AUGUST 2021
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NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS 10
The Landscape of Health Care in Wards 7 and 8: What’s Here, What’s Needed and the Impact of the New Hospital by Elizabeth O’Gorek
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Give Us Ranked Choice Voting: The Old Man of Anacostia
INSERT FALL EDUCATION SPECIAL ISSUE
by Philip Pannell
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Bulletin Board
by Katheen Donner
EAST WASHINGTON LIFE 24
IN EVERY ISSUE
Celebrating 50 Years of the Washington Youth Garden by Rindy O’Brien. Photos by FONA
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Darren Be Scheming: Season 2; Episode 4
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What’s on Washington The Crossword The Classifieds
by Darren Thompson
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Changing Hands by Don Denton
ON THE COVER: Dr. Crysta Chatman, Medical Director at Unity Medical’s Parkside Health Center, cares for a patient. Courtesy: Unity Health
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WHAT’S ON W A S H I N G T O N
LIVE MUSIC RETURNS TO
THE NGA SCULPTURE The National Gallery closes GARDEN out the summer with outdoo r concerts in the Sculpture den. The series not only rev Garisits jazz, but offers the exp anded musical genres of ma and brass. Remaining con riachi certs are Thursdays, Aug. 12 (Baltimore Jazz Collective and 26 (US Army Brass--clas --jazz) sical, patriotic), and Sept. 9. (Flor de Toloache--mariac Concerts start at 6 p.m. (ga hi). tes at 5 p.m.). All concert-g oers over the age of two free pass for admission. Pas need a ses become available two weeks in advance of the con date. tickets.nga.gov/eve cert nts. Photo: Courtesy of the Nationa l Gallery of Art
EN VOGUE AT THE BIRCHMERE AND THE FILLMORE
OPERA IN THE OUTFIELD’S CINDERELLA After a three-year hiatus, this free community event on Saturday, Aug. 28, at 7 p.m. (rain or shine), allows fans to lounge in the outfield and watch an opera broadcast of Cinderella, Rossini’s charming take on the classic rags-to-riches story. The 5 p.m. pre-show family entertainment includes the broadcast of Mo Willems’s first opera, Elephant & Piggie present SLOPERA!: A Bite-Sized Opera. The evening’s activities will also include performances by local artists, photo opportunities, arts and crafts and chances to win prizes. Patrons wishing to sit on the outfield grass will receive a free wristband, which will be distributed near the Family Picnic Area (at sections 141–143) beginning at 5 p.m. Outfield grass will be firstcome, first-served. OperaintheOutfield.org. Deborah Nansteel as Tisbe, Paolo Bordogna as Don Magnifico, and Jacqueline Echols as Clorinda. Photo: Scott Suchman for WNO
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En Vogue is an American R&B/pop vocal group. Formed in Oakland, California, in 1989, En Vogue reached No. 2 on the US Hot 100 with the single “Hold On”, taken from their 1990 debut album Born to Sing. En Vogue has sold more than 30 million records worldwide to date, and is often considered one of the best female vocal groups of all time.[The group has won seven MTV Video Music Awards, three Soul Train Awards, two American Music Awards, and received seven Grammy nominations. At The Birchmere in Alexandria, Wednesday, Aug. 11, 7:30 p.m.; and at the Fillmore in Silver Spring, Friday, Aug. 13, 8 p.m. envoguemusic.com. En Vogue--Rhona Bennett, Cindy Herron-Braggs and Terry Ellis
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WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON
FLYING CIRCUS HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL On August 21 and 22, there are hot air balloon launches in the early morning, 6 to 9 a.m. and late afternoon, 6 to 8 p.m. Gates open at 6 a.m. and you’re invited to take a ride or just come out to see the balloons close-up. Festival admission is $10. Rides are $150 to $250 for the approximately one-hour ride. You negotiate directly with the balloon pilots. The Flying Circus Aerodrome is 14 miles SE of Warrenton and 22 miles NW of Fredericksburg, just off Route 17, at 5114 Ritchie Road (Route 644) in Bealeton, VA. (about 60 miles from DC). flyingcircusairshow.com. Balloons aloft in the early morning hours. Photo: Vern Wells
DC JAZZFEST AT THE WHARF TONI STONE AT ARENA History is filled with trailblazers and Toni Stone was one of them. Considered a pioneer, she was the first woman to play baseball in the Negro Leagues, also making her the first woman to play professionally in a men’s league in the 1950s. Against all odds, Stone shattered expectations and created her own set of rules in the male-dominated sports world. Based on Martha Ackmann’s book Curveball: The Remarkable Story of Toni Stone, award-winning playwright Lydia R. Diamond tells the story of Stone’s journey of perseverance and resilience just to do what she loved the most—play baseball. Arena Stage, Sept. 3 to Oct. 3. arenastage.org. Toni Stone will be simulcast at Nat’s Park on Sept. 26. Details tba.
The citywide 17th annual DC JazzFest will take place from September 1 to 5, with over 20 concerts, interviews and exclusive events featuring international superstars and homegrown talent. Their signature event, DC JazzFest at The Wharf takes place over Labor Day weekend. Festival experiences will include in-person and live stream performances, up-close-and-personal “Meet the Artist” conversations, and the DCJazzPrix international jazz band competition Finals live at Union Stage. Single day pass, $89 to $189. dcjazzfest.org.
OUTDOOR WELLNESS SERIES AT KENILWORTH PARK Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is offering the Kenilworth neighbors and the community at large the experience of outdoor wellness at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens with WELLderness, a free outdoor wellness series. Try for the first time or continue your practice of yoga, photography, tai chi, forest bathing, painting, dog pack walks, and live music through October 2021. Ward 7 and 8 residents are invited to pre-register and retreat across the street, before sessions open to all. The gardens are at 1900 Anacostia Ave. SE. Register at kenaqgardens.org/events. The East of the River Drum Band performs on Sept. 4, 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Photo: Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
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WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON
THE AMEN CORNER AT SHAKESPEARE From Sept. 14 to 26, James Baldwin’s The Amen Corner returns to Sidney Harman Hall, 610 F St. NW, to complete its original run cut short by the pandemic. In a 1950s storefront church in Harlem, Pastor Margaret rails at her congregation and her teenaged son for their vices. Surrounded by a choir of powerhouse singers belting songs of redemption, Margaret must face the music herself when memories of her own troubled past return. The Amen Corner premiered at Howard University in the 1950s. Tickets are $35 to $120. shakespearetheatre.org. Photo: Scott Suchman
UPENDING 1620: WHERE DO WE BEGIN Upending 1620: Where Do We Begin?, opening Aug. 6 at the National Museum of American History, is an exhibition that examines the early encounters between Wampanoag peoples and English colonists, and the important legacies of those encounters over the next 400 years. Those initial meetings became the subject of powerful yet changing myths, when later Americans reimagined the English Pilgrims as “founders” of the US nation. Exploring the evidence that upends these myths highlights Wampanoag experience and persistence through the centuries, and invites a fuller understanding of the colonists’ views and motivations as well. Objects on display include fragments of Plymouth Rock, a family chest used by a member of the Mayflower party, a 1998 Day of Mourning protest banner, a Wampanoag wood splint burden basket, and a handmade Narragansett drum. americanhistory.si.edu.
