East of the River Magazine – March 2026

Neighbor and Artist

N. DOUGLASS

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

Vishnu’s Cosmic Ocean at the Asia Art Museum

At the dawn of time, the Hindu god Vishnu slept on a coiled serpent floating in the primordial ocean. There, he dreamed the universe into existence. This magnificent story of creation comes to life through the largest bronze ever cast in Southeast Asia, now on loan to the National Museum of Asian Art (Arhtur M. Sackler Gallery, Gallery 22) from the National Museum of Cambodia. From March 7 to Sept. 7, you can experience this sculpture’s full monumental scale: a breathtaking six meters long (nearly twenty feet). Only the head and torso have been displayed since 1936, when the sculpture was found buried in a pit with dozens of loose bronze fragments. A team of international experts has recently conserved and reconnected the body’s remnants after decades of scientific research. asia.si.edu.

and Garfunkel, 1966.

Vishnu’s Cosmic Ocean Vishnu Reclining on the Serpent Ananta (Endless One) Cambodia, Siem Reap province, second half of 11th century Bronze, mercury gilding National Museum of Cambodia, Phnom Penh. Photo: Mario Ciampi, © Guicciardini & Magni Architetti.

Joan

fres et constellations amoureux d’une femme from the Constellations Series 1959 18 3/4 x 15 in. (47.6 x 38.1 cm) Book with 1 lithograph and 22 reproductions heightened with pochoir Fundació Joan

Paris 2026.

“The Simon and Garfunkel

Story” at the National

Direct from sell out tours of the UK and Europe, The Simon & Garfunkel Story tells the fascinating tale of how two boys from Queens, New York went on to become the world’s most successful music duo of all time. Starting from their humble beginnings as 50’s Rock n Roll duo Tom & Jerry, The Simon & Garfunkel Story takes you through all the songs and stories that shaped them, the dramatic split, their individual solo careers and ending with a stunning recreation of the legendary 1981 Central Park reunion concert. Using a projection screen, the show features 1960s photographs and film footage accompanied by a full band performing all their hits including Mrs. Robinson, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Scarborough Fair, The Boxer, The Sound Of Silence and many more. National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, on March 14, 7:30 p.m. and March 15, 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $77. thenationaldc.com.

“Miro and the United States” at The Phillips Collection

From March 21 through July 5, the Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St. NW, presents “Miro and the United States”, a major traveling exhibition organized in collaboration with the Fundació Joan Miró in Barcelona. This exhibition recounts a little-known yet decisive period of transatlantic exchange between Joan Miro and American artists, revealing how the United States informed his artistic development and influenced his post-war art on both sides of the Atlantic. Open daily except Mondays. General admission is $20 for adults; seniors, $15; students with ID and educators, $10; 18 and under, free. phillipscollection.org.

WHAT’S

Gordon Parks Harlem Rally, 1963, printed later gelatin silver print sheet: 41 x 50.6 cm (16 1/8 x 19 15/16 in.) image: 34.3 x 46.8 cm (13 1/2 x 18 7/16 in.) National Gallery of Art, Corcoran Collection (The Gordon Parks Collection, 1998), © The Gordon Parks Foundation

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade

The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade is on Saturday, April 11, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (rain or shine) along Constitution Avenue NW between 7th and 17th streets. Giant colorful helium balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands from across the country, celebrity entertainers, and performers burst down the Parade route in a grand spectacle of music and showmanship seen only once a year. Paid seating is $28 to $45. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.

“Dear America: Artists Explore the American Experience” at NGA

More than 100 works on paper show how artists have explored the American experience over the last 250 years through depictions of the country’s landscape, people, and concepts of freedom. Wide-ranging works include photographs by Carleton Watkins, Dorothea Lange, and Carrie Mae Weems; prints by Thomas Hart Benton, Roy Lichtenstein, and Rupert García; and drawings by Thomas Moran, John Wilson, and Tonita Peña. “Dear America: Artists Explore the American Experience” is on display in the National Gallery of Art’s West Building from April 11 to Sept. 20. nga.gov.

Bear” directed by Gabriela Osio Vanden and Jack Wesiman

Environmental Film Festival: Against the Current

Since 1993, DCEFF has been the premier showcase of environmental films. Each March, they bring the world’s largest green film festival to museums, embassies, universities, and other cultural institutions across Washington DC. The 34th Annual Environmental Film Festival: Against the Current is from March 19 to 28. DCEFF 2026 is dedicated to amplifying the unwavering voices of those who press on in defense of our planet, even in the face of significant challenges. This year’s programs spotlight powerful stories of innovation and action--while forging partnerships with local and national organizations leading the fight for a better future. Regular screenings cost $10 to $15, while some special events cost $25. Many DCEFF programs are offered free to the public or have pay-what-you-can admission. dceff. org/#subscribe.

Washington National Opera’s

“The Crucible” (Truth and lies are forged in fire.)

Fear stalks the villagers of Salem. Some say witchcraft is responsible for strange happenings. But when accusations and paranoia take root, a deadly chain of events unfolds. When everything is at stake, what is the cost of the truth—and who pays the price? Lisner Auditorium on the George Washington University campus, 730 21st. St. NW, on March 21, 23, 25 and 27 at 7 p.m.; and March 29 at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $62. washnatopera.org/the-crucible.

