17 minute read
Bulletin Board • Kathleen Donner
BULLETIN BOARD
Mayor Bowser’s Fresh Start 5k
The mayor invites us to join her in the ninth annual Fresh Start 5k (run and/or walk) on New Year’s Day at running tracks throughout the city. DPR will open athletic tracks and provide other suggested routes. Residents are encouraged to run or walk a 5k at a location of their choice at any time on New Year’s Day. The FITDC Fresh Start 5k is a free event and residents who register at tinyurl. com/2023VirtualFreshStart5K will receive a commemorative T-shirt. Run or walk at one of 11 DC Public Schools sites or in your own neighborhood. Share on social media using the hashtag #FreshStart5K. Runner/walker packets and T-shirts may be picked up on Thursday, Dec. 29 and Friday, Dec. 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Columbia Heights Community Center, 1480 Girard St. NW; Edgewood Recreation Center, 301 Franklin St. NE; Deanwood Community Center, 1350 49th St. NE; and Wilson Aquatic Center, 4551 Fort Dr. NW.
9:30 Club Kicks off 21st Holiday Raffle
The 9:30 Club’s annual Holiday Raffle--now in its 21st year--continues the momentum gained by offering two different ways to enter. There will also be two different winners, each receiving the Grand Prize of a pair of tickets to every 9:30 Club show in 2023. To enter, donate canned goods/non-perishable food items and/ or clean, gently worn clothing at the 9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW. One entry per item donated, up to 10 entries per day (though you can donate more than 10 items per day). Donations can be made during the 9:30 Club’s regular box office hours or at any show during the month of December. You can also make a monetary donation online through BetterWorld page at 930club.betterworld.org. Each entry is $5, and there’s no limit to the number of entries. Online donations close Dec. 31, at 11:59 pm. 930.com/HolidayRaffle.
2023 Fringe Festival Applications Open
Capital Fringe was founded in 2005 with a mission to celebrate cultural democracy and art for everyone. By embracing diversity and a spirit of independence, they create earning opportunities for artists. They aim to challenge perceptions, shake up the institutionalized hierarchy, be brave and unafraid, and serve as a launching pad for unseasoned and established artists. The 2023 Capital Fringe is from July 13 to 16 and 20 to 23. Applications are open through Dec. 28. Read more and apply at capitalfringe.org/artist.
DC Snow Preparations
Call the shelter hotline at 202-399-7093 if you see a person who is experiencing homelessness and outside during extreme temperatures. 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. Sign-up at servedc. galaxydigital.com. For more information about DC’s snow program, preparing for winter weather, or to see where District Snow Team plows are during a storm, visit snow.dc.gov.
DC Streetcar’s Inaugural Winter Wonder Ride
For the first time, DC Streetcar has been wrapped for the Winter Wonder season alongside DC Circulator. This year’s Winter Wonder Ride theme
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 DECEMBER 2022 W.DCHFA.ORG 27 how to apply to any of DCHFA’s homeownership programs.
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NMAAHC Debuts Freedmen’s Bureau Search Portal
e Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) announces the launch of the Freedmen’s Bureau Search Portal. e search platform is designed to help family historians and genealogists search for their ancestors and for scholars and students to research various topics found in over 1.7 million pages of Freedmen’s Bureau records. e portal allows users to search records from the United States Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands, commonly known as the Freedmen’s Bureau. Congress created the Freedmen’s Bureau after the Civil War to assist in the political and social reconstruction of post-war Southern states and to help formerly enslaved African Americans transition from slavery to freedom and citizenship. From 1865 to 1872, the Freedmen’s Bureau created and collected over 1.7 million handwritten records containing the names and information of hundreds of thousands of formerly enslaved individuals and Southern white refugees. nmaahc.si.edu/explore/freedmens-bureau.
is, “Spreading Joy Around the District.” The holiday rides are decorated with a multi-colored, pastel wrap featuring various animals participating in fun snow activities. Residents and visitors are welcome to take a Winter Wonder Ride on DC Streetcar along the H St./ Benning Corridor. DC Circulator’s Winter Wonder Ride will be present at the Downtown DC Holiday Market on Saturday, Dec. 17, noon to 3 p.m., at F Street NW between Seventh and Ninth. dcstreetcar. com and dccirculator.com.
