15 minute read
Bulletin Board
Healthy Food Choices Expanding for Ward 8 Residents Wreaths Across American
Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, their mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreathlaying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 2,500 additional locations in all 50 states, at sea and abroad. This year Wreaths Across America is on Dec. 18. Those interested in placing wreaths at Arlington Cemetery on National Wreaths Across America Day must pre-register at wreathsacrossamerica.org. Proof of pre-registration is required for entry into the cemetery.
Good Food Markets opened its third area grocery store on Nov. 13, at 4001 South Capitol St. SW (at Atlantic Street). The new location is on the ground oor of a new, 190-unit a ordable residential building. Good Food Markets o ers fresh produce, essential groceries and freshly made prepared food. It will house a dining room as well as a community room for meetings. A full-service cafe at the Bellevue store will begin operating in the new year. The store will open with a sta of 15. The store will also host health education events for adults and children, and partner with community organizations to provide residents with tools to stay healthy. goodfoodmarkets.com.
MLK Gateway Welcomes Capital One Café to Anacostia
The Menkiti Group, a local DC-based minority-owned integrated real estate services company focused on enhancing urban neighborhoods, has announced the opening of Capital One Café at the historic Anacostia MLK Gateway project. Located at the corner of Good Hope Rd. and Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE, MLK Gateway is a collaboration of DC Government and the private sector, including the O ce of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, the DC Department of Housing and Community Development, The Menkiti Group, and Enlightened, Inc. Capital One Café o ers a full-service co ee and tea bar featuring locally sourced food and beverages, complimentary Wi-Fi, as well as nooks and meeting rooms for the public to use as collaborative workspaces. Capital One Café also o ers free meeting space for neighborhood associations, nonpro ts and students.
The Fresh Food Factory Job Training
In partnership with @DHS and @UNIFI.inc, The Fresh Food Factory (FFF) Market will provide on-the-job training; case management; entrepreneurship training and job retention services to 10 SNAP EBT recipients of Wards 7 or 8. Graduates of the program will have an opportunity to become an employee of The FFF and/ or an incubator member and operate at one of The FFF’s kitchens and generate sales at their markets. To learn more and to register, contact the FFF Market at 202-744-1873 or amanda@ thefreshfoodfactory.com.
New Ramp to Northbound I-295 Opens
DDOT has opened the new ramp to northbound I-295 from Suitland Parkway. The existing ramp from Firth Sterling Ave. SE has been permanently closed. Tra c signs to access the new ramp are posted on all roadways. improving295dc.com.
Major Milestones on MLK Gateway Project Celebrated
opment, the Menkiti Group, LISC, CityFirst Bank, PNC Bank and Enlightened Inc. to celebrate the completion of MLK Gateway’s Phase I and the start of Phase II. Phase I represents the renovation of the historic retail buildings at 1201-1215 Good Hope Rd. SE including a two-story o ce addition above the retail. Phase II will in ll an o ce building at 1109 Good Hope Rd., 1905-1909 Martin Luther King Jr Ave. SE, and along the adjacent portion of Shannon Pl. SE, restoring the existing buildings at 1901 Martin Luther King Jr Ave. SE and 1111 Good Hope Rd. SE.
Fort Dupont Ice Arena Public Ice Skating
The Fort Dupont Ice Arena, 3779 Ely Pl. SE, schedule for public skating through the end of February 2022 is Sundays, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 1 to 3 p.m.; Fridays, noon to 2 p.m. Adult admission is $5; kids, $4. Skate rental is $3. fdia.org.
DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in the District.
DC Open Doors
DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership inthe city. is programo ers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on rst trust
homebuyer or a D.C. resident , be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia.
HPAP provides interest free deferred loans for down
serves as a co-administrator of this DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) rst-time home buyer program.
years or older who have fallen behind on insurance and tax payments as a result of their reverse mortgage. Quali ed District homeowners can receive up to
DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees. DC4ME is o ered to current full-time District government employees, including employees of District government-based instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower's employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia.
