Page 1 K- Dale said it was ok to use old banner K- make banner on top of page: Remember to vote on September 12th The next SWNA meeting will be Thursday, September – (pick-up fr. Cal.) Page 1 Getting Ready for School September 5 is the BIG day, the first day of school. Students who are going to be attending one of the schools in Southwest are asked to register at that school – “the sooner, the better.” For more information, call Amidon at (202) 724-4867, Anthony Bowen at (202) 724- 4871 or Jefferson Jr. High at (202) 724-4881. Robert Collins Receives Award Robert Collins, a Southwest resident and First Mate for Odyssey Cruises, was recently awarded the 2000 Washington, DC Hospitality Employee of the Year by The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington and the Washington Convention and Visitors Association. “Robert is very deserving of this award”, says Odyssey’s Captain Chip Lee. Robert has taken personal ownership in the look of the vessel as well as in guest satisfaction and safety.” Robert has been with Odyssey Cruises since day one of opening their operation here in 1995 starting, as a galley employee. His leadership abilities were quickly noticed and he was promoted to the marine department where he rose through the ranks to First Mate. In the past five seasons, Robert has won Employee of the Month several times. In 1997 and 1999, Robert was awarded the Odyssey Employee of the Year. Millennium Arts Center The changes that have occurred at the Millennium Arts Center at 65 Eye Street in Southwest are quite surprising. When I visited MAC four months ago it looked like an abandoned school building; it had promise but it was difficult to envision. Visiting again recently I was amazed to see what a coat of paint and several operating artists’ studios could do. To date there is a stained-glass artist team, a fine arts painter, a photographer and a graphics artist who have moved into their studio spaces. Several other artists have chosen their studio spaces and will be moving in soon. Rental space for artists has been set at a reasonable $12 per square foot. The plans for the fall include a conference room with living room areas which will be made available for community meetings, free of charge. In addition, woodturning and glass blowing studios will be installed. These will be open to the public for viewing as well as for classes. Two small movie theaters for American/foreign independent films will open in 2001. The plan is to offer children’s movies on Saturdays. The courtyard is being turned into a sculpture garden with cafe. At this time it has playground equipment that Mr. Wooby is trying to give away, free of charge. The only stipulation is that whoever wants it, must pick it up.Planned for January 2001 is the Inaugural Exhibit which will be open to the public. The MAC has been working with state arts councils who have shown enthusiasm for this project and have been contacting artists in their states/territories. The response from artists from Maine to Hawaii has been so overwhelming that the deadline for entries for this juried exhibit has been extended another month. It promises to be an exciting exhibit representing artists nationwide. With 26 Congressional Members on the Honorary Advisory Board, the MAC promises to be a major arts space for the city, the country and particularly for our Southwest neighborhood. Part of MAC’s mission is to be ‘national in scope and community minded in spirit.’ Like all non-profits, especially those first getting off the ground, they need money and volunteers. Help is needed with carpentry, electrical, gardening, plumbing, cleanup, stuffing envelopes, computers. Help sitting the gallery will also be appreciated in January 2001 during the Inaugural Exhibit. To volunteer, call Bill Wooby at (202) 479-2572 or to make a donation send a check to Millennium Arts Center, 65 Eye Street, SW, Washington, DC 20024. Mr. Wooby also invites anyone in the neighborhood who would like to see the progress being made on MAC to come for a tour. Call in advance. There were rooms of furniture left in the building when it was vacated (desks, chairs, filing cabinets). Call Bill Wooby (at the above number) if you need office furniture. Most of us would agree that homeless shelters are a necessity and a blessing for those who have nowhere to go. But what if that shelter adjoins a children’s play area. That is the predicament that the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Millennium Arts Center is facing. The Randall Shelter which is in the gymnasium of the building that houses the MAC also abuts the swimming pool, baseball field, basketball and tennis courts of the Randall Community Center where the children swim and play. Some in the neighborhood have begun to take issue with the fact that the shelter should not have been installed in an area that was designed for children’s use. If you would like more information about this, call Bill Wooby at (202) 479-2572. Library Hours Wesley Place & K St., SW` (202)724-4752 