14 minute read
Notebook
by Kathleen Donner
Children’s Business Fair of Washington, DC
The annual Acton Children’s Business Fair of Washington, DC, is on Saturday, May 14 (rain date May 21), 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in Cleveland Park at 3409 Connecticut Ave. NW. The largest entrepreneurship event for children in North America, this morning-long fair gives children ages six to 14 the opportunity to showcase their own businesses. They are invited to create a product or service and sell to customers. Prizes will be given for the best businesses by age and category. Past businesses have included handmade greeting cards, a pet-sitting service for exotic birds, a photobomb booth and a lemonade stand that donated a percentage of profits to protect honeybees. Started in Austin, Texas, the Acton Children’s Business Fair has grown to over 455 fairs around the world, serving 23,022 young entrepreneurs in 206 cities and 12 countries. Join the mailing list at www.dcchildrensbusinessfair.org/email-updates.
Learn to Ride Classes
The Washington Area Bicyclist Association offers youth classes throughout the months of May and June from Anacostia Park. The fun and intuitive approach also requires hard work. Children will be riding for two hours. The class is for children six to 12 years old who have never tried to learn how to ride a bike or has tried and not been successful. Learn more at www.waba.org/learntoride.
Native Pride Dancers offer “Dancing through Life” on Wednesday, June 29, for ages four and up.
Retailer Raises Money for Ukrainian Toy Brands
Los Angeles Adventuretown Toy Emporium carries 34 products from three Ukrainian brands and will donate 50% of the sales receipts of these products to support the companies and their employees. See the toys at adventuretowntoys. com.ukraine.
Nats Park Giveaways for Kids
The Washington Nationals will offer the following giveaways: • On May 14, at 7:05 p.m., and May 15, at 1:35 p.m., vs. Houston Astros, Kids Superhero Socks for the first 5,000 fans in attendance, ages 12 and under. • On May 27, at 7:05 p.m., vs. Colorado Rockies, Juan “Soto Shuffle” bobblehead for the first 20,000 fans in attendance. • On June 11, at 4:05 p.m., vs. Milwaukee
Brewers, the Unstoppable Josh Bell MAR-
VEL Super Hero bobblehead for the first 10,000 fans in attendance. www.mlb.com/nationals/tickets/promotions
SNZCBI educators are collaborating with DC Head Start to visit classrooms across the nation’s capital for giant-panda-themed “Bring the Zoo to You” storytime through June.
Partnering to Reach Children about Animals and Conservation
Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods at Wolf Trap
Across the meadow from the Filene Center, tucked in the woods at Wolf Trap National Park, the Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods has been a summer tradition for generations. Performances range from music and dance to puppetry and storytelling. All shows are about an hour long. Performances are always interactive, bringing both kids and adults to their feet. Here’s a listing of early summer shows: The Fourth Wall ‒ “Fruit Flies Like a Banana” is on Wednesday, June 22, ages three and up. Xuejuan Dance Ensemble ‒ “The Land of Mulan” is on Thursday, June 23, ages five and up. Madcap Puppets ‒ “Jack and the Gentle Giant” is on Friday, June 24 and Saturday, June 25, ages five to 12. Marsha and the Positrons ‒ “Energetic, Fun Songs about Science” is on Tuesday, June 28, ages three to 10. Native Pride Dancers ‒ “Dancing through Life” is on Wednesday, June 29, ages four and up. David Gonzalez with Daniel Kelly-Cuentos ‒ “Tales from the Latinx World” is on Thursday, June 30, ages four to 12. All shows are at 10:30 a.m. (gates at 10:00 a.m.). Tickets are $12. After each performance, children and parents are encouraged to continue enjoying the free and open space in the park. Theatre-in-theWoods, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, Virginia. www.wolftrap.org The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (SNZCBI) is partnering with the National Head Start Association (NHSA) to provide children in Head Start programs across the country with free nature- and conservationbased learning opportunities about animals. As part of this year-long collaboration, NHSA’s first with a zoo, SNZCBI’s Center for Learning Innovation will co-host four 30-minute virtual field trips connecting children to a variety of animals. SNZCBI and NHSA will also develop and distribute educational activities and materials for Head Start students, teachers and families to help inspire curiosity about animals and cultivate a lifelong desire to protect the natural world. Virtual field trips to be held in October 2022 and January and March 2023 will be available to view as recordings following each broadcast on the SNZCBI and NHSA websites. Head Start classrooms can join NHSA’s classroom mailing list for more details. www. nationalzoo.si.edu. dcheadstart.org
“Blippi the Musical” at the National Theatre
On June 25, at 2 and 6 p.m., at the National Theater, “Blippi the Musical” is set to bring the vivacious and educational children’s character from the screen to the stage for an all-ages extravaganza of dancing, singing and meeting new friends onstage. Blippi takes kids on the ultimate play date through field trips and adventures. He’s taught millions of kids counting, colors, letters and much more. A global sensation, he has over 37 million YouTube subscribers and one billion views per month. Blippi is also available on some of the largest premium streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Roku, Virgin Media and Kidoodle. For tickets and additional information, visit www.BroadwayAtTheNational.com.