COVID-19
DC MAP COVID-19 provides nancial assistance to those a ected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quali ed borrowers can receive a loan of up to $5,000 per month to put toward their mortgage for up to six months.
Visit www.DCHFA.org how to apply to any of DCHFA’s homeownership programs.
815 FLORIDA AVENUE, NW, WASHINGTON, DC20001•202.777.1600 • WWW.DCHFA.ORG
New Community Solar Installation in Ward 7
On Dec. 2, the Deputy Mayor for Operations and Infrastructure Lucinda Babers, the Department of the Energy and Environment and partners at DC Sustainability Utility, DC Green Bank, and Flywheel Development celebrated the completion of a community solar installation in the Fairfax Village Community, 3829 W St. SE, in Ward 7. A project of Solar for All, the District’s clean energy program that provides the bene ts of solar power to low- and moderate-income residents, the installation at Fairfax Village is part of the Bowser Administration’s work to Sustainable DC plans to make DC carbon neutral by 2050. At the conclusion of the event, community members were invited to learn more about how to reduce energy costs in their homes and if they qualify for free solar by bringing a PEPCO bill.
Canal Park Ice Skating Public Service Training Academy Call for Applications
A Holiday Fireworks Show at Mount Vernon
The Canal Park Ice Skating Rink, 200 M St. SE, is open Sundays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Mondays to Thursdays, noon to 10 p.m.; Fridays, noon to 11 p.m.; and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Adults, $11; children and seniors, $10. Skate rental, $5.
Youth group lessons are o ered on Saturday mornings. For the very beginner to intermediate, they o er lessons in a group format. $95 for ve weeks of lessons. Adult (16+) lessons are on Sunday mornings. $105 for ve weeks of lessons. Private lessons are also available. canalparkiceskating.com.
Retail Employment Training at Skyland Workforce Center
The Skyland Workforce Center, 2509 Good Hope Rd. SE, is o ering retail training in the center’s computer room and online. You may take the course at your own pace. Retail is a great opportunity for the underemployed, returning citizens, young people and people just entering the job market. Retail is coming to the Skyland Town Center and jobs will be available. However, this training can be used to get a retail job anywhere. If interested, contact Henry Fonvielle, President, The Rappaport Companies at hvonvielle@rappaportco. com. You may also stop by the Skyland Workforce Center and register.
Anacostia Peer Outreach
Are you experiencing homelessness? Having a hard time nding a job? Have you been incarcerated? For some help, Anacostia Peer Outreach, at Anacostia Library, 1800 Good Hope Road SE, on Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., is in Meeting Room 2 (8 to 16 person capacity). dclibrary.org/anacostia.
Rock ‘n’ Roll 2022 Running Series Registration Open
Sign up to run the March 26 Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon or 5K at runrocknroll.com/washington-dc-register.
National Shrine Christmas Dinner and Volunteer Registration
The National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception provides meals for hundreds of poor, homeless, elderly, and needy individuals living in the District of Columbia and surrounding areas on Christmas Day. Meals will be available for pick-up or delivery only. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Shrine in-house meals will not be served. To request a Christmas Day dinner, call 202-526-8313. All meal requests must be received by Friday, Dec. 17.
Volunteers are also needed to ll many di erent positions. To register as a volunteer, visit nationalshrine.org/ event/2021-christmas-dinner-registration. For more information, contact rsvp@bnsic.org or 202-526-8300. The Federal City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority has announced the next cohort of the Claudia L. McKoin Public Service Leadership Training Academy (McKoin Academy). The McKoin Academy is a free training academy designed to train women to lead and shape public policy in their communities. Their mission is to increase the number of women of On Dec. 17 and 18, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., join Mount Vernon for a family-friend- color participating in public policy development and running for elected of-ly celebration of the holiday season with an enchanted evening of Christmas ce. They are looking for bright, drivIlluminations. Tour the Mansion, 5:30 to 8:15 p.m.; see the reworks, 8:15 en women who are ready to become to 8:30 p.m. Throughout the evening, enjoy the lantern-lit Historic Area, the part of the solution and bring diverMansion aglow in beautiful amber light, and the Upper Garden and Green- sity to the public policy and political house dazzling in blue and lavender with moving wintry light patterns. You’ll also hear classic holiday music, a winter encampment, a camel, and patriotrealm. While the program is open to women of color in all eight wards, they are particularly looking for women in ic inspirational quotes on the Bowling Green. $38 to $60. mountvernon.org. Wards 5, 7 and 8. Applications must be received by Thursday, Dec. 23, 11:59 p.m. Contact mckoinacademy @thefcacdst.org for more information and/or questions.
