July 4, 2020 Dear Neighbors, The photo above was taken one year ago at Crestwood's 2019 4th of July Parade, pre-coronavirus. I'm sure we all long for time time when we once again can gather and celebrate with our neighbors. This year, of course, we should all be celebrating at home. Mayor Bowser is asking us to commemorate the holiday at home, reminding us that we're still under a public health emergency due to the coronavirus pandemic. We will miss the annual Crestwood parade but will look forward to when we can gather safely once again.  The photo above was also taken before the murder of George Floyd. It is said that Mr. Floyd's murder awakened the conscience of a nation and put a spotlight on the systemic racism that is part of the history of our country. But resources about the history of Black Americans are not something that have been unavailable before May 25, 2020. Neighbor Shanel Anthony, who envisioned and spoke at a vigil against racism in Crestwood, compiled the following resources. I encourage you, if you haven't already done so, to dive in. After all: "In a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist, we must be antiracist.” - Angela Davis - Pavan Khoobchandani, CCA President Podcast 1619 by New York Times About Race Code Switch by NPR Seeing White Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast Pod For The Cause by The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. Intersectionality Matters! By Kimberle’ Crenshaw Pod Save the People by Crooked Media  Books to read: Black Feminist Thought by Patricia Hill Collins Eloquent Rage by Brittney Cooper Heavy: An American Memoir by Kiese Laymon How to be an antiracist by Ibram x. Kendi I know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Ohio The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander White Fragility by Robin Di Angelo, PhD  Organizations to follow: Antiracism Center Audre Lorde Project Black Women’s Blueprint Color of Change Colorlines The Conscious Kid Equal Justice Initiative Families Belong Together The Leadership Conference on Civil & Human Rights MPowerChange Muslim Girl NAACP National Domestic Workers Alliance RAICES Showing Up for Radical Justice SisterSong United We Dream Films and Shows to Watch: NetFlix 13th-Ava DuVernay American Son-Kenny Leon Dear White People-Justin Simien See You Yesterday-Stefon Bristol When They See Us-Ava DuVernay  HULU If Beale Street Could Talk-Barry Jenkins The Hate U Give-George Tillman Jr  RENT Selma-Ava DuVernay Fruitvale Station-Roger Coogler Clemency-Chinonye Chukwu I Am Not Your Negro-James Baldwin documentary

Photographer: https://www.instagram.com/martagpr_photo/

On Sunday May 31, 2020 Crestwood neighbors gathered at the Triangle for a candlelight vigil and moment of silence in solidarity as a neighborhood against racism, police brutality, and hate.  You can view the remarks here. Thank you to lifelong DC resident, Crestwood neighbor, and former Chair of ANC 4C Shanel Anthony for his powerful words, and to Crestwood native Sam Washington for her encouragement for material support for protestors. And thank you to photographer Marta González de la Peña for documenting the vigil. To follow Marta on Instagram please click here.

Dear Neighbors,  Today, Sunday May 31 at 6:00pm join us at the Triangle Park at 18th and Argyle for a candlelight vigil and moment of silence in solidarity as a neighborhood against racism, police brutality and hate. Crestwood is neighborhood rich with diversity. The issues of the nation affect us.  We believe social distancing can still be maintained while speaking up against injustice. Please wear a mask and keep at least 6 feet distancing (feel free to stand in the street) We will have tea candles available, please bring your own lighters or matches.  If uncomfortable with socially gathering, we encourage you to stand on your porch with a candle at 6pm to show support.  In a racist society it is not enough to be non-racist, we must be anti-racist. -Angela Y. Davis Thank you to lifelong DC resident, Crestwood neighbor, and former Chair of ANC 4C Shanel Anthony for inspiring this demonstration of solidarity.

