EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2012 | CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS 08.............Go See Do
10.............East of the River Calendar 16.............The Bulletin Board 20.............The District Beat • by Martin Austermuhle 22.............The Numbers • by Ed Lazere 24.............E on DC • by Ethelbert Miller 26.............Skyland Update • by Charnice Milton 28.............LVA Learner’s Summer • by Stephen Lilenthal 30.............Going Green in Anacostia • by Cathy Plume 31.............ANC 7B Report • by Mariessa Terrell
EAST WASHINGTON LIFE
32.............Anacostia Museum - 45 Years • by Charnice Milton
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34.............Dispatches from Anacostia • by Philip Hutinet 36.............The Red Hot Patriot • by Barbara Wells 38.............Diabetes • by Candance Y.A. Montague
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40.............Kids Say the Darndest Things • by John Muller
KIDS & FAMILY
42.............Kids and Family Notebook • by Kathleen Donner 46.............Community Conversations • by Mariessa Terrell
HOMES & GARDENS
41.............Changing Hands • compiled by Don Denton
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48.............The Classifieds 50.............The Nose • by Anonymous
ON THE COVER: A good education includes the arts. Cameron Coachman was turned onto the cello at DCYOP’s petting zoo in 2007, and has continued all these years. Photo by Neill Archer Roan, courtesy DCYOP.
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| SEPTEMBER 2012
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GO.SEE.DO. DC’s Best Fall Festivals
Adams Morgan Day kicks off the fall festival season on Sunday, September 9, noon-7:00 p.m. This international cultural street festival, which has a definite Latino flavor, features four stages of music, art fair, dance plaza, kids’ fair. 18th St. NW (from Florida Ave. to Columbia Rd.). 202-232-1960. AMMainStreet.org >>> The H Street Festival, Saturday, September 15, 11:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m. has matured and now reflects the hot H Street bar and restaurant scene. Expect tens of thousands of festival goers, live music, great food and kids’ activities. 8th to 14th sts. on H St. NE. hstreet.org. >>> A week later, there will be more of the same at the Barracks Row Fall Festival, Saturday, September 22, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. This festival features live music, food vendors, community information tables and a lot of activities for kids such as arts and craft tables and face painting. 500 to 700 blocks of 8th St. SE. 202-544-3188. barracksrow.org
Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power
The Supremes and Darlene Love. Photo: Courtesy of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
The National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) closes its 25th Anniversary year by saluting women’s contributions to rock and roll in Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power. Organized by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, the exhibition of more than 250 artifacts by more than 70 artists highlights the flashpoints, the firsts, the celebrated, and the lesser-known women who have influenced the genre from its inception through today. The only east coast venue, Women Who Rock opens at NMWA on Friday, September 7, 2012, and closes Sunday, January 6, 2013. National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave. NW. 202-783-5000. nmwa.org
WalkingTown DC and BikingTown DC
WalkingTown DC and BikingTown DC offer a perfect insider’s look into the heart of Washington DC’s arts, culture, and heritage by way of 100-plus free guided biking and walking tours in all eight wards. This year’s event will feature five tracks of tours: African American Heritage dedicated to the history and significance of DC’s African American figures, landmarks, and events; Cultural Tourism DC’s Neighborhood Heritage Trails presenting guided tours of the traditionally self-guided Official Washington, DC Walking Trails; Eye on the Arts bringing attention to DC’s visual and performing arts exhibits, venues, and public art including sculpture, murals, architectural symbolism, and pop culture; Green DC featuring local sustainable development, urban parks, natural resources, flora and fauna; and Washington in Conflict exploring political unrest, social movements, and historically significant events including the War of 1812, the American Civil War, and the Civil Rights Movement. September 24 through October 1. culturaltourismdc.org
Tour group walking a Hertitage Trail Photo: Courtesy of Culturalism Tourism DC
Mayor’s Arts Awards
The D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities will present the 27th Annual Mayor’s Arts Awards on Thursday, September 13, at 6:30 PM at the Historic Lincoln Theatre. In addition to revealing the winners in five arts and three teaching categories, the program will feature performances by acts including the Poem-cees, Nistha Raj, Christylez Bacon, Rev. Nolan Williams, National Hand Dance Association, and the African Heritage Dancers and Drummers. Honorees for this year’s event will be Melvin Deal, Paul Jorgensen and George Stevens Jr. The Mayor’s Arts Award is the highest honor conferred by the District of Columbia in recognition of artistic excellence and service among artists, arts organizations, and arts patrons in the city. The reason to go to the awards ceremony is that this event has always showcased some of the best talent around. Everyone’s welcome and it’s free. dcarts.dc.gov The Atlas Performing Arts Center on H Street has been nominated in the “Excellence in Service to the Arts” category.
Feet in the Street
Feet in the Street “rent” bicycles for the day. Photo: Courtesy of the National Park Service
The National Park Service will hold its fourth annual “Feet in the Street” Event on Saturday, Sept 22. They are teaming up again this year with the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and for the first time with the annual Car Free Day! Car Free Day is an international event celebrated every Sept 22 in which people are encouraged to get around without cars and instead ride a train, bus, bicycle, carpool, subway, or walk. . .The benefit to greater society is a day with less traffic congestion, a greener environment and reduced gasoline demand. Fort Dupont is one of the largest parks in the Nation’s Capital, with 361 acres to explore. On Sept 22, the roadways in the park, including Fort Davis Drive and Fort Dupont Drive, will be closed to motor vehicles from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Residents and visitors are invited to come put their Feet in the Street and run, walk, bike, skate, and move along this 1.6 mile long corridor. There will also be organized activities and programs including a 5k walk/run to kickoff the event, guided nature hikes, rock climbing wall, physical fitness classes, community garden tours and vegetable gleaning, healthy cooking demonstrations and farmer’s market, face painting, free bike rentals courtesy of Bike and Roll, Capitol Bikeshare test rides and free ride coupons and much more. nps.gov/fodu. CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM H 9
CALENDAR
Runners at the starting line. Photo: Victor Romero
Dead Man’s Run 5k and Kids’ Fun Run
Oct 6, 6:00 PM. Join them for Congressional Cemetery’s second annual Dead Man’s Run. This year the event is a twilight run, so lace up your shoes and bring your whole family to race through the cemetery grounds on this fall evening. $40 for the adult run. $10 for the kids’ fun run. For more information and to register for the race, visit congressionalcemetery.org.
FESTIVALS AND SPECIAL EVENTS Feet in the Street. Sept 22, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM. There will also be organized activities and programs including a 5k walk/run to kickoff the event, guided nature hikes, rock climbing wall, physical fitness classes, community garden tours and vegetable gleaning, healthy cooking demonstrations and farmer’s market, face painting, free bike rentals courtesy of Bike and Roll, Capitol Bikeshare test rides and free ride coupons and much more. Fort Dupont Park. nps. gov/fodu H Street Festival. Sept 15, 11:30 AM-7:00 PM. Live music, food, children’s activities and information tables, 8th to 14th sts. on H St. NE. hstreet.org Ethiopian Expo Celebration and Ethiopian New Year ENIKUTATASH. Sept 15. Washington Capital Hilton, 1001 16th St. NW. 202-3879302/3
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Fiesta Musical at the Zoo. Sept 16, 11:00 AM5:00 PM. With animal demonstrations, Hispanic and Latino music, costumed dancers, traditional crafts, and Latin American foods, the event offers something for everyone. Crafts available for sale include handmade jewelry, sweaters, clay sculptures, bags, finger puppets, and drums. National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW. nationalzoo.si.edu Plant Literacy Festival. Sept 22, 10:00 AM3:00 PM. Drop by the 3rd annual Plant Literacy Festival to learn more about the amazing world of plants! From roots to fruits and microbes to menu items, travel through various activity stations highlighting how plants work and explore all the parts that make plants unique, valuable and tasty! Please note: Festival occurs rain or shine. Free. No pre-registration required. US Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW. 202225-8333. usbg.gov Barracks Row Fall Festival. Sept 22, 11:00 AM5:00 PM. Expect food vendors, live music stage, face painting, community information tables, | SEPTEMBER 2012
arts and crafts and activities for children of all ages. 500 to 700 blocks of 8th St. SE. 202-5443188. barracksrow.org Adams Morgan Day. Sept 9, noon-7:00 PM. This international cultural street festival, which has a definite Latino flavor, features four stages of music, art fair, dance plaza, kids’ fair. 18th St. NW (from Florida Ave. to Columbia Rd.). 202-232-1960. AMMainStreet.org
illustrators in several pavilions, including two Sunday-only pavilions: Science Fiction, Fantasy & Graphic Novels and Special Presentations. Festival-goers can meet and hear firsthand from their favorite poets and authors, get books signed, hear special entertainment, have photos taken with storybook characters and participate in a variety of activities. National Mall. loc.gov/bookfest
OASIS Dance Company: The Affair...Bow Ties & Pumps. Sept 23, 6:30 PM. The OASIS Dance Company premieres, “The Affair...Bow Ties & Pumps,” a dance and fashion extravaganza showcasing six new dances alongside fashion designers from MD, DC, LA, and NY. The evening is a benefit show to raise needed funds for transgender health empowerment’s Wanda Alston House. In addition, seven community leaders and organizations will be recognized for their distinguished service to LGBTQ youth in the DC Metropolitan area. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org
Truckeroo Food Truck Festival. Sept 28, 11:00 AM-11:00 PM. Truckeroo is a monthly festival held June-Oct at the corner of Half St. and M St. SE across from Nationals Stadium showcasing food trucks from the DC. area. It features 20 food trucks, live music all day, picnic tables, and games. truckeroodc.com
National Book Festival. Sept 22-23. This year’s festival will feature authors, poets and
Opera in the Outfield Simulcast of “Don Giovanni”. Sept 29, 7:00 PM. Celebrate the fifth year of M&M’s Opera in the Outfield with Don Giovanni! Bring your family and friends to Nationals Park for a free live opera broadcast and relax and enjoy all that the ballpark has to offer. kennedy-center.org
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CALENDAR puts forth Mandelbaum’s latest series of mixed media works on paper. Produced during a six-week residency inAnacostia, the 13 large scale artworks in the show depict scenes the artist observed in the neighborhood during his stay and were created with his signature medley of tempera and mized media on paper or canvas. 1241 Good Hope Rd. SE. 202365-8392. honfleurgallery.com Mann’s Unquiet Kingdom at Honfleur Gallery (upstairs). Sept 14-Oct 26. Opening reception, Sept 14, 7:00-9:00 PM. Upstairs, Mann’s Unquiet Kingdom crawls up and hangs from the ceilings. These new site specific paintings, in Sumi ink and acrylic on paper, mimic their own imagery of contained chaos through their placement in the gallery. 1241 Good Hope Rd. SE. 202-365-8392. honfleurgallery.com
Summer campers on the ice. Photo: Courtesy of Fort Dupont Ice Arena
Public Skating at Fort Dupont Ice Arena
Fridays, noon-1:50 PM; Saturdays, 11:15 AM-12:15 PM. 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). Everyone needs to 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). $5. $4 for kids and seniors. $3 for skate rental. Fort Dupont Ice Arena, 3779 Ely Pl. NE. 202-584-5007. fdia.org
DC Walk for the Animals & Pet-A-Palooza. Sept 29, 10:00 AM. Participants and their canine friends will walk approximately 1 mile to raise money to benefit the Washington Humane Society.However, it’s not just a walk! There will be vendor booths, pet entertainment, contests, pet adoptions, games, kids area, music, and much more! Marie Reed Elementary School, 18th St. NW. dclovesdcanimals.org
rious penthouse condo in New York City, this is the gripping tale of one man’s struggle to survive. You will see the real world through the eyes of one taught at an early age that few things come easy or free, and you will laugh and cry as different characters and personalities interweave their way through his life and come to the fore. $15-$25. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org
Turkish Festival. Sept 30, 11:00 AM-7:00 PM. Featuring live entertainment, Turkish food, fortune telling, music, folk dancing, kids arts and crafts. On Pennsylvania Ave. NW between 12th and 14th sts. (adjacent to Freedom Plaza). turkishfestival.org
Yards Park Friday Evening Concert. Sept 14, 6:30-8:30 PM. Last of the Friday evenings on the river concerts. Spend time relaxing on the terraced lawn steps with family and friends and listening to live music from the Yards Park’s boardwalk stage. capitolriverfront.org
MUSIC, THEATER AND FILM
Metro Mambo at Anacostia Community Museum. Sept 19, 2:00-4:00 PM. Join host Jim Byers of WPFW 89.3FM’s “Latin Flavor” for this last program in this years’ Metro Mambo. The grand finale will be a stupendous bonanza among all of the Latin-Jazz aficionados. For more information call 202-633-4866 or 202633-4844. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu
Film on the Hill-The Wiz. Sept 8, 7:30-9:30 PM. “The Wiz” is an African American retelling of “The Wizard of Oz.” Free. Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, 1411 W St. SE. nps.gov/ frdo Humdadao at THEARC. Sept 9, 5:00 PM. From the cruel hard streets of Baltimore to a luxu-
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UNCOMMON: CD Release Concert for Kim Jor| SEPTEMBER 2012
dan. Sept 21, 8:00 PM. ProSounity Music Entertainment, LLC presents a CD release concert for gospel jazz artist, Kim Jordan’s latest CD project “Uncommon.” This CD release concert will unleash the very best of Kim’s musical and keyboard talents while she conveys the message of God’s love in song. Kim will also be joined by an all-star band and singers, as well as some very special guests. $25. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org
EXHIBITIONS The Gallery at Vivid Solutions-Inside Outside by Gabriela Bulisova. Through Sept 28. This project offers the first-person accounts and insights of formerly incarcerated men on the process of reentry. It casts light on their plight in the hope that we will do more to help these men succeed in becoming productive members of society and caring family members. The Gallery at Vivid Solutions, 2208 MLK Ave. SE. 202365-8392. vividsolutionsdc.com Mandelbaum’s Love & Rage at Honfleur Gallery (downstairs). Sept 14-Oct 26. Opening reception, Sept 14, 7:00-9:00 PM. Love & Rage
Fallout Shelter-A Refuge for DC’s Scrap. Through Sept 29. Displays artwork that turn The Center for Green Urbanism into a “shelter” for a different kind of fallout: the city’s “debris” in any of its forms. Center for Green Urbanism Tubman-Mahan Gallery, 3938 Benning Rd. NE. 202-506-3867. centerforgreenurbanism.org Separate and Unequaled: Black Baseball in the District of Columbia. On view indefinitely. From Reconstruction to the second half of the 20th century, baseball, the great American pastime, was played in Washington, DC, on segregated fields. “Separate and Unequaled” looks at the phenomenal popularity and community draw of this sport when played by African Americans. Featured are such personalities as Josh Gibson and “Buck” Leonard, star players of the Negro Leagues most celebrated team, the Washington Homestead Grays. The show also highlights community teams that gave rise to the various amateur, collegiate and semi-pro black baseball teams and leagues. For special viewing hours and tours, call 202-633-4844. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu What’s Blooming at the US Arboretum in September? Firethorn in fruit, hibiscus, viburnums in fruit, autumn crocuses, boxwood, crapemyrtles, herbs, annuals, holly osmanthus, pepper collection, hostas. Free. There are two entrances: one at 3501 New York Ave. NE, and 24th and R sts. NE, off of Bladensburg Rd. 202245-4521. usna.usda.gov
TOURS AND TALKS AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD Beaver in the Wetland Ecosystem. Sept 9, 1:00-1:45 PM. Join Ranger Lee to learn about the beaver’s place in wetlands. All afes. Free. Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Garden, 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE. 202-426-6905. nps.gov/keaq Public Art East of the River. Sept 9, 2:00-3:30 PM. Some of the most exciting public art in
