Introducing the new corner store owners
LINCOLN PARK NEWSLETTER: The Maury-Miner Mess Debate
7-RIVER MART’S NEW MANAGERS
For the new shopkeepers, it’s a family affair
By Tommy Woodward and Scherzer Bernstein
Dawit (left), Nathan (Nahom), Peggy and Johnathan. On the counter is Milo and Fluffy (our furry friends)
Welcome to the Neighborhood
The new owners of the 7-River Mart at 11th and C streets NE are brothers Nahom (Nathan) and Dawit Demissie, ages 35 and 34. The Lincoln Park Newsletter’s chief investigative news hounds asked the brothers to tell us about themselves and their plans.
Nahom (Nathan), who lives in Maryland with his partner Peggy and their two furry friends, Milo and Fluffy, will occasionally bring the pups to visit the store. Dawit lives above the store with his partner Maggie in Washington, D.C., and will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the business.
Why did you decide to buy the market?
Our decision to purchase the market was driven by a desire not only to own a business but also to become an integral part of a vibrant community. We were drawn to the unique charm of the store and the close-knit relationships between the previous owner, Sam, and the neighborhood residents.
We saw an opportunity to build on that foundation by bringing our own vision and energy to the business while maintaining the personalized service and community connections that are highly valued by customers. Additionally, we were inspired by the idea of creating a space that is both meaningful and fulfilling for us and the community we serve.
What are your goals for the market?
Our primary goal is to serve the needs of the community and provide a shopping experience that exceeds expectations. To that end, we plan to take a customer-centric approach, listening and learning from the community to understand their needs and preferences. We believe that by building strong relationships with our customers and staying attuned to their feedback, we can create a shopping experience that is personalized, convenient, and enjoyable.
Dawit and Nathan (Nahom)
Rugby Fundraiser Set for Friday
By Roger Evans
Please see below details of the Washington DC Youth Rugby 20th Anniversary Fundraiser.
I helped found the club 20 years ago.
It's a fun night out with inexpensive drinks, complimentary food and lots of raffle & auction prizes.
I hope you can join us!
Cheers,
Roger
Buy your tickets today for our upcoming fundraiser Friday, February 2nd at Eastern Market. See link below:
Guest Commentary
The Maury-Miner Controversy
Here is the Hill Rag story on the brouhaha over the big changes involving two local schools: https://www.hillrag.com/2024/01/26/potential-pairing-of-miner-and-maury-elementaries-remains-on-table/
Against: the Maury-Miner Plan
By Benjamin Wasserman
As some of you may know, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education (DME) is considering a proposal to create a paired school between Maury and Miner elementary schools that would blend the separate school boundaries into a single boundary, reassigning Miner to be the early grade campus (PreK3-1) and Maury to be the later grade campus (2-5).
Doing so would be very disruptive to both communities, requiring the complete transformation of two schools. In making this sweeping proposal, DME has made questionable assumptions regarding enrollment and in-bound participation, failed to provide any detail about how it will be implemented, and failed to provide any data showing that this model will improve educational outcomes. And for such a proposal to even have a chance of succeeding, there would need to be significant community engagement and support, of which there has been very little.
If you also oppose the proposed pairing, or want to learn more about why I and many others are opposed to it:
1. Please read and sign the community letter, found here. This letter will be shared with DME. All members of the Maury, Miner, or Eliot-Hine communities (or those who live in-bounds for those schools) are encouraged to sign. Please also feel free to forward the letter to anyone who you believe may be interested.
2. Consider filling out DME’s feedback form to express your views in opposition to the proposal.
Thanks very much in advance for your consideration.
Ben Wasserman is a parent of twin 2-year-old daughters in-bounds for Maury
(516) 459-2117 | bdw629@gmail.com
For: Pairing Miner and Maury
Last year, DC’s Deputy Mayor for Education (DME) began its decennial Boundary and Student Assignment Study to assess and redraw DC Public School boundaries across the city. A final report of recommendations from this process is due to the mayor this March; recommendations approved by the mayor will take effect throughout DCPS no earlier than school year 2025-26.
For the first time ever, the latest Boundary Study has explicitly adopted a powerful goal: “affirmatively advancing racial and socioeconomic equity in public schools in Washington, DC.”
One of the most compelling ideas on the table to do so is a proposal that would pair together two neighborhood schools in Northeast DC: Miner Elementary (601 15th St. NE) and Maury Elementary (1250 Constitution Ave. NE).
Finish article here: https://www.hillrag.com/2024/01/26/opinion-we-should-pair-miner-and-maury-elementary-schools/
Editor’s Note: The Newsletter welcomes comments from all sides. If you have another view, send it to friendsofcapitolhillparks@gmail.com
Kingsman Bark Yappy Hour
By Kingsman Bark
February Yappy Hour: "Woof You Be My Valentine?" Sunday, February 4 at 2 p.m.
Bring your own human "treats" and your one true love—your pooch, of course! Note the new date and time for yappy hours through March will be on Sunday afternoons at 2 p.m.
Kingsman Bark (formerly Capitol Hill Hounds) is a group of neighbors working to maintain and improve the dog park. We want to make Kingsman Field Dog Park the best it can be so that every neighbor has access to quality outdoor spaces to roam and play!
RIP SOPHIE
By Lauren and Nick
We are sad to share the news that our sweet Sophie passed away recently after an unexpected cancer diagnosis. Sophie was a trooper to the end and enjoyed visiting her friends at Lincoln Park and the Congressional Cemetery in her last few days on Capitol Hill. Sophie brought joy and laughter to Lauren and Nick for nearly a decade and smiles to neighbors and friends with her funny faces and cloud-like presence. Hope you take the time today to give your pets an extra hug recognizing our time with them is far too short.
The Fine Print
Copyright © *2022* *Friends of Capitol Hill Parks, All rights reserved.
PLANTS People Living Actively Near Their Site *
We are dog-friendly, plant-friendly, eco-friendly, NPS-friendly and just generally friendly (most of the time.)
THE ONLY NEWSLETTER SERVING LINCOLN PARK
*People Living Actively Near Their Site *
FRIENDS OF CAPITOL HILL PARKS, the largest volunteer organization serving
Lincoln Park, Washington, DC
Mary Farran, president and CEO
Through consultation with NPS, PLANTS volunteers will purchase and install plants, which will also include aromatics.
Helen Betts edited this report.
Send your comments to friendsofcapitolhillparks@gmail.com
Here is the urn map:
https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1VAZgfCet1HjsOZBS8_WRa9vYzJILYqlRLcaXCnOL7Lw/edit?usp=sharing