Tudor Place Time Travelers
From Aug. 1 to 5, from 9 a.m. to noon, travel back to the 1800s at Tudor Place, 1644 31st St. NW, and see how different daily life was. What type of clothes did people wear? What did they see on a typical day? Do we still eat similar dishes and play the same types of games? Tudor Place houses over 2,000 objects to help us understand what life was like before electricity, running water and modern conveniences. Campers ages nine to 11 will discover how life varied for the residents of Tudor Place and explore the ways historians use objects to discover details about day-today roles and noteworthy events. Participants will dig into archaeology, explore the history of Tudor Place and make their own time capsules. Register at www.12200.blackbaudhosting.com/12200/page.aspx?pid=201.
Children’s Village at Gaithersburg Book Fair
Festival Evensong Celebrating the Girls Cathedral Choir’s Anniversary
Sunday, May 8, at 4 p.m., is the culmination of the National Cathedral’s Girls Cathedral Choir 25th anniversary celebration. Masks are required if you choose attend inperson. Reservations are not required for in-person worship. This service will be streamed on www.cathedral.org and the YouTube page at youtube.com/user/wncathedral.
In a new production, the Puppet Co. at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, Maryland, gives the full story of what happens after the gold has been spun and the day has been saved. This comedy romp is recommended ages four and up. Run time is approximately 50 minutes. $15. “The Fantastic Tale of Rumpelstiltskin” runs Thursdays and Fridays at 10:30 a.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., through May 22. www.thepuppetco. org/shows
The Gaithersburg Book Festival, on Saturday, May 21, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., is a free annual celebration of great books and great writing that has made its mark as one of the nation’s top literary events. At the festival’s Children’s Village, award-winning children’s and young-adult authors speak about their recent books and give an inside look into what inspires them. Through May the festival will also post the presentations on its YouTube channel. All books are available for purchase on-site from Politics and Prose. Writing workshops and storywalks will engage and stimulate book curiosity and interest in reading and writing. The
Kids Run the Bases at Nats Park
Kids ages four to 12 can run the bases after every Sunday day game throughout the season. Kids Run the Bases begins immediately following the game, weather permitting. An adult must accompany runners to the field. At game’s end, the grounds crew needs approximately 20 minutes to prepare the field. Kids and parents/guardians can begin lining up at the end of the seventh inning, but fans who would like to stay and watch the entire game will still be able to line up once the game has ended. Participants must exit the ballpark through the Right Field Gate. The line forms outside of the park on the sidewalk along First Street. www.washington.nationals.mlb.com
Newbery Medal Bingo at Capitol View Library
Capitol View Library, 5001 Central Ave. SE, is celebrating the 100th year of the Newbery Medal. Throughout the month of May, they’re hosting a reading bingo tournament. Read award-winning books to make a line and win a prize. Pick up a BINGO board from the children’s desk. The Newbery Medal, named for British bookseller John Newbery, is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.
