neighborhood news
munity gatherings, picnics and play. The NPS will implement this plan in stages over several years and plans to start the design process next year. The Shepherd Parkway Development Concept Plan can be found at parkplanning.nps.gov/shepherdpkwy_dcp.
Ward 8 Woods Volunteer Opportunities Junko Hurd, winner in the Landscapes Category
Winners of Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Photography Contest Announced
Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens has announced the winners of the 2020 Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Photography Contest. This contest not only highlights the beauty of the park but also raises awareness and helps improve the park and its programs. Best in Show finalists are: Chris Rief, Lotus; Jean Althoff, Nature; Grace Hassler, Plants and Flowers; Chris Rief, Wildlife; and Junko Hurd, Landscape. kenaqgardens.org.
NPS Plans Announced to Improve Shepherd Parkway
NPS has completed a development concept plan to enhance future use and enjoyment of Shepherd Parkway. This plan proposes ways to improve safety, connectivity, and park conditions. Specific concept plan elements include the following: a series of trails, with options for a natural or more urban trail experience; a blazed trail within the park’s wooded area connecting to the under-construction I-295 shared-use path; improved signage, communication, and security measures to prevent dumping; enhanced scenic views; enhanced interpretation of Civil War forts, emphasized by improved trail connections; and flexible open green space for com22
EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
Ward 8 Woods engages residents and visitors in volunteer experiences. Most volunteers work in the woods removing trash and cutting invasive vines. If you like to be physically active, spend time in nature, and immediately see the results of your work, you might enjoy working with them. Remaining 2021 volunteer days are Feb. 6, March 6, April 3, May 1, June 5, July 3, Aug. 7, Sept. 4, Oct. 2, Nov. 6, and Dec. 4. Volunteer days are every first Saturday of the month from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ft. Stanton Park. Meet at Ft. Stanton Recreation Center, 1812 Erie St. SE. To allow for social distancing, attendance at each event is limited to 10 people. Reserve your spot at ward8woods.org/volunteer.
Ward7@YahooGroups Ceases
Yahoo Groups have shut down as of Dec. 15. Ward7@ YahooGroups members will no longer be able to send or receive emails from Yahoo Groups. Yahoo Mail features will continue to function and there will be no changes to your Yahoo Mail account, emails, photos or other inbox content. All Ward7@YahooGroups addresses will be registered at GoogleGroup. The new email address is Ward7DC@GoogleGroups.Com.
Foreign Languages for Kids
EoTR Foreign Languages for Kids is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides language services to children living in Wards 7 and 8. They offer total language immersion, promote global competence, global citizenship, critical thinking, and cross-cultural in-
tegration. At EoTR Foreign Languages for Kids, your child will learn a new language, explore other cultures and make friends. Their highly engaging language classes use music, games, art and stories to teach kids new languages. While classes are currently virtual, they typically offer Spanish, French and Mandarin in classes at various locations throughout Wards 7 and 8. eotrlingokids.com.
$200,000 Awarded to Ward 7 & 8 Microbusinesses
Mayor Bowser has announced the 21 recipients of the Fiscal Year 2021 Ward 7 & 8 Microbusiness Dream Grants. Through $10,000 grants, the District will provide business development support for microbusinesses in Wards 7 and 8 that are also owned, or majority-owned, by residents of Wards 7 and 8. Fiscal Year 2021 Dream Grant Awardees are Amiracle Designs, Avi8ted Thoughts, Inc., District Art and Crafts, Ellesipea LLC, FP2 Barbershop, Granny’s Kitchen LLC, Haul Master’s LLC, Healthy Home Pediatrics LLC, I-M, LLC, J.A.W. Therapy LLC, JackiCan LLC, Lee’s Barbershop II, Capital City Specialties, LoveVi_Only, Promoting Love & Wisdom Home Childcare Center LLC, The Write Consulting Group, THINK KLEAN LLC, Total Life Consultancy LLC, Truelife Exotics, VISIONBOARD LLC, and Nail Bed & Bar. coronavirus.dc.gov/page/dc-small-business-microgrants-program-report.
DDOT Opens Car Free Lane on MLK
DDOT has announced the opening of Car Free Lanes on 14th Street NW; Martin Luther King Jr, Avenue SE, and M Street SE. Enforcement for all three has begun. Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue SE, between W Street and St. Elizabeths East Campus, is restricted to buses and bicyclists travelling northbound during the morning peak and southbound direction during the
