This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
One of our community’s most exciting events of the year, Art All Night, is starting tonight! The two-night festival of art, music, and culture will kick off rain or shine, with events throughout Ward 4 and DC.
The Council’s second week back in session was a busy one, with lots of legislative hearings, bill markups, and addressing constituent needs. On Thursday, the Committee on Transportation and the Environment held a public roundtable on the DC Circulator transition, which underscored the need to stand up for the livelihoods of our DC Circulator drivers who have served our community for so long.
There are also several important community resources I want to share with neighbors, including a Tenant Clinic I’m hosting this weekend with the Office of the Attorney General.
Community News
It’s “Art All Night” Tonight Across Ward 4!
One of DC’s most exciting events of the year, Art All Night, is back this weekend! The annual fall event is a great opportunity to support our local businesses and artists as they showcase all the amazing art Ward 4 has to offer. Ward 4 is lucky to have three of our amazing main street associations leading the festivities — Uptown Main Street, Petworth Main Street, and The Parks Main Street — which are all hosting events throughout their respective neighborhoods. Below, you can read about some of the events taking place:
Uptown Art All Night
14th Street NW between Spring Rd NW and Randolph St NW: Ethiopian music and dance troupe, Chinelos Mexican dancers, a Latin American folkloric dance showcase, and all-vinyl spins of classic soul, rock ‘n’ roll, and R&B with neighborhood favorite DJ Baby Alcatraz. (Learn more)
14th Street NW between Buchanan St NW and Decatur St NW: Projection art on the 1400 Decatur St building, flamenco dance performances at Atxondo Restaurant, acoustic guitar from Hardy Quiet at Crestworth Studios, and a free Principles of Ballet dance class for children and adults. (Learn more)
Intersection of 14th St NW, Kennedy St NW, and Colorado Ave NW: Americana and covers by ASMREOspeedwagon liven it up at Moreland’s Tavern, and Ghanaian drummers at Hedzole! (Learn more)
Kennedy St NW at 7th St NW: Home Rule Records is curating live music at Brightwood Pizza & Bottle and Everyday Sundae. At Soup Up and Mita Cafe, there will be a local caricaturist from About Faces. Plus, get the opportunity to join local muralist and artist Leonina Arismendi to create community canvas mural from 5 to 8pm at 715 Kennedy St NW. (Learn more)
Kennedy St NW between 1st St NW and 2nd St NW: Azul Band will perform “Music Without Borders” at Brink Bar & Grill from 7 to 10pm on 3rd St NW, and Jackie Lee’s will host Latin fusion/reggae/cumbia with the talent-packed Bongo District band from 9 to 10pm. (Learn more)
Petworth Art All Night
800 block of Upshur St NW & 4200 block of 9th St NW: Stop by the Petworth Main Street Info Table to learn about local businesses and community initiatives, at 851 Upshur St from 5:30pm onwards. Then experience an evening of art, music, and engaging conversations at Art of Noize from 5 to 10pm, get ready to move with Bongo District at Entitlement, enjoy the vibrant sounds of Mariachi Aguila at Mary’s Bar & Grill, and end your night with laughter at Room 808, with two comedy shows at 8 and 10pm! (Learn more)
Simple Bar and Grill, 5800 Georgia Ave NW: Join for an art exhibit & old school DC punk show by Pickaxe, followed by the fabulous Noa Noa Drag Queen Show at 9pm! (Learn more)
Neptune Room, 5404 Georgia Ave: Groove all evening to the beats of Les The DJ x Gabriela DC Home. From 8pm, treat your taste buds to freshly cooked Filipino cuisine while enjoying a captivating art exhibit. (Learn more)
Marte Bar & Lounge, 4815 Georgia Ave NW: Experience a unique fusion of traditional Ethiopian music with Hip-Hop and House from 9pm to midnight. Get ready to dance the night away! (Learn more)
Riggs & Manor Park Art All Night
Troka Insurance: Join for dinner, music, dancing, BIG Kid fun including classic games, double dutch, dancing, and more. (Learn more)
Wingstop: Join for a Wingstop vendor marketplace with music! Enjoy delicious bites, shop unique finds, and groove to the beats of DJ Oxygen! (Learn more)
Hellbender Brewery: Get ready for a night of laughter with an incredible comedy show featuring some of the best talents around! (Learn more)
Unitees Screenprint & Embroidery: Unleash your creativity and learn the art of screen printing. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this hands-on experience is perfect for everyone! (Learn more)
