ANC, SWNA Ask For Answers Both the S.W. Advisory Neighborhood Commission and the Southwest Neighborhood Assembly have asked Director of Planning Andrew Altman for information on major planning projects underway in S.W. In a letter printed on p.3 of this issue, the SWNA Board asks to meet with Altman on plans for reopening 4th St. through Waterside Mall. The ANC at its March meeting voted to ask Altman for information on proposals for redeveloping the S.W. Waterfront.. (At the right is a portion of one of 82 slides placed on their website by the National Capital Redevelopment Corporation after showing them at a public meeting Feb. 27 at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church). INSIDE Calendar p. 2 New Red Building p. 2 Slave Ship Volunteers p. 2 YATF Founders p. 3 Letter to Andy Altman p. 3 SWNA Election p. 4 Easter Week p. 5 Congrats to Wheeler Creek p. 6 True West Review p. 7 Club #4 Basketball p. 8 Call Box Project p. 8 Classified Ads $1 per word A & A House Cleaning. First call 20% discount. Telephone 202-483-7289, 202-425-5310. 24 hours, 7 days/week. Cherry Blossom Festival in S.W. As usual, several events tied to the annual Cherry Blossom Festival – March 23 to April 8 - are in Southwest, and many others within walking distance. The Freedom Schooner AMISTAD arrives at Gangplank Marina, 6th and Water St. S.W., Sat. Mar. 23, and stays for the full two weeks, with public tours and an educational tent. A Chamber Music Concert at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church at 6th & M St. S.W. at 7:30 p.m. Thurs. April 4 is listed as an event of the festival. The Parade of Lighted Boats led by the Presidential Yacht Sequoia and Freedom Schooner AMISTAD is along the S.W. channel at 8 pm Sat. Apr. 6. Best viewing from East Potomac Park or the SW restaurants. The cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin at 15th and Maine Ave. S.W. are a brisk walk from S.W. or the Smithsonian METRO station for many people. Special free events each day at noon at a stage at the Tidal Basin will feature both Japanese and American performers. SWNA Board Ltr. To Planning Director Altman Dear Mr. Altman: Thank you for joining Council Members Ambrose, Brazil and Mendelson at our January meeting to discuss proposals for the redevelopment of Waterside Mall, and in particular, proposals for the possible reopening of 4th St. As you heard at the meeting, these issues are very important to the people living in Southwest. Waterside Mall is the only shopping center in our community and we are dependent on it for the services it provides. The redevelopment of the mall will have significant impacts on our live and we appreciate the opportunity to work with you to ensure that the needs of the people of Southwest shape the redevelopment plan. On April 22 the Assembly is planning to hold a general meeting to discuss with the community the redevelopment of the mall. We hope to get an informed consensus from the community as to how a redeveloped mall would best suit the needs of Southwesters. With that in mind, we would like to meet with you at our April 1st Board meeting to discuss with you the different proposals you have for the redevelopment of the mall that in January you committed to present to us. We would also like for you to provide to and discuss with us all the feasibility and traffic studies dealing with or having to do with the redevelopment of the mall, including the reopening of 4th Street. We believe these discussions and materials will be crucial in preparing for a constructive Assembly meeting on April 22nd. Several people in our community have been generating alternative ideas for the redevelopment of the Mall and we are anxious to share them with you and the developers. We appreciated your expressed willingness to discuss alternatives to a roadway cut-through, including a pedestrian-only plaza, and we look forward to discussing alternatives that you, yourself, may propose. Also, we would like to address the issue of the availability of shopping opportunities during mall renovation. We look forward to meeting with you on April 1st and to working with you to produce a plan for redeveloping the Mall that will benefit everyone living in Southwest. Eugene Bellin Eugene Bellin, a long time resident of New York and then Washington, DC died suddenly on Friday February 15, 2002 of cardiac