Dear Ward 8 Residents:

As we approach the 4th of July, we are reminded of the importance of this day in our nation's history. Independence Day is a time for celebration, reflection, and gathering with loved ones to honor the freedoms and liberties that define our country.

As we prepare for the festivities, it's crucial to prioritize safety and adhere to local regulations. We would like to remind everyone that fireworks are illegal in Washington, D.C. While fireworks are a traditional part of Independence Day celebrations, using them within city limits poses significant risks to public safety and can lead to severe consequences.

Instead, we encourage you to enjoy the professional firework displays, which promise to be exciting and safe. Consider attending family-friendly events and activities, ensuring that everyone can celebrate in a fun and secure environment.

Here are a few tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable Independence Day:

  1. Attend Public Fireworks Displays: Leave the fireworks to the professionals and attend one of the many public displays happening in and around the city.
  2. Grill Safely: If you're planning a barbecue, make sure to follow all safety guidelines for grilling and handling food.
  3. Stay Hydrated: The summer heat can be intense, so drink plenty of water and take breaks in the shade to avoid heat-related illnesses.
  4. Be Mindful of Noise: Fireworks and loud celebrations can be stressful for pets and some people. Be considerate of your neighbors and keep noise levels reasonable.

Let's come together as a community to celebrate this special day with pride, joy, and a commitment to each other's safety. Wishing you all a memorable and happy 4th of July!

Stay safe and enjoy the celebrations!

Warm regards,


Trayon White, Sr.
Councilmember, Ward 8
Whats Open On Thursday, July 4th?
 
Outdoor pools and spray parks will operate on Thursday, July 4, from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Outdoor parks, playgrounds, athletic courts, and fields will be open. All previously permitted events in these outdoor spaces will take place as scheduled.  The following recreation centers will be open as cooling centers and for general use from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
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We want to hear your insights on our community's recreation spaces and services.

Join us for a crucial discussion about the Department of Parks & Recreation and let's ensure our agency meets the needs of the community. Your concerns matter. Use the link to sign up for the roundtable! 🗣️🤝 

#CommunityEngagement #DPRRoundtable #YourVoiceCounts
Boost Camp Registration is Still Open
 
Enrichment summer camps with both educational and recreational components!
 
Boost Camps are specialty enrichment camps geared toward tweens. These camp experiences for youth ages 11-13 provide intensive exposure and time to acquire an understanding of a specialty area. Among the specialty camps are Rocket Camp, Robotics Camp, Esports Camp, Journalism Camp, and Drone Camp.
REGISTER NOW
 
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Youth Curfew in Effect
 
via wjla 7
Starting Monday, D.C. police will begin enforcing youth curfew hours throughout the summer, aimed at reducing juvenile crime.
The curfew, which will be in effect for July and August, mandates that individuals under the age of 17 must remain indoors from 12:01 a.m. to 6 a.m., seven days a week, according to officials with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
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The Office of Councilmember Trayon White
6-Month Progress Report 2023

Click to Review
Legislative Updates
The Committee on Executive Administration and Labor (CEAL) on which Councilmember Trayon White, Sr. serves as a committee member held an additional meeting on B25-0744, the “Pay Our Youth a Fair Summer Wage Amendment Act of 2024” which amends the Youth Employment Act of 1979, to raise the wages of participants of the Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program. The District of Columbia Summer Youth Employment Program has been instrumental in providing invaluable opportunities for our youth to gain essential skills and work experience, and this is the 45th year of the program. Recently actor Jeffrey Wright, a Tony award winner and Oscar nominee, praised the Summer Youth Employment program for giving him his first job at the Anacostia pool and acknowledged that his participation opened up many possibilities for him that summer.
 
The legislation: (1) Raises the pay for youth ages 14-15 from $6.25 to $10.00 per hour. This adjustment acknowledges the increased cost of living and aims to provide a substantial financial reward for their dedication and hard work; and (2) Raises the pay for youth above 16 years old to the minimum wage (currently $17.00 per hour) to incentivize older youth to actively participate in the SYEP program.
 
The CEAL additional meeting also addressed B25-0782, the “Work Models Task Force Amendment Act of 2024” which amends the District of Columbia Comprehensive Merit Personnel Act of 1978 to establish a Work Models Task Force that evaluates competitive work models for District government employees. The Work Models Task Force would serve to navigate through this post-pandemic life and set “new norms”, with an aim to open the conversation with experts and entertain feedback from employees and managers, labor unions of government and private sector workforce, and various customers – all impacted parties, to identify reliable approaches forward for an effective work environment for the good of the District through a healthy, productive, and competitive work force.
 