Report on May 19, 2020 Crestwood Citizens Association Annual Meeting

Dear Crestwood Neighbors,  On behalf of our returning Board members, I would like to thank you for re-electing us and giving us the opportunity to serve this unique and incredible neighborhood. Your Board for 2020-2021 is:  President – Pavan Khoobchandani First Vice President – Doug Barker Second Vice President - John Favazzo Secretary - Pat Kennedy Treasurer – Carey DeMatteis Communications Director – Kathleen Eder I'd like to extend a welcome to Carey as a new Board member. Carey is going to help us navigate the new requirements of some exciting news - the CCA is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization! The first thing that we used that status for was to work with Rock Creek Conservancy to submit a Community Stormwater Solutions Grant for money to help maintain the Carter Barron Retrofit project and to help with other stormwater runoff issues. So fingers crossed on that, and hopefully you’ll be hearing more about how you can help with that project.  I'd like to thank outgoing CCA Treasurer Peter Richman for his service to the neighborhood. Peter provided a lot of guidance and assistance to the CCA over the past year, allowing us to be in a position to donate $1000 to Thrive DC to help with their work during the pandemic.  The election was done a little differently this year due to the virtual nature of our Annual Meeting, and the vote was unanimous. If you have any questions or concerns, please let us know at info@crestwooddc.org.  Best-  Pavan Khoobchandani Blagden Avenue pkhoobchandani@gmail.com Special Thank Yous! Thank you to the following neighbors that have supported the Association over the past year:  Harriet Winslow and everyone that came out for the July 4 parade Kristina and Mike Gill for hosting the Sunday-After-Labor Day Picnic Denise Woods for coordinating CASA Crestwood Tour of Homes, as well as the volunteers, homeowners and exclusive sponsors John Mahshie and Jay Fazio Hala Harik Hayes and family for coordinating the Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot Danielle Reyes for organizing an incredible contribution to the Rock Creek Gala on behalf of Crestwood neighbors and, along with Ethan Landis, serving on the Board of the Rock Creek Conservancy Christian Salinas and Brandon Green for hosting the 2019 Holiday Party Beverly and John Ostenso for compiling monthly crime statistics All our Action Team Leads The Dabbs Family for hosting Christmas Caroling The Aging-In-Place Action Team led by Yvonne Baskerville and Jackie Jackson Gale Black, our ANC SMD 4A08 Commissioner All the pet waste stations volunteers headed up by George Chaconas There have been many many other neighbors that have contributed in important ways, and we want to thank them as well! Meeting Highlights This was our first virtual meeting, held by Zoom with a dial in for those who wanted to call in by phone. It went over very well (over 50 attendees), and many neighbors that were generally unable to attend our regular meetings were able to connect with us virtually. We'll plan on continuing to use Zoom when our in-person meetings resume.   Stephen Marencic from the District of Columbia’s Office of the People’s Council presented some information about utility payments during the pandemic. He explained that there is a temporary moratorium on all utility cutoffs. He also said that at the end of the emergency, people who were behind in their utility bills would be expected to make arrangements to pay back their arrears. He also presented some tips to avoid high bills in the future. More information can be found here.    Peter Richman presented an update on membership, noting that we are at 182 active members, up from 150 last year. Our goal is 200! You can join or renew your membership at crestwooddc.org.    Councilmember Todd spoke about COVID-19 cases in Ward 4 and answered questions that neighbors submitted by chat. He noted there would be budget shortfalls, with schools, police and senior services at the top of the priority list. He also said that the DC Council is conducting business at Zoom meetings.    There have been no developments regarding the proposal to install a playground at the Triangle.    CCA Green Team Lead Doug Barker reported on the Green Team efforts. We have several neighborhood heroes who are maintaining the dog bag stations, and those of us with dogs need to be careful not to overfill the bag containers or leave bags that won’t fit in on the ground.    CCA Secretary Pat Kennedy will lead an effort for the next Crestwood Directory. There's a split in the neighborhood, with many wanting a paper only directory as has been done in the past, and others wanting a password-protected online directory. There are pros and cons to both.    Crestwood neighbor and Rock Creek Conservancy Board Member Ethan Landis updated us on the Carter Baron rehab project (stalled for now) and efforts to involve other neighborhoods abutting Rock Creek Park to help promote the Rock Creek Conservancy.    DC Board of Elections is encouraging residents to vote by mail for the June 16 primary election. The deadline to request a mail in ballot is May 26. Visit dcboe.org to make the request and learn more. The CCA will be subsidizing the purchase of "Please Wear A Face Mask" yard signs for neighbors to place in their yards, as well as purchasing some signs for common areas. The cost of the sign is $15, and the CCA will pay for half of that. If you are interested in a sign, please email info@crestwooddc.org.  If you’re interested in learning more about Crestwood’s history, check out Crestwood, 300 Acres, 300 Years, by former Crestwood neighbor and Crestwood historian David Swerdloff. You can purchase it from crestwooddc.org. Graduates Rock! Neighbors Kendra and Byron Kinnaird are organizing a neighborhood-wide socially distant celebration on Friday, May 29th at 4:00pm, to celebrate Crestwood graduates who are not able to partake in the usual graduation ceremonies and celebrations due to the coronavirus.  They are asking all of our neighbors to come out to their front porch or front lawn and cheer, play music, or wave signs to congratulate the graduates on their accomplishments. They plan to organize any of the high school seniors who want to participate into a parade of cars. They will weave through the streets of Crestwood and hopefully, feel all of the enthusiasm and love from their neighbors.   If you are interested in participating, please email Kendra at kcmullin@gmail.com and let her know you plan to attend. If you are (or have) a graduating senior who wants to participate in the car parade, please also email the above address so we can coordinate where to join the line of cars.   Plan to be home (hehe) and we hope you join in the celebration! We'll send out a reminder and any additional coordination information next week.

