Vignette from the E Street Neighbors. Courtesy of E Street Adventures, via screenshot
Back in 2013, when Rena Goldman was living in the 1600 block of E Street NE, she had a great idea: Why not put together a Halloween-themed party for her neighbor kids? Luckily, she counted on the help of a fire dancer childhood friend with whom she’d reconnected here in DC and the help of her actor boyfriend who could play a compelling superhero. (Hey friends of mine: We need to step up our game here.) That event became a block party that has now grown into a yearly Halloween event at Rosedale. This coming together, in turn, inspired E Street Adventures, a community group of everyday superheroes who want to bring happiness and positive experiences to the neighborhood kids– especially in an area of town associated with anything but. You can read more about how Goldman started her community group in a great profile over at Washington Jewish Week. Although Goldman had to relocate away from her beloved neighborhood, where the kids call her Cousin ReeRee, she is still deeply involved in making sure E Street Adventures continues and thrives. This is where we all come in:
E Street Adventures, with the help of ANC commissioner 6A07 Sondra Philips-Gilbert, is getting into the Olympic spirit with the 2016 Rosedale Kids Summer Olympics and Field Day, happening this Saturday June 25. The event will be a series of competitions for children ages 6-12 and will take place at Rosedale Recreation Center, 1701 Gales Street NE. Sheldon Lehner, owner of Awesome Sports and Games, contacted Goldman after reading the Washington Jewish Week profile and worked with her to donate all the athletic equipment.
However! An olympic event needs more than just equipment– there is a need for Olympic sized snacks for the kids’ Olympic-sized hunger. You can check out E Street Adventures’ Amazon Shopping List by clicking on this link, or (even better) you can sign up to volunteer. You can visit E Street Adventures’ website for complete information on when and where you are needed. If you would rather do like a good neighbor and drop off donations in person, you can contact Philips-Gilbert –who is in charge of donations– via email at spgilbert01 [at] comcast.net.
Thank you for sharing your information and your talents with the neighborhood, Rena! Come on, Capitol Hill: Let’s help make this event a success!
WHAT: 2016 Rosedale Kids Summer Olympics and Field Day
WHEN: Saturday, June 25 2016, 12-2 p.m.
WHERE: Rosedale Recreation Center, 1701 Gales Street NE
WHY: Because everyone should get into the Olympic spirit and have a heck of a field day! Also, face paint.