Evans Joins French Street 

Neighbors for Tree Lighting 

 Evans with (L-R) ANC 2C Chair Alex Padro and 

the Mayor of French Street, Bernard Demczuk.

Councilmember Evans joined neighbors and the unofficial "Mayor of French Street," Bernard Demczuk, this past Saturday night as children counted down to the lighting of the French Street holiday tree.

"I can't help notice the great changes that have taken place on this block over the last two decades," said Evans. "Vacant homes are now filled with families and the new French Street park adds a great amenity to the neighborhood."

Evans and the residents of French Street have been kicking off the holiday season by decorating a "Holiday Tree of Peace" for nearly 20 years.

Work is underway on the National Park Service (NPS) owned triangle park at 20th Street, Q Street, and Connecticut Avenue, NW, opposite the north entrance of the Dupont Metro station. Through the efforts of Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets, local real estate agent Ingrid Suisman, the Dupont Circle Citizens Association, Firvida Construction, and the National Park Service, the park will soon see renovation of the slate curbing, new benches, trees, and sod. In all, the project will take approximately two weeks to complete.

"This important project has taken years to accomplish and has required incredible fortitude to overcome several national and local hurdles," said Evans. "Credit goes to Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets, Ingrid Suisman, and the Dupont Circle Citizens Association for shepherding this project to completion."

The triangle park renovation is a companion to Dupont Main Streets' Connecticut Avenue median project between R and S Streets, NW, a 45,000 square foot landscaping project that has just been completed and will be highlighted at an official opening with Councilmember Evans on December 15 at 3:00pm. All are invited to attend.

Andrew Huff is Evans' Dupont Circle liaison.

USPS to Hold Community Meeting on Proposed
Post Office Closures 

The United States Postal Service (USPS), in collaboration with the offices of Councilmember Evans and Ward 1 Councilmember Jim Graham, has announced a community meeting on the proposed closure of several USPS branches across the District, including several in Ward 2.

The meeting will take place on Thursday, December 15 at 5:30pm at the #10 Boys and Girls Club (2500 14th Street, NW) and comes at the direct request of Councilmembers Evans and Graham.

"These potential closings could have a huge impact on the residents of Ward 2," said Evans. "I am pleased that USPS is holding this meeting to ensure residents are up to date on these possible closings and to give them the opportunity to share their thoughts and opinions."

The post offices being considered for closure include the facilities at 14th and T Streets, NW; 20th, T, and Florida, NW; and 20th Street between M and N Streets, NW.  

Celebrate the Season with
Merriment in Georgetown 

Celebrate the season at the 4th Annual Merriment in Georgetown from Friday, December 9 - Tuesday, December 20. DC's most anticipated holiday shopping and family event of the year, Merriment in Georgetown is presented and sponsored by the Georgetown Business Improvement District.  

The event will feature special sales and events, seasonal festivities, live entertainment, children's activities, and culinary treats. From candlelight caroling to complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides, free photos with Santa to historic games and arts and crafts with Dumbarton House and Tudor Place, there's something for everyone!

This year's kick-off event will take place on Saturday, December 10 from 1:00pm-4:00pm at the PNC Bank parking lot (Wisconsin Avenue & M Street, NW) and includes a performance by the Georgetown Phantoms, cocoa tastings, a holiday sweater contest, and a fruitcake eating competition.

"Merriment in Georgetown has become a holiday tradition and I hope everyone has a chance to stop by," said Evans. "The event gets better and better each year and this year will be no exception."

Be sure to check out all the available transportation options, including Metro, DC Circulator, and Capital Bike Share to avoid traffic.

For additional information about the event, please click here.

Ruth Werner is Evans' Georgetown liaison.

Now through February 5, the DC Public Library (DCPL) will forgive fines on overdue, lost, or damaged books, CDs, DVDs, and other library materials.  The campaign, titled "Check It In," aims to encourage users who have avoided the library because of outstanding fines or fees to return and use the library.

"I am pleased that DCPL is providing this opportunity," said Evans. "We should do all we can to encourage residents to frequent our libraries and this amnesty program will help do just that."

To have a fine forgiven, cardholders can return overdue or damaged books or other library materials to any DC Public Library and speak with a library employee to update their account.  For lost books, cardholders can speak with a library employee to have their account cleared.

Additionally, library cardholders are encouraged to visit any DC Public Library during this period to update their customer account with changes in email addresses, mailing addresses, or phone numbers.

For additional information on DCPL's "Check It In" campaign, please click here.

Be Aware Incorporated, a local benefit corporation, has produced the first "For Kids' Sake DC" coupon book. Over 50 locally owned businesses are providing more than $500 of value in a coupon book that consumers can purchase for $55 (including shipping and handling). Proceeds from the sale of the book will go to Bread for the City, College Bound, and THEARC, local non-profit organizations that provide some of the most comprehensive youth services in the District.

Bread for the City provides vulnerable residents of Washington, DC, with comprehensive services, including food, clothing, medical care, and legal and social services, in an atmosphere of dignity and respect.

College Bound offers public and public charter school students in grades 8-12 academic enrichment and resources to prepare for and succeed in college.

THEARC is a $27 million, 110,000 square foot, state-of-the-art campus located in Ward 8. With a mission of working to improve the quality of life for residents of Ward 8, THEARC is home to 11 of Washington, DC's best nonprofit agencies, all of which share the goal of helping children and adults reach their full potential.

For additional information on Be Aware, Inc. or to purchase a coupon book, please click here.

The National Park Service (NPS), along with the District Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration has announced the rehabilitation of the Rock Creek Park multi-use trail, which includes two segments in Ward 2: Broad Branch Road to P Street, NW, and an approximate half-mile segment of the Rose Park Trail from P Street to M Street, NW. 

Project objectives include improving trail safety, providing improved access to the trail from surrounding communities and the larger bicycle and pedestrian network, and preserving the integrity of Rock Creek Park and its resources.  The Environmental Assessment for the project is now posted on the NPS website and is available for review and comment until January 13.

To view the "Rock Creek Multi-Use Trail Rehabilitation" project plans and Environmental Assessment, please click here.