Congress Heights on the Rise

So about that Washington City Paper cover story on Arts in Anacostia

2013-05-23T18:07:00.000-04:00

First, I am super excited (and frankly a little surprised) to see the neighborhood of Anacostia on the cover of this week's Washington City Paper. I am also proud to see the nonprofit that I work for, ARCH Development Corporation, featured positively in the articles. It was a very pleasant surprise indeed.

I am super thankful to be able to work for such a great organization. The working hours may be long (sometimes really long), the job often thankless, and at times fulfilling our mission of neighborhood revitalization comes with a healthy dose of skepticism (from both within and outside of the Ward 8 community) but I really do love what I do. It is such a treat to be able to see the fruits of our labor in the very same ward where I live.

So pick up a copy of this week's Washington City Paper (or read it online here, here, here, here and here) to learn more about the emerging arts scene in Anacostia and what my employer, ARCH Development Corporation does to that end. ARCH uses arts and cultural activities to revitalize the Anacostia community and support small business development. That being said I feel I would be remiss if I didn't address something here on my blog (which as always are my personal opinions and don't represent anyone or anything.)

Do I think that the arts are the ONLY path to bring economic development and revitalization to Anacostia?

No.

Using the creative economy as a catalyst to boost economic development and revitalization is smart, and considering a number of factors specific to Anacostia it is also very practical. The great thing about having an arts district is that you can also have a business district, a technology district, an education hub, affordable housing, great schools, and all that good stuff. Art pretty much goes with anything and pretty much can appeal to everyone. Art can be used to enhance a community's highlights and strengths -- it doesn't have to take away from it.

That being said this is the path that ARCH chose to take for its organization but it doesn't mean that is the ONLY path. So while I know that most of my fellow Ward 8 neighbors understand and appreciate ARCH's mission and our projects I also realize that there are some folks who will undoubtably be grumbling under their breath (or posting comments under a pseudonym) about how "arts don't address the real issues." They will probably question how arts and culture effect the lives of returned citizens and combat issues such as literacy/crime/affordable housing/etc. Well, the fact of the matter is that there are a lot of real issues effecting Ward 8 and it will take a lot of real strategies (and people) to solve them.

Community treasure Phil Pannell
at Honfleur Gallery

I give mad props and respect to others (including fellow Ward 8 nonprofits, community organizations, and advocates) who are contributing in their own way to the revitalization of neighborhoods east of the river. For me there is no competition, no sour grapes, and definetly no reason to undermine another person or organization that does good, regardless of the strategy they take to do it or the focus of their mission. I can't say it enough, "when it comes to finding solutions to the issues the Ward 8 community faces we need to look for partnerships and not divisiveness." The answers will involve more of the word "and" and a lot less of the word "or." I've written about the crab mentality in Ward 8 previously but I am still amazed when I see it in action. We have to do better, for all of our sakes.

We as residents and community advocates also need to understand that not one single organization or one single person (or politician) can solve all the problems currently facing Ward 8. We need a community of ideas and an army of advocates to support that community. It literally does take a village.

In my own personal experience, I find that most failure can be contributed to spreading oneself too thin. People try to do everything perfectly and ultimately they fail at everything. That is why organizations have strategic plans (you can read ARCH's plan here). A strategic plan helps organizations plot the course for how their organization is going to fulfill its mission over a period of time. It also allows them to prioritize their resources. I wish I saw more of these plans in Ward 8 so I could understand more clearly how organizations are solving issues effecting our community. So while ARCH is good at doing what we do (or at least try to do) we don't try to do everything, we try to focus on our mission. There are already great organizations out there doing great work - their way. We don't need to compete nor do we want to. We (ARCH) see ourselves more of a catalyst to opportunities and not the "end all and be all." To be honest, we are a very small organization with a very small operating budget (you should see my salary, lol). We walk a fine line everyday between doing what we want to do and what we can do with the needs and input of the Anacostia community forming our focus.

Community engagement old school style

So with that in mind please join me and ARCH Development Corporation on Thursday, May 30th at 6:30pm at the new Anacostia Arts Center (1241 Good Hope Rd SE) for our next quarterly meeting. Not only will will be updating the community on our projects, we will be asking them again for their feedback and ideas. ARCH holds these community meetings every four months (at least) in addition to speaking at community meetings such as the Historic Anacostia Community Museum (HABA) and at ANC 8A. We also keep people updated on our projects via flyers, postcards, posters, Twitter, Facebook, our website and tons of community meetings. You can't be a community organization and not be transparent which is why we work so hard to emphasize "community" in "community engagement." It is not so hard considering ARCH has been in Anacostia for over 25 years in one capacity or another. Keeping our neighbors informed is just, well, neighborly.

