DC

2023 Penn Branch Community Service Awards

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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!”

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

Penn Branch Celebrates at 10th Annual Community Day and Block Party

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Penn Branch neighbors came together on Saturday August 19th for our 10th Annual Penn Branch Community Day and Block Party. Our day started with a morning coffee chat featuring presentation of the Small Area Plan by Deborah Crain Kemp, Lead Planner at DC Office of Planning.

Later, Chef Moe Garay, and his wonderful team from Highlands Cafe & Grill, located at the Shops at Penn Branch, served up a tasty meal at our Block Party, that afternoon. The weather was perfect. There was music, great food, free books donated by Francis Gregory Library, and awesome street art and games facilitated by the members of Positive Chalk.

Thanks to all of our neighbors and neighborhood business owners who supported this year’s event.

Our tentative date for next year’s event is Saturday, August 17th (rain date will be August 24th). Please save the date.

See you next year!

SAVE THE DATE! Penn Branch Fall Meet-up: Happy Hour at Highlands Cafe and Grill, Thursday, October 5th

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Come hang out with neighbors on Thursday, October 5th from 5:30-7:30PM at the Highland’s Cafe and Grill, located in the rear of Penn Branch Shopping Center. Also, be sure to thank our good friend, owner Chef Moe Garay and this amazing team for their donation to our recent community day and block party.

Don’t forget to wear your Penn Branch T-shirt!!

Penn Branch Commemorates the 20th Anniversary of 9/11

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PBCA resident and community leaders came together to  commemorate the 20th Anniversary of 9-11 and memorialize those DC residents who lost their lives  that day. The event took place from 10:00am until 11:00am at the intersection of Carpenter and O Street SE.  Speakers included Rev. Kendrick Curry, Pastor of Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church (PABC), PBCA President Stan Benton, and a musical performance by Rev. Ebonie Shirley.


















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