Annual Meeting - Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at 7pm  The Crestwood Citizens Association Annual Meeting will take place virtually on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 via Zoom. If you do not want to use Zoom, there will be a regular conference call number for you to dial in by telephone.  The current plan is not to open up the meeting for spoken questions or comments - rather, it will be a presentation-only meeting with the Board speaking and responding to written questions/comments. Neighbors will have an opportunity to make comments through the Zoom chat function or by sending an email. We will have Board members monitoring both avenues in real time and will be able to raise questions and comments with the group as appropriate. We know this is not ideal, and we appreciate everyone's understanding. We've already heard some things that neighbors want to talk about including: Crestwood Connectors (block captain program), homelessness in Rock Creek Park, the Triangle, Blagden Avenue sidewalk, 16th Street Corridor, 501(c)(3) status, and zoning issues. If there are particular issues that you would like us to address, please email info@crestwooddc.org or respond to this email.  We will not be voting on Board officers at the meeting. Rather, paid CCA members will receive information on how to vote by email prior to the meeting. The following current Board members will be running for re-election: Pavan Khoobchandani for President, Doug Barker and John Favazzo for Vice President, Pat Kennedy for Secretary, and Kathleen Eder for Communications Director.

We have one new candidate, Carey DeMatteis, who is running for Treasurer. Carey's candidate statement is as follows:  Along with my wife and two toddlers, I’ve called Crestwood home for four years now. I’ve been impressed with the great work accomplished by the CCA and I’d like to be part of the effort going forward. These are unprecedented times forcing neighbors to physically distance from one another. The Association is well positioned to facilitate new connection points among neighbors during this time and well beyond, and to continue its overall work in building a strong Crestwood community.      As Treasurer, my goals for the Association are to: Nurture and build on the existing strengths of the neighborhood Support membership enrollment as well as alternative funding sources such as grants, allowing the Association to do more for the community Continue building the Association's relationships with government officials/agencies to ensure Crestwood’s voice is heard and issues are addressed in an effective and timely manner.

Help Rock Creek Park Recover!

Have you heard? The Association will donate $25 for the first 40 Crestwood neighbors that make a gift of ANY size to Rock Creek Conservancy before May 10 to help Rock Creek Park recover from our increased enjoyment of the park. Learn more and donate here!

COVID-19 Resources

As a reminder, CCA Board Members Kathleen Eder and John Favazzo are leading an effort to connect Crestwood neighbors that may need some assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic and neighbors who would like to help. We've had an outpouring of support and offers of assistance for things such as shopping, chatting, checking in, tech support, etc.  But not too many neighbors have indicated they would like to avail themselves of these resources.  Please email neighborly@crestwooddc.org if you know of anyone that may need something or if you have any ideas on ways that we can help alleviate issues caused by social distancing and the closing of non-essential businesses in the District.

