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The Ward 5 MOCRS are Dominique Chestnut (202-394-4399: dominique.chestnut@dc.gov and Malik Miller 202-251-5049: malik.miller2@dc.gov. Both of these young men represent the Mayor’s office.
Free Exercise Classes at various DC Recreation Centers for all ages. To receive more information contact DPR (Department of Parks and Recreation) Events, go to https://dpr.dc.gov/. Tuesday, Sept 3, the deadline date to join the Student Safety Task Force. DC Public Schools is establishing a citywide Student Safety Task Force in order to engage families around the implementation of sexual misconduct policies and protocols, as well as student sexual health curricula. The task force will consist of 20-25 individuals and will meet from 6:00-8:00pm at DCPS Central Office (1200 First St NE) on the following dates: Sept 25, Oct 30, Nov 20. The application takes about 2-3 minutes to complete & can be found @ bit.ly/DCPSstudentsafety. Quintin X. Floyd, Cluster 2 & 3 Coordinator, Community Action Team, Communications and Engagement Office, Office of the Chief of Staff, District of Columbia Public Schools, 1200 First Street, NE, DC 20002, C: 202.805.2908 Monday, Sept 9, 7PM–8:30PM – Stronghold Civic Association (SCA) meets at the Inspired Teaching Public Charter School (200 Douglas St NE) every 1st Monday of each month unless it falls on a holiday, then it’s on the 2nd Monday. POC: Laura Jackson, President). SCA listserv: strongholdcivicassociation@yahoogroups.com E-mail: StrongholdCivicAssociation@gmail.com Next Door website: https://stronghold.nextdoor.com/news_feed/ Thursday, Sept 12, 7PM - MAG Meeting to be held at the Inspired Teaching Public Charter School, 200 Douglas St NE; As stated by Mr. Vining, the main item is clearly the activity at the site. The McMillan Project Manager, Alex Hutchinson, informs Kirby that DMPED is planning to attend the upcoming meeting to provide a brief update, and will also be attending the Tuesday, September 17th ANC meeting to provide a briefing on what’s going on at the site now. As Kirby has previously noted, a demolition permit was issued for the project on August 16th but this is being contested with an injunction — nothing further on that right now. More recently a permit to construct the foundation for the community center was also issued, so there are two valid permits for activity at the site now. Alex provided this brief comment on what’s going on now: The activity onsite involves testing the means and methods of anticipated construction activity to ensure the historic resources are protected according to the direction provided by the D.C. Court of Appeals. I think it’s very important that we gather information for our communities on what’s going on so that they can understand both what’s going on and their role in this process, and that I think will be the best use of our time and attention at our meeting on September 12th. Please let the whole group know of any additional items your communities would like to see added to the agenda, or bring that fact up at the open of the Thursday meeting. Minutes from our July 11th meeting are on the MAG web page and has been our tradition we’ll consider them approved by the end of the next meeting: https://mcmillanadvisorygroup.wordpress.com/meeting-minutes/2019-2/mag_11jul19_minutes_draft_15jul19/. POC: Kirby Vining Saturday, Sept 14, 11AM—3PM - WARD 5 DAY, Langdon Park – East (by the pool and baseball fields); FUN FOR ALL AGES; Food, Music, Games, Bounce House. This FREE event will include food, games, bounce house and activities for children, a spades tournament, and over 25 organizations and local businesses. There will be performances from DJ Analyze, the Phelps High School marching band, Beacon House cheer team, Capoeira martial arts studio, and a special guest band. We will also be collecting back to school donations for our teachers during Ward 5 Day. We welcome donations of school supplies, board games, puzzles, and cleaning supplies. Councilmember McDuffie, (202) 724-8028 - www.KenyanMcDuffieWard5.com Monday, Sept 16, 7PM-9PM - Bloomingdale Civic Association (BCA) meets at St George’s Episcopal Church, 2nd and U Streets NW. BCA meets every 3rd Monday of the month but if a holiday falls on the 3rd Monday, it meets on the 4th Mon. POC: Teri Quinn, President - (bloomingdalecivicassociation.org). Tuesday, Sept 17, 7PM–9PM - ANC5E Public Meetings meets at Friendship Armstrong Public Charter School; ANC 5E meets every 3rd Tuesday of each month @ 1400 P Street NW (corner of 1st and P St NW). (www.anc5edc.org – twitter @anc5e). POC: Bradley Thomas, Chair. Tuesday, Sept 17 & Nov 12 - MedStar Washington Hospital Center’s Community Health Department invites you to attend the AARP Smart Driver Course. In this