This letter was sent today to the Fifth District Listserve on behalf of the Bloomingdale Civic Association and 5DCAC:
Dear Bloomingdale Neighbors and Friends of Bloomingdale,
This has been a spirit challenging week for our Bloomingdale community. The recent deaths of Mrs. Deloris Gibson-McCarter, Mr. William (Billy) Mitchell, Jr. along with the house fire at 1923 Second Street, NW, should help to remind us of the value of community and the importance of caring for each other.
Mrs. McCarter and Mr. Mitchell contributed greatly and selflessly to the improving the quality of life in the Bloomingdale community. They are a loss not only to their family and friends, but also to the human family.
On behalf of the officers and members of the Bloomingdale Civic Association and the 5th District Citizens’ Advisory Council, I join others in express sorrow and condolences. Despite the pain we feel and the tragedy of the moment, we can take comfort in the Grace of The Prince of Peace and The Wonderful Counselor.At the Monday, 24 January 2011 meeting of the Bloomingdale Civic Association, the Association will pause to honor their memory and reflect on their contributions to this community. I would also encourage the Bloomingdale community to join Ward 5 Councilman Harry Thomas at a community vigil at the Park at North Capital Street and Florida Avenue, NW, 6:00pm – 6:50pm, Tuesday, 25 January 2011.
Following the vigil, Councilman Thomas will lead an emergency community meeting at the offices of the North Capital Main Street, 1703 North Capital Street, NE.
Let us keep all of them and their families in our prayers.
Robert Vinson Brannum
PRESIDENT, Bloomingdale Civic Association
CHAIRMAN, 5th District Citizens’ Advisory Council