WOMEN BEHAVING BADLY: 400 YEARS OF POWER AND PROTEST MY FATHER, MY MARTYR, AND ME BY FARGO TBAKHI This electric and groundbreaking solo show-inpoetry weaves the autobiographies of the playwright, his father and RFK assassin Sirhan Sirhan to examine the criminality often automatically layered onto Palestinians, and ultimately begs the question: in the face of decades of colonization, erasure and fear, how can we love each other better. $50 to $68. The Mosaic Theater Company at the Atlas, 1333 H St. NE, Sept. 10 to Oct. 3. mosaictheater.org.
The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore, MD, has opened Women Behaving Badly: 400 Years of Power and Protest. The exhibition, on view through Dec. 19, 2021, links heroines of the past with modern trailblazers, celebrating women throughout history who broke rules, transgressed boundaries, and insisted upon recognition of their human rights. Approximately 75 prints, photographs, and books illustrate female power and courage over five centuries into the modern era when women were actively engaging to effect social change. Masks required. Get free passes at artbma.org.
Fargo Tbakhi. Photo: Lisa Maynard
DINNER UNDER THE STARS IN ANNAPOLIS The first block of West Street in the heart of downtown Annapolis is closed to traffic on Wednesday evenings in the summer, through Sept. 15, 5 to 10 p.m., and filled with tables reminiscent of the open-air cafes in France, Spain and Italy. Treat yourself to an evening with family and friends under a canopy of white lights while enjoying live music and art demonstrations. Reservations are strongly suggested at dinnerunderthestars.org/reservations. Photo: Inner West Street Association, Annapolis
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neighborhood news
The Landscape of Health Care in Wards 7 and 8
What’s Here, What’s Needed and the Impact of the New Hospital by Elizabeth O’Gorek
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dvisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 8C Chair Salim Adofo (8C07) hears all sorts of responses when he asks where his constituents get their health care. Some travel to Virginia or Maryland, or to the west side of the city. Others lack resources to pay for care, time to travel that distance, or simply don’t see the need for regular doctor visits at all. “Honestly, unfortunately there’s just some that are skipping healthcare altogether,” he said. While the 2017 Community Health Assessment Survey found there were enough providers in the District, it is estimated that 210,000 low-income residents who live in these underserved areas lack sufficient medical services. The health landscape in communities east of the Anacostia River is undergirded by a series of government-funded clinics that provide primary care, anchored by the troubled United Medical Center (UMC). Things are about to change. UMC is soon to be replaced by a $375 million full-service hospital at St. Elizabeth’s East that comes with two urgent care centers, one for each of wards 7 and 8. What does health care east of the river look like today? What are the holes in that
Dr. Crysta Chatman, Medical Director at Unity Medical’s Parkside Health Center, cares for a patient. Courtesy: Unity Health
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landscape of care? And how will the St. Elizabeth’s East Hospital project change what exists today?
Community Clinics
Much of the available primary care on the east side of DC is provided by community clinics, many funded by both the District and federal government in order to ensure access to care. These include federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) such as the Elaine Ellis Center of Health, Community of Hope and seven separate Unity Health Clinics.
Founded in 1984 to provide health care to the homeless, Unity is now the largest primary health agency in the District, serving 60 percent of the District’s FQHC clients and offering service ranging from regular checkups to dentistry and a nurse navigator who coordinates cancer services in collaboration with Sibley Memorial Hospital at their Parkside Health Center Unity Health Care President and CEO Vincent Keane said that Unity seeks to be a medical home for patients. “It’s our job to help improve the lives and health of the people,” he said, “and that’s not just done in the individual encounter with the doctor as a provider. It’s
kind of a complementary support service.” That coordination is critical, said Marc Berg, founder of Bluerock Care (3230 Pennsylvania Ave, SE), a senior-focused primary care clinic that opened in early April. “Currently, the fragmentation of medical, behavioral health and social is enormous from the patient perspective: the more different types of help a patient needs, the more the burden is on the patient to coordinate all that care,” Berg said. “That, of course, doesn’t work and is wrong, especially for seniors.”
Closure of UMC
Residents living in wards 7 and 8 have the highest levels of chronic disease in the District, including diabetes, hypertension and cancer. But while many of the community clinics can refer patients to specialist care, often through partnerships, few specialty services are in the area. Patients seeking dialysis or cancer treatment often must travel several hours by public transit to get to their appointments two or three miles away. For years, many depended on United Medical Center (UMC) for a wide variety of services, from obstetrics and infant delivery, surgery and dialysis to mammograms and diabetes care. Citing concerns with patient safety, the Department of Health shut down prenatal care and delivery services in April 2017. The hospital emergency room has provided many with their basic medical care. But between accusations of mismanagement and the pandemic, the hospital faced a steep decline in patient visits over the last year, leading to a decline in revenue. In May, DC Council refused to increase the cap on subsidies for the troubled hospital, triggering a fiscal management control board which could make additional cuts to services. Residents say that there is a need to augment these services now. They say urgent care facilities are needed across both wards to reduce the burden on emergency rooms. “We are in desperate need of more facilities for women to give birth—a birthing center would be great as well as primary care doctors’ offices,” said Commissioner Cydne Nash (7B04). “There are no hospitals East of the River where a woman can have a baby.” Services such as physical therapy, mental health support and addiction services are also sorely needed.
New Facilities on the Way
Concept Designs for the new hospital at St. Elizabeth’s were submitted to the US Commission on Fine Arts (CFA) July 9. UHS, Courtesy Office of Ward 7 Councilmember Vincent C. Gray (D)
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Some of those services are on the way. In May, ground was broken on the new Whitman Walker Health building at St. Elizabeth’s, which will house comprehensive primary care and a broad spectrum of services from radiology, psychotherapy to dental, nutrition and a pharmacy on the ground floor. Many additional needs will be addressed by the
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opening of the new hospital at St. Elizabeth’s (1100 Alabama Ave. SE), slated to open in late 2024. The $365 million project includes two urgent care centers, one for each ward, administered by United Health Care (UHC) who will also run the hospital together with George Washington University. In early July, concept designs were submitted to the US Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) for review. “With each of these milestones, we get closer to transforming our health care system and delivering a state-ofthe-art hospital that advances health equity and makes our community more resilient for the challenges that lie ahead,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser. The proposed hospital will also have a verified trauma center with 24/7 general and orthopedic surgical availability, community-based ambulatory care and a full range of specialty services, said Councilmember Vincent Gray (D), who has been working on the project for more than a decade. District officials said that the proposed trauma center can treat 89 percent of trauma cases that arise in Wards 7 and 8, and 85 percent of gunshot injuries. The hospital will also provide maternal care and newborn delivery services, with a Level 2 Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and a partnership with Children’s National Hospital. District officials said once the new hospital at St. Elizabeth’s is open to patients, the United Medical Center will close through the established DC Health regulatory process for closing inpatient facilities. “There’s things in the works, but they haven’t arrived yet, and there’s no guarantee that they will arrive,” said ANC 8C Chair Adofo. He said he wants to see the new hospital and urgent care facilities come online, but said they need to be accompanied by education on what the facilities offer and when to use them. Other residents are excited, but skeptical. Commissioner Nash said the new hospital is long overdue. “I just hope that the hospital can meet the needs of my neighbors,” she said. “Making a dent in health disparities takes more than just new medical fa-
cilities but it is definitely a move in the right direction.”
