Support Tz’ikin Cafe Pop-Up Coffee Cart at Art Place

Posted by nextstoprp in Cafritz Art Place at Fort Totten

Tz’ikin had a strong opening day on May 3. Thank you to all of the neighbors who came out. Continue to support the pop-up coffee cart at Art Place.

Location: 395 Ingraham Street NE

Hours

Mon–Fri: 7 AM – 2 PM

Sun: 9 AM – 2 PM

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Pick up coffee on your way to work or, if you are home during the day, stop in for a brew. Let your coffee-drinking neighbors know!

From Art Place at Fort Totten

On Sunday, May 3 at 9am, local concept Tz’ikin Cafe will open a coffee cart pop-up, marking the first dedicated coffee purveyor at Art Place.

Founded by a husband-and-wife team hailing from El Salvador and Guatemala, respectively, the DMV-based cafe focuses on Central American coffee traditions and direct sourcing, with beans coming from a family-run farm in El Salvador. The menu features drinks like the Horchata Latte, an espresso made with horchata-infused milk, alongside seasonal flavors like honey lavender.

You can find the cart inside Explore! Children’s Museum

395 Ingraham St. NE

Hours:

Mon–Fri: 7 AM – 2 PM

Sun: 9 AM – 2 PM

Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association 2026 Scholarship Recipients

Posted by nextstoprp in Lamond Riggs Citizens Association

At its public meeting on June 1, the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association awarded five $2,000 scholarships to graduating high-school seniors who will be attending Delaware State University, Coppin State University, Trinity Washington University, Georgia State University, and Rochester Institute of Technology.

LRCA’s longstanding college scholarship program recognizes neighborhood youth who excel in school and give back to their communities. At LRCA’s meeting, a former scholarship recipient spoke about how much the scholarship meant to her as she pursues a nursing degree. It is a treat to be part of a community that helps support our young people who are doing the right thing.

Congratulations and best wishes to the high school graduating class of 2026.

June 13 & 27: NPS Fort Totten Hike & Talk

Posted by nextstoprp in National Park Service

Passing on information shared by neighbor Gavin

https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=F4AEF591-D4EE-798E-DBB5B113529C50E6

Before the Metro: Fort Totten Fights the Civil War

Civil War Defenses of Washington

  • Every 2 weeks at 10:00 AM from June 13, 2026 to June 27, 2026
  • Next event: Jun 13, 2026
  • Free

Step back into the Civil War and join a ranger-led walk through the remains of Fort Totten, one of the powerful forts built to defend Washington, DC. Discover how Fort Totten’s soldiers and artillery helped protect the nation’s capital during the Battle of Fort Stevens. 

Fees

This event is free to attend.

Location

Fort Totten Park runs along Fort Totten Drive NE

May 27, 2026 ANC 5A Meeting Recap

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 5A

ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on May 27, 2026. Commissioners present: Keith Sellars (5A01); Timothy Thomas (5A02); Emily Singer Lucio (5A03); Derrick Holloway (5A06); Valeria Sosa Garnica (5A07) – Chair; Elaine Alston (5A08) – Secretary; Shelagh Bocoum (5A09) – Treasurer.

The first hour of the meeting was interrupted by audio issues. Simple fix, commissioners who are not speaking need to mute their mics.

Commission Business

The ANC spent money on equipment for hybrid meetings. The ANC purchased a phone for the office on Galloway Street. This office is provided free of charge as a community benefit in the Art Place development and phone service is included in the lease at not cost.

Commissioner Elaine Alston (5A08) stated that she is hoping to get a student employee through the summer youth employment program to answer the phone in the office. Unclear who would supervise the student and what exactly the student would be doing in the office because the commissioners all have cell phones paid for with ANC money.

Draft Future Land Use Map (FLUM)

Commissioner Jack Hermes (5A04) drafted a resolution regarding the draft FLUM released by the Office of Planning. The ANC did not share a copy of the draft before the meeting. Commissioner Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) read it aloud during the meeting. Ultimately, the ANC decided that they will rework the resolution. Unclear if residents will see a draft of the resolution before the ANC votes on it and also unclear when they intend to vote on it.

