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Dear Neighbor,

I am pleased to announce that the Council unanimously passed Bill 23-263, the Lorraine Whitlock Elementary School Designation Act of 2019. I gladly introduced this legislation as a result of strong advocacy from the Ward 7 community.  I want to acknowledge the support of ANC 7C, and Northeast Boundary Civic Association, and its president, Dr. Mary Gaffney, who passed a resolution in favor of renaming Maude Aiton Elementary School in memory of Lorraine H. Whitlock.  I also want to thank Barbara Morgan for her testimony and support the bill.
 
Lorraine H. Whitlock was a Ward 7 resident, educator and civically involved leader who was well-respected in her community.  A native Washingtonian, Mrs. Whitlock graduated from my alma mater, Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, and earned her undergraduate degree from Miner Teachers College.  She went on to earn a master’s degree from Columbia University.

Thereafter, she began her career as a teacher at Charles Young Elementary School and concluded her career as head of the Spingarn Instructional Unit.  One of her last projects prior to her untimely death was her leadership role in the construction of the Kelly Miller Middle School, also in Ward 7. She was particularly active in the Deanwood and Northeast Boundary neighborhoods of Ward 7, where she resided for over 60 years. 
 
Mrs. Whitlock displayed a passion for improving her neighborhood, Ward 7, and the District overall and lived directly across the street from Aiton Elementary School during most of her adult life. She was also involved with the school leadership, parents and students at Aiton.
 
With her record of accomplishments and direct connection to Ward 7, DCPS and Aiton Elementary School, it is only befitting that the school bear her name.
DON'T MISS THE WARD 7 ACTION SUMMIT! 

Please join us at the Ward 7 Action Summit tomorrow. Register NOW to reserve your spot to participate in the 2020 Ward 7 Action Summit on tomorrow, Saturday, October 17th virtually from 10 am – 2 pm! Click here to learn more about this virtual community summit and reserve your spot today!
REGISTER HERE
COVID-19 UPDATE
 
Currently, there are 16,255 confirmed cases of Coronavirus in the District, and, tragically, 641 deaths caused by COVID-19. African Americans still account for 75% of COVID-19 deaths in Washington, DC compared to about 46% of population.  Please continue to wear your face coverings and practice social distancing while out in public. 

ALERT!

MAYOR EXTENDS PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY

On Wednesday, October 7, 2020, the Bowser administration issue an order to extend the District of Columbia's public health emergency through December 31, 2020. For more information on the District’s COVID-19 response, visit coronavirus.dc.gov.


Mayor's Order  2020-103
 COVID-19 TESTING
The District has partnered with healthcare providers so that DC residents can now be tested for COVID-19 at home. For at-home, on-demand care and COVID testing, call Ready Responders at (202) 602-0814. Ready comes to your home, is open 8am to 8pm, seven days per week, and serves all 8 Wards. For more information on COVID-19 home testing visit: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/testing.
Learn more about additional testing sites and to find a testing site near you.  
For More Information Click NOW!
CONTACT TRACING

Tracking and contact tracing are very important parts of the District’s strategy to eliminate the community spread of COVID-19.  The District contact tracers report to Dr. Laquandra Nesbitt, Director of DC Health.  Contact tracing allows the District to contact persons who have been exposed to a COVID-positive individual.  Fast and effective contact tracing is important for controlling the spread of the virus and will need to be part of any strategy for decreasing community spread and school reopening.  Recently, Dr. Nesbitt indicated that the District is having difficulty convincing COVID-positive persons to be forthcoming, confidentially sharing about all of the individuals with whom they have been in contact.  We must work at conveying the message that contact tracing is not about embarrassing or stigmatizing a person, but instead, is about keeping the community safe while remaining anonymous.
REMINDER ABOUT WELL-CHILD VISITS
 
As we prepare our elementary-aged children for in-person learning in November, DC Department of Health encourages parents to see their healthcare providers for their well-child visit. These well-child visits are essential for many reasons, including:
  • It is a mandatory requirement for enrollment
  • Tracking growth and development including milestones, social behaviors, and learning;
  • Discussing any concerns about your child’s health;
  • Allowing children to attend in-person school when it resumes; and
  • Getting scheduled vaccinations to prevent illnesses like measles and whooping cough (pertussis) and 12 other serious diseases.
Parents can call to schedule an appointment at school-based health centers, including two Ward 7 sites:
  • Woodson High School at 540 55th Street NE, which can be reached by calling (202) 724-2287; and
  • The MedStar/Georgetown Mobile Clinic at Kelly Miller Middle School at 301 49th St NE, which can be reached by calling (202) 444-8888.
EARLY VOTING HAS BEGUN!
 
Below is information on how to vote, important dates, as well as contact information for any issues that may arise related to successfully casting your vote! 
 