Mosaic’s “Young John Lewis” at the Atlas It’s time to make some Good Trouble! In this new musical, Mosaic’s Playwright-in-Residence Psalmayene 24 honors the legendary “Conscience of Congress”: the late Congressman John Lewis. Focusing on the Congressman’s formative years of ages 18-28, the musical explores how the murder of Emmett Till motivated Lewis to pursue a life of service, including leading the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, fighting for Civil Rights with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and working for nearly two decades in Congress. Atlas, 1333 H St. NE, from March 26 to April 26. Tickets start at $62. atlasarts.org.

“1776” at Ford’s

“1776” offers a witty, incisive look at the people behind the nation’s founding, exploring the fierce disagreements, fragile alliances and bold ideals that shaped American democracy. With humor and urgency, the musical reminds audiences that independence was not inevitable—it was debated, fought for and ultimately decided by imperfect individuals grappling with extraordinary responsibility. “1776” is at Ford’s Theatre, 511 Tenth St. NW, from March 13 to May 16. Tickets start at $41. fords.org.

“We call it Jazz”: A Journey to the Heart of New Orleans at the Howard

On Sunday, March 15, at 5 p.m. (doors at 4 p.m.) and 7 p.m. (doors at 6 p.m.), come on down to The Jazz Room at The Howard Theatre, 620 T St. NW. “We call it Jazz” is a journey back in time to the birthplace of this iconic genre. Located in a street-style bar that recreates 1920s New Orleans, this live jazz show promises a night of soul, passion, and rhythm. Grab yourself a cocktail from the bar, and watch talented musicians light up the stage. Enjoy a selection of the finest “hot jazz” tunes, a unique blend of ragtime, brass, and blues, plus moments of spontaneous improvisation—a hallmark of true jazz. Tickets are $29 to $44. Must be 21+. unionstagepresents.com/the-howard/shows.

“As You Like It” at the Folger

Rosalind and her cousin Celia are forced to leave the court where they find respite and adventure in nature, inevitably succumbing to the madness of love and delightfully unpredictable circumstances. This production offers a love note to DC, imbuing the forest of Arden with the familiar vibes, culture, and characters that mark the District as a singular, resilient, and redemptive place of belonging. Folger Shakespeare Theater, 201 E. Capitol St. SE, from March 10 to April 12. Tickets are $20 to $90. folger.edu.

Feds Aid Potomac Sewer Repairs Anacostia River Spared Direct Impact

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

After the Jan. 19, 2026 collapse of a section of the 54-mile sewer line along Clara Barton Parkway, in Montgomery County, caused an overflow of more than 200 million gallons of wastewater into the C & O Canal, DC Water officials said Monday they remain on track to restore full flow to the damaged Potomac interceptor by mid-March. Federal teams are working alongside the utility to prevent further environmental contamination.

The agency has now gone 15 days without an overflow into the Potomac River, spokesperson Sherri Lewis said during a press briefing, crediting an expanded bypass pumping system that diverts wastewater around the collapsed section of pipe.

“Our pumping operations continue to work well,” Lewis said, noting the system now has capacity for more than 100 million gallons per day — far exceeding normal interceptor flows and building in redundancy.

The Potomac Interceptor spill has had limited direct impact on the Anacostia River, DOEE said. The rivers meet at Haines Point. Tidal action initially did move some pollution into the area of the Frederick Douglass Bridge, DOEE acknowledged, but water quality testing has largely shown safe or seasonally typical levels since then. E. coli levels are higher in the Anacostia largely because the river is slower moving and has a lower volume of water, meaning E. Coli levels are not as diluted as in the Potomac.

Lewis said the utility remains “on target for mid-March to restore full flow and functionality into the Potomac interceptor.”

The emergency fix accelerates part of a broader 10-year, $625 million rehabilitation program. Officials plan to fast-track about 2,700 linear feet of slip-lining in the collapse area before continuing previously scheduled summer construction.

Army Corps Deployed By Federal Emergency Authority

The US Army Corps of Engineers was deployed after a presidential emergency declaration authorized federal support.

Colonel Francis Pera, commander of the Corps’ Baltimore District, said the mission focuses on safeguarding the site and helping DC Water stay on schedule. Heavy rains recently sent stormwater runoff cascading from the American Legion Bridge and Clara Barton Parkway into the pump-

ing area, threatening equipment and raising contamination concerns.

The Corps has built temporary pooling areas and diversion systems to intercept runoff before it contacts contaminated soil. Clean stormwater is collected and pumped back into the Potomac, bypassing the repair zone and protecting bypass pumps that help prevent additional overflows.

The Corps is also consulting environmental specialists and coordinating with DC Water engineers on short-term measures to limit contamination while federal oversight is led by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Who Pays?

Total repair and environmental restoration costs are now estimated at roughly $20 million, up from an earlier $10 million infrastructure-only estimate.

Under the emergency declaration, the federal government will cover up to 75 percent of eligible costs. District officials say they will seek a larger federal share to limit impacts on ratepayers. If federal support had not been extended, DC Water would have distributed costs among wholesale customers based on usage formulas.

DC Water CEO and General Manager David Gadis said previously approved rate increases remain unchanged and that “at this time, we don’t see where there would be an increase because of this incident.”

Drinking Water Remains Safe

Officials emphasized that regional drinking water has not been affected. The Washington Aqueduct draws from an intake north of the collapse site, and Pera said water entering treatment facilities is “completely untouched.”