M,W 10 am – 9:00 pm T, Th, F, S, 10 am – 5:30 pm --------------------------------------------------------- High School students are invited to browse the Library’s collection of on-line scholarship information (both national and local). And remember, the applications for the SW Scholarships will be available in the early Spring. If you would like computer training, it is available at Martin Luther King Library. Ask librarian for information. New COO at Bresler & Reiner Sidney M. Bresler, Esq. has been appointed Chief Operating Officer. He joined the company in 1986 and has served in various capacities and numerous positions in the company and its subsidiaries. Prior to joining Bresler & Reiner Inc., he practiced law in the Metropolitan Area. The position of Chief Executive Officer remains with Charles Bresler. He explained that the position of COO is an expansion of the duties of Sidney. Sidney Bresler now oversees everything within the company. He is now responsible for properties spanning the entire area, from Virginia into Baltimore, MD. CARING NEIGHBORS By Barbara Murray In 1999, the Southwest Neighborhood Assembly Scholarship program received four $1,000 donations and several other sizable contributions . Four of the 15 scholarship recipients received awards in the name of community organizations and distinguished neighbors. This year marks the 26th year of this unique program in Southwest. The spirit of giving to support community youth aspire to get a college education is alive and well. Thank you to all Southwest neighbors for your tax deductible contribution! Returning Students College Amber Drummond Emory University Scott Frankel Rochester Institute of Technology Tiffany Haliburton Cornell University Rhonda Hamilton Howard University Shenearah Lassiter University of Maryland Eastern Shore Davina Minnix University of Maryland Abiri Ward Hunter College New Students Being Interviewed Donneice Cheeks, Johnson C. Smith College Paris A. Davis, Marshall University Samson Mamo, State University of New York Alexander McMahan, College of West Virginia Page 2 Inside Community Calendar 2 On-Line Voter’s Guide 2 Southwest Community Day 2 STARS Program 2 DOT Update 2 Free Classes in Southwest 2 Spirit Cruises Protest 3 Syphax School Site 3 SWNA WM Task Force 3 Greenleaf Wins SW Basketball 3 YATF 3 Theater Notes 6 Obits 7 On-line Voters’ Guide By Susan Fischer The League of Women Voters’ has put its Voters’ Guide on-line at www.dnet.org You can get information about candidates and their stands on the issues at all levels of government, including our very own Ward 2, as well as download voter registration forms. To pull up the Ward 2 Council Member race, just plug in your zipcode. The LWV has already submitted questions to all the candidates and their replies should appear on the site soon. You can use the website to submit your own questions to the candidates, too. If you don’t have internet access at home, try the computers at the SW branch of the library. DOT Update By Gottlieb Simon GSA is scheduled to announce its choice for the site of the new DOT building this month (September). In March GSA narrowed the choice down to four sites (proposed by 5 different teams). The four finalists are the current site at 400 7th Street SW, 801 New Jersey Avenue NW, Southeast Federal Center, and the 1200 Block of Maryland Avenue SW (the Portal site). David Nassif and Associates, owners of the Nassif Building, the current DOT headquarters, plan a top to bottom renovation of the current headquarters if their plan is selected. The renovation will be done in four phases. One quarter of the headquarters will be renovated at time and the DOT personnel will be temporarily relocated to another location. Southwest Community / Family Day is for all SW residents, and local businesses. Both are August 26, 2000, Community Day is in the Lansburg park located in the 1300 block of Delaware Avenue, SW from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This event is sponsored by PSA 110 and the Southwest Community House Association Incorporated. Family Day is also in Lansburg Park, from 12:00 noon to 6:00 pm. Both events are free. Come out and enjoy your local gospel groups while eating and building partnerships. There will also be employment opportunities, employment assistance, and family counseling information booths located in the park. The following will provide demonstrations and/or displays: Metropolitan Police Department, DC Emergency Medical Services, US Capital Police, US Attorney's Office, DC Public Schools, DC Youth and Family Services, US Army, DC Fire Department, DC Housing Authority, US Park Police, DC Recreation Department, DC Human Services Department and US Coast Guard. Classes in SW The Family Investment Center Job Club Do you need help finding a job? You can get that help by stopping by 205 L St., SW Bus tokens & flashpasses, High School Diploma, emergency Day Care, hair cuts, rental assistance, books & supplies, work clothing Coordinator, Tracey Hooks (202) 724-2152 