Happy Thanksgiving, Ward 4!
Dear Neighbors,
As we gather with loved ones to celebrate Thanksgiving this week, I want to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving and share my deep gratitude for each and every member of our Ward 4 community.
This past weekend, we had the joy of hosting our annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway with the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association at Riggs LaSalle Rec Center. It was wonderful to see so many neighbors come together, and I’m grateful we were able to help ensure Ward 4 families have a great Thanksgiving meal. On Monday, we continued the celebrations by bringing Thanksgiving dinner to our seniors at Abrams Hall and Karin House, and veterans at the HELP USA Veterans Building, sharing delicious food and community spirit with those who have given so much to our neighborhoods.
These moments remind me of what makes Ward 4 so special. The most common characteristic of Ward 4 residents is that they’re always finding ways to help others—looking out for their neighbor, volunteering to help their community, and giving what they can to support causes greater than themselves. From food drives to checking in on a neighbor who may need a little extra help, this season always brings out the spirit of generosity that connects us all.
I’m grateful for the kindness that so many of you demonstrate year-round, and I’m especially thankful to our transit employees, first responders, healthcare workers, and everyone who keeps our city running through the holiday. I’m also grateful for the opportunity to serve you on the DC Council.
Whether you’re spending today with family, enjoying Ward 4 traditions, or simply taking time to rest, I hope it’s a fun and meaningful Thanksgiving for you and the people you love. With that, I’m sharing a few important updates for neighbors to be aware of this week.
Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving, Ward 4!
Community Updates
Metro Service on Thanksgiving Day
On Thanksgiving Day, November 27th, Metrorail will operate from 6am to midnight on a special reduced holiday service schedule at all stations. Metrobus will operate on a Sunday schedule. All MetroAccess subscription trips will be canceled, but customers may still make a separate reservation to travel on the holiday. For more details, visit Metro’s website. Parking will be free at all Metro-owned parking lots and garages on Thanksgiving Day.
Lamond Playground Virtual Community Meeting
On Monday, December 1st from 6 to 7:30pm, the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the DC Department of General Services (DGS) will host a community meeting to discuss improvements coming to the playground at Lamond Recreation Center. Find more information and RSVP on the project website.
Leaf Collection Begins in Section 4C
After completing its first round of leaf collection in Section B this week, the Department of Public Works (DPW) will begin collection in Section C on Monday, December 1st. This section includes parts of Manor Park, Brightwood, Takoma, and Lamond-Riggs. As a reminder, DPW will conduct two rounds of leaf collection in each section. As this process continues, I want to make sure neighbors are aware of a few important highlights:
- To report a missed collection, call 202-737-4404 or submit a 311 request.
- Locate your section and keep up to date on DPW’s progress via the leaf collection tracker at dpw.dc.gov/leaf.
- To ensure proper collection, make sure to have your leaves raked to your curbside or tree box at least 24 hours before collection is scheduled to begin in your section.
Thanksgiving at Cease Fire…Don’t Smoke the Brothers & Sisters
On Thursday, November 27th from 3 to 7:30pm, Cease Fire…Don’t Smoke the Brothers and Sisters, along with Universal Madness, are hosting the 16th annual sit-down Thanksgiving dinner serving the homeless, senior citizens, returning citizens, at-risk youth, and any member of the community who would like to join. The dinner will take place at 4708 14th St NW with a delicious meal prepared by Chef Moe of Highlands Cafe and Grill.
Winter Ready DC Giveaway Events
Winter Ready DC (WRDC) is back! The DC Public Service Commission is hosting free weatherization giveaway events this December to help residents prepare for the cold season. At select dates and times in December, residents can visit neighborhood libraries to pick up free weatherization supplies, including window insulation kits, rubber seals, and other energy-saving resources. DC PSC will be in Ward 4 on Tuesday, December 9th from 4:30 to 6:30pm at the Shepherd Park-Juanita E. Thornton Library.
Important Reminders
Office Hours in the Community
Ward 4 office hours are happening every Wednesday afternoon 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.
Share Reports of Federal Law Enforcement Incidents
Recently, my office launched an online reporting form for neighbors to report and document any concerning incidents involving federal agents. This information will be critical as we build our case, ensure organizations working on the ground are informed, and continue to hold this administration accountable. Please share the image with your social networks and neighbors to let others in the community know about this resource.
As our DC government works to keep our community safe, supported, and informed during this time, I also encourage neighbors to fill out my survey seeking input from residents to help shape how our office communicates around new federal developments.
Support for Federal Workers
As many in our community face unprecedented challenges, I’m grateful to everyone who is stepping up to support neighbors. The Office of the Mayor has rolled out fedsupport.dc.gov, sharing resources for federal workers who have been laid off or impacted by recent cuts. I also want to remind neighbors of resources on my website for federal workers impacted by recent actions and neighbors facing the threat of immigration enforcement, compiled with the help of Councilmember Nadeau. DC government and the DC Council are also hiring for a range of positions, and I encourage community members to take a look at the open positions and share with a neighbor.
On Friday, I was honored to speak at a tribute to one of our community’s foremost faith leaders and community activists, Reverend Graylan Hagler. For more than fifty years, Reverend Hagler has been organizing, mobilizing, and speaking truth to power, including three decades at the helm of Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ in Fort Totten.
On Monday morning, I had the pleasure of visiting Whittier Elementary School to speak with the incredible 2nd graders about what it means to serve our community. I was impressed by their thoughtful questions about civic engagement and inspired by all the ways they are already making a difference. Thank you to the teachers and staff at Whittier for welcoming me. Our Ward 4 schools are doing incredible work!
This week, I also stopped by Hair Depot on Kennedy Street to welcome them to our Ward 4 small business community! Our small businesses are the backbone of Ward 4, and I’m so excited to see Kennedy Street continue to grow and thrive with new businesses like Hair Depot.
Have a safe and restful Thanksgiving, neighbors!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
