Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Fort Stanton Recreation Center!

Art of War Concept: All armies prefer high ground to low and sunny places to dark.
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We all know that Ward 8 includes more neighborhoods than just Anacostia and Congress Heights, right?? Have you heard of a neighborhood called Fort Stanton? Fort Stanton is probably the smallest designated neighborhood in Ward 8. It sits in between Hillsdale and Washington Highlands and is right around the corner for the Anacostia Community Museum off of Morris Rd.

This past weekend, Ft. Stanton finally got its new and improved recreation center it has been clamoring for. The facility kept the same pool, but it got new basketball courts, softball field and indoor facility. It may have been another hot and humid day, but residents of the community did not mind a little heat to celebrate the opening of the new center! See below for some pics.
 
 Director of DPW and ANC Commissioner Anthony Lorenzo giving remarks

 Brand-Spankin New!

The neighborhood celebrating the day! 

Nothing happens by accident when it comes to neighborhood improvement. Big Shout-Out
to Ms. Addie Cooke -- 40 year resident of Fort Stanton. She fought years to make this a reality! 

New basketball courts 

Indoor basketball and volleyball court 

Ms. Barbara Jones, always making things happen in Fort Stanton 

Youth Room...

Senior Lounge that will be renamed the Addie Cooke Senior Lounge

Game Room = Pool Table, Foosball Table!

Computer Room

The Arts...

Fitness Center!

And of course, the Ft Stanton Softball Field!
 

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Oh Thank Heaven for 7-11

Art of War Concept: Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.
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So what is going on at the old Anacostia Warehouse Supermarket Building? I did some ANC research and found out one of the proposed tenants once construction is complete is a 7-11 convenience store. Now before you get all bent-out-of-shape because I know we all wanted a Whole Foods or Trader Joes, we need to be aware of reality that the Anacostia community currently cannot economically support those establishments. Let us be excited that we are taking baby steps. I personally think a 7-11 option is good for a couple reasons.



1.       We live in a food desert. Unless you live near the Safeway or Giant on Alabama Ave, SE you have to drive to get any fresh food products. A 7-11 at this location on Good Hope Rd would add a lot of convenience to residents in the Anacostia Community. Let’s not forget how folks were willing to shop at the Anacostia Warehouse instead of Yes! Organic just because of the location.  And now 7-11 actually sells fresh salads and sandwiches!

2.       The owner of the building is going to add some large glass windows to the side of the building to create a sense of openness.. This will add a beatification spark that is well needed on Good Hope Rd.

3.       7-11 does a lot of good in the community it serves. The company sponsors several school and community programs that help advance its mission in promoting safety, education, health & wellness and community revitalization -- with a focus on youth programs.

But here is the kicker. I spoke with the proposed franchise owners and they are a little hesitant to move to Anacostia…and I am sure you know the reason why…CRIME. We have heard it before that a reputable business is cautious about coming  East of the River because of reputation. So we need your help by sending a support email to the franchise owners encouraging them to come to Anacostia. If we can show that we can attract a national franchise maybe others will soon follow.

Simply copy and paste the email below and send to the following:
Sembe.Cole@7-11.com; David.Carples@7-11.com; Armand.Keurian@7-11.com

Subject: Welcome to Anacostia

Dear 7-11,

My name is (state your name) and I live in the Anacostia Community. I recently learned the exciting news that you are opening a 7-11 in our neighborhood. Your move to Good Hope Rd is a huge win for the neighborhood and will be well-received by the residents.  7-11 will add shopping convenience that we all want and deserve. Additionally, we support management's initiative to employ local residents to work at this location.

Please let me know what we can do as a community to support your move to the neighborhood.

Oh Thank Heaven for 7-11,

(YOUR NAME)


Large class windows on the side of the building will be
sure to add some vibrancy to the block.


 I had no idea 7-11 now carries fresh fruit and sandwiches


Pizza and hot dogs


 Milk and Juice


Bread, sugar, flour...they got the essentials.


The candy isle was always my favorite as a kid...


Who wants to be able to walk down the street
for a slurpee on DC Hot Summer Days?
 
 
Don't Forget to Send Your Email!

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Walking the 11th Street Bridge

Art of War Concept: Build your opponent a golden bridge to retreat across.
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This past weekend after the fireworks, I decided to take a walk over the new 11th Street Bridge. It truly is a whole new experience walking instead of driving. The new bridge only reinforces my belief that the sky is the limit when it comes to the potential for the greater Anacostia community.  In just a few years this bridge has made a world of difference it how it looks and feels coming in and out of the neighborhood.. It truly makes you appreciate the environment around you.

I would highly recommend you experience it for yourself. So one day, get out of the car and walk across to Barracks Row or to one of the overlook piers to embrace this new experience! Here are some pics to give you a feel...

Some neighbors walking over to Barracks Row for lunch
 

A very wide walking and biking path...


Enough room to walk and bike...
 
 
Remember bikes on the left and walk on the right!
"On Your Left!"
 


Overlook piers...

Come out and read a book as the cars pass by...

 

The bridge has its own drainage system so storm water does
not drain directly into the Anacostia River

As the boats pass by...
 

You can even walk down to Anacostia Park...
 

Its even great at night...very well lit


 
Mark your calendars!