Taylor Street NE Bike Lane Project

Commissioner Lucio (5A03) did not have any real updates regarding the Taylor Street bike lane project. The joint ANC 5A/5B committee continues to review the options presented by DDOT. Residents can send comments on the options to Commissioner Lucio.

Unlit Galloway-Gallatin Path (5A09)

The issue of the unlit path between Gallatin & Galloway was a last-minute addition to the agenda, but no one had any updates on it. Commissioner Keith Sellars (5A01) stated that he emailed National Park Service about the issue and also stated that he invited them to his next SMD meeting on June 23.

Ward 5 Mayor’s Office Report (Lacy Davis, Ward 5 MOCR)

Mayor Bowser’s emergency juvenile curfew is in effect until June 6. Outdoor pools and spark parks are open on weekends citywide and will open during the week on June 22.

New federal SNAP work requirements begin June 1 for certain individuals without dependents.

During summer months, trash pickup will begin at 5:30am to beat the heat. Residents may place their bins out the evening beforehand.

Ward 5 Council Report (Oliver Stoute, Constituent Services Director for Councilmember Zachary Parker)

CM Parker’s office held spring community clean ups on May 30. CM Parker attended Riggs Park Day on May 30.

DPR held a Ward 5 capital projects update on June 4.

Feedback on the draft FLUM was due June 7.

FY2027 budget markup is ongoing with a vote scheduled for June 9 and a second vote on June 23.

CM Parker plans to send a formal letter to UDC to request more transparency regarding plans for the Lamond-Riggs campus.

MPD 4D has a new commander, David Hong, who will be a guest on the next Ward 5 public safety call.

Two DDOT notices of intent in ANC 5A. One closed on June 8. The other closes June 29.

Commissioner Updates

In response to a resident who has repeatedly asked about community benefits related to the project, Commissioner Lucio stated that the project is still a ways off, that the benefits discussed to date are listed in the presentations on the project website. She also mentioned that the latest holdup concerns disagreement about whether to retain the pedestrian bridge on the campus. Commissioner Lucio (5A03) had an SMD meeting on June 2.

Commissioner Timothy Thomas (5A02) mentioned issues with trash/dumping at the Avondale shopping center.

Commissioner Elaine Alston (5A08) stated she is working with McDonald’s and to address rat infestation issues around the property. A resident mentioned again how dark it is by the McDonald’s. Commissioner Alston stated again that they will not keep their lights on in the parking lot after the restaurant closes.

Commissioner Keith Sellars (5A01) is planning an SMD meeting on June 23 with NPS. He has also invited DDOT and UDC President Dr. Maurice Edington, PhD.

UDC Community Engagement Office Update

UDC Community Engagement Director Juanita Gray stated that President Edington approved the design for the updated 9/11 memorial at the Lamond-Riggs campus. They need to provide a higher resolution image to the company producing the marker. They hope that will be done in time for 9/11 events this year. Ms. Gray also stated that over 500 students received their associate degree at the community college graduation in May, the most number of graduates for the university. Ms. Gray repeated that President Edington will attend a meeting in the community. Unclear when that will happen.

The next ANC 5A meeting is scheduled for June 24.

June 29-July 31: Free Bilingual Summer Dance Camp at Explore! – Limited Spots/Advance Registration Required

Posted by nextstoprp in Cafritz Art Place at Fort Totten, Uncategorized

Message from Explore! & Dance Loft

MOVEIUS BALLET + DANCE LOFT ON 14

FREE BILINGUAL SUMMER DANCE CAMP
June 29 – July 31, 2026
Monday–Friday | 9:00 AM–5:30 PM
Explore! Children’s Museum, 395 Ingraham St. NE, Washington DC 20011
Ages 7–9

Dance Loft OST Letter to Families

ONLY 20 SPACES AVAILABLE

Dear Families,

Dance Loft + Moveius Ballet is excited to offer a FREE five-week Bilingual Summer Dance Camp for the first 20 children to register ages 7–9 this summer at the Explore! Children’s Museum in Fort Totten.

