2023 Penn Branch Community Service Awards

Last month, Penn Branch Community Association acknowledged the outstanding community service of three neighbors during our Annual Holiday Gathering at Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church.

Distinguished Service Awards

President Paul Grant awarded neighbor Thomas Dawes and Chef Moe Garay, Owner of Highland’s Cafe with our 2023 Distinguished Service Awards.

*Thomas Dawes recieved our ‘2023 Award for Distinguished Service’ for his outstanding efforts to maintain the edges of Ft. Davis Park along 38th & Carpenter Street*

Mr. Dawes has worked tirelessly to remove the litter and maintain the grass at the edge of the Hiker-Biker Trail that borders our neighborhood along 38th Street SE and Carpenter Street SE. Every Friday, he cleans trash from our streets after city trash collection and moves all empty trash cans back into neighbor’s driveways on Texas Ave, Carpenter Street SE.

At our annual holiday gathering, Dawes shared with neighbors that he was honored to received the award and would love to do more to main the park area if the National Park Service is unable to maintain the areas that border our community.

Chef Moe Garay, generously supported our Penn Branch Community Day in August. He and his amazing team from Highland’s Cafe & Grill, came out to kick our lunchtime Block Party, serving over 150 hamburgers, over 40lbs of delicious grilled wings, and a large pot of gumbo.

“I don’t think I have ever received an award before” said Chef Moe Garay.“I am stunned. The people in the neighborhood–Penn Branch, Hillcrest, and Fort Dupont have welcomed us with open arms”.

2023 PENN BRANCHER OF THE YEAR

‘*2023 Penn Branchers of the Year’ (From left) DJibril & April Frazier Camara were received recognition for their coordinating and hosting a Juneteenth Celebration & Block Party for our neighborhood*

Finally, the highest award for ‘Penn Brancher of the Year ‘ was given to neighbors, April & DJibril Camara for their outstanding efforts in coordinating and hosting a Juneteenth block party along 1500 block on 38th Street SE. The event featured food and fun for all ages and nearly 40 neighbors came out the support the free event. The Camara’s also arranged for and donated the permits for our Penn Branch Community Day.

“We are blessed to live in a community that pours into our children and into us,” wrote April Frazier Camara, who was unable to attend the holiday gathering. “It is an honor to give back to it!”