WAMU 88.5FM American University Radio

Arlington Braces for Change

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The national military base realignment plan will affect communities in different ways throughout the Washington region, but none will be harder hit than Arlington. The Base Realignment and Closure Commission voted to back the Pentagon's proposal to stop leasing most of the office space for military workers in the county. About 18-thousand Department of Defense employees who work in those offices will be moved farther from the Pentagon. Analysts say in the short-term, businesses that serve those military workers will suffer, but they expect Arlington to make a full recovery. And, they say, DC may actually wind up the loser. WAMU's Lisa Nurnberger reports.

DC's 'Non-Teacher' Teachers

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Tired of your job? Want to meet a new group of co-workers and friends? Come work for the DC Public Schools! You'll put in long hours during the week, and probably on the weekends. And depending on your current job, it will likely mean a pay cut.

Sound good? Well, it's a pitch that worked on some 400 people since the DC Teaching Fellows program kicked into action five years ago. The goal is to take professionals -- lawyers, scientists, businessmen and women -- and turn them into first-rate teachers who'll stay in the school system for at least two years, and preferably longer. Those who enter the program come brimming with good intentions. But is that enough to sustain them through the trials of teaching? WAMU's Sidsel Overgaard reports.

Happy Labor Day from Fred

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WAMU Senior Commentator, Fred Fiske has noticed that this is Labor Day weekend. Nothing escapes this guy's attention.

The Seagoing Cowboys

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In the aftermath of World War Two, Americans donated thousands of farm animals to help with hunger and reconstruction in Europe. It was called "Heifer Relief", based on the idea that it was better to give a family a cow ONCE, than milk everyday. The man who came up with the idea was Dan West. He was a member of the Brethren Church, which in 1944, opened its national volunteer and service center in a small Carroll County community called New Windsor. And this is where his "Heifer Relief" project took root. Sixty years later, the men who escorted the farm animals overseas reunited at the Brethren Service Center. WAMU's Jennifer Strong reports.

Takoma Park Folk Festival

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Founded by former Takoma Park mayor Sam Abbott in 1978, the Takoma Park Folk Festival has grown from a simple show on a single stage -- to an event with a juried crafts exposition... children's activities... and SEVEN stages of music and dance. It's billed as an event "by and for the community of Takoma Park" -- but I'm sure if we ask really nicely, we'll be allowed to sneak in too. Joining us is Scott Moore who has been involved with the festivals for many years.

100 Treatments

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In early August, Carla Howery marked her 100th chemotherapy treatment at Georgetown University Hospital. It's not a milestone you really 'celebrate.' But for every one of these hospital visits, she had friends come along -- friends that she has nicknamed her "chemo-SABEs."

Carla Howery lives in Takoma Park.