Register to Vote!
  • There’s still time to register to vote! Register before October 13 to receive a mail-in ballot, or register in person at any Vote Center during Early Voting (October 27-November 2) or on Election Day (November 3). Voter registration and proof of address requirements are here. Voter registration forms in languages other than English are here.
Check your Registration Status! Find Vote Centers and Ballot Drop Boxes! 
  • #VoteSafe by making a plan. Voters should consult the Board’s new map to find Vote Centers and Ballot Drop Boxes near them. The Board will be opening 32 Vote Centers for Early Voting and more than 90 Election Day Vote Centers, four times the number open during the Primary Election, including several “Super Centers”.
Vote Early!
  • Vote early in one of four ways:
    • Return your ballot quickly BY MAIL – no postage required. Leave plenty of time for your ballot to reach the Board. Ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day (November 3), and they must be received by the Board no later than 10 days after Election Day.
    • Return your ballot in one of the Board’s 50+ new secure DROP BOXES across the District 
    • DROP OFF YOUR BALLOT at any Vote Center from 8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. during “Election Week” (October 27 – November 2) and from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Election Day
    • VOTE EARLY IN PERSON at any Vote Center during “Election Week” (October 27-November 2) from 8:30 a.m. – 7 pm
Voting on Election Day!
  • There will be lines on November 3rd. Each voting center has reduced capacity because of COVID safety precautions, so they won’t be able to handle as many people at the same time as normally come through. Lines will form. So if you choose to vote on November 3rd, be ready for lines due to social distancing restrictions. Bring water, snacks, and a mask, and dress warmly and comfortably. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Important Dates to Remember
  • October 13:
    • Last day to register to vote or update your voter information to receive a mail-in ballot. If you miss this deadline, you can still register to vote in person at a Vote Center during Early Voting or on Election Day (and you’ll be able to vote in person). Register to vote here.
Frequently Asked Questions 
  • What if I receive someone else’s ballot? Mark the outer envelope as “Return to Sender” and drop it in the mail. Don’t destroy another person’s mail.
  • What if I receive my mail-in ballot, but I want to vote in person? Bring your ballot with you, or you can simply destroy your own mailed ballot.
  • How will I be able to track my mail-in ballot? The Board will provide a secure tracking feature on its website here and also using the “BallotTrax” software shortly. Residents will be able to live-track their ballots as they move through the US Postal Service system using BallotTrax.
  • By what date should I plan to vote in person if I haven’t received a ballot? The Board recommends that if a voter hasn’t received a ballot in the mail by about October 21, they should make a plan to vote in person, preferably early during Election Week (October 27 – November 2).
  • What if I’m concerned about voting by mail, but don’t want to vote in person due to COVID risks? Bring your ballot to a secure Drop Box. Beginning October 5th, dozens of Drop Boxes will be located around the city. They are secure and modeled after many states and jurisdictions that have used Drop Boxes safely and securely for years. Ballots will be collected at least twice a day by the Board of Elections staff. This will be the quickest and easiest way to return your ballot if you prefer not to mail your ballot and want to avoid voting in person.
  • How many Vote Centers will be open during Election Week (October 27-November 2)? The Board will be opening 32 Vote Centers for Early Voting. Voters can vote at any Vote Center in the city.
  • How many Vote Centers will be open on Election Day? The Board will be opening 90+ Election Day Vote Centers, four times the number open during the Primary Election, including several “Super Centers”. Super Centers are large locations, including Nationals Park, Capital One Arena, and the Entertainment and Sports Arena, that can accommodate more voters at a time while maintaining social distancing. The hope is that by increasing the number of Vote Centers, we can avoid some of the long lines that we saw for the Primary. Voters can vote at any Vote Center.
  • Do I have to vote in my Ward or at a particular Vote Center? No. Voters can vote at any Vote Center during Election Week or on Election Day, regardless of where they live. Most people are accustomed to voting at their traditional precinct and that will not be required (and potentially not available, depending on your precinct) for this General Election. If you are going to vote in-person on Election Day, check the Board of Elections’ map and make a plan about what location works best for you.
  • Do I need to bring ID with me to the polls? Registered voters do not need to present proof of residence to vote. If you will be registering during the Early Voting period or on Election Day, you will need to provide proof of residence in order to register and vote. If you are a first-time voter who registered by mail and did not provide proof of residence when registering, you will need to show proof of residence in order to cast a live (regular) ballot.
Frequently Asked Questions for returning citizens, students, and voters with disabilities
DCPS GROCERY DISTRIBUTION
RESOURCES FOR SENIORS 
SNAP ALERT!
 