Virtual Ward 4 Democratic Candidates Forum - TONIGHT, 7 pm

For the June 2, 2020 Primary for Ward 4 Councilmember Tuesday April 28, 2020 - 7:00 to 8:00 PM Co-hosted by Chevy Chase Citizens Association, ANC 3/4G, and Ward 4 Democrats Interested parties are invited to attend this virtual candidates forum employing the Zoom webinar platform.  Candidates Marlena Edwards, Janeese Lewis George and Brandon Todd will answer questions posed by two moderators (Candace Nelson, President of the Ward 4 Dems and Samantha Nolan, Past President of the CCCA). Please click the following link to join the webinar which will start at 7:00 pm April 28, 2020:  https://zoom.us/j/95452323745 or telephone:  Dial 301-715-8592, Webinar ID: 954 5232 3745 Randy Speck, Chair of the Chevy Chase ANC will host.  The moderators have consolidated the questions submitted to date. There will be no Q & A during the forum from non-moderator viewers. All viewers will be muted.  The forum is limited to 100 participants.  Once this number is reached, anyone else interested may view the forum via a recording uploaded to the ANC ¾ G Website: http://www.anc3g.org or their YouTube channel: ANC3G. DC is encouraging voters to vote by mail this election season. Learn more here. Please note, you can complete the entire absentee ballot request process electronically on your mobile device (smart phone or tablet) by downloading and using our mobile application, Vote 4 DC, and signing your application on your device screen with your fingertip or a stylus.

If A Tree, or A Flower, Or a Bird Has Lifted Your Spirits Recently, Join Us In Supporting Rock Creek Park!

Dear Crestwood Neighbors, Over the last few weeks, we have seen so many people enjoying Rock Creek Park, which is an important outlet for our physical and mental health. We’re thankful that we have been able to continue to seek respite and refuge in our backyard wilderness.  Please join the Crestwood Citizens Association in supporting the Rock Creek Conservancy, the hyper-local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is an official philanthropic partner to Rock Creek Park. You can make a difference in caring for our park by supporting the Conservancy's efforts to help Rock Creek Park recover from the impacts of all of our enjoyment.   As an incentive, the Crestwood Citizens Association will make a gift to the Conservancy of $25 for the first 40 Crestwood neighbors who make a gift of ANY size by May 10, 2020. Click here to make your donation today!   Take care, stay socially-distant, and thanks for being part of the Crestwood community caring for Rock Creek! -- Ethan Landis, Rock Creek Conservancy Board Member -- Pavan Khoobchandani, Crestwood Citizens Association President  p.s. We understand the CARES Act includes an extra $300 above-the-line tax deduction for charitable donations in 2020 - even if you don't itemize.    p.p.s  You may have received a “Save the Date” announcement about the Rock Creek Gala scheduled for October 17, 2020 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel. Please click here to find out more about it - it is shaping up to be an outstanding event!

The Crestwood Citizens Association Annual Meeting is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, May 19, 2020. If necessary, we will convert the meeting to a conference call or video presentation.  The officers of the Association consist of a president, a first vice president, a second vice president, a secretary, a communications director, and a treasurer. If you are interested in serving in one of these positions, please send an email to info@crestwooddc.org by April 24, 2020 with a statement of your goals and plans for the Association. The names and candidate statements will be circulated three weeks before the May meeting.

Banners Across Crestwood

Crestwood neighbor Frances Burg of the National Children's Museum spearheaded a lovely initiative on our listserv, whereby neighbors crested positive signs on the front of their homes to provide a scavenger hunt for neighborhood kids and inspirational messages for the community. The initiative was covered by Petworth News, which included photos of many of the signs. The winner of the scavenger hunt won a year-long, family membership to National Children’s Museum, which is a unique hybrid children’s museum and science center, filling a critical void for interactive science, technology, engineering, arts, and math focused learning in the District for children under the age of 12.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

CCA Board Members Kathleen Eder and John Favazzo are leading an effort to connect Crestwood neighbors that may need some assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic and neighbors who would like to help. We've had an outpouring of support and offers of assistance for things such as shopping, chatting, checking in, tech support, etc.  Please email neighborly@crestwooddc.org if you know of anyone that may need something or if you have any ideas on ways that we can help alleviate issues caused by social distancing and the closing of non-essential businesses in the District.

