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Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter
July 14, 2023

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Dear Ward 5 neighbors,

It has been a busy week at the Council leading up to our recess which starts tomorrow (July 15). You can get a full recap on all the legislative happenings in Kendra's Corner below, but as recess begins I wanted to make sure neighbors know that my office will remain open every day. I'll be visiting Ward 5 schools to assess readiness for the fall, we'll continue assisting neighbors with requests, working on longer-term legislative goals, and we have several community engagements planned for you including...
Ward 5 Day! Mark your calendar for August 26 at Turkey Thicket (1100 Michigan Ave NE). It'll be a day full of food, music, games, activities, a backpack giveaway, and traditions old and new including the first-ever Ward 5 Awards celebrating remarkable members of our community. We will release the nomination process and form next week. There will also be pop-up events across the Ward during the week of August 20 - 25. Much more information will be shared in the coming weeks, but I just wanted to be sure neighbors marked their calendars amidst summer breaks and travel. Don't meet me there; beat me there!

This edition of the Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter also contains information on upcoming community meetings for the Fort Lincoln Campus Improvement Project, Arboretum Bridge and Trail Project, and Metropolitan Branch Trail Project, upcoming electronics recycling pop-ups, and events to keep you connected to community. 
Week in Review
On Monday, I joined Mayor Bowser and Councilmember Pinto (Chair of the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety) for a public safety press conference at Turkey Thicket. Ward 5 neighbors have been contacting our office daily about public safety, and it was important to me to show up at this key Ward 5 location to discuss issues. 

Monday afternoon, members of my team and I got to chat with participants of the American Legion DC Boys State and American Legion Auxiliary DC Girls State programs about DC government structure and processes. Special thanks to Rip Preston for his continued work and advocacy of these programs. I also spent time collaborating with Council colleagues and preparing for Tuesday's Legislative Meeting.
On Tuesday, the Council held its last Council breakfast, Committee of the Whole and Legislative Meetings before recess (which begins tomorrow, July 15). You can read a full recap of that meeting in Kendra's Corner. These meetings extended from morning through the evening and I am proud of the work my colleagues and I accomplished.

Tuesday evening, I joined EmpowerDC and Ivy City and Brentwood neighbors for a Town Hall on Environmental Justice. This discussion explored accountability measures for the NEP (National Engineering Products), a chemical plant that has been operating in the Ivy City neighborhood for over 93 years. You can read more about about the Town Hall in Ward 5 Updates below.
Wednesday morning, I spoke at the Golden Triangle Annual Meeting about development downtown, and ensuring that the District's comeback is truly for all District residents.
That evening, my team attended the Crummell Community Center Community Meeting regarding the future of the project. The hybrid meeting introduced community members and stakeholders to the design team and partners involved in the long-awaited $35 million project. Tommie Jones from DPR lead the presentation with an emphasis on the collaborative nature of the project. I'm excited to see it come to fruition.

Thursday, the Committee of the Whole held a hearing on seven of the street designation bills I introduced in February at the end of Black History Month. These bills seek to honor prominent Black figures with ties to Ward 5, and it was moving to hear testimony from family members of these individuals and community members eager to preserve history. Thank you to the many who testified in support!
There were several other hearings on Thursday including one with the Committee on Health, and a roundtable with the Committee on Facilities and Family Services to consider the confirmation of the Acting Director of the Department of General Services (DGS), Delano Hunter. Kendra's Corner gives a recap of these hearings below.

Today, I appeared on The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi and Tom Sherwood. We talked about Tuesday's legislative meeting highlights, Congressional interference in District affairs, bus lanes, and more. If you missed it, you can listen back here.
Ward 5 Updates
Public Safety Updates
Here are the public safety updates I have for you this week:
Ward 5 School Visits - July 17-20
Next week, I'll be visiting schools across Ward 5 to assess their readiness for Fall, escalate issues to responding agencies, and hear from school staff on ways our office can continue to support them. This will be the first of two visits, as I will follow up again in August closer to the start of school to ensure the Department of General Services (DGS) has completed necessary work orders and schools are ready to welcome back students at the start of their academic year. The schools I'll be visiting next week are:
  • Browne Education Campus
  • Wheatley Education Campus
  • Noyes Elementary School
  • Brookland Middle School
  • Langdon Elementary School
  • Phelps ACE High School
  • McKinley Tech (Middle and High School)
  • Dunbar High School
     