Duane Gautier, CEO of ARCH giving a presentation to the
Historic Anacostia Block Association on current ADC projects
(Jan 2013)

ARCH is a community organization and as always we need community feedback and ideas so that we may continue to work together. So please, come out next Thursday night and tour the new arts center, find out about upcoming projects, enjoy some refreshments and enter a raffle for a chance to win one of THREE $100 cash prizes! Nothing says "incentive" like good old fashioned cash. :)

So while I am so very excited, proud, and thankful for the recent Washington City Paper coverage I am looking forward to reading more great articles about things to come for Anacostia, Fairlawn, Congress Heights, Washington Highlands, Deanwood, and other east of the river neighborhoods that are on the rise! May this be the first of many positive cover stories to come. :)

P.S. ARCH did make a request (through our awesome SMD Commissioner Kendall Graham) to be on the June agenda for ANC 8A before their summer hiatus. ARCH wanted to update ANC8 and the community on our plans to open a cafe in the Anacostia Arts Center and introduce them to the new cafe operator but alas, the approval was not granted during the ANC's executive meeting for us to be on the June agenda. Hopefully ARCH will have better luck when ANC 8A resumes their meetings in the fall because we would really like to keep the community informed as soon as possible on our projects and request their feedback and support.

P.P.S. ADC is a nonprofit organization and we are always in need of funds to turn our ideas into a reality. If you are so moved to support our programs you can make a donation HERE or you can make a donation to the Anacostia Playhouse HERE, they are pretty cool too. :)

See you on Thursday! And now back to work!

XOXO

The Advoc8te

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A is for Anacostia

2013-05-22T23:34:00.001-04:00

I'm kind of happy for a number of reasons but I will post more about that in the morning. Until then...

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Anacostia Playhouse Construction Update! With pictures!

2013-05-22T06:00:00.000-04:00

Wow! Things are looking G-O-O-D at the new Anacostia Playhouse! Although I have been looking at plans and renderings for months I am one of those people who just can't read architectural plans so to finally see the warehouse framed out and the drywall going up makes me just want to squeal with happiness. (Okay, in full disclosure I did totally squeal...multiple times...and may have danced a little too.)

Big hugs to Adele and Julia for sticking it out and making this dream a reality. Well done ladies, well done!

That being said, a lot still needs to be done to get the Anacostia Playhouse ready for it's June 10th opening and that costs M-O-N-E-Y. The playhouse could use some thoughtful donations to help fund the construction costs. As can be expected the delays with the building permit did take a financial toll and thus the Anacostia Playhouse could still use about $50,000 to close the gap. The fact that their nonprofit tax paperwork is lost in the Bermuda's Triangle known as the Internal Revenue Service is not helping matters either.

So if you can find it in your heart (and wallet) to make a donation to the Anacostia Playhouse Construction Fund please do so. I promise it will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, like your heart has a kitten sleeping inside of it. :)

Please go HERE learn more about making a donation. You can also donate online. Do it for the fuzzy kitten in your heart!

P.S. Be sure to Follow the Anacostia Playhouse on Twitter at @AnacostiaPHouse and tell them The Advoc8te sent you. We are cool like that.

Future box office and concession stand!

Future entrance to the Black Box Theater

Guess what's behind this wall?!

Oh yeah! It's happening!!!

Nothing like a little Cherry Blast graffiti to give it that "homey" feeling!

I'm not sure what he is doing but I like it!

Triple squeal!!!

My buddy (and minion) Jeff already fantasizing about buying his tickets to the show.

View toward what will be the front entrance

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Don't. Freak. Out. (okay maybe a little)

2013-05-22T00:00:00.000-04:00

Having seen the First Lady in person on two occasions she is a sight to behold and further inspiration to get my ___ back in the gym ASAP.

