This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
We’re just a few short weeks away from the start of the school year! With the fall quickly approaching, I’d like to let you know about some back-to-school drives coming up in the community, where families can get school supplies to prepare their kids for the start of classes.
We’ve been experiencing some stormy weather lately, which is expected to continue over the next few days. Below, I list some helpful resources to stay safe during these conditions and to have on hand in the case of power outages or fallen trees.
We’re still in the midst of our In The Ward 4 You neighborhood pop-ups, with our next stop coming on Kennedy Street in Manor Park this coming Tuesday. We’ve still got five events left, so make sure to check out the remaining schedule below.
This week’s newsletter also covers important public safety updates on our ongoing work to keep our communities and public spaces as safe as they can be.
Community News
Public Safety Updates
Last Thursday night, we experienced a tragic shooting at the Lamond Rec Center, which took the life of a 14-year-old boy. On Friday, I updated community members on my conversations with MPD and DPR by knocking doors in the neighborhood. Chief Smith confirmed that the shooting resulted from a personal dispute, and MPD is diligently working to resolve the case. If you have any information that may assist in their efforts, please call 202-727-9099 or text 50411.
I’m grateful to MPD and DPR for their swift response, for protecting community members who were at the rec center, and for the work DPR has done in the days since to look out for staff who were impacted. DPR’s programs and services keep our neighborhoods strong and are invaluable to our Ward 4 community.
In the wake of a tragedy like this, it brings immense hope to see leadership from all areas of our community coming together to share resources with neighbors and strategize around public safety measures. Nothing takes higher priority than public safety, and I will continue to work with all members of our community to achieve this goal.
Back to School Drives Across the City and the Ward
It’s hard to believe the start of the school year is almost here! With students returning to classes in just a few short weeks, now is the time to get stocked up on school supplies for the fall. Luckily, there are many back-to-school drives happening in Ward 4 and around the city. Here are just a few:
- Today until 7pm, Bellevue Library and the Community of Hope are holding their 12th annual Back-to-School Bash at the Bellevue-William O. Lockridge Neighborhood Library. There will be distribution of book bags filled with school supplies, plus city resources, fun activities, local entertainers, and food.
- On Friday, August 9th from 4 to 7pm, The Parks Main Street, ANC 4B, and several other local businesses and community organizations are joining to host a backpack giveaway across from Walmart at 5581 South Dakota Ave NE. Residents will be able to get backpacks filled with school supplies and hygiene items in preparation for the upcoming school year. If you’d like to donate to the event or have any questions, reach out to symone.brooks12@gmail.com.
- On August 13th and 14th from 9:30am to 3pm, The Salvation Army is hosting a backpack distribution at its location on 3335 Sherman Ave NW. The event is first come, first serve, and attendees must bring proof of guardianship and valid ID. Coats will also be provided in adult and children’s sizes!
- On Saturday, August 17th from 11am to 1pm, I’m joining the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association to host a backpack giveaway at the Riggs-LaSalle Rec Center. We’ll be giving out supplies for students and helping families prepare for the start of the school year. Hope to see you there!
- On Thursday, August 22nd, from 1 to 5pm, the Benning-Dorothy I. Height Library is hosting a back-to-school event with the Washington Wizards as part of the Wizards’ Summer Reading Tour. Families can participate in family friendly activities, grab awesome school supplies, listen to great music, and earn Washington Wizards Prizes.
- On Friday, August 23rd from 12 to 4pm, the Office of the Mayor is hosting Back to School Day at RFK at The Fields at 401 Oklahoma Ave NE. The event will include book bag and school supply giveaways, plus food, music, an arcade, haircuts, immunizations, food trucks, and more.
- On Saturday, August 24th from 10am to 2pm, the Ward 5 Education Equity Committee is hosting a Back-to-School Giveaway at Wheatley Education Campus (1299 Neal St Ave NE). Families will get the opportunity to receive free backpacks and school supplies ahead of the start of the school year. Rain or shine!
For more back-to-school giveaways and events, check out DCPS’s 2024-25 Back-to-School Guide, coming soon!
Storm Reminders and Tips
August often brings stormy weather to DC, and the last few weeks have been no different. With more of this weather expected over the next few days, I want to update you on how to stay safe during storms, and the fastest way to get issues resolved by agencies:
- Sign up for DC emergency alerts for the latest information on storms and inclement weather.
- If you see a fallen tree or tree limb, submit a request with 311 for the fastest resolution.
- If you see a dangerous tree that needs inspection, pruning, or removal, contact DDOT Urban Forestry.
- If you experience a power outage, report it to Pepco here. You can check on the status of the outage here.
- If you see someone in danger, immediately call 911.
