Notebook by Kathleen Donner

kids & family

by Kathleen Donner

Pandaversary at the Zoo

On April 16 and 17, the National Zoo will celebrate 50 years of unprecedented achievement in the care, conservation, breeding and study of giant pandas. Over the past five decades, the Zoo’s pandas have become international icons, beloved both for their adorable antics and their ability to bring colleagues from the United States and China together to collaborate for a common goal: saving the species from extinction. On Saturday, April 16, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., visitors can enjoy lion dance performances, panda-shaped Bao buns and calligraphy demonstrations, courtesy of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, speak with the Zoo’s scientists who study giant panda biology and ecology, and see the pandas receive special enrichment treats. On Sunday, April 17, 10 a.m. to noon, visitors can enjoy a performance by Dong Xi, a musical collaboration between percussionist Tom Teasley and Chinese dulcimer artist Chao Tian. The Zoo’s giant pandas also will receive enrichment treats as part of the celebration. nationalzoo. si.edu/animals/celebrating-50-years-giant-pandas.

March 1, 1985. Giant pandas Hsing-Hsing (left) and Ling-Ling (right) at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Petalpalooza at Capitol Riverfront at the Yards

On Saturday, April 16, 1 to 9 p.m. (rain date, Sunday, April 17, 5 to 9 p.m.), celebrate spring at the National Cherry Blossom Festival‘s Petalpalooza at Capitol Riverfront at the Yards, with a full day of live music and engaging activities. This all-ages celebration brings art, music, and play to multiple outdoor stages, interactive art installations, a beer garden and family-friendly hands-on activities. The evening is capped by fireworks set to music. Free. nationalcherryblossomfestival. org/event/petalpalooza.

The Other Side at the KC

Clover’s mom says it isn’t safe to cross the fence that segregates their AfricanAmerican side of town from the white side where Anna lives. But when the two girls strike up a friendship, they’ll find a clever way to get around the grown-up rules together. Twenty years after its first publication, Education Artist-in-Residence Jacqueline Woodson’s simple yet powerful book The Other Side comes to life with movement from choreographer and Kennedy Center Artistic Advisor for Dance Education Hope Boykin. When literal and figurative fences keep us apart, can we find the courage—and creativity—to knock them down? $20. The Other Side, best enjoyed by age five and older, is at the Kennedy Center from April 21

Easter Monday at the Zoo

On Easter Monday, April 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (rain or shine), the Smithsonian’s National Zoo will continue a Washington tradition that spans more than 100 years by hosting “Easter Monday: An African American Family Tradition”. Throughout the day, the Zoo will offer familyfocused activities, from an Easter egg hunt with prizes to field games, special animal demonstrations and live entertainment. And don’t miss a chance to meet Easter Panda. Free but parking is $30 and you must reserve a parking pass online before you visit. nationalzoo.si.edu.

Arboretum Eagles Egg Hatches

The Eagle Nest Cam at the US National Arboretum revealed that on Feb. 22, Mr. President and LOTUS celebrated President’s Day weekend by laying two eggs. One egg hatched on March 27, but the eaglet died. A second eaglet hatched on March 29 and was doing fine. Eagle eggs take about 35 days to incubate before hatching. During that time, Mr. President and LOTUS took turns incubating and rolling the eggs so they stayed warm and developed evenly. With the arrival of the eggs, Azalea Road and parts of the Azalea Collections were closed to visitors for about the next four months. PLEASE NOTE: This is a wild eagle nest and anything can happen. Things like predators, natural disasters as well as territorial disputes can affect this eagle family and may be difficult to watch. naeaglecam.org.

to 30. Saturday, Apr. 30 at 1:30 p.m. is sensory-friendly. kennedy-center.org.

Soar Together @ Air and Space Virtual Family Day

When you think of careers in air and space, you might not think of clothing designers, bakers or artists. However, there are jobs that require skills in artistry, creativity and visuals and this month (May), they’ll introduce you to some of these air and space career connections. Join them on May 13 and 14, all day, for live, virtual story times, their monthly Air and Space Adventures challenge game, and artifact exploration. airandspace.si.edu/ events/soar-together-air-and-space-virtual-family-daycrafty-and-creative-career-connections.

