Dear Neighbors,
I want to start by thanking every Ward 4 resident who exercised their sacred right to vote in this election. Ward 4 has the third highest tally of votes cast, and the second highest participation rate in this election based on the number of registered voters in each Ward. I also want to thank everyone who stepped up to run for office, serve as a poll worker, or otherwise engage in voter outreach. Having a vibrant and active democracy is critical for creating strong communities. I’m grateful for everyone who will be representing Ward 4 in elected leadership or serving our community in any capacity next year. While a small number of ballots are still being counted, you can find unofficial results and voting statistics on the DC Board of Elections website. The Board of Elections will move to certify the results of the election on November 28.
Check out my full newsletter below, with updates on Council legislation, our Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway, the history of Walter Reed, expanded library hours, the Silver Line to Dulles, job and apprenticeship fairs, community resources, and neighborhood events!
Turkey Giveaway For Ward 4 Families
It’s the giving season and we know some neighbors are struggling. If you know a Ward 4 family who needs a free turkey this Thanksgiving, please let them know about the Turkey Giveaway I’m hosting with the Lamond Riggs Citizens Association on Saturday, November 19 from 11am-1pm at Lamond Rec Center (20 Tuckerman St NE). We are providing one turkey per family on a first come, first serve basis (please bring proof of Ward 4 residency). And if you are unable to leave your home but need a turkey, email my office at teamjaneese@dccouncil.us or call 202-724-8052 during regular business hours with your name, address, and contact information — and we will do our best to bring the turkey to you. If Lamond Rec Center is too far, the Friends of Emery and the Vernon Davis Foundation are teaming up for a Turkey Giveaway at Emery Heights Community Center (5701 Georgia Ave NW) on Saturday, November 19 from 10:30am-12:30pm. Thanks to everyone pitching in to plan these events, and to every neighbor who is finding ways to give back this holiday season.
Council News and Social Housing Update
On Tuesday, the Council will have one of its final legislative sessions before this year and this Council term are up. The agenda for Tuesday includes the second vote on DC’s criminal code revision, which I wrote about in detail in my last newsletter. We’ll also be taking on legislation to revise the budget process for schools, a bill to help eliminate food insecurity among seniors, a bill to expand automatic voter registration in DC, and several other bills. Read the agenda for the COW meeting and Legislative Session for the full scope of what the Council will vote on.
One major update I want to share is that the bill hearing for the Green New Deal for Housing Act, my legislation to bring social housing to DC, has been pushed back a few days to Tuesday, November 22 starting at 11am. That means that residents who want to speak at the hearing have a few extra days to sign up and prepare their testimony. Please email your contact information to housing@dccouncil.us by November 18 to sign up for the hearing. The Housing Committee will also accept written testimony or video testimony from those who cannot make it to the November 22 hearing. I hope you will join this historic hearing on bringing social housing to DC — housing that puts people and our planet first.
A Community History: Walter Reed
This week, the Parks at Walter Reed unveiled a fascinating project that traces the history of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center and its surrounding neighborhoods. The project is the result of a year’s worth of research and engagement, including surveys and interviews with more than 115 participants, including former Ward 4 Councilmember Charlene Drew Jarvis. The result is a comprehensive timeline of Walter Reed to the present day, with videos, stories, images, and anecdotes. This content focuses on the overall history of the place, weaving in stories from people in nearby neighborhoods. The timeline traces back to the opening of Walter Reed General Hospital in 1909, the influenza pandemic in 1918, the first Easter egg roll on the Great Lawn in 1923 (pictured below), and the decades-long struggle for racial equity on the campus.
Neighborhood Events
Fall Fun Festival on Kennedy Street
On Saturday, November 12 from 2pm-6pm the Life Success Center here in Ward 4 will host a Fall Fun Festival on the 700 block of Kennedy Street NW. The event will feature food, music, a petting zoo, a moon bounce, and other activities. Fun for the whole family!
Cider and Woodworking Workshop in Petworth
On Saturday, November 12 from 1pm-3pm Green Neighbors will host a cider and woodworking workshop at Twin Oaks Community Garden (1380 Taylor St NW) in Petworth. Neighbors will be able to press cider on two cider mills (feel free to bring your own apples and lid containers), test out the grain meal (you can bring grain like barley, corn, rice, or lentils), and the solar oven (ingredients for smores will be provided). There will also be tool volunteers on site to teach neighbors how to use the handheld woodworking tools in the tool shed.