This full-day bilingual summer program is designed to provide your children with a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where they can stay active, build friendships, develop confidence, and explore their creativity through dance, creative movement, arts and crafts, and other hands-on enrichment experiences. 

PROGRAM DETAILS

• Dates: June 29 – July 31, 2026
• Days: Monday–Friday
• Time: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
• Location: Explore! Children’s Museum, 395 Ingraham St. NE, Washington DC 20011
• Cost: FREE
• Ages: 7–9 years old

Activities will include:

• Dance and creative movement
• Arts and crafts
• Team-building activities
• Social-emotional learning
• Recreation and games
• Field trips
• End of camp showcase for families

Free lunch and snacks are included. 

This program is funded through the District of Columbia Office of Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes (OST Office) and is intended to provide high-quality summer opportunities for DC youth at no cost to families.

Priority enrollment will be given to students who meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Eligible for Free or Reduced-Price Meals
• Have an Individualized Education Program (IEP)
• Are English Learners
• Live in Wards 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8

HOW TO APPLY

Interested families should contact us as soon as possible to reserve a space and receive registration instructions. We encourage you to reach out soon as the camp is filling quickly. You can sign up online now at: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/f5d682e2/?appointmentTypeIds[]=93686763.

All participants must be registered through the CitySpan OST portal before enrollment can be finalized. Dance Loft staff can help assist you with this process once you have registered through our website through the link above.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Etta Hulcher
Chief Operations and Programs Officer & Chief of Staff
office@danceloft14.org

Kami McCracken
Senior Education Manager
kami@danceloft14.org

Main Office: 202-621-3670

We welcome inquiries in both English and Spanish. Families who prefer to communicate in Spanish may email us in Spanish, and we will gladly assist with translation and registration support.

We look forward to welcoming your child to a fun, enriching, and memorable summer experience.

Sincerely,

Etta Hulcher, COO & Chief of Staff

Dance Loft + Moveius Ballet

MOVEIUS BALLET + DANCE LOFT ON 14

CAMPAMENTO BILINGÜE GRATUITO DE DANZA DE VERANO

29 de junio – 31 de julio de 2026
Lunes a viernes | 9:00 a. m. – 5:30 p. m.

Explore! Children’s Museum
395 Ingraham St. NE
Washington, DC 20011

Para niños de 7 a 9 años

¡SOLO 20 CUPOS DISPONIBLES!

Estimadas familias:

Dance Loft + Moveius Ballet se complace en ofrecer un Campamento Bilingüe Gratuito de Danza de Verano de cinco semanas para los primeros 20 niños de entre 7 y 9 años que se inscriban este verano en el Explore! Children’s Museum de Fort Totten.

Este programa bilingüe de verano de día completo está diseñado para brindar a los niños un entorno seguro, acogedor y enriquecedor donde puedan mantenerse activos, hacer nuevas amistades, desarrollar confianza en sí mismos y explorar su creatividad a través de la danza, el movimiento creativo, las artes y manualidades, y otras experiencias prácticas de enriquecimiento.

DETALLES DEL PROGRAMA

• Fechas: 29 de junio – 31 de julio de 2026
• Días: Lunes a viernes
• Horario: 9:00 a. m. – 5:30 p. m.
• Lugar: Explore! Children’s Museum, 395 Ingraham St. NE, Washington, DC 20011
• Costo: GRATUITO
• Edades: 7–9 años

Las actividades incluirán:

• Danza y movimiento creativo
• Artes y manualidades
• Actividades de trabajo en equipo
• Aprendizaje socioemocional
• Juegos y recreación
• Excursiones
• Presentación y demostración final para las familias

Se incluye almuerzo y meriendas gratuitas.

