Monthly Archives: July 2022

Calling All Performers, Vendors, & Performers for Art All Night 2022 at The Parks Main Street – Application Deadline August 12

Posted by nextstoprp in Main Street

Calling all Artists, Performers, and Vendors

Art All Night at The Parks Main Street is back! Don’t miss your chance to participate in Art All Night 2022 in Riggs Park and Manor Park DC as an artist, performer, or vendor.

Art All Night is a citywide festival funded by the Department of Small & Local Business Development (DSLBD) that celebrates visual, performing, and movement arts. The 2022 festival will take place citywide September 23 & 24, 2022.

Art All Night 2022 at The Parks Main Street will take place on Friday September 23, 2022, from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

Performers will be compensated. There is no fee to vend. Riggs Park and Manor Park residents are encouraged to participate. All are invited!

Apply online by August 12, 2022. Application does not guarantee acceptance.

Painting of 2021 Art All Night Riggs Park performances in front of Culture Coffee Too by J’Nell Jordan www.jnelljordan.com

See what’s in store. Check out Art All Night (DC) 2021 (The Parks Main Street featured at 1:17-1:19) and this blog post about Art All Night 2021 at The Parks Main Street.

Art All Night 2021 artist J’Nell Jordan will paint live during this year’s festival, this time in Manor Park. Paintings like that featured above by J’nell Jordan and others will be auctioned at a later date to raise funds to support The Parks Main Street small businesses.

Help make Art All Night 2022 at The Parks Main Street a success. Complete the volunteer application.

July 28: Jazz in the Park at Riggs-LaSalle Rec

Posted by nextstoprp in Arts, Recreation

Jazz in the Park with vocalist Shirleta Settles
July 28, 2022
6:30 pm-9:30 pm
Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center (outdoors)
501 Riggs Road NE

Bring chairs, blankets, family, and friends!

Refreshments provided the Friends of Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center.

DPR Activates Local DC Parks And Connects Residents To Art, Music, And Culture Right In Their Own Back Yards.

Join the DC Department of Parks & Recreation for a series of pop-up music and art installations at scenic green spaces all over the District.

These events are free, open to the public, and a great way to take advantage of DC’s tremendous park system, which was recently ranked #1 in the United States.

The series features locally known artists, musicians, and civic demonstrations in a celebration of DC culture. All you have to do is get there, sit back, and enjoy your local parks and a free show.

Shirleta Settles is a wonderful jazz vocalist, who previously lived in Riggs Park for many many years. It is always a treat to see her perform and should be a fun time. In case of rain, event will be moved indoors at the rec.

Update on Planned Bikeshare Station

Posted by nextstoprp in Transportation

Pulling out my response from last month to a reader in the comments who asked about an update on the bikeshare station planned for South Dakota Avenue and Galloway Street NE. Installation should happen this fall if not sooner:

I reached out to DDOT. They said, “We are looking to install stations along the South Dakota Avenue NE corridor, including at South Dakota Avenue & Galloway Street NE, later this fall, but timelines may accelerate to the Summer if we get our stations earlier than expected.”

ETA: You can suggest a bikeshare location at https://cabistationrequest.dc.gov.

Eastern Avenue NE Rehabilitation Presentation – Nearing Final Design

Posted by nextstoprp in Transportation

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has uploaded the most recent presentation on the rehabilitation of Eastern Avenue NE from New Hampshire Avenue NE to Whittier Street NW to the project website. DDOT held its last public meeting on June 22, 2022.

Presentation: Eastern Avenue NE Rehabilitation Public Meeting, June 22, 2022

This project has been sitting for a while as DDOT updated the project scope and waited for some utility work to be done. I will be honest, even after all these years since this project was first conceived, I am still not entirely sure what exactly DDOT is doing. It seems pretty unwise to deliberately design a project in which bike riders will be cycling in and out of unprotected bike lanes onto shared lanes on a road with lots of hills. But maybe that is just me. People will decide for themselves what is safe or not.