Environmental Justice in Ivy City/Brentwood
At this Town Hall with Empower DC, community members discussed steps that could be taken to support Ward 5 communities in their fight for clean air. I updated the community with the latest information provided to our office by the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) in reference to permit determination and other ongoing issues, as well as the DOEE and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hyperlocal air monitoring in this area of Ward 5 including further neighborhood testing which coincides with facility operations. DOEE’s hyperlocal monitoring pilot took place June 15 – June 28. They will have results to share once their contractor (Aclima) has compiled and processed the data, which will take 1-2 months. The EPA is planning to perform neighborhood testing throughout the summer, which began (July 11) to coincide with the facility producing a batch of their product. Testing was performed the following day (July 12) to represent a day when the facility is not operating, and over the weekend. They are conducting testing on the front porches of five different residences in the community. We hope to have more updates for neighbors soon.
 
Metropolitan Branch Trail - Fort Totten to Takoma
Virtual Public Meeting - July 18
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is hosting a virtual project meeting on Tuesday, July 18 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. to discuss the status of the Metropolitan Branch Trail Project. DDOT will present an overview of the project and discuss project features and milestones. For more information, please contact Kelsey Bridges, DDOT Transportation Planner at 202-438-8972 or email near.northwestiii@dc.gov. My team will attend the meeting and provide notes back to the community if you are unable to attend. Access the virtual meeting here.
 
Fort Lincoln Campus Improvement Project
Community Meeting - July 18
Attend this Community Meeting on the Fort Lincoln Campus Improvement project to hear updates from the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the Department of General Services (DGS) regarding the future of Fort Lincoln Park and Theodore Hagans Cultural Center. This meeting will be offered in hybrid format (both in-person and online). Join virtually here, or attend in-person at Mt. Horeb Baptist Church (2914 Bladensburg Rd NE) on Tuesday, July 18, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Project updates are available here. My team will attend and we will provide updates to neighbors if you are unable to participate.
 
July 20: Ward 5 Day at the National Building Museum
Come to the National Building Museum on July 20 for Ward 5 Day for complimentary admission, including hands-on crafts and story-time at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. For Look Here, architect Suchi Reddy has designed a constellation of reflective fractals that visitors encounter on the oval ramp that fills the Museum’s Great Hall. The installation fills the Museum’s colossal Great Hall while engaging, delighting, and even challenging visitors. Overhead are three oversized mirrored elements resembling fortune-teller toys, whimsical folded paper playthings beloved by generations of kids. The reflection of the Museum’s interior, the constant movement of the prismatic elements, and the changing sun create a spectacular contemplative space during the day and a lively entertainment space at night.
 
eCycle DC - Electronics and Bulk Trash Event
in North Michigan Park - July 22
Properly recycling electronics conserves natural resources, ensures appropriate handling of toxic materials, provides a more sustainable source of precious metals, and protects human health and the environment. On Saturday, July 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) will facilitate an eCycle event outside the North Michigan Park Recreation Center (1333 Emerson St NE). Residents can also bring bulk trash items. Accepted items are listed in detail on this fact sheet

What's not accepted at these events? All items that are not listed in the fact sheet. Common examples include:
  • Loose batteries (a separate battery recycling program is expected to launch in 2023)
  • Appliances, such as electric kettles or toasters
  • Light bulbs
  • Computer cords or wires that are not connected to a computer
  • CDs or VCR tapes
  • Loose ink and toner cartridges
E-Waste Collection Event at Catholic University - July 22

Reverse Logistics Group is excited to announce they are hosting several free e-waste collection events throughout the District in 2023. The events are open to District residents, small businesses, and small non-profits to drop off unwanted electronics for recycling at their collection vehicle. In Ward 5, the event will be held on July 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., rain or shine, at Catholic University in the O'Boyle Hall parking lot (Harewood Rd NE and Fort Slemmer Dr). Accepted items include: televisions, computers, printers, cable boxes, and more. For a full list of events and accepted items, visit here. Check out their website or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Join them in cleaning out and recycling unwanted electronics.
 

