This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
As we approach Thanksgiving next week, I’m looking forward to hosting my annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway this Saturday with the Lamond Riggs Citizens Association. Make sure to check the full details below and share with a neighbor so every Ward 4 family can have a great Thanksgiving meal this year.
On Monday, I chaired a markup of three bills in the Committee on Facilities and Family Services, each of which are aimed at improving outcomes for youth involved with DC’s Child and Family Services Agency. As we approach the end of the Council period in December, I’m looking forward to advancing these important pieces of legislation.
I also have some important updates to share with neighbors on changes to SNAP eligibility that will go into effect soon. Starting December 1st, people applying for or recertifying their benefits will need to complete interviews with the Department of Human Services. Below, I go into further detail about how families receiving SNAP can ensure they continue to receive benefits.
Community News
Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway
The annual Ward 4 Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway for Ward 4 families in need will take place this Saturday, November 23rd starting at 11am at Riggs LaSalle Rec Center (501 Riggs Rd NE). The event will be first come, first serve while supplies last, and residents will be asked to bring proof of Ward 4 residency (DC ID, lease, utility bill, etc). To ensure we help as many Ward 4 families as possible, each family will be limited to one turkey. I am grateful to be partnering with the Lamond Riggs Citizens Association again this year to co-host this event.
Please help us get the word out by sharing the flyer in English, Spanish, or Amharic — or by sharing the flyer on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. If you want to spread the word about other Thanksgiving giveaway events in our community, please send them to us at teamjaneese@dccouncil.gov. Let’s ensure every Ward 4 family has a great Thanksgiving meal.
Leaf Collection Beginning in Section 4C
Starting on Monday, leaf collection will begin in Section 4C, which includes much of Takoma, Manor Park, and Lamond-Riggs. For neighbors in this section, make sure to have your leaves raked to your tree box or curbside by Sunday, November 24th. If you live in Section 4A/3A or 4B and your block has not received leaf collection, please report it via the 311 website and try to include a photo if you can (and my team is happy to help, too). Remember that you can track DPW’s leaf collection progress on their website and that each area will receive two leaf collection passes.
Public Safety Updates
On Thursday, MPD announced the arrest of an individual connected to 12 sex offenses in the District, several of which took place in our Ward 4 community. MPD has worked tirelessly to apprehend the suspect, and I am deeply grateful for their diligent efforts to keep our community safe. These crimes are heinous and deeply traumatizing, and my heart goes out to our neighbors who were impacted and their loved ones.
As a reminder, law enforcement and DC agencies offer several programs community members can take part in that are actively working to keep our communities safe and help MPD close cases. One example is the Camera Rebate Program, which reimburses residents, businesses, and churches for the cost of installing security cameras on their properties. In addition to these programs, I’m advocating for funding for further public safety measures like the installation of more blue light cameras to help MPD complete investigations.
Keeping our communities safe is a collaborative process, and I am immensely grateful to all of the members of our community who are working diligently to achieve this goal.
Council News/Legislative Updates
Resuming Interviews for SNAP Benefits
Earlier this month, the Department of Health Services (DHS) announced changes to the application and recertification process for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Starting on December 1st, 2024, interviews will be required (either in-person or by phone) for all District residents applying or recertifying their SNAP benefits. Households in which all adults are 60 and older and/or disabled with no earned income will not be required to complete an interview to recertify their benefits. DHS is currently in the process of conducting outreach to SNAP recipients, including distributing flyers to residents and informing caseworkers. You can find more information on the new SNAP requirements on DHS’s website.
Community Resources
Upshur Park Modernization Updates
On Wednesday, DPR and DGS held a community meeting to update the community on the Upshur Park modernization project. During the meeting, community members were presented with a final concept design for the project. You can view the full presentation here.
Petworth Peanuts Newborn Cohort
Petworth Peanuts’ next newborn cohort is starting on December 6th! If you have a new baby or are looking for postpartum support, connection or education, Petworth Peanuts is a great organization bringing together and supporting parents of children 0-5, with this particular cohort catered towards parents of newborns (0-4 months). The Newborn Cohort will meet twice a week for three+ months, both in-person and virtually, featuring guest speakers on topics like infant sleep, infant feeding, postpartum recovery and mental health. Click here to learn more.