The project will also upgrade the sidewalks in the project area, add a traffic signal, and make other improvements along the corridor. The project page will be updated with the final design once that is complete.

Roadway improvements (copied from project website):

  • Sidewalk and bike lane addition from Kansas Avenue NE to Sligo Mill Road
  • Construct new 6-foot sidewalks with 6-foot grass buffer northbound from Sligo Mill Road to North Capitol Street NW
  • Full-depth Pavement Reconstruction from Whittier Street NW New Hampshire Avenue NE
  • Street lighting upgrade for the entire length of the project and underground installation of ducts to accommodate lighting and traffic and communication cables
  • The Installation of new traffic Signal and intersection reconfiguration at Sligo Mill Rd. and Eastern Ave. NE
  • Signal modifications and ADA improvements at the intersection of Eastern Ave. NE and New Hampshire Ave. NE
  • Modification of existing traffic signals at Eastern Ave. NE and Kansas Ave intersection to accommodate left-turn lane in the Westbound direction
  • Granite curbs for the entire length of the project

Current Project Schedule

  • Design Completion: Summer 2022
  • Construction Begins: TBD
  • Construction Completion: TBD

Project website
https://ddot.dc.gov/page/rehabilitation-eastern-avenue-ne

Project contacts
DDOT Public Outreach Contact – Stacee Hemby, stacee@tbaconnects.com, 202-271-7406
DDOT Project Manager – Tesfalem Aim, tesfalem.aim@dc.gov

Contribute to the Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library “Heritage Wall”

Posted by nextstoprp in Lamond Riggs Library

From Artist Michelle L. Herman

Artist Michelle Lisa Herman (www.michellelisaherman.com) is asking Lamond-Riggs area residents and fellow neighbors to contribute fabric “swatches” and/or family photographs that will be scanned and used to create a digital collage for the Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library “Heritage Wall.” The piece takes inspiration from the concept of a quilt which is stitched together from a variety of different fabrics. By scanning the fabrics and photos of residents in the neighborhood, the artist hopes to collaborate with area residents in creating this digital tapestry. 

What Materials Can I Contribute?

  • Fabric “Swatches” 
    • Heirloom fabric patterns, textiles or quilts that were made by you/family members, clothing handed down that has special significance and meaning, or other fabrics and patterns that remind you of something meaningful.
  • Photographs
    • Photos that have connections to the neighborhood, historical family photos of Lamond-Riggs residents, family gatherings in the Lamond-Riggs area, celebrations, picnics, or loved ones that have a connection to the neighborhood are welcome. To be respectful of privacy, please make sure anyone pictured in the photograph is also comfortable having their likeness be part of the final, permanent, artwork. 

How Can I Participate?

1.    Bring Your Materials to an In-Person Scanning Session at the Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library

  • Saturday, July 30. 11:00 am-2:00 pm
  • Wednesday, August 3, 6:00 pm-7:45 pm 

OR

2.    Submit Materials Online

Reminder July 23: Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library Community Day – Contribute Fabrics/Photos for Library Heritage Wall

Posted by nextstoprp in Lamond Riggs Library

Repost

Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library Community Day
5401 South Dakota Avenue NE
July 23, 2022
11:00 am

  • Contribute to the Lamond-Riggs (Lillian J. Huff) Library Heritage Wall
  • Enjoy a performance by family favorite musical artist Uncle Devin!
  • Explore the beautiful new library with guided building tours
  • Participate in crafts & other fun activities for all ages

Contribute Items to the Library Heritage Wall During Community Day

Meet artist Michelle L. Herman, who has been commissioned by DC Public Library to create artwork for the Heritage Wall. Ms. Herman will create a quilt-inspired digital collage using your photographs and swatches of fabric to tell the story of our communities. 

Ms. Herman will be available to receive and digitize your materials at the library during the Community Day on July 23, 2022, so now is the time to start thinking about and gathering any contributions that you would like to make to the Heritage Wall. This opportunity is open to the Fort Totten, Lamond-Riggs, Michigan Park, North Michigan Park, Pleasant Hills, Queens Chapel, and South Manor communities. 