Story Time at Union Market

On Tuesdays, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m., join Northeast Library as they travel to the roof of Union Market, 1309 Fifth St. NE, to bring a unique story time to babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their caregivers. Join them on the roof for books, songs, rhythm, rhyme and movement. Bring a blanket or towel to sit on. This outdoor program is canceled in the event of a heat/cold emergency. dclibrary.org/northeast.

Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party!

From the moment the curtain rises, parents and children alike will be on their feet dancing along to a pop-infused soundtrack with new Sesame Street friends and live emcees Casey and Caleb. Planning a party isn’t easy when everybody has a different idea of fun, but with some help from the audience, it becomes the ultimate reflection of what friendship plus teamwork can accomplish. Party guests will sing along to familiar songs, like “I Love Trash” and “C is for Cookie,” with Oscar the Grouch and Cookie Monster; dance to the beat with Elmo; take flight with Big Bird to learn about some of his fabulous feathered friends; and discover new cultures in an interactive Spanish lesson with Rosita. Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party! visits Fairfax May 6 to 8, at EagleBank Arena. Tickets are at sesamestreetlive.com.

A Special LUNCH DOODLES with Mo Willems! Variant Edition

In March of 2020, millions of people of all ages from around the world first joined Emmy Award–winning writer and New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Mo Willems in his studio for weekday LUNCH DOODLES. To mark the second anniversary, Mo and the Kennedy Center are releasing a special new “Variant Edition” of LUNCH DOODLES, inviting everyone back into his studio to doodle, reflect on the past two years, and create art together. This new “Variant Edition” is available at kennedy-center.org/education/mo-willems.

Mount Vernon hosts the nation’s largest Revolutionary War re-enactment. Photo: Rob Shenk

Mount Vernon’s Revolutionary War Weekend

On April 30 and May 1, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (rain or shine), Mount Vernon’s serene 12-acre field transforms into a battleground as Continentals, Redcoats, and Hessians conduct military drills, perform cavalry demonstrations, and engage in 18thcentury tacticals. Meet the soldiers who are encamped at Mount Vernon, discuss military techniques, and greet General Washington. All activities are included in admission price: $28 for adults, 12+; $15 for age six to eleven; five and under, free. There is a $2 price reduction for early online ticket purchase. mountvernon.org.

Kids Welcome at Anacostia Watershed Society Earth Day Cleanup

Kids, accompanied by an adult, can join in the Anacostia Watershed Society’s Earth Day Cleanup--a DC-area tradition where thousands of volunteers cleanup sites all along the Anacostia River and its tributary streams throughout the watershed in DC, Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties. On the Saturday following Earth Day, thousands of volunteers come out to dozens of different sites to pick-up trash, serve their communities, and enjoy the Anacostia River. Registration is now open for the 2022 cleanup which is on Saturday, April 22 10 a.m. to noon. Preregistration is required to volunteer and to get the coveted t-shirt at anacostiaws.org.

Amidon-Bowen Elementary PTA Virtual Auction Fundraiser

Amidon-Bowen Elementary’s online auction is on April 27 to 29. Auction items include sports tickets, gift cards for local businesses and travel/adventure tickets. All proceeds support Amidon-Bowen students from technology purchases and expanded after school activities. Visit auction site and bid at biddingowl.com/AmidonBowenPTA. To donate items to the auction or for questions, contact amidonbowenauction@gmail.com.

Summer Acceleration Programs DCPS Students Announced

This summer, DCPS is inviting all students enrolled currently in pre-K4 through fourth grade to be part of the Elementary Summer Acceleration program. This five-week program will take place on weekdays from July 5 to August 5 and offer a full-day of learning, fun, and friendship. Registration for the program has opened at dcpsreopenstrong. com/summer/#ESA. Space is limited, and families will be directed to the school in their assigned neighborhood feeder pattern when registering online. Registration has also opened for current students in grades five through eight where they can explore their career interests through the Career & Technical Education (CTE) Enrichment program from July 5 to Aug. 5. Current students in grades five to eight also can grow their math skills through the Algebra Accelerator program on weekdays from July 5 to Aug. 5. Rising ninth grade students will start their high school experience by attending Summer Bridge at their school from Aug. 8 to 12. During this orientation week, students will enjoy a variety of activities, such as team building games, scavenger hunts to get to know their new schools, excursions and field trips, creative projects, performances, and presentations about high school and beyond. dcpsreopenstrong.com/summer.