NSO’s “Toy Story” in Concert at Wolf Trap
On Saturday, July 30, at 8 p.m., the National Symphony Orchestra brings “Toy Story” in concert to Wolf Trap, featuring the Oscar and Grammy-winning score by Randy Newman. Ever wonder what toys do when people aren’t around? “Toy Story” answers that question. The full feature film will be projected in HD onto screens in-house and on the lawn and accompanied by live music by a symphony orchestra. $37 to $67. www.wolftrap.org
Photo: Courtesy of Washington Nationals Baseball Club
Photo: Courtesy of NoMA BID
Kids Welcome at NoMa’s Weekly Outdoor Movie Nights
On Wednesday evenings, May 11 to June 8, NoMa BID presents CiNoMatic, an outdoor movie series under the stars at Alethia Tanner Park, 227 Harry Thomas Way NE. The theme of CiNoMatic’s spring season is Wednesday Night Nostalgia. Here’s the lineup: May 11, “Mrs. Doubtfire”; May 18, “Cool Runnings”; May 25, “The Sandlot”; June 1, “Space Jam”; and June 8, “The Princess Bride.” Showings begin at sunset, with seating on the lawn at Alethia Tanner Park opening one hour prior to showtime. Guests are encouraged to arrive early, as seating is firstcome, first-served. They are also encouraged to bring their own blankets, chairs and picnic dinners (NoMa restaurants are open for takeout!). Food and drinks will also be available for purchase from local food truck partners. Dogs on-leash are welcome. For more information and weather-related schedule updates, visit www.cinomatic.org.
Image: Courtesy of OMA+OLIN.jpg
Family Favorites from Synetic Theater
Synetic redefines theater by blending innovative techniques and movement, investing in artists’ growth and creating visceral experiences for every audience. “The Snow Queen,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Adventures of Peter Pan” are now available as a bundle for $14.99 on Synetic Streaming! Content is available for one month following rental at www.syneticstreaming.uscreen.io/orders/customer_info?o=72674. synetictheater.org
“The Snow Queen” features Joshua Cole Lucas, Moira Todd and the Synetic Ensemble. Photo: DJ Corey Photography
festival is in Bohrer Park, 506 South Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg, Maryland. Free admission and shuttles from Shady Grove Metro and Lakeforest Mall. www.gaithersburgbookfestival.org
NSO Family Concert –“Philharmonia Fantastique”
Dynamic concerto meets animated film through a hybrid of animated and live-action filming. In a performance enjoyable for all ages, a magical sprite embarks on a musical journey through the inner workings of an orchestra. Violin strings vibrate, brass valves slice air, and drumheads resonate like you’ve never seen before ‒ all set to live music from members of the National Symphony Orchestra. “Philharmonia Fantastique: The Making of an Orchestra” is on stage at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall on Sunday, May 15, at 2 (sensory-friendly) and 4 p.m. Following the 4 p.m. performance, young audience members can ask questions and hear stories with the show’s artists. Tickets are $18 to $20. www.kennedy-center.org u
11th Street Bridge Park Plans for Mussel Beach Play Area
The 11th Street Bridge Park is a partnership between the local nonprofit Building Bridges across the River and the District government. It has unveiled plans for an interactive Mussel Beach play area by landscape architects OLIN and play consultants from Studio Ludo, due to open in 2025 when 11th Street Bridge Park opens. Given the proximity of the play area to the park’s Environmental Education Center, and the Anacostia Watershed Society’s work to repopulate thousands of mussels within the Anacostia River to improve river water quality, the play area will feature sculptural mussels, sea-grass climbers and water sounds and slides. The area will help DC schoolchildren to learn about the importance of native plants along the riverbanks. www.bbardc.org/park