Destiny Church for All Nations Turkey Giveaway
On Sunday, November 24th at 9:30am, Destiny Church for All Nations is holding their annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway at 5209 Georgia Ave NW. The giveaway will be first come, first serve. For any questions, reach out to info@destinychurchnations.org.
Ward 4 Housing Listening Session
On Tuesday, November 26th from 5:30 to 7:30pm, join the DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) at its Ward 4 Housing Listening Sessions to learn about the District’s housing resources and programs, learn about the District’s progress on affordable housing, and to share your housing needs and concerns with DHCD. Register here.
Safeway Feast of Sharing
On Wednesday, November 27th, Safeway is hosting its annual Feast of Sharing holiday celebration at the Convention Center (801 Allen Y. Lew Place, NW) to provide a free Thanksgiving meal, live entertainment, free health screenings, community resources, free clothing, and prizes to all who need them. The event will run until 1pm, with senior citizens being admitted at 10am, and general admission at 11am.
Wards 3 & 4 Capital Projects Meeting
As we speak, there are several exciting Ward 4 projects in the works, including a modernization for the Upshur Rec Center, a renovation of the Emery Rec Center, and new community pool at The Parks at Walter Reed.
On Monday, December 2nd at 6pm, DPR will host a community meeting on ongoing capital projects in Wards 3 and 4, including many of the projects that were funded in the DC budget and are currently in progress. The meeting will be an excellent opportunity to hear the latest on these projects and ask DPR any questions about their ongoing work. Click here to RSVP and join!
Ward 4 Mutual Aid Holiday Gift Match
Ward 4 Mutual Aid’s Holiday Gift Match is underway and looking for neighbors’ help to meet the demand! Through the gift match program, you can choose to buy gifts that a family picks out for their child or support the family with a direct cash gift or gift card. Volunteers have already started working to match families and sponsors, but the sponsor sign-ups will remain open until every family has the support they need, so sign up ASAP!
Petworth Community Market Board Info Session
On Tuesday, December 3rd from 7:30 to 9:30pm, the Petworth Community Market is hosting an informational meeting for people interested in joining the PCM Board. Neighbors will get the chance to learn about the organization’s mission, the impact they are making, and how they can contribute their talents to help the organization grow. Join the meeting virtually here.
Weatherization Item Giveaway
On Tuesday, December 3rd from 4 to 6pm, the DC Public Service Commission is hosting a Winter Ready DC event at the Shepherd Park/Juanita E. Thornton Library to help residents get the supplies needed to prepare their homes for the winter. District residents can receive a free home weatherization item (while supplies last) and get information on utility assistance programs. Register to attend for free here.
Washington Gas Project Pipes Calendar
As part of its infrastructure work throughout the District, Washington Gas has provided a monthly calendar detailing specific projects, where they are taking place, and how long they will take to be completed. You can find the calendar here, which lists the overview and details of projects taking place in Ward 4 neighborhoods.
EdFEST 2024
With the launch of the My School DC lottery application on December 16th, 2024 for the 2025-26 school year, EdFEST is a timely event to help families make informed school selections. EdFEST will feature many free services and fun activities for the whole family including guidance on navigating the lottery process, routine childhood vaccines and flu and COVID shots for adults (appointments required), free meals from DC Central Kitchen (Dec. 14th), and more! The event will be split into two days for grades Pre-K-8 and 9-12:
- Grades 9-12: Saturday, December 7th, 10am to 1pm at Eastern High School
- Grades PK3-8: Saturday, December 14th from 10am to 1pm at DC Armory
DC Water Updates
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 Manor Park neighbors:
- Next Monday and Tuesday, DC Water is expecting to perform water service reconnections and restoration activities on Quintana Pl and 7th St NW.
