Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Mendelson to Hold Zoning Hearings

Council Chairman Phil Mendelson is holding a public roundtable on the Zoning Commission's pending revision of the District’s Zoning Regulations. The proposed new regulations can substantially reshape the city, including our neighborhoods. The hearing will be held at 1 pm on Friday, October 5, 2012 at in Room 412 of the Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Ave. NW.

Those who wish to testify should call the Committee of the Whole at (202) 724-8196, or email Crispus Gordon, Legislative Assistant at cgordon@dccouncil.us by close of business Wednesday, October 3, 2012. Witnesses should limit their testimony to four minutes.

If you are unable to testify at the hearing, written statements may be submitted for the record to the Committee of the Whole, Council of the District of Columbia, Suite 506, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20004. The record closes at 5:00P p.m. Friday, October 19, 2012.

This is a critical meeting for Penn Branch and Ward 7 citizens who are interested in the development of Ward 7 and also, who want to weigh on the policies that govern development east of the Anacostia River. For more information contact Laura Richards at pbccadc@gmail.com.

The Penn Branch Citizens – Civic Association (PBCCA) elects new officers of the Executive Board at the September 11, 2012 meeting.

At the September 11, 2012 General Board meeting, the following members were elected to the Executive Committee of the Penn Branch Citizens / Civic Association:

President – Kweku Toure

Vice President – Ayana Smith

Treasurer – Keith Lopes

Recording Secretary – Lisa Baker

The Association applauds the commitment of the new Board as it transitions into its governance role.

Monday, August 20, 2012

The Lloyd D. Smith Foundation announces Scholarship winners

The Lloyd D. Smith Foundation is pleased to announce the winners of its college scholarship awards for the 2012 Fall Semester. Donna Carney, a graduate of the SEED School of Washington, DC, will be attending Florida A&M University. Janai Spruill, a graduate of IDEA Public Charter School has been accepted at George Mason University. Each Ward 7 resident will receive $2,000.00.

The Penn Branch Citizens Civic Association applauds the work of the Lloyd D. Smith Foundation, and hopes to emulate the Foundation's success.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

11th Street Bridge Update - May 15, 2012 - It's almost finished!!!

The 11^th Street Bridge Project will be completing and opening new ramps and bridges over the next 6 weeks. These changes will affect traffic patterns for both local and commuter traffic crossing the Anacostia River between Historic Anacostia and the Capitol Hill/Navy Yard area.

On or about May 18^th, the new outbound I-295 Southbound ramp opens at the intersection of 11^th & M Streets, SE (see attached exhibit). This ramp will replace the old outbound 11^th Street Bridge ramp which is east of the river which went to I-295 Southbound. The old outbound 11^th Street Bridge will only provide access to Historic Anacostia via MLK, Jr. Ave & Good Hope Road.

On or about May 23^rd, the new Local 11^th Street Bridge will open in an interim condition between Historic Anacostia and the Capitol Hill/Navy Yard area. This new bridge will accommodate both inbound and outbound local traffic (two inbound, one outbound). On the same day, the existing 13^th Street Ramp will be permanently closed (see attached exhibit). Traffic will be affected by this new opening, morning rush hour commuters should find alternate routes until the new DC 295 SB off-ramp is opened.

Both the new DC 295 Southbound off-ramp to I-695 Westbound (Inbound) to Westbound SE/SW Freeway and a new on-ramp from 11 Street to Westbound SE/SW Freeway will open in approximately 6 weeks, before July 4^th (see attached exhibit). The DC 295 SB off-ramp will greatly reduce morning rush hour congestion in Historic Anacostia and the new on-ramp from 11^th Street to Westbound SE/SW Freeway will re-establish the connection to the freeway for local traffic

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

The Winner of the PBCCA "Real Men Cooking" Competition

And the Winner Is...

Hiram Brewton!!!

Mr. Brewton won both the best dressed table presentation and the Best (Top) Chef, during the Penn Branch Citizens Civic Association's inaugural Annual Real Men Cooking competition on April 28, 2012 at Anne Beers Elementary School.. His turkey selection was clearly outstanding and we applaud Mr. Brewton for his commitment and his creativity. Also, we would like to extend our warm regards to the other champions, who committed their time, skills and resources to the Association and to the Penn Branch Community. Enjoy your victory Mr. Brewton, because next year, you'll have to defend!

Monday, April 23, 2012

REAL MEN COOK - ANNE BEERS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - APRIL 28, 2012 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

PENN-BRANCH CIVIC CITIZENS ASSOCIATION (PBCCA)

MEN AND FRIENDS BATTLE FOR THE TOP CHEF TITLE

APRIL 28

2012

3PM–6PM

ANNE BEERS

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

3600 Alabama Ave. SE

(Between Branch & Penn Aves)

Washington, D.C., 20020

To Purchase Tickets Contact:

Charles Boyd-(202) 584-3072/ CYB716@aol.com

James Ferguson-(202) 735-5646 pprg24@gmail.com

Marsha Williamson-(202) 550-6232/malupau@aol.com

General Ticket: $10

Voting Ticket: $1 each

REAL MEN COOK Event Rules

Register early as tables are limited and will go quickly!

