS AD
202.425.1614 WWW.GANDGHOMEIMPROVEMENTS.NET
Licensed & Insured | All Work Managed & Inspected by Owners
Alex Williams Seamless Gutters • Box Gutters • Gutter Guards • Gutter Repairs • Gutter Cleaning • Flat Roof Repairs • Water Proofing Free Estimates
(202) 256 6981 (301) 858 6990 Licensed • Bonded • Insured
54 H eAStOFtHerIVerDcNeWS.cOM
capitalcommunitynews.com
WELDING
X12
THE NOSE
Congress! Take A Few Lessons From The DC Council! by Anonymous
O
n a beautiful fall day, The Nose often takes a constitutional around the footpath that forms the periphery of Marion Park. Enjoying a toot from a fine cigar complimented by the occasional swig from his handy silver hip flask, he savors the bite of the crisp autumn air while greeting friends and neighbors. This morning, however, The Nose discovered the gate to his favorite oasis padlocked and decorated with an enlightening epigram. “Because of the federal government shutdown this National Park Facility is closed.” Outraged by this severe disruption of his essential circadian rhythm, The Nose vowed to turn his poison pen to schooling the petulant politicians who inhabit the corridors of the nearby marble Alice-In-Wonder-Land, whose local moniker is ‘The Hill.’ The District is often the subject of national political opprobrium. Citing the ubiquity of DC’s governmental malfeasance, members of Congress smugly justify withholding the vote from its 632,323 citizens. They relegate the District to the status of a territory while withholding all of the tax benefits. However, the federal government shutdown truly demonstrates which legislature is the real banana republic. After all, while the DC Council has balanced its budget for many years, The House of Representatives has not even managed to pass one of the thirty appropriation bills necessary to fund the US government. Rather, Congress has given up the entire idea of budgeting, preferring instead to pass endless continuing resolutions. Unable to find the political will to actually make hard choices required to balance the country’s books, it unleashed the sequester. In point of fact, the hopeless hacks of the US Congress could learn four choice lessons from the delightful denizens of the Wilson Building: 1. The ABC’s of balancing a budget; 2. Methods for quickly and effectively disciplining fellow legislators; 3. Tips for generating an annual surplus; 4. The art of political compromise.
Marion Park playground shutdown.. Photo: Jim Loots
For our dear congressional compadres, here is a lament for your dismal, dysfunctional institution, the US Congress, purloined from the Ray Charles songbook: Whoa Congress, oh Congress, don’t treat us so mean, You’re the laziest legislature that I’ve ever seen. I guess if you voted so I’d have to shut-down my city and go. That’s right! Hit the road Hacks and don’t you come back no more, no more, no more, no more. Hit the road Hacks and don’t you come back no more. What you say? Now Congress, listen Congress, don’t ya treat us this way Cause I’ll being getting the vote some day. Don’t care if you do ‘cause it’s understood, you can’t legislate a budget, you just ain’t no good. Well, I guess if you vote so I’d have to shutdown my city and go. That’s right! Hit the road Hacks and don’t you come back no more, no more, no more, no more. Hit the road Hacks and don’t you come back no more. Well, Don’t you come back no more. Uh, what you say? Don’t you come back no more. Congress, if you can’t legislate, please pack your bags and go home. Leave the hard work of real government to the DC Council; and let The Nose enjoy his morning walks in peace. u EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | October 2013 H 55