When the horrible fire at Eastern Market occurred in April 2007, many were worried what would happen to the farmers, merchants and vendors who operated out of the Market.  This emergency was like none the neighborhood had ever before faced.  Space was identified and a suitable structure was chosen and the “East Hall’ was very quickly constructed on the Hine playground to accommodate interior merchants displaced from the fire ravaged South Hall.  Needing room for the displaced vendors and merchants during reconstruction, the one block stretch of 7th Street, SE from North Carolina Avenue to C Street, SE was closed on weekends only.  That allowed all of the usual daily and weekend activities to continue as the street was used as overflow space for farmers and arts and crafts and antiques vendors.  Vending space was assigned and no one who had been regularly selling at the Market prior to the fire was turned away.

Throughout the two years that the street has been closed to vehicular traffic on weekends, Councilmember Tommy Wells has received numerous comments from many who were thrilled that street was closed and from others just as strongly opposed to the road closure.  All the while, Councilmember Wells has maintained that the question of whether this practice should continue was one that should be taken directly to the public.  Toward that end, Councilmember Wells invites you to come out to a community meeting to be held on July 7, 2009 at 6:30 – 8:30 at Tyler Elementary School at 1001 G Street, SE. and share your thoughts, ideas and experiences as we discuss all aspects of this matter. Representatives from the District Department of Transportation, Public Space Management Administration and Office of Property Management current Market Manager will attend and be available to answer questions.

Fourth of July patriotic celebrations will start a bit early in Southwest this year when Ft. Lesley J. McNair hosts a Southwest Neighborhood Appreciation Night at the last Twilight Tattoo of the 2009 season on Wednesday, July 1 at 7:00PM. 

The performance is free and bleacher seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis but there is plenty of seating on the grass, so bring a blanket.  If you plan to walk or bike, you may enter the Ft. McNair gates at Fourth and P Streets, SW.   If you’re driving, use the Second and T Street, SW main gate and plan to get there early for security purposes because autos without military decals will be subject to inspection.   Adults should bring a photo ID.

The Twilight Tattoo, presented by the Military District of Washington, is the U.S. Army’s most popular outdoor ceremonial pageant.  An hour-long military pageant, the Tattoo features Soldiers from The 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own." Experience a glimpse into American history through performances by The U.S. Army Blues, vocalists from The U.S. Army Band Downrange, The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, and The U.S. Army Drill Team.  

Performances provide a fast-paced journey through Army history, from Revolutionary times to the present. The Soldiers in Twilight Tattoo represent all those serving around the world in defense of freedom.   Some of the performers will be there to greet you when you arrive and all of them will be available at the conclusion of the Tattoo to answer any questions and pose for photographs. The evening offers ample opportunities for still photographers and videographers to get great shots from your seat, so remember to bring your camera.

Remember, that The Tattoo is an outdoor ceremony so it takes place weather-permitting.  If you have any doubt if the show will go on, call 202-685-2888 late that afternoon for an official weather decision.

Save the Date! On June 30, 2009, from 1:00 -3:00 p.m., DC Action for Children (DC ACT) and other stakeholders are hosting the “Building Healthier Communities: One Family At A Time” forum. The forum will focus on developing innovative strategies and initiatives aimed at improving District residents’ birth outcomes and family development.
 
For those interested in attending, forum space is limited and attendance will be reserved on a first come, first serve basis. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Abby Bonder at DC ACT This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 202-234-9404.

Please RSVP by Friday, June 26th COB.

Location: Thurgood Marshall Center – Conference Room 1
     1816 12th Street NW
     Washington, D.C. 20009
     202-462-8314