Just the Beginning
Councilmember Gray knows people still have difficulty believing the new hospital is finally going to be a reality. “There were days when I just thought this wasn’t going to happen,” he admitted. “But you have to demonstrate that you’ve got a plan to get this done, and that’s what we have done and what we continue to do.” The hospital is just the beginning, Gray said. He hopes it will be the cornerstone on which a whole new interconnected healthcare system will be built for residents on the east side of the city. “I think that councilmember Gray is pushing the need for a health infrastructure very hard,” Lane said, “and I support what it is that he’s doing.” Parts of that system are being championed already. The first urgent care clinic is set to open shortly in Ward 7. MBI Health has received certification from the DC Department of Health to open at 5140 Nanny Burroughs Ave, said MBI CEO Marie Morilus-Black. Gray is working with developers to bring specialty care services to Skyland Town Center. In January, At-Large Councilmember Christina Henderson introduced legislation requiring a feasibility study for a birthing center east of the Anacostia. Lane and the DC Health Alliance Network is organizing to get a full-service treatment center focused on opioid addiction located east of the river, where need is greatest. St. Elizabeth’s will be a community hospital, Gray said. He anticipates that it will continue to grow once initial construction is complete. “I can’t even say what, at the end of this, it will look like,” Gray said. “This is going to be a wonderful addition to life as we know it for people who live in Ward 7 and 8.” Follow progress on the new hospital at St. Elizabeth’s by visiting https:// dhcf.dc.gov/page/new-hospital-st-elizabeths-east. ◆
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Give Us Ranked Choice Voting The Old Man of Anacostia by Philip Pannell
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n 2000 and 2016 the Democratic presidential candidates who won the popular votes lost in the Electoral College and George Bush (the son) and Donald Trump became the presidents respectively. That has happened five times in United States presidential elections and since 1824 there has been a national debate about abolishing the Electoral College. At the local level, we in DC have witnessed candidates who have won with slim pluralities and with DC having no runoff elections they assumed office with no mandates. In 1994 then Ward 8 Councilmember Marion Barry was elected to a fourth term as mayor and the next year Ward 8 had a special election to fill his Council vacancy. There were 21 candidates in that 1995 special election, 11% of the voters turned out and the winning candidate prevailed by a margin of two votes. The next year in the regular election that incumbent Ward 8 Councilmember was defeated by the candidate who came in second in the previous year. Ward 8 has a history of multi-candidate elections and winners with small pluralities. In the 2011 special election for Ward 8 State Board of Education Member, there were nine candidates, 6% of the voters turned out and winning candidate received 33% of the votes cast. In the 2014 special election for Ward 8 State Board of Education Member, there were three candidates, 2.6% of the voters turned out and the winner received 48% of the votes cast. That incumbent was defeated in the 2016 regular election. In 2015 there was a special Ward 8 Council election to fill the vacancy left by Marion Barry’s death. There were 13 candidates, 14% of the voter turned out and the winner received 27% of the votes cast. That incumbent councilmember was defeated for reelection the next year by the second-place finisher in the 2015 special election. When candidates win with slim margins and without a majority of the votes, they have no mandates, the community does not unify behind them and the opposition to their reelections begin the day they are sworn in. Some community activists and leaders are not even interested in working with them or hoping that they do a good job for the people. They simply must be defeated because they
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won narrow victories. There are jurisdictions throughout the nation that mandate a runoff election be held when no candidates receive a majority of the votes cast. DC does not have runoff elections but recently At-large Councilmember Christina Henderson introduced legislation that will establish Rank Choice Voting (RCV), also known as Instant Runoff Voting. Rank Choice Voting allows voters to rank candidates by preference, so they can submit ballots that list not only their first-choice candidate, but also their second, third and so on. If a candidate does not win a majority (more than 50%) on the first count, then the candidate with the least votes is eliminated and that candidate’s ballots are redistributed to the second choice candidate. If a candidate still does not have a plurality of the vote, the next lowest candidate is eliminated and the second-choice candidates of these votes are calculated. This continues until a candidate wins over 50%. I highly commend her for introducing the legislation because it demonstrates what a deeply principled politician she is. Last year in the general election Ms. Henderson won 14.8% of the votes in a 24-candidate race, which qualified her for the second at-large council seat. Most politicians and elected officials would be satisfied and supportive of a process that helped them get over the hump. But not Christina Henderson. After the election, she said that she was uncomfortable with having won with such a small number of votes and that she would introduce Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) legislation. She is a woman of her word. Put her in the Smithsonian. I have been a supporter of RCV for over 20 years because not only does it guarantee that the winner of an election would receive a majority of the votes but it is a process that encourages minority candidates and injects civility in elections. When candidates are ranked by voters, the slogan that “every vote counts” takes on an even deeper concrete mathematical meaning. Also, if you are a candidate who wants to be a voter’s second choice, it helps if you not engage in negative campaigning. On June 22nd of this year in the primary elections,
New York City used Ranked Choice Voting for the first time and according to the pollsters the voters loved the process. The winner of the Democratic primary for mayor is Eric Adams, who if elected this November will be the second African American mayor of New York City. Councilmember Henderson’s RCV bill has been cosponsored by six of her Council colleagues and I hope and pray that the majority of the Councilmembers hang tough in their support of this needed progressive electoral reform. Realizing that outside of DC’s circle of political activists, few residents are familiar or even heard of RCV, I urge everyone to visit fairvote.org. Also, community organizations should place discussions of RCV on their meeting agendas. When New York City adopted RCV there was a massive public education campaign leading up to the election. The voters of DC deserve the same. Philip Pannell is a long time Ward 8 community activist. He can be contacted at philippannell@comcast.net. u
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Fort Dupont Ice Arena Reopens
Fort Dupont Ice Arena, 3779 Ely Pl. SE, has reopened for public skating. August hours are Saturdays and Sun days, 10 a.m. to noon, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., 3 to 5 p.m., and 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.; Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, 6 to 8 p.m. Adult admissio n is $5; kids, $4. Skate rental is $3. fdia.org.
Sign up to Host an AfterDark@THEARC Watch Party This year, THEARC hopes you’ll celebrate with them in a new way by signing up to host an AfterDark Watch Party. Hosts commit to gathering their family and friends— eight to ten people--the night of September 10 to celebrate and watch the virtual event. Hosts will receive an AfterDark@Home gift box to share with their guests. Sign up at interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E92754&id=20.
Plans for Three Pedestrian Bridges in Ward 7 Mayor Bowser and the District Department of Transportation have announced plans to improve pedestrian accessibility across DC295 in Ward 7. In the next three years, DDOT will build three bridges—the replacement for the Lane Place Bridge, the Parkside Bridge, and the Douglass Street Bridge—to improve connectivity and pedestrian access for residents in Mayfair, Parkside, Eastland Gardens and the surrounding communities of Deanwood and Minnesota Avenue. ddot.dc.gov.
