Yesterday Maggie and I covered a lot of ground: 6,878 steps according to my FitBit. The only thing that curtailed accumulating more, was the rain that showed up. We handed out over 50+ flyers.
Many of the doors we knocked on had no answer. To be expected at that time of day. So they got a flyer. However… Some people were in fact, home. AND, they opened their door, AND, not one person said: “Get off my porch.” Bonus!
• I met Ben with the cool fence who’s lived a block away from me for 10 years. We’d never met before.
• I met Kathy who lives around the corner from me and who has a lovely front garden I drive by daily. She’s been here decades. We never met before.
• I met Katherine who also lives around the corner from me. Lived here 50 years I think she said. We never met.
• I met Sharon and we both said: “You look familiar” and realized we’ve seen each other at the Farmers Market. She’s also on the board of GBIV.
• I met Sama. And when I knocked on her door I said, “I know your husband Joe because he was a Civic Officer for a while with me.” She looked at me and said: “They moved.” (!) I apologized for marrying her off to the wrong man and then introduced myself. I didnt know Joe sold his house and moved to Boston. :(
I just highlighted a few of who I met. The real take away from yesterdays Road to ANC is this: HOW do we find ways to know our neighbors in a more meaningful way? Especially now. (IYKYK) If you haven’t already looked at the menu above, check out “Post Election Ideas.” They are a collection of thoughts of ways to incorporate more In-Person meetings/events so residents in this 5b03 SMD (SMD= Single Member District) know me (assuming I’m elected) and there is real face time. (The original kind, not on iPhone). My hope is that aside from the “Business of ANC”, there can be more opportunity for connection outside the boundary of our own block.
Let me end with 3 things, as my favorite electric kettle is heating up:
1. I loved meeting new neighbors. Some had things to say. I listened. And learned a lot.
2. The Halloween Energy in Brookland is Strong. Tombstones and Skeletons are definitely trending this year.
3. If you aren’t already aware of this: Tomorrow is the FMGG Fall Fest at the Franciscan Monastery. Which is my all time favorite place in Brookland.
I’ll be there for a few hours if you want to come meet and talk with me.
I’ll also be at the Fresh Farm Monroe Street Market Farmers Market at the Arts Walk (longest name ever) in the morning setting up our Tea Tent next to Zeke’s Coffee. Maggie will be there working. Stop by if you can. She’s a doll.
–Elise for ANC5b03