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Neighbors,
Summer is in full swing, and August is coming in hot. With so much going on in the District, it can be hard to keep up. We’ve had heat advisories, summer camps galore, the NATO Summit, the Chocolate City Criterium bike race, the Broccoli City Festival, the Mubadala Citi DC Open, First Amendment demonstrations, and much more happening on the federal political scene. As we head into August, I can only hope that the rest of the summer for the District will be a little quieter.
Since the Council is on recess, this edition of the newsletter is lighter. With the next school year starting in the next 3-4 weeks, I wanted to re-up DC Health’s immunization requirements for school age children (including middle and high school students), and where you can find pediatric and adult vaccine locations throughout the community. Remember get those appointments early!
In service,
Christina Henderson
Councilmember, At-Large
Car Free Day Proclamation
On Wednesday, July 17, Councilmember Henderson signed a Car Free Day proclamation on behalf of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Transportation Planning Board (TPB). Councilmember Henderson serves as chair of TPB. The proclamation declares September 23, 2024 to be Car Free Day and invites those who live and work in the region to try alternative forms of transportation such as transit, biking, scootering, walking, and “car-lite” methods such as carpooling and vanpools in efforts to benefit the region through improved air quality, mobility, energy conservation, and reduced parking demands. Above, Councilmember Henderson showed off the proclamation with Josh Etim from the City of Alexandria's Department of Transportation and Environmental Services.
41st Annual RAMMY Awards
On Sunday, July 21, Councilmember Henderson attended the 42nd annual RAMMY Awards and Gala which celebrates the region’s restaurant and foodservice industry. The event was held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and organized by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington.
Little Lights
On Thursday, July 23, Councilmember Henderson toured the Little Lights program to witness their impactful work supporting low-income and underserved students and families in Washington, DC. Little Lights currently has six locations and serves roughly 250 students and 250 adults each year who live in DC’s public housing communities. During her visit, Councilmember Henderson toured the soon to be constructed flagship building at 2600 Minnesota Ave SE, a former church that is designed to expand Little Lights’ programmatic offerings, and their location at the Hopkins Apartments.
Mubadala Citi DC Open
On Saturday, July 27, Councilmember Henderson attended the Mubadala Citi DC Open with the CEO of Children’s National Hospital, Michelle Riley-Brown. The event is held annually in Rock Creek Park and is the longest running pro tennis event to be held in an equal-access public park. The tournament continues this weekend.
Deanwood Radio Broadcast Youth Journalism Program
On Monday, July 29, Councilmember Henderson visited once again with the Deanwood Radio Broadcast Youth Journalism Program, which was created by DC Parks and Recreation employee Salih Williams. The program aims to engage and educate youth on the field of journalism and how it can facilitate change in their communities. Since 2016, more than 60 students have participated in the program with 37 graduating and pursuing education in mass communications or broadcast journalism. Over 90 percent of students who remain in the program have been accepted into a college or university. During her visit with the youth program, Councilmember Henderson discussed her journey into politics and answered student questions regarding food access and recreational programs for youth in Ward 7.
The National Medal for Museum and Library Service
The next day, Tuesday, July 30, Councilmember Henderson joined with DC Public Library (DCPL) and attended the Institute of Museum and Library Services National Medal Reception, at which DCPL was being recognized. The National Medal for Museum and Library Service is the nation’s highest honor for institutions that make significant and exceptional contributions to their community, and since 1994 the award has been presented to outstanding libraries and museums. This year the DC Public Library was selected from 30 other finalists to win in their library category.
In Case You Missed It: Councilmember Henderson in the News
Republicans are revving up for a D.C. smackdown, Cuneyt Dil for Axios, 07/18/2024
Constituent Service Corner
DPW’s 2024 3rd Quarter Community Conversation
The Department of Public Works (DPW) 3rd Quarterly Community Conversation is scheduled for Wednesday, August 21st at 6:30 pm. The conversation aims to gather questions and concerns from your residents regarding DPW services. DPW believes resident insight is essential in helping to address the needs and priorities of the communities it serves. You can register for the meeting here.
Shape the Future of Transit in Metropolitan Washington
The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) have launched DMVMoves, a new joint initiative to develop a unified vision for transit service in the region. To support this initiative and inform this vision, COG and WMATA are conducting a survey to understand residents’ needs and desires about the future of public transportation in the region. Feedback will be collected until August 4. Feedback will help us better understand and identify ways to improve transportation in your community. As a thank you for participating, adult participants (age 18+) who complete the survey can share their name and contact information for a chance to win one of ten $100 gift cards. You can complete the survey here.
Shelter Locations
Low-barrier shelters are accessible for those experiencing homelessness, operate year round, and remain open 24 hours.
Shelters for Men
Shelters for Women
Shelters for LGBTQ+:
Summer 2024 Red Line Construction
Summer construction has started on the Red Line, closing the Glenmont, Wheaton, Forest Glen and Silver Spring stations. Stations will be closed through August 31. Follow the link to plan your travel here.
Stay Cool in a District Pool
The weather is getting warmer and taking advantage of the District’s many pools is a great way to cool off. The Department of Parks and Recreation has a complete list of indoor pools, outdoor pools, and spray parks. You can view them here.
Information on Services
Prevention Services
Have a constituent service need related to the Health Committee or any of the other agencies in DC Government? Want Councilmember Henderson to come to your community event or meeting? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our Constituent Services Director Ana Berrios-Vazquez during regular business hours (9:00am - 5:30pm) at 202-724-8105, or ABerriosVazquez@dccouncil.gov.
Stay Connected
Thank you for reading! Please stay in touch.
Christina Henderson
At-Large Councilmember
chenderson@dccouncil.gov
Mike Shaffer
Chief of Staff
mshaffer@dccouncil.gov
Heather Edelman
Deputy Chief of Staff
hedelman@dccouncil.gov
Gabrielle Rogoff
Legislative Director
grogoff@dccouncil.gov
Ana Berríos-Vázquez
Constituent Services Director
aberriosvazquez@dccouncil.gov
Sierra Wallace
Communications Director
swallace@dccouncil.gov
Nicholas Pcholkin
Senior Legislative Assistant
npcholkin@dccouncil.gov
Taylor Coleman
Legislative Aide
tcoleman@dccouncil.gov
Health Committee
Ona Balkus
Committee Director
obalkus@dccouncil.gov
Marcia Huff
Senior Policy Advisor
mhuff@dccouncil.gov
Rebecca Cooper
Health Policy Advisor
rcooper@dccouncil.gov
Ashley Strange
Legislative Assistant
astrange@dccouncil.gov