The aqueduct has increased monitoring at both intakes and typically conducts more than 65,000 tests annually, a number expected to rise this year. DC Water purchases treated water from the aqueduct and distributes it to customers.

Restoration and Recreation

A comprehensive environmental restoration plan is still being developed with the EPA, the Army Corps, Maryland officials and local agencies. The plan will address contamination in the collapse area, nearby creek beds, shoreline sections of the Potomac and the C&O Canal, which is being used in bypass operations.

An advisory against recreational use of the river remains in place, as E. coli levels can spike after heavy rains and snowmelt carry debris and waste into waterways.

For now, officials say the focus remains on stabilizing the pipe, preventing additional contamination and restoring normal flow.

“We’re in a much different location than where we were when this event started,” Pera said. “Right now, we’ve got high confidence.” u

neighborhood news

ANC 7D Report

RFK Design Plans Raise Questions About Neighborhood Accessibility

by Sarah Payne

Commissioners and community members raised concern about proposed changes to roadway, parking and transportation infrastructure in the development of the new RFK Campus. Situated between the Anacostia River and the Hill East and Kingman Park neighborhoods, the redevelopment of this 180-acre parcel of land plans to create 5,000 to 6,000 housing units, a Sportsplex and a new 65,000-capacity stadium.

According to Commissioner Alcorn, several “heavily traveled roadways” around the site, particularly westbound ramps that allow drivers to merge onto East Capitol Street NE and 19th Street SE, may be removed. The elimination of these “well-traveled roadways” would likely redirect traffic onto C Street NE and nearby residential streets, Alcorn said.

While not finalized, the proposals concern Alcorn. “My largest impression was just how significant slight changes or eliminations to a couple of roads [will be] for the traffic pattern,” he said.

The addition of a new Oklahoma Avenue metro station, Commissioner Payne emphasized, is something the community would benefit from. Some of the plans presented, she reported, did not include plans for a new station. “We not only welcome it, but it’s a real need especially since they are canceling the streetcar,” Payne said, emphasizing the importance of reestablishing a connection with the red line for both the stadium and residents in surrounding neighborhoods.

This comes as the District Department of Transportation’s (DDOT) plans to discontinue streetcar operations next month on March 31, 2026.

President of the River Terrace Community Organization Doris Bishop agreed, noting that the loss of the streetcar is significant for the community. “I would just really love it if there was some way that the street car could be saved and preserved,” Bishop said. “It allows people to get to the red line and have movement particularly when there’s a major emergency where you might need to just jump on something.”

While demolition and construction dominated discussion, Chair of the commission’s Economic Development, Housing Justice, Zoning and Alcoholic Beverage Cannabis Administration Committee Zach Abromavitz said the

city’s plans for zoning around the stadium, particularly for housing and retail units, should remain a top priority. Abromavitz emphasized the importance of community input throughout the process, particularly so that the grocery stores, restaurants and other neighborhood amenities don’t get “lost or delayed excessively” in the process. Commissioners agreed that additional opportunities for conversation, design review and feedback would benefit residents. “These are decisions and designs that will affect how our community comes in and out of this area, but they will also affect how large numbers of people will come in and out of the immediate community, particularly on day one,” Alcorn said.

The commission took no vote on this matter. Visit www.ourrfk.dc.gov to learn more about the project.

The Commission voted to:

• send a letter to Ward 7 Councilmember Wendell Felder outlining Single Member District (SMD) budget priorities and recommendations ahead of the fiscal year 2027 budget process;

• support the extension of Anacostia Avenue through transfers of jurisdiction on various parcels, and a part of a reservation, north of the intersection of Benning Road and Anacostia Avenue SE. These efforts will result in District control of Bridge 78 and provide what Commissioner Artilie Wright (7D03) called a “much needed” second entrance and exit for the community;

• protest the application of Sahara Market (1901 Michigan Ave NE) to transfer a retailer’s class C restaurant license and retailers class B beer and wine store license to a vacant commercial property at 1504 East Capitol St. NE until settlement agreement is reached.

Commissioners Joshua Taborn (7D01, vice chair), Artilie Wright (7D03), Katie Murphy (7D04), Ebony Payne (7D05), Dominic Pacheco (7D06, secretary), Brian Alcorn (7D08, chair) and Ashley Schapitl (7D09) and Dev Myers (7D10) were in attendance at the ANC 7D commission meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 10. Commissioner Brett Astmann (7D07, treasurer) was absent. 7D02 remains vacant.

ANC 7D will meet next on Tuesday, March 10, at 7 p.m. via Zoom. You can learn more about the commission and register to attend

at www.7d0761.wixsite.com/anc7d-1. Sarah Payne is a reporter for Capital Community News. She can be reached at sarahp@hillrag.com. u

Report

Art Proposed for Diamond Teague Park

Aby Elizabeth O’Gorek

rtist and Earth Conservation Corps (ECC) alumni Tendani Mpulubusi presented a concept design for new public art proposed for Diamond Teague Park.

In 2003, Diamond Teague was part of the ECC and was preparing to go to college on a scholarship when someone shot him on his front porch. The former U.S. Capitol Pump House building near the park now bears the name Monique Johnson Center, honoring the founding ECC member whom street violence killed in 1992.