Ground Broken on WhitmanWalker at St. Elizabeths East On July 15, Mayor Bowser broke ground on two major development projects: Whitman-Walker at St. Elizabeths East and Reunion Square, the first-ever Tax Increment Financing project in Ward 8. WhitmanWalker is the latest groundbreaking at the St. Elizabeths East Campus. It is a non-profit community health center with special ex18
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pertise in HIV/AIDS healthcare and LGBTQ healthcare. The new 118,000-square-foot center will build on the services currently provided at WhitmanWalker’s Max Robinson Center, 2301 Martin Luther King Jr Ave. SE, by providing primary, behavioral, and dental care, treatment for substance use disorders, and more. Mayor Bowser also broke ground at Reunion Square, the future site of 134 units of senior affordable housing, affordable retail and office space for Ward 8 businesses, a hotel, and the DC Health headquarters.
Skyland Workforce Center Volunteer Opportunities
If you would like to help participants and community members in the Skyland Computer Lab, work with job seekers to create or update their resumes, apply for a job online, write a cover letter, or reply to an email from an employer, reach out about volunteering at skylandworkforcecenter. org/get-involved.
Lime Discount Pricing in Wards 7 and 8
Lime, a leader in shared electric vehicles, has announced a new equity zone pricing initiative that will offer 15% discounts on all trips that start in Wards 7 and 8. Zone pricing enables Lime to provide significant discounts to riders who reside or work in historically disadvantaged communities without providing documentation to demonstrate
need, significantly reducing barriers to participation. All trips starting east of the Anacostia river receive an automatic 15% discount, and Lime will conduct an integrated marketing and outreach campaign to inform residents of the new pricing. li.me/en-us/home.
New Congress Heights Library to be Built
A new full-service library in Congress Heights will be built on Parcel 16 on the St. Elizabeths East campus. It will replace the existing Parklands-Turner Library. DC Public Library will begin due diligence on the site and community outreach as early as this fall. Design work is expected to start in October 2022 and construction is scheduled to start in January 2025. The new library is expected to open in late 2026/early 2027.
Black Lives Matter Plaza to Become Permanent
Construction to make Black Lives Matter Plaza a permanent installation has begun and is expected to conclude by Oct. 1, 2021. During construction, DDOT will close all northbound and southbound travel lanes to vehicular traffic on 16th Street NW between H and K. The lane closures are necessary to install roadway pavers, bollards, and the
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years or older who have fallen behind on insurance and tax payments as a result of their reverse mortgage. Qualified District homeowners can receive up to
DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees. DC4ME is offered to current full-time District government employees, including employees of District government-based instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower's employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia.
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Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Monthly Photography Contest ens offers a monthly
which school is attended. Youth who receive their first dose will receive a $51 VISA gift card. Additionally, the first 400 youth to get vaccinated at each site will have the option to forgo their gift card and instead receive a pair of AirPods. The AirPods will be available to District youth ages 12 to 17 as well as students ages 18 to 21 and currently enrolled in a DC school seeking a high school diploma. The incentives are only for youth who receive the highly recommended COVID-19 vaccine. vaccinate.dc.gov.
Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gard images captured photography contest to celebrate the best photographers--novat the park. The competition challenges capture the natuand ices to pros--to experience, explore, marshes, nature tidal s, pond ral beauty of their lily and lotus d each month, roun est cont new a is re The trails, and wildlife. unced each month so come back often. New winners are anno wsletter. You’ll e-ne and and featured on their social media th’s winner. mon that as en chos also receive a gift if you are ts. /even .org dens qgar Read more at kena
Black Flute Premieres at the Sylvan Theater
On Wednesday, Aug. 18, at 8 p.m., pack a blanket, some chairs, and a picnic dinner, and join IN SERIES at the National Sylvan Theater on the grounds of the Washington Monument for the premiere screening of BLACK FLUTE. Mozart’s magical and transformational MAGIC FLUTE comes to life filmed in Washington DC’s iconic neighborhoods. A luminous version by local playwright Sybil Williams and librettist Jarrod Lee puts new words to unforgettable music crying out that black life matters and exploring what it is to be young, black, and gifted in opera today. Get free tickets at eventbrite.com/e/black-flutepremiere-tickets-165397346917.
open to all ages, weekly programming will rotate through adult, teen, and children/family-centered events. dclibrary. org/capitolview.
Anacostia High School Vaccination Site Remains Open
While the vaccine sites at the RISE Demonstration Center and Ron Brown High School have closed, Anacostia High School remains open for walk-up vaccinations. The new days and hours at Anacostia High School, 1601 16th St. SE, are Tuesday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. taketheshotdc.com.
Free French Films in DC Parks
Films on the Green DC 2021 is a free outdoor summer film festival produced by the Cultural Services at the French Embassy in partnership with the National Gallery of Art. From Parisian avenues to the vineyards of southern France, the festival offers a selection of classic and contemporary French films. Here’s the remaining lineup: Aug. 21, Summer Hours, directed by Olivier Assayas, at Maison Française at the French Embassy; Sept. 4, I am Not Your Negro, directed by Raoul Peck, at Anacostia Park;
Poets and Poetry at Bellevue Library
Bob Marley said, “The greatness of man is not how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.” On Thursday, Aug. 12, 1 p.m., come to Bellevue Library, 115 Atlantic St. SW, and join your neighbors and share your poems and poetry. dclibrary.org/bellevue.
Kennard. This stunning photo The first winner for 2021: Christina worth Aquatic Gardens. Kenil at lotus the of a captures the dram
permanent Black Lives Matter mural. Once completed, the permanent installation will protect pedestrian safety while accommodating vehicles and keeping with the spirit of the original mural design. Construction will occur from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekdays and local access to businesses will be maintained; however, through access will remain closed. Sidewalks will remain open to pedestrian traffic. ddot.dc.gov.
Incentives for DC Youth Who Get Vaccinated Against COVID-19
Through Sept. 30, on-site prizes will be available to youth and their parents at three DC Public Schools: Brookland Middle School, Sousa Middle School, and Johnson Middle School. Prizes can be claimed at these sites regardless of 20
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Frederick Douglass National Historic Site Grounds Reopen
The Grounds of the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site are now open to the public Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Visitor Center and historic home remain closed. The park presently offers a short orientation talk by park staff from the porch of the Douglass Home; a new cell phone tour; Junior Ranger program for kids and youth, panoramic views of DC from the historic grounds and an ADA accessible restroom. nps.gov/frdo.
Summer At Capitol View Library
Throughout the summer, join library staff every Thursday at 4 p.m. outside and in front of Capitol View library for fun activities, programming, library resources and more. While all of their outdoor activities are
Working in DC Celebrates Labor While Reimagining Theatre
This Labor Day, Working in DC will host a public celebration of the dignity of work through the lens of history, labor, justice, and the arts. Presented in collaboration with The Labor Heritage Foundation and hosted by the AFL-CIO, the performances will take place outdoors on Black Lives Matter Plaza in DC. The headliner event of this three-weekend-long celebration is Working, A Musical--a joyful musical highlighting workers in America--based on the literature of Studs Terkel with music by some of Broadway’s bestknown composers (Stephen Schwartz, Micki Grant, LinManuel Miranda). Read more and secure free performance tickets at workingindc.org.
and Sept. 23, Autumn Tale, directed by Eric Rohmer, at National Gallery of Art. Screenings start at sunset. Bring your own chair or blanket. There is mandatory registration for the screenings. Visit frenchculture.org/events/13412-films-green-dc for tickets and information.
