neighborhood news / bulletin board
Left photo: Courtesy of DC Department of Parks and Recreation
#FITDC3 Campaign Empowers Residents to Take Control of Their Health
Development Team for Parcel 13 Selected
The Neighborhood Development Company proposal for the development of Parcel 13 on the St. Elizabeths East Campus has been selected. The proposal from NDC envisions a mixed-use project that consists of 421 rental apartments, including 126 Affordable Dwelling Units, that will serve households earning within the 30% AMI and 50% AMI ranges. The project also includes walkable connections to the Congress Heights Metro Station, the proposed Plaza Concept at Parcel 15, and the Entertainment and Sports Arena. The commercial program includes 20,865 gross sq. ft. of land area, with 240 spaces of underground parking. NDC has identified at least two potential tenants, including local restaurant HALFSMOKE and workforce development provider, A Wider Circle. A Wider Circle intends to extend its Workforce Development Program to St. Elizabeth’s for Ward 8 residents.
Holiday Cheer in Congress Heights
On Saturday afternoon, Dec. 19, holiday cheer will bloom through a special visit from the Go-Go Santa Express, which will travel through the streets of Congress Heights with gifts for the community. The Congress Heights Main Street organization and Congress Heights Community Association have invited Community-Based Organizations from all over Ward 8 to come together to create a driving route accessible by families in their cars to view themed decorated Christmas trees across St. Elizabeths. Themes will include an Angel Tree to memorialize our loved ones 24
EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
The Bowser administration has launched the #FITDC3 campaign to prepare residents for 2021 and beyond by offering an online health and wellness resource guide designed to make healthy living easier. As the District continues its coronavirus (COVID-19) response and recovery efforts, the need for comprehensive approaches to strengthening immune systems, improving mental health, and adapting to a new and healthier lifestyle is clear. Powered by AETNA, a CVS company, and executed by the Department of Parks and Recreation, #FITDC3 will be a year-long campaign featuring: online fitness content and nutrition information for the body; monthly mental health checks and good habits to adopt for the mind; and virtual fitness events that unite and inspire communities to be their fittest selves. All content and programming are available on the newly launched, FITDC3.33com.
lost to violence, The Cat in the Hat, Healthy Food, Harley Davidson, Women Who Lead, and many more. Residents and visitors alike are invited to drive through the Winter Wonderland, between Fourth Street SE and Sycamore Street, specially curated to bring some socially distanced joy during a tough season. At 2 p.m., two Go-Go Santa Express caravans will depart the Parcel 15 parking lot on St. Elizabeths and travel throughout the neighborhood to bring music and holiday gifts to Congress Heights residents. Santa and the other celebration hosts will make a special drop-off of care packages at 801 East Men’s Shelter & Housing before the event ends at 4 p.m. For more information, visit chctdc. org/HolidaySoul.
Feed the Fridge Provides Free Meals to DC Residents
Medium Rare restaurant owner Mark Bucher has partnered with DC Department of Parks and Recreation to launch the Feed the Fridge program at select DPR facilities. Feed the Fridge places refrigerators stocked with free and fresh restaurant-provided meals across the city to help residents in need. Feed the Fridge meals are “grab-n-go” and no registration or ID is required. Feed the Fridge has installed an initial eight of a planned 20 refrigerators inside
of DPR locations. Refrigerators are sanitized and stocked with 25 meals daily. Ultimately, each fridge will be stocked with up to 100 meals per day. Currently Feed the Fridge locations are Takoma Aquatic Center, Rumsey Aquatic Center, Arthur Clapper Recreation Center, Fort Stanton Recreation Center, Bald Eagle Recreation Center, Raymond Recreation Center, Emery Heights Community Center and Columbia Heights Community Center. dpr.dc.gov.
Holidays at the Capitol Riverfront
The holidays are not cancelled in Capitol Riverfront. 12 Days of CapRiv, through Dec. 20, brings an exciting lineup of festive activities to safely celebrate the holidays in a fun and socially-distanced way during a time when many holiday traditions and events are not possible. From holiday-themed drive-in movies and virtual winter cocktailmaking classes with local restaurant bartenders, to a holiday family photo pop-up and pet portraits with Santa, these two weeks of remixed holiday traditions will keep the reason for the season alive at the riverfront. Activities are open to the public—some free and some
