Dear Neighbors,
It’s an important week for Ward 4. This weekend Citi Open draws to a close and we can begin to vote on the subject of the Ward 4 Commemorative Project. We also have a concept design for the 14th Street Bus Priority Project that neighbors can weigh in on, important reminders on pediatric immunizations, and a status update on Takoma Gym. There are more than a dozen Ward 4 events coming up, including Petworth Jazz Project this Saturday, Emery Heights Community Day next Saturday, and community cleanups in Brightwood and Takoma this weekend. Please check it all out below!
Vote on a Ward 4 Commemorative Project
Residents can now cast their vote to decide which Ward 4 individual, event, or organization will be commemorated as part of the Ward 4 Commemorative Project. The nominations were submitted by Ward 4 residents earlier this year, and they include the DC Caribbean Carnival on Georgia Avenue, the Highway Revolts, Neighbors Inc, United Blacks Against Discrimination, the Founding of DC Youth Orchestra, Ms. Vanilla Beane, and Mr. Stephen Whatley. The winner will be commemorated on public space in Ward 4. Visit the DC Office of Planning’s website to learn more about each nomination, the potential locations, and to cast your vote.
Update on Gym at Takoma Aquatic Center
I have been advocating alongside our community for our Fitness Center at Takoma Aquatic Center to reopen to the public after being closed for many months. Last month, as part of my recreation center readiness tours, I toured the facility with DPR and DGS to get to the root of the problem and press for a solution. DPR shared that they “made the strategic decision not to reopen the fitness center and weight room” after determining that “the conditions of the aquatic facility, which typically have higher humidity levels, are insufficient to operate these amenities safely for patrons and staff.” While these conditions make it hard for the gym to reopen in its previous location, I have made clear that reopening the facility is a priority for our community. DPR and DGS are actively evaluating potential locations on the broader Takoma Rec Center campus to relocate the gym, while also trying to prevent other programs (like DPR summer camps) from being displaced. In the meantime, there are the other fitness centers that neighbors can use as we wait for Takoma gym to reopen. Thank you to 4B03 Commissioner Zurick Smith for joining our tour and for being a champion for reopening the fitness center.
Concept Design for 14th Street Bus Priority Project
DDOT has released its initial concept design for the 14th Street Bus Priority Project (from Newton Street to Arkansas Avenue NW). DDOT chose between three potential concept designs based on the community input it received and the design’s ability to meet the project’s goals, which include improving the reliability of bus service and improving traffic safety along 14th Street for all roadway users. More than 12,800 riders take the bus routes along on 14th Street each weekday, but bus speeds have slowed to 7 mph during peak hours, which makes trips longer, increases bus wait times, and makes buses less reliable. You can review the entire concept design on this map, and you can find DDOT’s latest presentation on the project at this link. Neighbors can provide feedback or ask questions by filling out this feedback form (be sure to specify which project you’re commenting on) or by emailing buspriority@dc.gov. 14th Street is a historic and critical corridor for our community, so it is important that the design of this project be as beneficial as possible and responsive to our community’s diverse needs.
Neighborhood Events
Vinyl & Vintage Marketplace at 14th Street Graffiti Museum
On Saturday, July 1 from 10am-3pm 14th Street Graffiti Museum hosts its monthly outdoor vinyl and vintage marketplace with hundreds of funk, soul, hip-hop, reggae, and rock LPs available, as well as crafts from local vendors and DJ music. Attend at 14th & Crittenden NW!
Summer Saturdays with City Blossoms on Kennedy
On Saturday, August 5 from 10am-12pm City Blossoms will host Summer Saturdays in their studio garden at 516 Kennedy St NW (accessible through the alley on 5th Street). This is a free, kid-driven, community event with nature play, reading, recipe-making, garden art, plant care, and more summer activities. Check out all the details on the event’s flyer.
