Penn Branch Community

Bearing Witness

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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.

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‘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

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Penn Branch digs out from our first snow storm of 2025

Bearing Witness

Happy New Year, Neighbors!Last week I attended a panel hosted by Humanities DC that commemorated the 100th birthday of renowned

2023 Penn Branch Community Service Awards

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PBCA 2023 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!”

PBCA President Paul Grant and Chef Moe Garay, Owner of Highlands Cafe & Grill Received ‘Distinguished Services Award’ for his contribution to 2023 Penn Branch Community Day & Block Party

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    NPS Deer Management Operations Underway through April 15th

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    NPS Deer Management in Ft Circle Park through April 15th

    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

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    Happy New Year, Neighbors!Last week I attended a panel hosted by Humanities DC that commemorated the 100th birthday of renowned

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

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    Chef Moe Garay, Owner of Highlands Cafe and Grill

    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!!

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    Penn Branch digs out from our first snow storm of 2025

    Bearing Witness

    Happy New Year, Neighbors!Last week I attended a panel hosted by Humanities DC that commemorated the 100th birthday of renowned

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