Christiane-Tresor Crawford

June 26, 2014June 26, 2014

Three decades of crayons and crackers

WASHINGTON — Blue seahorses and red tricycles rest in the sand while toddlers run around and their giggles fill the air.

Inside, children are playing with shapes, blocks, and pegs. Others play with sand and water. Some days, the children, who are ages 2 and a half to 6, watch the life cycles of caterpillars and grow tomatoes and flowers.

“They just flourish and blossom,” said Zakia Charfi, the administrator of the American University Child Development Center.

The center that sits on the American University campus opened in 1978 and continues to thrive and remains popular as it always operates at capacity—30 children–and with a wait list. That could be because Charfi offers three decades of childcare experience. Plus, other qualified teachers plan a monthly lesson in order to keep the children active.

Toddlers at the Child Development Center on AU's campus are offered many choices for outdoor play. Photo by Christiane Crawford — Toddlers at the Child Development Center on AU’s campus are offered many choices for outdoor play. Photo by Christiane Crawford

“I love little children,” Charfi said. “You can teach them so much. They’re so innocent and curious.”

Even though the joyful sounds of children seem like all play, Charfi is constantly busy changing diapers, cleaning bathrooms, checking inventory and managing toddlers, who may shout “Mine!” to claim toys as their own. Charfi also manages two classrooms, one orange for the younger children and the other green for ages 4 to 6.

Despite high demand for infant childcare in the metropolitan D.C. area, Charfi explained the center starts at age 2 and a half because of the expense and potential health issues including immunizations associated with infants.

Even without little babies, the toddlers keep Charfi and the well-trained staff on their toes. Starting with a “rush hour” at 8 a.m., many children stay all day until it’s time to leave at 6 p.m.

Despite the long day, it’s the love of children that has kept her there for decades.

“If you don’t love children, there is no place for you here,” Charfi said. “I always tell [the teachers], ‘You’re here for the children.’”

A seahorse sea saw is placed on the sand at center. By Christiane Crawford — Summer offers multiple chances for AU Child Development Center students to get outside and play. Photo by Christiane Crawford

No matter how challenging Charfi’s job gets, she continues to put in “200 percent” of her time. The children socialize, forming relationships and learning their routines.

Charfi smiled when she mentioned children who once were enrolled at the pre-school and now attend American University as students. Some stop by to tell her “Hi.”

With growing minds and budding friendships, the Child Development Center hopes to host future generations to come.

“They love each other,” Charfi said.

June 23, 2014

Tourism: the capital of Washington

WASHINGTON — As the capital of the United States, this city is known for its tourism. The industry affects both the city’s economy as well as the everyday lives of residents. Though there are varying views on tourism, most tend to be positive.

“I’m glad to have people coming here to visit the national capital of our country,” Richard Beatty, who has a family legacy in Georgetown, said. “[But] I don’t like them crowding out our things.”

The District welcomed a record 18.5 million visitors in 2012, according to washington.org. Since then, visitation has been continually rising and is predicted to do so through 2016. Because of the number of visitors, tourism has just become a part of life for most residents.

“Everyone gets used to [tourism],” Alex King, a senior at American University originally from Michigan, said.

Locals who commute definitely feel the influx and have tips to deal with it. Those include not going to attractions, such as the monuments, on a daily basis, unless family and friends are in town, as Henry Robertson, a sophomore at American University, does.

“I think [tourism is] good as long as it doesn’t hurt the city,” AU senior Shani Lee said.

Many think that the reason why the number of tourists is high is because of the renowned attractions such as the the National Mall, with about 55 percent of the visitors coming for leisure, according to Jeanette Tejeda de Gomez, public affairs specialist of AAA Atlantic. The most popular attractions in the city are the White House, Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. Special events are also a big draw. This year alone, there will be 17 large events attracting visitors from all over. Tourism in D.C. creates $6.7 billion and supports 75,300 jobs annually.

“Tourism is critical to D.C.” Tejeda de Gomez said.

June 23, 2014June 23, 2014

Man vs. Nature: Community garden thrives

A sign in front of Peggie Lewis's garden greets visitors. — A sign in front of Peggie Lewis’s garden greets visitors. Photo by Valerie Akinyoyenu

WASHINGTON — Wake up and smell the garden, literally. Forty years ago, Ann Chase asked the city to start a community garden to commemorate National Food Day. Today, the Newark Street Community Garden is the largest and one of the oldest in the District, situated on four acres of land with about 200 plots tended by roughly 190 gardeners. The area also showcases picnic areas, a playground, tennis courts and a newly added dog park. Although the garden is successful, the association has encountered many obstacles.

The beautification plots in front of the garden are tended by volunteer gardeners, such as Peggie Lewis. “It’s for the neighbors,” Lewis said. When a fountain was installed in the playground in the vicinity, these plots were disturbed by the digging of a water source, and the byproducts of the construction contaminated the soil and made it difficult for these plants to grow, she said.

Concerns about contamination from animals, such as deer and birds, began to rise. Even though the gardeners have a system of protecting their gardens, the wildlife still prevails.

One gardener, Brad Foss, said, “The birds are smarter than me.”

Peggie Lewis crouches behind the sign at the front of the garden. — Peggie Lewis at the main entrance to the urban gardens, the largest in the District. Photo by Valerie Akinyoyenu

Foss grows blueberries in his 15-by-15 plot, which are difficult to grow, he said, because they are complex and require a very high level of acidity in their soil. Most of the plots are surrounded by netting, but the birds manage to find tunnels through the nets. Deer have also managed to make their way into plots every so often. “The deer love everything we put in,” Lewis said.

The garden has also been frequented by what local gardeners call “The Flower Thief.” Lewis said this person cuts blooming flowers from the gardens and then sells them to floral shops by claiming he has a garden in Virginia.

Members have to take care of their gardens and volunteer 10 hours in order to keep their plot. “We have a very strict group of rules,” said Susan Akman, former president and 30-year member of the garden. “We want our rules to give framework and not to lose people but to instruct.”

The garden has met challenges, and it still draws support from many. Gardner Martha Baron said, “I like to be outdoors, it’s exercise… I love growing things and seeing them bloom.” Baron tends to her garden two to three times a week with the occasional help of her grandchildren. She grows tomatoes, English daisies, basil, phoxs and green peppers.

“Gardening is our therapy. It’s our escape,” said Akman. “I have a great love and passion for it.”