the District of Columbia is on view east of the Anacostia River. The artworks make bold statements and reflect the diversity and craftsmanship of artists through mosaics, paint, and a variety of sculptural materials. Meet at the museum no later than 1:50 p.m. to join them on this exciting tour as they travel to select sites and view art by Martha Jackson-Jarvis, Roderick Turner, Uzikee Nelson, and others. Mixed-media artist Deidra Bell will serve as your guide. For registration, call 202-633-4844. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu An Evening of Spoken Word Poetry & Performance. Sept 18, 7:00 PM. Princess Bethea will perform poems from her latest online e-book, Free Love and present her spoken word poem featured in the exhibition Conversations in the Contemporary CreativeJunkFood. She will also share her creative process for writing poetry. For reservations, call 202-633-4844. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia. si.edu In Pursuit of True American Liberty. Sept 27, 7:30-8:30 PM. Step into the mind of Frederick Douglass with Professor Nicholas Buccola and go on a search for American Liberty. To achieve liberty how do we balance the need for individual freedom with civic responsibility? In this conversation Buccola will talk about how escaped slave Frederick Douglass, who helped build the first American Civil Rights Movement, had a special view on both personal liberty and the role of society. He argues that Douglass’s view can help us better understand our own liberty today. Free, no tickets required. Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, 1411 W St. SE. 202-426-5961. nps.gov/frdo Anacostia River by Pontoon Boat. Sept 28, noon. In a partnership with Bladensburg Waterfront Park, a park ranger will narrate a tour of the Anacostia River aboard the 40 seat pontoon boat. Experience the beauty of river wetlands and the peace of going with the flow of the river. Tours leave the Bladensburg Waterfront Park at noon and last about a half hour or more depending on the river flow. Bladensburg Waterfront Park. 202-426-6905. Clall Bladensburg Waterfront Park at 301-779-0371 for reservations. Tour Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens. Open daily, 7:00 AM-4:00 PM. Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens is about 700 acres and is part of Anacostia Park. The park includes the gardens, Kenilworth Marsh, ball fields and recreational facilities. It is the only National Park Service site devoted to the propagation and display of aquatic plants. Stop by the visitors center and ask if a ranger is free to show you around. You can also borrow a guidebook and binoculars if you leave a driver’s license. Free.1550 Anacostia Ave. NE. 202-4266905. www.nps.gov/kepa CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM H 13
CALENDAR Tour the Frederick Douglass House. Tours are at 9:00 AM, 12:15 PM, 1:15 PM, 3:00 PM and 3:30 PM. Ranger led tours are the only way to see the inside of the Frederick Douglass house. Tours are ticketed, and there are a limited number of tickets available for each tour. Tour tickets are available by reservation or on a first-come, first-served walk-in basis. Visitors are strongly encouraged to make a reservation to guarantee their place on the tour. Tours last approximately 30 minutes. 1411 W St. SE. 202-426-5960. nps.gov/frdo A Self-Reliant People: Greater Deanwood Heritage Trail. Discover this traditionally African American enclave 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
MARKETS Ward 8 Farmers Market. Saturdays, through Thanksgiving, 9:00 AM-2:00 PM. Fresh Fruit, Vegetables, Bread and Meat. Market now will double the value of your SNAP, EBT, WIC or senior food vouchers for produce. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. ward8farmersmarket.com Ward 8 Farmers’ Market at St. E’s. Saturdays through Oct 27, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM. Chapel East Gate, 2800 MLK Ave, SE. 202-841-0394. ward8farmersmarket.com H Street FRESHFARM Market at New Location. Saturdays, 9 AM-noon. 1300 H St. NE. The market is a producers-only outdoor market offering fruit, vegetables, meats, baked goods, cheese, flowers and more for sale. freshfarmmarket.org NOMA Farmers Market. Wednesdays, through Oct 31, 3:00-7:00 PM. 1200 First St., NE. nomabid.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 7th 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 7th St. SE. 202-698-5253. easternmarket-dc.com
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SPORTS, DANCE AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Nats Baseball. Sept 8, 9, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and Oct 1, 2 and 3. $10, up. Nationals Park. 202-675-6287. washington.nationals. mlb.com National’s Ballpark Tours. Wednesday-Sunday (non-game days), 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM. On day of night-time home games, tours at 10:30 AM. Take the Nationals Park Ballpark Tour for a behind-the-scenes look at Nationals Park. Over the course of an hour and fifteen minutes you will visit the PNC Diamond Club, the Lexus Presidents Club, the Stars & Stripes Club, luxury suites, the Shirley Povich Media Center, Nationals dugout and Nationals clubhouse. Throw a pitch in the Nationals bullpen. $12-$15. All proceeds from Nationals Park Tours will be donated to the Nationals Dream Foundation. washington.nationals.mlb.com Anacostia River Paddle Night. Sept 12, 5:007:30 PM. Come out and join them for a relaxing evening of paddling on the Anacostia River. There’s no fee. Just bring yourself and be ready to have a good time! They’ll have staff, canoes, and kayaks there for anyone who would like to paddle on the river. This event is hosted by the Anacostia Watershed Society and the Anacostia Community Boathouse Association. Meet at the Anacostia Community Boathouse, 1900 M St. SE. RSVP at 301-699-6204. anacostiaws.org Washington Mystics Basketball. Sept 14, 16 and 21. $17, up. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. wnba.com The Nations Triathlon. Sept 9, 6:00 AM. 1500 meter swim, 24.9 mile bike, 6.2 mile run. West Potomac Park, Ohio Drive & Independence Ave. nationstri.com DC United Soccer Home Match. Sept 15, 7:30 PM, vs. New England Revolution; Sept 23, 7:00 PM, Chivas USA. $23-$52. RFK Stadium. 202-587-5000. dcunited.com Adult Dance Classes. Tuesdays, 7:00-8:30 PM, Jazz; Wednesdays, 7:00-8:15 PM, Ballet; Saturdays, 9:00-10:00 AM, Zumba. The Washington Ballet @ THEARC offers three adult classes this year. Classes are $12 each or you may purchase a $100 class card for 12 classes. Classes are only $5 for Ward 8 residents. The class card for Ward 8 residents is $50. (Valid ID required.) THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org Woodrow Wilson Bridge Half Marathon. Oct 7. 703-587-4321. wilsonbridgehalf.com 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 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. If you’ve never done yoga before-this class is for you. Open to people of all abilities, and body types. All you need to | SEPTEMBER 2012
bring is yourself, comfortable clothing and an open mind. Judgment free zone: having a great time is encouraged! Register in person at Anacostia Neighborhood Library or call 202-715-7707. 1800 Good Hope Rd. SE. dclibrary.org/anacostia Roller Skating at Anacostia Park. Skate sunrise to sunset. This is a covered, outdoor skating pavilion. Free. One-hour free skate “rental” has started but sizes and supplies are limited. During summer months, open daily. Go east on Penn. Ave. across Anacostia River and make the first right turn onto Fairlawn Ave. and another right onto Nicholson and then into the park. 202-472-3873. 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 firstcome, 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 Southeast Tennis and Learning Center. Open daily; Monday through Saturday, 9:00 AM-9:00 PM; Sunday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM. Four indoor courts. Six outdoor courts. Summer hourly fees at $6 to $10 for adults. Kids 17 and under play for free. 701 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-645-6242. dpr.dc.gov
CIVIC LIFE Big Chair Breakfast Bunch. Saturday, Sept. 8, 10:00 AM-noon. Big Chair Coffee n’ Grill (upstairs). All are welcome to attend and discuss what’s happening East of the River. 2122 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE. 202-525-4287. Spanish Language Small Business Brief Advice Legal Clinic. Sept 19, 5:00-7:30 PM. This clinic is for aspiring or existing small business owners (Spanish speakers, English speakers and other languages welcome). Attendees will meet one-on-one with attorneys for brief advice on any legal issues their businesses may be facing. Howard University Gadget Center, 2801 Georgia Ave. NW. 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, 202834-0600. 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 7A. Second Tuesday, 7:30 PM. BenningStoddard Rec. Center, 100 Stoddard Pl. SE. 202-727-1000. 7A@anc.dc.gov. anc7a.org ANC 7B. Third Thursday, 7:00 PM. Ryland Epworth United Methodist Church, 3200 S St. SE (Branch Ave and S St. SE). 202-584-3400. anc7b@pressroom.com. anc7b.us ANC 7C. Second Thursday, 7:00 PM. Sargent Memorial Presbyterian Church, 5109 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave. NE. 202-398-5100. anc7c@verizon.net ANC 7D. Second Tuesday, 6:30 PM. Sixth District Police Station, 100 42nd St. NE. 202398-5258. 7D06@anc.dc.gov ANC 7E. Second Tuesday, 7:00-8:30 PM. Jones Memorial Church, 4625 G St. SE. 202-5826360. 7E@anc.dc.gov ANC 8A. First Tuesday, 7:00 PM. Anacostia UPO Service Center, 1649 Good Hope Rd. SE. 202-889-6600. anc8adc.org ANC 8B. Third Tuesday, 7:00 PM. Seventh District Police Station Community Center, Alabama and McGee Sts. SE. 202-610-1818. anc8b.org ANC 8C. First Wednesday (June meeting is on the nineth because of the holiday), 6:30 PM. 2907 MLK Jr Ave. SE. 202-388-2244. ANC 8D. Fourth Thursday, 7:00 PM. Specialty Hospital of Washington, 4601 MLK Jr. Ave. SW. 202 561-0774 ANC 8E. Third Tuesday, 7:00 PM. SE Tennis and Learning Center, 701 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-561-6616. 8e02@anc.dc.gov l
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BULLETIN BOARD
Anacostia Station platform. Photo: Larry Levine
Mayor Gray Announces Study on Improving Safety and Neighborhood Connectivity at Anacostia Metro Station
Mayor Gray today announced the release of a report based on community-driven recommendations to improve safety and connectivity for the streets surrounding the Anacostia Metro Station. The report was produced and highlights the use of environmentally sustainable techniques with assistance from the Greening America’s Capitals project. Greening America’s Capitals helps develop distinctive, environmentally friendly neighborhoods using innovative green building and infrastructure systems. The project is an initiative of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities, a joint federal effort between the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The District was one of five jurisdictions awarded design assistance by the EPA for 2011. The DC Office of Planning (OP), the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), the District Department of the Environment (DDOE) and the DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) contributed to the report to address safety and environmental issues surrounding the Anacostia Metro Station. The four arterial roads surrounding the station carry significant amounts of traffic, and pedestrians and cyclists often find it very difficult to get across those streets. Analysis of the site found that the surrounding streets and intersections had poorly marked and maintained crosswalks, incomplete sidewalks and bicycle lanes, and large curb radii allowing vehicles to make turns at high speed. The EPA also found that a significant amount of stormwater runoff channeled through the area to the nearby Anacostia River, both at the surface and in drainage pipes underground, without any kind of water quality treatment. The Greening America’s Capitals report for the Anacostia Metro station can be found on epa.gov/ dced/greencapitals.htm#washington.
16 H EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
| SEPTEMBER 2012
Anacostia Community Museum 45th Anniversary Gala
On Sept 15, join them in celebrating the 45th anniversary of the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum. The theme of this year’s exciting gala is Reclaiming Our Edge: Launching a New Vision. Guests attending the gala will get a preview of their upcoming exhibition, Reclaiming the Edge: Urban Waterways and Civic Engagement, which opens to the public on Monday, Sept 17. The Gala will feature live entertainment, a silent auction, dinner and dancing. Funds raised will help sustain the Smithsonian’s only museum dedicated to its local DC constituents and will enable the Anacostia Community Museum to sustain and expand its ongoing programs and activities including research, exhibitions, and educational outreach. For more information call 202-633-4875 or email ACMinfo@ si.edu.
AfterDark@THEARC
On Saturday, Sept 15, 6:30 p.m., join them for AfterDark@THEARC, their annual gala to support THEARC (Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus) and its partners: Building Bridges Across The River; Boys &
Guests dance the evening away at the last gala of the Smithsonian's Anacostia museum. Billed as a river-themed affair, the September 15 benefit celebrating the museum's 45th anniversary promises to "immerse" guests in fabulous fun. For more information or tickets, call 202.633.4875. Photo by Michael Barnes.
Girls Clubs of Greater Washington; Children’s National Medical Center: Children’s Health Project of DC; Corcoran Gallery of Art: Corcoran ArtReach; Covenant House Washington; Levine School of Music; LIFT-DC; Parklands Community Center; Trinity Washington University; The Washington Ballet; Washington Middle School for Girls. Individual ticket is $250. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE.
202-889-5901. thearcdc.org
Honfleur Gallery and Gallery at Vivid Solutions Accepting Proposals for 2013 and 2014 Exhibitions
Honfleur and Gallery at Vivid Solutions will review unsolicited proposals from artists and independent curators on a quarterly basis. Applicants must submit a disc with the following materials: 10-20 JPEG images of works proposed for the exhibition, resume/CV, one-page proposal/artists statement, artists bio and supporting information (URL of artist’s website, articles, reviews, past projects, etc). Submissions should be sent to Honfleur Gallery (attn: Beth Ferraro / PROPOSAL), 1227 Good Hope Rd. SE, Washington DC 20020. Email submissions will not be considered. 202-365-8392. honfleurgallery.com
National Public Lands Day Cleanup at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
Join the Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens and the National Park Service as they work to improve the park on National Public Lands Day. RSVPs are encouraged. Walkon registrations are also welcome. Contact Alan Spears at 202-4543384 or scriobh004@hotmail.com. For questions or directions, contact the park directly at 202-426-6905. Saturday, Sept 29 (rain or shine), 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE. nps.gov/keaq
DC Water Taste Test Challenge Series
Tap Water vs. Bottled Water
Can you tell a difference between tap water and bottled water? Test your drinking water preferences and learn how you can save money and the environment by choosing clean, affordable DC tap water. DC Water is promoting tap water, protecting the environment and saving people money. Hundreds of water samples are tested each week throughout the District to ensure the delivery of high quality tap water. Bottled water involves significant economic and environmental costs. DC tap water is only
a penny per gallon and bottled water costs 100 times more. Join DC Water during a series of blind taste tests that will challenge people’s knowledge about tap water. Taste test challenges are scheduled in each Ward of the District. The Ward 7 taste test is Sept 26 at the Penn-Branch Shopping Center, 3220 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. The Ward 8 taste test is Oct 3 at the Ward 8 Constituent Building, 2100 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE. dcwater.com/ tap
Unity Health Care Center Open Seven Days a Week
As of July, Unity Health Care’s largest community health centers (Upper Cardozo in Ward 1 and Minnesota Ave. in Ward 7) implemented expanded hours of service called “Convenient Care”. Through this expansion of care Unity is now open seven days a week, weeknights until 10:00 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays until 2:00 p.m. For almost three decades, Unity Health Care (“Unity”) has provided health care and vital social service programs for those who are in need in our nation’s capital regardless of their ability to pay. Through a 3 year grant totaling $913,000 from CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield, Unity’s Convenient Care is an innovative approach to reducing the overutilization of local emergency rooms for routine care. This approach supports the Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model, which includes more than just expanded hours of service at Unity’s community health centers. It allows for the additional provision of outreach and patient engagement services, enhanced care coordination practices, through teams of staff members from nursing, social services, and registration, along with a community health worker. unityhealthcare.org
Listen for the Music
AARP is the latest to endorse “vitamin N” for healing. The N stands for nature as therapy for stress, pain and to speed recovery from surgery and illness. Join Ranger Kate for a half hour or more of gentle exercise, relaxation techniques and focus on the music of nature our ears were
NOW AT TWO LOCATIONS! THEARC, Front parking lot – 1901 Mississippi Ave., SE Saturdays: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm St. Elizabeths Chapel Gate – 2700 Market Luther King, Jr. Ave. Saturdays: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Fresh produce from local farmers, plants, art, food-preparation workshops, children activities, nutrition and more...
