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Bulletin Board • Kathleen Donner
BULLETIN BOARD
Aspiring Writers Circle at MLK Library
Join a group of writers who meet twice a month to share, critique, learn, and write together. Aspiring Writers Circle is a writing group that meets virtually every first and third Thursday of the month, 6 to 7 p.m., to share, critique, learn, and write together. Writers of all genres, fiction, non-fiction, and poetry are welcome. Email MLK Library’s Adult Services department at adultservices.dcpl@dc.gov to inquire about meetings and to be placed on the listserv. dclibrary.org/mlk.
Whiteout: An Evening of All-Star YA Authors
Atlanta is blanketed with snow just before Christmas, but the warmth of young love just might melt the ice in this novel of Black joy, and cozy, sparkling romance. As the city grinds to a halt, twelve teens band together to help a friend pull off the most epic apology of her life. But will they be able to make it happen, in spite of the storm? No one is prepared for this whiteout. But then, we can’t always prepare for the magical moments that change everything. On Thursday. Nov. 10, 6 to 8 p.m., join the MLK Library and Loyalty Bookstores for a live, in-person event celebrating the release of Whiteout with Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, and Nicola Yoon--the same team of authors who wrote the New York Times bestseller Blackout. MLK Library, 901 G St. NW. dclibrary.org/mlk.
DDOT Granted Federal Funds for Electric Vehicle Charging
Glass Ceiling Breaker Sculpture Installed at MLK Library
Audi Field Opens Sensory Room Audi Field, home of DC United, has partnered with KultureCity to make the venue and all of the programs and events that the stadium hosts sensory inclusive. The KultureCity Sensory Room is located at the top of Heineken Tower at Audi Field and will be open for all events taking place at the stadium, including all DC United home matches. The dedicated space is designed by medical professionals for those who may need a quieter and more secure
environment. The sensory room is outfitted with bean bags from Yogibo, visual light panels by Nanoleaf, bubble walls, and a custom tactile artwork created by an autistic artist. Families and individuals can download the free KultureCity App where one can view what sensory features are available and where they can access them. KultureCity is a nonprofit recognized nationwide for using its resources to revolutionize and effect change for those with sensory needs, not just those with autism. audifield.com. The District Department of Transportation has announced it will receive $16.6 million in federal funding though President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to build out DC’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure and advance the District’s sustainability and equity goals. The federal funding will be used for projects directly related to charging electric The National Women’s History Museum (NWHM) has announced a vehicles, to include upgrading existing collaboration with DC Public Library at the Martin Luther King Jr. and constructing new DC fast chargMemorial Library, 901 G St. NW. The groundbreaking partnership ing infrastructure, installation of on-site kicked off with the installation of Glass Ceiling Breaker, a sculpture electrical service equipment, community created by Simon Berger, previously only on display for three days and stakeholder engagement, EV chargat the Lincoln Memorial in February 2021. MLK Library is now ing station signage, data sharing, and home to a shattered-glass sculpture of VP Harris. The 8.5 feet x 7 feet related mapping analyses. For more insculpture will be on display on the first floor of the Martin Luther formation, visit nevi.ddot.dc.gov.
King Jr. Memorial Library through March 2023. The NWHM’s first
full exhibit will open at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in March 2023 on the library’s main floor. It will trace Black feminism Army Band American in Washington, DC from the turn of the 20th century through the civil rights and Black Power movements to today. womenshistory.org. Holiday Festival Planning is underway for an in-person army band concert series at DAR Constitution Hall, on Dec. 2, 3 and 4. Free tickets are now available online only. usarmyband. com/american-holiday-festival. National Arboretum Winter Festival On Saturday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., shop from
DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in the District. DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in the District.DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in the District. DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in the District.