In The Ward 4 You Pop-Ups
Due to rain in the forecast, today’s neighborhood pop-up on the 100 block of Kennedy Street was postponed to Tuesday, August 13th from 3 to 4pm. I was thrilled to see so many community members join our first two pop-ups last week, and I’m looking forward to joining agencies and organizations including DOES, MPD, DBH, OPC, and the Georgia Ave Family Support Collaborative, on Tuesday to share resources with residents in the area.
As a reminder, the goal of these pop-ups is to bring constituent services directly to Ward 4 neighborhoods, connect residents with agencies, and address the concerns facing each individual community head-on. There are five more pop-ups left to go, and I hope to see you at one of the upcoming events!
Community Resources
Residential Permit Parking Changes
This week, DDOT announced two notices of intent to install Residential Permit Parking signage in parts of ANC 4A and ANC 4B. These signs will restrict parking in the designated areas from Monday – Friday from 7am to 8:30pm for vehicles without residential parking permits. The two areas are:
- The north and south side of the 6600 block of 2nd St NW
- The east and west side of 14th St NW between the 6300 block of Somerset Pl NW and 6400 block of Tuckerman St NW
Free Paint Recycling at Ida B. Wells
On Saturday, August 10th from 9am to 1pm, Ida B. Wells Middle School will host a paint drop-off and giveaway for households and businesses to dispose of paint. Paint in good condition will be made available to the public for free. See more information and register here.
Special Education Eligibility Training
On Saturday, August 10th from 11am to 2pm, DC Special Education Hub is hosting a training for families entitled “Introduction to the Special Education Eligibility Process.” The session will guide community members through the initial stages of special education, including referrals, evaluations, service determinations, and plans and resources available to support their child’s education in DC Public and Public Charter schools. The training will be held at the Shaw Library. Learn more here.
DPW Smart Bin Meeting
DPW is conducting virtual Community Engagement meetings in all 8 Wards to Seek Community Input for the installation of 24/7 Food Waste Drop-Off Bins. Ward 4’s virtual meeting will be on Thursday, August 15th from 6:30 to 7:30pm. Register for the meeting here.
DPW Community Conversation
On Wednesday, August 21st from 6:30 to 8pm, DPW is hosting their quarterly community conversation, where residents will get the opportunity to hear from DPW leaders and ask questions about DPW services. Register to attend here.
Neighborhood Events
Summer in the Park at Fort Slocum
Every Thursday evening in August from 6 to 8pm, Rock Creek Park and Rock Creek Conservancy are hosting free, family-friendly events at Fort Slocum. Join for music from DJ Lance Reynolds and fun-for-all-ages games and activities. Learn more and register here.
Shepherd Beautification Day
On Saturday, August 10th from 9am to 12pm, the Shepherd Elementary School staff is hosting Shepherd Beautification Day for families and community members to come together and improve the Shepherd campus. This year’s event will focus on exterior gardening, so those with gardening skills are encouraged to join! Sign up here if you’d like to participate.
Books and Blocks Party
On Saturday, August 10th from 12 to 4pm, DC Health is partnering with ANC 4C and several other community organizations to host their 5th Annual Books and Blocks Party, this year at Raymond Rec Center in Ward 4! The event will include health and developmental screenings, community resources, arts and crafts, a live DJ, and a range of giveaways aimed at supporting families, expectant families, and caregivers of children ages 0-5 years.
Emery Heights Community Day
Emery Heights Community Day is this weekend! On Saturday, August 10th from 12 to 9pm, Friends of Emery will be joining with DPR to host a family friendly, all-day event at Emery Heights Community Center. The event will feature music, food, and live entertainment. Get your free tickets here.
Screen on the Green
On Thursday, August 15th at 8pm, there will be a movie night under the stars at Capital City Public Charter School. Grab your friends, family, and blankets for free popcorn and a showing of “Elemental.” Don’t forget to arrive early to snag the best spot on the lawn. Thanks to ANC 4B06 Commissioner Tiffani Nichole Johnson for organizing this great event!
Roosevelt HS Community Yard Sale
On Saturday, August 17th from 12 to 5pm, Roosevelt High School is organizing a community yard sale and pop-up at the Roosevelt HS parking lot. Click here to register and sign up for a space!
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.
For more local events, check out DPR, DC Public Library, and NPS.
Ward 4 in the News
Next Stop…Riggs Park: Lamond-Riggs Library Heritage Wall Participants – Tell Story of Your Contribution by August 31, 2024
Next Stop…Riggs Park: August 15: Jazz in the Park at Riggs-LaSalle Rec
ABC 7 News: Red Line delays at Takoma Metro Station due to switch issue, Metrorail says
Ward 4 Dispatch: Responding to Tragedy in Our Community, Ward 4 Pop-Ups, and Final Weekend of the DC Open
Finally, on Tuesday, I was grateful to join 4th District MPD for National Night Out in Ward 4, which was held at the Emery Rec Center. It was great to spend some time with our law enforcement officers, violence interrupters, agencies, and neighbors to share resources to keep our communities safe.
Enjoy the weekend, Ward 4!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