course, you will learn: Safe ways to merge with traffic, change lanes, make turns at busy intersections and proper following distance; Proper use of seat belts, air-bags and getting your best seating position for driving; New technologies to assist in accident prevention such as anti-lock brakes, skid control, blind-spot monitoring and collision avoidance; Effects of medications and distractions on driving; New laws & challenges of driving in Washington DC such as bicycle lanes, scooter, traffic circles & road changes. Location: MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital, Tele-Center & Tele-Conference Room, 102 Irving St NW; Cost: AARP Members: $15 & Non-members: $20 – Payment is required via cash or check at the time of class. Register: Call Scott Hunt @ 202-431-5107 (before 9PM.). Certification will be provided upon completion of the course, which can be used to receive discounts on car insurance. Please check with your insurance company about their policy. Saturday, Sept 21, 9AM-3PM - You are invited to “Welcome Back to Providence” Community Open Providence Health System, 1150 Varnum Street, NE. This event is geared towards the community in a fun, educational, and family-friendly environment. We want the community to know that Providence is open and thriving, and that they should come back to see all of the great services we have to offer now and will offer in the future. We will have fun entertainment and informative sessions for the whole family, including free health screenings, free vision exams, Providence provider information, wellness and medical education seminars, group fitness classes (Zumba), free and low-cost food options, entertainment, lively music, a kid’s corner, numerous community organizations, giveaways and much more. At Providence, we are proud of the care we have provided to the community for many years and we look forward to an exciting future. Your attendance at the event would mean a lot to us and we would be grateful to have you as part of our team as we continue to champion the overall wellbeing of those, we are so privileged to serve. If you have any questions about the event or want to participate as a vendor, please contact Nicole Commodore, JD, Interim Executive Director, Providence Health System, at Nicole.Commodore@ascension.org. An event flyer is attached. Please visit us at www.ProvidenceHealthyVillage.org, for more information on our transformation. Saturday, Sept 21 - You are invited to participate in the 1st Annual “Drug Free Youth DC” Youth Summit sponsored by the DC Department of Behavioral Health. Registration opens at 9 am and the last event of the day will wrap up at 3 pm. Breakfast will be served from 9 am – 10 am. This event will be held at the Marriott Metro Center, 775 12th Street NW, Washington, DC, 20005. The purpose for this Youth Summit is to reduce risk factors associated with substance use by identifying protective factors, local resources, and helping youth access treatment services. The theme for this event is “U Good? Let’s Talk: Conversations & Activities to Elevate DC Youth” because we will provide a series of youth and adult-led conversations addressing issues impacting youth day-to-day life. The agenda for day includes two panel discussions, activity labs around entrepreneurship, engineering and the arts, youth talent showcase, full breakfast and lunch, and a wrap up party led by local talent. Also, we are collaborating with Radio One to assist with advertisement and facilitation for this event, as we are hoping to reach 200 – 250 youth. We would appreciate your confirmation of the number of youths that you plan to have in attendance. Feel free to contact me for further question or concerns at (202) 727-2541. Michael Pryor, SUD Prevention Branch, CYSD Division, Community Prevention Specialist, Prevention Division, DC Department of Behavioral Health, 64 New York Avenue, NE Washington DC, 20002 - (O) 202-727-2541 (C) 202 494-4847 Thursday, Sept 26, 2-3PM - Learn How You can impact an older adult’s life be a part of SEABURY Please join us to learn how Seabury enriches the lives of older adults. Seabury is a 95-year-old, nonprofit organization that supports personalized, affordable services and housing options that help older adults live with independence and dignity. Connects introduces attendees to Seabury’s values and vision to improve the quality of life for our older friends and neighbors. It is an overview of the Seabury organization and a tour of our mission and services. Presentations are the 4th Thursday of every month. Join us for an exchange of information, ideas and to learn how you can MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Seabury at Friendship Terrace, 4201 Butterworth Place NW, Washington DC 20016. To learn more or RSVP call Jennifer Brown: 202-414-63111 Saturday, Sept 28, 9AM-3PM - Annual DC Parent and Family Engagement Summit - The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) is pleased to announce that the sixth Annual DC Parent and Family Engagement Summit will be held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Information provided at the Summit will engage, inform, and empower parents and families to effectively support the highest level of quality education for all the children in the District of Columbia. Please help us promote the event by encouraging parents and family members to attend. Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dc-sixth-annual-parent-and-family-engagement-summit-tickets-64632128436. Please contact Valrie Brown at Valrie.Brown@dc.gov or at (202) 299-2093 for additional information. Thank you for your interest and your continuous support. We look forward to seeing you at the Summit. DC Parent and Family Engagement Summit Event Team, Renee Ombaba, M.A., Hales Government Solutions, rombaba@halesgovernment.com, 202.271.6648 Info on Revel Mopeds and Career Opportunities (Mechanics and Fleet Technician)
NOTE: Due to many constituents transitioning to other locations, I’ve requested an updated listing for 5E09 SMD to find that most street names are incorrect for many of 5E09 constituents. I’ve informed the Board of Election of the inconsistencies of the listing. You may want to verify that your voting information is correct. Also, if you’re having U.S. Postal Service issues, please do not hesitate to informed the U.S. Postal Service (usps.com). The mail carrier on Adams, Bryant and Channing Streets NW are not delivering your mail as he should. The mail is being thrown in the trash cans. UTILITY CONSUMER SCAM ALERT Telephone Marketers May Attempt to Lure You into Payments or Identity Theft - Recently, the Office of the People's Counsel has received numerous reports of utility scams targeting seniors, low & moderates income consumers, and limited English-speaking District consumers. Based on information from consumers and discussions on neighborhood Listservs, these scams involve robotic and live telephone calls offering either “reduced utility rates” or “special” energy rates for seniors. In each instance, the scammers will ask for your account or social security numbers. Sometimes the scammers will tell you that your service will be shut off unless you make an immediate payment to them. Because scammers have become more sophisticated, OPC warns consumers to be ALERT: NEVER give telephone solicitors any personal or account information such as your social security number, utility account number or credit card number. NEVER agree to make a payment using a “green dot” or fast payment card at a convenience store. BEFORE making any decision regarding your utility service, check with your energy supplier for your current account balance to ensure that your service is not going to be disconnected. DO NOT be pressured to choose a “limited time” offer to sign up. Ask for any offer made by phone to be provided to you in writing, so that you can review it carefully. Unless there is a public safety emergency, Pepco and Washington Gas Light companies will not come to your home or make rate offers by telephone. If you suspect you have been contacted by a scammer or that your personal information may have been shared, contact OPC immediately at (202) 727-3071 to talk with a Consumer Outreach Specialist who can investigate your complaint. Office of the People's Counsel, 1133 15th Street NW, Suite 500 Washington, DC 20005, Tel: (202) 727-3071 | Fax: (202) 727-1014 | www.opc-dc.gov | info@opc-dc.gov A Note from Your People's Counsel - Sandra Mattavous-Frye Recommended Reading What’s on your relaxing-on-the-beach reading list? It might not be as juicy as the romance novel, or the suspenseful murder mystery you just cannot put down. Nonetheless, I encourage you to check out “Meeting the Needs of Tomorrow’s Utility Consumer Today," the Office of the People’s Counsel 2018 Annual Report. The Report runs down how OPC has delivered on the promise to secure a wide range of tangible consumer benefits for District residents in all eight wards over the past fiscal year. We also cite key trends and developments that surfaced, including the expansive efforts by utilities to upgrade their aging infrastructure. The document explains how OPC’s scrutiny of such projects has saved ratepayers tens of millions of dollars. In addition, we report on OPC’s new mandate to fight for DC Water consumers with the same level of advocacy that’s been the hallmark of our service to electric, natural gas, and local phone consumers. Contact the Office of the People’s Counsel if you’d like hard copies of the Annual Report to share with