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 21, 2020

Proposed library changes: Shepherd Park to close, Petworth to get refreshed, new Brightwood Park library

November 21, 2020/ Cesse Ip

DC Public Libraries released a new master plan on November 19th that proposes changes to the libraries in our area, including refreshing the existing Petworth library and replacing the existing Shepherd Park library with a new library in Brightwood Park. The plan, titled Next Libris, Latin for “from the books,” lays out its research over DC demographics, library usage trends, and its goals in the coming years.

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 08, 2020

ANC 4C and 4D Commissioner winners

November 08, 2020/ Drew

Numbers for local Advisory Neighborhood Commission elections aren’t finalized, but they’re pretty final. Here are the winners for ANC 4C and 4D for 2020.

November 08, 2020

Let Petworth restaurants make your Thanksgiving easy and delicious

November 08, 2020/ Jillian Levitt

COVID-19 has thrown a wrench in many of our Thanksgiving plans, but that does not mean it should keep us from having a delicious holiday meal. Whether you are looking to cook an entire meal or want to skip the cooking altogether (we don’t blame you, 2020 has been exhausting) we have rounded up the best Turkey Day options in Petworth.

November 08, 2020

Photo gallery of the Socially Distant Halloween Parade!

November 08, 2020/ Drew

The Petworth News Socially Distant Halloween Parade was a success! Really couldn’t be happier with how smoothly the parade went, how many people showed up, the kids and the costumes — awesome. It couldn’t have happened without the whole neighborhood pulling together!

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).