Dear Ward 5 neighbors,
Tomorrow (Saturday, August 26) is Ward 5 Day! It has been a fun and full week of pop-up events leading up to the big day, and I’m excited to celebrate our beautiful community with you tomorrow at Turkey Thicket from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. We’re taking over the entire Turkey Thicket/Brookland Middle campus, and here’s a preview of what you can look forward to:
- Taste of Ward 5 featuring some of your favorite Ward 5 restaurants
- DJ and live band
- Line Dancing
- Massages and a workout class by Bikram Yoga Works – Ivy City
- Softball game by Woodridge Warriors
- Moon bounces, honey-making stations, and face paint for the kids
- Voter registration
- Government and community vendors including DC Health, Medstar, DC Water, and more
- The Ward 5 Education Equity Committee’s 4th Annual Back to School Backpack and Supplies Drive @ Brookland Middle School
In the evening, we’ll celebrate remarkable members of our community at the first-ever Ward 5 Awards Ceremony. While we have reached maximum capacity for this event, we look forward to sharing the results with everyone on social media and in next week’s newsletter!
This week, I continued my investigation into the tragic flooding our community experienced last week from Mount Olivet Rd NE to Rhode Island Ave NE, and many places in between. I continue to extend my deepest sympathies to those still recovering and grieving following the loss of pets at District Dogs, those who suffered devastating damage to their homes, places of worship, and businesses, and those who were traumatized and required rescue. I want to reiterate that the city’s preparation for and emergency response to the flooding on August 14 was inadequate and unacceptable.
Today, I released a situational report and response following my investigation. In it, I explain the shortcomings I’ve identified in the District’s preparation for and response to this event, what steps are being taken to address those shortcomings, and lay out additional responses I’m requesting.
I will continue to advocate for Ward 5 neighbors, churches, and businesses in the aftermath of this tragic event, and will work to ensure the District is more adequately prepared for future climate events.
This newsletter also includes information on last minute back-to-school giveaways, a Public Safety Advisory from the Office of the Attorney General, the pool closure schedule as the summer season comes to an end, and exciting events coming up in September including the DC State Fair and DC Family Bike Fest. Keep reading for more!