Arboretum Bridge and Trail
Virtual Public Meeting - July 27 
The Arboretum Bridge and Trail Project, led by DDOT in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS) and the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), is in the design phase. On Thursday, July 27, DDOT will hold a virtual public meeting for a presentation on this project. Access the virtual meeting here.
 
Bladensburg Bus Garage
Community Meeting - August 8
Metro is hosting the summer Community Meeting for the Bladensburg Bus Garage Reconstruction Project on Tuesday, August 8 at 6:00 p.m. Meeting topics will include a project overview, construction activities, a 90-day outlook, and more. This meeting will be held in a hybrid format (in-person and virtually). All participants should register here. You can also read the most recent Bladensburg Bus Garage Project Community Update Newsletter here.
  • In-person: Woodridge Neighborhood Library (1801 Hamlin St NE)
  • Virtual: A join link will be sent after you register
Ward 5 Education Equity Committee
Seeking Two New Officers
The Ward 5 Education Equity Committee (Ward 5 EEC) currently has two openings on its executive committee — the offices of treasurer and recording secretary. If you would like to learn more about these roles or express interest in volunteering, please email contact@ward5eec.org. You can learn more about the Ward 5 EEC here, and join as a member here
 
Needed: Pedestrian Advisory Council (PAC) and
Bicycle Advisory Council (BAC) Ward 5 Representatives 
Due to current representatives needing to step down, Ward 5 is now in need again of representatives on the Pedestrian Advisory Council (PAC) and Bicycle Advisory Council (BAC). The PAC is comprised of District of Columbia residents with a demonstrated interest in pedestrian safety. Thirteen voting community members are appointed by members of the Council to three-year terms. Five non-voting agency members represent the District Department of Transportation, Metropolitan Police Department, DC Office of Planning, DC Public Schools, and Department of Parks and Recreation. The BAC is an official public commission that advises elected and appointed officials on bicycle-related transportation matters. The BAC evaluates legislation and transportation infrastructure, providing analysis and technical expertise to the legislative and executive branches of DC government, and is comprised of 13 DC residents who are voting members, appointed by Councilmembers.

If you are interested in representing Ward 5 on either the PAC or the BAC, please email our office at ward5contact@dccouncil.gov. 
 
Job Opening - Vision Zero Director
The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Operations and Infrastructure is hiring for a new Vision Zero Director. They are looking for someone who is:
  • Expert safety advisor
  • Focused on preventing traffic fatalities & major injuries
  • Responsible for execution of the Vision Zero initiative
Full job posting for ID#22269. Learn more and apply here. The deadline to apply is August 3, 2023.
 
Sustainable DC 3.0 Survey

In 2013, the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) and the Office of Planning released Sustainable DC, the District's plan to become the healthiest, greenest, most livable city for all residents. The original plan was updated to Sustainable DC 2.0 in 2019. It is now due for its next update. Since 2019, there has been a renewed reckoning with racial injustice as well as an increase in resources on how to assess impact on racial equity. The DOEE's goal is to produce an updated version of Sustainable DC that will better advance racial equity, economic justice, and climate justice. This summer, the DOEE is seeking feedback through an online survey, available in English and Spanish, designed to help them understand which priority areas they should carry forward in the updated plan. Complete the survey here.
 

