December 6, 2024
Dear Washingtonians,
In last week’s newsletter, I had a challenge for the holiday season – to think about what you can do to help somebody else’s holiday season be a little bit brighter. We know that for our local businesses, the next few weeks are a critical period. So, one way we can make the holiday brighter for DC businesses is by supporting them.
Stacey Price, who is a co-founder of Made in DC, said it well earlier this week: “…These businesses are the people who make your community more colorful – they make people want to come here, live here, invest here. These are the businesses that make us so DC.”
Shopping locally means more than just finding great gifts. It's about supporting our neighbors, strengthening our local economy, and investing in the businesses that make our city shine. That's why, over the past decade, we've used the Great Streets Retail and Locally Made Manufacturing grant programs to award more $42 million to more than 500 businesses across the District. Those grants have helped create more than 2,000 jobs for DC residents.
And when you're out in our shopping corridors, expect to see an increased MPD presence. In addition to our sworn patrol officers, MPD is deploying more than 100 recruits from the MPD Academy to assist in business corridors across the city. So, if you see our recruits, make sure to say hello!
Let's keep working together to have a safe, joyous, and prosperous holiday season.
Sincerely,
  Check out photos from this week here and listen to the new episode of Chef Spike Mendelsohn's new podcast, In The Weeds, here.
 Kick off the New Year by participating in the 11th Annual FITDC Fresh Start 5K! This New Year’s Day tradition will take place on Wednesday, January 1, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Anacostia Park.
The FITDC Fresh Start 5K is a free, family-friendly event open to people of all ages and abilities. On January 1, same-day registration will begin at 9:00 a.m., with the Kids Dash starting at 10:15 am and the 5K starting at 11:00 a.m.
Register at fitdcfreshstart5k2025.splashthat.com to receive a commemorative T-shirt, timed runner’s bib, and medal (while supplies last).
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 Tomorrow, join us at Eastern High School for the grades 9-12 EdFEST, your opportunity to explore high school options for the upcoming school year. Additionally, DCPS Persists will be on site to help eligible students and parents complete the FAFSA.
Families will also be able to connect with representatives from DCPS and public charter schools to ask questions about academic programs, support services, extracurriculars, and more. Whether you're new to the school system or simply exploring options, EdFEST is your one-stop shop for planning your child's education.
Grades 9-12 EdFEST
The PK3-Grade 8 EdFEST will take place next Saturday at the DC Armory:
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 Celebrate the holidays at Sycamore & Oak with an afternoon of fun for the whole family. Enjoy free giveaways from local stores, delicious food tastings for the first 1,000 guests, face painting and activities for kids, photos with Santa, and live Go-Go music!
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When: Saturday, December 7 at 2:00 p.m.
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Where: Sycamore & Oak (1110 Oak Drive SE)
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Reserve tickets: sycamoreandoak.com
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 Step into the holiday spirit at Mistletoe Mingle, a two-day outdoor celebration filled with music, crafts, and festive fun. Enjoy live jazz and holiday tunes as you sip on holiday drinks, shop local vendors, and explore craft workshops. And don't miss your chance to see the new National Mistletoe, an aerial installation by multi-disciplinary artist My Ly.
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When: Saturday, December 7 and Saturday, December 14, 12:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
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Where: 8th Street NW, across from the Apple Store and Carnegie Library
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Find additional details here
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