Jazz Night in DC
Jazz Night in DC (formerly Jazz Night in Southwest) has returned. It is every Friday, 6 to 9 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I St. SW (Fourth and I St., south side of intersection). Here’s the August lineup: July 30, Legendary D.C. Jazz; Aug. 6, Janine Sings!; Aug. 13, Elijah Jamal Balbed Quartet; Aug. 20 Thad’s Birthday Bash; Aug. 27, Vince Evans Quartet. $10 cover, cash or credit. Children are welcome and free under 16. Reasonably priced meals offered. westminsterdc.org.
LOC Grants for Research within Diverse Communities
The Library of Congress is offering a new series of grants to individuals and organizations working to document cultures and traditions of Black, Indigenous, and communities of color traditionally underrepresented in the United States. The Community Collections grants from the Library’s American Folklife Center will enable many to document their cultural life and experiences from their own perspectives, while enriching the Library’s holdings with diverse materials featuring creativity and knowledge found at the local level. The funding opportunities are open for applications through Sept. 7. For more information and details on how to apply, visit blogs. loc.gov/OfThePeople.
ENTRY-LEVEL POSITION IN THE ROOFING INDUSTRY JOIN OUR TEAM
FONA Announces Fall 5K
On Saturday, Oct. 9, there will be a 5K run through the grounds of the National Arboretum. Take in the autumn colors and enjoy the brisk fall air as you wind your way throughout the Arboretum, ending at the Capitol Columns. Tickets are $30 and includes a complimentary neck gaiter designed for this event. There’s also a virtual 5K option so you can participate from wherever you are in the country. Sign up at fona.org.
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* Render support in the Installation * Prepare the roofs for the application of new roofing materials. of roofing systems. * Responsible for utilizing, holding, * Responsible for taking down materials and tools from work trucks and unroll or supplying materials or tools roofing as directed. during projects. * Set up safety-related equipment to * Take out old roofing materials. protect the project site. * Clean work area and equipment, set ladders, scaffolds, and hoists in place for Please send your resume to taking supplies to roofs.
Jobs@LPRoof ingllc.com
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Lysol recently partnered with DC artist Aniekan Udofia to create an evocative mural at 3925 Minnesota Ave. NE, designed to promote vaccine education and resonate with the surrounding community.
Night Market SW Remaining Dates
Market SW, the beloved night market at Southwest Waterfront once again provides a splash of culture, shopping, entertainment, food and beverage, and some outdoor community engaged fun to the corner of Fourth and M Streets SW. The market continues every other Friday, 4 to 10 p.m. Remaining dates are Aug. 20; Sept. 3 and 17; Oct. 1 and 15. The night market is directly across the street from Waterfront Station Metro and near Arena Stage. marketswdc.com.
No-Cost Green Training & Certification for DC Businesses, Residents
The DC Sustainable Energy Utility has re-launched a training and certification program designed to help make DC Certified Business Enterprises (CBEs), CBE-eligible firms, and their employees more competitive in the green economy. The Train Green Sustainable Energy Infrastructure Capacity Building and Pipeline Program is a training, credentialing, and certification program designed to assist CBEs and CBE-eligible firms in acquiring new or enhanced skills
and knowledge around energy efficiency and renewable energy design, construction, inspection, and maintenance. DC residents and staff of CBE or CBE-eligible firms interested in pursuing Train Green training opportunities can find out more and pre-register for courses at dcseu.com/TrainGreen or call 202-4792222 for more information.
New Parking Permit System Launched
DDOT has launched ParkDC Permits, a new, centralized system for DC residents in Residential Permit Parking (RPP) Zones and their visitors to manage visitor, temporary, home health aide, and contractor parking permits via a single online portal. Residents and their visitors can use the portal to set up their ParkDC Permits accounts and to issue and receive permits to legally park in RPP zones. ParkDC Permits combines the Annual Visitor Parking Pass and Temporary (15 day) Parking Permits. The new system allows unlimited use by one visitor at a time and additional permits when a resident has two or more visitors. Residents in RPP Zones across all eight wards will have access to the system
SIGN UP FOR YOUR FREE SMALL BUSINESS WORKSHOP TODAY For existing and aspiring District businesses - the Small Business Resource Center is here for you!
and visitor parking privileges. Visitors, contractors, and home health aides are required to display printed parking permits prominently on the dashboard of vehicles. Permits can be printed at home, at DC Public Library branches, or at kiosks located at Metropolitan Police Department precincts. The 2020 Annual Visitor Parking Passes will remain valid until Sept. 30, 2021. The online portal is at ddot.myparkinginfo.com/cws.
Amnesty for Drivers with Outstanding Tickets
Through Sept. 30, 2021, there is an amnesty program to give DC and non-DC drivers the opportunity to pay outstanding tickets. During this time, the penalties drivers incurred on tickets will be waived. Eligible tickets are parking, photo enforcement (including speed, red-light and stop-sign cameras) and minor moving violations issued by law enforcement. At the end of the amnesty period, all penalties will be added back on all tickets. ticketamnesty.dc.gov.
DC’s COVID-19 Hotline
District residents who are homebound due to COVID-19 can request support from the District for food and other essential items. Call 1-888-349-8323 or visit coronavirus.dc.gov/gethelp.
WEBINAR: LEARN HOW TO BECOME A CERTIFIED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (CBE)
SBRC ONE-ON-ONE CALL SESSION: STEPS TO OBTAINING A BUSINESS LICENSE
Wednesday, August 11, 2021 10:00 am Register: dcrasbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/52848
Monday – Friday By appointment between 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Register: dcrasbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events
WEBINAR: NAVIGATING GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING WITH DC PROCUREMENT AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER (DCPTAC)
SBRC ONE-ON-ONE CALL SESSION: “TALK BUSINESS AFTER HOURS”
Thursday, August 12, 2021 10:00 am Register: dcrasbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/51611
Wednesday By appointment between 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Register: dcrasbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events
Correction
In our July story “Could There Be COVID Outbreaks in Unvaccinated Communities?” a quote on page 18 was misattributed to Ambrose Lane of the Black Coalition Against COVID. In the paragraph, the second quotation was misattributed to Lane rather than to Nate Ward, who made the statement: On another street, 51-yearold Marine veteran Nate Ward told Fauci and Bowser that he was skeptical of the pandemic and the vaccine. He said the vaccine had been developed too quickly to be safe. “They’ve been working on the groundwork for this vaccine for twenty years,” Dr. Fauci told him. “It’s too quick, it’s too quick,” Ward interrupted. East of the River Magazine has extended an apology to Mr. Lane. We regret the error. ◆
Small Business Resource Center (202) 442-4538 | dcra@dc.gov
METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT
HOMICIDE VICTIM
DESCRIPTION OF INCIDENT
VICTIM’S NAME
Charnice Milton
LOCATION
2700 block of Good Hope Road, SE DATE/TIME
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Up to $25,000 Reward
9:40 PM
On Wednesday, May 27, 2015, at approximately 9:40 pm, Ms. Charnice Milton was shot and killed in the 2700 block of Good Hope Road, SE. The Metropolitan Police Department seeks the public’s assistance in gathering information regarding this homicide.
