December 04, 2020

826DC adapts to continue working with young DC writers

December 04, 2020/ Guest Contributor

826DC is a nonprofit organization “dedicated to supporting students ages 6-18 with their creative and expository writing skills, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write.” This mission manifests across various programs dedicated to working with DC public and charter school students, including after-school writing labs, field trips, and in-school writing workshops. Founded in 2010, 826DC is one of ten chapters of the 826National organization founded in San Francisco by educator Nínive Calegari and author Dave Eggers.

December 03, 2020

Holiday Lights: Local businesses spread socially distanced holiday cheer

December 03, 2020/ Peter Fortner

The businesses along lower Georgia Avenue and the 800 block of Upshur Street will be decked out with holiday lights from December 1st through December 31st. You’re invited to wander the corridor with neighbors and visitors to enjoy amazing holiday specials and activities throughout the month — and take part in voting for your favorite display and a virtual scavenger hunt.

November 27, 2020

General FYI: Now you can get a jury summons by email and text

November 27, 2020/ Cesse Ip

DC Superior Courts just introduced a new jury summons notification called “eSummons.”

According to their press release, the court will send text and email messages to prospective jurors to remind them of upcoming jury service dates, confirm requests to reschedule/postpone jury duty, exchange information, and alert jurors when they do not need to report for jury duty the next day.

November 24, 2020

Creating a level playing field for all kids equally #GivingTuesday

November 24, 2020/ Jillian Levitt

Leveling the Playing Field has been collecting new and gently-used sports and playground equipment to donate to underprivileged groups, community programs, and schools. They have been able to collect over $6.5 million in equipment to donate to youth organizations, after-school programs, schools, and sports leagues, and have impacted over 950 programs in the DMV helping to bridge the gap for the growing inequality between those that can afford to play sports and those that cannot. They are making sure no child is left on the sideline no matter what their family’s economic situation may be.

November 20, 2020

Local school PTAs organize fundraisers to help their students and families

November 20, 2020/ Cesse Ip

While COVID-19 has definitely thwarted schools’ ability to fundraise, local Petworth schools are still holding holiday fundraisers to benefit their students. Many local families have been hit hard by COVID-19 and are still in need of assistance. Donating to your neighborhood school if you are able is a great way to give back to your hyperlocal community. The schools thank you in advance!

November 17, 2020

Community of Hope celebrates 40th anniversary serving DC families #GivingTuesday

November 17, 2020/ Guest Contributor

Since Community of Hope (COH) opened in Columbia Heights in September 1980, the District has experienced many demographic and economic changes, but the nonprofit healthcare and housing organization has not wavered in its commitment to the people of DC. Now based in Ward 8, Community of Hope has expanded its reach, with housing and health centers in Wards 1, 5 and 8, drawing patients and families from across the city.

November 16, 2020

Why were power and lights flickering across the area last week?

November 16, 2020/ Drew

On Wednesday, November 11th, the local Twitterverse and email listservs lit up about homes being in the dark. People from Park View up to Brightwood and over to Crestwood and 16th Street Heights all commented that their lights were flickering on and off. What was going on?

November 10, 2020

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

November 10, 2020/ Cassandra Hetherington

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.

November 03, 2020

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

November 03, 2020/ Jillian Levitt

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).

October 24, 2020

DPR reopens indoor exercise and pool facilities, with limitations

October 24, 2020/ Cesse Ip

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.