Notices of Intent - Modifying Traffic/Parking Requirements
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is required to give written notice of their intent to modify traffic and/or parking requirements to the Council and affected Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners (ANCs) to allow for a public comment period on the modifications. The following Notices of Intent (NOIs) for Ward 5 are open for comment: 
 
  • Closes for comment on July 26: Close 3rd St NW between Shepherd St NW & Rock Creek Church Rd NW - Read and comment here
     
  • Closes for comment on August 3: New York Ave and Bladensburg Rd NE Safety Project - Read and comment here
     
  • Closes for comment on August 19: Installation of all-way stop control at 18th St and Bryant St NE - Read and comment here
     
ANC and Civic Association Meetings

This week, my team attended the Eckington Civic Association and ANC 5C meetings. Here's a brief recap: 

  • Eckington Civic Association (July 10 at 7:00 p.m.): 
    • Residents shared concerns about traffic safety and litter in the neighborhood. My team shared that our office has engaged DDOT and DPW on these issues and continues to work with these agencies to implement permanent solutions. My team also shared a preview of the July 11 Legislative meeting (which Kendra, my office's Legislative Director, gives a full recap of below).
  • ANC 5C (July 12 at 6:30 p.m.): 
View next week's ANC and Civic Association meetings at the calendar on my website here.

Not sure which ANC is yours? Use this tool to look it up. We're here to help, so email us anytime with questions - ward5contact@dccouncil.gov.

Have a need, or want to share important information for ANC and Civic Association Meetings? Get in touch with one of our Constituent Services Coordinators:
  • 5A & 5C: Carlos McKnight, cmcknight@dccouncil.gov
  • 5B & 5D: Oliver Stoute, ostoute@dccouncil.gov
  • 5E & 5F: Sam Bonar, sbonar@dccouncil.gov
Kendra Wiley is our office's Legislative Director. In this section of the newsletter, she provides updates on the Councilmember's legislative activities and educational pieces about the legislative process.
Recap of Tuesday's Committee of the Whole
and Legislative Meetings

On Tuesday, July 11 at the Committee of the Whole Meeting, the Council voted to approve:  

  • The Electric Bicycle Rebate Program Act that Councilmember Parker co-introduced. It provides rebates and vouchers between $75 - $2,000 for DC residents to buy electric bikes, electric cargo bikes, e-bike accessories such as bike locks, batteries, and accessories to support a disability, and e-bike annual maintenance. Half of the rebates and vouchers are for residents enrolled in SNAP, TANF, Medicaid or the Healthcare Alliance, and get double the allowable amounts. (Referred to as “Preferred” in chart below.)
    • Residents that purchase through an authorized retailer can reduce the up-front purchase price, and the District will pay the rebate directly to the retailer.  
    • The bill also authorizes the Mayor to issues grants to hire and train new workers to sell and repair bikes in shops in Wards 7 and 8.  
  • The Fairness in Renting Clarification Act that Councilmember Parker co-introduced clarifies the costs and fees associated with securing housing. It prevents housing providers from charging prospective tenants both application fees and separate processing fees. They can charge either an application fee or a processing fee, but not both. Processing fees are also limited to $50 and adjusted yearly for inflation.
    • The bill will also require housing providers to give 60 days' notice instead of 30 days’ notice for potential rent increases to create predictability in rental payments, and to give tenants more time to search for new housing if the rent is no longer affordable. Also, the amount of time a tenant has to decide to accept the rent increase or vacate the unit increases from 15 to 30 days to provide notice to the housing provider. 
Immediately following the Committee of the Whole (COW), at the Legislative Meeting, the Council voted to approve: 
  • The Prioritizing Public Safety Emergency Act introduced by Judiciary and Public Safety Committee Chair Pinto. Councilmembers Janeese Lewis-George, Charles Allen, and Robert White introduced amendments. Allen and R. White's amendments were adopted, and the Council voted 12-1 to approve the emergency bill. See the email Councilmember Parker sent regarding the bill and his views. 

  • The Law Enforcement Vehicular Pursuit Clarification Emergency Act, which was passed by the Council unanimously. It clarifies that MPD can indeed pursue people, within limits, suspected of committing a crime where it poses an imminent threat to public safety, and pursuit is necessary to mitigate the risk of injury to innocent people. 