Brightwood Community Cleanup
On Saturday, August 5 from 10:30am-12:30pm, 4A05 ANC Commissioner Kim Patterson, 4A07 ANC Commissioner Zack Bolton, and the Mayor’s Office of the Clean City are teaming up for a community cleanup in Brightwood starting from the corner of Fort Stevens Drive & 14th Street NW at 10:30am. The cleanup will cover 14th Street from Military to Somerset, the 1300-1400 blocks of Fort Stevens Drive, the 1400 blocks of Rittenhouse, Sheridan, and Somerset, and other streets as needed. The Office of the Clean City will provide trash bags, gloves, and trash pickers. Join neighbors as they work together to remove litter from our neighborhood!
Art of Noize “Black Trust” Exhibition Artist Talk
On Saturday, August 5 from 3pm-8pm, Art of Noize Gallery in Petworth will host an artist talk on their “Black Trust” Exhibition. Bryant “BeMo” Brown will sit down with resident artist Maurice James Jr. and guest Rodney “Buck!” Herring to discuss the body of work and various aspects of trust as seen by Black male contemporary artists. RSVP and learn more on Eventbrite.
Final Petworth Jazz Project Concert: Communion
On Saturday, August 5 from 5pm-8pm the Petworth Jazz Project, Petworth Main Street, and DPR are co-hosting the final Petworth Jazz show featuring DJ Unown at 5pm, a kids performance from Baba Ras D at 5:30pm, and Communion coming on at 6:30pm as the main act. Grab dinner from a local Petworth restaurant and come enjoy an evening of music!
Takoma Community Cleanup
On Sunday, August 6 at 10am 4B02 Commissioner Erin Palmer will host a community cleanup in Takoma starting at Van Buren & Piney Branch NW. Reusable gloves and bags will be provided, and there will be lemonade served afterwards at 719 Van Buren St NW.
Ward 4 CARE Community Day in Brightwood Park
On Thursday, August 10 from 4pm-7pm I will be hosting our Ward 4 CARE Day for Brightwood Park, starting from Larry Allen Memorial Park (9th & Gallatin NW). Come find us there for resources from DC agencies, door-to-door outreach to neighbors, constituent services support, and a day of bringing our community closer together. RSVP if you plan to join us.
Zenith “The Three Graces” Meet the Artists Receptions
On Thursday, August 10 from 5pm-8pm and on Saturday, August 12 from 2pm-6pm Zenith Gallery (1429 Iris St NW) will host meet-the-artist receptions for The Three Graces, Zenith’s new exhibit that features the work of Mitzi Bernard, Marija Djakovic, and Barbara Baron Rubin.
Summer in the Parks at Fort Slocum Mini Oasis
On Thursday, August 10 from 6pm-8pm the Rock Creek Conservancy and the National Park Service will host a Summer in the Parks event at Fort Slocum with picnics, music, games, and other activities. These Fort Slocum events will take place every Thursday in August, so stop by.
“Kicking Gun Violence to the Curb” Kickball Game
On Saturday, August 12 from 11am-2pm Mute the Violence and several other organizations, including my office, will host a peaceful kickball game at Raymond Rec Center (3725 10th Street NW) in honor of the late great Linda Harllee Harper. In addition to the kickball game, the event will also feature music, food, drinks, raffles, and more.
Emery Heights Community Day
On Saturday, August 12 from 12pm-8pm Coach Lou and the Friends of Emery Non-Profit 501c3 will host Emery Heights Community Day — a day of family, fun, and entertainment for all ages at Emery Heights Community Center (5701 Georgia Ave NW). The event will feature entertainment from some of the DMV’s top live bands and DJs, live professional wrestling, GoGo Fitness, an on-field workout, children’s games, activities, food, and drinks. Bring your canopy tents (no larger than 10×10), lawn chairs, and positive attitudes. RSVP on Eventbrite.
Jazz in the Parks at Walter Reed
On Saturday, August 12 from 5pm-8pm the Parks at Walter Reed will host their next Jazz in the Parks outdoor concert on the Great Lawn, this time featuring Washington Bach Consort and Amy K. Bormet’s Washington Women in Jazz as the main act. Bring your own picnic, blanket and refreshments, and enjoy local food vendors and giveaways. RSVP via Eventbrite.
