The District may have been preparing itself for some bad weather this weekend, but a little rain doesn’t stop the Ward 1 community from coming out in full force. While our thoughts were with the people of the Carolinas and Virginia, Team Sycamore went out to experience all that Ward 1 had to offer.
The weekend began with a loss, as one of our great community staples, Duffy’s closed its doors for the last time. Over the years the Irish bar has played host to everything from sporting events to political campaigns. Though it’s famous wings will now be available on H Street NE, I can’t help but think the Ward is losing a valuable part of the community.
Community was very much on our minds on Saturday, as we attended not one, but two block parties. Park View UNC hosted their annual block party, keeping the residents young and old alike entertained with games, crafts, food and music. Just down the road on the 3600 block of 11th Street, another wonderful group of private neighborhood organizers held their own block party, complete with a local dance troupe performing routines, and teaching us some of their moves!
These locally organized neighborhood block parties provide a great way to connect with your neighbors and to fully engage to better understand the vibrant communities that Ward 1 encompasses. With a community so diverse, so are their issues, and I look forward to taking these issues to the Wilson building after the November election. A big thank you to all the organizers for allowing Team Sycamore to join in with all the fun.
Sunday was a fun and busy day for us too. We began at Encounter Church celebrating their new home at the District Bridges office location. I have had the pleasure of getting to know this great church over the last few months through their outreach efforts, and it’s no surprise that their community spirit shown through in their Sunday worship service. Everyone was made to feel welcome, and I wish Encounter Church the best of luck in their new location, and I look forward to all the great work you have envisioned for the Columbia Heights neighborhood.
Over in Mount Pleasant La Clinica del Pueblo hosted it’s 35th birthday celebration with La Fiesta del Barrio. For over three decades La Clinica has worked tirelessly to serve the vibrant Latino community, and they couldn’t be more deserving the of the days celebration. I wish them another amazing 35 years of outreach and engagement to the local community.
Education was the name of the game over at Midlands! Midlands graciously hosted the Ward 1 Education Collaborative for a happy hour, giving local Ward 1 parents an opportunity to meet the Candidates for DC State board of Education and Ward 1 DC Council. The success of our schools is an important issue for me personally, and the relaxed atmosphere was a great way for parents to be relaxed and discuss the changes they would like to see happen as DCPS starts this new chapter in its history.
Team Sycamore’s weekend ended with a bang at a local meet-and-greet hosted by ANC Commissioner Amanda Fox Perry opening her beautiful home to us her neighbors. It was a wonderful afternoon and after a passionate discussion with around 25 residents, I couldn’t be more excited to serve this community.
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Commissioner Fox Perry, Encounter Church and all the community leaders who graciously hosted me and my team and welcomed us with open arms to create such an amazing weekend. It doesn’t stop here, our work will take us to November and beyond! To be part of the action, please join Team Sycamore for another exciting week!