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Seasonal positions available at THEARC

2013-05-21T16:00:00.000-04:00

Job Title: Organic Garden Assistant (2 positions available)

Location: Washington, DC

Classification: Seasonal, Part-time

Description:

The Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (THEARC) is a $27 million, 110,000 square-foot campus located east of the Anacostia River in Washington, DC’s Ward 8. THEARC was built and is operated by Building Bridges Across the River (BBAR), a nonprofit 501-c-3 organization. The mission of Building Bridges Across the River is to improve the quality of life for children and adults who reside east of the Anacostia River by providing leadership, management and financial oversight of the Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (THEARC). Through a collaboration of eleven partner organizations and four off-site partner organization, THEARC provides access to high quality educational, health, cultural, recreation, and social service programs to community members. By providing these programs, BBAR and its partners aim to contribute to the flourishing of the community in southeastern Washington.

THEARC’s Organic Garden:

The Organic Garden @ THEARC was created in 2010. It has grown to 22 planting beds for herbs and vegetables, an 18 tree orchard and a hoop house. The garden provides produce for the weekly Ward 8 Farmer’s Market, held Saturday’s at THEARC from June - November. THEARC operates a stand at the market with produce from the garden.

Position Description:

The garden assistant(s) are responsible for tending the organic garden, the hoop house, and the orchard. Responsibilities include maintenance of the garden, hoop house and orchard, the garden and orchard grounds, and the storage sheds. Garden assistant(s) will harvest produce for the market days, maintain a growth calendar for use in planning the season harvest and keep a weekly diary of plant growth and harvest. The garden assistant(s) will be expected to assist with community day activities, serve as a guide to the garden for visitors and educate visitors to the values of a healthy diet. The garden assistants will work in tandem, and report directly to the Garden Manager, and to the Executive Director.

Hours: 30 hours/week (5 days of six hours each)

Compensation: $7.50/hour

Term: May 15, 2013 – November 30, 2013 (with option to extend)

Qualifications:

Responsible individual willing to learn about gardening and healthy eating. Must be able to follow instructions and the schedule. Must be punctual and enjoy working out of doors. Must be able to explain garden to visitors. High school degree or GED preferable. Initiative and enthusiasm welcome.

Interested applicants should send a letter of inquiry, or call Beverly Carroll (202) 889-5901 x1 or B Carroll@THEARCDC.org

Job Title: Organic Garden Sales Assistant (2 positions)

Location: Washington, DC

Classification: Seasonal, Part-time

Description:

THEARC’s Organic Garden:

Position Description:

The Sales Assistant(s) is responsible for organizing the presentation, labeling of produce for the market, assistance with stand set-up and garden harvesting. The Sales Assistant(s) will research recipes and nutritional values for produce on an ongoing basis and create educational materials. The Sales Assistant(s) is responsible for weighing and packaging all sales. The Sales Assistant will keep records about sales. The Sales Assistant(s) will work in tandem, and report directly to the Market Manager and to the Executive Director.

Details:

Hours: 10 hours/week (Saturday 8am – 3pm; Wednesday 3pm – 7pm)

Compensation: $7.50/hour

Term: June 1, 2013 – November 30, 2013 (with option to extend)

Qualifications:

Responsible individual willing to learn about gardening and healthy eating. Must be punctual and responsible. Must be able to follow instructions and a schedule. Must be interested in developing salesmanship skills. High school degree or GED preferable. Initiative and enthusiasm welcome.

Interested applicants should send a letter of inquiry, or call Beverly Carroll (202) 889-5901 x1 or BCarroll@THEARCDC.org.

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Parking regulations driving away business in Anacostia

2013-05-21T12:16:00.000-04:00

Full Disclosure: The Advoc8te is a employee of ARCH Development Corporation and Duane is my awesome boss. :)

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Tonight at 6:30pm free marketing workshop at The HIVE 2.0

2013-05-21T12:08:00.003-04:00

BRANDING YOUR SMALL BUSINESS (Part 3 of 3)
Tues, May 21st | 6:30pm - 8:30pm

The HIVE 2.0 joins forces with WACIF to bring you the second in a three part series on branding your small business! Presented by Meryl Hooker, this three part series will focus on branding identity and how that influences your presence in the marketplace.

Go HERE to RSVP on Facebook.

The HIVE 2.0
1231 Good Hope Rd SE (lower level)
Washington, DC 20020
membership@thedchive.com
(202) 507.8072

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? of the Day: "Is your Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) effective?"