The Southwest Community House GED Program By Rhonda Hamilton This GED Program is open to all District residents. It is a comprehensive program that prepares students to take the GED Examination regardless of their level. Each student receives individual attention, as well as tutoring in all subject areas related to the test. Classes meet Monday-Thursday from 9:00am to 1:00 pm. For more information contact Ms. Roberta Patrick at (202) 488-7210 or stop by the program at 1501 Half St., SW #22. The STARS Program By Janet Butler Recently a team from the Southwest Health Center , composed of the director, Dr. Rucker, Nurse Joyce Abrams and Cheryl Cook, Public Relations, opened its doors to area schools for an interactive approach to healthcare education. The Summer STARS Program has incorporated good healthcare and international studies through Washington’s museums and lots of hands on ventures. One of the active participants of this program, Mrs. Mitchell, 1st grade teacher from Amidon Elementary at 6th & I Street, SW has started the STARS Program at the local schools. Amidon, Bowen and Jefferson are taking part in the program. Functions of the Southwest Health clinic will be brought to the classroom. Contact your school to be a member of the STAR Program or to be a STAR supporter. Letter from the Guest Editor The regular editor of the Southwester, Dale MacIver, is taking a few well deserved weeks off and the “guest editor” is Carole Early. I want to thank everyone who has helped with this issue. Several new faces from the community came to the Southwester meetings and contributed new ideas and articles. We usually meet on the third and fourth Thursdays at 7:30 at the SWNA Office at Waterside Mall. Call for information. The number is (202) 554-8560. Thank you, Carole Early, former Editor John Fanning who is running for the Ward 2 Council seat visited Greenleaf Senior Complex to address and discuss the many issues affecting Senior Citizens in Ward 2. He said that it was an opportunity to educate and inform the Seniors. A lovely lunch was prepared by his campaign staff. Southwest Community/ Family Day is for all SW residents, and local businesses. Both are August 26, 2000, Community Day is in the Lansburg park located in the 900 block of Delaware Avenue, SW from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This event is sponsored by PSA 110 and the Southwest Community House Association Incorporated. Family Day is also in Lansburg Park, from 12:00 noon to 6:00 pm. Both events are free. Come out and enjoy your local gospel groups while eating and building partnerships. There will also be employment opportunities, employment assistance, and family counseling information booths located in the park. The following will provide demonstrations and/or displays: Metropolitan Police Department, DC Emergency Medical Services, US Capital Police, US Attorney's Office, DC Public Schools, DC Youth and Family Services, US Army, DC Fire Department, DC Housing Authority, US Park Police, DC Recreation Department, DC Human Services Department and US Coast Guard. Page 3 Spirit Cruises Protest By Gottlieb Simon The Alcoholic Beverages Commission Board (ABC) took up ANC 2D's protest to the Spirit Cruises liquor license at a meeting in early August. The ANC's protest grows out of continuing neighborhood complaints about noise from the vessels and departing passengers and problems created by tour buses taking passengers to and from the ships. Ed Green, Spirit Cruises General Manager who regards the ANC protest as "without merit" asked the ABC Board for mediation. Both sides will report back to the Board on September 6. If the mediation is unsuccessful the ANC can request a "protest hearing." Syphax School Site Archeological studies requested for the Syphax School site by the DC Historic Preservation staff have now been completed. No materials of significant archeological interest were found by the consultant who made the Investigation. The plan is to demolish the newer parts of the school and retain the historic original building built in 1902 and part of the 1941 addition. . The preserved school building will be converted to condos and Manna will build 29 new town houses for moderate home buyers. The development is to be called Syphax Village, and an historic marker will identify the school as being named for William Syphax, the first Black member of the School Board. According to Mr. George Rothman, President of Manna, the leading non-profit developer of affordable home ownership in DC, the last major step before the construction process can begin is receiving approval from the National Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. Most of the financing has already been arranged and Mr. Rothman projects that construction can begin next year on this long-awaited project. (Karen, please begin a new para)Since the closing of the school several years ago, the Southwest Neighborhood Assembly and the neighbors across the street from the School have been supporting the redevelopment