Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen presents a 2024 Brickie Award to Pam Troutman, Executive Director of Waterfront Village. Courtesy of Fredo Vasquez

By Southwester Staff

In December, DC Councilmember Charles Allen hosted the 18th annual Ward 6 Brickie Awards at Arena Stage in Southwest.

The Brickies is an annual celebration and community awards presentation for Ward 6 residents, organizations, and businesses, with hundreds of neighbors joining. Winners are nominated by members of their community, and receive an award that is an actual brick, inspiring the name of the evening’s event. 

“Each year, the Brickies are such an uplifting evening,” Allen said in a press release. “The people recognized are inspiring, the food and drinks are delicious, the venue is spectacular, and the evening is a reminder of everything great about living in Ward 6.”

Allen has hosted the event each year since he’s been in office, carrying on a tradition started by former Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells, who was in attendance for the 2024 ceremony, along with current Council Chair Phil Mendelson.  

Southwest’s own Waterfront Village was presented with the Community Organization Award. Waterfront Village,  an organization of neighbors in Southwest DC focused on connecting and serving older neighbors by building stronger community, delivers key services and advocates for neighborhoods that ensure seniors can live active, vibrant, and independent lives in Southwest and across Ward 6.

“We were so excited to get the news, because it really honors all the work of our 200-plus members and volunteers,” said Pam Troutman, Executive Director of Waterfront Village. “Everybody needs a village, no one should be alone at any chapter in their life, and so you can be part of our village whether you’re a volunteer, a member or a supporter, there are ways to get to get to know your neighbors and live a richer life by being connected right in your community. I hope that it really is a welcome mat and gives people a chance to think, ‘wow, I really should get connected to that organization.’”

The evening included a packed house enjoying food and beverages donated by local businesses across Ward 6, including Southwest’s Good Company Doughnuts & Café, Bartaco and Cordial at The Wharf. 

Other winners of the 2024 Ward 6 Brickie Awards are: 

Neighbor Award: Ward 6 Pedestrian Advocates. The award recognizes the work of Cheryle Adams, Ward 6’s representative on the District’s Pedestrian Advisory Council, and the members of the Capitol Hill Village Sidewalk Safety Team, led by former ANC Commissioner Scott Price, whose combined efforts are pushing the DC government to prioritize the safety of all those who use our streets and sidewalks. 

Public Service Award: DC Health’s Ward 6 Rodent Control Team. The award goes to DC Health’s responsive, persistent, hard-working, and dedicated Ward 6 rodent control team, which is ever-present fighting rats in alleyways, behind buildings, in parks, and everywhere else rodents are found. Their work improves the quality of our lives and is a key part of improving public health in Ward 6.

Business Award: Solid State Books. The award goes to Solid State Books, a beloved independent bookshop on H Street NE. The store has something for everyone and is a dedicated and active member of the local business community. Scott Abel and Jake Cumsky-Whitlock have created a special space where neighbors meet up, residents join book clubs, and people can grab a cup of coffee while finding their latest great read. They are a leading voice among local businesses, helping participate in everything from school fundraisers to improving safety and quality of life along the H Street corridor.

Civic Pride Award: The Shirley Chisholm Elementary School Community. This award recognizes the incredible Chisholm community of staff, PTA leaders, parents, and students for everything they do to create a safe, inclusive, and passionate environment for student learning. It particularly highlights the hard work over the last few years to rename the school. Chisholm school leadership has also hosted a regular Safety Hub that brings together leaders from the neighborhood, school, public safety, and community service organizations to meet the needs of a whole child and family to build a stronger and safer community.

Special Recognition: The Hill is Home. This award recognizes the 15-year anniversary of the founding of The Hill is Home, a ubiquitous local blog and social media presence documenting, and driving, daily life for Ward 6 neighbors. The tireless work and passion of Maria Helena Carey, the blog’s author, is the primary reason for its popularity, as well as the regular contributions of local historian and tour guide Robert Pohl, which are must-reads for anyone wanting to deepen their local history knowledge.

“I’m so excited to celebrate this year’s winners,” Allen said. “They make our community safe, strong, and vibrant.”

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