Free KN95 Masks for Children at DC COVID Centers

All DC Health COVID Centers now offer free child-sized KN95 masks. DC residents can obtain two packages of children’s masks each containing five masks. In addition to masks for children, all COVID Centers will continue to provide access to vaccinations, boosters, adult masks, take-home rapid antigen tests, and PCR tests. DC Health has eight COVID Centers with one in each Ward. All sites are open six days a week, as late as 9 p.m., and sites ro-

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tate days o so that on any day of the week multiple COVID Centers are open across DC. Proof of residency is required. coronavirus.dc.gov.

Bluestone Lane Café Opens Inside National Children’s Museum

Bluestone Lane, the Australian-inspired coffee, café and lifestyle brand has opened its newest downtown DC location inside National Children’s Museum at 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Bluestone Lane has curated a menu for their National Children’s Museum location that emphasizes healthy, fun, and delicious options for young eaters and adults. Bluestone Lane will share a home with the Museum inside their Playzone, a light lled, glass-enclosed space on the Museum’s entry level. The café is double-entry: Museum visitors will be able to grab a drink or bite by entering from within the Museum, while members of the public can enter through a separate entrance on Woodrow Wilson Plaza. Bluestone Lane is operating during Museum visitor hours, currently Thursday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. nationalchildrensmuseum.org.

Fort Ward Museum Reopens

Fort Ward, 4301 West Braddock Rd., Alexandria, VA, is the best preserved of the system of Union forts and batteries built to protect Washington, DC during the American Civil War (1861-1865). The Fort Ward Museum interprets the site’s history and o ers exhibits on Civil War topics, education and interpretive programs, tours, lecture and video series, bus tours, and living history activities throughout the year. The Museum and Historic Site also interpret Alexandria, Virginia as an occupied city, the city’s role as a vital Union Army crossroads, life within the Defenses of Washington, and the everyday life of Civil War soldiers and civilians. The historic fort provides visitors with an excellent understanding of Civil War-era military engineering. About 90% of the fort’s earthwork walls are preserved and the Northwest Bastion has been restored and reconstructed to its original condition. Fort Ward Museum is now open Fridays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The historic site is open daily from 9 a.m. to sunset, consistent with Fort Ward Park hours. alexandriava.gov/FortWard.

Applications Open for DPR Summer Camp

This summer, DPR will have a wide range of summer camp o erings for ages three to thirteen. Registration for camps will open on a rolling basis during the week of April 4. To ensure their programs are accessible, DPR will again o er reduced rates to qualifying DC residents. dpr.dc.gov/page/ about-camps.

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Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs

Once upon a time, there were three hungry Dinosaurs: Papa Dinosaur, Mama Dinosaur…and a dinosaur who happened to be visiting from Norway. That’s just the beginning of this hilarious, fractured, symphonic take on Goldilocks and the Three Bears, as retold by Mo Willems. This new classic is presented by favorite performers and the National Symphony Orchestra, featuring original music by indie pop icon and NSO Artistic Advisor Ben Folds. $25 to $55. Best for age ve, up. Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs is at the Kennedy Center on Saturday, April 30 at 2 and 4 p.m. The 2 p.m. performance is sensory-friendly. kennedy-center.org.

