See updates from Councilmember McDuffie and our Team

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Neighbors,

Season's Greetings to you and your family! As we approach the New Year, I am thankful for the unique contributions that each and every one of you have made to our Ward 5 community. I appreciate your partnership and support in 2021 and look forward to a better and brighter 2022.

You may be aware of the District's current winter surge of COVID-19 cases likely caused by the latest Omicron variant. At present, the District is experiencing a daily case rate of 273.6 (per 100,000 population) as presented by DC Health. I continue to encourage you all to mask up, get tested, get vaccinated, and get boosted. Keep yourself, your loved ones, and others safe by knowing your status via the free, walkup sites ([link removed]) offering PCR and rapid tests across the District and/or find a vaccine site ([link removed]) near you. I would like to thank every Ward 5 resident who is taking the actionable steps necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community and beyond.

Stay safe and have a wonderful holiday season. #OurWard5

In Service,

Kenyan
In this issue of the Ward 5 Report:
* Statement on The Council's Passing of the Ward 5 Redistricting Amendment (#01)
* Kenyan in the News (#02)
* Kenyan in the Community (#03)
* Testing and Vaccination Updates as of December 29th (#04)
* DC Public Schools (DCPS) Return from Winter Break Update (#05)
* Indoor Vaccine Mandate Announcement (#06)
* Small Business Spotlight: Grant Opportunities (#07)
* Trash, Recycling and Foliage Collection (#08)


** Statement on The Council's Passing of Ward 5 Redistricting Amendment
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** Kenyan in the News
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Last Tuesday's, December 21, 2021, legislative approval of Councilmember McDuffie's Redistricting Amendment was a big win for Ward 5. This decision ensures that both the Armed Forces Retirement Home ([link removed]) and Washington Hospital Center ([link removed]) remain in Ward 5, and the future development of both areas benefits our community. Thank you to the countless residents who helped advocate for this successful change to boundary lines.

See some of the places Councilmember McDuffie's Ward 5 Redistricting Amendment was mentioned in the news this past week:
* D.C.'s new ward boundaries head to mayor's desk (The Washington Post ([link removed]) )
* D.C. Council Gives Final Approval To New Ward Maps (DCist ([link removed]) )
* Council Approves Redistricting Map Tuesday in Final Vote (Hill Rag ([link removed]) ) ([link removed])



** Kenyan in the Community
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Councilmember McDuffie joined the Carver-Langston community for their annual holiday toy drive on Saturday, December 18, 2021. Many thanks to Purpose Is Life ([link removed]) , Bishop Lewis and Ms. Juanita Diggs for pulling the event together, and the many others who helped deliver holiday cheer.

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** Testing and Vaccination Updates as of December 29th
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DC is leading the nation in testing. Continue using testing to know your status.


** DC Public Schools (DCPS) Return from Winter Break Update
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DCPS will be closed on Monday, January 3, 2022 and Tuesday, January 4, 2022, so that students and staff can test on those days before returning to classrooms. All DCPS students and staff will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test before returning to school on Wednesday, January 5, 2022. More information can be found below:

Additionally, several schools serve as meal pickup sites on Monday, January 3rd and Tuesday, January 4th from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. Those schools in Ward 5 have been noted below:


** Indoor Vaccine Mandate Announcement
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An indoor vaccine mandate for individuals 12+ in DC will go into effect Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 6:00 am. Patrons will be required to show proof of having received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at:
Full vaccination status for individuals 12+ will be required Tuesday, February 15, 2022.

Additionally, signage for businesses to notify patrons of the upcoming indoor vaccine mandate in their storefronts is now available for free download.

To download business signs, click here ([link removed]) .


** Small Business Spotlight: Grant Opportunities
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1. Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) Small Business Assistance Grant Program ([link removed])

The Bladensburg Road ([link removed]) and Rhode Island Avenue NE ([link removed]) Main Streets have announced a grant fund to help Ward 5 small businesses with technical assistance and storefront improvement projects, such as marketing, social media management, new signage, exterior lighting, accessibility, and more.

Applications are open now through Friday, December 31, 2021. For more information or to ask questions, contact [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

Click here ([link removed]) to apply.

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2. Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) Great Streets Retail Small Business Grant ([link removed])

Are you a Ward 5 business looking to renovate your storefront to attract new customers and drive profitability? The Great Streets Grant Program is currently accepting applications. The purpose of the grant is to support existing small businesses, attract new businesses, and transform designated commercial corridors into thriving and inviting neighborhood centers.

Applications are now open through Friday, January 14, 2022. For more information or to ask questions, contact [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

Click here ([link removed]) to apply.

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3. Food Waste Innovation Grants ([link removed])

The Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD ([link removed]) ) is now accepting applications for the first round of Food Waste Innovation Grants. These grants will provide support for restaurants, food manufacturers, shared commercial kitchens, and commercial corridors like Main Streets, to minimize food waste.

Applications are open now through Monday, January, 31, 2022 at 2:00 pm. For more information or to ask questions, contact [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

Click here ([link removed]) to apply.

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** Trash, Recycling and Foliage Collection
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The Department of Public Works (DPW ([link removed]) ) is experiencing delays in its trash and recycling collection services. Collection on your route may be slow, resulting in collection times happening later in the day. DPW scheduled trash and/or recycling collection is anytime between 6:00 am through 7:00 pm on the scheduled collection day. If after 7:00 pm, your trash is not collected, please leave trash at the normal collection point for priority collection the next day. Residents do not need to place a "missed collection" service request unless their trash/recycling is not collected within 24 hours after their normal collection day (i.e. if your normal collection day is Monday and your trash/recycling has not been collected Tuesday by 7:00 pm).

DPW anticipates a return to its normal service levels within the next two weeks. Please follow @DCDPW on Facebook ([link removed]) , Twitter ([link removed]) , and Instagram ([link removed]) for updates.

1. 'Tis the Season for Holiday Trees & Greenery Collection ([link removed])

As you prepare to un-deck the halls, the DPW will begin its collection of holiday trees and greenery on Monday, January 3, 2022, and will run through Friday, February, 2022, from DPW-serviced households, which includes single-family homes and apartment dwellings with three or fewer units.

All residents can also drop-off holiday trees and greenery at the following four locations:
* Benning Road Transfer Station (3200 Benning Road NE)
* Fort Totten Transfer Station (4900 John F. McCormack Drive NE)
* Bryant Street Sweep Shop (201 Bryant Street NW)
* South Capitol Street Graffiti Shop (2700 South Capitol Street SE)

Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm.


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2. Leaf Collection ([link removed])

Scheduled leaf collection is currently delayed. If your leaves are not collected within 14 days past your scheduled collection date, please call 311 to schedule a missed leaf collection.

Updated Leaf Collection Schedule:
* Cycle 2 Week 3 - Monday, January 3rd
+ Section C in all wards. Residents should rake their leaves out starting Sunday, January 22nd.
* Cycle 2 Week 4 - Monday, January 10th
+ Section D in all wards (if applicable). Residents should rake their leaves out starting Sunday, January 9th.
* Cycle 2 Week 5 - Monday, January 17th
+ Section E in all wards (if applicable). Residents should rake their leaves starting Sunday, January 16th.

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