Opportunities for neighbors to help neighbors: Ward 4 Mutual Aid Network for #GivingTuesday

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Opportunities for neighbors to help neighbors: Ward 4 Mutual Aid Network for #GivingTuesday

Mutual Aid groups have existed across time and cultures. Normally they develop within marginalized communities, harnessing collective power to provide basic needs for people failed by government systems. Mutual aids have operated within Wards 7 and 8 for years, but now there is one in every DC Ward.

As people began to lose their jobs during the pandemic, more local residents found themselves unable to purchase basic items for themselves or their families. Simultaneously, Washingtonians wanted to assist their neighbors. Volunteers from the already existing mutual aids worked across the city to support the creation of ward specific mutual aids.

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In Park View, the Park Morton equity plan goals get support by ANC 1A; residents still concerned

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In Park View, the Park Morton equity plan goals get support by ANC 1A; residents still concerned

The Park Morton Equity Plan is a resident-drafted series of recommendations to DC government authorities on how to address their public housing renovation needs, including enhancing residents’ employment opportunities, enacting a renovation plan in which the city builds replacement units before demolition, and increasing home ownership opportunities. ANC 1A approved the goals of the plan at a recent meeting, yet some residents remain unimpressed by the plan.

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This month, #GivingTuesday can really make a difference. This week: Mary's Center

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This month, #GivingTuesday can really make a difference. This week: Mary's Center

Over three decades ago, Maria Gomez opened Mary’s Center in a basement in Adams Morgan. Their mission was to provide prenatal care to Central American women fleeing from violence, poverty and war. However, they quickly realized that treating only a patient’s physical health was not sufficient. They expanded to beyond medical to dental and behavioral health services for all ages, as well as social services, family literacy and education programs to help put families on track for economic independence and stability. Mary’s Center serves everyone, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. They have now grown to employ over 700 people in their five health centers across the DMV (including their Petworth location on Georgia Avenue).

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Washington Teachers Union calls for a “Mental Health Day” on Monday, November 2nd

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Washington Teachers Union calls for a “Mental Health Day” on Monday, November 2nd

As Petworth News reported at the beginning of October, a major concern with DC Public School’s reopening plan was whether the teachers would come back to teach in person. In recent weeks it has become increasingly apparent that they will not. The Washington Teacher’s Union has called for a “Mental Health Day” for its members in protest of the DCPS re-opening plans. This is effectively a “sick out,” where teacher’s call in sick.

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DPR reopens indoor exercise and pool facilities, with limitations

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DPR reopens indoor exercise and pool facilities, with limitations

On Thursday, October 1st, the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and Mayor Bowser announced that they will reopen indoor pools on a modified schedule, and opened registration for limited in-person fall programs at specific DPR locations. DPR centers have been shut down since March in response to COVID-19.

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DDOT survey on the future of DC transporation

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DDOT survey on the future of DC transporation

The DC Department of Transportation is looking for resident feedback on the future of transportation in the District.

The Mayor’s Office announced the launch of moveDC 2021, a long-range plan to set the 25-year vision for the District’s multimodal transportation system. Residents from across all eight wards who drive, walk, bike, or take public transit are being asked to provide input that will help shape the plan.

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness month... prevention is the best way to beat it

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness month... prevention is the best way to beat it

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and as a recent breast cancer survivor and Petworth neighbor, I thought now would be a good time to tell my story and raise awareness of this all too common disease.

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DCPS and DC Health say “Layers of Protection” to keep elementary students safe for in-person learning

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DCPS and DC Health say “Layers of Protection” to keep elementary students safe for in-person learning

On Wednesday night, October 14th, DCPS and DC Health held a second in a series of webinars and conference calls to prepare parents for the gradual re-opening of DCPS Elementary schools on November 9th. Dr. Ferebee, Chancellor of DCPS, kicked off the evening outlining the plan for re-opening. He emphasized again that virtual learning is not working for all students, especially children facing homelessness, English language learners and those children deemed at high-risk. At this point in the year, going to a hybrid model for the second term would be more disruptive than a five a day week approach. This gives those students with the greatest likelihood of opportunity gaps more time for learning.

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AFRH reaches agreement on developing 80 acres for new retail, residential and more

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AFRH reaches agreement on developing 80 acres for new retail, residential and more

This past July, the Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the DC government which set out the process to redevelop about 80 acres of its 272 acre campus. While a date for groundbreaking has not been set, the original redevelopment plan was approved in 2008, and then amended in 2018. AFRH will resubmit the master plans for review again later this fall.

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DC Public Schools are set to slowly reopen: here’s what you need to know

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DC Public Schools are set to slowly reopen: here’s what you need to know

Mayor Muriel Bowser unveiled an ambitious reopening plan for DC Public Elementary Schools on Monday, October 5th. Chancellor Lewis Ferebee followed up with a live town hall to walk through the details on Tuesday night. Here’s what we know, so far…

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FRESHFARM Market returns to The Parks at Walter Reed -- check out the vendor list!

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FRESHFARM Market returns to The Parks at Walter Reed -- check out the vendor list!

Now in its third year, FRESHFARM Market returns on Sunday mornings this fall to The Parks at Walter Reed, one of DC’s newest and greenest master planned communities. This weekly producer-only farmers’ market features produce, meats, prepared foods, locally roasted coffee, and craft beer and cider from some of the area's most popular small businesses, breweries and farmers. Several local Petworth businesses will be in attendance this week, including Qualia Coffee, Capitol Cider House and Timber Pizza. Right Proper Brewing is joining this week for the first time.

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Ideas on how to find balance with working from home and distant learning [sponsored]

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Ideas on how to find balance with working from home and distant learning [sponsored]

As a community, I am sure we can all agree that these last five months have turned our lives somewhat upside down. From distant learning, to virtual meetings and virtual celebrations to limited socials gatherings, what a job we have just balancing it all! Now here is the start of a new school year, and where’s the balance?

Party Time STEAMing Engineers at 205 Upshur Street can help.

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Can DCPS close the digital equity gap? (take a survey on your experiences)

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Can DCPS close the digital equity gap? (take a survey on your experiences)

Digital Equity in DC Education (Digital Equity DC), a coalition of DCPS parents from all 8 wards, is asking for parent feedback on how DCPS-issued devices and learning platforms are performing. Petworth News spoke with Grace Hu and Alexandra Simbana from Digital Equity DC about why they are putting together the survey, and how you can help.

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Parents jump into virtual learning, saying they're committed to the process

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Parents jump into virtual learning, saying they're committed to the process

With the demands of health and safety during the Covid pandemic, DC public schools decided to go completely virtual for the first half of the 2020 school year. Words like “unprecedented” and “unconventional” don’t begin to describe the work families are having to do to ensure their children are getting the education they need.

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