American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras Applications Open

With a nationally recognized artistic sta , a dedicated professional sta , and a host of volunteers, AYPO annually selects and trains more than 400 of the area’s most talented young musicians. Students up to age 21 are encouraged to audition in June for the opportunity to participate in one of their six orchestras and six instrumental ensembles. Auditions will take place virtually this season with video submissions due Friday, May 27. Rehearsals for the 2022-2023 season will start on Monday evenings in September and continue through May. aypo.org. ◆

“Two steps forwards, two steps back”

by Myles Mellor

Across:

1. Carved family emblem 6. U.S. Open champ, 1985-87 11. Teaching inst. 14. Made like 18. Island, to a Venetian 19. Big name in kitchen foil 20. Stray 22. Unrobed 23. Got off the mountain 25. Going up the mountain 27. Aria, e.g. 28. Fruity drinks 29. Wild 31. Hearty steak 32. Manipulator 33. Relief 34. Paper purchase 35. Those who put confi dence in someone 39. “Well said!” 42. Parts of a herd 46. Publishers 47. Word origin abbreviation 48. Cruelty 51. J.F.K. postings 52. Cry plaintively 53. Eggstone 54. Golf meeting place 55. Signifi cant 17th century religious work 61. Heads of state 63. ____if it could (contraction) 64. Place to unwind 66. Villain 67. Real estate ad abbr. 68. Oldest independent country in Africa 72. A Cadillac 73. Denebola’s constellation 74. Young hares 75. Copies another’s software, in a way 81. Government security agency, abbr. 83. Many 84. Go bad 85. “___ Smile” (1976 hit) 89. Luxury boat owner 91. “The Joy Luck Club” author 92. Censored and replaced 95. Pigeon pen 96. Talked up? 98. Pendant gem shape 99. Crimson colors 102. Dummy 103. Sound boosters 104. Anouk of “La Dolce Vita” 106. Uncluttered 108. Swing around 109. Land with 60% of the earth’s population 113. Gaining ground from the enemy 115. Relapsing 118. Red Sea city 119. Couturier Cassini 120. Make giddy 121. Dog 122. Org. 123. Famous falcon 124. Grooves 125. Chief German city of Ruhr River valley

Down:

1. Twitches 2. 1952 Olympics host 3. Work hard 4. “Tickle me” doll 5. Queen of the fairies 6. Fire truck attachments 7. Seniors 8. Sgts. and such 9. Stock exchange index 10. Sluggishness 11. Booty 12. Mexican quarters 13. ___cup (odd sound) 14. Between the thorax and pelvis

Look for this months answers at labyrinthgameshop.com

15. Hurtful sensation 16. Sea eagle 17. B.S., e.g. 21. Bash 24. Assuaging agent 26. Org. that has many guards 30. ___ Simbel, Egypt 32. Colorado Native American 33. Finnish bath 34. Hook up again 35. Dead heat 36. What U can follow 37. 2002 Winter Olympics site (Abbr.) 38. Film genre 40. Three or more harmonious notes 41. Interactive online game 43. Scuba gear 44. End for Siam 45. Compass point 47. Speaker’s platform 49. Orch. section 50. Laugh sound 52. Winter comment 53. Picks 56. Personal statement intro 57. Driver’s need: Abbr. 58. “Is that so!” 59. Cowell of Idol 60. Emphasized 61. Blair and others, for short 62. Take back 65. Undergrad degrees 67. Snorkler’s interest 68. Fast time 69. The Beatles’ “___ Got a Feeling” 70. Spelling stinger? 71. Go off 73. Hotelier Helmsley 74. Sphinx animal 76. Port vessel 77. Raised railroads 78. Frolics 79. Telephone button 80. Reunion attendees 81. Wall Street locale 82. ___ Paulo, Brazil 86. Shower month 87. ___ Speedwagon (“Keep on Loving You” band) 88. Payroll processing company 90. Writer, Hesse 91. Platform for experimentation 92. Discombobulates 93. Place for a pin 94. Speech stumbles 97. Chatter 98. Address 100. Night of poetry 101. Like New York’s Radio City Music Hall, informally 104. Contributes 105. Folk-singer Burl 106. Joint with a cap 107. Holiday fi ndings 108. Great deal 109. Flurries 110. Letter salutation word (pl.) 111. ‘’Bus Stop’’ playwright William 112. Opposed, in Dogpatch 113. Auto insurer with roadside service 114. Breed 116. Pie ___ mode 117. Crystal meth, in slang

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