2013-05-21T07:35:00.002-04:00

I'm using the Branch application again (practice makes perfect). To leave a comment via Branch, you can sign up for a Branch account or sign in with your Twitter handle, Gmail or Yahoo email. You can also add your comments to this blog post. When commenting about a specific ANC please include the ANC name. You can find your ANC be inputting your address HERE.

WHAT IS AN ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION (ANC)?
The Advisory Neighborhood Commissions consider a wide range of policies and programs affecting their neighborhoods, including traffic, parking, recreation, street improvements, liquor licenses, zoning, economic development, police protection, sanitation and trash collection, and the District's annual budget.

In each of these areas, the intent of the ANC legislation is to ensure input from an advisory board that is made up of the residents of the neighborhoods that are directly affected by government action. The ANCs are the body of government with the closest official ties to the people in a neighborhood.

The ANCs present their positions and recommendations on issues to various District government agencies, the Executive Branch, and the Council. They also present testimony to independent agencies, boards, and commissions, usually under the rules of procedure specific to those entities. By law, the ANCs may also present their positions to Federal agencies.

To submit an article or to inquire about advertising send an email to Advoc8te@congressheightsontherise.com

FOR SALE | 3183 Westover Dr SE - $899,900

2013-05-21T00:45:00.002-04:00

Peep the elevator! I wonder if the property owner would be open to having a neighborhood blogger as a temporary houseguest? ;) Oh well, a girl can dream. Wait a minute, I might have just stumbled on a business concept. Free temporary housing in exchange for social media marketing? Mmmmm...

Go HERE for the full Remax listing.

"New construction home with upgrades galore and easy elevator access to all four floors! Master w/ double vanity, Jacuzzi & fireplace. Lower lvl w/ 11' ceilings & rec rm w/ wet bar. Gorgeous stone facade, hardwd flrs, speakers, intercom & security system, 3 gas fireplaces, energy efficient insulation, 2 tankless hot water heaters, 2 car garage, patio, Trek deck, landscaped gardens & so much more!"

View Larger Map

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FOR SALE | 1518 Mississippi Ave SE - $999,999

2013-05-21T00:29:00.001-04:00

Go HERE for the full Remax listing.

"YOUR DREAM HOME- be wowed by the grand & open floor plan, up grades,sound system, custom gourmet kitchen, family room w/ fireplace, extravagant mstr suite w/huge walk in closet,lux mstr bath w/ dbl vanity & jacuzzi tub, 6 bed rms, 4 baths, 2 car garage ,lvg.area 3,487 sqft, finish bsmt, lg. yard, lot size 5912 sqft. 3 min to downtown and new Homeland Security. 10 min to Kennedy Center"

View Larger Map

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Perfect moments look like this

2013-05-21T00:14:00.000-04:00

Always.

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We're kind of a big deal...east of the river anyway ;)

2013-05-20T23:26:00.001-04:00

Sponsored posts and sidebar ads are now available! Special discounts for east of the river projects and nonprofits! Drop me a line, any old time.

XOXO
The Advoc8te

To submit an article or to inquire about advertising send an email to Advoc8te@congressheightsontherise.com

Housing demand on and poppin' in Anacostia neighborhood

2013-05-20T23:05:00.001-04:00

DC Breaking Local News Weather Sports FOX 5 WTTG

Just a few reasons Anacostia is happening right now. To learn more about the Anacostia neighborhood visit www.eatshopliveanacostia.com

Arts & Culture

Attractions

AMERICA'S ISLAMIC HERITAGE MUSEUM
2315 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE
202.610.0586

ANACOSTIA ART GALLERY
2806 Bruce Pl SE
202.610.4188

ANACOSTIA ARTS CENTER
Coming Spring 2013!
1231 Good Hope Rd SE
202.365.8392

ANACOSTIA PLAYHOUSE
Coming Spring 2013!
2020 Shannon Place SE

ANACOSTIA PUBLIC LIBRARY

1800 Good Hope Rd SE

202.715.7707

BLANK SPACE SE

Pop-up gallery & Creative rental space

Coming spring 2013 to the Anacostia Arts Center!