Fresh Fruit, Vegetables, Bread and Meat.
We DOUBLE your EBT,WIC and Seniors Coupon dollars!! (as long as funds last) Ward8FM@gmail.com • www.Ward8FarmersMarket.com
The FREE Ward 8 Farmers Market Circulator Shuttle Bus
Every Saturday 9:30am – 1:15pm. BUS ROUTE Ward 8 Farmers’ Market / THEARC (1901 Mississippi) Salvation Army / Spirit Health Center (2300 MLK Ave.) Big Chair (stop in front of Chair) Birney Elementary / Barry Farms / Matthews Memorial (Stop in front of Birney E.S.) Ward 8 Farmers’ Market / St. E’s (Friendship Academy, 645 Milwaukee Pl. SE) (MLK across from St. E’s Chapel Gate) Washington Gas Bldg. (3101 MLK) - across from Historic Old Congress Heights School (New) Assumption Catholic Church / National Capital Children’s Center Secrets of Nature (3923 South Capitol St. SW) (New) Simon Elementary (Mississippi Ave & 4th St SE) Southeast Tennis Center (701 Mississippi Ave. SE) Alabama Ave & 10th Place (1000 Alabama Ave. SE) IHOP / Giant (1523 Alabama Ave. SE) (stop in front of IHOP) Thank you to our Ward 8 Circulator Sponsors: Anacostia Coordinating Council • Congress Heights Citizens Association Secrets of Nature – Natural Foods Store • DC Government • Georgetown University • SHIRE
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NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
OCTO’s Connect.DC Mobile Technology Lab. Photo: Courtesy of DC’s Office of Unified Communications
National Night Out at Anacostia Library
Last week, OCTO’s Connect.DC Mobile Tech Lab joined the Metropolitan Police Department’s National Night Out celebration at the Anacostia Library. National Night Out is an annual, nationwide event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch. The event is designed to: heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. Staff from OCTO, Connect.DC, and the Office of Unified Communications (OUC) were on hand to help residents sign up for Smart911 and spread the word about digital inclusion programs.
made for. No special equipment is needed. Appropriate for older teens and up. Free. Saturdays, Sept 15, Oct 13, Nov 10 and Dec 1, 8:00-8:45 a.m. Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE. 202-4266905. nps.gov/keaq
Fort Dupont Park Managed Meadow Restoration Project
The National Park Service is developing several managed meadows throughout Fort Dupont Park. Managed Meadows create environments for several park animals, including birds, rabbits, and foxes. The meadows will help bridge a gap between the mature forest in the park with open green space that is normally mowed. The lush beauty of a meadow inspires a natural simplicity, yet meadow ecology is one of the most complex sciences. Meadows are sponges, absorbing water as snowpack melts and holding that water like an underground water tower. The meadow at Lanham Estates will help filter the city’s rain water before dumping into Anacostia River and protect the Hiker/Biker trail below the meadow from heavy rainfall. Learn more at nps.gov/fodu. 18 H EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
Flu Shots Now Available at Giant Food Stores
In preparation for the upcoming fall and winter seasons, Giant Food of Landover, Md. is again offering flu vaccinations at all of their in-store pharmacies. An appointment isn’t necessary, and walk-in vaccinations are provided any time the pharmacy is open by Giant’s trusted in-store pharmacists. The flu shot costs $30 and most major insurance plans along with Medicare are accepted. Giant has also partnered with various health-related vendors to offer a free coupon book worth more than $30 in savings, while supplies last, to customers who receive a flu shot.
DDOT Seeking Public Input on Parking in the District
The District Department of Transportation is hosting a series of community conversations, called Parking Think Tanks, to gauge the state of parking and to solicit public input on the future of parking in the District. DDOT envisions that these conversations will contribute to the development of a comprehensive curbside parking management plan. DDOT is | SEPTEMBER 2012
asking for citizen input to develop strategies and recommendations to better balance the parking needs of everyone-employees, residents, and visitors–who competes for a share of the limited curbspace. Parking Think Tank is on Tuesday, Sept 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Ora Glover Community Room, 1800 Good Hope Rd. SE. The schedule for the additional Parking Think Tanks, the online survey and the information that will be presented at these meetings will be made available online at ddot. dc.gov/ParkingThinkTanks. The same DDOT presentation will be made at each Parking Think Tank.
Shepherd Parkway Community Clean-Up
On Saturday, Sept 15, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., the Congress Heights Community Association is partnering with National Capitol Parks-East in an effort to restore the natural splendor of one of DC’s most neglected wooded areas. By removing trash, debris, and invasive species, we will be protecting our trees, wildlife and rivers and making the park into a place for all to enjoy. Gloves, bags, and a pizza lunch will be provided. Wear sturdy shoes and clothes you can get dirty. For more information, visit shepherdparkway.blogspot.com or please contact Nathan Harrington at nbharrington@ yahoo.com or 301-758-5892. Malcolm X Ave. and 2nd St. SE.
2012 WALA Creative Entrepreneur Series
The WALA Creative Entrepreneur Series is a 6-part series for all creative entrepreneurs who want to take the next step in their professional careers by creating their own business. Explore the basics of forming a business for your creative endeavors, from deciding whether to incorporate as a non-profit or for-profit entity, to understanding copyrights and trademarks, contract and negotiation skills, and finally taxes and leases. Tuesdays, through Oct 9. Sept 11-Copyright/ Trademark Protection & Use, w/ James F. Wiley Jr; Sept 18-Contracts/Licensing, w/ Marjorie Conner; Sept 25-Tax Strategies, w/ Cynthia Gayton; Oct 2-Negotiation Skills, w/ David Gryce;
Oct 9-Commercial Leasing. The series is free for WALA and THEARC members and $30 per workshop for non-members. For more information about WALA’s Creative Entrepreneur Series please visit waladc.org. THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org
Prostate Cancer
Confronting the Crisis Community Forum at St. Timothy’s
The disparity in prostate cancer incidence and mortality among African Americans is a great national health concern. St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church and Howard University Cancer Center have formed a partnership to present a community forum, Prostate Cancer: Confronting the Crisis, which will address questions and concerns that men have about prostate cancer. The goals of the program are to provide clarification of screening guidelines, help men to understand their risk, address barriers to screening, and highlight community cancer resources. Free lunch will be provided and men will have an opportunity to sign up for free prostate cancer screening. Saturday, Sept 22, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, 3601 Alabama Ave. SE. To Register call 202-582-7740 by Friday, Sept 14.
Anacostia River Paddle Race
Join Anacostia Watershed Society as they inaugurate a new competitive paddling course on the Anacostia. The 11-mile out-and-back course from The Yards Park to Bladensburg will take paddlers past urban sites like Nationals Park, Navy Yard, the US Capitol, and RFK Stadium and natural vistas like the National Arboretum and Kenilworth Marsh. Prizes available in canoe and kayak classes, with age group awards (TBD). Recreational paddlers are invited to try their hand at racing on a shorter 7-mile course. Wounded warriors can register for either event for free. Saturday, Oct 6, noon. Boaters launch from Diamond Teague Park and Piers, 100 Potomac Ave SE; festival at The Yards Park, 300 Water St. SE. After the race, enjoy an energetic festival on the banks of the river at The Yards Park. Cheer on the racers and enjoy food trucks, live music, free canoeing on the lower river, and exhibits and demonstrations from outdoor
retailers, generously supported by the Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District. For more information about the race and registration, contact AWS Recreation Manager Eric Sibley. To inquire about sponsorship opportunities, contact Major Gifts Officer Mary Vasse. To reach either Eric or Mary by phone, please call 301-699-6204. anacostiaws.org/paddlerace
Emancipation Proclamation at President Lincoln’s Cottage
President Lincoln developed the Emancipation Proclamation while living at the Cottage in the summer of 1862, making it the authentic place for understanding Lincoln’s ideas on slavery and emancipation. President Lincoln’s Cottage, the “cradle of the Emancipation Proclamation,” is offering programs, special tours, and events in partnership with national organizations to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. Located in NW Washington, DC at the Soldiers’ Home Hours of operation: Tours on the hour, 7 days a week. Visitor Center open 9:30 a.m.-4:30.p.m. Mon-Sat, 10:30 a.m.-4:30.p.m. Sunday. For more info, visit lincolncottage.org.
Income Discrimination in Housing
The Equal Rights Center, a national non-profit civil rights organization, has filed a suit against a major DC management company alleging the company had illegally refused to rent to families using Housing Choice Vouchers. income.” This means that landlords are not legally allowed to discriminate against rental applicants or renters based on the fact that they receive a voucher, government subsidy, or other form of non-employment income. If you believe that a landlord or management company has refused to rent to you because you have a Housing Choice Voucher, please contact Housing Counseling Services, Inc.-a non-profit counseling agency-at 202-667-7006 to file a complaint. housingetc.org l
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NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
Scandal Management 101 by Martin Austermuhle
It’s September, and Mayor Vince Gray is still mayor.
While in any normal context that might not seem like that surprising an accomplishment, it was only two months ago that two indictments and extensive revelations of a $653,000 shadow campaign in 2010 put his tenure on the thinnest of ice. Rumors abounded of a possible resignation, and even Gray’s staunchest supporters seemed on the verge of fleeing: according to a Washington Post poll, if the election were held again today, former Mayor Adrian Fenty would trounce Gray by a two-to-one margin. So how’s he surviving? By pretending like nothing is any different than usual.
Sweating the Small Stuff
Gray’s public schedule for August 28 included a somewhat odd addition: at 10 a.m. Gray was scheduled to speak at the grand opening of Lime Fresh Mexican Grill in Columbia Heights, the first D.C. location for the Miamibased Mexican fast food restaurant that was bought by Ruby Tuesday in April. It wasn’t odd that Gray was attended a grand opening—ever since he was elected, his daily schedule has been
replete with ribbon-cuttings, after all. Rather, it was the choice of location that provoked a few raised eyebrows. Is a Mexican fast food joint across the street from another Mexican fast food joint (Chipotle) in a part of town full of dining options really worthy of the mayoral imprimatur? (The official reason? The restaurant hired 30 D.C. residents.) Maybe, maybe not. Either way, these aren’t normal times for Gray. Ever since the shadow campaign burst into the light, Gray has been fighting for his political survival. Most residents have said they want him gone, and three members of the D.C. Council—including Councilmember Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3), once a faithful ally—have publicly agreed. The Post poll produced miserable numbers on everything from satisfaction with city services to whether or not residents felt Gray was trustworthy. But throughout late July and August, Gray used the power of his office—in ways big and small—to convey a certain image of consistent, committed leadership that’s producing results. Beyond the visit to Lime Fresh Mexican Grill, in August Gray reinaugurated a dog park in Dupont Circle and a recreation center on New York Avenue, created two task forces
(one on putting power lines underground, the other on persistent flooding in Bloomingdale), surveyed Adams Morgan after an 18-month-long streetscape project, toured schools on opening day, attended a Pop Warner football rally, put out requests for development proposals for a number of sought-after parcels of land, and rushed the installation of new smart meters for the city’s 6,500 taxicabs. Part of this is standard practice for Gray: ever since he was elected, he’s maintained an active public schedule. “I don’t think Gray’s schedule is much different now than it was earlier in the year. While he may be participating in different types of events (it is, after all, summer), Gray has always worked, held meetings and attended functions from early morning ‘til late at night,” said Chuck Thies, a political strategist partial to Gray. Sure. But some of Gray’s initiatives are pushing the bounds of credulity. In late July, he orchestrated what may have been the mother of all overhyped political events: the roll-out of his One City Action Plan, a 56-page document outlining his vision for the city. Despite obvious questions as to why such a “visionary” document was released 20 months into his term, the many bullet points and promises were quickly seen for what they were: a collection of things his administration was already doing or had already promised to do. If you ask anyone about the One City Action Plan today, they’ll likely admit that they either never heard of it or have already forgotten it.
Copying Clinton
Mayor Gray comforts a young student on the first day of school at Eagle Academy PCS. Photo: Eagle Academy PCS
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In trying to distract from the scandal still hanging over his head, Gray has largely borrowed from President Bill Clinton’s handbook during the height of the Monica Lewinsky scandal. Said former Clinton advisor Paul Begala during a 2000 interview: “This gets back to the fundamental lesson
of political survival that Bill Clinton taught me, which is if you make it about the American people’s lives instead of your life, you’re going to be okay…I wanted to make sure that the people had the sense that Clinton was not focused on this Lewinsky scandal entirely. [It] obviously was a major preoccupation and an enormous distraction, but the business of the government goes on.” It shouldn’t be lost on anyone that Clinton’s lawyer at the time, Robert Bennett, is now Gray’s lawyer. Additionally, in early August the AP reported that Gray’s chief of staff met with Judy Smith, a well-known crisis management consultant who similarly cut her teeth during the height of the Clinton crisis (albeit by working for Monica Lewinsky).
Saved by Summer
Has Gray been successful? Sure. But he’s benefitted from the seasons. To a certain extent, Gray’s act of pretending nothing is wrong has been made easier over the last two months because he’s been the only story in town. Ever since mid-July, the D.C. Council has been on its usual summer recess, giving the city’s local press corps little to work with other than what Gray has to offer. Moreover, the adversarial relationship between Gray and the journalists that follow him on a daily basis has calmed, largely because Gray has made it clear—at the insistence of Bennett—that he won’t say a thing about the shadow campaign. While the press corps once used every opportunity to pepper Gray with questions on the scandal, it now seems resigned to waiting for the next shoe to drop—if that ever happens. Of course, all of this will change in mid-September once the council returns from its recess. Gray can cut as many ribbons as he wants, but when it comes to signature legislative efforts or the upcoming 2014 budget fight, Gray
doesn’t have too much political capital to work with. He won’t be able project an air of confidence for much longer. Also, the three campaign confidantes who pleaded guilty in recent months to a number of crimes related to the 2010 mayoral campaign will be sentenced in early fall, giving the press and D.C. residents yet another reminder that the federal investigation not only continues—but could also start going after bigger fish. Gray survived the summer, which is more than what many expected. And while he’s acting like nothing big happened over the last few months, it’ll ultimately be U.S. Attorney for D.C. Ron Machen who decides whether Gray can breathe a sigh of relief—or take a deep breath and resign.