of the property. SWNA Waterside Mall/Waterfront Task Force By Nancy O’Brien Members of the Task Force and other SW residents met with Sidney Bresler, WMC Management, on Thursday, July 13, 2000 to discuss current conditions at Waterside Mall. When GSA plans to vacate in 2002, Mr. Sidney Bresler assured the committee that “there will be no base closing”meaning that he is looking into alternatives to the current mall structure. In regard to present improvements, WMATA has installed new curb cuts and painted a striped walkway that runs diagonally from the Metro island to the Mall. It was noted that the new walkway might not be used because it points away from the Mall entrance and forces pedestrians to cross without a good view of oncoming traffic. It was suggested that eliminating some parking spaces on the north side of the Metro island would give pedestrians a better view of traffic. To help in redirecting one-way traffic within the parking lot, Mr. Bresler has installed new traffic barriers. Since the Metro island is located on private property, parking or traffic violations affecting pedestrians should be reported to Mall security (202-484-8855), who in turn will contact DC police. Specific Waterside Mall concerns raised were: security; recruitment of new business to replace vacant stores; rodent problems; restroom conditions and signage; outside landscaping; broken concrete; responsibility for internal window washing. Mr. Bresler suggested that anyone with a specific complaint about conditions in Mall retail stores should write a complaint to the store manager with a cc to him. His office is at Waterside Mall, 401 M St., SW. Specific items to be followed up on by the SWNA Task Force are: 1. Repair of steps approaching the Mall on the I Street side 2. Possible elimination of parking spaces blocking pedestrian line of sight on north side of metro island 3. Possible redirection of pedestrian walkway and curb cuts to run directly from Metro island to Mall entrance 4. Installation and enforcement of "No Loitering" signs throughout the Mall 5. Installation of signs on restroom doors identifying "Mens Room," "Ladies Room" 6. Cutting back the hedges on M Street fronting Safeway. Their extreme height may represents a safety concern Greenleaf Wins S.W. Basketball Championship The annual S.W. youth summer basketball tournament at King-Greenleaf outdoor court was won by Greenleaf, players from Greenleaf Gardens, M St. to I St. S.W. along 3rd St. In sponsoring this year’s tournament, the Southwest Community House provided jerseys and trophies. Runner-up in the championship game was a team from James Creek, south of M St. S.W., between Half St. and First St. (caption) (L to R) Melvin Mayo, athletic director of Bowen Elementary School; League Most Valuable Player (MVP) Khalil Carson, and David Brewer, executive director of the Southwest Community House. CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM. (Front row, L to R): Rico Hines, Michael Locksley, Jr., Delante Mack. (Back row, L to R): Jeff Rice, Coach Ronald Hines, Larry Braxton, Ronald Hines, Jr., Steven Savoy, William Tillman, Wesley Wood, Dario Brown. YATF Offers Tennis, Chess, Swimming Offer youth positive activities and they will respond with enthusiasm. The Southwest Neighborhood Assembly’s Youth Activity Task Force (YATF) is rediscovering this universal truth. As a result of receiving a $10,000 grant from the World Bank Community Outreach Grant Program, the YATF has begun implementing some short-term youth programs. Three modest programs (2 or 3 week sessions), each for about 15 youth, began the week of July 17 – tennis, swimming and chess. The tennis program, led by volunteer Tom Robinson, was held at the King-Greenleaf outdoor tennis courts. The swimming program was at the Waterside Fitness/Swim Club at 901 6th St. S.W. and was led by Jill Turner, Instructor/Lifeguard. Finally, Vaughn Bennett, a chess instructor, volunteered to hold some chess classes that were held at the Southwest Library. Although these three classes are completed, others will follow. YATF is planning activities like computer instruction for youth at D.C. Link & Learn, a theater workshop at Arena Stage and an arts program at the Millennium Art Center. The YATF wishes to take this opportunity to put out an urgent call for adult volunteers to work with youth ion tennis, chess, computers or mentoring. If interested, please call the SWNA office (554-8560) or Rick Bardach, YATF Co- chair at 554-8282. (caption) 15 youth got to keep their new tennis rackets and a can of tennis balls at the end of two weeks of daily lessons. In back are Tom Robinson, volunteer instructor, and Ann Pharr, coordinator for YATF. Page 6 Mary Ann Bailer Moves from SW Mary Ann Bailer lived in Southwest since 1960. Earlier this summer, she moved to an apartment in NW Washington. She was a fixture here for 40 years. Her former husband and she came to this city as part of the Kennedy Administration, the Commission on Housing. This is a true “Renaissance Woman”. A