CONTACT
Detective Chanel Howard (202) 437-0451 Detective Robert Cephas (202) 497-4734 Homicide Branch (202) 645-9600
(cell) (cell) (main)
H O W TO H E L P O U R I N V E S T I G AT I O N
This case is being investigated by the Department’s Homicide Branch. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the detective(s) listed above or the Command Information Center (CIC) at (202) 727-9099. Anonymous information may also be forwarded to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411.
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Celebrating 50 Years of the Washington Youth Garden
T
he Washington Youth Garden, a project of the Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA), turns 50 years old this summer. The founders would be so proud of how this program has grown and the amazing impact it has had on generations of DC young people. Today the garden provides fresh produce to area farmers markets, trains teachers in professional development of gardening curriculum, and most important of all, it introduces hundreds of children to soil, worms, and all things vegetable.
by Rindy O’Brien. Photos by FONA
and, after a few howls of concern at what The one-acre Washington Youth Garden they were asked to do, the children put is part of the US National Arboretum and their hands into the soil, finding worms a program of the Friends of the National and other bugs. The program at the beArboretum, a non-profit that supports the work of the federal arboretum. ginning was not integrated into the local schools’ curriculum. It was seen as an after-school activity. Over the years, the program increased the number of students participating but was limited by the budget and city funding for staff. In 1995, the city ended its Garden Council and the Friends of the National Arboretum incorporated the youth garden into its mission. 1995 was the same year that chef and activist Alice Waters launched The Edible Schoolyard Project in The History Berkeley, California. Teaching children The Washington Youth Garden began about eating healthy, organic gardens, in 1971 as the Washington Youth Garand getting children out in nature was den Council, a city project. The Nacatching fire everywhere. Waters made tional Capital Area Garden Clubs were a visit to the WYG and was delighted instrumental in joining with the DC Deby the success partment of Recreation to start a garden of the garden club for third to fifth graders in local elbeing operated ementary schools. Two years later, the at a renowned began working in neighboring elementary schools school programs’ gardening class to come to the Arboclub members broke ground at the Ararboretum. during the academic school year. There was some reretum and actually see what they have been learning in boretum. For many children, it was their By 2000, sistance and every effort didn’t take hold. But it was the classroom. The children learn that the Youth Garfirst introduction to how food is grown, the WYG staff an immediate success in some of the schools and evenden’s one acre demonstration garden is large enough tually led to schools putting in raised garden beds on to produce 4,000 pounds of food. The food is disschool property so more students had the opportunitributed to local organizations and farmers’ markets. ty to watch the garden grow. In 2010, DC passed the Healthy Schools Act. In 2021, The United States Botanic Garden, the Among other things, the Act promotes farm to school, Office of the State Superintendent of Education, and locally grown, and sustainable agriculture practices City Blossoms released “Growing Strong: A Comprein public and charter schools, even providing some hensive Guide to Support all School Garden Programs much-needed funding for the programs. in the District.” The guide helps teachers, community Over the past decade, the WYG has become a organizations, school administrators and even parents leader on the school garden scene. For example, this adopt strategies to bring gardening to DC students. year it has started a Summer Institute offering a proThe Washington Youth Garden has pivoted from fessional development opportunity to teachers. Sixengaging with small groups of students to bringing ty teachers representing 20-30 schools will be parthe garden experience to greater numbers of children ticipating. They will get tips on coordinating garden through a program launched in 2002 called Sprout programs and maintenance of gardens, curriculum inField Trips. It’s a one-day field trip where students tegration, will be introduced to the many resources Originally an afterschool club, for 50 years, the Washington Youth are exposed to all the steps of gardening through inavailable to them in our DC region to help make their Garden has been a place where children can learn to garden and how food is grown. novative and fun activities. It is often a highlight of a programs even more successful. 24
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EARLY CARE AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM Ages 6 weeks to 12 Years Old Monday - Friday | 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM
OUR PROGRAM OFFERS • Developmentally Appropriate Programs • Toilet Training
Over the years the Washington Youth Garden has added structures to the garden like this canopied work space. It allows for kitchen demonstrations and space to work, like picking out seeds from dried plants for the next season.
Also this summer, 10 high school or college students will be part of the farm crew, a paid six-week summer internships. The program began in 2013 and the interns are Green Ambassadors for the program. Takal Banks is a student at McKinley Technology High School in DC and signed up for the summer program because he wants to learn more about where his food comes from. Participating in the program was his first visit to the National Arboretum and he says the size of the garden and the Arboretum were a real surprise to him. He had no idea it was so big. He will rotate jobs every week getting to experience the wide variety of tasks required to make a garden grow. Many interns return for a couple of summers because they enjoy the program so much.
Volunteers and Donors
For 50 years, the program has turned to good hearted gardeners to volunteer in the garden. Of course last year, no volunteers were able to get out to the space, but as of mid-June, volunteers are returning. Capitol Hill resident Leanna Fenske is delighted to be back. Leanna and her family have been enjoying the Arboretum for years, and when she worked on her Master Gardening certification, she was encouraged by others in her class to fulfill her volunteer requirement with the WYG. “There are many
• Certified Educators • Education Field Trips • Income-Based Tuition • Summer Camp