Gospel Christmas Service at the National Cathedral
On Sunday, Dec. 19, 6 p.m., hear the good news of great joy as it comes to life in the National Cathedral annual service of gospel Christmas music and readings from Holy Scripture. The Reverend Canon Leonard L. Hamlin, Sr., delivers the homily. Passes are not required. cathedral.org.
DC United Opens MLS 2022 Regular Season
MLS has announced their 2022 MLS Regular Season Home Opener schedule with DC United playing against 2022 expansion side Charlotte FC on Saturday, Feb. 26 at Audi Field with kicko scheduled for 6 p.m. dcunited.com.
DC Indoor Mask Mandate Lifted
The District’s indoor mask mandate has been lifted. Instead of following a blanket mandate, residents, visi-
tors, and workers will be advised to follow risk-based guidance from DC Health that accounts for current health metrics and a person’s vaccination status. Updated guidance will be posted on coronavirus.dc.gov. DC Health reminds residents that the strongest protection against COVID-19 is to get vaccinated, and encourages all people, regardless of vaccination status, to consider their risk factors and surroundings carefully when choosing layered mitigations strategies (e.g., wearing a mask, social distancing). Masks are still required, regardless of vaccination status, in the following circumstances: any private business that wants a mask requirement; on public transport like buses and trains, inside train stations, in airports, and while in ride share vehicles; inside schools, childcare facilities, and libraries; congregate facilities, such as nursing homes/assisted living facilities, shelters, dorms/residences, and correctional facilities; and in DC Government facilities where there is direct interaction between employees and the public. Residents who need support getting vaccinated or who want to get vaccinated in their home can call 1-855-363-0333.
DC Prepares for Winter Weather
On Nov. 10, members of the District’s Snow Team hosted a training exercise to ensure they are prepared for every aspect of the District’s snow and ice operations. Throughout the day, plow operators drove their routes, checking for obstacles they might encounter during an actual snow event. Administrative, supervisory, logistics, and information technology employees practiced their functions at their respective sites, including salt domes, to thoroughly assess the status of equipment and technology. The District Snow Team consists of 882 employees and a 296-vehicle eet, including 120 heavy plows and 100 light plows, and this year will include 46 100% biodiesel plows. Each year, snow-plow operators clear 2,644 lane miles of residential and commercial streets, as well as the National Highway System. Residents can track snow removal progress in real-time by visiting snow.dc.gov/page/about-trackour-plows.
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Join Serve DC’s Volunteer Snow Team
Residents are encouraged to join Serve DC’s Volunteer Snow Team which helps clear sidewalks for registered seniors who are 65 and older, and residents with access functionality needs. This year, Serve DC especially needs volunteers in Wards 4, 5, 7, and 8. Volunteers can sign-up at servedc.galaxydigital.com. For more information about DC’s snow program, preparing for winter weather, or where District Snow Team plows are during a storm, visit snow.dc.gov.
The Private Security Camera System Incentive Program, administered by the O ce of Victim Services and Justice Grants (OVSJG), encourages residents, businesses, non-pro ts, and religious institutions to install security camera systems on their property and register them with MPD. MPD has used footage from camera program participants to identify suspects in a variety of crimes and has led to the arrest and successful prosecution in several violent crimes, including homicide. There are two ways to participate in the Private Security Camera Incentive program: The Private Security Camera Rebate Program creates a rebate for residents, businesses, nonpro ts, and religious institutions to purchase and install security camera systems on their property and register them with the Metropolitan Police Department. The Private Security Camera Voucher Program provides a private security camera system to eligible residents free of charge. District residents—either owners or tenants—who receive public assistance may be eligible to have a camera system installed at their home. security. cameras@dc.gov.