Brown’s Battle Against Himself
Next month we’ll take a look at the emerging At-Large race between Councilmember Michael A. Brown (I-At Large) and challengers David Grosso and Mary Brooks Beatty. Well, we think Brown will be in the race: last month Grosso challenged 2,100 of the 4,700 signatures Brown submitted to get on the ballot. (Activist Dorothy Brizill has also filed a separate challenge.) The D.C. Board of Elections will decide this month if Brown has the requisite 3,000 signatures needed to get on the ballot. Even if he does stay on the ballot, it hasn’t been an easy campaign for Brown. Earlier this summer, he reported a theft from his campaign account, allegedly by a former staffer. And after he failed to file a campaign finance report on August 10, he was smacked down by the Post’s editorial board for not doing so. Brown’s not only fighting Grosso and Beatty, but also himself. Martin Austermuhle is the Editorin-Chief of DCist.com and a freelance writer. He lives in Columbia Heights. l
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Mayor Gray and DC Council Welfare-to-Work Efforts Need Your Full Support to Succeed
G
etting DC residents back to work is critical as our city continues to rebound from the recession. Overall, unemployment in the city is on a downward trend, but it still remains higher than before the recession started. And for certain groups of DC residents—such as single parents and low-wage workers— unemployment remains extraordinarily high. More than one out of five single parents want work but can’t get a job, and that’s true for nearly one out of six residents whose last job was a lowwage one. The District has put in place an innovative program to tackle one part of our unemployment problem -- parents on welfare in need of jobs. A comprehensive redesign of DC’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, or TANF, is showing promising results, with more parents engaging in work preparation activities and some improvement in job outcomes, too. But a lack of funding threatens its success. There simply isn’t enough money in the city’s budget for the upcoming year to fully implement welfare-to-work reforms. The budget adopted by the Mayor and DC Council put $15 million for TANF on a wish list of items to be funded if city tax collections improve. But the revenue picture is not getting any better. Recently, Mayor Gray identified funds to address some of the need, but there is still a substantial gap. Without additional funds, many families will hit time limits and see their benefits slashed, even though they face serious barriers to work and have not received the services needed to overcome them. This is an urgent concern not only
22 H EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
by Kate Coventry for these residents, but for their children, their neighborhoods and the District in general. Important efforts, such as public education reform, will not be successful without stable families. The Mayor and the DC Council need to work together to find additional funds to keep families on a path of progress and independence.
A New, Comprehensive Approach to Welfare-to-Work
In recent years, DC officials recognized that TANF services were not helping enough parents move to employment, and they decided to do something about it. The District’s Department of Human Services developed a new approach, called “universal engagement,” built on the notion that all parents receiving
| SEPTEMBER 2012
public assistance should be engaged in some kind of activity to help them prepare for work. But universal engagement also recognizes that these plans need to be tailored to the parent’s specific circumstances and needs. Some parents receiving TANF have the skills to immediately seek employment. Others need job training or adult education. Some may need to address additional employment barriers such as mental illness, low literacy, or substance abuse. The new program starts with an in-depth individual assessment of each family’s strengths and barriers, including their education level, skills, work experience, and personal challenges such as learning disabilities or health issues. Program
staff then work with families to set realistic goals for progress and to identify the services needed to meet those goals. Parents sign an “Individual Responsibility Plan” that lays out what they are expected to do. Parents with issues that are likely to prevent them from securing and maintaining employment are referred to appropriate services. Previously, families dealing with low literacy, domestic violence and substance abuse were still expected to look for work right away. Not surprisingly, job retention rates were low. Parents who have skills and work experience receive job placement services to help connect quickly with employment. Parents who have limited skills and experi-
ence are provided with “work readiness” services to help them prepare for employment, including education or training. A final important feature of the new program is that contracts with employment and training vendors are tied to performance, such as the number of clients who meet work participation requirements, complete education and training, and secure and retain employment. This will help ensure that funds are directed to training providers that offer the best services.
TANF Redesign Initial Results Are Good
A pilot of the universal engagement approach yielded encouraging results. When the Department of Human Services provided redesigned services to 164 families, the number that chose to actively participate in work preparation activities more than tripled, from 18 to 56 percent. These outcomes are especially impressive because of the very short time period of the pilot program – just five weeks. The results suggest that low participation in TANF work activities in past years stemmed from inadequate assessment of client needs and ineffective services. The pilot program’s results show that TANF families will quickly become engaged when offered meaningful services.
Welfare-to-Work Success At-Risk
The funds needed to provide these improved services to all TANF parents were not included in the fiscal year 2013 budget, but instead were placed on a wish list of items that will get funded only if the city’s revenue projections improve. At this point, that is not looking likely. DC’s Chief Financial Officer forecasted no additional revenue in his most recent report, due to weak worldwide economic conditions and the threat of federal sequestration cutbacks. Those problems are not going away, so there is little hope that future revenue forecasts will get any better. Recognizing this, Mayor Gray announced in August that he had identified $11 million in unspent funds from other agencies to partially fill the budget gap. Pending
Council approval, this funding is a great first step in ensuring that parents who want to do better for themselves and their kids will have access the services they need to secure employment. These funds will also forestall any cuts in cash assistance for families until next April, preserving benefits for more than 6,000 families who would have had their benefits cut before they even have a chance to access employment services. But this is less than the plan adopted by the DC Council, which would have delayed cuts until next October in recognition that many families need more than just a few months to prepare for work. Beyond that, the new funding is not enough to protect particularly vulnerable families who need time to deal with serious issues that interfere with their ability to work, such as domestic violence, illness, or the demands of caring for a family member with a disability. The District has a bizarre policy under which families in these circumstances are not expected to be looking for work, but their time limit clock continues to run. In most states, the time clock stops when a parent faces a temporary problem that limits their ability to work. This spring, the DC Council agreed that these families should receive a time limit break to give them sufficient time to access job services, but the funding to maintain benefits is dependent on finding additional funding, leaving these vulnerable parents and their children at-risk.
Improving services without funding is not going to lead to success.
Mayor Gray and the DC Council should continue the progress in our TANF employment program by identifying $5.8 million to fully fund this important work in the upcoming year. If the wish list will not work, it is time to develop a Plan B. Otherwise, the District will be hindering its ability to use TANF as an important and effective workforce development tool. Coventry is a policy analyst at the DC Fiscal Policy Institute (www.dcfpi. org), which conducts research on tax and budget issues that affect low- and moderate-income DC residents. l
PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA NOTICE OF COMMUNITY HEARINGS PUBLIC INPUT SOUGHT ON WASHINGTON GAS LIGHT COMPANY’S RATE APPLICATION, FORMAL CASE NO. 1093, IN THE MATTER OF THE INVESTIGATION INTO THE REASONABLENESS OF WASHINGTON GAS LIGHT COMPANY’S EXISTING RATES AND CHARGES FOR GAS SERVICE This Notice informs the public that the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia (“Commission”) seeks input on the application submitted by the Washington Gas Light Company (WGL) requesting authority to increase existing rates and charges for gas service in the District of Columbia. The Commission published a Public Notice on March 9, 2012, regarding this application in the D.C. Register to allow interested persons to intervene in Formal Case No. 1093, the formal case established to handle WGL’s application. The Public Notice can be accessed online at www.dcpsc.org. A hard copy of the Public Notice can be obtained by calling (202) 626-5150. The Commission will convene four community hearings at the following locations on the specified dates: Saturday, September 15, 2012 Lamond-Riggs Public Library (Ward 5) 5401 South Dakota Ave., N.E. Washington, D.C. 20011 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Thursday, September 20, 2012 Thurgood Marshall Academy Public Charter High School (Ward 8) 2427 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. 20020 6 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 D.C. Public Service Commission (Ward 2) 1333 H St., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20005 Directly following the Commission’s 11:00 a.m. Open Meeting Monday, October 22, 2012 King Greenleaf Recreation Center (Ward 6) 201 N St., S.W. Washington, D.C. 20024 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Those who wish to testify at the community hearings should contact the Commission Secretary by the close of three business days prior to the date of the hearing by calling (202) 626-5150. Representatives of organizations and individuals shall be permitted a maximum of five (5) minutes for oral presentations. If an organization or an individual is unable to offer comments at the community hearings, written statements may be submitted to the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia, 1333 H Street, N.W., Suite 200, West Tower, Washington, D.C. 20005 until October 31, 2012. Any person who is deaf or hearing-impaired, and cannot readily understand or communicate in spoken English, and persons with disabilities who need special accommodations in order to participate in the hearing, must contact the Commission Secretary by close of seven business days prior to the date of the hearing. Persons who wish to testify in Spanish, Chinese, Amharic, or Korean must also contact the Commission Secretary by close of three business days before the day of the hearing. The number to call to request special accommodations and interpretation services is (202) 626-5150.
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NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
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Touching Third and Heading Home by E. Ethelbert Miller
veryone seems to be throwing in the high nineties these days. When did we start keeping track of the pitch count? Throw for six innings and your job might be done. Baseball consists of getting three outs every inning. It mirrors life when we want things to slow down. Rise from bed in the middle of the night and look over your shoulder at your wife sleeping. Turn away and take another look back; you wonder if this woman will be with you for the rest of your life. One day you turn around and the bed is empty. She’s no longer on first base. When did she leave? It’s the middle innings and now there’s nothing left in your arm. You can’t hold a woman close to you anymore. You need time to think and so your mind wanders like another walk. How did the years go by so quickly? When did your hair turn gray? When did you start losing your hair? I think it’s baseball that stops time like Satchel Paige teaching us something about hesitation. Many years before I migrated to Washington, I collected baseball cards. I had a few thousand. I kept them in old shoe boxes and sometimes in small crates my mother came back with from the corner store. I flipped these cards over and over. I read the stats on the back. Now and then when I glance at the obituary pages of a newspaper I come across a name that I can match with a card. How could a player be dead? I once owned his card. His face should never have aged. One day I gave all my baseball cards to a kid by the name of Patrick who lived on the 13th floor of the St. Mary’s Housing Projects in the South Bronx. I have no idea why I did this. Why did I mug myself? Who was I trying to impress? The cards could have kept me young. Today in my house I have only six cards. My collection consists of Mickey
24 H EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
| SEPTEMBER 2012
Mantle, Bill Mazeroski, Barry Bonds, Jose Reyes, Mariano Rivera, and Jackie Robinson. Every card was a gift. I don’t remember who gave me the Mazeroski card. My introduction to the blues started at the end of the 7th game of the 1960 World Series. I was ten and didn’t even have a girl-friend. I didn’t know the difference between love and loss until it left the hand of Yankee pitcher Ralph Terry. What Mazeroski did is what every kid who loves baseball one day wants to do. You live to win the last game of a World Series. In 1960, fans could run out onto the field. Mazeroski touches third and every fan in the world is waiting to welcome him home. I still carry this memory in my bone marrow. It’s something I only experienced once and it has no comparison. When Mazeroski had his big hit, I listened to a radio announcer describe the ball going over the left-field wall. I was alone in the back room of an apartment on Longwood Avenue in the Bronx. There was no woman to lean into and absorb the shock. No hand down the center of my back or a whisper in my ear. There was no comfort after Mazeroski lost his hat coming around the bases. I was only ten but I felt very old that day. The blues came down hard and it shook me. This year I found myself “dating” the Nationals. I’ve been paying more attention to their games. Checking the Sports Alerts on my IPhone. Talking to friends at work. Giving up when I find them down by a few runs; overwhelmed when they tie a game in the ninth and win in extra innings. In my mind the dust of heartbreaks is still there in the corner. How far will the Nationals go this season? You share your vows with the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. Is the city of Washington too young to go steady? A
young kid sits in the stands with a glove, punching into the pocket where he hopes a ball will fall. What does an older person feel? I’ve noticed more adults handing over a caught ball to a nearby child. This gift of the game is priceless. It’s a sharing that says the odds can be changed. A child leaves a ball park with a ball. What does the man who gave it to him leave with? In between pitches, some fans send text messages to their friends. I can’t do this. When a batter steps out of the box or a pitcher steps off the mound I want my life to stop just for a moment. I want to look at the field and my surroundings. Mindfulness is so elusive. I learned this after Mazeroski became a point of reference in my life. When you love a team, you want them to win. This is more than sharing a telephone number or sending flowers. I plan to take the Metro out to a game before the season ends. I’ll leave my house early and hope the trains are running without delays. It will be just me. I’ll step out of the Navy Yard Station where I’ve been working with some friends who want to place a baseball mural where the escalators are or maybe right by the entrance. I’ll join the crowd and the flow. I know one day my steps will be slower, but the game will be waiting. Maybe the umpire will call time out and brush the dirt off the plate. For a moment everything will be new the way it was back in the Bronx when I was growing up. I wish I could collect cards again. Who would I place next to Mazeroski and Jackie Robinson? I look at the lineup of the Nationals and check a couple of names. This is how it begins. After all the innings played maybe my wife will still be up when I leave the ball park. Baseball is the game that begins and ends at home. l
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NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
Skyland Town Center Update by Charnice Milton
TOP to BOTTOM Renderings of the planned Skyland complex courtesy of Torti Gallas Urban
O
n any given Saturday, many of Ward 7’s residents descend on Skyland Shopping Center’s parking lot for DC Chew, a farmer’s market that launched in May. Created by the Office of the Deputy Mayor, DC Chew has become a wellreceived weekend activity. The abundance of smiling neighbors, fresh grown fruits and vegetables, baked goods, and grilled meats is a stark contrast to its surroundings: vines covering what used to be Skyland Liquors, a shuttered US Post Office, and fences surrounding condemned property. Although parts of Skyland,
such as the CVS Pharmacy and KFC, are still operational, the shopping center has been all but abandoned. By the end of this year, construction will begin on Skyland Town Center, a mixed-use property that will feature more than 450 housing units and 325,000 square feet of retail space. Despite many setbacks, those involved still hope that the project will be completed by 2014. “Skyland Town Center was born as a response to many years of community leadership and advocacy by residents, the District government, and the DC City Council,” said Jose Sousa, the Director of Communica-
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1. The boarded up buildings of Skyland. 2. DC Chew is a welcome addition to the area with its fresh fruit and vegetable vendors.
