Bulletin Board by Kathleen Donner

BULLETIN BOARD

SE Library Monthly Book Sales Issue Resolved

The contentious issue of lack of books-for-sale storage space in the Southeast Library renovation plan has been resolved. Friends of SE Library (FOSEL) wish to thank all who helped move this effort forward by signing their petition and/or making a donation.

For decades, FOSEL has held monthly book sales to raise funds for kids’ and adult activities not supported by the DCPL budget. This community building event on the second Saturday of every month, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., attracts book lovers from all over the city. Most books are $1. FOSEL averages $1500 to $2000 in receipts every month. dclibrary.org/southeast.

Overbeck “A Bridge Across History” Documentary Film Premiere and Discussion

Uniting Us: VetART (Art Rehab Therapy) at Hill Center

This Uniting US sponsored exhibition and Hill Center partnership includes artwork from 36 military, veterans, and family member artists. Uniting US is a 100% volunteer non-profit organization that works to inspire, empower, and unite the military community with the communities in which they live. Through partnership, all sales proceeds support the Hill Center operations and the artist. For more information about the free programs provided by Uniting US, see the website at UnitingUS.org. All artwork is available for sale. Click on the individual artists to learn more about them and their work. hillcenterdc.org/product-category/veteran-art-artists-rehab-therapy/.

Del Ray Artisans Fine Art & Fine Craft Holiday Market

Del Ray Artisans annual Holiday Market offers unique handmade fine arts and crafts from local artists. Different artists each weekend. Choose from wall art, pottery, photography, jewelry, glass, and much more! Plus, FUNdraising 2022 wall calendars and upcycled tote bags to support Del Ray Artisans. Free admission. Market is Dec. 3 to 5, 10 to 12 and 17 to 19; Fridays, 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays and

Sundays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA. DelRayArtisans.org/event/holiday-market-2021 On Monday, Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m. (seating at 7 p.m.), the Overbeck Lecture series presents the Capitol Hill premiere of the 40-minute documentary film, A Bridge Across History, at Hill Center, A Holiday Fireworks Show at Mount Vernon 921 Pennsylvania Ave. On Dec. 17 and 18, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., join Mount Vernon for a family-friendly celebration of SE. Producers John R. the holiday season with an enchanted evening of Christmas Illuminations. Tour the Mansion, Wennersten and Barry 5:30 to 8:15 p.m.; see the fireworks, 8:15 to 8:30 p.m. Throughout the evening, enjoy the lan- Harrelson introduce the tern-lit Historic Area, the Mansion aglow in beautiful amber light, and the Upper Garden and film and answer questions. Greenhouse dazzling in blue and lavender with moving wintry light patterns. Enjoy classic hol- A Bridge Across Histoiday music, a winter encampment, a camel, and patriotic inspirational quotes on the Bowling ry explores the culturGreen. $38 to $60. mountvernon.org. al and historical development of Capitol Hill and the Anacostia waterfront from 1790 to the present covering the Washington Navy Yard, the Civil War, racial progress and regression, and the problems of development and gentrification in the modern era. Hill Center safety protocols will be in place. Proof of vaccination is required and masks must be worn inside the building. Register at hillcenterdc.org or call 202-549-4172.

Sixth & I Friday Night Services Happy Hour Returns

Friday Night Services at Sixth & I, at 7 p.m., led by Rabbi Aaron and musicians Aaron Shneyer, Jeff Geld, and Sarah Fredrick blends contemporary and

DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in the District.

DC Open Doors

DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership inthe city. is programo ers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on rst trust

homebuyer or a D.C. resident , be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia.

HPAP provides interest free deferred loans for down

serves as a co-administrator of this DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) rst-time home buyer program.

years or older who have fallen behind on insurance and tax payments as a result of their reverse mortgage. Quali ed District homeowners can receive up to

DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees. DC4ME is o ered to current full-time District government employees, including employees of District government-based instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower's employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia.

COVID-19

DC MAP COVID-19 provides nancial assistance to those a ected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quali ed borrowers can receive a loan of up to $5,000 per month to put toward their mortgage for up to six months.

Visit www.DCHFA.org how to apply to any of DCHFA’s homeownership programs.

