This evening, Ward 6 DC Councilmember Charles Allen will host the 12^th Annual Ward 6 Brickie Awards and community celebration. The awards are an annual celebration of the people, places, and organizations that make the Ward 6 community great. Begun 11 years ago by then-Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells as the Livable Walkable Awards with engraved bricks as a special honor, the event was nicknamed “The Brickies” by the local newspaper Hill Rag.

“This is a big night out for Ward 6 each year – neighbors enjoying food, music, and having fun together as we hand out bricks to recognize some of the important contributions from neighbors, organizations, and businesses,” said Councilmember Allen. “Every year, I feel lucky to recognize some great folks and this year is no exception.”

The Brickies will take place from 6-8pm tonight in the former Busboys & Poets site in Mt. Vernon Triangle at 5^th and K Streets, NW. The event is open and free to all Ward 6 residents. Residents can RSVP at http://www.charlesallenward6.com/2018_brickies

This year’s Brickie Award winners are:

Clean Decisions | 2018 Business Award

Clean Decisions is a Ward 6 business offering high quality janitorial services, trash clean-up, and yard maintenance, and is 100 percent operated and owned by returning citizens. Clean Decisions exists to provide opportunities for returning citizens within the greater Washington DC area to unleash their full potential, break negative intergenerational cycles in their families, build a path to a middle class lifestyle, and have an opportunity to give back – it was opened in 2014.  Each team member that enters Clean Decisions is paid a living wage and is provided a mentor. In partnership with Changing Perceptions, also founded by Clean Decisions CEO Will Avila, returning citizens are assisted with job training, counseling, housing, and other supportive services. Clean Decisions has successfully provided full- and part-time employment to over 30 people, and they have a 100% anti-recidivism rate.

Frances Slaughter | 2018 Neighbor Award

Born and raised in DC, Frances Slaughter’s roots in Ward 6 run deep. Councilmember Allen is quick to note that she has been “Ms. Frances” to two generations of Capitol Hill preschoolers during her more than 30 years working in early child education, touching the lives of hundreds of Ward 6 families and children.  Director and teacher at the Capitol Hill Cooperative Nursery School, Ms. Frances easily received the most Brickie Award nominations this year. She’s spent a lifetime working in early childhood education, which doesn’t begin to measure the impact she’s in her classroom and beyond. She’s famous for her hugs, and once you’ve been Ms. Frances’ student, you’ll always be one of her “sugars.”

The Mt. Vernon Triangle CID | 2018 Community Organization Award

The Mt. Vernon Triangle CID is tasked with improving and maintaining the Mt. Vernon Triangle neighborhood as a community improvement district. Under the leadership of Director Kenyattah Robinson, the CID has vigorously worked to meet residents’ needs – including taking on the work to create badly needed park space and green space in the dense, downtown neighborhood.

The Mount Vernon Triangle Community Improvement District is a private, nonprofit organization established to enhance the overall quality of life for residents, office workers, visitors, business owners, and property owners in the Mount Vernon Triangle neighborhood in Downtown DC. Mount Vernon Triangle is considered to be one of Washington DC’s best mixed-use communities, a vibrant neighborhood in the heart of it all - both geographically and culturally. The neighborhood is a clean and welcoming place that mirrors the District’s unique mix of restaurants, historic and modern buildings, longtime and new residents, diverse cultures, and urban experiences. The CID’s year-round schedule of events and gatherings brings the neighborhood together and builds a warm and welcoming sense of community.

Larry Handerhan | 2018 Public Service Award

Larry Handerhan serves as Chief of Staff for the D.C. Department of Human Services, an agency responsible for administering public benefits, ending homelessness, and overseeing other supportive services. He also served as the key person from the Department of Human Services working alongside Councilmember Allen’s office to serve the residents of the Arthur Capper Senior Apartments in the aftermath of the devastating fire that displaced 160 residents.

In this role, he manages external affairs and supports the day-to-day management of the Department. Previously, he was a Senior Advisor to the Deputy Secretary at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), where he led a series of initiatives to improve operational efficiency. He also served as a 2012 Presidential Management Fellow in HUD’s Office for International and Philanthropic Innovation. Prior to joining HUD, Larry worked for the City and County of San Francisco and was an AmeriCorps Member.

Arthur Capper Senior Apartments Fire - Community Response | 2018 Civic Pride Award

This award recognizes a wide number of people and organizations who have collectively worked to respond to the Arthur Capper Senior Apartments fire on September 19, 2018, and since then to assist with residents’ recovery. Honorees include:

• Arthur Capper Senior Apartments Residents
• Meredith Fascett
• Georgina Wallace
• AARP DC State Chapter
• Southwest Business Improvement District
• Capitol Riverfront Business District
• Marine Barracks Washington

“There’s no doubt the fast action and bravery of neighbors, Marines, and our first responders saved lives in this fire. I am grateful to all of these honorees for their selfless service in responding to neighbors in need, whether running into a burning building to rescue residents, helping raise and coordinate donations, or providing meals, support, and friendship. I stand in awe of the resilience of the Arthur Capper residents, whose courage in the face of tragedy reminds us all to be thankful each day for what we have, and I am very proud of the Ward 6 community’s generosity of spirit in responding to this tragic fire.”

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