arrest. He was born in NYC to Isadore and Annie Bellin, both immigrants from Eastern Europe. He is survived by his wife, Judith, sister Lillie, brother Leon, children David, Peter and Anne and numerous grandchildren. He served his country in WW II in the European Theatre of Operations where he began his career in computer operation. On his return to the US, he earned a BA in Psychology, going to school at night while working at the International Workers Order, an insurance organization. He was instrumental in designing, implementing and trouble-shooting computer systems for many large organizations, including IBM and Macy’s. Eugene was an active peace and human rights activist all his life; he was an active volunteer for Veterans for Peace. In retirement he put his computer knowledge to work for non-profits, peace organizations, and worked on computer literacy for children and seniors. He was part of the Fourth Street Group, and, with Sherry and Perry Klein, set up Southwest’s web site, www.swdc.org. Eugene was an active member of his community and his smiling, warm and gentle support will be sorely missed. Ft. McNair To Renovate Building 21 An Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) have been prepared for the renovation of Building 21 for use as the Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS). The EA and FONSI are available to the public at the S.W. Branch Library at 3rd St. and I St., S.W.(entrance on Wesley Place). “True West” At Kreeger By Wallace Babington Arena Stage has produced a boisterous, confrontational and turbulent play about two brothers trying to work their way through the writing of the screenplay for a Hollywood western. It’s Sam Shepard’s “True West.” This is probably Shepard’s most popular, oft produced creation – and rightly so. It’s daring, sad, hilarious and thought provoking. It’s basically a play about sibling rivalry. But it makes most stories about sibling rivalry seem like Barbie Doll tea parties. These are brothers who attack, defend, threaten and destroy. No holds barred. Since the play was first produced in 1980, it has been examined, analyzed and interpreted to no end. Some conclusions reached: the brothers are said to be two sides of the same psyche; the play is an examination of American values in the 1970’s, creative writing vs. Hollywood priorities; family values and moral responsibility; etc. All these and many more issues and themes can be deduced from the play itself. But the best way to see “True West” is simply to let the story unfold on stage. Forget hidden meanings and complex scenarios. The play is a delight and a challenge if you just sit back and enjoy it. The cast is impeccable: The brothers, Ted Koch and Todd Cerveris, are believable and real; their changing personas are fascinating to watch. David Marks is a perfect slimy Hollywood character. Nancy Robinette appears briefly as the boys’ mother, but when she is on stage, it’s all hers. I recently had a heated discussion with a friend about a preference for theater over movies. The friend couldn’t understand why anyone would choose a stage play when a movie was so much more realistic, complete and comprehensive. I though about that while watching this play. And it’s a good example of why theater is so appealing and satisfying. Where else could you see two real men fighting as though their lives were at stake – or see the sweat and exhaustion that fighting produces? Where else could you smell the toast being made or watch the typewriter actually being destroyed with a golf club? That’s life! And it’s right before you. Arena Stage’s mission statement includes the determination to produce passionate, exuberant, deep and dangerous plays and to focus on theater of the Americas. This production of :”True West” certainly meets those goals. Let’s have more like this. “True West” by Sam Shepard at the Kreeger through April 17. (caption) Two brothers meet unexpectedly in Arena Stage’s “True West.” Lee the beer-drinking drifter, is in the back. Austin, the educated writer hoping to get a contract for a screenplay is at the typewriter.