Mpulubusi El once worked with Teague as part of the ECC. He presented his own designs for a bronze sculpture depicting Teague holding an eagle. The design includes seating elements integrated into the memorial footprint and interpretive components that reflect Teague’s environmental work and legacy along the Anacostia River.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE:

Virtual Login: https://dc-gov.zoom.us/j/82241

895770?pwd=30xgxP1oqOWhDHUuXw1vbrC1 rYieSe.1 and enter password: anc7d

COMMISSIONER SINGLE MEMBER DISTRICT E-MAIL

Brian Alcorn, Chairperson 7D08 – Capitol Hill 7d08@anc.dc.gov

Josh Taborn, Vice Chair 7D01 – Eastland 7d01@anc.dc.gov Gardens/Kenilworth

Brett Astmann, Treasurer 7D07 – Rosedale 7d07@anc.dc.gov

Dom Pacheco, Secretary 7D06 – Rosedale 7d06@anc.dc.gov

Artilie Wright 7D03 – Parkside 7d03@anc.dc.gov

Katie Murphy 7D04 – River Terrace 7d04@anc.dc.gov

Ebony Payne 7D05 – Kingman Park 7d05@anc.dc.gov

Ashley Schapitl 7D09 – Hill East 7d09@anc.dc.gov

Vacant SMD 7D02 – Mayfair 7d02@anc.dc.gov

Dev Myers 7D10 – Hill East 7d10@anc.dc.gov

LOCAL NEWS IN YOUR INBOX

It is a nod to Teague as well as the work of ECC, which restores local bird populations, including raptors and bald eagles, along the Anacostia River.

Mpulubusi El also discussed façade concepts for the Monique Johnson Center, incorporating imagery tied to ECC’s river restoration e orts and memorial themes, including one of Johnson looking at the original ECC river expedition boat; another of founding corps members, and one of Johnson shing. He said that he has been in discussion with the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and nearby developer Brook eld about the concept.

Commissioners focused their questions on the artistic vision, materials and long-term maintenance of the sculpture and surrounding elements. The discussion centered on design intent and how the artwork would t within the broader park landscape.

Commissioners clari ed that the presentation concerned ECC’s art proposal speci cally and did not involve action on historic designation matters. The project is separate from the preservation initiative discussed at the commission’s past meetings by Somaya Lane, who is working to found the Friends of Diamond Teague Park organization. Commissioners did not vote on the matter.

SBOE Examines Graduation Requirements

Ward 8 State Board of Education (SBOE) representative, Dr. LaJoy Johnson-Law, explained that the Board sets citywide education standards and advocates for families and equity, but has limited formal authority over DC Public Schools and public charters.

Her main focus was the ongoing overhaul of

high school graduation requirements. OSSE has proposed six major changes, including: reducing community service hours from 100 to 60; adding a capstone project; creating endorsements on diplomas; strengthening career and technical education (CTE) pathways; and a controversial new pathway for students with disabilities. She raised strong concerns about a proposed alternate “Special Education Practical Studies Diploma,” which would not be equivalent to a regular diploma and could block access to college, trades and jobs. JohnsonLaw said she was concerned it could lead to confusion and fraud if students present it as a standard diploma. She plans to send more details and will seek ANC support to oppose that version.

She also highlighted Board priorities: special education, school safety, academic pro ciency, mental health supports and family engagement. She mentioned proposed legislation to expand the Board’s authority, a resolution to require specialed best-practices training for all teachers, and upcoming youth pop-up town halls.

Petalpalooza Returns April 4 to Yards Park

Patrick Oberman, presenting for the National Cherry Blossom Festival, outlined plans for Petalpalooza, scheduled for Saturday, April 4, with a rain date of Sunday, April 5.

The free, all-ages festival will run from 1 to 9 p.m. (or 5 to 9 p.m. if on Sunday), culminating in an evening reworks display over the Anacostia River. Event programming includes multiple music stages, interactive art installations, family-friendly activities, roaming performers and food vendors.

The footprint will span Yards Park, the large eld near First Street SE, portions of M Street SE and New Jersey Avenue SE, and Diamond Teague

Park. Oberman said the festival typically draws tens of thousands of attendees and works closely with District agencies and neighborhood partners to manage security, traffic and cleanup.

Commissioners asked logistical questions related to street closures, crowd management and coordination with local stakeholders.

Commissioners voted unanimously to send a letter of support for the special event application to the Mayor’s Special Events Task Group and to the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

Budget Engagement and School Funding

Ward 6 Mayor’s Office of Community Relations (MOCR) Manager Noah Bryce Glasgow said the Mayor’s Office is wrapping up its final round of budget engagement forums. He described the District as facing a projected $1.1 billion gap across FY26 and FY27. However, he said the Mayor is still proposing a 2.55% increase to the Uniform Per Student Funding Formula (UPSFF), the basis of public school budgets.

Commissioners also asked about uncertainty around DC’s tax code and congressional action. Glasgow said the District’s Attorney General, Brian Schwalb, released an opinion Feb. 24 arguing that Congress had rebutted the District’s uncoupling from tax code outside the 30day period allotted, meaning the Congressional decision was not binding. The District’s chief financial officer is currently reviewing the matter, Glasgow said.

Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6/8F met in person and online for its February business meeting on Feb. 24. On the dais were Commissioners Nic Wilson (6/8F01), Vice Chair Markita Bryant (6/8F02), Chair Brian Strege (6/8F03), Secretary Edward Daniels (6/8F04) and Dan Reynolds (6/8F05).

