Jack Evans Report
By • June 21, 2017 0 482
Jack Evans
Summer in Washington is fully upon us. After zigzagging temperatures through April and May, we’re now in the familiar territory of upper 80s or higher just about every day. The hot weather means it’s time to slow down and relax, while enjoying all the great activities D.C. has to offer.
First and foremost among summer activities is cheering on our hometown, division-leading Washington Nationals baseball team. The team is playing great (despite some ongoing bullpen issues). Bryce Harper is playing at the level that won him the MVP award in 2015, and Ryan Zimmerman is playing even better than Harper. The team is fun, the area around the ball park is full of new, exciting restaurants and nothing says summer like a hot dog —or a half-smoke — and a cold drink at a game.
Another prime summertime activity in Washington is a visit to one of our outstanding farmers markets, from Georgetown’s Rose Park on Wednesday afternoons to Dupont Circle on Sunday mornings. In addition to bringing delicious, healthy foods to nearly every neighborhood in Ward 2, these wonderful organizations are working with farmers, communities, the city government and others to improve food access and make the city even more walkable for all of our residents.
I’m pleased to report that I was again able to secure funding in the District budget for the “bonus bucks” food assistance program. This program provides a 50-percent funding match to federal nutrition assistance programs when individuals and families elect to purchase fresh, health food at farmers markets. Now in its third year, the program has been well received both by users of the program and by the markets.
Other events to look forward to this summer include the 51st annual Palisades July 4 Parade and Picnic, the terrific Citizens Association of Georgetown concert series (the next show is July 9 at 5:30 p.m. in Rose Park) and outdoor movies in parks all across Ward 2. Summertime in Washington, D.C., is hot and humid, but that doesn’t mean we don’t know how to have a good time. Be sure to check out these and other events put on by our neighborhood associations, community-focused organizations and local businesses.
While there’s lots of fun to be had, don’t forget to look in on elderly or ill neighbors who might need a little assistance in this extremely hot and humid weather. Summer weather in Washington can affect even the healthiest of us.
Jack Evans is the District Council member for Ward 2, representing Georgetown and other neighborhoods since 1991.