Holiday Market at Chevy Chase Farmers Market
On Saturday, November 12 from 3pm-5:30pm the Chevy Chase Farmers Market will host its third annual Holiday Market at Lafayette Elementary. The market will feature new bakers and new makers offering baked goods, kitchen textiles, art, plants, jewelry, home goods, and more.
Hellbender Brewery Celebrates 8-Year Anniversary
On Saturday, November 12 from 1pm-9pm Hellbender Brewing Company (5788 2nd St NE) will celebrate its 8-year anniversary with a DJ, food trucks, fresh oysters, new beer releases, and swag! Join the festivities for this neighborhood staple. Happy Anniversary, Hellbender!
Film Screening and Discussion: Redemption
On Monday, November 14 at 7pm-8:30pm, the UDC Theatre of Arts (4200 Connecticut Ave NW), UDC and the DC Attorney General’s Office will host a screening and discussion of the documentary Redemption, which focuses on the struggles of returning citizens in DC. AG Racine will moderate the panel, while I will serve as one of the panelists. RSVP here!
Friends of Petworth Library Happy Hour
On Tuesday, November 15 at 6pm-8pm the Friends of Petworth Library will host a happy hour at Midlands (3333 Georgia Ave NW). Come out for a drink, to support your local community, and to learn how to get involved with the Friends of Petworth Library.
Crestwood Triangle Park Design Meeting
On Tuesday, November 15 at 6:30pm-8pm DPR and DGS will co-host a concept design meeting to discuss the concept design for the Crestwood Triangle Park at 18th Street & Argyle Terrace NW. Learn more and join the meeting at this link.
Congresswoman Norton Town Hall with NPS
On Wednesday, November 16 at 6pm-7:30pm Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton’s office will host a Town Hall Meeting with representatives from the National Park Service to provide updates and respond to constituent questions, comments, and concerns about federal park lands and issues under NPS jurisdiction in the District. RSVP at this link.
Turkey Giveaway at Emery Rec Center for Families
On Saturday, November 19 from 10:30am-12:30pm the Friends of Emery and the Vernon Davis Foundation are teaming up for a Turkey Giveaway at Emery Heights Community Center (5701 Georgia Ave NW). The event is free and open to the public, and will include live music, fun, entertainment, and — of course — turkeys.
Turkey Giveaway at Lamond Rec Center for Ward 4 Families
On Saturday, November 19 from 11am-1pm I will be co-hosting a Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway for Ward 4 families in need with the Lamond Riggs Citizens Association at Lamond Rec Center (20 Tuckerman St. NE). We’ll be giving out one turkey per family on a first come, first serve basis (please bring proof of Ward 4 residency). See you there!
Visit your local Farmers Market:
- Uptown Farmers Market at 5501 Colorado Ave NW on Saturdays from 9am-1pm
- Chevy Chase Farmers Market at Lafayette Elementary on Saturdays from 9am-1pm
- Takoma Park Farmers Market at 6931 Laurel Ave on Sundays from 10am-2pm
- Petworth Community Market at 9th & Upshur NW on Saturdays from 9am-1pm
Community Resources
DC Government Jobs, Job Fairs, and Virtual Apprenticeship Fair
DC government has hundreds of job vacancies across its agencies. If you’re interested in working for the District, check out the DC jobs database, appointed positions, tech jobs, DCPS careers, and DC OAG positions. DOES will also be hosting an in-person hiring event at its headquarters next week on Monday-Wednesday (November 14-16) from 9am-5pm to fill nearly 60 open positions (registration is required), as well as an apprenticeship virtual hiring fair on Monday, November 14 from 10am-12pm. In addition, our neighbors in Ward 5 will host a Jobs Not Guns recruitment fair on Wednesday, November 16 from 11am-3pm at Turkey Thicket Rec Center (Michigan Avenue NE). Please share these opportunities with anyone looking for work!
DC Public Library Expands Hours
Starting Monday, November 14 DC Public Library is adding 15 more hours of operation at its libraries across DC, including all of its Ward 4 and Ward 4-adjacent locations! The new hours will run from 10am-9pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 1pm-9pm on Thursdays; 10am-6pm on Fridays and Saturdays; and 1pm-5pm on Sundays. This will give residents more hours to pick up books, make it easier to reserve rooms for community meetings, and provide more opportunities for events and workshops. Learn more from DCPL.