  • The Sexual Harassment Investigation Review Emergency Act, which was also passed unanimously, creating an independent review of the complaints of sexual harassment and violations of former Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development and Chief of Staff to the Mayor John Falcicchio. It directs the Inspector General for the District of Columbia to hire and direct independent counsel to investigate those complaints along with hiring and promotion practices, workplace culture, and allegations of retaliation against complainants. Additionally, there’s directives to: 
    • Review and make recommendations on the District Government’s sexual harassment complaint and investigation procedures; 
    • Provide the findings and recommendations to the Mayor and Council within 90 days; and 
    • Additional formal or informal complaints related to Falcicchio's harassment shall be investigated by independent counsel. 
  • The Middle School Career Exploration Pilot, which Councilmember Parker co-introduced, requiring the Department of Employment Services (DOES) to create a summer career exploration pilot program for middle school youth 9-13 years old. They’d work on occupational skills, academic enrichment, life skills, career exploration, work readiness etc. Students would get an incentive to participate. 

Here's a recap of other hearings this week: 

  • At the Committee on Health's hearing on Thursday, most witnesses testified in favor of the Pathways to Behavioral Health Degrees Act, which would increase the number of behavioral health professionals in the District by establishing a Master’s of Social Work degree pathway and scholarship for DC residents pursuing these degrees at the University of District of Columbia.  Financial assistance would include tuition at UDC, books and supplies, and a monthly stipend to be used toward living expenses and transportation for participants pursuing this master’s degrees at UDC. 

  • Also on Thursday, at the Committee of the Whole's hearing on several street designation bills, including 7 that Councilmember Parker introduced in February at the end of Black History Month, we heard from several Ward 5 neighbors, community leaders, and family members of the individuals honored in the designations in support of the bills. Thank you to all of those that testified! Read some of the highlights of testimonies shared here. You can still submit written testimony here before the record closes at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday July 27.

  • Thursday ended with the Committee on Facilities and Family Services' public roundtable on the nomination of the Department of General Services Acting Director Delano Hunter. Witnesses and Councilmembers expressed concerns about the state of schools, the work order system, pests and rodents, slow to no compliance with the Building Energy Performance Standards, and overall accountability. 
As the Council now begins recess, I also wanted to share this explainer about what recess is from last week's newsletter. 
Programs for the People
Metro Procurement Fair - August 15

Metro is open for business and looking to expand its regional opportunities and partnerships. With more than 18,000 purchase orders awarded annually, qualified vendors support a wide range of departments, including information technology, construction, facility maintenance, real estate, and inventory for day-to-day operations. Companies interested in doing business with Metro are invited to register now to attend Metro’s Procurement Fair, Tuesday, August 15. The event will give business leaders an opportunity to meet with Metro’s procurement team, network with other vendors and government contractors, and attend workshops geared toward business growth and expansion.
 

Summer Ready DC Home Weatherization Kits
Through the DCPSC Summer Ready DC campaign, District residents can prepare their homes for high temperatures and summer storms by: At outreach events, attendees can choose to receive one GE Lighting CYNC smart full color A19 LED light bulb ($10.99 value) or one Frost King white rubber self-stick weatherseal tape ($8.67 value), while supplies last. Note: Only residents of the District of Columbia are eligible for this promotion. There is a limit of one weatherization item per address AND one item per customer. Ward 5's event is on August 16 at Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Neighborhood Library (5401 South Dakota Ave NE) from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
 
Department of Behavioral Health Seeks Feedback
The DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) is inviting parents and guardians to provide feedback on the behavioral health services the DBH provides to their families. For further details, click here or contact the survey administrator at jasonc@syrahealth.com.
 
Free Weekly Veggie Giveaway

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) hosts three weekly free veggie giveaways of local, fresh organic produce including kale, collards, lettuce, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, squash, herbs, flowers, and MORE! They occur May 9 through November 30 (weather permitting). In Ward 5, the weekly giveaway is at the Edgewood Rooftop Farm (at the Edgewood Recreation Center - 301 Franklin St NE) every Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Team Zachary in the Community
Ward 5
Riggs Park:
6th Annual Riggs Park Art Crawl
July 14 and 15 - 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
@ Lillian J. Huff Neighborhood Library (5401 South Dakota Ave NE)

Join this annual event for art, music, face painting, and more!
Throughout Ward 5:
Northeast Summer Nights - Outdoor Dinner Party + Movie Series
July 12 - August 9
@ Across the Ward

