Keep On Keeping On and a May Membership Round Up
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Well Dupont Friends...together we have made it to May.
As we all look for silver linings you may be noting flowers that bloom a little brighter and birds that chirp a little louder as the impact of air and noise pollution are reduced.
Or maybe you see the "signs" of community like the image featured here. In and around Dupont, merchant windowfronts are dotted with encouraging messages as our local businesses do the hard work of weathering the storm and continuing to serve our needs.
Being confined to close quarters is also a reminder of what makes urban neighborhoods special - block upon block there are unique individuals and interests, sharing a common experience. As you social distance in public space, exercise on trails, and wait in the grocery line, think about the gift and power of community we have here in Dupont Circle.
Quarantine fatigue is hitting hard -- let's remember to continue to support and look out for one another as we head into Spring.
#DupontStrong
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DCCA Holds First Virtual Membership Meeting
On Monday May 4, DCCA held its membership meeting via Zoom.
The
meeting was well attended
and featured a presentation by DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson followed by Q&A’s. Chairman Mendelson provided an update regarding the city’s response to the Covid-19 crisis and the impact the crisis has had on the
health and economy
of the city. He discussed the likely impact of the projected city
revenue shortfall
on the budget, the
comprehensive plan
timeline and more.
When asked about the impact of the crisis on homelessness and the proliferation of encampments in the city, and in particular the
17th Street encampment,
Chairman Mendelson said that he had raised concerns with the Mayor’s office and
r
eceived a less than satisfactory response which can be found
here.
Since responsibility for addressing the situation resides with the executive branch, he urged concerned citizens to voice their concerns to the Mayor’s Office and if appropriate, MPD. He requested that he (
pmendelson@dccouncil.us)
and Sherri Kimbel (
SKimbel@dccouncil.us
)
, his Director of Constituent Services for Ward 2, be copied on any such correspondence.
The meeting included a presentation of the
DCCA Board of Directors slate for 2020-2021
. Detailed information about nominees was emailed to members and a vote will be held during the June 1st Membership Meeting.
And a poll conducted during the meeting indicated interest in different styles of online
member social events
-- we will be working to bring that programming to you soon!
Thank you DCCA members for your continued support. Your membership dues allow DCCA to pay for the tools our all-volunteer Board needs to stay connected with newsletters and meetings, and to actively work on forums, event planning, legal work, non-profit grants, and the upkeep on green spaces like T Street and other pocket parks around the Dupont neighborhood.
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District Updates on COVID-19
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The DC Government continues to update its COVID-19 website with link news releases, data on testing, hospital capacity in the District and other information. Visit
coronavirus.dc.gov.
- Mayor Bowser's May 6th Coronavirus Situational Report can be found HERE. This update includes a breakdown of cases by neighborhood.
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Guidance on Completing Your Absentee Ballot
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DCCA contacted the Board of Elections regarding a member's note about the mixed terminology being used on absentee ballot instructions.
- Question: The ballot instructions state that a ballpoint pen must be used to complete the ballot. The ballot itself states that an ink pen must be used. Will they disqualify ballots done with ink or ballpoint?
- Answer: The kind of pen used doesn't matter - it just cannot be pencil.
Thanks to Jim, the DCCA member who raised the question. Per the BOE, please make sure that you complete your ballot using a pen to ensure that your vote is counted!
Reminder: BOE strongly urges voters to request a mail-in ballot instead of voting in person for the upcoming elections, including the June 2nd Primary Election and June 16th Ward 2 Special Election.
Both of the June ballots include a vote for the Ward 2 Council seat that represents Dupont Circle.
Click
here to request your ballot today.
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More Questions? Board of Elections Hosts Town Hall
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The DC Board of Elections invites residents, advocates and community leaders to participate in a virtual town hall about the upcoming 2020 elections.
The purpose of this town hall is to discuss the importance of the Vote Safe DC Initiative and answer any questions that you may have about the initiative or the mail-in ballot request process.
Residents have the option of participate in any of our upcoming dates:
May 14th @ 10:30 AM
May 21st @ 10:30 AM
You can register for the meeting by clicking
here
.
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AG's Office Launches Online Chat Series Today at Noon
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Today at noon,
the Office of Attorney General Karl Racine is launching a new 30-minute video chat series with national & local experts
discussing topics that matter most to
YOU
during the COVID-19 crisis.
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, today's Take
30,
will discuss coping with stress during COVID-19 (joined by expert
Bob Roth
, CEO of the David Lynch Foundation).
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Folklife Festival Postponed
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The 2020 Smithsonian Folklife Festival presentation on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., will be postponed. See the Smithonian's statement
here.
Visit the
Folklife Festival's blog for information on alternative planning and a library of offerings that showcase more than fifty years of performances, demonstrations, discussions, and workshops.
The website contains audio/visual and educational materials, articles, and blog posts representing diverse cultural practices from all fifty states, over one hundred countries.
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Support restaurants while practicing social distancing. Use this restaurant aggregator to find which restaurants are open for take-out, curbside pick-up, and delivery during COVID-19. To use the database to place an order, click here:
https://www.diningatadistance.com
- Breadmaking is so last week -- the new rage in quarantine kitchens is the whipped coffee. Check out one of the many online recipes for this treat and prepare for a serious sugar and caffeine fueled energy surge!
- Looking to mix up your takeout game? Read about the latest D.C. restaurants to reopen for takeout and delivery
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Let's Hit Carnegie Hall This Weekend!
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Carnegie Hall Fridays will give access to performances every from May to mid-July. Each Friday, a new performance from the archive will be made available to watch on both the Carnegie Hall and
medici.tv websites.
The broadcasts will be available for 72 hours from 3 a.m. ET Friday to 3 a.m. Monday. All are free of charge.
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Join the EU Delegation and the Member States of the European Union for two campaigns: "Stronger Together" and "HomeWithEU."
- HomewithEU will release at least one cultural activity native to each EU Member State that can be enjoyed while social distancing.
- Stronger Together is a special broadcast to address the coronavirus and the necessity of the European Union and United States working together in combatting this global crisis. Join it live to hear from Ambassador Stavros Lambrinidis, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, Travel Guru Rick Steves, Chef Jose Andres, Pete Buttigieg, and more.
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Remember, Cracking Up Can Be A GOOD Thing!
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Pun intended.
Check out this bonanza of
DC pun fun
from DC Improv that will make you laugh (and groan).
SNL has carried on with its
weekly skits
with
SNL At Home
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D.C. caps meal delivery commissions, requires landlords to accept rent payment plans -
LINK
D.C. Council Approves New Protections For Tenants And Homeowners -
LINK
Michelin-Starred Sushi Taro Closes With a Plan to Return for Takeout Only -
LINK
Coronavirus Latest: Cases And Deaths Rise In D.C., D.C. Releases Map Of Infections By Neighborhood -
LINK
DC’s money squeeze comes fast and hard -
LINK
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DCCA compiled a list of organizations that are aiding the most vulnerable during this public health crisis. We are continuing to update the list with non-profits who are supporting the community during this public health crisis. For those who are able, we ask that you review the list and see if there are ways you can contribute to
Click here to read more.
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Membership runs through the calendar year.
DCCA membership is open to residents, businesses and supporters of the Dupont Circle neighborhood according to the Association's Bylaws.
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Dupont Circle Citizens Association | info@dupont-circle.org | www.dupont-circle.org
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