tions for the Office of the Deputy Mayor. In the past, Skyland had multiple business owners and many community members felt that their needs could not be met under this type of management structure. As a result, the National Capital Revitalization Corporation (NCRC), moved to acquire all the properties and redevelop them for a unified purpose. The District’s goal for Skyland, Sousa says, is to “…increase our tax base, expand quality amenities for District residents and become a vibrant addition to our East of the River neighborhoods.” Architecture firm Torti Gallas
Urban, a branch of Torti Gallas and Partners, designed the project and is responsible for the master planning. “This project is in a good location,” says Cheryl O’Neill, Principal at Torti Gallas Urban. “It meets with central roads and you have a spectacular view of DC from there.” As for the design, O’Neill said that they looked at other town centers for inspiration. The result is an art deco design that mixes traditional architecture with a “Main Street-type” look. According to the Skyland Town Center fact sheet, the housing units will include mixed-income condominiums, apartments, and single-
FREE family homes. The area will also feature local stores and restaurants, anchored by a WalMart, one of six that will open in the District in the next year. “Wal-Mart has wanted to come to DC for years,” says Sheryl Simeck, a spokesperson for the Rappaport Companies, a property management company and member of the Skyland Development Team. Since Wal-Mart has made its name as a suburban big-box chain, Simeck acknowledged that bringing the store in an urban setting would be a challenge. “We are working with a different model,” Simeck said, “But Skyland is a natural place for a Wal-Mart.” “There’s no question that residents living in that part of the ward would appreciate having more affordable grocery options close by and we think our store can be part of the solution by offering a broad assortment of healthy food,” wrote Steve Restivo, Senior Director of Community Affairs at Wal-Mart. In addition, the new Wal-Mart will ensure more job opportunities for an area whose unemployment rate stands at 15 percent; soon, they will be setting up a hiring center to recruit potential employees. Wal-Mart will also implement its four dollar prescription program, which will allow customers to receive more affordable medicine. Another benefit with Skyland Town Center, according to Sousa, is that it will “... enhance pedestrian activity not only on the development site, but also in the surrounding community...” Skyland is located along three major streets: Good Hope Road, Naylor Road, and Alabama Avenue; the new project will add new signals for two intersections (Naylor Road and “the new Main Street,” along with Alabama Avenue and the new residential street entrance) as well as visible crosswalks. Finally, the project will provide bus stops and shelters along “the new Main Street” and adjacent roadways in order to enhance Metrobus ridership among employees and residents and reduce the threat of unsafe mid-block pedestrian crossings. Despite the potential benefits attached to the project, some neighbors remain skeptical, specifically about the new Wal-Mart. “Having the Wal-Mart here would be good economically,” says Martin Ward, a 20-year resident on Alabama Avenue. “It’ll create jobs. On the other hand, we’ll lose a few jobs,” referring to the inevitable competition between the big-box store, small businesses, and the Safeway located in nearby Good Hope Marketplace. Another resident, Jimmie Moore, isn’t excited about Wal-Mart, but he does recognize the benefits: “It will provide a lot of jobs, plus it’s convenient and they provide good service.” Nearby busi-
nesses are more vocal in their protest, with one displaying a “No Wal-Mart” sign in its window. On the other hand, Cecilia Briscoe, a life-long resident, can’t wait for the new town center to open, saying that the renovations are “long overdue.” Although many factors delayed the project since the NCRC moved to claim Skyland Shopping Center in 2005, the prominent one seems to be the 12 eminent domain lawsuits filed by Skyland’s remaining businesses and landowners. Although one case, which involved CVS Pharmacy, ended with a solution benefiting both parties (as the store will remain open during construction and have a new home at the town center), other cases, like the one involving Kentucky Fried Chicken, resulted in unsure futures (KFC will remain open for at least a year and will most likely be demolished). The longest case involved Samuel Franco, the owner and proprietor of Discount Mart. When the DC Court of Appeals ruled in the District’s favor in March, it ended a lengthy legal process that began in 2005. Franco maintained that condemning Skyland was unconstitutional, because he felt that the District was acting beyond its authority. This claim was already discredited earlier that year with the Supreme Court’s decision in Kelo v. City of New London (in which a city selling private property was shown not to violate the Fifth Amendment). Despite this setback, Franco continued his legal activities against the NCRC, and later, the District (as the NCRC folded in 2007), which included a four-year discovery period to build his case. In the end, the District won the right to take over the property. Despite the news that the District is looking to resolve its litigation issues by the end of this year, there is still more work to be done before construction can begin. Sousa alluded to “several outstanding issues that pertain to the transfer of the project to a development team.” Although he didn’t expand on this issue, he anticipates that “… the transfer will occur in early 2013.” Rappaport is preparing their presentation to the Zoning Commission while Torti Gallas needs to adjust their design plans to include the Wal-Mart. In the meantime, DC Chew will still run every Saturday at the Skyland parking lot until December 1. Moore, the owner and proprietor of Jimmie’s Ribs, is fine with that. “Everyone loves the farmer’s market,” he says. “Everything is always fresh.” It is not yet known if DC Chew will continue after Skyland Town Center opens, which is still several years away. l
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NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
How LVA Learners Spent The Summer Literacy Volunteers And Advocates’ New Book Groups Ignite Greater Passion For Reading by Stephen Lilienthal
learning disabilities, some not diagnosed when they were in school. LVA and some other DC-based literacy programs received a blow this spring when Americorps reallocated its funding priorities, forcing the elimination of volunteers who received modest stipends for serving as instructors. Now, LVA is grappling with staging programs this fall with less staff. Southeast DC resident Rita Daniels, LVA’s executive director, says that adult education in the District is more important than many people, including some city policymakers, recognize.
DC: The Other 20%
Ms. Koya M. Bakare, moderator of the Children’s Book Discussion Group held this summer on Wednesday mornings at LVA, chats with Cathy Lambert (left) and Pearlena Rogers (right) about the book they are about to read.
“B
efore enrolling with LVA, I could not read, spell, or even count money. I could not read to my child. She would ask me to read stories to her, but I would always give her excuses. Now, I can read. I can spell and I just love picking up books. There’s so much that I’ve accomplished that I never thought I would.” Thus began Ms. Geraldine Green’s powerful testamony at this year’s Learner Recognition Ceremony held by the Literacy Volunteers and Advocates (LVA). LVA helps many DC residents such as Ms. Green to improve their
skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. Now she is studying at the Academy of Hope (www.aohdc.org), a non-profit that helps adult learners to obtain GEDs. This summer, LVA, hoping to engage learners more, started book discussion groups.
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LVA And DC
LVA (www.lvanca.org) is celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary this year. Two employees of George Washington University started LVA in response to DC’s high illiteracy rate. LVA’s model was the Literacy Volunteers of America, which started in Syracuse and which placed prece-
dence on one-on-one tutoring. (In 2002, Literacy Volunteers of America merged with Laubach Literacy International to form Pro-Literacy, an international organization promoting literacy.) Today, LVA operates on a modest budget, relying on a small corps of part-time instructors and 90 volunteer tutors to help 200 learners to try to improve their skills. The test used by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education shows some LVA learners making great progress quickly, even several grade levels. Others have a tougher time, perhaps due to personal issues or irregular attendance. Many have
Washington, DC is full of many people such as Ms. Green who come from lower-income backgrounds, who often received sub-standard schooling, and whose families lacked the means to obtain private schooling or high-priced tutoring to overcome their learning difficulties. The news media in DC often takes note of the high income and educational levels of the city and regional population, but pays far less attention to this sizable percentage of DC’s population. A 2003 study by the National Center for Education Statistics’ National Assessment of Adult Literacy shows 19% of the District’s residents 16 or older lacking “basic prose literacy” skills. Ms. Daniels thinks the rates of illiteracy in Wards 7, 8 and 5 are likely to be much higher. Most LVA learners come from those three wards. Whatever the percentage, DC residents with low literacy skills have a daily struggle to survive in a world in which advanced skills, highly dependent on reading and writing well, are increasingly important. They will often avoid using the Metro. Why? Because they cannot read the subway system’s map and signs or use Metro’s webpage to plan their trips. Coming to LVA can help learners start to change their lives. LVA has traditionally stressed real-life materials and practical skills in read-
ing but Ms. Daniels says it is now collaborating with the Washington Literacy Center, another important DC adult literacy organization, to increase capabilities in phonics instruction.
New Programming
Recently installed LVA program director Ashley Luttmer and Leitha Wilson, a consultant and part-time instructor, collaborated on forming book clubs to promote greater engagement by learners. This summer. book clubs are reading abridged versions of books such as H.G. Wells’ The Time Machine and Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. Computer classes were also started to introduce learners to basic Microsoft Office programs and the Internet. One class showed learners where to access online educational resources to help improve basic skills.
Children’s Book Group
The Children’s Book Group that met on Wednesdays this summer was moderated by Koya M. Bakare. Realizing as a young teen that her grandfather was illiterate helped motivate Ms. Bakare to tutor for LVA and to lead this group. She appreciates the encouraging environment that LVA provides to learners who may be reluctant otherwise to demonstrate their lack of basic skills to others. As learners progress in reading, Ms. Bakare says she benefits from the learners’ examples of “dutiful persistence.” Ms. Luttmer explains one purpose of the book groups is to encourage parents and caregivers to read and discuss books more with children. Two of the learners in the class that day are Bernice Johnson and Eric Hall. Ms. Johnson is a motivated learner who had not been taught to read by the schools she attended in North Carolina and DC. Now she says with pride, “I learned to do something I never did before. I learned to read books.” Eric Hall, a tall man, has been in several adult education programs but views LVA to be like “family.” Mr. Hall had a tough time in DC
Public Schools having been “pushed through” despite his low reading skills. Volunteering at Children of Mine in Southeast DC, he reads to children. Ms. Bakare holds a brightly illustrated copy of Brown Bear, Brown Bear: What Do You See? by Bill Martin (Eric Carle/illustrator) and asks what the group thinks of the vivid colors. Mr. Hall responds, “I think the colors represent happiness.” Ms. Bakare tries to get learners to discover the stories that “rest inside the story.” She tells the class, “This book is good to start a dialogue with children about the things around them.” Ms. Luttmer says that the book groups, including the children’s, have generated a “great response. Learners are excited about their next meeting.” Some participants in certain book groups were able to take their books home. “We’d like to continue doing this throughout the year,” she says. But with reduced staff due to the loss of Americorps volunteers, it will be tougher.
Adult Literacy It’s Not Just For Adults
A recently issued policy brief, “Improving Children’s Literacy, One Adult at a Time,” issued by DC LEARNs (www.dclearns.org), the coalition of adult and family literacy providers in DC, asserts that the key to improving literacy among schoolchildren is to improve the literacy of their caregivers and parents. Eric Hall understands what some DC policymakers miss, remarking in one of the Children’s Book Group sessions, “It’s a good thing to have adult literacy. Parents teach their children. If you get rid of the adult literacy, the kids will be lost.” For more information on volunteering, or on how you can help go to www.lvanca.org or call 202-3871772. Stephen Lilienthal is a tutor with LVA and the Academy of Hope and serves on the DC LEARNs board. September 10-16 is Adult Education and Family Literacy Week. l CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM H
29
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
Going Light Green in Anacostia by Catherine Plume
ing rebates to residents who complete energy efficiency upgrades through certified District contractors. DC SEU also provides rebates for upgrading the energy efficiency of qualified multifamily residential buildings with energy-efficient fluorescent lighting upgrades at no cost for installation to owners, property managers, or residents, offering reduced costs for the purchase of energy-efficient lighting products, and distributing energyefficient light bulbs (CFLs) through District food banks for low-income residents. DC SEU also conducts outreach and education to inform residents about ways they can save energy and reduce costs in their homes.
Programs for Businesses
TOP: After the installation of LED lighting. RIGHT: Before the installation of LED Lighting.
T
he DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DC SEU) recently partnered with the Anacostia Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) to increase safety and lower energy costs by installing energy efficient lighting in the AEDC parking garage in Ward 8 through their Commercial/Institutional Program. The lighting upgrade replaced 72 metal halide units with state-of-the-art light-emitting diode (LED) lights. As the lights in the facility run continuously, the energy usage reduction has been substantial, and the replacement is expected to generate $32,700 in savings during the first year alone. Before and after pictures of the parking facility show that the lighting
upgrade benefits extend beyond energy and monetary savings. In the first picture, the space is dim, with dark areas. With the upgrade, the space has lighting that provides a clear view and the effect of full daylight. Building tenants, including the DC Department of Housing and Community Development and Industrial Bank, which had previously voiced concern and cited safety issues about the parking lot, have been delighted with the upgrade. And, in addition to the savings on energy bills, there should be an enormous reduction in maintenance costs as LED lights last some ten times longer than the previous bulbs, which had to be replaced once or twice each year. Created by the DC City Council
30 H EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
| SEPTEMBER 2012
as part of the Clean and Affordable Energy Act of 2008, DC SEU is overseen by the District Department of the Environment (DDOE). With a $15M annual budget, DC SEU helps District households, businesses, and institutions save energy and money through energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. Ted Trabue, Managing Director of DC SEU notes, “Our programs allow homeowners and businesses of all income levels to make changes in their buildings that result in significant savings while reducing energy use and carbon footprints”.
Programs for Homeowners
DC SEU helps homeowners improve energy efficiency by offer-
By 2014, all District buildings (commercial and multi-family) over 50,000 square feet must benchmark their energy efficiency and report that score to the City. DC SEU can help building owners establish their baseline and determine effective improvements that can save money – and energy - through a resource hotline at (202) 525-7036 or benchmarking@dcseu.com. DC SEU also provides technical assistance to improve energy efficiency in DC businesses and institutions by providing reduced up-front costs for upgrading to new energy-efficient technologies and equipment that reduce electric and gas consumption. DC SEU’s contract with DC DDOE must be approved annually by the City Council. While some rebates expire as soon as September 30, 2012, DC SEU has every indication that the program will be reauthorized by October 1 to coincide with the District’s Fiscal Year. To learn more about and apply for any of these rebates and incentives, contact DC SEU at 202-479-2222 or info@ DCSEU.com. Catherine Plume is the blogger for the DCRecycler. DCRecycler.blogspot. com. l
ANC 7B Report
man Resources site is “the most efficient one in the city.� Regardless of whether the renewal will limit parking in the area, it was decided that promoting full occupancy of the property is in the best interest of the residents. Will the city put a crosswalk in front of the Francis Gregory Library located on Alabama Avenue? It is not clear if DDOT is planning to create a crosswalk with a blinking yellow light. However in the interim, the Commission will request that a crossing guard be stationed at the intersection.
by Mariessa Terrell
Will the Commission invite SOME (So Others May Eat) to present at the next meeting?
T
he August 16, 2012 ANC 7B meeting agenda was quite light. There were no special presentations. Commissioner Chair Yvonne Moore and Commissioners Phillip Hammond, Robert Richards and Robin Marlin were in attendance. One of the main discoussions concerned ways to better regulate the vendors at the Skyland parking lot located at Alabama Avenue and Naylor Road. It seems that DC CHEW (Community Harvest Education Ward 7) may be the only vendor with a government license to operate in Skyland. ANC 7B therefore unanimously agreed to
support barring any vendors operating in the Skyland lot in violation of DC law, including the vendor selling sulphur and the one offering power car wash services. The majority of the meeting addressed community concerns.
Community Q and A:
Can a resident living on Alabama Avenue, SE erect a business sign on their front lawn?
When Commissioner Phillip Hammond first asked DCRA this question, they responded with an emphatic yes. However after further investigation and another
email directed to DCRA, the sign was removed. It turns out it was in violation of the District law. Why did ANC 7B pass a resolution to support the renewal of the Department of Human Services lease at the Fort Davis shopping center (located at Alabama Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue)? When the landlord, Mr. Tohey, gave a presentation at the July meeting, he asked the Commission to support the renewal. Commissioners cited the difficulty of finding viable tenants for the property as one of the main reasons for passing the resolution. It was also noted that the particular Department of Hu-
SOME is one a handful of non profit organizations that has purchased property in 7B for use as alternative and low income housing for seniors and single men. Many residents are curious about where the new properties will be erected and question why SOME and other similar entities have not sought ANC 7B support for these facilities. Why was the bus stop located below the funeral home at 27th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue SE moved? When the Commissioners inquired about this decision, a Metro representative indicated that it was difficult to navigate traffic at the original location. Therefore the bus stop was moved. The Commission agreed to continue to discuss the matter further, and will also request passenger seating at the new bus stop. Why is the liquor store located in the Penn Branch shopping center closed? The Commissioners admitted that they were not certain about why the liquor store has been closed for several weeks. It is rumored that the owner has been having family issues. Now it appears that the CVS located next door to the liquor store will expand into the space. The Commission agreed to inquire further. The next ANC 7B meeting will be held on September 20, 2012 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Ryland Methodist Church located at 3200 S Street, SE. l CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM H 31
Exterior of the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum.