On Tuesday, July 9, 2024, DC Council will hold a final Committee of the Whole and Legislative Meeting before summer recess commences on July 15, 2024.
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Committee Updates

DC Public Library
Ward 8 & Virtual Events
July 3 - July 9, 2024

Tuesday
Family Story Time
Tuesday, July 02: 10:30am - 11:00am
 Anacostia Neighborhood Library
AGE GROUP:   BIRTH - 5
EVENT TYPE:  STORY TIME, FAMILY PROGRAM, EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
These 30–40-minute story times are designed to be enjoyed by all ages.
 
Craft Tube Fireworks
Tuesday, July 02: 1:00pm - 4:00pm
 Parklands-Turner Neighborhood Library
AGE GROUP:   BIRTH - 5 5 - 12 YEARS OLD
EVENT TYPE:  ARTS & CRAFTS
Kick-off celebrating the 4th of July with this fun afternoon activity. 
 
Wednesday
Anime Club
Wednesday, July 03: 4:30pm - 5:30pm
 Parklands-Turner Neighborhood Library
AGE GROUP:   5 - 12 YEARS OLD  13 - 19 YEARS OLD (TEENS)
EVENT TYPE:  GAMING, ARTS & CRAFTS
Come meet fellow anime fans and enjoy fun activities.
 
Early Stages
Wednesday, July 03: 11:00am - 1:00pm
 Parklands-Turner Neighborhood Library
AGE GROUP:   BIRTH - 5 /ADULTS/
EVENT TYPE:  HEALTH, EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
DC's early intervention program for children birth to age 5.
 
Thursday
All Events Will Be Held Online
 
Friday
No Events
 
Saturday
No Events
 
Sunday
No Events
 
Monday
No Events
 
Tuesday
No Events
 
 
Happening Outside The Ward
 
Disability Pride Month: Scavenger Hunt
Friday, July 05: All Day
 Shepherd Park (Juanita E. Thornton) Neighborhood Library
AGE GROUP:   BIRTH - 5  5 - 12 YEARS OLD  13 - 19 YEARS OLD (TEENS)
EVENT TYPE:  WRITING
Celebrate the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with our monthly scavenger hunt!
 
Sensory Playtime
Friday, July 05: 10:30am - 11:30am
 Southwest Neighborhood Library
AGE GROUP:   BIRTH - 5
EVENT TYPE:  FAMILY PROGRAM
Join us in the Children's Room every Friday from 10:30-11:30am for fun sensory play.
 
Life... Paper. Organize. Shred! - Get organized
Sunday, July 07: 1:00pm - 4:00pm
 Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library - Lower-Level Meeting Room (50-105 Person Capacity)
AGE GROUP:   SENIORS ADULTS
EVENT TYPE:  PERSONAL ARCHIVING & DIGITIZATION, HEALTH
Life comes at you fast... Or at least along with a lot of paper!
 
Bringing the Law Library to the Community - Justice Access
Sunday, July 07: 1:30pm - 3:30pm
 Shepherd Park (Juanita E. Thornton) Neighborhood Library - Conference Room 1 (2-12 Person Capacity)
AGE GROUP:   SENIORS ADULTS
EVENT TYPE:  LEGAL CLINIC
Are you facing a legal issue and don't know where to begin? Ask a law librarian!
 
Zumba Gold - Led by Ruth
Monday, July 08: 10:00am - 11:00am
 Tenley-Friendship Neighborhood Library - Meeting Room 1 (20-100 Person Capacity)
AGE GROUP:   SENIORS
EVENT TYPE:  HEALTH, AGE-FRIENDLY DC
Get healthy and feel great with Zumba Gold!
 
 
Important Updates
Service Alert
The Bellevue/William O. Lockridge Library is closed temporarily for major repairs to the HVAC system. Work has begun and additional parts have been ordered to complete the repairs. The library will reopen once the repairs are complete. The book drop will be locked. Due dates and hold expiration dates will be extended.
 
Independence Day Hours
DC Public Library will be open online only on Thursday, July 4 in observation of Independence Day. The DC Public Library is open online for customers 365 days a year! Access digital resources and watch live and pre-recorded virtual programs on Youtube. 
 

 
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In the News

DC Council secures funding for independent oversight of DYRS in 2025 budget

The District's Department of Youth and Rehabilitation Services is under fire over allegations of fights, sexual assaults and drugs in their youth facilities.
Read Full Article
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