“Home Sweet Home”
by Myles Mellor
Across:
1. Screen type 4. First U.S. state 7. “Evita” role 10. Enamored of 16. “Acoustic Soul” singer India.___ 18. Biblical assent 19. Crunchy treats with milk 21. Former Premier Khrushchev 22. IKEA o ering 25. Like the shortest plays 26. Book before Job 27. Dweebs 28. Circle segment 30. Thread holder 31. “___, Brute?” 32. Beachwear 36. El ___, Tex. 40. Tarzan creator’s monogram 42. Singer Manchester 45. Hot Springs, e.g. 48. Rani’s wear 50. Acquire 52. Copies 53. Wildly exaggerated, as a performance 56.Fleur-de-___(Quebec symbol) 58. Excellent 59. Outdoes 60. Great addition to a master? 66. A Beatle bride 67. Silver coins of Rome (ancient) 70. Mother Theresa description 71. Spry 73. Polit. designation 74. Football wager 75. “The Bourne Identity” plot device 77. Total 79. Brouhaha 82. Many-spindled seat 84. Maj.’s superior 86. Islamabad’s country: Abbr. 87. Contents of some bags 88. Player on the dealer’s left 92. Approved 96. Chess term 99. “Star Wars” hero 100. Jr. and sr. 101. Battle eld helicopter 103. Compass point 104. Trade agreement, abbr. 106. Intro 108. Teeny 111. Barton who founded the American Red Cross 116. Key executive, abbr. 117. In a pen 119. Ham 120. India’s ‘’Father of the Nation’’ 125. Solution to getting a good night’s sleep? 128. Shakespeare character 129. Anatomical passages 130. Like a ‘60s foursome 131. Peace 132. Good-for-nothing 133. Roush of the diamond 134. Grafton’s “___ for Fugitive” 135. Decade number
Down:
1. MI features 2. To the point 3. “Same here” 4. Poet John, of “Grongar Hill” 5. Hallow ending 6. Milk: Pre x 7. Vehement disapproval 8. Aerate the soil 9. Cornerstone abbr. 10. Hinged knob 11. A in Austria 12. Just make, with “out” 13. Actress Long 14. NASDAQ term 15. Crooner King Cole 17. Sound boomerang 19. Brief memorial column
Look for this months answers at labyrinthgameshop.com
20. Comedian, John 23. 1965 Beatle’s movie 24. Astonishment 29. Blackberry maker 33. Project’s end 34. Frostiness 35. The land of milk and honey, according to Exodus 37. Pulverized lava 38. Return envelope, abbr. 39. Food scrap 41. Indonesia island 43. Like a chimney sweep 44. Set a price of 45. Cinematographer Nykvist 46. S. Amer. coin 47. High quality of communication 49. Midwestern state 51. Hangs, in a way 53. Sale clause, abbr. 54. Dot the i’s and cross the ___ 55. Outcast 57. Limited 61. Singer, Ronstadt 62. Tot 63. Adriatic resort 64. Ace, played low 65. Bering, e.g.: abbr. 67. Provoke 68. “The Waste Land” poet 69. Closed in on 71. Fashion’s Taylor 72. School exam 75. Not out 76. Former Japanese emperor 78. WWW addresses 79. Rent-___ 80. Quixote and Marquis 81. Going on in years 83. Charge 84. Light, for short 85. “O death, where is __sting?” 86. Spitz dog, for short 89. Jane unknown 90. Tolkien creature 91. Lush 93. OK (sl) 94. First family member 95. Ballroom activity 97. Cordial avoring 98. More rainy? 102. Canadian capital? 105. Mount Everest climber’s goal 107. First name in talk shows 109. Samples 110. Desire 112. Handed-down history 113. Chance for a hit 114. Certain cup maker 115. Last name in cosmetics 118. Homer Simpson’s favorite beer 119. Recedes 120. Huge bunch 121. Legal eagle org. 122. “Waking ___ Devine” (1998 lm) 123. Dr. with Grammys 124. Shoat 126. Company in the UK 127. Printemps month ◆
GAMES AND PUZZLES FOR EVERYONE!
Tues, Thurs, & Friday: 11am -10pm Wed: 11am – 8pm Sat + Sun: 10am – 7pm 645 Pennsylvania Ave SE
(Steps from Eastern Market Metro)
• Friendly, knowledgeable staff • Board Games • Card Games • Puzzles • Building Toys • Events