Reclaiming its Edge
The Anacostia Community Museum celebrates 45 years
O
by Charnice A. Milton n September 15, 1967, Smithsonian Secretary S. Dillon Ripley addressed a crowd that included government officials, Smithsonian staff, and community members in front of the recently opened Anacostia Neighborhood Museum. “I believe that the opening of the Anacostia Neighborhood Museum is truly an important event in the history of museums,” he said. “I suspect that museums will never quite be the same again.” Forty-five years later, Dillon’s statements still holds true. As the first federally funded communitybased museum, the institution now known as the Anacostia Community Museum (ACM) made the successful transition from outreach program to a nationally-recognized institution in its own right. This year’s gala event, celebrating the museum’s 45th anniversary, will be held on September 15. Television actors Tim and Daphne Maxwell Reid will emcee the event, which will honor five people who made significant contributions to the community
32 H EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
Installation shot from the exhibition “Word, Shout, Song: Lorenzo Dow Turner Connecting Communities Through Language” at the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum. Photograph: Susana Raab
or museum with the Legacy Award, including Washington Informer publisher Denise Rolark Barnes, Anastasia Johnson, a long-time volunteer, and Phillip Pannell, executive director of the Anacostia Coordinator Council. First Lady Michele Obama serves as the honorary chair. The theme “Reclaiming Our Edge: | SEPTEMBER 2012
Launching a New Vision,” reflects the ACM’s past as well as its future. “We’ve always been cutting edge since the beginning,” says Camille Giraud Akeju, the museum’s director since 2005. “The theme is a formal announcement of our new mission, which will help us reclaim our edge in museology.” The new mission statement reads as fol-
lows: “The mission of the Anacostia Community Museum is to challenge perceptions, broaden perspectives, generate new knowledge, and deepen understanding about the ever-changing concepts and realities of ‘community.’” The mission statement may be new, but the ACM have been following it for the last four decades. Considered to be Ripley’s “brainchild,” the ACM was originally intended to be an informal storefront museum for a low-income and non-traditional audience who, for any reason, didn’t attend the Smithsonian Museums downtown. After rejecting potential sites in the Adams Morgan and Georgia Avenue areas, co-founder Caryl Marsh, who served as the initial planning and development consultant on the project, suggested that they use the George Washington Carver Theater, located on 2405 Nichols (now Martin Luther King, Jr.) Avenue. Originally a “coloreds-only” theater, Carver Theater served as a church, skating rink, and community before it was ultimately left abandoned. After the Smithsonian claimed the Carver Theater in April 1967, a team effort including youth and adult volunteers and staff members helped finish the renovations in record time. By July, John Kinard, a community activist, minister, and educator who served as the museum’s first director, officially received the keys to the property and the Anacostia Neighborhood Museum was ready to open. Despite the amount of initial interest in the museum, Kinard, who wasn’t trained in museum studies, but knew his community well, knew that in order for the Anacostia Neighborhood Museum to succeed, it had to feature exhibitions that reflected the community’s interests. To that end, he created a community advisory board to help design future programming. Within a year of opening, the museum’s focus started to shift from showing an eclectic mix of Smithsonian artifacts to focus on African-American issues, history, and culture: topics that are usually never explored in a museum setting. One of these early installations, “The Rat: Man’s Invited Affliction,” looked at vermin infestation and how it affects urban communities like Anacostia. “The Rat” was a massive success for the museum, leading to a country-wide
tour and television special. With a new focus and newfound national recognition, the museum shortened its name to the Anacostia Museum and began transitioning to a larger facility a mile away. In May 1987, the museum opened in its present-day location: 1901 Fort Place. After Kinard’s death in 1989, the museum established the John Kinard Gallery in his honor. By 1995, it absorbed the National African American History Museum Project, prompting another name change: the Anacostia Museum and Center for African American History and Culture. When the Smithsonian announced plans to open the National Museum of African American History and Culture in 2015, the museum started shifting its focus yet again. With no room in the federal budget for two museums focusing on African American history and culture, the Anacostia Museum had to find a new focus; this became Akeju’s first order of business when assumed the role of director. After a year of meeting with focus groups, the advisory board and others invested in the museum for over the year, she and her colleagues began to see a subtle change in area demographics; in order to stay relevant, they had to find ways to relate to this new audience. Therefore, in 2006, it was renamed the Anacostia Community Museum to reflect a more broad focus: connecting universal themes to contemporary urban communities, such as those located East of the Anacostia River in far southeast DC. The first exhibition to fully reflect this focus will be “Reclaiming the Edge: Urban Waterways and Civic Engagement,” which will open to the public on October 15. Gala guests will be treated to a preview of the installation, which not only focuses on the history, ecology, and culture surrounding the Anacostia River, but community efforts to restore it. The exhibit will also explore similar efforts in five other urban river-based communities around the world. With “Reclaiming the Edge” on display for the year, the ACM planned programs that will expand on the exhibit’s theme. For instance, “Citizen Scientists” invites community mem-
bers to help monitor the Anacostia River’s health, working side-by-side with trained ecologists. Even the gala will be inspired by the exhibit, featuring a virtual water environment (right down to a river dance floor) and specialty food and drinks inspired by the river communities featured in the exhibit. “With a broader focus, it does changes how we do research,” says Portia James, who serves as the supervisory museum curator. “It allows us to look at issues that impact everyone.” Some potential exhibitions include an artwork display featuring Ubuhle Beautiful Bead, a South African organization known for the traditional art of beading and an installation exploring Washington, DC during the Civil War. James hopes to include more exhibits that explore contemporary art, history and how it impacts present issues, and emerging technology. “The real challenge is learning how to stay relevant with young people,” she says. “With today’s emerging technology, it gets harder.” This is a challenge Akeju believes the ACM can overcome by reaching out to the community. Despite not having a community liaison, the staff has found different ways to reach out. One example is through the Museum Academy program, which exposes children and teens to the arts, culture, and museum careers through afterschool and summer programs and internships. Another example was “Citified: Arts and Creativity East of the Anacostia River,” a popular presentation at this year’s Smithsonian Folklife Festival, which invited visitors to participate artistic expressions such as line dancing, quilting, and storytelling. No matter the avenue, Akeju has one goal for the ACM: “I want the museum to be a catalyst in preserving and presenting community history while helping others see their issues from a global perspective. It shows that we aren’t alone. Hopefully, this will be the beginning of change.” The Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum is located at 1901 Fort Place, SE, Washington, DC 20020. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except December 25. Anacostia.si.edu l CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM H
33
EAST WASHINGTON LIFE
The TechXploration Youth Appathon connected high school students with tech innovators and entrepreneurs on Saturday, July 14 and Sunday July 15, 2012 at Honfleur Gallery. Photo: Nikki Peele
Dispatches from the Village of Anacostia by Phil Hutinet Appathon
DiversiTech and Cause-DrivenTM, with the support of ARCH Development Corporation and Lenovo collaborated to bring high-tech to Anacostia youth this summer via a new project called TechXploration. TechXploration ‘s goal is to mitigate the digital divide by exposing youth to the world of tech and mobile app development. The mission of TechXploration is to cultivate the skills of potential youth developers in underrepresented communities by providing education, mentorship and community support. The TechXploration Youth Appathon connected high school students with tech innovators and entrepreneurs on Saturday, July 14 and Sunday July 15, 2012 . Participants explored mobile app concepts, and tools to address a community need using Appcelerator, a mobile app software. Student teams also worked collaboratively with volunteer tech mentors on concept development, design execution and pitch presentation, a public demo demonstration which took place during the Community Demo Day on Sunday, July 15th, 2-5pm at Honfleur Gallery. 34 H EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
Honfleur Gallery Opens “Love and Rage” and “Unquiet Kingdom”
On September 14, 2012, two concurrent exhibitions will open at Honfleur Gallery- Arie Mandelbaum’s Love & Rage downstairs, and Katherine Tzu‐Lan Mann’s Unquiet Kingdom upstairs. Love & Rage puts forth Mandelbaum’s latest series of mixed media
works on paper. Produced during a six-week residency in Anacostia, the 13 large‐scale artworks depict scenes the artist observed in the neighborhood during his stay. Born in 1939 in the Brussels neighborhood of Gare du Midi to Polish‐Jewish parents, Mandelbaum’s experiences during his formative years as a young Jewish boy during WWII have heavily influenced his life’s work. Childhood
ABOVE: B.K. Adams, recipient of First Annual “East of the River Distinguished Artist Award,” works on a sculpture. RIGHT: Head Construction, 89”h x 57”w. Mixed media sculpture by B.K. Adams. Photo courtesy of the artist. | SEPTEMBER 2012
memories, socio‐political commentary and intimacy form the main content of Mandelbaum’s body of work. This past spring, the Jewish Museum of Belgium showed a retrospective of the painter’s work from the past decade. The exhibition included over 70 of the artist’s paintings. Upstairs, Mann’s Unquiet Kingdom crawls up and hangs from the ceilings. These new site-specific installation paintings, in Sumi ink and acrylic on paper, mimic their own imagery of contained chaos through their placement in the gallery. The artist’s oeuvre is characterized by complex scenes composed of tight patterns woven into and overtaking watery, loose marks that suggest a cautious celebration of the excesses of our world—she describes her work as “baroque abstract”. Currently an instructor at the Maryland Institute College of Art, Mann received her BA from Brown University and MFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art. Love & Rage and Unquiet Kingdom open with a joint reception on September 14 at Honfleur Gallery, 1241 Good Hope RD SE, from 7pm to 9pm. The reception is free and open to the public.
Albus Cavus “CITIFIED” vPublic Art Piece
The CITIFIED exhibit was designed to present arts and culture of Ward 7 and Ward 8 at Smithsonian Folklife Festival. Albus Cavus was invited to create the mural installation because of our well-established programming and public art in this area.
The individual artists were chosen according to criteria of being a resident of this area or have created a piece of public art here in past. The collective portfolio of this group includes significant murals on MLK Avenue SE, Good Hope Road, Alabama Avenue SE, multiple hands-on workshop, creative sessions and interactive events that involve local residents. The
music, theater, photography and visual arts— whose careers have made a substantial impact on the arts in Washington, DC will be eligible for nomination or application each year. The award is designed to celebrate the achievements and contributions of East of the River artists who, individually and collectively, have enriched the arts in Washington, DC. In rec-
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artists have created art with hundreds of local youth and established strong bonds to the area. Artists include: Charles Coco Bayron, Chor Boogie, Joshua Cogan, Jay Coleman, Chanel Compton, Tim (CON) Conlon, Bryan (REI XXI) Conner, Alicia (DECOY) Cosnahan, Isaias Crow, Kevin ( JAZIROCK) Irvin, Luis Peralta, Michael Pinnix, Leon Rainbow, Tim Rodgers, Roderick Turner, Aniekan Udofia and Prelli Anthony Williams.
B.K. Adams Recipient of First Annual “East of the River Distinguished Artist Award.”
BK ADAMS•I AM ART is the winner of the first annual East of the River Distinguished Artist Award. ADC will host an awards ceremony on September 7th at Honfleur Gallery to formally present Adams with his prize. Mrs. Gautier, one of the panelists, stated: “when you say the name that B.K. Adams gave himself, you experience the genius of the artist. ‘I am Art’ pushed the panel to consider the truth of the statement: ‘Am I Art’. The internal smile that must result from that question is entree into the world of art as experienced and expressed by this Washington DC art dynamo.” Moving forward, ADC’s plan is to select and honor one EotR artist with the $5,000 award each year. Artists who currently live East of the Anacostia River neighborhoods in all disciplines—including dance, film, literature,
ognizing them, the award will help document the East of the River cultural history and continue the long tradition of EOR artists.
The HIVE II Opens in September
Less than two years after opening The HIVE, the very first small business incubator in Ward 8, ARCH Development Corporation is ready to do it again! In September 2012, ARCH is opening a second Anacostia incubator in the lower level of 1231 Good Hope Rd SE. The space, currently called “The HIVE II” will provide 24/7 office space to monthly members. The HIVE II includes 8 furnished private offices, 15 co-working stations, 2 conference rooms, a lounge, a reception area and a 540 square foot office with kitchenette. The HIVE I and The HIVE II are both located in an Enterprise and HUBZone and are less than two miles from the Saint Elizabeth’s campus. To schedule a tour at either location send an email to membership@thedchive.com or call (202) 507-8072.
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Phil Hutinet is the Chief Operating Officer at ARCH Development Corporation (ADC). ADC is a twenty year old 501[c][3] not-for-profit community based organization founded on the belief that arts and the creative economy can be employed as part of a comprehensive, synergistic approach to community revitalization in the Anacostia community of Washington, DC. Visit them online at www.archdevelopment.org l CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM H 35
EAST WASHINGTON LIFE
Yes, She Can Say That At Arena, Molly Ivins’ Wit Lives On
article by Barbara Wells | photos by Mark Garvin
Kathleen Turner as Molly Ivins.
36 H EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
| SEPTEMBER 2012
M
olly Ivins was a hoot. For anyone with a sense of humor and love of irony—and for die-hard liberals in particular—her commentary was perhaps the only bright spot in the ill-fated presidency of George W. Bush, a man Ivins dubbed “Shrub.” To create a 75-minute, onewoman tribute to Ivins’ wit, it would be enough to string together a pack of her truth-is-strangerthan-fiction Texas tales and biting one-liners and hire a competent actress with decent comic timing to deliver them to an appreciative crowd. But playwrights Margaret and Allison Engel didn’t stop there. “Red Hot Patriot: The KickAss Wit of Molly Ivins,” is a loving portrait infused with cultural, social, political and, most important, personal insights that bring Ivins to life. The playwrights showcase the words that made so many Americans fall in love with Ivins, but then they dig deeper to reveal what drove her from a comfortable upper-class upbringing and education at Smith to the hard-drinking, good-ole-boy world of journalism and political warfare. It begins and ends with her father, “the General,” an authoritarian, dyed-in-the-wool conservative who led an oil company and sparred with Ivins to his death. It’s nothing short of miraculous that from the play’s first reading at an Arena Stage workshop three years ago, the Engel sisters called on Kathleen Turner to play this complicated woman—strong but vulnerable, brash but sensitive, and gripped by a classic love-hate relationship with her home state of Texas. Turner captures the spirit of Ivins in her accent, her appearance, the cadence of her speech and even the lurching motion of her steps—no small feat, since at the height of Ivins’ popularity these traits frequently changed rather dramatically, especially during and after grueling bouts of breast cancer treatment. As she has said herself, Turner isn’t interested in doing an impersonation. In a beautifully
Barbara Wells is a writer and editor for Reingold, a social marketing communications f irm. She and her husband live on Capitol Hill. l
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modulated performance, she seamlessly morphs from swagger to contemplation to grief and rage, carrying the audience along to experience Ivins’ joys, frustrations and pain. Ivins earned her journalistic stripes at the Texas Observer, carrying the torch for the state’s small but vocal liberal tradition, and The New York Times, where she covered nine Western states and penned a famous obituary for Elvis Presley. But her Texas roots pulled her back home; she returned to make her mark on the Dallas Times Herald with devastating critiques of the state legislature. “The Austin Fun House,” Turner purrs. “I call it the ‘Lege,’ home of the laziest, most corrupt, most incompetent, most entertaining bunch of lawmakers on earth. Love at first sight. Heaven on a stick.” Thankfully, the Times Herald let Ivins write what she pleased—trumpeting the fact on billboards that read, “Molly Ivins Can’t Say That, Can She?” In navigating this biography, Turner masterfully segues from jokes about provoking politicians to reminiscences of personal heartbreak. “I suppose those little victories are a thin kind of blanket to cover me for not having a husband, kids, money ... pretty much all the things most people want,” Turner muses. “I did have Hank Holland. The first love of my life. He crashed his motorcycle. For a long time, I died there with him.” Then, just as deftly, Turner
pivots from Ivins’ fury over the senseless death of another beau in the Vietnam War right back to whimsical reflection. The war “gave me lifelong issues with rage,” she says, before adding with a chuckle, “Thank God for lifelong rage.” In less capable hands, this narrative could feel clumsy or jarring. In Turner’s, it seems as natural as a nice long heart-toheart chat. Of course, Turner didn’t craft this extraordinary work alone—but for a show like this, the sign of a great director is no sign of direction. David Esbjornson knows how to guide a terrific performance, one with movements, gestures and intonation that work so well they are imperceptible as theatrical conceits, doing nothing that might distract from the power of the play. And set designer John Arnone has created a set composed of desks and chairs stacked in an unruly pile, suggesting the upheaval produced by Ivins and the outspoken journalists who went before and knew how to shake things up. But the Engel sisters left nothing to chance. Music, video images and even the concept of the set are carefully noted in their script. Perhaps their most memorable device is the periodic entrance of a copy boy who silently crosses the stage like a ghost, pulling the pages of Ivins’ past from an ancient AP wire. The result, as the playwrights hoped, keeps Ivins’ full-throated voice alive. While introducing her to audiences who never had the pleasure of meeting her, the play makes her friends and fans miss her all the more. Red Hot Patriot is playing at Arena Stage through October 28.