202.365.8392

FREDERICK DOUGLASS NHS

1411 W St SE

202.426.5961

HONFLEUR GALLERY

1241 Good Hope Rd SE

202.536.8994

SMITHSONIAN ANACOSTIA COMMUNITY MUSEUM

1901 Fort Pl SE

202.633.4820

THEATER ALLIANCE
1231-B Good Hope Rd SE
202.241.2539

THE GALLERY AT VIVID SOLUTIONS

1241 Good Hope Rd SE (temporary location)

202.365.8392

VIVID SOLUTIONS DC ARCHIVAL PRINT LAB
Temporarily closed for construction
2208 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE
202.758.0339

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? of the Day: "Will the Saint Elizabeths redevelopment live up to the hype?"

2013-05-20T05:32:00.000-04:00

Could this be the new Saint Elizabeths East?

What do you think about plans to redevelop the Saint Elizabeths East campus? Will this lead to more jobs, businesses, and economic development opportunities for Ward 8? Will this be the push for local businesses currently on Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE or will they be pushed out to make way for bigger businesses? Will the campus be as open to the public as promised? Will Ward 8 residents be ready for the jobs and opportunities coming to the campus? Are you optimistic or pessimistic about this project?

Go HERE to contribute to this conversation via the Branch application.
Please use the link above to comment on this post so we may track the conversation.

Go HERE to read or contribute to our last Question of the Day, "What Ward 8 issues would you like to see addressed?"

To submit an article or to inquire about advertising send an email to Advoc8te@congressheightsontherise.com

May 30 | ARCH Development Corporation Spring Community Update

2013-05-20T05:02:00.001-04:00

ARCH Development Corporation is hosting their next quarterly community update on Thursday, May 30th at 6:30pm at the new Anacostia Arts Center. This meeting will allow members of the community to get the latest updates on current and future ADC projects in Anacostita as well as take a tour of the new Anacostia Arts Center.

Projects to be discussed:

Honfleur Gallery
The Gallery at Vivid Solutions
The HIVE
The HIVE 2.0
Storefront Improvement Project
Anacostia Arts Center
Cafe @ Anacostia Arts Center
LUMEN8ANACOSTIA

Refreshments will be served. At the conclusion of the meeting ADC will be holding TWO rafffles for $100 each! This event is free and open to the public.

ARCH Development Corporation Spring Community Update
Thursday, May 30th
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Anacostia Arts Center
1231 Good Hope Rd SE
Washington, DC 20020

To submit an article or to inquire about advertising send an email to Advoc8te@congressheightsontherise.com

June 6 | Verbal Gymnastics at the Anacostia Community Museum

2013-05-20T04:52:00.000-04:00


When	Tuesday, June 11, 2013, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Categories	Kids & Families, Workshops
Sponsor	Anacostia Community Museum
Venue	Anacostia Community Museum
Event Location	Program Room
Cost	Free; for information and reservations, call 202-633-4844
Continues	Repeats July 9 and Sept. 10

Details	Poet and playwright John Johnson hosts an interactive workshop that incorporates poetry and storytelling. Participants use their observation of community and personal experience to create a unique and original piece, unlocking the poet and wordsmith inherent in all of us. Johnson also shares some of his poetry and tips that highlight the creative spirit of the spoken word. This program is also geared to promote awareness and civic engagement in the communities surrounding the Anacostia River.

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My review of the new Martha's Outfitters community thrift in Anacostia

2013-05-17T08:39:00.001-04:00

It was over a year ago that the then president of Martha's Table reached out to me personally to discuss their hope to open a Ward 8 location of their 'Martha's Outfitters' community thrift store. From the very beginning the nonprofit had their eye on the historic Anacostia neighborhood. The Martha's Table leadership was very open and committed to wanting to make sure that they solicited community feedback and support early on. They invited me and several other community members and leaders to visit their store on 14th Street NW to get an idea of what they wanted to bring to Ward 8 and asked us about Ward 8 locations that would be ideal. Although I wasn't able to take a trip to their 14th Street NW location ( I work way too much) I was pleased and encouraged to experience first hand their efforts over the past year to stay in touch and to be a good neighbor. I am really looking forward to working with them in the future, I would love them to be a part of this year's LUMEN8ANACOSTIA festival on June 22nd. I already have an eye on their parking lot! It would be perfect for some outdoor entertainment! :)

To be honest, based on experiences in the past, most Ward 8 residents (and businesses!) get a little nervous when they hear of a another social service organization or nonprofit moving into their business district. Sometimes that anxiety is well founded, remember Calvary Women's Service's top secret move into Anacostia and their subsequent stonewalling when it came to even holding a community meeting? Needless to say Calvary Women's Services has never recovered from that in terms of its relationship with the residents of Anacostia - despite what Calvary's PR machine may say in their fundraising materials. CWS is pretty much a pariah when it comes to their perception by and interaction with Anacostia residents and businesses alike. I'm pretty sure their Executive Director wears blinders and earplugs when going about her day in the neighborhood (sorry, but I call it like I see it).