Wreaths Across American

Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, their mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 2,500 additional locations in all 50 states, at sea and abroad. This year Wreaths Across America is on Dec. 18. Those interested in placing wreaths at Arlington Cemetery on National Wreaths Across America Day must pre-register at wreathsacrossamerica. org. Proof of pre-registration is required for entry into the cemetery.

traditional elements for an experience that feels both familiar and fresh. Uplifting music and the rabbi’s thoughtprovoking sermon combine for a welcoming one-hour service that’s a good fit for those new to Shabbat or those looking for space to wind down and reflect. Happy Hour, at 6 p.m., returns starting with Friday Night Services on Dec. 10. Stop by to grab a drink and catch up with old friends and new before welcoming in Shabbat at the 7 p.m. service. Masks are required when not actively eating or drinking. Space is limited and advance registration is required. Sixth and I Historic Synagogue is at 600 I St. NW. sixthandi.org.

Hirshhorn’s Laurie Anderson: The Weather

Through July 31, 2022, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden presents the largest-ever US exhibition of artwork by groundbreaking multimedia artist, performer, musician, and writer Laurie Anderson. Laurie Anderson: The Weather will debut more than 10 new artworks, interspersed with select key works from throughout her career. Guiding visitors through an immersive audiovisual experience in the Museum’s second-floor galleries, this dynamic exhibition will showcase the artist’s boundless creative process, featuring her work in video, performance, installation, painting, and other media. (This exhibition contains dark galleries with immersive light and sound installations.) The Hirshhorn is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. hirshhorn.si.edu.

Capitol Hill Village LGTBQ Brain Health Support Group Initiated

Anyone in the LGTBQ community impacted by dementia (caregivers, self, partner past or current, anyone close to you) is invited to join the LGTBQ Brain Health Support Group, biweekly, on Fridays, 1 to 2:15 p.m. via Zoom. To register, contact Samantha at shenson@capitolhillvillage. org or 202-543-1778 x106.

National Shrine Christmas Dinner and Volunteer Registration

The National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception provides meals for hundreds of poor, homeless, elderly, and needy individuals living in the District of Columbia and surrounding areas on Christmas Day. Meals will be available for pick-up or delivery only. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, in-house meals will not be served. To request a Christmas Day dinner, call 202-526-8313. All meal requests must be received by Friday, Dec. 17. Volunteers are also needed to fill many different positions. To register as a volunteer, visit nationalshrine.org/event/2021-christmasdinner-registration. For more information, contact rsvp@bnsic.org or 202-526-8300.

DC Indoor Mask Mandate Lifted

Mount Vernon by Candlelight

On Dec. 10 and 11; and Dec. 19, take a candlelit guided tour and learn about holiday traditions in 18th-century Virginia. Visit with Mrs. Washington and other 18th-century residents of Mount Vernon in a 45-minute candlelit tour of the Mount Vernon estate, followed by a reception. Learn about holiday traditions of 18th century Virginia and hear stories of Christmases past from costumed character actors portraying Washington’s family, friends, and enslaved or hired staff. $36 for adults; $28 for youth. mountvernon.org.

The District’s indoor mask mandate has been lifted. Instead of following a blanket mandate, residents, visitors, and workers will be advised to follow risk-based guidance from DC Health that accounts for current health metrics and a person’s vaccination status. Updated guidance will be posted on coronavirus. dc.gov. Masks are still required, regardless of vaccination status, in the following circumstances: any private business that requires a mask; on public transport like buses and trains, inside train stations, in airports, and while in ride share vehicles; inside schools, childcare facilities, and libraries; congregate facilities, such as nursing homes/assisted living facilities, shelters, dorms/ residences, and correctional facilities; and in DC Government facilities where there is direct interaction between employees and the public. Residents who need support getting vaccinated or who want to get vaccinated in their home can call 1-855-363-0333.

Photo: Anne McGarvey, Friends of the National Arboretum

National Arboretum (first-ever) Christmas Tree Sale & Holiday Market

Friends of the National Arboretum invite you to buy your Christmas tree this year at their firstever Christmas Tree Sale at the New York Avenue parking lot on Dec. 11 and 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can also purchase gifts and goodies from local vendors during their Procrastinator’s Holiday Market on Dec. 11. fona.org/ events_programs.

