Congratulations to the winners of this year’s Brickie Awards!
We could not be more in agreement with the honoree for Best Neighbor: Nicky Cymrot is a long-time Hill resident who has made a tremendous impact on our community through her constant service. She is President of the Capitol Hill Community Foundation, President Emeritus of the Hill Center Board of Directors, helped build CHAMPS, the Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce, to helped lead the Capitol Hill School Libraries Project, and also spearheaded helping Eastern Market’s rebuilding after the 2007 fire.
Best Business of 2016 went to Sean Haney, owner of the Pretzel Bakery (oh, how I love their breakfast sliders!). We have been so happy to see them grow into a larger space and be able to have a presence around the neighborhood through their donations to local schools and organizations.
Another Hill institution was also recognized: The Hill Rag received the 2016 Civic Pride Award. Our local newspaper, which is part of Capital Community News, is celebrating FORTY years this year! P.S.: Make sure you pick up their special anniversary edition on newsstands!
The Brickie Awards were started by former Councilmember Tommy Wells to honor local people and organizations whose leadership, commitment, and vision make Ward 6 a great place to live and work.
Full press release and other Ward 6 Winners below:
This evening, Ward 6 DC Councilmember Charles Allen will host the 10thAnnual 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 nine 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.
“With food, music, and hundreds of neighbors, this annual event is a fun way to bring the community together to recognize some of what makes living here so special,” said Councilmember Allen. “I am honored to recognize the following winners of the 2016 Ward 6 Brickies.”
2016 Neighbor Award | Nicky Cymrot
Nicky Cymrot, President of the Capitol Hill Community Foundation and President Emeritus of the Hill Center Board of Directors, has been a fixture in the Capitol Hill community for nearly fifty years. From helping build CHAMPS, the Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce, to helping lead the Capitol Hill School Libraries Project, to helping Eastern Market rebuild after the fire, and launching the Hill Center, Nicky has made giving back to the Capitol Hill community a way of life.
Allen stated, “Capitol Hill would not be Capitol Hill without Nicky Cymrot. I couldn’t be more proud to present her with the 2016 Neighbor Award. For nearly fifty years, she’s been helping build the vibrant, thriving neighborhood we know today. Together with her late husband Steve, Nicky has been at the heart of nearly every major community project on Capitol Hill for decades. Always the first to lend a hand and the last to take credit, Nicky Cymrot embodies the spirit of the Brickie Awards.”
2016 Community Organization Award | Shaw Main Streets | Alex Padro, Executive Director
Shaw Main Streets received the 2016 Great American Main Street Award earlier this year, based on their exemplary efforts to bring economic revitalization and historic preservation to the Shaw community. Their work to preserve affordable housing and attract new businesses while celebrating the neighborhood’s historic character has earned nationwide recognition and created one of the District’s most popular cultural and dining destinations.
Allen noted, “I am delighted to honor Shaw Main Streets with the 2016 Ward 6 Community Organization Award. As a nationally recognized Great American Main Street, their work to bring economic revitalization to the Shaw neighborhood after decades of disinvestment while honoring Shaw’s rich cultural heritage is an exceptional accomplishment. Shaw Main Streets has been instrumental in making the Shaw neighborhood a vibrant, diverse, thriving place to dine, shop, live, and play.”
2016 Business Award | The Pretzel Bakery | Sean Haney, owner
The Pretzel Bakery is a labor of love for owner Sean Haney. First opened in 2011 on 15th Street, SE, the Pretzel Bakery quickly became a treasured part of the Hill East neighborhood, soon outgrowing their close quarters and moving last year up the block to a larger space at 257 15thStreet, SE where they have expanded their business to a full café and catering operation. Always looking for ways to give back and build a thriving neighborhood, the Pretzel Bakery has partnered with local schools, youth sports organizations, and other groups to support the community.
Allen said, “The Pretzel Bakery has a great story to tell. Starting in a tiny store-front selling pretzels through a Dutch door, they have now grown to a full-service café and catering operation that partners with the Washington Nationals, the Verizon Center, and numerous bars around the District. They not only make a mean pretzel dog, they are an important part of the Hill East community and I’m pleased to name them the 2016 Business Award winner.”
2016 Public Service Award | Paul “South” Taylor | Manager, DPR King-Greenleaf Rec
Paul “South” Taylor is the manager of the Department of Parks & Recreation’s King-Greenleaf Recreation Center in Southwest DC. Named DPR’s Employee of the Year in 2015, South is well known throughout the community as a leader and dedicated youth sports organizer. Born and raised in Southwest, Taylor is also co-founder and executive director of the Southwest Community Unity Forum, sponsor of the annual Southwest Comm-Unity Day.
Allen commented, “South is someone who always goes above and beyond to help give back to the Southwest community. From coaching youth sports teams to organizing community events to helping advocate for the needs of the Southwest neighborhood, he is a true public servant and we’re lucky to have him in Ward 6. It is with great appreciation that I recognize him with this year’s Public Service Award.”
2016 Civic Pride Award | The Hill Rag
Celebrating forty years as the paper of record, first for Capitol Hill and then for the wider Ward 6 community, the Hill Rag is one stop shopping for residents to learn about every event, business, and organization in their neighborhood as well as the latest news, arts updates, a monthly ANC roundup, fitness tips, and even garden advice. The Hill Rag is dedicated to hyper-local news coverage and building community.
Allen noted, “Every neighborhood in America would be lucky to have the Hill Rag as their community newspaper. Here in Ward 6, we are very fortunate to have the Hill Rag as the glue that binds us together. From humble beginnings to its new digital presence, the Hill Rag has been an essential part of our community for forty years. I am honored to present the Hill Rag the well-deserved 2016 Civic Pride Award.”
Tonight’s celebration at the Apollo at 600 H Street, NE will be held from 6pm to 8pm and is open and free to the public. Guests will enjoy free food and drink from the event’s sponsors. All are welcome to attend.