different jobs to do at the garden, so volunteers can match their skills and energy level to the job,” says Leanna. Being a former teacher herself, she enjoys interacting with the children, watching them exploring worms, butterflys and other natural wonders. Chatting with other volunteers is also a great benefit to being a volunteer, and Leanna says time flies when you are weeding alongside your friends. She highly encourages people interested in gardening to check out the FONA website to get more information on getting started. In addition to volunteering, the youth garden is always looking for financial donors and partnerships to keep the program thriving. If you are someone who likes to see tangible results of your contribution, there couldn’t be a better place to give. Contributions to the garden are tax-deductible. For 50 years, the Washington Youth Garden has been a leader in children’s outdoor education. Sometime this summer, do yourself a favor. Take an afternoon out for a visit to the garden and delight in the herbs, vegetables and garden artwork. Celebrate the success of hundreds of hours of gardening by local children and their adult friends and mentors. Rindy O’Brien congratulations all involved with the WYG, and wishes it another 50 years. To contact Rindy, rindyobrien@gmail.com ◆
LOCATIONS: MINNESOTA 4021 Minnesota Ave., NE 202.397.1170 ANTIOCH 1105 50th St., NE 202.397.8754 GOOD HOPE ROAD 2503 Good Hope Rd., SE 202.582.0323
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Season 2; Episode 4
Darren Be Scheming
by Darren Thompson
D
id you know that most Americans don’t have the recommended $3,000 emergency savings to cover unexpected expenses? Luckily, you all have been scheming with me for a while now, so I know you would never get caught slacking in that way. And if you are one of my t-mobile/sprint readers, I am also sure you are using the T-Mobile Money 1% interest checking account to house that $3,000 emergency savings, which would pay out $30/year or $2.50/month. Now, if you are anything like me, you have been checking your account every month wondering how to get that legendary 4% interest. Well, ladies and gentleman, have I got a scheme for you. (For my long time subscribers, you may remember that T-mobile money supposedly offers 4% interest on your first $3,000 if you qualify). If you are a T-Mobile/Sprint customer, with $3,000 and would like that extra $7.50 per month, you have to make 10 qualifying transactions each month. “But Darren, with inflation and ‘credit card minimums’, there is no way to make 10 transactions for less than $7.50, so that is pointless.” Ohhh schemer of little faith, you know I’m out here scheming for the community! Ok, so check this out. As the Executive Director of the East River Dog Park group, I have worked with PayPal on accepting Micro Payments. Now, we can accept payment for our services of as small as 20 cents. So, feel free to search PayPal for “East River Dog Park Group” then send us 20 cent, ten times. It’s a win-win, you pay $2, we get $1, you get $7.50 (a total profit of $5.50) for 10 minutes of
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your time. (If you are reading online, this link works as well https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_ id=3LAJAEM8UVMH6) “Darren, what am I supposed to do with all these riches of five extra dollars each month?” Oh my God, you’re right…you are definitely going to be a big baller and need to protect these assets. I would suggest getting security cameras for your home, specifically something with some storage to foil any would be criminals. In fact, DC residents can get up to $500 reimbursed for having cameras installed on their property, and that amount actually covers a lot of decent security camera systems. There are very specific details about what types of cameras are acceptable, but if you go to the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants Webpage, it will list everything that your camera needs to be eligible for a rebate. As Wu-Tang would say, “protect ya neck.” “Darren, why we always have to go through this, you know I’m broke bruh!” Yes, yes, of course. There is a voucher program available for this program as well, but it is all over the place. Some poor people are eligible, but not all, some old people are eligible, but some aren’t. Super confusing, but luckily, the elders can contact the DC Office on Aging and have a second resource for camera eligibility; always use every resource available. “Darren, that is great for protecting my house, but what about when I’m out in the world…gallivanting about?” Hmmmm, well, if you gallivant like me, you’re probably riding your bike to your favorite watering hole (or in the case of Ward 7, Sala Thai, the only watering hole)
and well, you gotta protect that bike. While DC no longer requires mandatory bicycle registration, you can still register your bike through Project 529 (project529.com). While this doesn’t really protect your bike from getting stolen, it will ensure you get your bike back if it is every actually recovered. Also, if you are a Veteran of the Armed Forces that does not have a bike, please remember that the District will provide a free annual membership to Capitol Bike Share…so there’s that. “Darren, ain’t nobody biking around here, what about us?” I mean, I just helped you earn $7 a month, so, just get renters insurance and hope for the best I guess. Stay scheming, my friends. Note 1: Some of these schemes might feel illegal, but if followed according to the steps listed, they are not. But always consult with appropriate legal council if there is any concern. Note 2: Schemes are not scams. I am not trying to make money off you. In fact, I’m legit trying to save you money, maybe, if you ain’t scared. If you see me out in these streets, I will always accept an order of Crispy Chicken Basil from Thai Orchid Darren Thompson is a lifelong border hopper of Ward 7 and PG County, MD. His highest academic achievement to date is winning the Kimball Elementary School 1993 Spelling Bee and he’s been chasing that high ever since. You can watch his comedic pursuits with The Cookout Collective Presents: “Enigma” and Washington Improv Theater’s “Hold Up, Book Club” on YouTube and FBLive. u
ADVERTISE WITEHR! EAST OF THE RIV Call Kira Means at 202.400.3508 Or email: kira@hillrag.com
THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) SOLICITATION NO.: 0012-2021 ELEVATOR PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR SERVICE DISTRICT of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) requires Elevator Preventive Maintenance and Repair Services at the various DCHA properties. SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS will be available beginning Monday, August 2, 2021 on DCHA’s website at www.dchousing.org under “Business” and “Solicitations”. SEALED PROPOSAL RESPONSES ARE DUE ON OR BEFORE Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at 11:00 AM. Email Lolita Washington, Contract Specialist at lwashing@dchousing.org with copy to business@dchousing.org for additional information.
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Changing Hands Changing hands is a list of most residential sales in the District of Columbia from the previous month. A feature of every issue, this list,based on the MRIs, is provided courtesy of Don Denton, manager of the Coldwell Banker office on Capitol Hill. The list includes address, sales price and number of bedrooms.
NEIGHBORHOOD PRICE BR FEE SIMPLE
EASTLAND GARDENS 4004 Meade St NE 4246 Lane Pl NE
$686,100 $592,000
ANACOSTIA FORT DUPONT PARK 2512 High St SE 1432 Ridge Pl SE 2302 NE Nicholson St SE 1238 U St SE
$633,874 $469,000 $425,000 $404,000
BARRY FARMS 1343 Talbert Ter SE 2641 Bowen Rd SE #B
$500,000 $400,000
CONGRESS HEIGHTS 435 Woodcrest Dr SE 101 Forrester St SW 217 Atlantic St SE 1101 SE Wahler Pl SE 161 Forrester St SW 766 Congress St SE 1130 Barnaby Ter SE 95 Brandywine Pl SW 317 Atlantic St SE
$532,000 $510,000 $475,000 $460,000 $440,000 $425,000 $415,000 $301,000 $290,000
