Penn Branch Community

Our 2025 Holiday Gathering: Good Food, Good People, and Good Cheer brings a Delightful End to an Otherwise Challenging Year

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Our annual neighborhood holiday gathering took place at Penn Ave Baptist Church on Tuesday, Dec 9th 2025. 2025 was a very tough year for many in our neighbor and surrounding communities. However, many Penn Brancher neighbors came out for food, fellowship, and some good neighborly cheer.

Annual Community Service Awards

Council Member Wendell Felder join us and he assisted with our annual community service awards. Kyle Murphy and Stefanie Clyburn Received “Penn Branch Neighbors of the Year Award” for their “Penn Branch Cares Campaign.” The campaign was a largest membership drive in years. Funds were used to give sympathy gift baskets and discounted water park tickets for families that experienced job loss due to the federal government cuts. Later that evening, Historian and Tour Guide, Jim Byers, was honored for hosting the neighborhood Walking Tour in Hillcrest and Penn Branch for 29 Years.

 

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Penn Branch Mourns of Passing of Alberta Paul, Former PBCA President & Chair, Public Works Committee

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In Memoriam: Alberta Paul, September 29, 1950 – September 27, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we share that our beloved neighbor and friend, Ms. Alberta Paul passed away earlier today. She had been in recovery following a medical procedure earlier this week.

Alberta Paul has been a dogmatic champion for our Penn Branch neighborhood. She served as president of the Penn Branch Community Association (PBCA) and continued to mentor and support subsequent executive teams for more than 10 years. As president, she re-established Penn Branch Citizens/ Civic Association as a non-profit and was instrumental in getting the city to pass emergency legislation to maintain the O Street Street (Retaining) Wall in 1997.

She frequently raised funds and coordinated volunteer efforts to improve 9/11 Memorial Park, located at the gateway of our neighborhood. After serving as President, Alberta was Chair of our neighborhood Public Works Committee for the last twenty five years. She led many beautification projects and also helped many neighbors and as well as other Ward 7 residents to gain better access to city services. She was also lifelong advocate for youth and senior citizens in our community.

Alberta retired from District Depart of Transportation (DDOT) last fall after many years of distinguished service. She championed investing in youth, cultivating the next generation of community leadership, and greater support for seniors. Her friendship, service, and her tireless advocacy for Penn Branch, Ward 7, and our city will be greatly missed.

A Champion for Penn Branch Neighborhood

From Left: Donna Cooper (PEPCO Regional President) and PBCA Public Works Chair Alberta Paul and President Stan Benton Receive 25K Award-
Alberta Paul at National Night Out Event
Alberta Paul spearheads 9-11 Park Clean up Event

Funeral Service for Ms. Alberta Paul

Date:
Saturday, October 11, 2025 

Wake:
9:30AM -11:00AM

Funeral Service:
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM 

 Location:
Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church 3000 Pennsylvania Ave. SE Washington, DC 20020

Final Interment:
Cedar Hill Cemetery 4111 Pennsylvania Ave Suitland, MD 20746

 Send cards to:
3721 Carpenter Street SE WDC, 20020

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family please visit: Pope Funeral Home Sympathy Store.

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Penn Branch Community Day: August 16th

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Penn Branch Community Day & Block Party: Saturday, August 16th!

It’s time to come together again for our Annual Community Day and Block Party on Saturday, August 16th from 1pm-6pm! 1500 Block of 38th Street SE

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Ward 7 Leaders Protest CVS Closing, Demand Broader Economic Development along Penn Avenue East

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Ward 7 Leaders Announce Protest and Press Conference on July 2 @11:30AM

Washington, DC — On Wednesday, July 2, at 11:30 AM, ANC 7B and an informal coalition of Ward 7 community leaders hosted a protest and press event at CVS, 3250 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, to oppose the planned closure of the neighborhood’s only major pharmacy and retail location.

This CVS serves as a vital pharmacy and retail hub for more than 40,000 residents, many of whom are seniors, low-income families, and individuals with disabilities. Speakers included longtime Penn Branch resident and advocate Barbara Morgan, ANC Jimmie Williams, ANC Travis Swanson, ANC Keith Raphael Hassan-Towery, Eboni-Rose Thompson, Ward 7 representative State Board of Education (SBOE); Jacqueline Cannon, PAECC Chair; Former Ward 7 Councilmember Yvette Alexander, and PBCA Chair of Public Works, Alberta Paul, and also President, Paul Grant and many more.

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The event lasted roughly two hours, community asked that CVS:

  • Keep this location open
  • Support our community’s health and vitality
  • Invest in—not walk away from—our future

    Ward 7 Community Leaders Demand More of CVS

    Penn Branch resident Laura Richards speaks at CVS protest on July 2
    Long time Penn Branch residents Alberta Paul address the critical need for a pharmacy for communities along Pennsylvania Avenue East.
    Eboni-rose Thompson, Ward 7, SBOE Representative, demands more of CVS on July 2nd.

    Neighbors brought signs and their voices Let’s show that the Penn Branch community stands together—and won’t be overlooked. The event was co-sponsored by the Pennsylvania Avenue East Main Streets (PAEMS), a program of Marshall Heights Community Development Corporation (MHCDO) and also Ascender Communications, Inc.–which provided sound equipment and signage.

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    ‘Penn Branch Cares Campaign’ to Offer Support, Encouragement for Our Neighborhood Public Servants

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    Penn Branch Cares Campaign

    Our community is standing up to support those of us whose livelihoods are threatened by the recent terminations of Federal workers and contractors, as well as dramatic cuts to U.S. Government-supported programming. We are launching a new effort that will allow us to show support for our impacted neighbors while raising funds to deliver care packages to affected households and host additional community events to bring neighbors together during these difficult times.

    Proceeds will fund care packages and additional community gatherings to lift up those who are affected.”

    1. Renew Your Membership

    In coordination with our 2025 membership drive, we are offering yard signs that say Penn Branch Supports Public Servants—this includes not only Federal employees, but also contractors, non-profit employees, and others who are directly and substantially affected.

    2. Make A Donation (+$20)

    Please make a $20 donation on our website (See below), or by check, and let us know if you would like to have one of these signs. Proceeds will fund care packages and additional community gatherings to lift up those who are affected. Please consider choosing a membership renewal option (include link) that bundles your membership and sign donation to maximize your impacts on behalf of the community.

    MAIL CHECKS TO:

    P.O. Box 6730 Washington, DC 20020 –Be sure to note: “Penn Branch Cares Campaign”

    3. Help Us Out

    We also need your help to identify neighbors who have been directly and substantially affected by recent Federal government terminations and funding cuts. This will help us ensure we are directing care packages to the right folks. If you or one of your neighbors are among this group, please reach out to k.anthony.murphy@gmail.com to let us know.

    We will take the next step in reaching out to neighbors. Please also know that your neighbors and friends are standing with you in solidarity and are ready to listen to anything you need and any ideas you may have for improving our support.

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