Lamond-Riggs-Lillian J. Huff Library: Bring the whole family for an evening filled with games, snacks, and creative fun! Enjoy activities like painting, double dutch, face painting, and even create your own wearable art with the talented ladies from “Here’s the Stituation.” (Learn more)
The Modern At Artplace: Enjoy a stellar lineup of performers on an electrifying concert stage, all set to make your night unforgettable. Savor the best local flavors, shop vendors, enjoy the show. (Learn more)
Riggs Wine & Liquor: Join Riggs Wine and Liquor from 5 to 10pm for an unforgettable evening of spirit tasting and creativity! Sip on a selection of unique wines and liquors while you unleash your inner artist. Plus, you won’t want to miss the chance to help paint a community mural that celebrates our neighborhood! (Learn more)
Dine All Night: Stop by some of our Manor Park restaurants, including Peaches Kitchen for Jamaican cuisine and Senbeb Cafe for vegan/vegetarian soul food! (Learn more)
Ward 4 Food Resources
If you or someone you know is in need of food assistance, here is a list of some of our local food projects Ward 4 residents can reach out to for support and resources:
- Church of Christ – 4801 16th St NW distributes every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 10am (202-882-4711)
- Emory Beacon of Light, Inc. – 6100 Georgia Ave, NW distributes Tuesdays only from10am-2pm (202-829-5732)
- Sixth Church Food Closet – 5413 16th St, NW distributes the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month (202-723-5377)
- Southern Rock Baptist Church – 750 Buchanan St, NW distributes the 4th Tuesday of the month at 10am until food is gone (202-722-9690)
- Ward 4 Mutual Aid – 744 Jefferson St, NW distributes the third Wednesday at 5pm and Saturday at noon of each month. Deliveries are limited to those who cannot physically
pick up and should be arranged by leaving a message at or texting 202-681-3098. - Bread for the City – Call 202-985-2788 to arrange delivery.
- Northwest Food Pantry – 1525 7th St, NW distributes Monday through Thursday from 9am to 3pm.
Council News/Legislative Updates
Standing Up for Our DC Circulator Drivers
Over the last several weeks, DC Circulator drivers have been advocating for a clear transition plan following the Mayor’s budget cutting funding for the DC Circulator earlier this year. On Monday, drivers rallied outside the Wilson Building to amplify their concerns. Under the current proposal, drivers have no job security guarantees, and even if they are able to secure positions with WMATA, those with 19 years of experience would be compensated at the same rate as new hires.
I’ve also been disappointed to see a lack of transparency on the transition plan from the executive branch. The FY25 DC budget approved by the Council mandated monthly reports be released on the progress of DC Circulator’s transition to Metrobus. However, the only two reports released so far have lacked the transparency needed to make sure the transition is executed correctly, and drivers and routes are protected.
DC Circulator drivers — many Ward 4 residents — have served our community for nearly 20 years, and now face loss of their jobs and livelihoods. At the same time, riders deserve to retain access to the routes they rely on. The current transition plan meets neither of these needs.
On Thursday, the Committee on Transportation and the Environment held a public roundtable on the Circulator transition, hearing from agency leadership and Circulator workers. During the hearing, I asked questions of WMATA and DDOT leadership to understand what steps are being taken to provide a clear plan for the Circulator’s drivers and routes.
Our government has a responsibility to make sure customers don’t lose access to transportation services they rely on, and we don’t leave workers behind. I’m committed to standing alongside our drivers for a plan that meets both of these goals.
Community Resources
Office of the Attorney General Tenant Clinic
On Saturday, September 28th, from 10:30am to 12:30pm, I am joining the Office of the Attorney General to hold a tenant clinic at Emory Beacon of Light Fellowship Hall. If you are a tenant concerned your landlord is violating the terms of a Consent Judgement Order, particularly residents on Somerset and Sheridan, I encourage you to join to join to get the latest updates, learn more about your rights, and ensure your landlord’s compliance.