When to Come

· The event will be held April 28, 2012 at Ann Beers Elementary School, from 3pm – 6pm

· Chefs can arrive between 1:30pm and 2pm. No arrivals permitted after 2pm

· Chef tables must be ready to receive guests by 2:30pm. The PBCCA will review tables to ensure they are in accordance with participation rules

· Each Chef must have their name on the roster; no walk-ins accepted. Your name must appear on the roster at the event entrance to gain admittance

· Any assistant attendance must have a ticket and are permitted to enter at 3pm

What to Bring - only Chefs allowed behind serving table

Chefs are responsible for providing

· Completed and submitted Registration Entry Form

· Food already cooked and ready for serving

· Table setup items and decorations

· Serving dishes and utensils

· Plastic table cloth and latex gloves

· Warming rack with pan to hold water if needed

· Sternos and matches if needed

· Clean up paper towels or cloths

· Prepare enough food for a minimum of 50 people

(Approximately 1 full size aluminum steam pan)

· A list of ingredients used in the dish must be displayed on your table in case any guests have food allergies

What you cannot bring

· Items that require plugs

· Items that are not already cooked or require cooking

· Flammable liquids or food

· Obscenity of any kind

· No alcohol for use or display

· Extension cords

What PBCCA will provide*

· All sample serving cups for guests

· All sample serving spoons for guests

· Complementary drinks

· Napkins/paper towels for guests

· Name tent for Chef with name of dish (as appears on registration entry form)

· Prizes

o Best Chef: Based on number of votes received from patrons

o Best Dressed: Judged based on theme of table decorations to food and creativity

REAL MEN COOK Registration Entry Form

Please type or print clearly

Show off your skills. Come prepared to claim your title and to have lots of fun! Invite your friends and family

Chef Name: _____________________________________________________________

Chef Contact information

Phone: ______________________________________________________

Email: ______________________________________________________

Chef Dish Category

Appetizer: ___________________________________________________

Meat Dish: __________________________________________________

Main Dish: __________________________________________________

Salad: ______________________________________________________

Dessert: ____________________________________________________

Other: _____________________________________________________

Mail must be postmarked

No later than April 23 to:

Penn Branch Citizens/Civic Association (PBCCA)

Attn: Real Men Cook

Post Office Box 6730

Washington, D.C. 20020-0430

Email must show receive date

No later than April 24 to:

CYB716@aol.com

Please ensure you have the event rules. Contact Charles Boyd with any questions

Registration acknowledges that the rules have been read and accepted for participation

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

DON’T Miss the PBCCA's Candidate Forum.

This is the political event that you’ve been waiting for: The Penn Branch Citizens / Civic Association Candidates Forum. It is scheduled for March 13, 2012 , 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Pennsylvania Baptist Church, 3000 Pennsylvania Avenue (30^th and Pennsylvania Avenue) SE, Washington, DC. Get there early, because seats will be scarce! All of the qualified candidates have accepted invitations to this vital event.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

White House Business Council Forum - March 7th and March 8th

White House Minority Business Forum

March 8, 2012

Eisenhower Executive Office Building

Washington, DC

9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Attached are the details about the upcoming White House Business Council/Business Forward Minority Business Leaders Forum. Please note that there will be a reception for attendees on Wednesday, March 7^th the evening before. Please contact me 202-469-8023 by Friday, February 17^th. (Also, please note that the forum now takes place on Thursday, March 8 (9:00 am to 4:00 pm).

I am pleased to invite you to join us in Washington DC for the March 8^th White House Business Council | Business Forward | Council of Urban Professionals ("CUP") Summit at the White House with senior Obama Administration officials focused on jobs and the economy.

Business Forward and CUP are proud to be teaming up with the White House Business Council for this invite-only convening. The official invite and RSVP information is attached above and included below.

Over the past year, the White House Business Council has hosted over 500 meetings with business and civic leaders in all 50 states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. We look forward to hosting you on March 8th at the White House for an interactive dialogue about what's working and how the private sector and government can collaborate more effectively to foster greater opportunity, innovation and job creation.

Date: Thursday, March 8, 2012

Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm

Location: The Eisenhower Executive Office Building, The White House, Washington, D.C.

RSVP Process: Kindly respond by February 23, 2012 by clicking on this link (http://www.whitehouse.gov/webform/white-house-business-council-jobs-and-economy-convenings-white-house) and filling out the requested information. On the first drop down menu, please select "03/08 - Council of Urban Professionals (CUP) Forum" Following receipt of your RSVP, you will be contacted within 24-48 hours by a representative at Business Forward who will ask you to supply information (e.g., date of birth, social security number and country of citizenship) required for clearance into the White House complex. Without this information you will not be allowed to attend the event or enter the White House.