The next business meeting of ANC 6/8F takes place over Zoom and in person at DDOT Headquarters (250 M St. SE) at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Residents can find details on how to join and learn more about the commission at anc8f.org. u

In Remembrance of Jesse Jackson The Man From Anacostia

by Philip Pannell

There is no question that Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. had a significant impact on the civil rights movement, Democratic Party politics and DC’s struggle for statehood. After I heard of his death, I took some time to reflect on how our lives had intersected although I met him only once in person.

During the 1970’s, sickle cell disease was a celebrated cause in the African American community. Reverend Jackson was in the vanguard of that advocacy because he had the sickle cell trait. My mother had sickle cell disease and I have the trait. I responded to Reverend Jackson’s exhortation to be involved with fighting the disease and was blessed to have worked for seven years at the Howard University Center for Sickle Disease in its community outreach program.

In 1983 the March on Washington for Jobs, Peace & Freedom was held to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington. Local organizing committees called Coalitions of Conscience were formed to get people involved with the march. I attend ed the first meeting in DC and introduced a resolution that the 20th anniversary program held on the National Mall include a speaker representing the LGBT communi ty. The resolution passed unanimously but the response from the chief organizer of the march, Reverend Walter Fauntroy, was that no such speaker would be permitted. Reverend Fauntroy was also the District of Columbia Delegate to Congress. Three days before the march, four Gay men – all DC residents, three of whom were Black – went to meet with Delegate Fauntroy to discuss his opposition to having a LGBT speaker on the day of the march. He refused to meet with them and had them arrested. I was one of those arrested. Our arrests made local and national news. While we were in jail, a conference call was held consisting of representatives of most of the major national civil rights leaders in the nation to discuss having an LGBT speaker at the march. Among those on that call were Corretta Scott King, Ralph Aber nathy, Mayor Marion Barry, Dorothy Height; Rever ends Joseph Lowery, Walter Fauntroy and Jesse Jackson. The decision was made to give three minutes to a speaker representing the LGBT community. The speaker was Audre

Lorde, the African American lesbian writer, poet, professor and civil rights activist. Jesse Jackson’s presence on that call was critical to her being chosen as a speaker.

In 1984 I was a volunteer in the Jesse Jackson for President campaign in his quest for the Democratic Party nomination. I along with dozens of volunteers boarded the bus that left from Union Temple Baptist Church to journey to Alabama to campaign for Reverend Jackson in that state’s primary. My involvement with the Jackson’s DC campaign led me to visit the Players Lounge for the first time in order to get signatures for Jackson’s DC presidential delegate slate and to do voter registration.

Jackson did not win the Democratic presidential nomination in either his 1984 or 1988 campaigns. But his efforts along with Congresswoman Shirley Chisolm’s and Reverend Al Sharpton’s presidential campaigns paved the way for Barack Obama’s historic nomination and victory for president in 2008.

In 1990 Jesse Jackson was elected to be one of DC’s United States Senators or what is known as a “shadow senator.” He made it clear that DC’s struggle for statehood is not just a political issue but a salient civil and human rights issue. His involvement helped make DC statehood a national issue.

I cannot remember the exact year that I finally met Jesse Jackson in person but it was around the turn of the millennium. There was an event taking place in the Panorama Room at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Roman Catholic Church. Reverend Jackson was standing alone on the hill taking in the breathtaking view of DC. I walked over, introduced myself and thanked him for what he had done for the DC statehood, LGBT rights and the Democratic Party. Even though he was a major celebrity he gave me a hug as if we were longtime friends. It was a brief conversation but we both agreed to keep praying for a cure for sickle cell disease. That hope is still being kept alive.

Contact long-time Ward 8 community activist Philip Pannell at philippannell@comcast.net. u

neighborhood news

Douglass Community Center Ground Broken

On Feb. 19, Mayor Bowser joined the Department of General Services, the Department of Parks and Recreation and Ward 8 residents to break ground on the new Douglass Community Center, 1922 Frederick Douglass Court SE. The $25 million project will replace the existing facility, originally built in 1969, with a new 13,550-square-foot, one-story, energy-e cient community center and upgraded outdoor amenities across six acres. The modernized campus will include multipurpose rooms, a tness center, media center, commercial kitchen, playgrounds, courts, a community garden, and a pool and splash pad designed to serve families, seniors, and young people year-round. Construction is expected to be completed in Winter 2027. For more information, visit dgs.dc.gov.

Open Artist Call for View Strong Garden Installation

Building Bridges Across the River invites artists and art teams to submit quali cations for a public mural at the View Strong Garden at Washington View Apartments in Ward 8. The artwork is supported by a grant from the Darryl Chappell Foundation. This $5,000 commission will celebrate local stories, culture, and the power of connection through art. Submit your quali cations by March 20 at buildingbridgesdc.org/artist.

Open Artist Call Pastor Emeritus, the Reverend Grayland Scott Hagler

The Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ, 5301 North Capitol St. NE, has announced with a heavy heart that their beloved Pastor Emeritus, the Reverend Grayland Scott Hagler (71), died early on Feb. 18 after a courageous bout with cancer. He was surrounded by family and friends as he transitioned peacefully. Rev. Hagler was a larger-than-life pastor; a valiant social justice warrior; a loving and doting father, and advocate for “the least of these.” plymouth-ucc.org.