Estate Planning Workshop
On Saturday, September 28th from 12 to 2pm, the Lamond Riggs Citizens Association and the DC Department of Insurance, Securities, and Banking are holding an Estate Planning Workshop at the Lamond-Riggs-Lillian J. Huff Library. Attendees will be able to learn about estate planning and important steps to help you protect your money, valuables, and assets, and pass them on to family, friends, and institutions you choose.
Applying for Home Energy Assistance
DC’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) opens to new applications on October 1st. LIHEAP assists income-eligible District households with heating and cooling energy costs. Families may receive energy bill assistance between $250 and $1,800 as a one-time regular energy assistance benefit. Residents can schedule appointments to apply for benefits on DOEE’s website.
Applying for a Sidewalk Shoveling Exemption
DC’s Department of Public Works maintains a Sidewalk Shoveling Exemption Program which exempts disabled and senior residents from removing snow and ice from their sidewalks within the first eight hours of daylight after the end of a storm. All you need to do to qualify is submit this form by the end of October!
Serving on DC Water’s Stakeholder Alliance
DC Water is looking for three Ward 4 residents to join the newly formed Stakeholder Alliance, which will consist of members from all eight wards and provide a vehicle for dialogue with and input from the community on a wide range of issues relating to DC Water’s operations. If you think you’d be a good representative of our community, email teamjaneese@dccouncil.gov with your name, proof of Ward 4 residence, and a short blurb on why you should be considered to serve on the Alliance.
Apply to Join our Ward 4 Council Team
I’m excited to share that we have three open positions to add to our Ward 4 Council team, Legislative Director (one opening) and Constituent Services Coordinator (two openings). Click on each position for the full job posting, a description of the position, and instructions on how to apply. You can also find the postings under the DC Council’s list of job openings. If you have any questions about the openings, please email our Chief of Staff, Candace Tiana Nelson, at cnelson@dccouncil.gov.
We are excited to welcome individuals to the team who are committed to serving Ward 4 residents, supporting our communities, and advancing justice and equity in the District. If you know someone who would be a great fit, please encourage them to apply!
Order Free COVID-19 Tests
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is currently distributing free at-home COVID-19 tests. Every U.S. household is eligible to receive four free at-home tests. Click here to have your tests delivered to you, including free shipping!
Proposed Bus Stop Removal
DDOT has issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) to remove two bus stops and install resident parking signs at the intersection of Illinois Ave and Upshur St in Petworth. If you’d like to submit comments on this proposal, you can send them in writing to DDOT (55 M Street SE, Washington DC 20003) by October 28th. An information forum hosted by Petworth Get Wise Coalition is scheduled for October 3rd from 7 to 8pm at Center City Public Charter School, 510 Webster Street NW.
DC Water Updates for Ward 4
DC Water has shared several updates on work taking place in Ward 4 neighborhoods. Here are some of this week’s updates, particularly for Brightwood Park and Sixteenth Street Heights neighbors:
- For the remainder of this week and all of next week, DC Water is expecting to be performing test pitting operations, new water main installation, and water main tie-ins on the 5500 block of 4th Street NW, and on 5th and Kennedy Streets NW.
- Next week, DC Water is expecting to be performing test pitting operations on 3rd Street NW in preparation for a new water main installation.
- For the remainder of this week and all of next week, DC Water is expecting to perform curb and roadway restoration activities on the 1300 block of Hamilton Street NW.
Neighborhood Events
Fall Fun Festival 2024
On Saturday, September 28th from 1 to 5pm, Friends of the Soldiers Home is hosting their annual Fall Fun Festival at the Armed Forces Retirement Home. The 10th annual event will feature food trucks, live music, kids’ games, craft beer, and more. Volunteers are also needed! Sign up to volunteer here.
Community Shred Day
On Saturday, September 28th from 9:30am to 12:30pm, the Rho Mu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha is holding its annual Community Shred Day at Alice Deal Middle School. Chesapeake Paper Systems and A Better Way Computer Recycling will be be onsite to shred your confidential documents and securely recycle your electronics, including old laptops, phones and/or hard drives.
