Councilmember Anita Bonds Update- Oct. 22

WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS

SEVENTH DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVISORY COUNCIL

Councilmember Anita Bonds was honored to extend congratulations to the Metropolitan Police Department Seventh District Citizens’ Advisory Council at their occasion of another successful Awards Dinner Celebration on October 4, 2013.

The annual dinner highlights the important role of law enforcement at the community level and the accomplishments of the officers who toil to maintain safety measures throughout the Seventh District.

The Citizens’ Advisory Councils facilitate the importance of dialog and understanding by ensuring the needs of the people and their ideas are heard in the efforts to help reduce neighborhood crime. Working together, neighbors and law enforcement promote public policy initiatives and maintain public safety for the common good.

AARP DC FOOD DRIVE

On Saturday, October 5, Councilmember Anita Bonds joined volunteers of AARP DC for their Fifth Annual Food Drive. The Food Drive, which will donate all proceeds to the Capital Area Food Bank, took place at numerous Safeway and Giant locations across the District and is their largest Food Drive of the year. The Councilmember participated at the new Giant Foods, 300 H Street NE location.  

While taking with the volunteers, they were honored to be joined by civil rights icon Congressman John Lewis (D-GA). Please visit her YouTube video page to watch the interaction here- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B74r9c7dMVo.

RHODE ISLAND AVE. FALL FEST

Also on Saturday, Oct. 5, Councilmember Anita Bonds enjoyed the warm autumn weather while walking and talking with residents at the 2nd Annual Rhode Island Avenue Fall Fest, sponsored by the Friends of Rhode Island Avenue.  

Four blocks of the popular business corridor were filled with booths offering food, entertainment, shopping, community organization's information and statehood advocacy.

During the festival, the Councilmember made a usual stop at the Art Enables shop to make a few art purchases. Some of these purchases are on display in her Council office, Room 408 in the John Wilson District Building.

Photo-Councilmember Anita Bonds greeting long-standing friends Anthony and Camille Hood

(e)MERGE ART FAIR

On Sunday the 6th, Councilmember Anita Bonds and Councilmember David Grosso (I-At-Large) attended the (e)MERGE Art Fair at the Capitol Skyline Hotel. The fair offered works by 150 emerging-art professionals an opportunity to present their art in a multimedia environment. The artists were also given the chance to meet with curators and gallery representatives. 

Last year, Councilmember Anita Bonds supported increased funding for the arts community and is working to make the District of Columbia an oasis for the arts community.

Photo- Arts and Humanities Commission Chair Judith Terra, Councilmember David Grosso, Jamie Smith, Councilmember Anita Bonds and Leigh Conner.

A MOTHER’S TEA

On Sunday evening, Councilmember Anita Bonds joined over 80 Mothers and guests at “A Mother’s Tea” to share in fellowship and uplift those families who have been impacted by gun violence. The Eighth Annual event brought together the families of both the victims and the perpetrators to understand the root causes of violent behavior and to encourage finding common solutions to end youth on youth violence. 

Councilmember Anita Bonds joins in thanking Mistress of Ceremonies Mrs. Gloria Murray-Ford, speakers; Rev. LaVerne Harley, Rev. Donald Isaac, Sr., Rev. Anthony J. Motley, Pastor Joyce Scott, and Keynote Speaker Rev. Dr. Cain Hope Felder. Special recognition and many thanks to the following community awards recipients; Merilyn C. Holmes, Paul Wagner, Pastor Bernice Parker-Jones, Asst. Chief Diane Groomes and Hannah Hawkins. The event was organized by; Marita Michael, Michelle Postell, Nardyne Jefferies, Sandra “SS” Seegars, Christina Presock, Rev. Donald Isaac, Sr., Rev. Anthony J. Motley,  Asst. Chief Diane Groomes, and Philip Pannell. Program designed by Doreen Cole.  

FALL INTO FITNESS

This fall Councilmember Anita Bonds invited the District of Columbia’s Senior Wellness Center’s to participate in a new initiative “Fall into Senior Fitness”. The initiative provides elder adults an opportunity to learn how to stay fit by turning fruits and vegetables around the house into tasty and delicious fruit juices.  Also, seniors learned the advantages of exercising through walking, light cardio workouts and line-dancing. The event is a fun and fit interactive event for all seniors! There was a juicing demonstration by local health and fitness doctor, Dr. Ruby and gourmet Chef Tate, of Inspired BBQ shared healthy cooking ideals.  

Photo- Councilmember Bonds, Chef Tate, and Dr. Ruby Lathon prepare an invigorating cabbage, apple and ginger juice cocktail.

ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS

On Thursday, October 10, 2013 Councilmember Bonds participated as the keynote speaker for the Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors’ “Speakers Series”.  At this program, Councilmember Bonds discussed the political landscape as it relates to the real estate industry here in the District.  She addressed pressing issues facing the District--- the need for additional affordable housing, profits and the real estate profession, tenant issues, and rental affordability in the District. Her comments provided a catalyst for a healthy and productive discussion. A few concerns that the relators expressed centered on the deed and recordation tax rates and the efficiency and functionality of affordable housing programs in the District.

Photo- Bonnie Roberts-Burke, Councilmember Bonds, and Bo Menkiti.