DC – Penn Branch Community Association

Bearing Witness

Published on January 14, 2025January 14, 2025

Penn Branch digs out from our first snow storm of 2025

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

Published on August 19, 2024December 26, 2024

Community Activities/Events

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

Family Movie Night, Tuesday, June 18th

Published on June 11, 2024December 26, 2024

Community Activities/Ward 7

“The Super Mario Bros Movie”
TUESDAY, JUNE 18th | 7:00PM – 9:30PM
3709 S Street SE (Burton Residence)

RSVP to attend our family movie night . The event is graciously hosted by the Burton Family. There will be popcorn and beverages. $10 suggested donation per family

Please click movie poster below to RSVP and let us know how many family members you are bringing!

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

Published on May 2, 2024May 2, 2024

Community Activities/Ward 7

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.

2023 Penn Branch Community Service Awards

Published on January 30, 2024January 30, 2024

Community Activities/Community Spotlight

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!”

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PENN BRANCH NEIGHBORS @THE NATS GAME

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