(Photo by Scott Suchman.) SWNA Election Sat. Mar. 23 At the annual election of the Southwest Neighborhood Assembly, Inc. (SWNA), the five officers will be elected at large. People living in all parts of Near Southwest may vote for them. The 11 other members of the Board are elected by the people who live in each of the four separate areas: · District 1, (north of M and west of 4th St.) will elect two rep.s. · District 2 (north of M and east of 4th St.) will elect three rep.s. · South of M and west of Delaware Ave. (District 3) will elect three. · South of M and east of Delaware Ave. (District 4) will also elect three. The League of Women Voters will be conducting the election. Every voter is asked to bring an ID with proof of address. Sorry, no absentee ballots. SWNA Officer Candidates: PRESIDENT Gerard William Catus majored in Business Administration. He is a Viet Nam veteran. Mr. Catus worked many years in the airline industry . Gerard resides in Tiber Island & loves the southwest and is making plans to buy here next year. He currently works as a consultant/corporate trainer and motivational speaker. Rev. George E. Holmes, present SWNA president, resident of S.W. since 1995. Former ANC2D chairperson. Received the Mayor’s 1st Neighborhood Action Award. Mayoral Interfaith Council, State of the District Address, Minister, recognized in Ebony as “One of Thirty Young Leaders”, Jet Magazine distinguished Howard University Alumnus, Doctoral Candidate For FIRST VICE PRESIDENT Margaret Feldman, present SWNA First Vice President. Former President of SWNA for four years. She has been an active worker concerned with the betterment of all the people in Southwest since coming here in 1987. In the fall of 1996 she was appointed chair of the Waterside Mall/Waterfront Task Force. Gene Solon Civil Rights veteran. Founding chairman, DMV Advisory Committee. Mayor’s Award: successful “Southwest Summit.” Worker for new Greenleaf recreation/learning center. Safety worker: Orange Hatter, chaired unique Criminal Justice Forum here. Key worker: waterfront benches are back! Key worker, testifier: Southwest remains intact! “Southwest Community Must Be Heard on Southwest Development!” For SECOND VICE PRESIDENT Mark Farrell is the current Second Vice President and served one year as 1st District Rep. Working on the development of the Greenleaf Community Center. Involved with the Anacostia waterfront and Washington Channel development. Has worked with National Capital Planning Commission on extending the Legacy plan. Graduated George Washington University. Bob Mittendorff, is a DC native, a lawyer in DC, VA & MD, & a Southwest resident for 10 years. Changes to the SW Waterfront and the proposed 4th Street cut-through require input to protect our quality of life. As the 2nd VP, I would be an active voice for our community. FOR TREASURER Ellen Winship, present Treasurer. Carrollsburg Condominium, 1983-present. Professional Experience: Senior Accountant and financial policy, OPM; formerly Director, Financial Management, Bureau of Export Administration. Non-profit: Vice President, Carrollsburg Board of Directors; Past Treasurer, American Association of Foreign Service Women. FOR SECRETARY Camille Cunningham, present Secretary of the Southwest Neighborhood Assembly, SW resident since December 2000, attorney, Chairperson Carrollsburg Condominium Covenants Committee. SWNA Board Reps CANDIDATES FOR DISTRICT ONE (2 TO BE ELECTED) Gloria Dillon Resident of Southwest since 1973. Former Vice President of Waterside Towers Residents Association. Tutored at Amidon Elementary School and at Riverside Church. A former adjunct professor at Southeastern University. Served on several SWNA committees. Current member of Capitol Square’s board. Paul Kimbrough, present resident of Waterside Towers, graduate of University of Arkansas School of Law, Senior analyst in the Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Dept. of Transportation, a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Perry Klein, present District 1 Rep, has been a resident of Town Square Towers Condominium in Southwest since 1971, where he has served on the board of directors and as vice-president. He has served on the board of SWNA since 1998, representing District 1. He helped develop the SW D.C. Internet Web site (www.swdc.org), designed as a resource for the SW community. CANDIDATES FOR DISTRICT TWO (3 TO BE ELECTED) Tracey Hooks (no bio received) Gottlieb Simon, Present District Two Rep., long-time resident of Southwest, currently the Executive Director of the Office of Advisory Neighborhood Commissions , Past President SW Community House Board of