teacher, motivator, peace-maker, community and city-wide activist, exercise guru, mother to two adult children and grandmother to four and surrogate mother to many, many SW youths. Her first community outreach programs began soon after she arrived in DC. She began her community volunteer work at St. Augustine’s Church. She taught dance at Amidon Elementary School, Jefferson Junior High School and Greenleaf Recreation Center. Remember the SW Festival of the Arts? She was in charge of that for several years. She was an active member of the Youth Activities Task Force/ Summer Youth Program. Her “Stars of the Future” program helped many youngsters. She was a district rep, representing her area of SW to the SWNA board. Mary Ann is a former president of the SW Chapter of AARP. She provided community service to the senior citizens living at 1200 Delaware Avenue. And until several years ago, she was worked full-time at the UDC Cooperative Extension Service. SW wishes her well in her new home and will never forget her contributions to SW. Page 6 Congratulations to Mrs. Sheila Smith of Greenleaf for her tireless efforts in her capacity as a board member of Southwest Community Health Center, Community Outreach Champion. In addition to feeding the homeless,she was in charge of the Millennium Peace Day on May 27, 2000. Photo The Apprenticeship Program is named for Allen Lee Hughes THEATER NOTES Wallace Babington Allen Lee Hughes Fellows Program Arena Stage has made a strong and challenging commitment to assure cultural diversity in its program and staff. One of the most creative and rewarding expressions of this determination was the establishment in 1990 of the apprenticeship program that provides opportunities for culturally diverse candidates from all over the country to apprentice at Arena Stage. The program was named for Arena’s Associate Artist/Lighting Designer, Allen Lee Hughes. Mr. Hughes came to Arena in 1969 to work as an electrician. He has developed from that beginning into a nationally acclaimed and recognized designer. The fellows program is aptly named for this outstanding theater professional. From a roster of 21 candidates, the Fellows Program this year selected nine persons to serve as apprentices during the coming 2000/2001 season. The fellowships include stage management, communications, development, casting, lighting, sound, community engagement/education and Living Stage. The individuals selected to serve as fellows are African American, Asian American, Hispanic and West Indian. The program was originally conceived as one of limited duration. However, because of its success in serving as a unique theater training program for individuals of color, it has rightly become a permanent part of Arena’s mission. This is Mr. Babington’s last monthly column for the Southwester. We are sorry to see him go. The information which he wrote in his columns was always helpful. Page 7 Obit On May 14, 2000 one of Southwest’s finest died. Robert Johnson Omohundro, was a noted physicist, who was part of the Manhattan Project and worked on the development of the bomb. In 1948, he went to the Naval Research Lab and worked on missiles. He worked there until 1984 when he retired. He has been in for the past seventeen years. Bob was a very active member of St. Augustine’s Church. It was there (either at a church retreat or another church function) that he met his wife, Jeanne Beauchamp Omohundro. They got married in 1988 and have been at Riverpark ever since. He was the first Advertising Chair of The Southwester and remained at this position for several years. Some of our current ads can be traced to his tenure. Bob is survived by his wife and a lot of family members. Donations may be made to St. Augustine’s Church, 600 M Street, SW – the Education Fund. Arnold Taupradistha, “Mr. Fixit” of Capitol Park II and IV condominiums, died in April 2000. There was a memorial service at Westminster Presbyterian Church. He was a native of Thailand, employed by Buelken Property Management. He is survived by his two daughters. Garret D. McMahan was born August 27, 1963 and passed away on May 29, 2000. He attended elementary at the tri schools in SW and then Jefferson Junior High and Randall High School. Gary had a long and debilitating disease. He is survived by his mother Bobbie, two sisters Michon and Chanda, three brothers Sidney Jr., Stephen and Alexander and nieces and a nephew. He was laid to rest at Forest Hills Memorial Garden Cemetary in Clinton, Maryland. P 8 If there is space - Playing Chess By Herb Holmes The Olympic Chess House, Inc. has linked with the Southwest Neighborhood Assembly. Mr. Vaughn Bennett, Executive Director has been teaching chess to disadvantaged youths at the SW library and the Westminster Church. It is important to keep this needed service which aids in the development of the youths. Playing chess helps a person with concentration, organization and memory. For more information, call the Olympic Chess House, Inc. at (202) 213-3323 and ask for Vaughn Bennett.