Matt Gerken

@gbenga_ajilore Speech speech speech

I just completed an activity with Runkeeper runkeeper.com/cardio/5df3563…

@AlexCTaliadoros The @DCDPW Curbside Composting Pilot Program showed up more than a couple of times in the @InnovateWDC gratitude survey! #GratitudeDC moi.dc.gov/gratitude

DC folks! What are the best DC government services and programs that more people should know about?

From composting, emptying bins and trash collecting, to their reliability, friendliness, and display of kindness, @DCDPW’s workforce are appreciated ❤️ by DC residents! Residents share an abundance of stories in #GratitudeDC for a workforce that always goes the extra mile. 🚛 👷‍♀️

DC residents find peace and community in our open spaces. From the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail to Anacostia Park, these places offer serenity, community connections, and natural attractions. #GratitudeDC #AnacostiaRiver #DCParks

#GratitudeDC shows us Rock Creek Park through the eyes of residents: a place of sanctuary, beauty, & connection. It's the peace of nature's embrace, from the whisper of its trees to the adventure of its winding roads. Reminding us of the joys in life: fresh air, & green spaces,🌳

“I am grateful to all the men and women of @dcpolicedept who put their lives on the line every day to protect the people of this city.” 👮 🚓 👮‍♀️ #GratitudeDC #107 expression of appreciation from District resident.

Curious which places residents are most grateful in the District? Check out @InnovateWDC's new gratitude map showcasing the 137 places that residents have named in our gratitude survey so far. #GratitudeDC moi.dc.gov/page/gratitude…

#GratitudeDC nomination #97, “I am proud of the work of the National Cherry Blossom Festival team that benefits us a city, nation, and world, reminding us of the power of nature, beauty, friendship, diplomacy, giving, art, and community.” #CherryBlossomsDC

#GratitudeDC's interactive map is overflowing with appreciation for DC parks, libraries & more! moi.dc.gov/gratitude DC is ALL about: Strengthening communities, Empowering our youth, Fighting for those in need, Green spaces + wellness, Celebrating our rich history.

#GratitudeDC #202, “@FaithUCC_DC wants to give back to the community and makes its space available for that. They host food pickups and provide a safe warm place for our unhoused neighbors.” @FaithUCC_DC served 891 residents, 491 seniors, 212 children, 92 vets & 188 others.

"@MayorBowser and @DCPSChancellor have made inclusive changes to support all. Our @DCPSChancellor continues to show a love of education and every stakeholder. @MayorBowser is a lovely person, she dreams big to make things happen for all of DC.” #GratitudeDC #77 shared. 🏫👩‍🎓 🎒

#GratitudeDC story #416, “DC Fire and EMS are professional and polite. They work hard, they are totally focused on helping people, and they save lives.” District people or places residents express sentiment of appreciation for. 🚒 🚑 @dcfireems

Residents spotlight @DCDPW unsung heroes, “The DPW trash crew work together to make sure all bins are emptied and returned to residences; they keep the alleys clean.” 💕This is just one of 642 stories - featuring 267 people and 375 places or things from #GratitudeDC.

#GratitudeDC, "I am grateful for the staff at the KanKouran West African Dance Company who are preserving and teaching traditional African drumming, dancing and culture in our community. They are the longest-running African dance company in DC." @KanKouranDance

#GratitudeDC, “I learned to swim at the Dunbar swimming pool and took my first lifeguarding class there as well. And now 33 years later, it gave me a career as lifeguard and pool operator.” #DCLifeguards

#GratitudeDC, "I'm grateful for DC's GoGo Museum. I watched the opening ceremonies with the Mayor, Spike Lee, and all those involved. I love music, the arts, culture, and community. I feel more connected to the things that are important to me and to my part of DC." #DontMuteDC

#GratitudePowersDC shines a light on DC’s cherished places, “The Banneker Recreation Center track helps me clear my head and get my day off to a good start, and I'm grateful that the track is available to any community member who wants to use it." @DCDPR

#GratitudeDC, “The MLK Library gives me motivation that my visions and purpose for life are meaningful. This place, along with organizations that have cultivated its authentic styles, shares resources of growth and maturity within cultures and communities." @dcpl @LoveDCLibrary

“The longer I've been biking, the more familiar I am with where the bike lanes are in DC and I have been adapting my routes to those places. I love love love biking in bike lanes across DC. It makes me feel more safe and secure and confident while riding,” said survey respondent.

Beginning today, the DC Mayor's Office of Innovation will be highlighting stories of gratitude shared with us by District residents in our gratitude survey. Follow along as we post about the people, places, and things that make our city special. #GratitudePowersDC