Important Note: Please plan to arrive on March 7th for a pre-event, networking cocktail reception at L2 Lounge, in Georgetown, hosted by Business Forward, CUP and the Brunswick Group. Invites for the reception will follow.

Hotels & Lodging: We have reserved a room block and will send you information upon RSVP.

Other Questions: http://www.businessfwd.org/forumfaq or please contact - BSussman@businessfwd.org / 202.861.1288

FY 13 District of Columbia Budget Briefing - February 16, 2012

Dear Civic Association Leaders,

I write to invite you to a briefing on the proposed FY 13 District of Columbia Budget. I want to share with you the issues we are facing and decisions we must make to remain fiscally responsible. Please join me so you can share your ideas on how we can meet our current service needs and continue to grow and diversify our economy. The briefing will be on Thursday , February 16^th from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm in the Old Council Chambers at 441 4^th Street, NW. Please confirm your attendance with Francisco Fimbres at francisco.fimbres@dc.gov by Tuesday, February 7^th. I look forward to seeing you on the 16^th.

Sincerely,

Vince

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Metropolitan Police Department / Citizens Advisory Council Celebration of Black History Month.

The Community is invited to the annual Black History Month celebration of the MPD Seventh District Citizens Advisory Council (CAC). At the meeting/celebration, presentations will be made by Jennifer Greene, DC Unified Communications Center; Chief Kenneth Ellerbe, DC Fire and Emergency Medical Service; Nancy Ware, Director, Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency; and LaJuan Stevens, General Services Administration. In addition, the Tabernacle Crusade Choir will render a few selections and a special guest will bring greetings. The event will be held at Faith Tabernacle of Prayer, 2465 Alabama Avenue SE on Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 7:00pm. Please see the attached flier to share with neighbors and friends. If you have any questions, please contact

Contact:

Lendia Sue Johnson, Community Outreach Coordinator, Seventh District, Metropolitan Police Department, 2455 Alabama Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20020, phone: 202-698-1454, 202-439-5475 or lendia.johnson@dc.gov

Penn Branch Citizens Civic Association: From the Beginning

The Penn-Branch Citizens / Civic Association was formed over 40 years ago by members in the community. The need for an association stemmed from specific neighborhood concerns such as water and sewer problems; the lack of sidewalks and curbs on some blocks; no posted traffic signs; and issues arising from the many District and Federal Parks that surround or are located within Penn-Branch.

The boundaries of the community served by the association extend from 38^th Street East to Branch Avenue West, and from Pennsylvania Avenue South to Pope Branch Park North. Within these boundaries are approximately 550 houses on tree lined streets covering rolling hills with easy access to the many wonderful features of the greater Washington metropolitan area. The Penn-Branch community is a touch of the suburbs in an urban setting providing the best of both worlds.

The Penn-Branch Citizens Association, as it was called until 1989, began through the formation of a number of committees, the responsibilities included working with the District and Federal Governments on varying problems. The most active committees over the years have been the Legislative and Public Works Committees, and the Neighborhood Security Patrol. Security Patrol members have contributed countless hours to assuring the security of the Penn-Branch residents. The work of the residents who have served on the PBC/CA’s many other committees have brought about many desirable improvements, and protected the community from unwanted change. The association maintains a pocket park at the corner of Carpenter and O streets, the gateway to Penn-Branch. A major project in recent year was the petitioning of the city to rebuild the crumbling O Street retaining wall. The association working with Dupont Park neighbors, defeated a proposal to erect a cellular monopole at the Penn-Branch shopping center that would have defeated our vistas. We host two major social events during the year, a Christmas Potluck and Carols on the second Tuesday in December (free – just bring a dish to serve at least four or more) and a Spring Dinner Dance, a proven fund-raiser and a reliable good time.

The Annual Membership drive runs from September to December. Through the year, the association welcomes the volunteer efforts of all Penn-Branch residents in carrying out its programs. While its leadership has changed hands many times over the years, the association continues as a stable, cohesive force owing to the time and services freely given by residents.

The PBC/CA is incorporated as a non-profit organization, and is a member of the D.C. Federation of Civic Associations. The By-laws of the association have changed from time-to-time; one significant change allows two votes per household if a two-member household exists.

In 1989, the membership voted unanimously to change the name from the Penn Branch Citizens Association to the Penn Branch Citizens/Civic Association to acknowledge a more diverse tradition of community organization.

The Penn-Branch Citizens / Civic Association, Inc. is “A Community Committed to Excellence” with the goal to create a safe and desirable community in which to live.

Officers- a president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer- are elected to one-year terms. A nominating committee appointed by the president solicits a slate of candidates during April, which is presented to the membership and voted on at the May meeting. Nominations may be made from the floor. Newly elected officers are sworn in at the June meeting, and begin serving in September. The president appoints committee chairs. A grass-root network of block captains serves as conduit through which concerns and information are shared between the association and its members. The association also publishes a monthly newsletter.

Our success in accomplishing the association’s goals can only be achieved to the extent that all the neighbors in Penn-Branch participate to ensure that the community we chose to live in remains a community we want to live in.