4 3 4 2 3 4 3 4 4 4 4 3 3 2 2
4560 C St SE 632 Chaplin St SE 1211 46th St SE 1807 41st Pl SE 1311 45th Pl SE 4220 Fort Dupont Ter SE 3907 S St SE 4321 C St SE 4336 G St SE 4245 Fort Dupont Ter SE 409 Burbank St SE
$740,000 $539,500 $532,000 $490,000 $480,000 $475,000 $467,500 $450,000 $424,000 $341,000 $285,000
HILL CREST 3414 Nash Pl SE 3540 Texas Ave SE 2017 31st Pl SE 2627 32nd St SE 2701 Branch Ave SE
$702,500 $630,000 $599,000 $575,000 $413,000
HILL EAST DEANWOOD 919 45th Pl NE 805 44th St NE 5116 Sheriff Rd NE 4119 Gault Pl NE 5806 Field Pl NE 705 57th Pl NE 5118 Just St NE 4940 Just St NE 916 45th Pl NE 526 56th St NE 5354 Hayes St NE 804 51st St NE 342 55th St NE 518 59th St NE 828 50th Pl NE 4800 Hayes St NE 624 58th St NE 730 50th St NE 4626 A St SE
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$649,000 $575,000 $570,000 $549,900 $525,000 $460,000 $440,000 $440,000 $431,204 $420,000 $415,000 $406,000 $405,000 $375,000 $360,000 $345,000 $341,000 $278,000 $260,000
5 4 3 3 2 4 3 3 2 3 4 3 3 3 2 3 2 2 2
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1736 Bay St SE $1,351,000 519 Tennessee Ave NE $1,052,500 128 16th St NE $900,000 525 Tennessee Ave NE $875,000 1826 Potomac Ave SE $730,000 721 16th St NE $715,000
KINGMAN PARK 1600 F St NE 1651 Kramer St NE 1631 F St NE 524 Oklahoma Ave NE 1653 Rosedale St NE 2011 Gales St NE 2035 Gales St NE
$790,000 $759,000 $753,000 $719,000 $650,000 $624,900 $610,000
LILY PONDS 213 33rd St NE 4245 Meade St NE 3385 Blaine St NE 408 36th St NE
$500,000 $480,000 $459,000 $270,000
4 5 6 3 3 5 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 5 4 4 2 3 4 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 4 3 3 2 2 2 3 3 2
MARSHALL HEIGHTS 5303 D St SE 5527 Central Ave SE 4706 Bass Pl SE
$470,000 $395,000 $357,000
RANDLE HEIGHTS 2437 Skyland Pl SE 2481 Alabama Ave SE
$495,000 $430,000
4 2 2
3414 21st St SE 1722 Frankford St SE 1938 Savannah Pl SE 2807 Buena Vista Ter SE
$425,000 $387,755 $371,000 $325,000
RIVER TERRACE 3 3
3 3 3 5
258 33rd St NE $520,000 3
CONDO CAPITOL RIVERFRONT 1211 Van St SE #1311 1211 Van St SE #708 1211 Van St SE #518 1211 Van St SE #315
$799,900 $796,900 $749,900 $569,900
2 2 2 1
320 61st St NE #B2 $287,000 4929 Foote St NE #12 $197,000 4210 Benning Rd NE #3 $165,000
3 2 2
DEANWOOD
FAIRFAX VILLAGE
3905 Pennsylvania Ave SE #101$190,000 2 2055 38th St SE #202 $189,000 2 2055 38th St SE #102 $101,000 2
FORT DUPONT PARK 4469 B St SE #304
$277,900
2
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HILL EAST
1603 North Carolina Ave NE #5$414,900 1 41 14th St NE #41 $396,000 1
KINGMAN PARK 216 21st St NE #3
$437,647
MARSHALL HEIGHTS 4945 C St SE #7 5208 F St SE #1
RANDLE HEIGHTS 1620 29th St SE #303
ROSEDALE
2009 E St NE #4 2009 E St NE #3
2
$399,999 $214,500
4 2
$300,000
2
$725,000 $715,000
2 2
4274 E Capitol St NE #102$155,000 ◆
NO added sugar, additives, coloring or preservatives
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Improve your communication and leadership skills, while we enjoy some much-needed social connection.
Meetings are the 1st and 3rd Monday’s of the month (holidays tbd) • 7-8:00 PM http://611.toastmastersclubs.org For more info contact: Harold Blackford vppr-611@toastmastersclubs.org
Candace A. Ashley, DVM
Serving the East of the River community for over 40 years! 2210 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, SE
202.889.8900 I doctorashleydvm.com
E AST
OF THE
R IVER M AGAZINE
A UGUST 2021
29
www.themecrosswords.com • www.mylesmellorconcepts.com
XWORD “Songs”
by Myles Mellor Across: 1. Sight in the Seine 4. Tune player 8. Macaroni or manicotti 13. Swears 18. Foot bones 21. It’s a knockout 22. Knobby 23. LFMA song 25. Alicia Keys hit 26. Last word in the name of a WW I German warship 27. Mrs. sheep 28. Historic Scott 29. Emanations 34. Cherubini opera 38. Much ____ About Nothing 40. Art and poetry enthusiasts 44. Fall times, abbr. 45. Get cold drinks here 49. Baseball stat 50. Smooth 51. Careful review 53. Prior to, for a bard 54. Ball carriers 55. Software buyer, usually 57. County of Ireland 59. Kind of iron 61. Gabriel, for one 62. Message starter 64. Fountain drinks 65. Biblical mount 67. Eyepieces 71. High gymnastic score 72. Beatles song 76. Middle-eastern kingdom 77. Managed to get out 78. Nobelist Bohr 79. Guitar stroke 81. Cardinal number ending 82. Something to lend or bend 85. Put out the first card 86. A stratum of earth
88. Plants with showy flower clusters 91. ‘’That’s what I think,’’ in e-mail 94. French summer 95. Incorrect 98. Rhythmic singing 100. Letter run 101. Ridges 103. Blistex or Carmex 104. Photographer retreats 106. “Deep Space Nine” character 107. Lift 109. Quickly, mailwise 110. “___ fair in love and war” 113. __-fangled 115. Curve 119. Pharrell Williams hit 121. Stevie B hit 129. Sharpened 130. Pickle preserver 131. Desperate Housewives’ action 132. Banquets 133. Raise trivial objections 134. “Dutch Interior” painter 135. Survive
Down: 1. Little devils 2. ___ of faith 3. Raison d’ ___ 4. Van or san followers 5. Stroke goal 6. Palmas de ___ (journalist award) 7. U.S. Army medal 8. Actress Cruz 9. Court fig. 10. Movie theatre sound 11. Usually requires a driver 12. The law has a long one 13. __ Arbor, MI. 14. Kind of doll 15. Whiff 16. Draw to a close 17. Husky load
Look for this months answers at labyrinthgameshop.com 19. Corroded 20. Mamie’s man 24. Miracle response 30. Sounds of hesitation 31. Consign 32. “Got two fives for ___?” 33. Apples’ center components 35. Bakery artist 36. Magellan or Bering (Abbr.) 37. Tempe inst. 38. Healthy berry 39. Guys’ partners 40. Itinerary abbr. 41. Dwindle 42. Cheer starter 43. Gull-like bird 46. Openings 47. You run one 48. “Four Christmases” actress Witherspoon
52. Vail trail 56. Buttinsky 58. Disney character 59. Chopin and Alicia Keys’ instruments 60. Holiday, as one 62. Bug out 63. Former Rockets’ giant 65. Cleaned 66. Thing referred to 68. LeBron James’s team, on the sports ticker 69. Milk dispenser 70. Country in the Indian Ocean 72. Attribute 73. U.N. Day mo. 74. “Gotcha!” 75. Laugh syllable 76. White-collared thrush, var. 80. Pursued
FIND YOUR FUN THIS SUMMER! n #FindFu
We have games and puzzles for everyone!
Tuesday - Friday – 11am to 8pm Saturday & Sunday – 10am to 7pm
645 Pennsylvania Ave SE (Steps from Eastern Market Metro)
30
EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
• Educational, board and party games • LEGO and other building toys
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202-544-1059 • labyrinthdc.com
83. Opening run 84. Kind of center 87. In that case 88. Farewell, to Caesar 89. A Boston and Cambridge college 90. ___ a one 91. Labor group, for short 92. “Delicious!” 93. Switch settings 96. Pellet gun ammo 97. Banquet 99. Three-fold 102. Aretha’s forte 105. Spherical 108. Article in France-Soir 110. Interruption 111. Stow, as cargo 112. Org. for Nancy Lopez 114. Like a bairn 116. Bronte’s Jane 117. Secluded corner 118. Hornswoggle 120. Drapers’ meas. 121. British media company 122. Victorian, for one 123. Early second-century date 124. DiFranco of folk rock 125. “I think, therefore __ __” Descartes 126. Year in Nero’s reign 127. “___ the ramparts ...” 128. Letters on a brandy bottle
AIR & HEATING
ELECTRICIAN
To place a classified in East of the River, please call Carolina at Capital Community News, Inc. 202.543.3503 or email Carolina@hillrag.com
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