Metro’s Silver Line Extension to Open Next Week
The long-awaited expansion of the Silver Line is finally here! On Tuesday, November 15 around 2pm, Metro will begin operating its six new Silver Line stations with service to Dulles Airport and Loudon County, Virginia. A ribbon cutting will be held earlier in the day. Here are the details about the trains that will run on the expanded Silver Line this coming Tuesday.
Town Hall Conversation on Mental Health
DC Health Link is hosting a virtual Town Hall Conversation on mental health care as essential to good health on Thursday, November 17 at 12pm-1:30pm. Mental health professionals and advocates will talk about recognizing signs of mental illness, children and teens’ mental health, treatment options, racial and ethnic disparities, and resources for residents. Register to attend!
DC PSC Winter Ready Supplies
The DC Public Service Commission is giving away free home weatherization items (while supplies last) such as self-stick weatherseal, poly foam pipe installation, and window insulation to help neighbors cut energy costs and protect their home throughout the colder months. They’re also providing information on utility assistance programs that may be helpful. Please visit one of the other citywide distribution points to pick up your weatherization supplies.
Ward 4 Mutual Aid Grocery Distribution Update
Ward 4 Mutual Aid is updating our community that their grocery distributions are now taking place once per month. You can find them at Brightwood Park United Methodist Church (744 Jefferson Street NW) providing gift cards, diapers, food, and other items to the first 100 families on the following dates: Wednesday, November 16 at 5pm, Saturday, November 19 at noon, Wednesday, December 14 at 5pm, and Saturday, December 17 at noon. They also offer a limited number of home deliveries on Saturdays. If you physically cannot make it to the church, please call or text the Ward 4 Mutual Aid Hotline at 202-681-3098 to sign up for delivery.
Vaccine Walk-Up Vaccine Clinics at Ward 4 Congregations
Our faith communities in Ward 4 are stepping up to host several walk-up COVID vaccine clinics in the coming days in partnership with DC Health. These clinics will offer first dose, second dose, and booster shots for community members over the age of 12. In addition to these clinics, residents can also visit the Ward 4 COVID Center at 4704 13th Street NW (open Monday-Saturday) for their COVID shots, boosters, masks, tests, and flu shots.
- Church of Christ (4801 16th Street NW) at 10am-2pm on November 16
- First Baptist Church (712 Randolph St NW) at 10am-12pm on November 21
Leaf Collection Continues Next Week in Area B
Leaf collection is scheduled to continue this coming week (November 7-12) in Area B, which includes Sixteenth Street Heights, Crestwood, and Petworth west of Georgia Avenue. Be sure to rake your leaves onto your curb or tree box (not in bags or on the street) by Sunday, November 13 so they can be collected the following week. Check out the full schedule for leaf collection and additional information. If your leaves aren’t collected as planned, please wait at least five days after your collection week (to allow for delays due to weather or staffing) then call 311 to request service. Also, pumpkins and gourds without paint or glitter can be brought to the Uptown Farmers Market for composting on Saturdays from 9am-1pm until November 20.
Local Links
Petworth News: Free Cider and Woodworking Workshop with Green Neighbors DC
DC Water: Upcoming Water Main Replacement Project in Manor Park
Washington Post: Acting 911 director faces DC Council scrutiny over dispatch failures
DC Fire and EMS: Firefighters Who Responded to Building Collapse on Kennedy Street Honored at FEMS Awards Ceremony
WUSA9: DC fire crews help retired firefighter celebrate his 104th birthday
DCist: Project to Keep Millions Of Gallons Of Sewage Out Of Rock Creek’s Piney Branch
PoPville: San Matteo from folks behind Al Volo, Soleluna et al is coming to Petworth
Last Ward 4 Dispatch: Council News, Leaf Collection, and Green New Deal Trainings
The people of DC have fought in every war in our nation’s history — despite being denied local autonomy and voting representation in Congress. This Veterans Day, I join our community in expressing my gratitude to every DC resident who has served or is serving in our Armed Forces. We honor your service, and we strengthen our calls for DC Statehood so that DC veterans can have full representation in the country they took up arms for.
Last night, I had the great pleasure of joining several of our school communities at Audi Field for the DC SCORES middle school championships! DC SCORES is an incredible organization that helps students succeed on the field, the classroom, and in life by engaging them around soccer, service learning, and poetry. Congratulations to Washington Latin, DC International, Paul PCS, EL Haynes, MacFarland Middle School, and all the other schools that competed. Our scholar athletes played with tremendous heart and sportsmanship.
Wishing you all a joyful weekend!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
