Tz’ikin Cafe Coffee Pop-Up has moved a couple spaces down the street to 475 Ingraham Street NE.
Same hours, same kiddo-friendly vibe.
Hours: 7am-2pm Monday-Friday and 9am-2pm on Sunday.
Tz’ikin was recently featured on WUSA9. Follow them on instagram and continue to support the pop-up if you want them to stay in the neighborhood!
From ANC 4B
Monday, June 22, 7:00 p.m.
*Note that due to DPR camp schedules, Lamond Recreation Center is unavailable for ANC 4B to host its June public meeting. This meeting, therefore, will be conducted virtually via Zoom.*
For video participation via Zoom on a computer or mobile device, click this link:
https://dc-gov.zoom.us/j/81506605246
For voice-only participation on a telephone, dial +13092053325,,81506605246#
Please check the Commission’s website for additional information: anc4b.com
Contact your Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner:
o Doug Payton, 4B01@anc.dc.gov
o Shamina Christian, Chair, 4B02@anc.dc.gov
o Keenan Courtland, Secretary, 4B03@anc.dc.gov
o Charlie Mayer; 4B04@anc.dc.gov
o Tamira Benitez, 4B05@anc.dc.gov
o Tiffani Nichole Johnson, Vice Chair, 4B06@anc.dc.gov
o Michael Cohen, Treasurer, 4B07@anc.dc.gov
o Garrett Moore, 4B08@anc.dc.gov
o Danielle Geong, 4B09@anc.dc.gov
o Vacant, 4B10@anc.dc.gov
The next ANC 4B Planning Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
The next ANC 4B Regular Public Meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 28, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
June 20, 2026
12pm-4pm
5198 South Dakota Avenue NE
Join Art Place for their very first Art Place Pop Up Market celebrating local creativity and community. Explore a curated selection of vendors and artists showcasing handmade goods, artwork, and unique finds. Enjoy offerings from Tz’ikin Café while experiencing live music throughout the event.
DC Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR) shared the link to the recording and the PowerPoint presentation from the Ward 5 Capital Projects meeting held on June 4, 2026
See DPR Ward 5 Capital Construction Update Presentation (June 2026)
To access a video recording of the meeting, please visit:
https://wardupdates.splashthat.com
For additional information about a project, please visit:
https://dgs.dc.gov/page/dpr-park-and-recreation-center-projects
To sign up for updates about a project, please visit
Project Website: http://www.dgs.dc.gov/page/riggs-south-dakota-park-0
Budget
Description
Project Status: Permitting
In July, Food & Friends plans to break ground on an expansion of its home at 219 Riggs Road NE. Residents may have noticed markings and construction equipment being placed on the property last week.
The new 17,000 square foot two-story extension will allow the organization to continue their important work and serve even more individuals around the region. The new addition will be added to the east side of the existing building giving them more of a presence on South Dakota Avenue NE. The extension will have both brick and metal paneling treatment. The site will have metal fencing and concrete retaining walls.
Recall that the expansion requires construction of a new 33-foot curb cut on South Dakota Avenue NE just north of Kennedy Street, providing loading access via South Dakota. Food & Friends kept a lot of information about the project close to the vest as they were submitting plans to District agencies for review for several months before releasing any information to the public about one week ago.
Link: Food & Friends Expansion Project One-Pager.
Link: Food & Friends Expansion Project Website.
Project Timeline
Public Phase: June 8, 2026
Groundbreaking: July 13, 2026
Construction: July 2026-2027
The interior renovation (Phase II) will be completed by early 2028.
There are a few FAQs on the project website related to construction. Construction work will be done Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Food & Friends plans to publish construction updates on the project website.
I have asked Food & Friends for a contact name and number/email for a construction supervisor, which is typically provided for projects in case of construction emergencies. I am still working on that. For now, Food & Friends is asking residents to contact them at expansion@foodandfriends.org with any issues.
Edited to add 6/15/2026: As an aside, on June 2, 2026, the DC Council voted to approve PR 26-0670 to authorize and provide up to $15 million in bond revenue on behalf of Food & Friends to assist with the financing for this expansion. Food & Friends is responsible for repayment of the bonds. The committee report notes that no comments were received from ANC 5A. The ANC did not notify anyone about this resolution, and it is unclear if they were aware of it.
From DPR
Please join the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) for a virtual community meeting regarding the upcoming capital construction projects coming to the Ward 4 community.
Meeting details:
Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Virtual
For more information and to RSVP, please visit: https://wardupdates.splashthat.com.
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.
Passing on information shared by neighbor Gavin
https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=F4AEF591-D4EE-798E-DBB5B113529C50E6
Civil War Defenses of Washington
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.
This event is free to attend.
Fort Totten Park runs along Fort Totten Drive NE
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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
From Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker’s newsletter
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:
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!
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.
There is a public safety meeting with the Interim Police Chief Jeffrey Carroll and the new commander for MPD’s 4th district, Commander David Hong, on June 9 at 5 pm at Lasalle-Backus Elementary.
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
From DPR
Please join the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) for a virtual community meeting regarding the upcoming capital construction projects coming to the Ward 5 community.
Meeting details:
Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Virtual
For more information and to RSVP, please visit: https://wardupdates.splashthat.com.
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:
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.
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
Read the LRCA June 2026 Newsletter.
Next Stop...Riggs Park 