Blagden Avenue Notice Of Intent To Install Sidewalk

The District Department of Transportation has issued a long-awaited notice of intent to install a sidewalk on Blagden Avenue between Mathewson and Allison St. The last day to provide comments is Monday, April 27, 2020. Under the proposal, the sidewalk will be built in the roadway, and Blagden Avenue will be narrowed to allow for the installation.

Crestwood Connectors

Thanks to neighbors Rachel Homer and Carol Fishback for a push to re-energize the block captain program, where neighbors act as a block lead for checking on neighbors, getting information distributed, etc. Another important role of the block caption will be to help put together an update of the neighborhood directory, which has not been published for a while.  Thanks to everyone that has already offered to serve as a Crestwood Connector. If you'd like to take on this role for your block (or your side of your block), please let us know at neighborly@crestwooddc.org.

Filing a Police Report During Coronavirus

While MPD facilities remain open at this time, they request that citizens file non-emergency police reports online: https://mpdc.dc.gov/service/file-police-report-online In an emergency, call 911. For non-emergencies & request city services, call 311. For all operational adjustments, please visit: https://mpdc.dc.gov/page/mpd-and-coronavirus-covid-19

Dear Neighbors -  I wanted to reach out to you regarding the COVID-19 global pandemic and resulting District of Columbia state of emergency. In light of the concerns about coronavirus transmission and the rapidly evolving guidance regarding public gatherings, we are cancelling the March 17, 2020 Crestwood meeting. We'll discuss the Triangle playground proposal the next time we meet which we hope will be the May Annual Meeting.

If you know of anyone in need during this time, or would like to offer assistance to those in need, we'd like to try to be a catalyst if possible. Please note: we are not trying to start a discussion about the merit or efficacy of any particular policy, recommendation, or measure. Please email neighborly@crestwooddc.org if you know of anyone that may need something or if you have any ideas on ways that you could help alleviate issues caused by social distancing (which the CDC is recommending for older adults) or closures of certain establishments such as schools. CCA Board Members Kathleen Eder and John Favazzo are going to be taking the lead on this effort. You can see what Petworth is doing in this regard here to get ideas - but we're not going to publish names or emails broadly.  Already, DCPS and most private schools have or will close for March and many companies are instituting telecommuting arrangements, which means we are going to have a lot of people at home when they usually aren't. A couple of ideas raised by Commissioner Black to help with this and other issues:  If/when local universities close, it's possible that students may need to vacate their current housing situation. If you can offer a room, maybe we can help connect people.    As the weather is getting nicer, there is nothing to say that we can't take advantage of our lovely neighborhood as long as we stay 6 feet away from others. Hello Yoga At The Triangle, aka "Moms and Dads need to get away from their kids for an hour so honey I'm leaving." If you're interested in leading a yoga class, nature walk, or something else, let us know and we'l see if we can put something together and send out information.    If you can do it safety, checking in on older neighbors that may need supplies but do not wish to go to the store can be very helpful. You may even be able to order delivery to their address and/or pick something up for them that they may need.    Social distancing can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness in older adults. Think about ways you can engage your neighbors - maybe take a walk outside together, visit in a safe manner if the neighbor is open to it, or even ramping up phone calls could help.    If you're handy and bored, maybe you can offer to help people with projects around the house at a discounted rate? Or maybe you can be on call for emergency plumbing help?  If you have any thoughts or ideas, please share them with us at neighborly@crestwooddc.org - let's all work together.  If there is anything else we can do to help, please let us know.  Yours in safety and community -  Pavan Khoobchandani President, Crestwood Citizens Association

The ANC 4A meeting scheduled for January 7, 2019 is postponed due to the weather and the closing of the federal government, which DC follows.  We will notify you of the rescheduled date.