DC Squared presents Northeast Summer Nights: outdoor dinner parties and movie series across Ward 5! Learn more here. Here's the summer line-up: 
  • July 12 - Rhode Island Ave, Woodridge
  • July 19 - Upper Bladensburg Rd
  • July 26 - Rhode Island Ave, Woodridge
  • August 2 - Upper Bladensburg Rd
  • August 9 - Rhode Island Ave, Bryant St
Langdon:
Jump Into the Night
July 12 - 6:00 - 10:00 p.m.
@ Langdon Park Rec Center (2901 20th St NE)

Join neighbors for this nighttime jump rope event with Double Dutch, music and more! Learn more and RSVP for the event here.
Brookland:
Brookland Community Picnic
July 15 - 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.
@ 14th and Quincy St NE

Join the Brookland community for an afternoon of food, music, fun, and connection with neighbors. 
Eckington:
Monthly Community Cleanup
July 15 - 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
@ Yang Market (138 U St NE)

Join Eckington Parks & Art and the Eckington Civic Association on the third Saturday of every month. Meet at Yang Market (138 U St NE), where they'll hand out gloves and bags. If you become a regular, you'll get an awesome free Eckington map graphic t-shirt! And Lost Generation is still offering free drink tickets for anyone who cleans for at least an hour. Or clean on your own time whenever it's convenient!
Woodridge/Langdon:
Teen Lounge - Games, Snacks, and More
July 18 - 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
@ Woodridge Neighborhood Library (1801 Hamlin St NE)

Woodridge Neighborhood Library has reignited one their signature pre-Covid-19 favorites: "Teen Lounge". Those who participate, have a great time. Teens will enjoy board games, video games, Uno, checkers, chess and more. Throw in some teen approved beats, delicious snacks and boom we've got power - plenty of teen power!  A special teen event designed by teens and for teens.
Woodridge/Langdon:
Campfire Story Time
July 20 - 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
@ Woodridge Neighborhood Library (1801 Hamlin St NE)

Children ages 6-12 and their adults are invited to participate in our monthly Camp Fire Story Time at Woodridge Neighborhood Library. We will hear stories, sing camp songs, eat smores and take home Make & Take crafts.  Camp Fire Story Time happens on Thursday, July 20 at 6:00 p.m.
Woodridge/Langdon:
Adult Gaming
July 20 - 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
@ Woodridge Neighborhood Library (1801 Hamlin St NE)

Woodridge Neighborhood Library invites all those ages 19 and up to enjoy fun board games such as Scrabble, Boggle, Dominoes, Jenga, Cards & Po-Ke-No as well as video games like Mario Kart, Super Mario Brothers, and Just Dance using Nintendo Switch, traditional controllers and the ocular controllers. The first-half of evening is dedicated to board games and the second-half for video gaming.
Langdon:
Roving Leaders Day
July 22 - 12:00 - 6:00 p.m.
@ Langdon Park (2901 20th St NE)

Don't miss out on this free event packed with food, music, and activities. Join the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) for fun on a whole new level with a celebration of all things mobile recreation! We're coming through with moon bounces, carnival rides, water slides, jumbo games, and, of course, popcorn and snow cones. It's going to be a day of fun for the whole family powered by DPR's Roving Leaders!
Fort Totten:
Fridays at Fort Totten
June 2 - August 25 - 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
@ Modern at Art Place

Summer nights just got cooler. Join DC Fray and The Modern for a free concert series, happening Friday nights from June through August. Bring your own chair and sit back to enjoy live tunes, food trucks, games and community vibes from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Here's the summer line-up:
Around DC
Lincoln Park:
Summer Vibes - Teen Bike Ride
July 16 - 11:00 a.m.
@ Launches from Lincoln Park (East Capitol and 11th St NE)

WABA and partners invite you to join them for the Summer Vibes Teen Ride on Saturday, July 15, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. starting and ending at Lincoln Park. If you are a person age 14 through 18, this event is for you! Learn more here. Questions? Please get in touch with Sarah Haedrich at sarah.haedrich@waba.org.
Throughout the DMV:
Black Restaurant Week - 'More Than Just a Week'
July 16 - 30
@ Restaurants across DC, Baltimore, and Surrounding Counties

