Jack Evans Report
By July 12, 2017 0 515
•With barely any time to enjoy the pleasant spring weather, summer has come roaring back to the District — and, with it, 90-degree temperatures and thick, humid air. This is the time of year when everyone should be mindful of the heat. Check in with your elderly or ill neighbors, friends and family members. Weather like this can affect even the healthiest of us.
I started this Independence Day holiday celebration earlier than in past years, heading to Nationals Park on July 3 to cheer on the Nats as they took on the New York Mets. The game became a defensive battle until Michael Taylor hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning. As the Nationals finally got some runs on the board, their efforts were nearly undone in the top of the ninth inning, when a two-run home run by Mets center fielder Curtis Granderson tied the game.
In the bottom of the ninth, Ryan Raburn hit a single out to left field and Matt Wieters scored to end the game. It was a nail-biter of a finish, but the Nats defeated the Mets 3-2. It’s no wonder that the Nationals are number one in the National League East and the best team in baseball.
Of course, I can’t celebrate Independence Day without joining the Palisades Fourth of July Parade. This was the 51st annual parade in a community that continues to retain its small-town charm, a true reminder of how individual communities in the District still come together and celebrate.
As an elected official, I always enjoy the opportunity to participate in local parades with family, friends and staff. After the parade, I joined hundreds of others at the Palisades Recreation Center for hot dogs, watermelon and ice cream. The organizers put on a great event and I thank them for their hard work.
After taking a break from the heat, my family and I were off to watch the fireworks on the National Mall. As usual, it proved to be a fantastic show. Major League Baseball, neighborhood parades and fireworks continue to be the hallmarks of one of my favorite times of year, part of what makes the District such a wonderful place to live.
Jack Evans is the District Council member for Ward 2, representing Georgetown and other neighborhoods since 1991.