Illustration
“Red Hot Patriot: The Kick-Ass Wit of Molly Ivins,” is a loving portrait infused with cultural, social, political and, most important, personal insights that bring Ivins to life.
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37
EAST WASHINGTON LIFE
Chef Holden (photo provided by DC Chartered Health Plan, Inc.)
Combating Diabetes on the East Side of the River Two programs in Wards 7 and 8 use creative methods to help people manage diabetes.
D
by Candace Y.A. Montague
The future of health is moving towards relying on technology. In
this case, health care systems use the mobile phone to keep in touch with patients on a regular basis. DC Chartered Health Plan, Inc., the oldest Medicaid managed care organization in the District of Columbia, launched a new text-messaging pilot program for 50 of its members to help them better manage diabetes. The mHealth pilot program helps participants receive helpful tips about managing diabetes as a part of their case management system. Karen Dale, Executive Vice President of Chartered Health, explains that the program is three-fold. “We give them information in three areas: info about the disease, reminders about the types of appointments that are important if you have diabetes, and things they should not do like quit taking medications without talking to their care provider.” The program also encourages
38 H EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
| SEPTEMBER 2012
iabetes has been a struggle for AfricanAmericans for decades. Whether it’s because of lower health literacy, the availability of fresh produce, the lack of exercise, or limited access to regular healthcare, ‘sugar’ seems to be a changeless chronic disease in the black community. According to a spokesperson from Chartered Health Care, in Ward 7, 864 persons are dealing with diabetes while in Ward 8 the number is 839. In order to reduce those numbers and ultimately save lives, providers will have to be resourceful in their approach to the matter. Two programs offer convenient and helpful ways for patients to not only learn more about diabetes but also manage it.
Mobile Health Program
members to avoid unnecessary emergency room visits by scheduling annual appointments with their primary care providers as well as having annual eye and foot exams. These reminders, as well as interactive quizzes boost the participant’s knowledge about their disease. “For someone who has diabetes, we have care managers who are nurses who call the members and conduct an evaluation to determine the patient’s medical and psycho-social needs, and develop a care plan to support them in being healthy. But that alone may not be enough. Members might need additional support. Many of our patients have cell phones and/or smart phones. We thought that we could use the phone more to interact with members.” In addition to the mobile health program, Chartered Health is including nutrition classes and fitness
education for participants. They hope that this pilot program can be extended to more patients in the future and include other diseases such as hypertension. “By doing the pilot today for 50 members it can be expanded for 1,000 tomorrow. This can be diabetes today, but it can progress to working with hypertension in the future,” stated Parminder Sethi, Chief Information Officer for Chartered Health.
Healing Our Village
United Medical Center offers a program that blends together advocacy, education, training, and personal care to give diabetics total support. Healing Our Village (HOV ) is an inpatient and outpatient program for diabetics who struggle to get a hold of their condition. When patients are in the hospital, the program offers coach-
ing to help learn how to make healthful food choices once the patient is discharged. They also offer training for doctors and other caretakers in the hospital. HOV also offers two Saturday trainings for patients who have been referred to the program, or for those referring themselves. Cherrel A. Christian, RN, Diabetes Nurse Educator says they don’t always end the training the way they began it. “Sometimes they come in reluctantly saying ‘my doctor told me I had to come here.’ And you can tell from that statement that they feel somewhat defeated. One of our main goals is to let them know that having diabetes doesn’t mean that you have to develop a lot of health problems. We teach you how to live well with diabetes.” The help doesn’t end after the training is done. Patients are monitored every three months and are welcome to call in with questions any time. “Many times they call around Thanksgiving and ask ‘OK, what can I eat for Thanksgiving dinner?’ It’s an issue of portion control, not what you can eat. Many of the patients say that once they got a hold on things they become an agent of change for their families and church communities. They share the things they know. Then, they notice that since they’ve been eating better they start feeling better. They have more energy,” says Christian. Continuous care and education may very well be the linchpin that keeps blood sugar levels low and spirits high among diabetics east of the river. Candace Y.A. Montague is a freelance health writer in DC. l
1353 INDEPENDENCE COURT SE THE CAPITOL HILL LIFE – Four Floors of Style! Luxury 3 Master Suites-3/5 Bath w/flexible open floor plan. Perfect for entertaining to family. Feat. incl.frpl, 2 zone HVAC hrdwd flrs, garage and gourmet kit/granite brkfast bar. Top floor with large roof deck, MBR and den. Perfect for guests, au pair or getaway! Steps to Eastern Mrkt, Barracks Row and METRO. Offered at $829,000. If you would like to discuss this property or any real estate questions just give me a call! 202-547-3525
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EAST WASHINGTON LIFE LEFT: Ranger Benson pointing to a framed print of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. BELOW: A violin rests atop the piano at the Frederick Douglass house.
Kids say the Darndest Things at the Frederick Douglass House by John Muller
A
couple of weeks ago I joined a large tour group at the Frederick Douglass House. Throughout the tour, a pack of inquisitive and precocious young elementary school students kept Ranger Padraic Benson busy explaining the details of not just the history of Cedar Hill, but the history of the country. Upon entering the front door of the Victorian mansion one notices on the immediate right wall of the hallway a framed picture depicting the Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry storming the Confederate-held Fort Wagner at Morris
Island, South Carolina in July 1863. Frederick Douglass’ eldest son, Lewis Douglass, was one of the soldiers who stormed the beaches – and survived. “Which side do you think Lewis fought for?” Ranger Benson asked the slew of children, their parents looking on. “The American side!” one youth called out. Another agreed, saying, “Yeah, he fought for the American side.” Ranger Benson looked around at the adults and with a shrug of his shoulders and a smile he said, “Well, you’re right. You could say he fought for the American side. That side is known to historians as the Union
40 H EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
| SEPTEMBER 2012
side.” The children looked at each other, and collectively said, “Oh, he fought for the Union side.” A couple moments later, Ranger Benson brought the group’s attention to the west parlor where two musical instruments – a piano and violin – are quite conspicuous. “At a young age, before moving to Cedar Hill, Frederick Douglass learned to play an instrument. If you look carefully you can see it in here in this room. Which one do you think Mr. Douglass played?” Without missing a beat, or taking a moment to look into the parlor, a child exclaimed with full confidence, “The tuba!” Although having never received that answer before, Ranger Benson said, “That’s a good guess, but he actually played the violin. Does ev-
eryone see it resting over there? Mr. Douglass had a grandson who played the violin and he was so good that he traveled the world and taught at Howard University.” Now in rear of the house, in the kitchen area, Ranger Benson pointed out the coal stove and other 19th century accommodations. “Where do you think Mr. Douglass got the stove?” asked Ranger Benson. The adults whispered amongst themselves; confirming, “That’s probably from the Sears & Roebuck Catalogue.” “Did he get it from Wal-Mart?” one of the children asked.
Three years of giving tours
Benson, a native of Millersville, Maryland, has worked at the
HOMES & GARDENS
Changing hands is a list of most residential sales in the District of Columbia from the previous month. A feature of every issue, this list, based on the MRIS, is provided courtesy of Don Denton, manager of the Coldwell Banker office on Capitol Hill. The list includes address, sales price and number of bedrooms.
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site for three years. He says tours with children are “completely different than your adult tour.” The difference with kids, Benson says, “You can introduce them to the Civil War and it will be their first time hearing about it, grappling with it, where adults might be more interested in a particular and specific question about the Civil War.” Even younger children can find enjoyment in visiting the Douglass house. “When the kindergartners or first graders come they might be more interested in the different animals that lived here. So I will tell them that horses and chickens lived here and they will make the respective animal noises,” says Benson. Childhood memories of visiting Cedar Hill leave an indelible imprint in grownups. “People in their 40s and 50s often come back with their own families. The parents tell their children they visited the house when they were little and they are keeping not only Mr. Douglass’ legacy alive, but they are forming their own family traditions.” Although many visitors to the Douglass house are local, tens of thousands come every year from across the country, including many children. Benson says, “Sometimes I think that in classrooms throughout the country whenever Douglass is introduced, there are a couple of kids who can turn to their classmates and teachers and say that they’ve been to Mr. Douglass’ home in Washington, DC.” John Muller is the author of, “Frederick Douglass in Washington, D.C.: The Lion of Anacostia” recently published by The History Press, available online and at area bookstores. l
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CONGRESS HEIGHTS 3330 OXON RUN RD SE 2905 5TH ST SE 719 ATLANTIC ST SE 313 ATLANTIC ST SE 621 ELMIRA ST SE 716 ALABAMA AVE SE 630 ELMIRA ST SE 4131 4TH ST SE
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DEANWOOD 221 56TH PL NE 5017 BLAINE ST NE 513 58TH ST NE 40 54TH ST SE 1018 45TH ST NE 4402 HAYES ST NE 4520 FOOTE ST NE 5335 JAY ST NE 812 44TH ST NE 4016 GRANT ST NE 5017 SHERIFF RD NE 527 59TH ST NE 220 63RD ST NE 1028 47TH ST NE 5002 LEE ST NE
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1805 18TH ST SE $280,000 3 1949 S ST SE $192,000 3 2311 MINNESOTA AVE SE $172,500 3 1907 SAVANNAH PL SE $147,000 2 1924 17TH ST SE $82,500 4
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KIDS & FAMILY
Washington Revels’ Jubilee Voices. Photo: Courtesy of President Lincoln’s Cottage
Celebrate Family Day at President Lincoln’s Cottage
Join President Lincoln’s Cottage and the Armed Forces Retirement Home on Saturday, Sept 29, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. as they celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Lincoln family’s first season at Soldiers’ Home. Enjoy the Lincolns’ Cottage as they once did through an array of activities and demonstrations including: A Civil War encampment featuring The Bucktails, President Lincoln’s private guards, DIY Lincoln top hats, period tunes from the Washington Revels’ Jubilee Voices, pony rides and peacocks at the petting zoo and Cottage tours. Family Day is free and open to the public. In the case of inclement weather, some activities may be canceled. Fresh food from local vendors will be available on the grounds and ample picnic space will be available to the public. Entrance to the Cottage is at the Randolph Street Gate, located at the intersection of Rock Creek Church Rd. and Randolph St. Free, on-site parking is available on a first come, first served basis. Approximate address is 300 Randolph St. NW. The Cottage is Metro accessible. The Georgia Ave/Petworth station (Green and Yellow Metro lines) is .5 miles away and the H8 Metro bus line has a stop a block away from the Randolph Street Gate. lincolncottage.org
Kids & Family Notebook by Kathleen Donner
Southeast Tennis and Learning Center Tennis Scholar Wins National Event at US Open
One of tennis’ rising new stars, 15-year-old Taylor ‘Woodie’ McKnight, participated in the 2012 US Open Kick Off Event. McKnight is one of the DC Department of Parks and Recreations’ Southeast Tennis and Learning Center tennis scholars. He defeated five junior players from across the United States in the Heavy Hitters Competition on Saturday, Aug 25 to advance to the “Xerox Beat the Pros / Target Time” competition where McKnight, the only “non 42 H EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
professional athlete”, competed with world champion tennis players Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Andy Roddick and Kim Clijsters. An annual event since 1993, Arthur Ashe Kids Day traditionally kicks off the US Open held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center and is held in honor of the late Arthur Ashe. Ashe was the first US Open champion of the Open Era and the founder of the National Junior Tennis & Learning network. Founded in 1969 by Ashe, Charlie Pasarell and Sheridan Snyder, the NJTL strives to reach young people in urban areas and “teach them about
| SEPTEMBER 2012
matters more important than tennis.
Ward 7 Parents’ Night
On Sept 27, 6:00-10:00 p.m., the East River Family Strengthening Collaborative invites parents, grand-parents, care-givers and anyone who is taking care of a child to their first annual Ward 7 Parents’ Night. The evening is free and will be held at St. Luke’s Center, 4923 E. Capitol St. SE. Parents will enjoy dinner, dancing, relationship tips and advice and lots of prizes and surprises. For more informa-
tion and to RSVP, contact Kellie Broussard at 202-397-6300, ext. 230 or kbroussard@erfsc.org. $1.1 Million Awarded to Chavez Schools to Improve Student Achievement in DC Public Schools Cesar Chavez Public Charter Schools for Public Policy (Chavez Schools) is the recipient of a $1.1 million grant through the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education’s Race to the Top program to engage educators in professional development and collaborate to positively impact student success. The Professional Learning Communities of Effectiveness (PLaCEs) Grant Award provides an incentive for public schools to establish consortia with the goal to improve student achievement. Chavez Schools will lead the PLaCEs grant effort, in partnership with Paul Public Charter School and DCPS elementary schools -Kenilworth and Neval Thomas. The Cesar Chavez Public Charter Schools for Public Policy provide a high quality public school option for students residing in the District of Columbia. Chavez Schools prepare students for success in competitive colleges so they can use their lives to make a positive difference in the world. With campus locations in Capitol Hill, Columbia Heights, and Parkside communities, Chavez Schools currently serves over 1,400 students from grades 6-12. For additional information, visit ChavezSchools.org.
SE White House Needs School Supplies
The SE White House is in need of school supplies for the children in their communiy. Here is a listing of the needed suppliesback packs, #2 pencils, ball point pens, dry erase markers, crayons, markers, colored pencils, rulers, large pink erasers, safety scissors and regular small scissors, highlighters, calculators, compasses, graph paper, pocket folders, wide rule noterbooks, 3-ring binders, index cards, spiral notebooks and CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM H 43
KIDS & FAMILY composition notebooks. Any assistance would be appreciated. Contact Tina Henderson at 202-997-4099 or the SE White House at 202-557-3337. SE White House is at 2909 Pennsylvania Ave. SE.
multi-million dollar effort to update the District’s school facilities and provide students with highquality learning environments. Turner Elementary School, 3264 Stanton Rd. SE.