DC Open DoorsDC Open Doors
DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership in the city. is program o 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. DC Open Doors DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership in the city. is program o ers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on rst trust homebuyer or a D.C. resident , be purchasing a home in the DC Open Doors DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership in the city. is program o 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. DC Open Doors DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership in the city. is program o ers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on rst trust DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership in the city. This program offers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on first trust mortgages. You are not required to be a firsttime homebuyer or a D.C. resident to qualify for DCOD. You must, however, be purchasing HPAP provides interest free deferred loans for down District of Columbia. a home in the District of Columbia. serves as a co-administrator of this DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) rst-time home buyer program. 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 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. HPAP provides interest free deferred loans for down homebuyer or a D.C. resident , be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia. Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) HPAP provides interest free deferred loans for down payment and closing cost assistance 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 program. years or older who have fallen behind on insurance and tax payments as a result of their reverse mortgage. serves as a co-administrator of this DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) rst-time home buyer program. up to $202,000 combined. DCHFA serves as a co-administrator of this DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) first-time home buyer program. years or older who have fallen behind on insurance Quali ed District homeowners can receive up to DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional and tax payments as a result of their reverse mortgage. down payment assistance to D.C. government Quali ed District homeowners can receive up to DC4ME 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. DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees. DC4ME is o ered to current full-time 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, 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 offered to current full-time District government employees, including employees of District District government employees, including employees and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower's government-based instrumentalities, 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. 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 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. 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. 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. Homebuyers Info Sessions are Back at DCHFA Visit www.DCHFA.org how to apply to any of DCHFA’s homeownership programs. 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.COVID-19 DC MAP COVID-19 provides nancial assistance to Register at bit.ly/dcopendoors 815 FLORIDA AVENUE, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 2Visit www.DCHFA.org those a ected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quali ed borrowers can receive a loan of0001 • 202.777.1600 • WWW.DCHFA.ORG how to apply to any of DCHFA’s homeownership pup to $5,000 per month to put toward their mortgage for up to six months. rograms. 815 Visit www.DCHFA.org FLORIDA AVENUE, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20001 • 202.777.1600 • WW NOVEMBER 2022 W.DCHFA.ORG 25 how to apply to any of DCHFA’s homeownership programs.
DC Hunger Lifeline (Get help finding food today.)
Call 202-644-9807. When you call the Hunger Lifeline, they can help you find local pantries, kitchens serving free meals, and other organizations that can assist you with emergency food help today.
Swampoodle Terrace features plenty of seating including chess area set-ups. Photo: Courtesy of NoMA Business Improvement District
Leaf Collection Program Begins
DPW will begin collecting leaves from neighborhoods on Monday, Nov. 7. Residents will receive two leaf collection pickups. The first pass for leaf collection will occur when leaf accumulation is lighter, for one week in each section. The second pass will be for two weeks in each section when leaf accumulation is heavier. Residents are asked to rake their leaves for collection to the curb or into the tree box at the front of their residence—paper bags are not required. To help facilitate the collection process, residents are asked to keep vehicles away from the curb lanes on scheduled collection days. Check pw.dc.gov/service/leafcollection to confirm your area’s leaf collection dates.
Swampoodle Terrace Opens
Swampoodle Terrace, a small park at the corner of Third and L streets NE, opened on Oct. 19. This new park includes community gathering spaces, serving capability for events and storage for park equipment in a specially designed shipping container, flexible play and performance space, plenty of seating, games, a shade pergola and beautiful plantings. When seen and used together with Swampoodle Park, its award-winning sister park directly across the street, the parks address a wide range of play needs—for both kids and dogs—and even more seating options. With the opening of Swampoodle Terrace, NoMa Parks Foundation has created a unique and lovely green interlude for this once park-starved area. nomabid.org.
local vendors, buy Christmas trees and holiday greenery, and enjoy free holiday-themed family activities in the New York Avenue parking lot, 3501 New York Ave. NE. On-leash dogs are allowed. While you are there, the Friends of the National Arboretum invite you to enjoy the Arboretum’s winter splendor and explore gardens and collections like the Gotelli Conifer Collection, Camellia Collection, and National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. fona.org.
Monday Night Football at Wunder Garten
and Monday Night Football. Beer Specials all day on Sundays and a late night happy hour for Monday Night Football.
Wear your favorite jersey to get a discount off your final tab. Wunder Garten, 1101 First St. NE. wundergartendc.com.
