Penn Branch Community - Page 2

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

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 Expands Spring Community Clean Up Efforts to Include Penn Ave, Ft. Davis Drive

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Penn Branch neighbors came together on Saturday, April 8th, 2023 to help clean 9/11 Memorial Gateway Park and along the Pennsylvania Avenue corridor to Ft. Davis Drive before the entrance to Ft. Dupont Park. Several neighbors expressed concern to PBCA executive board members about the amount of trash that was visible from the street and from along the Circle-Park Hiking and Biking Trail that borders our neighborhood.

And they wanted to do something about it.

The DC Department of Public Works and the National Park Service (NPS) donated cleaning cleaning supplies, trash bags, bug spray, and grabbers. Then, our roughly 30 neighbors went to work on brisk spring morning. They were picking up trash and removing weeds. Others cut grass and help trim roses in our park.

Thanks to all who pitched-in. A few hours work did really made a difference!

#Springcleanup #SEDC #community #WearePennBranch #DC #Ftcircleparks

Two Events, One Community

Stan Benton, PresidentThe First Annual Penn Ave East Main Street’s Art All Night and the Third Annual Porchfest SE events have come and gone.  However, questions and concerns remain.

Both music-filled events were held in the rear parking lot of the renovated Penn Branch Shopping Center. What a milestone!  Inside the shopping center, we now have thriving businesses (and non-profits) with multi-year leases. Art Art All Night and Porchfest brought music, minority-owned vendors, special presentations, food trucks, dancing, and dozens of smiles under KN95 face masks, outside of the building. The shopping center that bears our name is becoming both an economic beacon and gathering place for our community.

Last Sunday, Channel 9 News featured a story about Adams Morgan and Penn Branch Porchfest events. Then, tragically, just 72 hours later, Nikiesha Thomas was fatally shot by her boyfriend in the same parking lot. This generated a different type of news story. A story that adds to the stigma that East of the River communities are violent, crime-ridden, and generally unsafe. Bad things will happen. Still, the question remains: How do we change the narrative about our area? Do we want to be known for festivals and community gatherings? Or, crime stats? Finally, what more can we all do to outweigh bad news with stories about good events in our community? The choices are ours.

 We all want what’s best for our community—and naturally, passions will flare as we debate different methods. However, our association is only as strong as your level of involvement and support. Join a committee: Help PBCA to better coordinate and plan future community events that will reflect the best of who we are. Become a block captain: Help us to distribute our newsletter and keep everyone informed about what is being planned.

Please continue to be safe, take care of each other, and I’ll see you at the meeting!

Porchfest SE At Penn Branch Shopping Center

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The Porchfest SE music festival took place on Sunday, October 3rd from 11:00am until 7:00pm at the Penn Branch Shopping Center. Check out this video from WUSA Channel 9.