Este programa está financiado por la Oficina de Subsidios para Programas Fuera del Horario Escolar y Resultados para la Juventud del Distrito de Columbia (OST Office) y tiene como objetivo brindar oportunidades de verano de alta calidad para los jóvenes de DC sin costo para las familias.

Se dará prioridad a estudiantes que cumplan con uno o más de los siguientes criterios:

• Son elegibles para comidas gratuitas o de precio reducido
• Tienen un Programa de Educación Individualizada (IEP)
• Son estudiantes de inglés (English Learners)
• Residen en los Distritos (Wards) 4, 5, 6, 7 u 8

CÓMO INSCRIBIRSE

Las familias interesadas deben comunicarse con nosotros lo antes posible para reservar un espacio y recibir instrucciones de inscripción. Les recomendamos hacerlo pronto, ya que los cupos se están llenando rápidamente.

También puede inscribirse en línea ahora en:
https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/f5d682e2/?appointmentTypeIds[]=93686763

Todos los participantes deben completar su registro a través del portal CitySpan de OST antes de que su inscripción pueda ser confirmada. El personal de Dance Loft estará encantado de ayudarle con este proceso una vez que se haya registrado a través de nuestro sitio web utilizando el enlace anterior.

INFORMACIÓN DE CONTACTO

Etta Hulcher
Directora de Operaciones y Programas y Jefa de Gabinete
office@danceloft14.org

Kami McCracken
Gerente Sénior de Educación
kami@danceloft14.org

Teléfono de la oficina: 202-621-3670

Aceptamos consultas tanto en inglés como en español. Las familias que prefieran comunicarse en español pueden enviarnos un correo electrónico en español y con gusto les ayudaremos con traducción y apoyo durante el proceso de inscripción.

Esperamos dar la bienvenida a su hijo(a) para una experiencia de verano divertida, enriquecedora e inolvidable.

Atentamente,

Etta Hulcher
Directora de Operaciones y Programas y Jefa de Gabinete
Dance Loft + Moveius Ballet

June 11: South Dakota Avenue Corridor Project Spot Treatment Walk

Posted by nextstoprp in Transportation

From Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker’s newsletter

South Dakota Ave
DDOT Meetings – June 11

Following the South Dakota Ave Corridor Safety Study conducted by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), targeted safety improvements are moving forward on two segments along the corridor using existing project funds:

  • South Dakota Ave NE between Lawrence St and Rhode Island Ave
  • South Dakota Ave NE between Hamlin St and Bladensburg Rd

DDOT invites neighbors to join DDOT staff and members of my office for community walks along these two segments to learn more about the proposed intersection safety treatments and ask questions. Please consider joining for one or both of these walks!

  • June 11 at 9:00 a.m. – Lawrence to Rhode Island segment
    • Meet in the triangle/pocket park at Rhode Island Ave, 24th St, and South Dakota Ave NE
  • June 11 at 4:00 p.m. – Hamlin to Bladensburg segment
    • Meet at the northwest corner of Hamlin St and South Dakota Ave NE

Please register to attend here. For more information on the project details please visit the project website.

Councilmember Parker is currently working to secure additional funds in the FY 27 budget to move forward with safety improvements at other segments along the South Dakota Avenue corridor. 

Fridays at Fort Totten Concert Series Kicks Off June 5, 2026

Posted by nextstoprp in Cafritz Art Place at Fort Totten

The Fridays at Fort Totten summer concert series kicks off Friday, June 5, 2026. The series, sponsored by The Modern at Art Place & DC Fray, features a different artist 6pm to 8pm every Friday through August 28.

Bring a chair, hang out with neighbors, and enjoy live music and games.