Benning Road Bridges and Transportation Improvements

The District Department of Transportation is working with utility partners to complete advance relocations needed to allow the construction of the Benning Road Bridges and Transportation Improvements Project. Over the coming months, residents and commuters will see utility work zones in multiple locations on Benning Road NE between 34th Street and Minnesota Avenue NE.

Volunteer Events at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens’ monthly volunteer events are back. Beginning in March and running through October, join Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens on the fourth Saturday of every month to support maintenance activities Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. Keep an eye out for the link to sign up for a fun day of stewardship at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens on Saturday, March 28, 9 a.m. kenaqgardens.org.

Oxon Run Pinknic & Kite Fly

On Sunday, March 29, noon to 3 p.m., soar into spring at the Oxon Run Pinknic & Kite Fly at Oxon Run Park, Valley Avenue and Wheeler Road SE, in Ward 8. Enjoy a day of kites, culture, exciting activities and community crafts for all ages. Explore the Ward 8 vendor market, connect with neighbors, and experience the joy of spring in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Free admission. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.

Work will be completed during mid-day hours between 9:30 am and 3:30 pm. For more information, visit benning-road-bridges-dcgis.hub.arcgis.com.

Park Care Day at Anacostia Park

On Saturday, March 21, 10 to 11:30 a.m., at the Anacostia Park Skate Pavilion, join Friends of Anacostia Park in supporting a clean and vibrant Park for all who

neighborhood news

visit. Projects vary and all supplies are provided. Typical activities include trash and invasive species removal, mulching/watering trees, and beautifying the landscape. friendsofanacostiapark.org.

Super Friends Saturday at Anacostia Park

On Saturday, March 21, noon to 4 p.m., Join the Friends of Anacostia Park at the Skate Pavilion for their last Super Friends Saturday of the season. Skate, sing your heart out at Love Song Karaoke, make wellness crafts, play games, grab snacks, and take home a free family portrait. There is a free shuttle from Anacostia Metro (parking garage side). friendsofanacostiapark.org.

The Congressional Football Game for Charity at Nat’s Park

The Congressional Football Game is an annual event featuring Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle and former NFL players, John Booty and Ken Harvey, (the “Mean Machine”) versus members of the US Capitol Police (the “Guards”). Since its inception in 2004, the Game has awarded nearly $4.5 million to the US Capitol Police Memorial Fund, 4 Advantage 4 Kids, Our Military Kids and the Boys & Girls Club of America. Tuesday, March 17, kicko at 7 p.m., gates at 5:30 p.m., at Nat’s Park. Tickets are $12. mlb.com/nationals/tickets/specials/congressional-football/

St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon and 5k

ANC 8C March Meeting Location Changed

The St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon and 5k is on Saturday, March 21. The halfmarathon registration is $185; the 5k is $104.99. This isn’t just a race; it’s a celebration of the District’s culture, vibrant neighborhoods and history. From the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial, every step gets you up close to iconic landmarks. Start time is 8 a.m. Start line is Constitution Ave. and 14th St. NW; nish line is Fourth St. and Pennsylvania Ave. NW. runrocknroll.com/events/washington-dc.

Spring Fling: Egg-Stravaganza at THEARC

THEARC’s annual Spring Fling: EggStravaganza is on Sunday, April 12, noon to 3 p.m. THEARC is at 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. buildingbridgesdc.org/thearc.

Brookland Arts Walk Hosts Annual Norooz Market

The Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 8C will hold its meeting on March 11 at 6:30 p.m. at a new location: Campbell AME Church, 2562 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE. For more information visit anc8c.org.

Roadway Project on Pennsylvania Avenue SE Started

DDOT has begun resurfacing work including concrete work on Pennsylvania Avenue SE from 27th Street to Alabama Avenue SE. The roadway project is anticipated to be completed by Friday, March 27. Temporary Lane closures are to be expected with one travel lane remaining open. Work takes place Monday through Friday, (daytime) from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and some Saturdays as needed. ddot.dc.gov.

The Brookland Arts Walk, 716 Monroe St. NE, will commemorate the beginning of spring with its annual Norooz (New Day) Market on Sunday, March 15, 1 to 5 p.m. The community-wide event will gather over 1,000+ guests with local artists, food and entertainment. This annual celebration has become a cherished part of DC’s cultural and artistic landscape, weaving itself into the fabric of the city’s creative scene. brooklandartswalk.com.

New Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Ward 7

In partnership with Citizen Energy, a company that provides energy-e ciency and clean energy solutions, Jones Memorial United Methodist Church has unveiled electric vehicle

charging stations installed in its rear parking lot to serve both its congregation and the wider community. Located at 4625 G St. SE, the church joins a growing number of congregations that are installing EV chargers to reduce emissions and expand access to clean transportation in underserved neighborhoods. For more information contact the church o ces at info@jonesmemorialumc.org.

THE BIG DRAW at the National Building Museum

On Saturday, March 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW, hosts its third annual THE BIG DRAW, a free day-long festival that invites visitors of all ages to discover the power of drawing as a tool for better understanding the world around us. A standout attraction at this year’s festival is a live drawing demonstration and smaller guided workshops from David Macaulay, Caldecott Medal-winning author and illustrator. THE BIG DRAW marks the launch of the 2026 Building Readers Club, which o ers curated books and monthly activities that inspire children to explore their world and engage with their communities. Visitors are welcome to bring their own sketchbooks or use materials provided by the Museum. nbm.org/ event/the-big-draw.

