Wednesday, February 22, 2012

#w7cm2012 #dcision12 forum

Conventional wisdom describes Deanwood as "an emerging neighborhood." I for one am tired of being on the cusp. It time for Deanwood to blossom--a return to greatness that recaptures our self-reliance, diverse small businesses, and strong community ties.
Deanwood's historic Contee A.M.E. Zion Church is hosting a town hall and forum for candidates seeking the Ward 7 Council seat. What are we asking candidates about Deanwood's future? - Greater Deanwood neighbors have been fighting oversaturation of liquor stores. Does a candidate have a concrete plan to increase neighborhood-based retail diversity?
- Deanwood is jokingly called Highway to Heaven because there is a church on every corner--traditional and storefront. How do we engage places of worship to include in their faith missions for-profit community improvement proposals?
- How do the candidates view the Eastern Avenue and Southern Avenue border with Prince George's County, MD? a) Can the candidates give an example of working with at least one Prince George's County official or community leader?
- Add your questions to the comment section.
- Bring two more questions and a neighbor to the forum.
Contee AMEZ Ward 7 Town Hall Friday, Feb. 24, 6:30 p.m. Contee AMEZ W7 Forum Final Flyer

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

You know me, right?

Glamour Shot (you like???)
Chillaxin' (I can be a bohemian.)

It was a little too sunny, but I still like it (shouldn't I say that).


I just want to be sure.

For awhile I've written Deanwoodenizen "anonymously." It was supposed to transition to a multi-user blog, i.e. a bunch of neighbors writing about our beloved community. In the end, though, Deanwoodenizen has become another effective tool for me to maximize civic activism through social media. (Neighbors, you are more than welcome to join in the blogging fun, see item 3.)

I've learned a few things in the last fifteen months (thanks to my top-notch education at Georgetown University and the New Organizing Institute). Soooo, what are those few things???

DRUMROLL
  1. I'm a community organizer!
  2. I'm a communicator, not a spinmeister!
  3. "We" sounds much better (and accomplishes a whole lot more) than "I"!
  4. Talking strategy and planning are fun. Implementation is funner!
  5. Uncomplicated and getting it done are friends!
THAT. IS. ALL. NOW, BACK TO YOUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED BLOG TOPIC.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

#w7cm2012 Forum #dcision12





Ward 7 Council Member Candidate Forum

Thursday,  February 16, 2012

7:00 pm-8:45pm

Langston Golf Course Club House
2600 Benning Road NE

The Friends of Kingman Civic Association wants area residents to become better informed before they enter the voting booth.

Please attend this important Candidate Forum. The April 3, 2012 primary is approaching fast.

A civil discussion about local issues from all candidates and attendees is expected.

The forum is a non-partisan and is not intended to promote a party politics.

We hope to see you there!

Lisa White
ANC Commissioner SMD 7D01 Kingman Park
Friends of Kingman Park Member


Friday, February 10, 2012

SAVE THE DATE: #w7moves Transportation Summit

The Second Annual Ward 7 Transportation Summit is a citizen-led and organized initiative bringing attention to the transportation needs and wants of the Ward. This summit is a follow-up to a transportation summit convened last year around the theme "rediscover the bus."

Organized by Veronica O. Davis, an engineer and partner in sustainability consulting firm Nspiregreen, the transportation summits aim to give stakeholders an opportunity to have an open and honest dialogue with key government agencies and elected officials. Davis says, "Transportation is a key link in economic development and growth. Too often Ward 7 has been studied with limited action after the studies."

A common thread found in those studies is the Ward's limited connectivity--within the ward, within the East of the River community, and throughout the District. Some of the topics for discussion include, the WMATA W4 study, fully funding the East of the River Circulator, bus and rail safety, coordinating transportation demand management between Ward 7 and Ward 8 development projects, and getting more ward representation on transportation-related boards and commissions.

Davis continues, "One of the unique ways we plan to engage neighbors and key influencers is by hosting a tweet chat. In addition to word-of-mouth and flyering, social media has come to be such a vital communications link. Listserves, Facebook and Twitter are the modern-day conversation over the back fence."

This second summit is another thread in the conversation about advocating for the needs and wants of Ward 7 and its residents. 
W7Transpo Summit Flyer Update

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

#ward7 #dcision12 forum

Ward 7 Candidates Forum Feb 2012 Flyer - Ver2

Thursday, February 2, 2012

IDEA PCS Hearing #ward7 #edureform

In late December DC's Public Charter School Board moved to revoke the Integrated Design Electronics Academy (IDEA) PCS charter due to academic deficiencies and for operating an adult education program outside of their charter. IDEA is one of the oldest charter schools in the District having opened in 1998. IDEA runs a middle school and a high school.
In the Washington Examiner the school's Executive Director Norman Johnson commented, the school "was approved to serve students who may have issues with the law or truancy, making the ratings unfair."

The PCSB's hearing about the matter is later today, Febuary 2, 6:00 p.m. at IDEA, 1027 45th St. NE.  The school is on the U4 bus route and four blocks from the Orange Line's Deanwood Metro Station.

Art as Placemaking... #deanwooddc

In the realm of urbanism, placemaking has gained a significant foothold. Essentially, placemaking means enlivening neighborhoods. This can involve art, streetscape enhancements, like lighting and tree plantings, and farmers' markets. At the core of placemaking is community engagement and involvement.

When the Deanwood Community Center and Library was planned placemaking was an aspect neighbors wanted (even before the term became in vogue). The DC Commission on Arts and Humanities is finally moving on the effort through the DC Creates!Public Art Program.  The program purchases, commissions, and installs artworks for public sites throughout the District. 

Join neighbors this Saturday in planning this placemaking and community building activity. Artist Amber Robles-Gordon will present a public art piece for the Deanwood Recreation Center and Library.

Deanwood Community Public Art Presentation
Saturday, February 4, 2:00p
Deanwood Recreation Center Multi-Purpose Room

For more information
Mary Beth Brown 202-724-5613 or MaryBeth.Brown@dc.gov