Fridays at Fort Totten Free Concert Series

June 5 – August 28, 2026

6:00 pm-8:00 pm

The Modern (corner of South Dakota Avenue NE & Galloway Street NE)

2026 Lineup

June 5 – Run For Cover

June 12 – Bansy

June 19 – Rock Creek Kings

June 26 – THE BREAKAWAYS

July 3 – Too Much Talent Band

July 17 – Justin Trawick

July 24 – Love Joy Group

August 21 – Fearless Eras (Taylor Swift Tribute)

August 28 – La Unica

Share Your Feedback on the Draft FLUM with ANC 5A This Week

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 5A, Planning

ANC 5A is soliciting feedback on DC Office of Planning’s draft Future Land Use Map (FLUM).

From ANC 5A’s May 28th email:

We heard you loud and clear at last night’s ANC meeting—we are going back to the drawing board on ANC 5A’s comment on the FLUM and DC Comp Plan. The Comp plan and the FLUM will guide the future of our community for the next couple of decades—and we want to hear from every single voice in 5A. To that end:

  • Explore the Future Land Use Map (FLUM) Draft and the Place Types resource shared by Office of Planning. The Place Types document provides you a key to understanding the FLUM fully
  • Please join us in-person on Wednesday, June 3rd, 7pm at the Faith United Church of Christ to share your concerns (this is during the North Michigan Park Civic Association meeting)
  • Email our DC 2050 Commissioner Keith Sellars [ 5a01@anc.dc.gov ] and/or our Chair Valeria Sosa Garnica [ 5a07@anc.dc.gov ] with your comments and feedback

Riggs-LaSalle Field Closing June 1 for Renovations

Posted by nextstoprp in Recreation

From DPR

The field at Riggs-LaSalle Rec Center will be closed for synthetic turf replacement starting June 1, 2026. The field is expected to reopen by late summer.

The scope of this project includes replacement of the multi‑purpose synthetic turf athletic field and the addition of a new synthetic turf walking path around the perimeter of the site. 

Residents are welcome to contact DPR’s Customer Care Center at (202) 673-7647. The call line is open during regular business hours (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.), Monday through Friday, and is closed on weekends and holidays. You may also contact DPR via email at dprcustomercare@dc.gov.

Synthetic walking path around field shown in blue.

June 1: Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association Public Meeting

Posted by nextstoprp in Lamond Riggs Citizens Association

Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association Public Meeting

Monday, June 1, 2026

Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (Doors open at 5:45pm)

Location: Lamond-Riggs Library, Meeting Room 1
5401 South Dakota Avenue NE

Please join LRCA for the next General Body Meeting to celebrate the accomplishments of the 2026 LRCA Scholarship recipients.

June 2026 Meeting Agenda

  • Welcome/Invocation
  • Officers Report, Minutes, Treasurer Report
  • Updates from Elected Officials
  • Ranked Choice Voting Recap
  • Presentation of the 2026 LRCA Scholarships
  • Celebrations

Read the LRCA June 2026 Newsletter.

Reminder: Complete Main Street Retail Survey by May 31

Posted by nextstoprp in Main Street, Uncategorized

Passing along this retail survey from The Parks Main Street. Complete by May 31.

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Help guide the shops, restaurants, and services along the South Dakota Avenue and Riggs Road corridor.  

Dear Neighbors,

The Parks Main Street (TPMS), a program of the Greater Washington Urban League, has been serving Riggs Park since 2019, working to strengthen our neighborhood commercial corridor—and your voice remains essential to shaping what comes next.

We appreciate the feedback shared by community members in the past—it continues to guide our efforts.

We invite you to take a short survey to let us know the types of businesses, restaurants, and services you would like to see in Riggs Park—particularly along South Dakota Avenue from Galloway Street NE (The Modern) to the intersection at Riggs Road NE (Riggs Crossing Senior Residences and Fort Totten Square), as well as other retail spaces along the corridor.

