Paul Grant

Bearing Witness

Happy New Year, Neighbors!
Last week I attended a panel hosted by Humanities DC that commemorated the 100th birthday of renowned American author and essayist James Baldwin. Three distinguished writers discussed the importance of bearing witness–sharing and preserving your own testimony of current or past events. Stories can deepen our understanding of the past, give meaning to our present, and inspire change.  So much of what PBCA does at this moment is also about bearing witness.

Paul Grant, President, Penn Branch Community Association (2022-2026)
Paul Grant, President, PBCA

9/11 Memorial Park
 Next month we will launch our memorial paver fundraising campaign for 9/11 Memorial Park. Our goal is to make that little pocket park a beautiful gathering space that memorializes those D.C. residents who tragically lost their lives on 9/11. Named pavers will be a testament to the many wonderful families–past and present–who have made Penn Branch the best neighborhood in the District of Columbia.

This year we will attempt to host a mix of virtual and two or three seasonal, in-person community meetings. Our January meeting will be held virtually on Tuesday. Please  join us. Our new Ward 7 Councilmember, Wendell Felder, is planning to join us.  Establishing meaningful dialog with our new councilmember will help him to shape a fruitful policy agenda for our communities. I want to congratulate him for taking the torch of service on the DC Council and wish him every success.
Also, Leah Gage from Humanities DC  will also join our meeting to share information about their open oral history and independent practitioner fellowship grants. Both are wonderful opportunities to get humanities training while preserving and interpreting D.C. stories. 

Renew Your Membership

Finally, please take a moment to visit our revised website and renew your membership. Your continued support is the engine that keeps our community on the move.  Membership runs January 1-Dec 31st.  Our executive board is laser focused on bringing greater value to your membership, increasing our connection to each other–and with greater Ward 7, and improving our public spaces.

Keep safe. Check on your neighbors. And never stop sharing your story.

‘Penn Branch Night’ at Nationals Stadium is a Big Win

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NATIONALS vs: NY YANKEES –FREE TO ALL CURRENT PBCA MEMBERS

Your Penn Branch Community Association is always looking for ways to bring value to your membership. This year, we are offering FREE TICKETS FOR OUR MEMBERS to join us at Nationals Stadium as our beloved Washington Nationals face off with the NY Yankees.

Limited quantity available. Send an email to [email protected]!

Not a member? Make your tax deductible donation at www.pennbranchdc.org/membership

PENN BRANCH NEIGHBORS @THE NATS GAME

Ward 7 Community Consortium to Host Two Candidates Forums on Saturday, May 4th and Tuesday, May 14th

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Penn Branch Community Association in alliance Hillcrest Community Civic Association (HCCA) and other neighboring Ward 7 civic associations, community-based non-profit associations, and their partners (Ward & Community Consortium) is proud to co-sponsor two upcoming Ward 7 Candidates Forums.

Join us in-person on Saturday, May 4th (1:30PM-3:30PM) at Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church as all 11 candidates are invited to discuss Education, Health, and Small Business.

The second virtual forum on Housing, Transportation, and Environment will take place on Tuesday, May 14th at 6pm. 

NPS Deer Management Operations Underway through April 15th

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Neighbors have shared images of public notices that have been posted along the Fort Circle Park Hiker-Biker Trail, stating that National Park Service (NPS) will be conducting Deer Management Operations in the area parks through April 15th. This will include sharpshooting during the evening hours.

According to their website, ” To protect and restore native plants and promote healthy and diverse forests, the National Park Service will reduce overabundant deer populations in several national parks in DC and Maryland that fall under the management of National Capital Parks – East.

The park is closed after dark to all visitors. To read more, please visit:

https://www.nps.gov/nace/learn/management/deer-management.htm