RFK Seats and Memorabilia Sale
for in-person pick up on Dec. 16 to 18 at RFK Stadium. After purchase, information with speci c details regarding the pickup location, dates and times will be coming from Events DC via email. All seats come with a Certi cate of Authenticity. Stadium seats are sold in authentic as-is condition and will show signs consistent with outdoor stadium usage. The seats being sold in this rst sale are the best ones in terms of overall condition and have little to no sun fading. A portion of the proceeds will bene t The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington and St. Coletta of Greater Washington. stadiumseatdepot. com/RFK_Stadium_Seat_and_ Memorabilia_Sale.aspx.
Christmas Illuminations (and fireworks) at Mount Vernon
On Friday, Dec. 16 and Saturday, Dec. 17, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., join Mount Vernon for a family-friendly celebration of the holiday season with an evening of Christmas Illuminations. Tour the Mansion to get an upclose look at the Washington home. See the lantern-lit Historic Area, the Mansion aglow in beautiful amber light, and the Upper Garden and Greenhouse dazzling in blue and lavender with moving wintry light patterns. Enjoy the atmospheric setting of an 18th-century winter encampment, the working Blacksmith Shop, Christmas carolers, and Aladdin the Camel. Watch holiday fireworks over the Potomac River. The fireworks begin at approximately 8 to 8:30 p.m. Adult admission with mansion tour, $60, youth with mansion tour, $38. mountvernon.org.
American History Museum’s Entertainment Nation Festival
On Dec. 9, the National Museum of American History unveiled the new permanent exhibition Entertainment Nation/Nación del espectáculo. Anchoring the Culture Wing through iconic objects from the museum’s renowned collection, Entertainment Nation/Nación del espectáculo showcases how Americans have long used entertainment to both elicit delight and understand different viewpoints. From Dec. 9 to 18, visitors can enjoy dynamic conversations about the cultural impact of entertainment, intimate talks with curators, sneak peeks at objects from the national collection, film screenings of pop culture classics, free activities, and musical performances that bring entertainment history to life. Visit americanhistory.si.edu for the full schedule.
Canal Park Ice Rink Opens for Season
Canal Park Ice Rink is now open Monday to Thursday, noon to 10 p.m.; Friday, noon to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Adult admission, $12; kids and seniors, $10; skate rental, $5. Canal Park, 200 N St. SW. skatecanalpark.com.
Enchant at Nat’s Park
Through Jan. 1, Enchant features an immersive and interactive light maze created from over 4 million sparkling lights, a 100-foot holiday tree, an ice-skating trail, live entertainment, Santa visits, and a holiday shopping marketplace with crafts and culinary treats. Adult admission, $34; kids three to seventeen, $18; two and under, free. enchantchristmas.com.
Sign up to run the March 18, 2023 Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon or 5k at runrocknroll.com/washington-dc-register.
National Shrine Christmas Dinner Registration
The Basilica of 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 are available for pick-up or delivery only. To request a Christmas Day dinner, call 202-526-8300. All meal requests must be received by Friday, Dec. 16.
Volunteers are needed to fill many different positions. To register as a volunteer, visit nationalshrine.org/event/2022-christmas-dinner-registration. For more information, contact rsvp@bnsic. org or 202-526-8300.
If you live in DC, are 60+ and income eligible, you may be able to receive free legal services through Legal Counsel for the Elderly. Free Legal Clinics for Veterans & Surviving Spouses are on Tuesdays, Dec. 13, Jan. 10 and Feb. 14; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the 202-K Consultation Room at MLK Library, 901 G St. NW. dclibrary.org/mlk.
The Allen Lee Hughes BIPOC Fellowship Program is a professional training program for individuals who self-identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color). The program offers personalized training and in-depth, hands-on experience with top-tier professionals in artistic development, production, arts administration, arts education and community outreach. Fellows receive a weekly stipend of $600. The 2023/2024 Allen Lee Hughes BIPOC Fellowship Program applications will be accepted through Feb. 20, 2023. Interviews with select applicants will take place in April 2023. Applicants selected for the fellowship will be notified by phone and email by mid-May 2023. Read more at arenastage.org/opportunities.