- Next Monday and Tuesday, DC Water is expecting to perform water service reconnections on the 5500 blocks of 3rd and 4th Sts NW.
- Next Monday and Tuesday, DC Water is expecting to perform installation of new water mains and pressure testing on the 300 and 400 blocks of Hamilton St NW.
- Next Monday and Tuesday, DC Water is expecting to continue roadway restoration activities on the 100 block of Sheridan St NW.
- In light of the Thanksgiving Holiday, there are no construction activities scheduled for Wednesday, November 27th – Friday, November 29th.
Neighborhood Events
Temple Sinai Holiday Mart
On Sunday, November 24th from 9am to 4pm, Temple Sinai Women of Reform Judaism will be holding their annual Holiday Mart at 3100 Military Road NW. There will be festive fun for the whole family with exciting kids’ activities, including a performance by a famous local juggler (from 10:45 to 11:45am) and a make-your-own bracelet station plus a free hot dog for kids accompanied by a parent! For more information, visit www.templesinaidc.org/tswrj or email templesinaiwrj@gmail.com.
Crestwood Turkey Trot
The Crestwood Citizens Association’s annual Turkey Trot will take place on Thursday, November 28th at 9am! The main event will be a 5k run and a 1-mile family fun run/walk (strollers and wagons welcome). Registration is $25 per person, online only. Kids aged 5 and under are free.
Ward 4 Public Schools Market
On Saturday, December 7th, several Ward 4 public schools are coming together to host a Winter Market at MacFarland Middle School from 10am to 2pm. Participating schools currently include Dorothy Height, Truesdell, MacFarland, Brightwood, Barnard, and John Lewis. Proceeds go towards supporting our Ward 4 schools!
Simple Bar & Grill Holiday Bazaar
On Saturday, December 7th at 2pm, Simple Bar and Grill is hosting a Holiday Bazaar, complete with music, a bilingual kids theater show, and Santa! The organizers are also looking for artist vendors to support the event. If interested, call 202-316-9171.
Wednesday Jazz on Kennedy Street
Over the next few months, Uptown Main Street is organizing monthly live jazz performances on the 700 block of Kennedy Street NW. The next performance is on Wednesday, December 11th from 7 to 9pm.
For more local events, check out DPR, DC Public Library, and NPS.
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.
DCHA “Meet and Lease” Events
Over the next few weeks, the DC Housing Authority (DCHA) is hosting a series of “Meet and Lease” events at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I St SW. Voucher recipients will have the opportunity to meet with landlords to get connected with housing opportunities. The events will take place on weekdays from 2 to 5:30pm, and Saturdays from 1 to 4pm on the following dates: Saturday, November 23rd, Saturday, December 7th, Thursday, December 12th, and Tuesday, December 17th.
Ward 4 in the News
Next Stop…Riggs Park: South Dakota Avenue/Riggs Road NE Traffic Box Art Project Installation
National Links Trust: An Update on the Future of Rock Creek Park Golf
Washington Informer: Elected Officials Past and Present Reflect on Home Rule Battle Ahead
WAMU: This local author is trying to open D.C.’s first book vending machine
Next Stop…Riggs Park: November 23: Councilmember Lewis-George Turkey Giveaway at Riggs-LaSalle Rec
The Washington Post: Elated Spirit fans cheer a championship-bound team that’s ‘so special’
Ward 4 Dispatch: ERAP Opening, Upcoming Committee Markups, and Local Business Spotlight
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.
On Wednesday, DC Water invited Councilmembers and staff to view a demonstration of how lead pipe replacement works in DC. As a reminder, if you have questions about lead pipe replacement, how to test your water for lead, or want to learn about hiring opportunities, email lead@dcwater.com.
Over the weekend, the Washington Spirit took down Gotham FC in an outstanding performance to secure a spot in the National Women’s Soccer League championship! This weekend, they will face off against the Orlando Pride. I’ll be tuning in on Saturday at 8pm to cheer our incredible athletes on as they vie for their second NWSL championship in three years!
Have a fantastic weekend, neighbors!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