your organization or agency (or to read at the beach 😉). What's a Major Power Outage? Were you one of the 39,000 Pepco customers who experienced the power outage the weekend of July 27? Trust that, as the advocate for Pepco ratepayers, OPC was in contact with utility officials and was monitoring the outage even after the lights came back on. When a power outage occurs in the District, Pepco is required to notify OPC, at a minimum via voice message, within hours of the interruption and provide basic information such as the location of the outage, the approximate number of customers affected and the estimated restoration time. Pepco also must provide OPC with a written final report. For the July event, Pepco confirmed that the service disruption was due to equipment failure at a Pepco substation near Florida Avenue NW. The outage left consumers in parts of Shaw-Howard University, Logan Circle, U Street, Dupont Circle, Woodley Park, Van Ness, and the Adams Morgan neighborhoods in the dark, according to Pepco’s report. OPC has closely reviewed the outage report and discussed the details with Pepco. At this time, OPC attorneys are making inquiries to determine specifically how the outage happened and what Pepco will do to avoid such a large outage in the future. Outages caused by equipment failure such as this, lasting more than 8 hours and restored within 24 hours are classified as “Non-major Service Outages.” Outages affecting more than 10,000 customers, and it takes more than 24 hours to get the power back on are classified as “Major Service Outages.” Whenever an outage occurs--major or not--if you are experiencing any lingering issues, or have a complaint related to your electric service, call our Consumer Services staff at (202) 727-3071 to learn how OPC Can Help! The Water Connection: Keeping you in the know about OPC outreach & education for DC Water consumers - Why is My Water Bill So High? If you’ve been asking that question, OPC’s Water Services Division can provide some answers. High bills are caused by a variety of factors: running toilets, leaks, and now, rising rates associated with the Clean Rivers Impervious Area Charge or CRIAC. The CRIAC fee, which funds the Clean Rivers Project, may be the most misunderstood monthly charge. However, OPC’s Water Services Division is here to help ratepayers understand the fine print. Did you know…
With rising CRIAC rates placing a financial strain on some ratepayers, OPC’s Water Services Division wants you to know about conservation and discount programs that may lower the burden. The District has created a $7 million relief program to help residents and nonprofits with CRIAC fees. Call 311 or email the Department of Energy and Environment at doee.dc.gov/service/criacrelief for details. Contact OPC at (202) 727-3071 or waterinfo@opc-dc.gov if you’d like to learn about OPC’s wide-ranging services for water consumers, including resolving billing disputes. The Solar Connection The Solar Connection is a feature designed to "shine the light" on developments in solar power and educate consumers about this energy option. Solar Power to the People You may have heard the phrase “power to the people,” but you may not be aware of a company that takes those words literally: WDC Solar, Inc. Founded by Mark Davis, WDC Solar has been connecting low-income DC residents with free solar power since 2009, well before the industry was taking off in the District. Based in Ward 8, the company has been recognized by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners for its free training program that specializes in teaching solar trade skills to residents in underserved communities. Darrell Foster, a UDC student, went through the training and now says, “I’m proud to be on a team that was trained to treat everyone’s roof as if it’s their own.” As an authorized contractor of Solar For All, the District government program that strives to bring the benefits of solar electricity to 100,000 low-income households by 2032, WDC Solar is helping Washingtonians blaze a trail toward the dream of urban sustainability. Laura Jackson says she is benefiting from her solar system that was installed by WDC Solar trainees. “Solar energy has drastically decreased and in some cases completely eliminated my electric bill,” she says. It’s safe to say that solar power is making the District just a little cooler, literally. Find out more about WDC Solar at (202) 506-7586 or www.wdcsolar.com. This article was contributed by WDC Solar. Connect With OPC! Do you have feedback or an idea for an article that could be featured in an upcoming edition of the OPC Connection? We want to hear from you! Just drop our editorial team an email @ info@opc-dc.gov or tweet us @DCOPC
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