Arboretum Community Center Opens
On Nov. 5, Mayor Bowser, Department of Parks and Recreation, the Department of General Services and community members cut the ribbon on the new Arboretum Community Center. The $10.8 million, LEED-certified facility, at 2412 Rand Pl. NE, incorporates and expands on the historic field house while adding many new amenities. The center includes a gym, community room, tech lounge, fitness center, patio, and green roof.
Big Objects, Big Stories at the NMAAHC
On Dec. 11, 15, 27 and 29, “The Paradox of Liberty” talk takes place at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. On Dec. 14, 15, 21 and 29, “The Paradox of Liberty” talk takes place at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. On Dec. 15, “Angola Prison Guard Tower” talk takes place at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. On Dec. 13 and 20, “Angola Prison Guard Tower” talk takes place at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. On Dec. 12, 15 and 27, “I Go To Prepare A Place For You (Harriet Tubman Quilt) by Bisa Butler” talk takes place at 1:15, 2:15 and 3:15 p.m. On Dec. 22 and 29, “I Go To Prepare A Place For You (Harriet Tubman Quilt) by Bisa Butler” talk takes place at 10:15 and 11:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. On Dec. 15, “Southern Railway Car No. 1200” talk takes place at 11 a.m. and noon. On Dec. 18, “A charred penny from the Tulsa Race Massacre in 1921” talk takes places at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Tours are free and walk-in. All visitors, regardless of age, must have a timed-entry pass to enter the building. Same-day timed-entry passes are released online only at 8:15 a.m. nmaahc.si.edu/visit/ plan-your-visit.
Photo: Alice Rose In the Conservatory, view holiday decorations including nearly 2,000 poinsettias and the Garden’s collection of DC monuments and landmarks, such as the US Capitol building and the Washington Monument, all made from plant parts.
Visit the National Christmas Tree
The National Christmas Tree site is free to visit and open to the public through Jan. 1. Visiting hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday to Thursday; and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Lights on the National Christmas Tree and the 58 smaller trees that surround the tree turn on around sunset each evening. 15th and E Streets, NW. thenationaltree.org/visit-the-tree.
DC Health Link Enrollment Opens
DC Health Link is the District’s state-based health insurance exchange established under the Affordable Care Act and provides health insurance to more than 14,000 residents through the individual marketplace and more than 87,000 people through the small business marketplace. Open Enrollment for individuals and families ends January 31, 2023. Plan selections made by Dec. 15 will be effective on January 1, 2023. Small businesses—as well as individuals and families eligible for Medicaid—can enroll through DCHealthLink.com at any point.
DOEE Launches Reuse DC Website
The Department of Energy and Environment has announced the launch of Reuse DC, a first-of-itskind website to help District residents get centralized information on how to repair, donate, and shop second-hand items ranging from furniture, clothing and other household items. Through the website, the public can search an online mapbased directory, explore how to exchange items with neighbors, learn about the importance of food recovery, find an upcoming Fix-It event, discover grant programs, and more. reuse.dc.gov.
National Cherry Blossom Festival Dates Announced
The National Cherry Blossom Festival, in partnership with Washington, DC officials, Festival sponsors, and stakeholders, have announced the dates for the return of its springtime celebration, March 20 to April 16, 2023. NationalCherryBlossomFestival.org.
NPS to implement traffic safety improvements in East Potomac Park
In order to improve pedestrian, cyclist and motorist safety in East Potomac Park, the National Park Service will replace one vehicle travel lane on Ohio Drive from the East Potomac Golf Course to Hains Point and back to Buckeye Drive with a new, dedicated bicycle and pedestrian lane. When completed, the left lane of the 2.5-mile drive around Hains Point will be for motor vehicles, and the right lane will become a bi-directional shared-use path for cyclists and pedestrians. This final design represents a slight modification from the original concept, which proposed one-way bike and walk lanes, after incorporating suggestions from public comments. Experienced cyclists may choose to use the vehicle travel lane, which will be marked with vehicle/bicycle shared lane symbols (“sharrows”). u