FONA Native Plant Sale

On Saturday, March 28, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., get a head start on your spring garden at one of the earliest plant sales in the area. The Friends of the Narional Arboretum annual native plant sale, along Meadow Road between the National Arboretum’s Visitor Center and National Herb Garden, includes a small number of vendors from across the mid-Atlantic selling spring ephemerals and many other choice perennials and woody plants. Registration is preferred but not required. Let them know if you’re coming and to receive important event updates. fona.org.

Native Plant Symposium at the Arboretum

On Saturday, March 28, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., join FONA at the Arboretum, 2400 R St. NE, for a day of compelling presentations. From this year’s roster of experts, learn about regenerative gardening and agroforestry, utilizing native plants in garden design, traditional ecological knowledge and the relationship between people and plants, improved garden performers, and how to support local birds in the DMV. The symposium features five expert speakers and will take place in the Arboretum’s Visitor Center Auditorium. Lunch is included in the cost of registration (please note your dietary preference when registering). Admission is $50. fona.org/ events_programs.

Friends of the National Arboretum Flowering 5k

On Sunday, March 22, enjoy spring at the US National Arboretum during FONA’s Flowering 5k. This run or walk will take you past garden collections brightly colored with spring flowers, over tree-lined rolling hills, and along streams winding their way to the Anacostia River. All roads are closed to cars during this race so you can safely enjoy running or walking through this 451-acre urban green space. Music will get you in the groove before and after the event. Strollers and dogs are welcome, but dogs must stay on a 6’ non-retractable leash. From 7 to 8 a.m., pick up packet; race starts at 8:30 a.m. First 150 entries are $40, then the price goes up incrementally to $55. Kids under 13 are free. runsignup.com.

FY26 Green Book Released

Mayor Bowser and the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development have released the FY26 Green Book, the District’s official Small Business Enterprise Opportunity Guide. New to the FY26 Green Book is a dedicated section spotlighting opportunities tied to the RFK Memorial Stadium Campus redevelopment, one of the most significant public-private investments in the District’s history. The multi-phase project represents a projected $3.7 billion in total investment, creating substantial contracting and procurement opportunities for

District-based businesses over the coming years. To view the FY26 Green Book, visit greenbookdc.com.

Stream Nationals Games

Stream Nationals games without blackouts live or on demand for the entire 2026 regular season. Plus, access to MLB games and MLB Big Inning for $99.99 at Nationals.tv.

2026 Cultivate Summit: Innovating to Meet the Moment

Join the Cultivate Summit on Friday, March 27, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Convene, 600 14th St. NW, for a transformative, full-day experience. Hosted by the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF), Cultivate brings together entrepreneurs at every stage, industry leaders, and cross-sector partners across the DMV for hands-on learning, individualized technical assistance, and meaningful networking. Whether you’re launching your first venture, scaling for growth, or navigating certifications and capital readiness, this event is designed to elevate entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. $79 through March 9. Register at wacif-thecultivatesummit.org.

Apply to be a CAH Panelist

The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities seeks grant review panelists to perform evaluations of applications submitted to the agency for funding consideration throughout the year. Panelists provide a critical review, comments, and scores of all applications to a particular grant program. Their reviews and scores determine the ranking of applications within a grant cohort. This ranking becomes the basis on which funding decisions are made. DC residents are encouraged to apply. However, DC residency is not a requirement to be a panelist. Selected panelists should have expertise through involvement in the arts and humanities. CAH seeks panel diversity in all forms. This includes, but is not limited to, age, race, gender, disabilities, sexual orientation, artistic discipline, and location. Read more and apply at dcarts.dc.gov/page/be-review-panelist.

Curbside Electric Vehicle Charging Station Pilot Announced

DDOT has announced the Neighborhood Curbside Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Pilot, an initiative designed to expand access to public EV charging in residential neighborhoods. The pilot will help inform future regulatory updates and establish guidelines for a permit program allowing private vendors to install, operate, and maintain curbside EV charging stations in the District’s public right-of-way. The pilot is being deployed in partnership with EV charging company It’s Electric and is funded through a federal grant awarded to the company. It’s Electric will install, operate, and maintain 16 curbside

chargers serving two adjacent parking spaces in eight locations across the District—one in each Ward. sustainability.ddot.dc.gov/pages/pilotprojects.

Easter Sunrise Service at Arlington Cemetery

Easter Sunrise Service at Arlington Cemetery is on Sunday, April 5. It begins at 6:15 a.m. with a musical prelude. Enter Arlington National Cemetery via Memorial Avenue and park at the cemetery’s parking garage, where parking is free from 5 to 9 a.m. (fees for parking begin at 9 a.m.). There is no walking to the amphitheater from the parking lot; a free shuttle service will transport all guests from the Arlington National Cemetery Welcome Center and transport them back. arlingtoncemetery.org.

Watch the Blooms Live on #Bloomcam #BloomCam, brought to you by the Trust for the National Mall, in partnership with the National Park Service and Earthcam, is a 24/7, live, real-time view of the cherry trees lining the Tidal Basin, one of the most popular and iconic sites in Washington, DC. Positioned on the Salamander Washington DC rooftop, #BloomCam offers year-round views of the cherry trees and their seasonal changes to viewers worldwide. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/ bloom-watch.