Lincoln’s Wild Home Landscape Tour

As we all strive to prioritize our mental health during a difficult time, the President Lincoln’s Cottage staff encourages you to experience their landscape tour, Lincoln’s Wild Home. On this self-guided, appbased tour you will practice listening and mindfulness to connect with the past and reflect on the present moment during nine unique stops in the bucolic grounds of President Lincoln’s Cottage and the Armed Forces Retirement Home, 140 Rock Creek Church Rd. NW. $10 ticket includes Lincoln’s Wild Home app, headphones, map, and grounds pass. Kids’ (six to twelve) ticket is $5. lincoln’scottage.org.

DC Prepares for Winter Weather Washington Harbour (Georgetown) Ice Rink Opens for Season

Washington Harbour Ice Rink, 3000 K St. NW, has opened for public skating on Sunday to Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. $10 for adults; $9 for kids, seniors and military; $7 for skate rental. thewashingtonharbour.com/ice-skating-rink.

On Nov. 10, members of the District’s Snow Team hosted a training exercise to ensure they are prepared for every aspect of the District’s snow and ice operations. Throughout the day, plow operators drove their routes, checking for obstacles they might encounter during an actual snow event. Administrative, supervisory, logistics, and information technology employees practiced their functions at their respective sites, including salt domes, to thoroughly assess the status of equipment and technology.

The District Snow Team consists of 882 employees and a 296-vehicle fleet, including 120 heavy plows and 100 light plows, and this year will include 46 100% biodiesel plows. Each year, snowplow operators clear 2,644 lane miles of residential and commercial streets, as well as the National Highway System. Residents can track snow removal progress in real-time by visiting snow.dc.gov/page/ about-track-our-plows.

Public Service Training Academy Call for Applications

The Federal City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority has announced the next cohort of the Claudia L. McKoin Public Service Leadership Training Academy. The McKoin Academy is a free training academy designed to train women to lead and shape public policy in their communities. Their mission is to increase the number of women of color participating in public policy development and running for elected office. They are looking for bright, driven women who are ready to become part of the solution and bring diversity to the public policy and political realm. While the program is open to women of color in all eight wards, they are particularly looking for women in Wards 5, 7 and 8. Applications must be received by Thursday, Dec. 23, 11:59 p.m. Contact mckoinacademy @thefcacdst.org for more information and/or questions.

Fort Dupont Ice Arena Public Ice Skating

Fort Dupont Ice Arena, 3779 Ely Pl. SE, is open for public skating through the end of 2021 on Sundays, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 1 to 3 p.m.; Fridays, noon to 2 p.m. Adult admission is $5; kids, $4. Skate rental is $3. fdia.org.

Join Serve DC’s Volunteer Snow Team

Residents are encouraged to join Serve DC’s Volunteer Snow Team which helps clear sidewalks for registered seniors who are 65 and older, and residents with access functionality needs. This year, Serve DC especially needs volunteers in Wards 4, 5, 7, and 8. Volunteers can signup at servedc.galaxydigital.com. For more information about DC’s snow program, preparing for winter weather, or where District Snow Team plows are during a storm, visit snow.dc.gov.

DDOT Kicks Off Tree Planting Season

DDOT’s Urban Forestry Division’s annual planting program begins every fall and runs through March, where arborists work to fill every possible public tree space with a new tree that’s chosen based on arboriculture best practices and the existing diversity of trees in the neighborhood. This year, DDOT will plant nearly 8,000 trees across the District. Request a new tree on your street using dc.gov or calling 311.

Solar for All Program Launched

On Oct. 27, Mayor Bowser launched a collaboration between the Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs and the Department of Energy and Environment that will help more residents participate in the Solar for All and Solar Works DC programs. The program is not just for people who own homes or who have solar panels. Participants can lower their energy bills by receiving solar power, either directly on their roof or through community solar, if their household income meets the required threshold. doee.dc.gov/service/solar-works-dc.

Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree Farms

To find cut-your-own Christmas tree farms in Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia visit pickyourownchristmastree.org for farms and directions. Then follow the prompts.

Find a Vaccination

Enter your zip code and get vaccination sites within one mile, five miles, ten miles and farther from your home—anywhere in the country. Also get information on incentives, childcare and free rides. You can also call 1-800-232-0233. vaccines.gov. u