A special emphasis will be placed on fabrics in this project. Heirloom fabric patterns, textiles & quilts that were made by family members, clothing handed down that has special significance and meaning, or fabrics and patterns that remind you of something meaningful. Note that for fabric contributions, you do not need to cut any fabric.

If you are comfortable submitting photographs (please note this is not required), please submit photos that have connections to the neighborhood: these could be historical family photos of Lamond-Riggs residents, family gatherings in the Lamond-Riggs area, celebrations, picnics, or loved ones that have a connection to the neighborhood are welcome. Ideally photos should not be larger than 9 x 12, but if you have larger photographs that are very meaningful to you that you would like to contribute, the artist will try to make adjustments. To be respectful of privacy, please make sure anyone pictured in the photograph is also comfortable having their likeness be part of the final, permanent artwork. Photographs of children under age 18 will need consent from their guardians.

Please view the detailed information below regarding submissions for the Heritage Wall and bring items that you wish to contribute during the Community Day.

Future dates for submission opportunities will be announced in the coming weeks.

Let your neighbors know (especially those who may not be online)!

Lamond-Riggs Library Heritage Wall Materials Submission Information

Reminder: Bertie Backus Farm Stand Open Saturdays through November

Posted by nextstoprp in Backus Urban Food Hub

Repost. Melo Birria should be at the farm stand tomorrow July 23 and possibly another food vendor along with the regulars (King’s Produce & Blue’s Coffee & Tea Co.).

The UDC Bertie Backus farm stand is now open every Saturday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Backus campus at 5171 South Dakota Avenue NE. The farm stand, operated by UDC CAUSES and National Latino Farmers & Ranchers, will run through November. Check it out today and every Saturday for fresh produce, coffee, tea, and food.

Regular vendors include a produce stand from King’s Produce.

Coffee and tea products will be available weekly from Blue’s Coffee & Tea Co., a locally owned business started by a family with ties to the neighborhood. Barbara De Laine Jumper, whose family moved to the neighborhood at South Dakota Avenue and Webster Street NE in 1957, launched the coffee and tea company with her husband Steven Jumper and children, Maya Jumper and Steven D. Jumper, in March of this year. In addition to the farm stand, their products can also be found at Shop Made in DC locations and online at https://www.bluescoffeeandteaco.com. (The tea is amazing).

Melo Birria, purveyor of delicious birria tacos, will alternate with another food vendor weekly.

Eligible visitors to the farm stand can also enroll in the Produce Plus Program, which provides funding for access to fresh produce throughout DC.

Run for ANC

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 4B, ANC 5A

Update 7/25/2022: The Greater Greater Washington ANC training is available online at https://ggwash.org/view/86058/so-you-might-want-to-run-for-anc-our-training-is-here-to-help.

If you call yourself a reasonable, respectful person interested in improving where you live, consider running for a seat on the Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC). Nominating petitions to run for the ANC in the November general election are available at the DC Board of Elections. They are due at 5:00 pm on August 10, 2022. Information about how to run for the ANC is available on the Board of Election website at https://dcboe.org/Candidates/ANC-Commissioners. Greater Greater Washington is hosting a training on how to run for ANC tonight July 21 at 6:00 pm. Register at the link.

Each ANC commissioner represents approximately 2,000 residents who make up a single member district (SMD). Redistricting following the 2020 Census adjusted the boundaries of ANC single member districts. These new boundaries will become effective in January 2023. ANC redistricting opens the door for new ANC commissioners in ANC 4B and ANC 5A, the two commissions that cover Riggs Park. You can double check your SMD to make sure you are running in the correct SMD with the Office of Planning 2023 ANC/SMD locator.

ANC 4B Boundaries, Effective January 2023

In the redrawn ANC 4B09, there will not be an incumbent commissioner so if you are a reasonable person interested in representing the area covering the Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center, LaSalle-Backus Elementary School, and Fort Totten Square, go ahead and pick up a nominating petition.