Take the survey (less than 3 minutes)

Survey closes: Sunday, May 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM

About The Parks Main Street

In addition to providing grants and technical assistance to small, local businesses—including $40,000 in grants awarded to seven local businesses so far in 2026—TPMS brings the community together through events and partnerships such as:

  • Fort Totten Summer Concert Series (June 5) — with DC Fray and Bozzuto
  • Riggs Park Art Walk (July 18) — with the Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library and WALK Ward 5 Health Coalition 
  • Art All Night hosted by The Parks Main Street (September 12) — in coordination with the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities and the Department of Small and Local Business Development
  • Main Street Jazz Series (in progress) — with the Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library

This work also includes partnering with UDC Community College on the Lamond-Riggs Farmers Market and maintaining an ongoing collaboration with the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association (LRCA).

Why Your Input Matters

Your feedback will help:

  • Guide the businesses we work to attract
  • Support local entrepreneurs
  • Shape a more vibrant, welcoming corridor

We want to understand what’s missing, what’s working, and what would encourage you to spend more time in the neighborhood.

Help Spread the Word

Please pass this along to neighbors, friends, and coworkers who live, work, or spend time in the area.

May 30: Riggs Park Day

Posted by nextstoprp in Recreation

Join neighbors for Riggs Park Day this Saturday, May 30! Free food, music, and activities for children, teens, and adults.

Date: May 30, 2026, Noon-4pm

Location: Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center, 501 Riggs Road NE

Hosted by DC Department of Parks & Recreation, Friends of Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center, and Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association.

Partners

Ward 3 & 4 Prevention

Faith Moravian Church

The Parks Main Street

DC Public Library

LaSalle-Backus Elementary School

Sponsors

Chick-fil-A

MPD

Lowe’s

New Fort Circle Park Signs

Posted by nextstoprp in National Park Service

National Park Service (NPS) has begun installing new Fort Circle Park signs around the neighborhood, a nice upgrade from the long-faded signs. ANC Commissioner Keith Sellars (5A01) has been working with NPS over the past year to beautify the parkland in the neighborhood, focusing on more regular trash pickup, grass cutting, graffiti, and faded signs.

Now we just have to get our paid elected officials–Mayor Bowser, DC Council, and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton–to work with NPS to seriously address the issue of unexploded WWI ordnances in Fort Totten Park. Investigation and clean-up were needed a long time ago. Maybe one day soon they will take it seriously enough and do something about it.

May 28: Happy Violet DC Grand Open House

Posted by nextstoprp in Riggs Crossing Senior Residences

You’re invited to the Happy Violet DC Grand Open House – a celebration & ribbon cutting to welcome Happy Violet DC, Riggs Park’s locally owned, waterless luxury nail salon, co-located at True Ground Housing Partners’ Riggs Crossing.

Location: Happy Violet DC, 305 Riggs Road NE

Stop by anytime on Thursday, May 28 (10:00 AM–6:00 PM) – and join the team at 10 AM for the ribbon cutting. After that, drop in for walk-in services (no appointment needed).

Grand Open House guests can enjoy:

  • Special walk-in “Go-Go” manicure or pedicure options
  • Custom bites & treats
  • 10% off your next service

May 27: LaSalle-Backus Leadership Transition Community Meeting

Posted by nextstoprp in Education

Sharing information from ANC Commissioner Danielle Geong (4B09). LaSalle-Backus Elementary School Principal Shelly Gray will be leaving the school at the end of this school year for a new position in DCPS.

On May 27, DCPS is holding a community meeting about selecting the next principal. Info below.

LaSalle Elementary Transition Letter from Principal Gray

LaSalle-Backus Elementary Principal Selection Info Session

From DCPS

LaSalle-Backus is seeking family, community, and staff input as we begin the process of selecting a new principal for the 2026 2027 school year. Join us to learn about the selection process and to share your ideas about the qualities needed to be a leader at LaSalle-Backus.

Join Us Wednesday, May 27 at 5:30pm

The meeting will take place online via Microsoft Teams at https://bit.ly/lasallebackusinfosession26

You can also participate via phone at +1 202-539-8006,,519772598#

Can’t attend the meeting? Need an interpreter or another accommodation?

Email at stephanie.arias@k12.dc.gov or by phone at (202) 351-1523.