Image: Adele Robey
Washington Harbour Ice Rink Opens for Season
Washington Harbour Ice Rink, 3000 K St. NW in Georgetown, is open for public skating on Sundays to Thursdays, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. $10 for adults; $9 for kids, seniors and military; $7 for skate rental. thewashingtonharbour.com/ice-skating-rink.
DDOT Kicks Off Tree Planting Season
DDOT’s Urban Forestry Division’s annual planting program begins every Fall and runs through March, where arborists work to ll every possible public tree space with a new tree that’s chosen based on arboriculture best practices and the existing diversity of trees in the neighborhood. This year, DDOT will plant nearly 8,000 trees across the District. Request a new tree on your street using dc.gov or calling 311.
Disability Justice Virtual Forum at Dance Place
On Dec. 18, as an extension of Dance Place’s ongoing equity and inclusion work for people with disabilities, this free virtual series will spotlight artists with disabilities. danceplace.org/livestream.
Residents Urged to Get Health Coverage During Open Enrollment
DC residents are urged to sign up for high-quality, a ordable health insurance at DCHealthLink.com, the District’s online state-based health insurance marketplace established under the A ordable Care Act. Open enrollment for individuals and families continues through Jan. 31, 2022.
Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree Farms
To find cut-your-own Christmas tree farms in Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia visit pickyourownchristmastree. org for farms and directions. Then follow the prompts.
Hypothermia Alerts
Hypothermia alerts are activated when the National Weather Service forecasted temperature, including wind chill, is or will be 32° F or below; or, when the temperature is forecasted to be 40° F or below, and the forecasted chance of precipitation is fty percent or greater. Transportation to shelter is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you see someone outside in need of shelter or a welfare check, call the Shelter Hotline at 202-3997093 or dial 311. If there is an immediate risk to safety call 911. When calling, include the time, the address or location of the sighting, and a description of the person’s appearance.
A Snowy Nite at the Dew Drop Inn
From Dec. 11 to Jan. 9, you’re invited to the rowdiest juke joint on earth. Anacostia Playhouse’s madcap fun house of Dew Drop performers are letting the good times roll...sassy, hot and steamy on a cold snowy night. Building on 2019’s smash hit, they revisit some truly great music with songs made famous by Big Mama Thornton, Fats Waller, Etta James, and Dinah Washington, to name a few. Take a break from the busy season and join them at the Inn. $35. The Anacostia Playhouse is at 2020 Shannon Pl. SE. anacostiaplayhouse.org.
Find a Vaccination
Enter your zip code and get vaccination sites within one mile, ve miles, ten miles and farther from your home—anywhere in the country. Also get information on incentives, childcare and free rides. You can also call 1-800-232-0233. vaccines.gov. ◆
SIGN UP FOR YOUR FREE SMALL BUSINESS WORKSHOP TODAY
For existing and aspiring District businesses - the Small Business Resource Center is here for you!
SPEAK ONE-ON-ONE WITH A LAWYER FOR FREE!
WEBINAR: MARSHALL HEIGHTS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION PARTNERSHIP: STEPS TO OBTAINING A BUSINESS LICENSE
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WEBINAR: HOW TO OBTAIN YOUR MADE IN DC CERTIFICATION
WEBINAR: NAVIGATING GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING WITH THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROCUREMENT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER
WEBINAR: ALL THINGS NON-PROFIT
SBRC ONE-ON-ONE CALL SESSION: STEPS TO OBTAINING A BUSINESS LICENSE
SBRC ONE-ON-ONE CALL SESSION: “TALK BUSINESS AFTER HOURS”
Small Business Resource Center (202) 442-4538 | dcra@dc.gov