Anyway, I digress. I was pleased as punch to stop into the Martha's Outfitters community thrift located at 2204 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE in Anacostia and it looks G-O-O-D! It doesn't have the look of a typical thrift store, in many ways it reminds me of a hip New York second hand shop. Thanks to the prior occupant, a Sunbelt Rentals, the floors are polished concrete. The furnishings and fixtures are creative and chic, and the visual merchandising is done really, really, well. There was plenty of staff and they were polite, friendly, and proactive. They had me sorted out in no time -- even when we couldn't find the mates to two pairs of the 12 shoes I wanted to buy (if the employees are reading this I will be in this afternoon to see if you have found my new friends).

As someone who dabbles in second hand sales myself (my mother and I own a small vintage designer resale company together, Once is Never Enough) I recognize good thrift when I see it and Martha's Outfitters has some cute and quality stuff. Initially I meant to pop in and get some pictures of the new store but soon I had a large pile of shoes (mostly designer and high end brands!). Before I knew it I had walked out of the store with 10 pairs of shoes and a really darling cow coffee mug (and I don't even drink coffee).

Martha's Outfitters joins The Last Shall Be First (1922 MLK Jr. Ave SE) and LaThreadz (1345 Good Hope Rd SE) as clothing retail options in Anacostia. It is a great fit and works well with how Anacostia is shaping up to be a burgeoning arts and independent business district. Martha's Outfitters (AKA "Outfitters) is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11am - 6:30pm -- although I do hope they extend their hours into the evening - and soon! I mean a girl's gotta shop!

P.S. The community thrift also provides free clothing to those in need based on a referral. Go HERE to learn more about that program.

Go HERE to read Martha's Table's press release on the new Anacostia store.

To stay up to date on what is happening in Anacostia you can visit my other blog, www.eatshopliveanacostia.com.

XOXO
Your very own (and now well-heeled) Advoc8te

The Martha's Outfitters staff and NBC4's Danella Sealock showing their Southeast Love
at their grand opening

Look Ma! No bars on the windows!!!!

This is how you do a proper window display people! Notice the window vinyl, clean windows and the displays.

My colleague, David Garber, Director of Storefront Improvement with ARCH Development Corporation is working with the store on a hip sign that fits perfectly into the historic nature of the neighborhood

Plenty of quality and diverse merchandise is key to any good thrift

Is there any better way to look out on the business district than through a quality retail storefront?!

Something for every budget!

Very, very nice presentation. Peep the fixtures made out of pipe! Smart and affordable!

View from the rear of the store.

A large collection fo lady's and men's apparel!

I don't know what it is but I like it!

Stuart Weitzman's!!!! For only $15?! Are you serious?!

A small portion of the shoe's available for sale.

Another one of my purchases. I think these were $8.

At first I bought this for a friend but now it is sitting on my desk -- and I don't even drink coffee!

Ready to take my new friends home.

That's right -- I only spent $75 on my haul. The Outfitters accepts credit cards!

The exterior with their temporary sign.

These are good neighbors! They even planted new flowers in front of their shop!

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May 18 | Learning how to learn workshop

2013-05-17T07:42:00.002-04:00

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Tomorrow is Sidehustle Saturday, a networking event for entrepreneurs

2013-05-17T07:39:00.003-04:00

SIDEHUSTLE SATURDAY MONTHLY NETWORKING EVENT
Sat, May 18th | 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Our monthly networking event for aspiring and established entrepreneurs! Dress code casual, information invaluable. Come get connected! Bring your lap top and get a litle work done or engage in some lively discussion about how to make your "hustle" happen. Refreshments will be served. Free and open to the public. RSVP on Facebook or send an email to membership@thedchive.com

Go HERE to RSVP on Facebook.