Directors, past President Capitol Park Plaza Association Jacquelyn "Jackie" M. Matthews. Present District Two Rep. Mother of six, grandmother of seven. Longtime resident of Southwest. "It has been my mission to always give back to my community, from having a watchful eye on the children to helping the seniors, to serving as SWNA representative." CANDIDATES FOR DISTRICT THREE (3 TO BE ELECTED) Meg Brinckman. Resident of Southwest since 1992. Served on several Harbour Square Committees 1993 to present. Board member four years, including serving as president 2 years. Worked with the Waterside Mall/Waterfront Task Force that brought the ULI Study to Southwest. Represented Harbour Square in the Fourth Street Neighborhood Group. Mindy Farrell is the former 1st District Rep. and still active in the SWNA. Graduated GWU with a Major in Radio/Television. Now works for Discovery Communications Inc. on its Travel & Health channels. She admires Southwest's strong sense of community, its beauty and proximity to everything D.C. has to offer. Mark Joyce has lived in Southwest for 16 years. Appointed by the Tiber Island Board of Directors to the Committee working with the District Planning Office on redevelopment of the Southwest Waterfront. Works at the U.S. EPA as a policy advisor in the Office of the Administrator. Has degrees in Journalism, Public Administration, and Business Administration. Benjamin Curran is a native Washingtonian who works for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He is interested in introducing the Citizen Corps program to South West, reviving the Friends of South West Library program, and ensuring that South West is fully and proudly represented in the future City Museum. CANDIDATES FOR DISTRICT FOUR (3 TO BE ELECTED). Betty Clark has been a resident of Half Street since 1988 and has long been active in community affairs. She believes that she can represent the concerns of the entire ward; both public and private housing and businesses. She is concerned with the well being of the youth here, and with quality of life issues . Gloria Hamilton. Present District Four rep. Resident of Southwest for over 14 years. Former Vice President of Syphax Gardens Residents Council. Active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. Former member of Southwest Community House Board of Directors. Former ANC Commissioner. Patricia Pressley. Present District Four rep. Native Washingtonian, graduate of Dunbar High. Holds Nursing Assistant certificate from GW University Hospital. Social worker at the S.W. Collaborative Recognized for four year volunteer service at American Red Cross. Currently secretary, Resident Council Tenant Association , Syphax Gardens. Yvonne Price is a 30 year resident of southwest. She has worked in the field of civil rights with the Department of Human Services, the NAACP & the United Black Front. She was president of several organizations. A former coordinator for the Wiley Branton CDC & a liaison from it to the rest of the community. YATF Founders To Be Honored The original members of the SWNA Youth Activities Task Force will be honored at a reception Sun. April 21 downstairs in Arena Stage’s Old Vat Room. Admission to this 20th anniversary event is a $50 tax-deductible contribution, which may be sent to: SWNA-YATF P.O. Box 70792 Washington, D.C. 20024 The reception is from 3 pm to 6 pm and will feature music, food and photos of the students, volunteer counselors and 20 years of support for Southwest youth. (caption) Annie Phillips was the first chair of the Youth Activities Task Force. Walter Brooks and the late Charlotte Brooks were among YATF founders. In 1982 the late Donald Macdonald wrote a letter from an ad-hoc youth committee to the SWNA requesting creation of the Youth Activities Task Force. Easter Week A few of the Southwest Churches have given The Southwester their schedules for Easter Week: St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, 6th & M St. S.W. Sun. March 24. Palm Sunday – Blessing & distribution of the palms, 8 am and 11 am Wed. March 27 Holy Wednesday – Tenebrae – The Service of the Shadows, 6:30 pm Thurs. March 28, Maundy Thursday, The celebration of the Holy Eucharist and the Stripping of the Altar, 6:30 pm Friday, March 29, Good Friday, The Vigil and Good Friday Liturgy – from noon until 3 pm Sunday, March 31 Easter Day, The celebration of the holy eucharist 8 am and 11 am St. Dominic Church, 630 E St. S.W. 554-7863 Mon., Tues., Wed. March 25-27 – Masses: 7:25 am in Priory Chapel; 8 am, 12:10 pm in Church Thurs. Mar. 28 Holy Thursday – 7:30 pm Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper. Fri. Mar. 29 – Good Friday. Stations of the Cross: Noon. 3 pm – Solem Liturgical service. Sat. Mar. 30. Easter Vigil – 8 pm. Sun. Mar. 31. Easter Sunday masses: 8:00, 10:45 am, 12:15 (Spanish) and 5:15 pm. