Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending the 89th birthday party of my neighbor and an active Petworth resident, Joan Thomas. Ms Thomas is the epitome of a pillar of the community and has been awarded throughout the years by mayors, councilmembers, and her church.

Ms Thomas is a very sweet woman, and has spent her life working and volunteering in the community and supporting Democrat politics in DC. Her house was filled with family and friends from DC and Maryland, and the walls were covered in family photos and awards from a lifetime of service to the city. She has served as ANC commissioner for 4C08, as a member of the DC Democratic Club and President of the DC Chapter of the American War Mothers. She also coordinates a weekly program to deliver food to those in need in the community at Berean Baptist Church.

In 2012, she received the Woman of the Year Award from Ward 4 Democrats, and last night received two letters of appreciation from Mayor Bowser and CM Todd (Charon Hines, the Mayor's Director of Community Affairs presented the Mayor's letter). I know from the certificates and plaques around her home that she has received many more. Ms Thomas said at the party she has five boxes of stuff like that.

It was also nice to meet Rudolph Harris, a former Chair of ANC 4C (back when they were deciding to build the Bus Barn on 14th Street or not...).

Happy birthday, Ms Thomas!