ANC 5A Boundaries, Effective January 2023

In ANC 5A, current ANC Commissioners Charles Lockett (5A02) and Gordon Fletcher (5A08) will be in the same SMD beginning January 2023 (5A08). Current ANC Commissioners Derrick Holloway (5A06) and Sandi Washington (5A07) will both be in the redrawn ANC 5A06. Finally, current ANC 5A Chair Ronnie Edwards (5A05) will be in an entirely different commission (ANC 5E) beginning in January 2023. So all that means that even if the current commissioners were inclined to run for re-election, there would still be a few SMDs without an incumbent commissioner, specifically newly drawn ANC 5A02, 5A05, 5A07, and 5A09 (I think I have that right).

I always like to put in a little plug for my SMD, ANC 5A01. I do not know just yet if ANC Commissioner Damion McDuffie (5A01) plans to run for re-election. I hope he does, but if he decides not to, someone pleasant should run. It is a nice manageable area with the Lamond-Riggs Library and UDC-CC Backus campus (the latter will see some small and large changes in the next couple of years, post on that to come). I think the residents in this pocket of the neighborhood are pretty low-key, nice folks.

We really do need good folks to run for ANC seats. ANCs can weigh in on all sorts of matters that affect residents (think planning and development projects, services by District agencies, etc.) so it really can make a difference to have proactive, reasonable people in these positions. If you are a reasonable, respectful person who would not mind doing some unpaid community work and would enjoy interacting with residents, District agencies, and neighborhood businesses to make our neighborhood a bit better, go ahead and run. We all thank you in advance.

July 25: ANC 4B Information Session

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 4B

From ANC 4B

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4B will be hosting an information session on Monday, July 25th at 7:00 p.m. The information session will cover the Commission’s new Single Member District boundaries following redistricting; the role and work of the Commission and Commissioners, including officers and Committee Chairs; and how to run for Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner. 

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4B is a very active Commission. You can read more about the Commission’s work on the Commission website (https://anc4b.com/); in the Commission’s detailed annual reports (https://anc4b.com/annual-reports/); and via the Commission’s resolutions and other official actions on the ANC Resolutions Portal (https://resolutions.anc.dc.gov/Documents.aspx). 

To receive the log-in details for the information session, please fill out the form at http://rebrand.ly/ANCInfoSession. 

Late Post – Brief ANC 5A June 22, 2022 Meeting Recap: McDonald’s; Kennedy School Project; New ANC/SMD Boundaries

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 5A

Short recap of the ANC 5A meeting that took place on June 22, 2022. Commissioners present: Damion McDuffie (5A01); Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) – Secretary; Diego Rojas (5A04); Ronnie Edwards (5A05) – Chair; Sandi Washington (5A07) – Treasurer.

ANC Business

The ANC will hold a meeting at a future date to discuss their financial report. Some of the commissioners had questions about the contract for the ANC website.

Ward 5 Council Kenyan McDuffie Report (Laisha Dougherty, Chief of Staff)

The Council completed the budget cycle. The Council will recess July 15, 2022. CM McDuffie is working on a holistic approach to addressing violence in the city.

McDonald’s Map Amendment (Upzoning) Request

McDonald’s returned to the ANC for support of its map amendment (upzoning) request that would permit them to rebuild the McDonald’s at 4950 South Dakota Avenue NE with a drive-thru as a matter of right (Zoning Commission case number 22-19). North Michigan Park president Carmen Williams sent a letter to the ANC stating that her questions were answered and that she was comfortable with moving forward. The ANC voted unanimously to support McDonald’s request, and the commissioners asked McDonald’s to draft language that they can use in a resolution in support.

Ward 5 Mayor Office Report (Nokomis Hunter, Ward 5 MOCR)

Mayor Muriel Bowser celebrated the completion of the extension of the Metropolitan Branch Trail from Brookland to Takoma. A walk with ANC Commissioner Sandi Washington (5A07) was scheduled for June 28, 2022.