Farmers Markets in Our Ward 4 Community
Get your fresh goods and crafty products at our Ward 4 Farmers Markets:
- Uptown Farmers Market at 5501 Colorado Ave NW on Saturdays from 9am-1pm
- Chevy Chase Farmers Market at Lafayette ES on Saturdays from 9am-1pm
- Petworth Community Market at 9th & Upshur NW on Saturdays from 9am-1pm
- Takoma Park Farmers Market at 6931 Laurel Ave on Sundays from 10am-2pm
- Whittier Farm Stand at 6201 5th St NW on Tuesdays from 3:30pm-5:30pm
For more local events, check out DPR, DC Public Library, and the Rock Creek Conservancy.
Community Resources
Final Weekend of Citi Open
This weekend concludes the Mubadala Citi DC Open Tennis Tournament, which is being hosted at Rock Creek Tennis Center in Ward 4. I wanted to remind nearby neighbors in Sixteenth Street Heights and Crestwood about logistics for the tournament:
- Parking Restrictions. The strict parking restrictions across Sixteenth Street Heights and parts of Crestwood (see map) are in place until midnight on Sunday, August 6 in order to prevent visitors from parking in residential neighborhoods. During this time, vehicles that park in restricted blocks without Citi Open parking passes are subject to ticketing and towing. DDOT is actively reposting signs that were removed on certain streets, and parking violations are still enforceable even if signs are removed.
- Parking Passes. The Mayor’s Office has been distributing parking passes to homes, congregations, and businesses located on streets that have restricted parking. If you did not receive your passes yet, or if you need more passes, you can pick them up at Fourth District Station (6001 Georgia Ave NW) with proof of address.
- Reporting Illegally Parked Cars. To report illegally parked cars on your street with restricted parking, call DPW’s 24-hour hotline at 202-541-6083 to request ticketing.
- Resolving Incorrect Parking Tickets. If you were mistakenly ticketed for parking in restricted zones despite being a resident of that street, please share the ticket information with our Ward 4 MOCRs, Sophia and Derek, so they can work to have it dismissed: Sophia.Tekola@dc.gov and Derek.Johnson@dc.gov.
- Ridesharing Drop-off Zone. As a reminder, the rideshare drop-off and pick-up zone is located inside the grounds of the Carter Barron Amphitheater, which is adjacent to the amphitheater’s box office. Rideshare drivers are being directed to the Barron Amphitheater Box Office Access Road, the entrance to which is located at 4850 Colorado Avenue NW. No pickups or drop-offs are permitted on Colorado Avenue.
Ombudsperson for Children Weekly Office Hours
The Office of the Ombudsperson for Children is hosting weekly office hours to hear residents’ feedback on the performance of the Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) and other DC agencies that affect the lives of children. Visit them on Tuesdays from 10am-3pm at the CFSA office (200 I Street SE) or on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1pm-4pm at the Office of the Ombudsperson (955 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Third floor).
Free Wheel Locks for 2011-2021 Kias and Hyundais
MPD Fourth District has additional free anti-theft wheel locks available for owners of Kia and Hyundai cars between the years 2011-2021 (metal turn key only). DC residents can pick them up at the station by bringing their photo ID, two proofs of address, and their car registration. Kias and Hyundais are being stolen with alarming frequency across the region, and these stolen vehicles are then being used to commit other crimes. If you own one of these vehicles, please take advantage of this opportunity or install anti-theft software updates on your car.
Free Dental Services Available for Seniors
One of the most important investments we made in the DC budget was providing free dental services for seniors in DC through Community of Hope. Seniors aged 65 and older who have no dental insurance coverage are eligible for all services — including crowns and dentures! Seniors with Medicare coverage or private insurance that does not include dental coverage may also be eligible for free dental services depending on their income. Interested seniors can review the flyer or call 202-540-9857 to get more information or book your appointment.
No Green Line Service from West Hyattsville to Greenbelt
All Green Line stations from West Hyattsville to Greenbelt are closed until September 5 while WMATA installs fiber-optic cables to improve its radio and signal capabilities. Free shuttles are available during the station closures. Please read WMATA’s full announcement with the details.
