Last Saturday was one for the books. It was truly our best Ward 5 Day yet, and my heart is still full from the hundreds of smiles I saw on the faces of neighbors who came out to celebrate with us. Thank you to everyone who stopped by! I loved seeing neighbors on the dance floor, little ones laughing on the moon bounce and driving go-karts, friends young and old learning more about Ward 5’s history at the Walk Thru Ward 5, community organizations getting neighbors connected at their resource tables, pups getting adopted from Brandywine Valley SPCA, and lines at the stands for all the delicious Ward 5 restaurants and makers at the Taste of Ward 5.
I want to give a special thank-you to DPR, MedStar Health, and Casey Trees for all their effort to make Ward 5 Day a reality. I am deeply grateful for your partnership!
We also had many volunteers who helped keep things running smoothly. Thank you to ANC 5A Chair Emily Lucio for leading the Youth Entrepreneur Fair for its second year, to every ANC, civic association leader, and neighbor who contributed to the beautiful displays at the Walk Thru Ward 5, and to the many neighbors—Deb, Keshia, Gary, Tessa, Marcia, Allison, Terry, Joann, Crystal—and CSOSA volunteers who simply gave of their own time to make Ward 5 Day a success.
Enjoy these photos from the day as a reminder of what I often say: I don’t know any better than Ward 5!
I am also excited to share with you that my team expanded this week! Please join me in welcoming the Ward 5 Council Office’s newest staff member, Jerome Brackins, Jr.
Jerome is joining my office as the Constituent Services Coordinator for ANCs 5C and 5F. He has a notable background as an Air Force veteran, former paralegal, and teacher. I’m excited for Jerome to bring his diverse experiences and passion for service to the team. Again, please join me in welcoming him! You can reach Jerome at jbrackins@dccouncil.gov.
As a reminder, the full Ward 5 Council Office team and their contact information is listed on my website here, and we welcome hearing from you anytime!
Finally, I want to wish a warm “Shana Tova!” to neighbors in Ward 5 and beyond who celebrated Rosh Hashanah this past week. May this new year bring strength, sweetness, and the reminder that even in tough times, new beginnings are always possible.
Ward 5 Wave Podcast
This week on The Ward 5 Wave, I reflect on the past few weeks of Council activity, including our votes on the RFK Redevelopment Deal and the RENTAL Act, a recap of Ward 5 Day, and a preview of the policy package I am preparing to introduce soon on youth wellbeing in the District. Tune in wherever you listen to podcasts here!
In this edition of the Ward 5 Weekly you’ll also find public safety updates including information regarding the next Ward 5 Public Safety Call; legislative updates in Neferteria’s Nook; updates from the Committee on Youth Affairs; programs to benefit from including Free Breakfast in Bloomingdale tomorrow morning; and community events including Ward 5 Day at the National Children’s Museum and Kingman Island Friends & Family Day, both tomorrow, and DC Family Bike Fest on Sunday. Keep reading for more!