Thanksgiving Mass at the National Shrine
On Thursday, Nov. 24, you are invited to attend Holy Mass at the National Shrine at 8 a.m. and noon. There are no confessions and the Shrine Shops will be closed. The church will close at 1 p.m. nationalshrine.org.
Food & Friends’ Slice of Life Thanksgiving Pie Sales
Slice of Life has become a tradition in the Washington Metropolitan Area. Pie Sellers and Pie Teams come together to raise money, ensuring that neighbors facing serious illnesses can enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving meal complete with two delicious pies. Each pie is baked fresh and picked up on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving at conveniently located pickup sites. Select from apple crumble, classic pumpkin, nutty pecan, sea salt chocolate chess and sweet potato. Each pie sale provides a full days’ worth of meals for a neighbor in need. There’s no easier way to give back during the holidays. Pie sales have started at sliceoflifedc.org.
Sculpture Garden Ice Rink, National Gallery of Art, Washington
NGA Sculpture Garden Ice Rink Opens for Season
The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink reopens for the season on Saturday, Nov. 26 and remains open through March 5, weather permitting. The ice rink is located on the National Mall between Seventh and Ninth Streets along Constitution Avenue NW. The ice rink is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Skating sessions begin on the hour and last 45 minutes, leaving a 15-minute break for ice maintenance. Two consecutive sessions cost $12 for adults and children 13 and over or $9 for adults 60 and over, children 12 and under, military servicemembers, and students with a valid school ID. Skate rentals are $6 Lockers are available on a first-come, first-served basis for $1. The ice rink will be closed when it rains or in extreme temperatures. nga.gov/skating.
Join Mount Vernon as they celebrate the build-up to the 250th Anniversary of American Independence. Hear how a young Colonel Washington and his family celebrated Christmas in a year of growing tensions and uncertainty.
Mount Vernon by Candlelight
On Nov. 25 and 26; Dec. 2 and 3; Dec. 9 and 10; and Dec. 18, 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. Tour times are 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. $36 for adults; $28 for youth. mountvernon.org.
Non-DC Resident Medical Cannabis Program Access
Effective Oct. 21, non-DC residents, including international visitors, may register for a 30-day temporary patient registration to purchase medical cannabis from a DC-licensed dispensary. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age to apply and pay a non-refundable $30 fee. Upon receipt of payment, applicants are issued a digital registration that may be immediately used at any of DC’s seven licensed dispensaries. Non-residents may also continue to purchase medical cannabis by presenting a valid patient registration from a US state or territory extended reciprocity. Currently, 38 states and territories are extending reciprocity including Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. DC residents may currently apply for a free patient registration without a healthcare provider’s recommendation if they selfcertify purchased cannabis will be used for medical purposes. Additional details are available at abra.dc.gov. Questions and applications may be directed to medicalcannabis@dc.gov.
Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade
This year on Nov. 19, 10 a.m. to noon, see larger than life inflatable turkeys and penguins, glittering floats, marching bands, dancing groups, and Santa and his elves at the Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade--the only Thanksgiving Parade in the metro DC area. Held in downtown Silver Spring, the parade traditionally heralds the start of the holiday season. It steps off from Ellsworth Drive and Fenton Street and proceeds south on Georgia Avenue, ending at Silver Spring Avenue. silverspringdowntown. com/montgomery-countythanksgiving-parade. u
Antietam National Battlefield will present the Annual Memorial Illumination on Saturday, Dec. 3 to honor the 23,000 casualties from the Battle of Antietam on September 17, 1862. The event is a driving tour open to the public starting at 6 p.m. Cars enter the park by traveling west on Route 34 and lining up on the shoulder of the road. Cars are allowed to enter the event until midnight. Walking is not allowed. The Visitor Center address is 5831 Dunker Church Rd., Sharpsburg, MD—70 miles from DC. nps/ gov/anti.
Join Mount Vernon as they celebrate the build-up to the 250th Anniversary of American Independence. Hear how a young Colonel Washington and his family celebrated Christmas in a year of growing tensions and uncertainty.