Black Restaurant Week is presenting its fourth annual campaign in the Greater Washington DC Region. Discover black-owned restaurants food trucks, sweets, and more across Baltimore, DC, and surrounding Maryland and Virginia counties. Enjoy 14 days of celebrations from July 16 - 30. Learn more and find participating restaurants here.
Penn Quarter:
Decades Summer Dance Party
July 16 - 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
@ MLK Jr. Memorial Library (901 G St NW)

The summer is heating up at the MLK Library with a fun and family-friendly afternoon Decades Dance Party with DJ Reggie T. from WPFW 89.3 FM! Enjoy singing along and dancing to hits from across the decades and have a blast playing party games like ping pong, giant chess, checkers, and Jenga. The Decades Dance Party is the perfect opportunity to learn more and sign up for Discover Summer, DC Public Library's all-ages celebration of reading and learning. Discover Summer runs from June 17 - Aug. 31, 2023. Sign up now to go, find and explore D.C.'s wonderful libraries and our beautiful city all summer long. Click here to learn more and sign up today!
Anacostia:
Live & Breathe After Dark
July 20 - 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
@ Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum (1901 Fort Place SE)

Join the Anacostia Community Museum for Live and Breathe: After Dark: An Evening East of the River on Thursday, July 20 from 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Explore To Live and Breathe: Women and Environmental Justice in Washington, D.C., indulge in sweets treats at the dessert bar from local small businesses, enjoy vibes from DJ Farrah Flosscett, and conversation with the community. Follow ACM on social media for sneak peeks into the evening, and check back here for updated event information. Registration recommended. This event is 21+ only.
Southwest Waterfront:
DC Public Library Discover Summer at the Rubell Museum
July 22 - 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
@ Rubell Museum (65 Eye St SW)

The DC Public Library is excited to Discover Summer with you at The Rubell Museum. The Rubell Museum is a new contemporary art museum in DC's Southwest community. Enjoy the collection, What's Going On, as well as Sylvia Snowden: SHELL; GLIMPSES. In addition, The DC Public Library will host a special story-time for families, share library resources, and so much more! This event is a part of Discover Summer. Discover Summer is an all-ages city-wide celebration of learning. With Discover Summer you will enjoy great reads, fun events, and activities that encourage you to explore your neighborhood and D.C. Sign up today!
Kingman Park:
Youth Sports Day
August 19 - 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
@ The Fields at RFK 
Fight For Children will host a free event that will be fun for the entire family! Come learn about afterschool programs that integrate sports with mentoring, social-emotional learning, academic tutoring, civic engagement and more. The event will take place at the The Fields at RFK and will feature sports activities, games and prizes, music, special guest and food trucks.
News You Can Use
Most-clicked links from last week's newsletter (not just news!)—
A highlight of my week was getting to chat with the bright scholars of the American Legion DC Boys State and American Legion Auxiliary DC Girls State programs. These young people are spending part of their summer learning about DC government structure and processes. They had thoughtful questions, inspiring ideas, and I hope they continue to pursue the opportunities available to them in public service. 

As always, we invite you to use this form to provide feedback on how we're doing. We'd love to hear from you anytime. 

Yours in service and community, 

Zachary

Want to reach one of our staff members?
Save this directory to stay in touch with us.

Chief of Staff, Rachelle Roberts -
rroberts@dccouncil.gov, 202-724-8918
Deputy Chief of Staff, Conor Shaw -
cshaw@dccouncil.gov, 202-724-8172
Legislative Director, Kendra Wiley -
kwiley@dccouncil.gov, 202-724-8192
Communications Director, Melissa Littlepage -
mlittlepage@dccouncil.gov, 202-724-8028
Constituent Services Coordinator, Carlos McKnight -
cmcknight@dccouncil.gov, 202-478-2456
Constituent Services Coordinator, Oliver Stoute -
ostoute@dccouncil.gov, 202-724-8107
Constituent Services Coordinator, Sam Bonar -
sbonar@dccouncil.gov, 202-724-1344
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