Takoma Park Street Festival
On Sunday, October 6th, the Takoma Park Street Festival is returning for its 43rd year! The event will take place from 10am to 5pm, starting on Carroll Ave in Takoma Park, MD, and ending on Carroll St NW in Takoma, DC. The festival will feature over 185 vendor booths, live music from 18 local bands, food trucks, and more. Check out the festival website for more details!
Important Reminders
Office Hours in the Community
Every Wednesday afternoon, our Ward 4 constituent services team holds office hours at Fort Stevens Rec Center from 12 to 1pm, followed by office hours atHattie Holmes Senior Wellness Center from 1:30 to 2:30pm. Community members can stop by and speak one-on-one with a member of our team about DC government services or our work in the Ward 4 community.
Ward 4 Council Office Updates
As we approach the end of the Council period, our office is designating Fridays as “In the Ward Days.” No need to visit us at the John A. Wilson Building, as we will be in the ward. As always, we are committed to helping neighbors navigate DC government services and other constituent needs. Remember, you can contact a constituent services team member here.
For more local events, check out DPR, DC Public Library, and NPS.
Ward 4 in the News
Petworth News: Share your experiences crossing New Hampshire Avenue for a research study
Petworth News: Help support the Petworth Farmers Market at a fundraiser on Oct 20th
Northern Virginia Magazine: DC Art All Night Returns with Artistic, Musical Activations Around the City
The Washington Post: D.C. doesn’t have an official amphibian. These kids want to change that.
WUSA 9: DC may soon have an official amphibian
WTOP: Red-backed salamander gets support from students to become DC’s official amphibian
Washingtonian: Fourth Graders Give the DC Council a Lesson in “Herping”
Ward 4 Dispatch: Council Back in Session, New Ward 4 Small Businesses, and Celebrate Petworth!
These are news articles that mention Ward 4 or pertain to events in our community. Councilmember Lewis George does not write or endorse their content but shares them for community awareness.
Last week, I was saddened to learn of the passing of 4th District Lieutenant James Black, who served 27 years in the DC Police Department, most recently in PSA 407. Lieutenant Black was beloved by his colleagues for his leadership, warmth, and willingness to show up for others. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones in this difficult time.
On Saturday, we recognized the 100th annual Lincoln-Thomas Day, which honors two historical figures —President Abraham Lincoln and Brightwood’s Elizabeth Proctor Thomas — who shared a profound connection to Fort Stevens in Ward 4. During the Battle of Fort Stevens, President Lincoln was the only sitting president to witness a battle as Confederate troops marched into DC in July 1864. The land was owned by Elizabeth Proctor Thomas, an African American woman whose home on Fort Stevens was seized and never returned. The 100th anniversary of Lincoln-Thomas Day on Saturday was a testament to our rich shared history in Ward 4. I’m grateful to the National Parks Service and the Military Road School Preservation Trust for holding this event for your community.
Saturday was also Chevy Chase Day, and it was a joy to see so many neighbors join to celebrate all the Chevy Chase community has to offer. Thank you to the Chevy Chase Community Association, all of the partners and sponsors, neighbors, and everyone who made Saturday possible.
On Tuesday, Ft. Stevens Recreation Specialist Lekeya Coates won the prestigious DPR Directors Award! Lakeya has worked at Fort Stevens in Brightwood for 7 years, and has demonstrated a commitment to serving our community. Congratulations, Lekeya!
Finally, I want to let neighbors know that starting Wednesday, October 2nd, I will begin my maternity leave as my husband Kyle and I get ready to welcome Baby George into the world! Heading into this busy time, I want to be clear about what neighbors can expect from my office and our continued work for the people of Ward 4.
While on leave, our Ward 4 office and work in the community will continue operating as normal, and my team will be ready to help neighbors address constituent services concerns, move forward on important legislation, and conduct agency oversight. We’re looking forward to a busy end of the Council period, and I plan to attend legislative meetings virtually and take part in important Council votes. I’m also looking forward to continuing to share more updates in my weekly Ward 4 Dispatch, so make sure to keep checking in for updates and tell a friend or neighbor to sign up!
I’m so grateful for the kindness and warmth of our Ward 4 community members over the last several months. I couldn’t be more excited to begin this new chapter.
Enjoy the weekend, neighbors!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