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I (Eye) St. S.W. Sun: Mar. 24 Ecumenical breakfast at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 3rd & M St. S.W. 9:00 am to 10:30 am followed by procession with palms to Palm Sunday worship 11 am at each church. Mon.. Mar. 25 Seder 6:15 pm (Reservations required 484-7700) Thurs. Mar. 28 Service of reflection and communion – 7 pm Fri. Mar. 29 Good Friday Blues 6 pm- 9 pm $5 admission; fish fry for sale Sun. Mar. 31 – Breakfast, 9:30 am; Egg Roll (parental supervision) 10:30 am; Easter Festival Worship 11 am. 2nd Baptist Anniversary Second Baptist Church at Canal and M St. S.W. is celebrating its 77th anniversary from Apr. 6 to 12, and with a concert on Apr. 20. The theme is Reaching New Heights Together. Public Comment On Greenleaf Recreation Bldg. Drawings and plans for the new King-Greenleaf Recreation Center building will be shown at a final public meeting Wed. April 3 at 7 pm at KGL Rec Center, 201 N St. S.W. The money for the building is already in the D.C. budget. Construction will start probably in a few months. Slave Ship Needs Volunteers For the two weeks – March 23 to April 7 - that the Amistad slave ship will be docked in Southwest, volunteers are needed to help with public tours, selling Amistad merchandise, and helping in the education tent. The ship will be at a dock inside the gate of Gangplank Marina, 600 Water St., S.W. Admission for adults age 16 and over will be $5. Tickets will be sold outside the Marina stamped with the time you can go aboard – which might be right away if there is no line. Tickets Required For Free Movie At Arena Stage A movie on the Underground Railroad, that helped slaves escape, will be shown at Arena Stage’s Old Vat Room (downstairs near the Maine Ave. end of Arena, 1100 6th St. S.W.) at 7 pm Monday, March 25. Free tickets can be picked up at the Arena box office on 6th St. any day before then (while they last). Before the movie begins, Gerard Catus – dressed to look like Anthony Bowen – will explain how Rev. Bowen sheltered runaway slaves at his church and took them to the Southwest waterfront to escape. At 8:30 pm, after the movie, the Southwest Neighborhood Assembly will have a brief meeting and installation of officers in the Old Vat. Job Help, Six Days in Mar. Starting Mon. Mar. 18 “Career Developers, Inc.” will give six days of training in applying for jobs at King-Greenleaf Recreation Center, 201 N St. S.W. Classes will be held Mon., Wed. and Thurs. 10am to noon that week and the next week. DCHA residents – men and women -of Greenleaf Gardens, James Creek and Syphax Gardens can register at the center in advance or when classes begin. Apply For College Grants At SW Library Application forms are at the S.W. library for annual grants for residents of Near S.W. (Zip code 20024) who are college students or high school graduates heading for college in the fall. (Tax-deductible donations to support this local program can be sent to: S.W. Scholarship Fund (SWNA) P.O. Box 70481 Washington, D.C. 20024-0481) For information, call Mrs. Barbara Murray, chair, 202-488-8257. Club #4 Basketball (caption) As the Southwester went to press, these members of the Club #4 basketball team were in the playoffs. We wish them luck. Front Row (L to R) Ashley Brown, Patrice Battle, Shanetta Purvis Middle Row (L to R) Ronika Hayes, Renee McClurkin, Beverly Barber, Erica Ford, Angela Tucker Back Row (L to R) Jermainie Alexander (coach), Tamisha Watson, April Hines (coach) Not shown: Toni Barber Calendar April 2002 (and a few in Mar.) Sat. Mar. 23 SWNA Election at table at Waterside Mall, 10am to 3 pm Sat. Mar. 23 Schooner AMISTAD arrives on S.W. Waterfront. Mon. Mar.. 25 Brief public meeting of SWNA after the film at Arena Stage’s Old Vat Room. Film at 7 pm; meeting about 8:30 pm. Thurs. Mar. 28 NARFE – S.W. Branch Library, 920 Wesley Pl. – 12:30 pm. Tues. Apr. 2 CAC, Police Hdqtrs, 415 4th St. S.W. 7 pm Wed. Apr. 3 Public Comment on new recreation building. King-Greenleaf Rec Center, 201 N St. S.W. 7 pm. Wed. Apr. 3 WWCA meeting at Harbor Patrol, 6th &Water St. Thurs. Apr. 4 Cherry Blossom Chamber Music at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, 6th & Maine Ave. S.W. 7:30 pm Sat. Apr. 6 PSA 110 Walkathon with police. 