Single Member District (SMD) Reports

ANC Commissioner Emily Singer Lucio has been working with the developer of the Kennedy School townhome project at 801 Buchanan Street NE (BZA case number 20751). The hearing date on that project has been delayed until October. She stated that in response to community input, the developer did offer assurances that they will include a tot lot and a playing field in their project. Commissioner Lucio is also trying to work with Ascension, which owns Providence Hospital, to make some progress regarding future plans for the Providence campus.

Lamond-Riggs Library (Robert Oliver, President of Lamond-Riggs Library Friends)

Ribbon cutting scheduled for June 27, 2022. A larger community celebration will be held on a weekend in July (date set for July 23). Work is still being done as a result of supply chain issues.

Catholic University (Cheyenne Range, Associate Director of Government and Community Relations)

The university is welcoming a new president. Catholic will send the ANC a list of job opportunities at the university and will schedule a meeting with the ANC commissioners as part of the university’s community engagement efforts.

Miscellaneous

ANC redistricting is complete. Find new ANC and SMD boundaries that will become effective on January 1, 2023, on the Office of Planning website.

A resident complained about the new flexiposts that DDOT placed along 12th Street NE. Commissioner Lucio stated that she had reached out to DDOT about why they did not provide any notification about this plan to the ANC. DDOT told her they will get back with her.

July 19: UDC Backus Campus Community Meeting w/ President Mason

Posted by nextstoprp in Education

UDC Bertie Backus Campus Community Meeting
5171 South Dakota Avenue NE
Room 303
July 19, 2022
3:30 pm-5:00 pm

The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) will be hosting an in-person Community Meeting with University President Ronald Mason Jr. for residents near the UDC Bertie Backus Campus on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm in Room 303. This is your chance to speak with President Mason directly in an informal setting about anything related to the Backus campus.

Registration (recommended but not required): https://bit.ly/community-mtg-7-19-22

July 23: Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library Community Day – Contribute Fabrics/Photos for Library Heritage Wall

Posted by nextstoprp in Lamond Riggs Library

Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library Community Day
5401 South Dakota Avenue NE
July 23, 2022
11:00 am

  • Contribute to the Lamond-Riggs (Lillian J. Huff) Library Heritage Wall
  • Enjoy a performance by family favorite musical artist Uncle Devin!
  • Explore the beautiful new library with guided building tours
  • Participate in crafts & other fun activities for all ages

Contribute Items to the Library Heritage Wall During Community Day

Meet artist Michelle L. Herman, who has been commissioned by DC Public Library to create artwork for the Heritage Wall. Ms. Herman will create a quilt-inspired digital collage using your photographs and swatches of fabric to tell the story of our communities. 

Ms. Herman will be available to receive and digitize your materials at the library during the Community Day on July 23, 2022, so now is the time to start thinking about and gathering any contributions that you would like to make to the Heritage Wall. This opportunity is open to the Fort Totten, Lamond-Riggs, Michigan Park, North Michigan Park, Pleasant Hills, Queens Chapel, and South Manor communities. 

A special emphasis will be placed on fabrics in this project. Heirloom fabric patterns, textiles & quilts that were made by family members, clothing handed down that has special significance and meaning, or fabrics and patterns that remind you of something meaningful. Note that for fabric contributions, you do not need to cut any fabric.

If you are comfortable submitting photographs (please note this is not required), please submit photos that have connections to the neighborhood: these could be historical family photos of Lamond-Riggs residents, family gatherings in the Lamond-Riggs area, celebrations, picnics, or loved ones that have a connection to the neighborhood are welcome. Ideally photos should not be larger than 9 x 12, but if you have larger photographs that are very meaningful to you that you would like to contribute, the artist will try to make adjustments. To be respectful of privacy, please make sure anyone pictured in the photograph is also comfortable having their likeness be part of the final, permanent artwork. Photographs of children under age 18 will need consent from their guardians.

