This year, you’ve come through for us and for your neighbors. And we thank you.

A Clarence House resident’s window in April 2020.

by Marlene Berlin

Here’s a message we’ve heard from many of you in this year of Covid-19: Forest Hills Connection has served to keep neighbors and the neighborhood connected during a difficult time.

It hasn’t been easy to forgo visits to our favorite local places with our favorite local people. But we have heard wonderful stories about neighbors helping neighbors. Many of you have turned out in force to sustain small businesses that have suffered significant losses. Residents and management of three Van Ness apartment buildings formed aid networks. And Ward 3 Mutual Aid sprang up to offer food and other assistance to residents in need.

The need is great.

That’s why we ask that you remember aid groups like Ward 3 Mutual Aid in your year-end giving. Donations help Iona Senior Services stock a food pantry for vulnerable clients who cannot go out to buy food or other necessary items. Social workers from Miriam’s Kitchen work with the homeless in our area. The Capital Area Food Bank does direct food distribution throughout Greater Washington to kids, families and seniors. And the DC Legal Aid Society provides legal assistance to those facing eviction. (We invite you to comment below with your giving suggestions.)

A great deal of uncertainty remains. The first Covid-19 vaccines are being shipped all over the country, but there is still a long tunnel to get through until life can get back to something resembling normal. And what will “normal” look like on the other side? Will we have rush hours again? Will homes continue to be our offices? Will commercial offices be converted to housing? Will our local restaurants make it? What new businesses will pop up? How and when will most kids – and UDC students – go back to in-person learning? When will we go back to the Avalon to see movies?

Forest Hills Connection will be here to report on our community as it comes back to life, thanks to the support of our readers and local businesses and institutions. And to all of you, we say, “thank you.” Special thanks go to the Forest Hills Neighborhood Alliance, Van Ness Main Street, ANC 3F and Calvert Woodley, which have provided us with substantial ongoing support.

There are many ways to support us. We are always on the lookout for people willing to write a few words, take a few photos and share a few videos about their local projects and passions.

You can also help us, yourselves and others by taking out a $5-$10 classified ad. Recommend your gardener, handyman or another type of helper. Submit an ad asking for more volunteers for your organization. Seek out expert advice about animals or plants in your backyard or on your balcony. And looking to join a book group or writers group or to start one? Place a classified ad.

Our advertising options also include sponsored posts and image ads. And donations are always welcome.

Tracy and I have found great joy and comfort in the connections Forest Hills Connection has helped us make over the years with our neighbors, businesses, educational institutions and other organizations. And again, we thank you for making that possible.