1231 Good Hope Rd SE [lower level]

Washington, DC 20020

To submit an article or to inquire about advertising send an email to Advoc8te@congressheightsontherise.com

My SE field trip with NBC4's Danella Sealock

2013-05-16T15:11:00.002-04:00

Today was a great day! The clouds lifted (temporarily) just in time for David Garber and I to hit the streets with NBC4's Danella Sealock (@DanellaNow) to spread a little Southeast Love in Anacostia and on Capitol Hill. We had so much fun visiting the people and places that make the Southeast quadrant (on both sides of the Anacostia river) a diverse and dynamic quadrant. Including some pictures below of our little field trip spreading the Southeast Love. You can follow our stops on Twitter under the #SoutheastLove hashtag.

It is so nice to be able to spread some GOOD news about Southeast. Hugs to NBC4 Washington for taking an interest in our story and getting the word out. In fact, please do me a solid and tweet @NBCWashington and let them know you love to see more positive stories on Southeast communities like this one.

I will let you know when the segment is scheduled to air. Have a great day!

Danella interviewing Julia Robey Christian about the Anacostia Playhouse

Today was the grand opening of Martha's Outfitter's in Anacostia!

Sofine Williams, owner of The Last Shall Be First consignment shop in Anacostia

Peregrine have us a steaming cup of Southeast Love

This nice lady is a visitor from out of town thinking of buying a house in SE

We met this lovely couple in Easter Market - they live in Anacostia!

Talking about growing up in Southeast DC

Just as Garber and I were leaving look who we ran into? Chancellor Kya Henderson!

Who's that girl? Oh wait, that's Danella (she's kind of a big deal)

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Free jazz concert tonight at 7pm at Honfleur Gallery

2013-05-16T07:29:00.002-04:00

Nasar Abadey Trio played opening night of Honfleur Gallery's current show (pictured)

The Bobby Muncy Trio is playing TONIGHT May 16th at Honfleur Gallery for FREE!
The show is 7-9pm & produced in partnership with Twins Jazz Club.

Honfleur Gallery is located in historic Anacostia at 1241 Good Hope Rd SE near the corner of Good Hope Rd and 13th Street SE. Free on street parking.

Spread the word and bring the family! This event is also on Facebook.

To submit an article or to inquire about advertising send an email to Advoc8te@congressheightsontherise.com

Spreading some #SoutheastLove today!

2013-05-16T07:24:00.001-04:00

Today I will be spreading some #SoutheastLove in Anacostia and on Capitol Hill with NBC 4's Danella Sealock! If you see us today please say "Hello" and take a picture with the Southeast Love sign!

Go HERE to learn more about the Southeast Love campaign and why people from all over are showing their love and appreciation for the District's Southeast quadrant.

Go HERE for your own Southeast Love sign and don't forget to tweet your picture (and location) under the #SoutheastLove hashtag!

To submit an article or to inquire about advertising send an email to Advoc8te@congressheightsontherise.com

Martha's Outfitter's store in Anacostia opens today

2013-05-16T07:18:00.002-04:00

Doors open at the new location today at 11am! I will try to get some pictures.

The new store is a community thrift shop and it is looking very good!

To submit an article or to inquire about advertising send an email to Advoc8te@congressheightsontherise.com

? of the Day: "What Ward 8 issues would you like to see addressed?"

2013-05-14T08:56:00.000-04:00

There is a lot going on in Ward 8, some good, some bad, and some things are just not talked about. I try my best to present a diverse perspective of topics on CHotR but lets be honest, I'm just one person. I spend the majority of my time these days primarily in two Ward 8 neighborhoods.

So I wanted to ask you the readers, "What Ward 8 issues would you like to see addressed?" What should we be talking about? What is something that is having a positive or negative impact on our community? What should we be doing about it? I strongly encourage as many people as possible to contribute to this discussion. I think out of honest dialogue comes great ideas.

I am trying out the Branch application for this project. I am embedding the discussion below so you can keep track of the conversation. I will be monitoring the discussion as well and will be giving my feedback as it develops (hoping it will anyway).

Looking forward to reading your comments. Don't be shy!!! :)

Go HERE for an invitation to the discussion.
The application is free and you can sign in with a Twitter handle.

Have a great day!

To submit an article or to inquire about advertising send an email to Advoc8te@congressheightsontherise.com

Sidehustle Saturday networking event this Saturday at The HIVE 2.0

2013-05-14T08:38:00.002-04:00

1231 Good Hope Rd SE [lower level]

Washington, DC 20020

To submit an article or to inquire about advertising send an email to Advoc8te@congressheightsontherise.com