The District of Columbia Department of Human Services (DHS) has launched DC Access – a mobile application providing District residents with a user-friendly way to apply or recertify for cash, food, and medical benefits: https://mayor.dc.gov/release/mayor-bowser-highlights-dc-access-mobile-app-residents-apply-and-recertify-public-benefits.
HELP FOR OUR WORKFORCE
DC Paid Family Leave is here for District workers! Learn how you can plan for tomorrow today at dcpaidfamilyleave.dc.gov. To learn more join our weekly Wellness Wednesday virtual series at 12pm.

Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/546139928219101965
Unfortunately, for some of our residents COVID-19 has caused a reduction in income or unemployment. Here is some information about DC Unemployment Insurance, how to apply. 
SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE ALERT!

Business members of our community have been affected as well but are not without support. For more information and to access the DC COVID-19 Business Inquiry Form, visit: Coronavirus.dc.gov/recovery-business. Here are some additional resources. 
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS 
REGISTER NOW
New DC Circulator Routes in Ward 7!

Mayor Bowser and the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) announced seven options under consideration for a new DC Circulator route in Ward 7.

Now through October 23, transit riders, especially Ward 7 residents, can complete a System Expansion Survey to provide feedback on the seven options. 

The survey can be found online, and a paper copy that will include a postage paid return envelope can be requested by calling 202-991-4645. Options include: Union Station-Deanwood-East Capitol Street (Northeast Alignment Alternative 1); New York Avenue-Deanwood-Benning Road (Northeast Alignment Alternative 2); Potomac Avenue-Benning Road (Southeast Alignment Alternative 1); Alabama-Good Hope-Naylor Road (Southeast Alignment Alternative 2); Skyland-Minnesota Avenue-Deanwood (North-South Alignment Alternative 1); Navy Yard-Benning Road (North-South Alignment Alternative 2); and, Navy Yard-Benning Road via Minnesota Avenue (North-South Alignment Alternative 3).

https://mayor.dc.gov/release/mayor-bowser-seeks-community-feedback-new-dc-circulator-route-ward-7  
DEADLINE TO CLAIM 
STIMULUS CHECK EXTENDED! 

The IRS has extended to November 21, 2020, https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment, the deadline to claim your stimulus check. 

If you received a letter from IRS indicating a check was mailed, but you have not received it or your stimulus was lost, destroyed or stolen, the following information link is provided: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/economic-impact-payment-information-center-topic-f-payment-issued-but-lost-stolen-destroyed-or-not-received or you may call 800-919-9835.  According to IRS, live telephone assistance is extremely limited.
The Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens has a photography contest, and they are looking for photos of the Gardens from members of the community!
 
There are several categories for the contest this year, with the deadline for Landscapes photographs coming up fast!
 
Category Submissions Due  
Lotus  July 22
Abstracts  Aug 22
Plants & Flowers  Sept 22
Landscapes  Oct 22
Wildlife  Nov 22
 
The Aquatic Gardens are open and in full bloom. Go visit!

To view the winning photos and honorable mentions from its 2016-2019 competitions, please check out their website: https://kenaqgardens.org/events/photo-contest/.

To participate in their 2020 competition, please review the official rules and instructions and submit your photos to megan@fokag.org.  
 
COVID-19 UTILITY ASSISTANCE!
More information and the application for this program is available through DOEE at doee.dc.gov/service/criac or by contacting criac.residential@dc.gov.  
Thank you for taking the time to read this important information.  I look forward to seeing you at tomorrow’s Ward 7 Summit.  Stay safe and be well. 
 
In service,
Vince
STAY CONNECTED!
WARD 7 WE ARE STILL WORKING FOR YOU!
 
For any constituent issues, assistance for seniors & families,
contact my constituent services team:
D.L. Humphrey at (202) 704-9657 or dhumphrey@dccouncil.us
Tamika Finnell at (202) 704-4304 or tfinnell@dccouncil.us
HOW ARE WE DOING? 

Take a moment to let us know how we're doing!
Click here to complete the Ward 7 Survey: 
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WARD7SURVEY 
STAFF
Sheila E. Bunn
Chief of Staff
sbunn@dccouncil.us

Jordan M. Betters
Staff Assistant/Scheduler
jbetters@dccouncil.us


Takiyah "T.N." Tate
Director of Communications
ttate@dccouncil.us

Dexter L. Humphrey
Director of Constituent Services
dhumphrey@dccouncil.us

Tamika Finnell
Deputy Director of Constituent Services
tfinnell@dccouncil.us

Terrance Norflis
Legislative Director
tnorflis@dccouncil.us


Committee on Health
(202) 727-7774
 

Eric J. Goulet, J.D.
Committee Director/Senior Counsel
egoulet@dccouncil.us

Michelle Loggins
Deputy Committee Director
mloggins@dccouncil.us

Malcolm Cameron
Legislative Analyst
mcameron@dccouncil.us

 
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Office of Councilmember Vincent C. Gray 

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