This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
Starting Monday, the Council is officially back from recess, and we’ve got lots of legislative updates to share with you! Hearings, votes, and legislative meetings are back in full force, and because this is the end of a Council period, whatever legislation hasn’t been passed at the end of December will need to be reintroduced next year. That means we’ve got work to do! Below, I discuss some of what to expect from the next few weeks, including some public hearings community members will have the opportunity to testify in.
Over the weekend we had the official ribbon cutting for the Steve Whatley Pavilion at The Parks at Walter Reed. Steve was a longtime Ward 4 resident and ANC 4A commissioner who helped make The Parks at Walter Reed project possible, and I was grateful to see this memorial in his honor come to fruition.
It’s been a busy summer for our community, and we’ve welcomed many new businesses into our neighborhoods! Below, I share some of the new restaurants and shops recently open in Ward 4.
Finally, we’re looking forward to some exciting events in the community, including Celebrate Petworth this weekend. Make sure to check out the full list below!
Community News
Honoring Commissioner Steve Whatley
Many in our community knew Steve Whatley, a beloved Ward 4 resident who passed away last year after a lifetime of public service and over 20 years of service on ANC 4A. Steve was a model of selfless service, serving his country through a 22-year career in the U.S. Army, marching with Dr. King in the March on Washington and the Poor People’s Campaign, and devoting himself to his community, coaching youth soccer and sharing his talents as a singer as a choir member at Nativity Catholic Church.
Steve also dedicated much of his time to the then-developing The Parks at Walter Reed project, coordinating Single Member District meetings, calling Commissioners, drafting resolutions, and rallying votes. It was Steve’s tireless work that helped create this beautiful space with new homes, jobs, and green space in the heart of Ward 4.
On Saturday, the pavilion on the Great Lawn at The Parks at Walter Reed was named in Steve’s honor in a ceremony where we heard from his family members and those who knew and loved him most. I’m proud to have this new memorial honoring Steve’s lifetime of activism and hard work to leave our community better than he found it.
Celebrate Petworth
Petworth Main Street’s signature fall event, Celebrate Petworth, is this Saturday! The event will have fun for all ages, including music, games, and food from local vendors. Remember it’s not too late to sign up to volunteer! Check out the list of volunteer opportunities to help make sure the festival runs smoothly.
I hope you all get out to Petworth this Saturday, meet some new neighbors, and enjoy the celebration!
New Small Businesses Open in Ward 4
It’s been a busy summer in Ward 4, and we’ve welcomed some exciting new businesses into our community. For everyone who’s looking for a new shop to visit or a bite to eat, here’s a rundown on some of the new spots to check out.
- Brink Bar & Grill: A new spot for Mediterranean cuisine right off Kennedy Street in Brightwood Park offering “a delightful array of flavors designed to please every palate.”
- Address: 5420 3rd St NW
- Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 4pm-10pm
- Marte Bar & Lounge: A new Petworth spot serving Ethiopian bites, plus wings and sandwiches with “cozy seating and an inviting atmosphere.”
- Address: 4815 Georgia Ave NW
- Hours: Monday-Sunday, 2pm-2am
- The Charmery: The DMV fixture is now open at The Parks at Walter Reed, serving up “super-premium, highly original, insanely delicious” ice cream.
- Address: 7175 12th St NW
- Hours: Sunday-Thursday 12pm-10pm & Friday-Saturday 12pm-11pm
- Pynk Saffron Spice Boutique: If you’re looking to transform your home cooking, Pynk Saffron in Takoma is the place to go, offering “unique spice blends inspired by diverse cultural flavors.”
- Address: 7175 12th St NW
- Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 10am-5pm
- Wingstop: A familiar favorite is now open in Riggs Park, with a full menu of wings and a variety of sauces and dips.
- Address: 300 Riggs Rd NE
- Hours: Monday-Sunday, 11am-Midnight
- Merry Pin: The new Shepherd Park craft store and event space is also offering delicious bites, including an all-day bakery and an assortment of fresh empanadas.
- Address: 7350 Georgia Ave NW
- Hours: Tues-Weds 2pm-8pm, Thurs-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 10am-4pm
- Mamma Tee’s Kitchen: The Northeast DC staple is coming to Petworth, opening this weekend! Make sure to visit the new location to try their delicious Southern soul food.
- Address: 828 Upshur St NW
- Hours: Tuesday-Friday 11am-5pm
Council News/Legislative Updates
Upcoming Council Hearings
The DC Council is officially back in session next week with a regular legislative meeting planned for Wednesday September 18th. I want to alert neighbors about several important hearings taking place in the coming days in case you are able to testify or send in written comments:
- Tuesday, September 24th: A public roundtable of the Committee on Housing entitled “Shaping Downtown DC: Strategies for Increasing Housing and Building a Vibrant Community.” Residents can share testimony on strategies they would like to see implemented to revitalize the downtown economy.
- Wednesday, September 25th: A public hearing on the Recidivism Reduction, Oversight, and Accountability for DYRS (ROAD) Act. This is a good opportunity for community members to testify on the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services’ supervision and intervention practices.
- Thursday, October 3rd: A public hearing on the Youth Mentorship Through Community Engagement Act, establishing a professional youth mentorship and family engagement program to enhance wellbeing and essential life skills.
To sign up to testify or submit written testimony, simply go to the Council’s webpage, select any hearing, and then click “Register to Testify” or “Submit Testimony” on the top right corner to make your voice heard.
