BROWN WELCOMES BEN'S CHILI BOWL TO THE NEW NATIONALS BALLPARK
Event celebrates Nationals partnership with DC historic landmark
On Friday, March 21, At-Large Councilmember Kwame R. Brown joined The Washington Nationals, Mayor Adrian Fenty and Ward 1 Councilmember Jim Graham to celebrate the baseball team’s partnership with Ben’s Chili Bowl to provide concessions for the new Nationals ballpark. Gathered in the rear dining area of Ben’s Chili Bowl, located on historic U Street, Brown remarked on the challenges met to ensure that concessions featured local businesses and considers the partnership a homerun for local participation. “While we may not have received all that we wanted, I am most excited to hear that Nats fans will not only be able to enjoy a Ben’s hot dog from a single cart, but can also get Ben’s Chili from many other concessions throughout the stadium,” said Brown. “With all the public dollars spent for the new stadium, this partnership among many others with our local businesses best demonstrates why our new ballpark is what I call The Peoples’ Stadium.” A Washington DC landmark that has been serving its famous chili, chili dogs and chili half smokes since 1958, Ben’s Chili Bowl is one of 12 local food vendors who will have concessions stands or specialty carts in the new Nationals Park. The nationals open the 2008 regular season on Sunday, March 30 in a nationally television game vs. the Atlanta Braves. Ben’s Chili Bowl will be open for business starting on Saturday, March 29 for the Nationals exhibition game vs. the Baltimore Orioles.
BROWN ATTENDS SHAW CRIME COMMUNITY MEETING
On Wednesday, March 19, Councilmember Brown attended a Shaw Crime Community Meeting. The event, hosted by Ward 2 Councilmember Jack Evans was held at the Scripture Cathedral, focused on the responses to the increase in shootings in Shaw, what is being done and what are the strategies and plans for the future. The panel discussion featured members of groups that are working on the front lines and have direct relationship with the community including: Alliance of Concerned Men; Columbia Heights/Shaw Family Support Collaborative; COPE; CSOSA; Peaceoholics; ROOT, Inc.; Roving Leaders; Serenity Inc.; TASK and the Metropolitan Police Department. Brown discussed a solution to reducing crime activities by providing productive alternatives for youth and young adults that will add to their future career path. "Many of those committing crimes lack opportunities and feel that being on the streets is their only alternative," said Brown. "With the reopening of Phelps and restoring adult vocational facilities in our city, I believe we can open the door of opportunity that will better their futures and support employment requirements necessary to meet our new workforce." "As we show them how to solve problems peacefully, we must also give our young men and women the tools to develop the skills to succeed beyond the block."
STUDENTS FIRST: BROWN COMMENDS OUTLINED FY 2009 BUDGET PRIORITIES FOR DCPS STUDENTS
Councilmember Brown comments on the announcement made by the Fenty Administration to increase comprehensive staffing with an 89 percent increase in art teachers, 72 percent increase in full-time music teachers and an 18 percent increase in physical education teachers: “I commend the Mayor, Chancellor Rhee and Deputy Mayor Reinoso for acting swiftly to ensure that our students receive the much needed resources in the classroom” said Brown. “It is unacceptable for our children not to have the basic elements of music, art and physical education. With both the legislation I introduced last fall and by working with the Mayor to ensure that these programs are continuously funded, I look forward to seeing our children take full advantage of the activities that will enrich their educational experience.”
SPRING BREAK IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW AND REGISTER FOR DPR SUMMER CAMPS
The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) would like to encourage parents during this Spring Break to review DPR’s Summer Camp programs with their children and register while enrollment slots are still available. DPR offers a diverse array of exciting urban recreation and camping opportunities for youth ages 3 to17, including sports camps, aquatic camps, therapeutic camps, and other day camps. DPR also offers Discovery Camps for youth ages 6 to 13, and Little Explorers Camps for youth ages 3 to 5. Camp Riverview is DPR’s premier overnight residential camp located on the shores of the Potomac River in Scotland, MD.
The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Summer Camps 2008 will run June 23 – August 15, 2008, Monday to Friday, 9 am – 5 pm. All camps will be closed on Friday, July 4. Some camps may have special events and trips beyond regular hours. Register today for DPR Summer Camps 2008!
DPR offers a diverse array of exciting urban recreation and camping opportunities for youth ages 3 to17; including sports camps, aquatic camps, therapeutic camps, and other day camps. DPR also offers Discovery Camps for youth ages 6 to 13, and Little Explorers Camps for youth ages 3 to 5. Camp Riverview is DPR’s premier overnight residential camp located on the shores of the Potomac River in Scotland, MD.
DPR has also partnered with the District Department of Employment Services to host a number of exciting Teen Career Camps. Before and After Care will be available at many camp locations from 8 am – 9 am and 5 pm – 6 pm.
For more information or questions, contact DPR’s Camp Central Office at (202) 671-0295 or DPRcamps@dc.gov.
MAKE A DONATION FOR MOUNT PLEASANT FIRE VICTIMS
Monetary donations may be made through the American Red Cross and persons interested in helping the fire victims can donate through Serve DC, the District’s volunteer and donations management agency. Donations are being accepted on March 21, 25, 26, and 27 at the DC General Warehouse, 1900 Massachusetts Avenue, SE–Building 6, from 9 am–6 pm each day.
Items needed for donation include:
New undergarments
New clothing (no used clothing can be accepted)
New, unopened toiletries
Furniture and other home furnishings (no used mattresses)
Gift cards
Volunteers interested in sorting donations should contact Shirley Hall. For more information about donations please call Serve DC at (202) 727-7925.
|