Reminder: Pediatric Immunizations for the New School Year
DC Health is reminding parents and caregivers across DC to ensure their children obtain the necessary immunizations that are required for school. They recommend that families schedule appointments before the first day of school to allow time for any necessary follow-up appointments or vaccinations. The best place for DC families to get required childhood immunizations is through their medical provider. However, DC Health has expanded access to vaccination services to include: school-based health centers (for students ages 3 and older), District mobile medical units at schools, rec centers, and other locations, and pediatric immunization clinics throughout the city. All pediatric immunization clinics are free, but insured families should bring their insurance cards to their immunization appointments.
Ward 4 In The News
It was awesome to visit the Esports Summer Camp at Raymond Rec Center this week in Ward 4! DPR has an incredible variety of programs to engage our young people over the summer and year round. This Capital Gaming Studies camp is fun, helps children make new connections, and teaches coding and language skills. Thank you to Sean Mason and DPR for bringing this program to our communities.
Petworth News: Groovy Record Store with Coffee Shop, Bar, and Food coming to the 200 Block of Upshur
PopVille: La Coop Coffee Shop moving to 500 Kennedy Street, NW
Washingtonian: DC Best “Hidden Gem” Restaurants, Featuring Chacho in Ward 4
DCIAA: Coolidge Student Zion Dailey Named Female Scholar Athlete of the Year
DC News Now: Countdown to Kickoff: Coolidge Colts Football Team
Washington Post: At last, a diploma for Black deaf students who set historic precedent (featuring our Ward 4 neighbor Robbie D. Cheatham, who passed away last December)
City Paper: Budget Tricks Scuttled An Effort to Help Migrants Break Free of a ‘Kafkaesque System’
WTOP: According to a New Bill, Teaching Conflict Resolution Makes Schools and Communities Safer
Urban Turf: Raze Application Filed for 20-Unit Project at Georgia & Kennedy NW
Next Stop: Riggs Park: Riggs Crossing Senior Residences Website and Apprenticeships
Petworth ACE Hardware: CEO and Co-founder Gina Schaefer Who Transferred Ownership of Store to Employees Retires after 20 Years of Leadership
Next Stop: Riggs Park: New Faregates at Fort Totten Station and Other Metro News
DC Public Library: DCPL Offering Free Citizenship Classes at MLK Library
DPW: All Special Waste Collection (Household Hazardous Waste, Electronics Recycling, and Document Shredding) Relocated to RFK Stadium Lot 3 (2400 East Capitol St NE)
DC OAG: Grant Available for Domestic Worker Rights Education and Outreach
Ward 4 Dispatch: Citi Open Week, Tenant Resource Fair, and Public Safety Updates
Did you know that one of the youngest and most exciting competitors at Citi Open this year, 17-year-old Clervie Ngounoue, is a talented DC Native who grew up in Petworth and attended Truesdell Elementary in Ward 4?
After a brief July hiatus, our Ward 4 CARE Community Days are officially back! Every week I am in a different neighborhood talking to neighbors, conducting door-to-door outreach, bringing resources, and supporting residents with constituent services requests. Last night my team and I visited Crestwood,and we are grateful to the many neighbors who made time to chat. Our next CARE Days will take place in Brightwood Park, Brightwood, Shepherd Park, Riggs Park, South Manor Park, Takoma, Lamond, and Petworth. Visit my website and sign up to be part of your local event so we don’t miss you. I’m looking forward to connecting with you!
Our community also celebrated National Night Out this week at Hamilton Rec Center. It was great to see so many neighbors there building community and showing their appreciation for Fourth District. We thanked and said farewell to Commander Carlos Heraud, who was recently promoted to the Investigative Services Bureau. We also welcomed the new Fourth District Commander Nikki Lavenhouse, who takes over with 15 years of service at MPD under her belt. She is looking forward to connecting with more Ward 4 residents to hear from us.
I hope you have a great weekend, Ward 4!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