11 am 240 M St. S.W. Sat. Apr. 6 Cherry Blossom Parade of Lighted Boats . 8 pm Mon. Apr. 8. 11 Advisory Neighborhood Comm. 2D Meeting 7 pm, Westminster Church, 400 I (Eye) St. S.W. Wed. Apr. 17 AARP luncheon meeting 12 noon St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 222 M St. SW Sun. Apr. 21 SWNA’s Youth Task Force fundraiser at Arena’s Old Vat Room. 3pm – 6 pm Mon. Apr. 22, SWNA Public meeting – St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church 222 M St. S.W. 7:30 pm Thurs. Apr. 25 NARFE Lunch at 12:30, meeting at 1 pm S.W. Branch Library WEEKLY & BIWEELY MEETINGS Komen Toastmasters, 10 am First & Third Sat., SW Branch Library, 900 Wesley Pl S.W. Fil-Am Toastmasters, 6:45 pm Second and Fourth Wed., SW Branch Library School Street Toastmasters, noon, every Tuesday, 400 Virginia Ave. S.W. Room 88 S.W. Kiwanis, Every Monday, 6:30-7:30 pm, SE University, 6th & I St. S.W. Please submit calendar items for the next issue by Wed. Apr. 3 to C.W. Hargrave 554-8284. HUD Honors Hope Six Project An award of excellence has been given to Wheeler Creek Estates, in Southeast D.C. on the border of Prince George’s County. The mixed-income housing complex was built with the aid of a 1997 $20 million Hope VI Revitalization Grant from HUD. Wheeler Creek Estates replaces the previous Valley Green public housing and Sky Tower assisted housing described as “crime ridden, obsolete, poorly functioning 312 unit public housing development occupied by only eight families and an adjacent 91 unit FHA foreclosed development suffering the same crime, violence and inattention.” “Wheeler Creek Estates offers 134 home ownership opportunities for a range of family incomes from very low to moderate. It also offers 80 units of rental housing to the same mix of incomes. In addition, there are 100 units of elderly housing” according to a D.C. report. The D.C. Housing Authority has purchased an ad on page six of this issue to congratulate Wheeler Creek. Near the Navy Yard in S.E. a similar Hope VI project will replace Arthur Capper Family/Senior and Carrollsburg public housing with mixed income units. Art on Call: Police and Fire Call Box Project Workshop! The DC Heritage Tourism Coalition and the DC Commission on Arts and Humanities will be holding a workshop for participants in the Art on Call project for volunteers, artists, and neighborhood organizations from across the city on Saturday, March 23, 2002 from 1 to 4 pm at the recently restored True Reformer Building at 1200 U Street, N.W. The purpose of the workshop will be multifold: * To introduce the contractor chosen by the city that will begin stripping, cleaning and priming police and fire call boxes throughout the city currently underway * To provide project background, call box history, and the process of getting involved in a program that will award funds to neighborhood non-profits interested in 'adopting' their call boxes and creating a neighborhood icon that will combine art and history. * To introduce contractors and suppliers of plaques and other outdoor exhibition materials for practical information on graffiti proof and lasting displays. * To provide a networking environment for myriad neighborhood groups to discuss individual plans for call boxes and to match artists with communities. * To explain, discuss, and distribute an application for participation in the program, funding, and the review process. The Location: True Reformer Building John A. Lankford Auditorium, 2nd Floor 1200 U Street, NW Saturday, March 23, 2002 1 to 4 pm. Light refreshments will be served. For more information: Callboxes@aol.com or 202-462-3389 The True Reformer Building is located one block east of the U Street/Cardozo/Civil War Memorial Metro, Green line, 13th street exit. (caption) Controversy over new plans for the Southwest Waterfront include the cut-through of N St. and 6th St. S.W. to the water, as shown in this slide on the web site www.ncrcdc.com. The row of dark objects along the waterfront are new buildings, mostly housing.