Dear Ward 8 Residents:

Black History Month is a time to reflect and celebrate the influence and excellence of our historical black leaders and to uplift and highlight the rising leaders of today.

President Joe Biden strongly affirmed last week that he would nominate the first Black woman to the U.S. Supreme Court, identifying that this historical representation is long overdue, making the commitment to announce his pick by the end of this month.

In moments like this, while we cannot deny strides Black Americans have made towards equality, equity and inclusion, we realize there are many more doors to open and much more representation to be had.

As we continue to improve our community, we must be resilient amongst adversity, much like our black predecessors. As a predominately black ward, we must continue to make strides in education, economic development and build inroads for our residents to obtain success and reinforce the mission of equality, opportunity and freedom for all.

It is a pleasure to serve the residents of the great Ward 8.

Peace and love,

Councilmember Trayon White, Sr.


** Quick Links
------------------------------------------------------------
* Need a Test? Get a Test: Learn more about COVID-19 testing sites ([link removed])
* Hospital Coming to Ward 8: See Plans for New Hospital ([link removed])
* Check out the 2020 Ward 8 Progress Report ([link removed])

Zoom Meeting: February 2, 2022 at 6:00pm
Register to attend: [link removed]
The MBSYEP application period has been extended to March 6, 2021.
Apply now at [link removed] ([link removed])
Ward 8 Budget Conversation | Zoom Webinar
Feb 9, 2022 at 6:00 PM
Click here to register: [link removed]
Seniors! Join Councilmember Trayon White on Saturday, February 12th at 12:00pm. The tele-townhall will be held via conference call and online. For those who wish to attend online, please register in advance using this link: [link removed] ([link removed])

We encourage Ward 8 residents 60 years and older and those who care for them, to join the townhall to discuss the urgent needs of our beloved residents.

During this meeting, we intend to discuss:
* Public Safety
* Estate Planning
* Taxes and Insurance
* Food Access
* Home Repairs
* Community Resources
* COVID-19 & Healthcare Resources

[link removed]
February 1, 2022

Councilmember Trayon White voted in favor of the streetlight contract. The contract passed with 10 votes in support, two opposed being Chairman Mendelson and Councilmember Grary. Councilmember McDuffie recused himself.

Click to learn more below:
Contract No. CW95800 with Plenary Infrastructure DC Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2021(PR 24-550). ([link removed])

[link removed]
January 27, 2022

The Committee on Recreation, Libraries & Youth Affairs held a Performance Oversight Hearing. The following agency testified:
* Department of Parks and Recreation

Performance Oversight Hearing Synopsis

There were 26 public witnesses. Much of the testimony was geared around the following:
* Programs that DPR helped to sponsor, such as Casey Trees.
* The benefits of DPR programs, such as FitDC, Recreation Pop-Ups at Oxon Run Park, cheerleading with DC Elite, tEmery Recreation Center, and tennis the Southeast Tennis & Learning Center.
* New facilities and increasing communication surrounding the progress of facilities, such as Crummell School.
* Current facilities that require renovations, such as Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center.

There was a testimony regarding the concern around long-term leases for public facilities by private companies. One public witness advocated for more transparency around contracts that have allowed private companies to take over DPR facilities and parks for decades.

DPR Director Delano Hunter discussed the programs that it offered over the past year and how they dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic, including creating virtual programs for seniors. He discussed the first School Year Internship Program that was sparked by their Teen Career Camps. He also mentioned their increased use of providing and maintaining greenspace, constructing a new community garden at Congress Heights Recreation Center, renovated gardens at Ferebee Hope and Fort Greble Recreation Centers.


** Meetings & Hearings Schedule
------------------------------------------------------------
Click to see the upcoming hearings: [link removed]


** Councilmember Trayon White works with DGS to resolve heating issues at Turner Elementary School.
------------------------------------------------------------

On January 28th, Councilmember Trayon White met with school administrators at Turner Elementary School to help resolve the heat and power issues.

School administrators are doing everything in their power to address the issues. My office has been in contact with the Department of General Services (DGS) and we are awaiting next steps.

Thank you to all of the concerned parents and residents that alerted our office.


** VaxDC FAQ
VaxDC: Vaccination Entry Requirement for Certain Businesses – Guidance and FAQ ([link removed])
------------------------------------------------------------

To help stop the spread of COVID-19, the District of Columbia is launching a city wide vaccination entry requirement (VaxDC), which calls for establishments to verify that patrons are vaccinated against
COVID-19.
Hours of operation:
Monday - Friday from 9:00am - 5:30pm
CLOSED Saturday, Sunday & Holidays
Wendy Glenn: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
Director, Constituent Services
Department of Employment Services
Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia
DCACL
ERCPCP/ACC Faith Leaders

Louise Thorne: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
Constituent Services Specialist
DC Public Schools
DC Housing Authority
Department of Human Services
Utilities: PEPCO, DC Water, Washington Gas
Office of the State Superintendent of Education

Eric Cleckley: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
Constituent Services Specialist
District Department of Transportation
Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs
Department of Energy and Environment

James Wood: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
Constituent Services Specialist
Department of Motor Vehicles
Department of Public Works
Senior Related Issues

For all other constituent services concerns, please contact Wendy Glenn.

============================================================
** Twitter ([link removed])
** Facebook ([link removed])
** Website ([link removed])
Copyright © 2022 Council of the District of Columbia, All rights reserved.
Ward 8 Outreach

Our mailing address is:
Council of the District of Columbia
1350 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Suite 400
Washington, DC 20004
USA
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can ** update your preferences ([link removed])
or ** unsubscribe from this list ([link removed])
Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp
[link removed]