The Big Build
A Century of Women in Aerospace Family Day
A Hands-on Family Festival of Tools, Trucks, and Building Arts
On Sept 22, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., fulfill your curiosities and become a builder for the day! At the Big Build you, your family, and your friends have the opportunity to work alongside experienced artisans and craftsmen as they demonstrate their skills. Talk with plumbers, electricians, ironworkers, landscape architects, conservationists, and experts in many other fields to learn about their professions and hobbies. You can climb aboard cranes and tractors, build a brick wall, construct a log cabin, plaster straw bale walls, carve stone, compete in a nail driving contest and design decorative light switch plates to take home. Also, don’t miss your chance to say hello to Curious George from the WETA Kids channel, who will be in attendance to learn about the building trades alongside you and your family! Free. $5 donation suggested. Most appropriate for ages 4–12. Drop-In. Individual registration is not required. Formerly called the Festival of the Building Arts. National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW. 202-2722448. nbm.org
Mayor Gray and DCPS Chancellor Henderson Unveil Ward 8’s Turner Elementary School Modernization
On Aug 29, Mayor Gray, DC Public Schools Chancellor Henderson, City Administrator Allen Lew, Department of General Services Director Brian Hanlon and Principal Robert Gregory cut the ribbon on the new Turner Elementary School in Ward 8. The $27 million project includes a fullscale modernization and renovation to the interior and exterior of the building. The modernized Turner Elementary School features renovated classrooms with cutting edge technology, a computer lab, a new gym, a new basketball court and a new playfield with a track and three green areas for gardens. The campus is the latest DCPS facility to be modernized a part of an ongoing, 44 H EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
For over 100 years, women have contributed to technological advances in aviation and space. Meet women who are today’s role models and hear about the historic women who have inspired them. Saturday, Sept 15, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Free. National Air and Space Museum, Independence Ave at 6th St. SW. 202-633-2214. airandspace.si.edu
DCYOPalloza at the Zoo
On Sept 8, 11:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., join the DC Youth Orchestra at the National Zoo for an instrument petting zoo, demonstrations, performances and free fun for the entire family. dcoyp.org
Frederick Douglass Annual Oratorical Contest
The goal of the Oratorical 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. 2012’s application deadline is Nov 12, 4:00 p.m. Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, 1411 W St. SE. 202426-5961. nps.gov/frdo
Septima Clark #1 in Academic Growth among DC Charters
Septima Clark is ranked #1 on the 2012 DC-CAS in academic achievement growth among DC’s 98 charter schools. Septima Clark is ranked #3 among all 186 public schools--traditional and charters--for achieving 17% growth in reading and math on the 2012 DC-CAS. The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) announced on Friday, Aug 25, that the significant academic growth earned the school the designation of | SEPTEMBER 2012
Mayor Gray recognizes Do The Write Thing of DC (DTWT) as an outstanding site and five of its participants as outstanding youth at an August 3rd awards ceremony. Front row: Jonathan Johnson, Kolemarte Williams, M. Duane Ingram (DTWT Director of Educational Programs); Tyler Rembert. Rear: Tierra Saless, William Milligan and Gerald S. Norde, Jr. (DTWT Executive Director/Founder), Mayor Gray. Photo: Courtesy of Do the Write Thing of DC
“Do The Write Thing of DC” and 5 Youth Honored by Mayor Gray
Do The Write Thing of DC sponsored a summer media program for 50 students at H.D. Woodson SHS in Ward 7. The six-week program included a poetry workshop series that resulted in the publication of a collection of poems titled “Our Planets, Ourselves” which the youth will sign at the Authors’ Pavilion during the prestigious Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Weekend, September 21, 2012; songwriting workshops that resulted in the students producing CDs in a mobile recording studio; production of video role plays about the do’s and don’ts in the workplace; planning and attending private screening of the film, MONEY MATTERS. On Friday, August 3, Mayor Gray recognized Do The Write Thing of DC and five of its youth at an Awards Ceremony held at the DOES headquarters building. Honored were Jonathan Johnson, Kolemarte Williams, Tierra Sales, William Milligan and Tyler Rembert.
Reward School under the state’s new accountability system. Septima Clark Public Charter School, 2501 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. SE. 202-5636556. scpcs.org
$1 Hot Dog Night at Nat’s Game
On Sept 5, 7:05 p.m. at the Nat’s vs. Chicago Cubs game, $1 hot dogs will be on sale at participating stands and carts. Some restrictions apply. While supplies last. washington.nationals.mlb.com
Family and Friends of Incarcerated People School Supplies Drive
Family and Friends of Incarcerated People, a grassroots non-profit
supporting and connecting children with incarcerated parents, is collecting much-needed school supplies to give away at their 7th annual Concerned Fathers Public Safety Community Cookout. Donations of all kinds of school supplies, including backpacks, will ensure that children have all the supplies they need to succeed for the new school year. Donations can be dropped off at the Empower DC office, located in the basement of 1419 V St. NW. For more information or to arrange a donation, please call Stuart Anderson at 202-239-9439.
Future Next Volunteers Needed
Future Next seeks volunteers to
be tutors/mentors, program coordinators, instructors, career planning speakers, motivational speakers, administrators and curriculum advisors. Open to all adults, college, and high school students (10th grade and up). Attend their Volunteer Informational on Sept 13, 6:00-7:00 p.m. at Veracity Engineering, 425 3rd St. SW, Suite 600. Questions? Contact Natasha Wilkerson at nwilkerson@futurenext.org or 877-500-5591 ext.118 or visit futurenext.org.
Archbishop Carroll High School Principal to Retire
Board of Directors of Archbishop Carroll High School has announced that Principal and CEO David A. Stofa, Ph.D, will retire this fall after seven successful years at the helm of Carroll and more than four decades in teaching and academic administration. The Board also announced that Cardinal Wuerl has appointed Vice Principal for Academic Affairs Mary Beth Blaufuss to serve as Acting Principal and CEO upon Dr. Stofa’s departure this fall and pending a search for a permanent successor. Ms. Blaufuss, an educator and administrator with nineteen years of experience, has spent fourteen of them in Catholic institutions. She is a summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Yale University, and received a master’s degree in secondary English education from Vanderbilt University. Among her many contributions, Ms. Blaufuss has engineered and overseen Archbishop Carroll’s distinctive International Baccalaureate program. Archbishop Carroll High School is a Catholic school of the Archdiocese of Washington that has provided excellence in education to young people for over sixty years in the nation’s capital. archbishopcarroll.org l
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KIDS & FAMILY
Community Conversation On Schools in Ward 7 by Mariessa Terrell
O
n Saturday, August 11, 2012, over 100 District of Columbia residents, most of whom live in Ward 7 attended and actively participated in a “Community Conversation” on Education held at Kelly Miller Middle School. The Ward 7 “Community Conversation” is one in a series of community dialogues held throughout five Wards sponsored by the Deputy Mayor’s Office on Education (DME) and supported by Public Agenda, “an innovative public opinion research and public engagement organization” to develop strategies to improve DC Public Schools. (publicagenda.org). On June 5, 2012 after being asked by Jessica Sutter, Senior Assistant to the DME to develop strategic ways to ensure the participation of Ward 7 residents and parents, ANC 7A voted to host and organize the “Community Conversation.” ANC 7A led the organization effort and invited over 120 organizations, elected officials, civic groups and Ward 7 principals to assist. In a letter emailed to over 400 Ward 7 residents and parents, Villareal Johnson, Chair of ANC 7A explained the importance of the initiative. “It is the right thing to do.” The Ward 7 Conversation got off to a rocky start. In the first 15 minutes of the meeting a hand full of attendees demanded copies of the official meeting Agenda and refused to participate in the small group discussion format that the Planning Committee of 20 had envisioned. Emily Washington, a long time Ward 7 resident and educational activist motioned that the “Conversation” be conducted in the cafeteria where everyone could be seen and heard. One resident, yelled out, “we will not be divided
46 H EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
Villareal Johnson, Chair of ANC 7A, addresses the audience
and conquered.” The participants voted almost unanimously that the Conversation be conducted as one large discussion with everyone in the same room. Chairman Johnson recessed the meeting and joined the Deputy Mayor’s representative Jennifer Leonard and Gwen Wright of Public Agenda in the hallway to discuss how to best structure the meeting to ensure maximum participation. Chairman Johnson was selected to facilitate the modified meeting format. The meeting guidelines instituted by Chairman Johnson were simple. All attendees were given an opportunity to sign up on a master list to ask one question at a time. After the initial question was answered, the attendee | SEPTEMBER 2012
was then given a chance to make an additional comment. Most of the initial questions and concerns were directed at the Deputy Mayor’s representative and centered on the school closings and the IFF report (dme.dc.gov/DC/DME/ IFF+Needs+Assessment+Report). The IFF report is “an analysis of the geography of school quality in the District of Columbia.” The study was conducted by the Illinois Facility Fund. Some residents believed that the study was just an attempt by the Mayor and DME to justify school closures and the privatization of public education. Others maintained that the same funds used to pay for the IFF study were also used to pay for the Ward 7 Com-
munity Conversation. Jessica Leonard from DMOE responded to the IFF queries by first explaining that Walton Family paid IFF $100,000 to compile a report on DC schools. She emphasized that the Ward 7 “Community Conversation” was not coordinated to put a rubber stamp on the report. “Regardless of the intentions,” Chairman Johnson said, “7A hosted the conversation to ensure that people who wanted to, could be engaged, involved and have a say.”
Solutions
When Chairman Johnson reconvened the meeting after the ANC 7A lunch was served, a serious solution-oriented discussion ensued.
1250 Taylor St. NW Washington, DC 20011 p. 202 545-0515 f. 202 545-0517 www.bridgespcs.org
Most agree that Ward 7 schools are trending toward a decline. Solutions to the low test scores, high rates of truancy, lack of funding in proportion to great need, dilapidated and out dated facilities, etc. are varied. Ward 7 Council Member Yvette Alexander believes that Ward 7 schools will be slow to improve as long as concerned parents living in Ward 7 continue to send their children to schools outside the Ward. Alexander used herself as an example of this trend citing her parents’ decision to send her to Wilson Senior High School located in upper Northwest instead of Ballou. Monica Warren Jones, State Board representative for Ward 6 recommends that school boundaries be revised in order to ensure equity. Logan Wiley, a Ward 7 resident and father adds that all schools should be equipped with a library and librarian. Further, Wiley believes that parents should take a more active role in the education of their children. Specifically, he recommends that parents execute an Agreement with the teachers and principles promises limit television access and ensuring that their children read during the summer. Ed Potillo, Membership & Conference Director of the National Alliance of Black School Educators believes that technology is the best way to close the achievement gap and improve test scores. Ms. Shahid Mohammed, Principal of Aiton Elementary School recommends that DC educators look globally for curriculum that will resonate in urban areas like the District. While, Ms. Burke, Principal at JC Knoll maintains that school administrators could greatly benefit from a team approach e,g, creating Administrative Teams, Instructional Teams, Resource Support Teams, Special Education Teams and
Parent Teams to address specific issues. While many of the solutions mentioned during the Conversation were long term ones, Emily Washington galvanized the group by making a motion that “no schools [be] closed in Ward 7 until a school reform plan based on a genuine analysis of student achievement by class is advanced by the Ward 7 stakeholders from every Ward Sector; place a moratorium on opening new Charter schools in Ward 7 until after the Ward 7 People’s Plan for School reform is advanced.” The participants requested that Washington’s motion be forwarded directly to the DME. The final document prepared by Public Agenda containing all recommendations and comments presented during the Ward 7 Community Conversation can be found on the ANC 7A website or at this link: http://www.scribd. c o m / d o c / 1 0 3 0 0 5 6 0 6 / Wa r d 7-Communit y-Conversation8-11-12-Notes. The meeting was adjourned at 2:15 pm. Before collecting their children from the day care held directly across from the meeting room, participating parents received book bags filled with school supplies courtesy of ANC7A. Even if the intention behind the Conversations remains unclear, those who remained for the duration of the Ward 7 meeting left with a sense that the community knows what they want their schools to look like. However, knowing is only half the battle. According to Chairman Johnson, “until we take an interest and volunteer in our neighborhood schools we should not be surprised if our schools don’t improve.”
EXPANDING INTO AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PROGRAM
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Serving Preschool - Kindergarten for the 2012-2013 school year. A new grade will be added each year through 5th grade.
SPACES CURRENTLY AVAILABLE IN OUR KINDERGARTEN CLASSROOMS. ADDITIONAL SLOTS ADDED. ENROLL TODAY FOR KINDERGARTEN, PRE-K 4 OR PRESCHOOL (3).
Apply for admissions at www.bridgespcs.org or by coming to the school. We are building on our strong foundation as an early childhood program. Come be a founding member of the elementary school!
Program Features: Before Care starting at 7:30 am and after care until 6:00 pm. Small classroom size and well trained staff. Individual planning for each student. Hands-on and project-based curriculum. Bridges Public Charter School is free and open to all DC residents. Tuition paid by non-residents.
A second Ward 7 Community Conversation is scheduled for September 15, 2012. l
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CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM H 49
THE NOSE
I’m So Bored by Anonymous
H
ere we are at the end of the August political doldrums, Dear Readers. The Wilson Building has been deserted for the past month as its denizens take their annual leave. Some trek to the beach; others to the wilds of this country’s vast hinterland vainly attempting to avoid colliding with Bambi or Thumper on a bucolic roadway. June and July were such exciting months. Each indictment or resignation rumor brought a rush to The Nose’s senses much like his long ago, barely remembered dorm antics. The Nose’s cell phone was constantly buzzing as sources passed him the latest imputations. “Vince is resigning next week for sure. I heard it from a good friend in Superior Court,” stated one source. “Loraine Green has come back from Florida. She must be here to cop a plea,” another Hillcrest wag speculated. As Mayor Vincent “The Stoic” Gray ducked inconvenient questions at press events, fellow scribblers tweeted away amplifying the rumors. The Nose felt trapped in a virtual echo chamber with his garrulous brethren. While the chattering classes left off their relentless resignation gossip in August, The Stoic continued his Clintonesque tramp across the District, his itinerary incorporating events of ever diminishing gravity. In late August, after a hard day chasing the Mayor from one pointless ribbon cutting to the next, rather than braving the Bay Bridge, The Nose sought solace at the Tune Inn. There, he ponied up to the bar only to find his fellow scribblers: Marcus Tombraider of WBTM, Sherwood Forrest of Channel 411, Allen Sundered of the Washington Rag and Mike DeMinimis of the Washington Compost. The Nose: “If I see one more ribbon cut, I am going to use the remnants to strangle Pedro (The Voice of Vince).” Forrest: “I just want to put my hands over my ears when the Mayor steps to the mike, and scream, ‘Wah! Wah! Wah!” DeMinimis: “My girlfriend found me slumped over insentient after I vainly attempted to read the
50 H EAST OF THE RIVER MAGAZINE
| SEPTEMBER 2012
‘One City Action Plan.’” Sundered: “That was utter fantasy. It nearly made me retch.” Tombraider: “I long for the days of chasing a mayor’s bicycle posse. At least that gave me a workout!” The Nose: “In Anthony Williams’ day, we had a mayor who really knew how to cannonball.” Holding their drinks in the air, his fellow members of the Fourth Estate, launched into a raucous, punk anthem (Think The Clash!): Gray campaign worker He wanna pay some cash He met a brown man in Union Station and handed it to him in a paper bag. Prosecutor conviction talk to the politicians of DC Here come indictments An’ they can’t afford to miss a word We’re so bored with Vincent Gray We’re so bored with Vincent Gray But what can We do? Fibbie investigators Always on the TV ‘Cos politicians in America Work seven days a week Here come the ribbon cuttings No straight talk Out come the glad hands It’s more political evasion We’re so bored with Vincent Gray We’re so bored with Vincent Gray But what can We do? Move up Machin For the FBI Not quite Kojak No Ken Cummins For the District “Who will rid me of this boring Mayor?” sighed DC’s scribblers collectively. And believe The Nose, Dear Readers, it was a cri de Coeur. Have a thought for The Nose? Email thenose@hillrag.com; or visit him at www.thenosedc.com. l