Please view the detailed information below regarding submissions for the Heritage Wall and bring items that you wish to contribute during the Community Day.

Future dates for submission opportunities will be announced in the coming weeks.

Let your neighbors know (especially those who may not be online)!

Lamond-Riggs Library Heritage Wall Materials Submission Information

Impact of Supply Chain Delays at Lamond-Riggs Library

Posted by nextstoprp in Lamond Riggs Library

The new Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library opened on June 27, 2022, but you may have noticed that there is still work being done in and around the library. DC Public Library shared the message below regarding the ongoing construction work.

Thank you for reaching out with your concerns about the new Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library.

COVID-19 has disrupted supply chains around the world. This project, like many others, was impacted and we experienced delays in some materials.

Despite this, we wanted to get the library open as soon as possible so that the community could begin to enjoy this vital community asset.

In doing so, our construction team identified substitute materials including temporary flooring, furniture, and other elements to put in place while we await the permanent fixtures. Customers will likely see work continuing in and around the site as we receive specified products for some months to come. 

Regarding landscaping, the good news is landscaping is under warranty for the first year, so any loss of plantings will be addressed by the contractor. It is not uncommon to lose a few plants in the first year.

We recognize that ongoing construction, regardless of how small it may be, can be a disruption. We will try our best to minimize interruptions to customers enjoying the new library. We apologize for the inconvenience; however, we are confident that in the end, the community will have a beautiful, sustainable, high-quality library to enjoy for many years to come.

Bertie Backus Farm Stand Open Saturdays through November

Posted by nextstoprp in Backus Urban Food Hub

The UDC Bertie Backus farm stand is now open every Saturday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Backus campus at 5171 South Dakota Avenue NE. The farm stand, operated by UDC CAUSES and National Latino Farmers & Ranchers, will run through November. Check it out today and every Saturday for fresh produce, coffee, tea, and food.

Regular vendors include a produce stand from King’s Produce.

Coffee and tea products will be available weekly from Blue’s Coffee & Tea Co., a locally owned business started by a family with ties to the neighborhood. Barbara De Laine Jumper, whose family moved to the neighborhood at South Dakota Avenue and Webster Street NE in 1957, launched the coffee and tea company with her husband Steven Jumper and children, Maya Jumper and Steven D. Jumper, in March of this year. In addition to the farm stand, their products can also be found at Shop Made in DC locations and online at https://www.bluescoffeeandteaco.com. (The tea is amazing).

Melo Birria, purveyor of delicious birria tacos, will alternate with another food vendor weekly.

Eligible visitors to the farm stand can also enroll in the Produce Plus Program, which provides funding for access to fresh produce throughout DC.

3 Stars Brewing Co. Closing

Posted by nextstoprp in Lamond

Looks like 3 Stars Brewing Company, located at 6400 Chillum Place NW, will be closing this Sunday, July 10, 2022.

From their Facebook post.

After almost 10 years, We’re closing our doors

Thank you DMV for all of your support! Over the years you gave us the opportunity to Experiment, Help Build a Community of Beer Lovers, & Celebrate with you, and we will always have love for you!

Our taproom will be closing Sunday Night and wholesale operations will continue for a little while longer. So either come see us or visit your local retailer while you can. Up to 50% off barrel aged bottles & 20% off cans to-go all weekend!

July 13: Summer in the Parks at Fort Circle Park

Posted by nextstoprp in Fort Circle Park, National Park Service, Recreation

Summer in the Parks
Fort Circle Park (South Dakota Avenue & Galloway Street NE)
July 13, 2022
6:00 pm-8:00 pm

From Rock Creek Conservancy

Join Rock Creek Park and Rock Creek Conservancy for Wednesday evening Summer in the Parks events in July at Fort Circle Parks in NE DC from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Music from DJ Lance Reynolds and family-friendly games and activities will bring the Rock Creek community together to celebrate our urban oasis and #RecreateResponsibly in our parks.

Register Here

Registration is not required to attend this event, but those who register will receive email reminders and updates in advance.