Testifying on the Red-Backed Salamander Designation
As some of you may remember, earlier this year, I introduced legislation that was researched and written by students from Powell Elementary School in Ward 4, which would make the red-backed salamander the official amphibian of DC! Next Wednesday, September 18th, I’m thrilled to have our Powell Elementary School students back to testify at the hearing! We’ll need all the support we can get to make sure Ward 4 shows our excitement about naming DC’s official state amphibian. If you’d like to testify, sign up here!
Community Resources
Special Waste Collection at Carter Barron
On Saturday, September 21st from 8am to 2pm, DPW is hosting a Special Waste Collection Event at the Carter Barron Tennis Center at 5220 16th Street NW. This is your chance to safely dispose or recycle household hazardous waste, electronics, and secure documents. To accommodate everyone in a safe and timely manner, DPW is now requiring registration, and will not allow entry past 2pm. Sign up here for a 15-minute entry slot.
E-Cycling at Takoma Rec Center
On Saturday, September 21st from 10am to 2pm, the Department of Energy and Environment is holding an e-cycling event for residents to safely dispose of electronic waste on the corner of Van Buren St NW and 4th St NW, near the Takoma Community Center. See more information here.
Office of the Tenant Advocate 2024 Summit
Next week, the DC Office of the Tenant Advocate is hosting a two-day tenant summit covering topics important to renters. On Tuesday, September 17th at 6pm, the panel will be “Apartment Building Security: Problems and Solutions,” and on Thursday, September 19th at 6pm, the panel will be “Common Utility Billing: Problems and Solutions.” Register to attend here.
Bike Giveaway
As part of its Open Streets DC initiative, DDOT is giving away 51 bicycles at the upcoming 7th Street NW event on Saturday, October 5th. District residents are eligible to complete this survey by Wednesday, October 2nd to apply for the bicycle giveaway. Winners will be announced via email on Friday, October 4th, and must pick up their bicycle at the event on 7th Street NW.
Books From Birth Program
DC Public Library’s Books from Birth program is an incredible resource open to all children under the age of five who live in Washington, D.C. All enrolled children receive a free book in the mail each month from birth until they turn five. Register your kid here!
Neighborhood Events
Happy Hour at The Parks
Happy Hour at The Parks is always a great time for dancing and mingling on the new Marketplace Plaza! The final Happy Hour of the year is tomorrow, September 13th from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Listen to real house music with your friends on the cool fall evening. The event is free, with beverages to purchase (so don’t forget to bring a friend; furry friends welcome). Pop into Whole Foods Market, The Charmery, Starbucks, or JINYA Ramen Bar for bites as well.
Simpson-Hamline UMC 50th Merger Anniversary
This weekend, Simpson-Hamline United Methodist Church is continuing its 50th merger anniversary celebration with two events open to community members. Saturday from 4 to 6pm will be the final summer cookout, where neighbors can enjoy the sunny weather, some delicious food, and time together with neighbors. Then Sunday, at 12:30pm will be a community meal in the Fellowship Hall.
Church & Community Day
On Saturday, September 14th, from 10am to 3pm, Israel Metropolitan CME Church is hosting a Church & Community Day at 557 Randolph St NW. The event will feature fun for the whole family, with games, seminars, and food.
Upshur Park Modernization Meeting
On Tuesday, September 17th at 6:30. DPR will host a community meeting to provide updates on the Upshur Park Modernization Project at the Raymond Rec Center in Ward 4. RSVP here.
WalkingTown in Ward 4
On Tuesday, September 17th at 3:30pm, Events DC is celebrating the 25th anniversary of WalkingTown DC with an afternoon of community, connection and culture at the Emery Heights Rec Center. Listen to music by DJ Chandon, enjoy free food and games and learn more about WalkingTown, which showcases the city’s art, culture and history. RSVP here!
Shepherd Park Weed Wrangle
On Sunday, September 22nd from 2 to 4pm, the Shepherd Park Weed Warriors are hosting their 4th Annual Weed Wrangle at Shepherd Field. Neighbors are encouraged to assist with invasive removal, help plant new native plants and learn why caring for the land in our neighborhood is so important. Refreshments will be served!
Chevy Chase Day
The Chevy Chase Community Association’s annual Chevy Chase Day celebration is scheduled for Saturday, September 21st from 1 to 4pm! Whether you’re a Chevy Chase native or new to the community, make sure to stop by the Chevy Chase Community Center Commons for an afternoon of music, food, and community.
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.
Art All Night
On the evening of September 28th, DPR is hosting the annual Art All Night event, with activations in all eight wards! I’m excited to have several events happening right in Ward 4 thanks to the support of our amazing main street associations. Make sure to stay updated with the event’s website for more details!
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 at Hattie 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
FOX 5 Washington DC: Magic Johnson visits Ida B. Wells middle school in DC
Petworth News: Get Ready — Celebrate Petworth is Sept 14!
Next Stop…Riggs Park: September 28: Art All Night Hosted by The Parks Main Street; Volunteer Opportunities
Ward 4 Dispatch: Final Neighborhood Pop-Up, Public Safety Updates, and September Events in the Ward
On Friday, students at Ida B. Wells Middle School were treated to a surprise, when NBA legend Magic Johnson visited to speak with student athletes taking part in after school programs and give away athletic equipment. What a memorable moment for our Wells Wolves!
Have a relaxing and restorative weekend, neighbors!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
