*The best "Selfie with Drew" I've ever taken so far!*

The 2nd Annual Petworth News Shindig was, if I do say so myself, a great community party and a great time spent with really interesting people. Overall more than 120 people showed up to meet neighbors and fellow readers, enjoy great food compliments of the Pitch Tavern and grab some tasty cake.

It was great to see old friends as well as new people, including those who I've met on Twitter or Instagram, or chatted with on Facebook but hadn't had the chance to meet in person. I really appreciate everyone who came to the party. (Special shoutout to Glen Lamb, who has volunteered to take the notes from next week's ANC 4C meeting - thanks Glen!)

I had a slideshow running with more than 400 photos of the community rotating through on a giant screen. Photos from the Petworth Jazz Project, the Farmer's Market, local meetings, Socials and more. It was awesome to see many of the same faces on screen and in-person.

*PSA 407 Officer Eric Frost, Drew and Fourth District Commander Wilfredo Manlapaz*

I appreciated MPD Commander Manlapaz and his wife coming to the Shindig, and bringing a few friends, as well as PSA 407 Officer Eric Frost (love that he wore his bike helmet the entire time). I think it's important for MPD to interact with some of the people who are active in the community, and vice versa. Besides, I interact with MPD regularly, so it's nice to be able to thank them for their work.

*David Garber, Kristine and Leon Andrews*

I also appreciated DC Council candidates David Garber, and Leon Andrews and his wife Kristine coming to the Shindig to meet neighbors in a casual setting (there was no campaigning, just socializing, which is a great way of getting to know someone).

There were a lot of kind words shared with me at the Shindig, and I'm thankful for each person who feels Petworth News provides them with good information (hopefully well-written!). This site is a hobby, not a job, and takes an inordinate amount of time. Balancing my full-time job, my amazing family and keeping the blog updated and the newsletter published can be a challenge. Knowing that people find it valuable and enjoy reading the blog is the perfect type of compensation.

And I really appreciate Elena, Jay, David and the rest of the staff at The Pitch Tavern who went out of their way to make the Shindig a success. They made the process really stress-free, and I know guests enjoyed the food, the Happy Hour and the service. (If you haven't been to the Pitch Tavern, you should go. Best place in Petworth to watch DC sports, grab a drink and enjoy some top-notch food. The chorizo hamburger sliders were kickin'!)

I look forward to seeing everyone at the Celebrate Petworth Festival on June 4th and around the area. If you see me, feel free to stop me to say hello!