DC Tenant Protections: Heat Eviction Protection Amendment Act of 2025

The District of Columbia has enacted the Extreme Heat Eviction Protection Amendment Act of 2025, which prohibits housing providers from evicting tenants on days when extreme heat conditions are predicted. Under the new law, housing providers are prohibited from carrying out evictions on any day when the National Weather Service predicts at 8 a.m. that the temperature at the National Airport weather station will rise above 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Tenants should be aware that this protection applies specifically to the physical act of eviction--it does not halt underlying court proceedings or extend deadlines for other legal matters related to housing disputes.

Do you have a notice for the Bulletin Board? The East of the River Bulletin Board includes event notices, volunteer opportunities and other community news. Send your notice to bulletinboard@hillrag.com. u

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by Matthew McClure

WHome Coming

lani N.

Douglass’s New Show is a Poem Written to the Anacostia Community

hat does home mean to you? Is it a scent or color? Maybe it’s a taste, a flavor. Could it be a feeling, or a treasured heirloom passed down through the generations?

Anacostia-based conceptual artist Mēlani N. Douglass’s new exhibition “The Prescription is Home: A Manifesto” at Mason Exhibitions in Arlington explores the answers to some of these questions in Anacostia, where Douglass has spent over 20 years curating a home that powers the engine of her art.

Since 2013, Douglass has centered her artistic practice on what she calls “the art of the everyday”, or the many ways that communities and residents east of the Anacostia River carve out and curate domestic environments structured to care, elevate, connect and support one another. As a socially conscious artist, Douglass’s body of work is activated through public engagement and characterized by collaborations with neighbors, friends and fellow creatives. “The Prescription is Home: A Manifesto” is an exciting new addition to her canon and a love letter to all the things that make “home” a powerful medicine.

“When Mason Exhibitions asked me to bring the essence of my home into their gallery space, I said home isn’t just me, it’s my community. We don’t do home like that. We don’t do home in an insular way,” Douglass says, explaining the rationale behind a show that invites you through the front door of not only Douglass’s own home in Anacostia, but also the homes of twelve other Anacostia residents like Jason “JaySun” Anderson, Kendra and John Johnson, Stan Squirewell, Juanita White and Levita Mondie. Douglass carefully selected each resident and residence to illustrate how these homes are connected to the Anacostia community and how that connection is evoked

through the curation of the home.

Within the living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms and gardens of Douglass’s neighbors and friends, we’re invited to consider the significance of a stack of books, a cast-iron pot passed down from mother to daughter, or an altar of family photos. Douglass says she was looking for familiar patterns, for networks of resilient power inherited and gifted forward. “I wanted to look at the elements that make up home for me and see if they were represented in other homes as well. There’s a conversation there about the Black home and what those elements are.” Douglass refers to these elements of home as “ancestral technologies”: Family recipes, oral histories told by grandparents around a barbeque, a tune on a guitar. “It’s the art of the everyday, the magic in the mundane that supports the transfer of wisdom from one generation to the next. That’s the dark matter,” Douglass says.

For this exhibition, Douglass documented these ancestral technologies using her camera. “I really needed something that captured daily life. I wasn’t interested in posed pictures. I went with families that had ties to the community for at least fifteen years, or that perform some sort of service to the community, and that are comfortable enough that you feel the essence of their home in the photos.” The photographs taken by Douglass are symbolic of the trust that she’s nurtured within Anacostia for the more than 20 years she’s lived and worked there. “That’s in integral part

of my practice, spending time being deeply engaged and then going into the studio and getting the art on the wall.”

The photographs are categorized according to six themes – medicine, memory, movement, manifestation, mastery and municipality of mutual aid – with each theme reframing what home and community can look like through the most ancient acts of creation and care: Cooking, planting, growing, music-making, crafting and hosting. Karen Hillard is an Anacostia resident descended from a family of community organizers going back three generations. Douglass’s photograph of Hillard’s grandmother’s cast iron chicken fry pot, a central character in the many community gatherings organized around food in the Hillard home, is featured in the category of mastery. Levita Mondie’s food garden and spice cabinet (featured in the categories of medicine and municipality of mutual aid) are essential elements of the plant-based meals she prepares for her family and for the community events she frequently hosts in her backyard.

Alissa Maru, associate curator and exhibition manager at Mason Exhibitions Arlington, worked with Douglass to capture the sights and sounds of daily life in Anacostia for inclusion in the exhibition. A 45-hour video loop of the Anacostia River by Ayman Rashid is displayed on the rear wall of the gallery while, if you listen carefully, you’ll hear a recording of the ambient noise of Anacostia’s streets and woods, and the activities in Dou-

glass’s own home. “I wanted an immersive exhibition and looking at Mēlani’s practice, I knew we could build a cozy home around the show. We’ve been working with her for two years on this,” Maru says. “The goal is to encourage conversation. What’s captured here is the family moment, the displays of care and of home.”

In the middle of the exhibition, a stylized interpretation of a house has been erected, a structure suggestive of a child’s sketch of “home.” With no walls and a transparent roof, the house is symbolic of the porous quality of home in Anacostia and how quotidian practices of joy, care, celebration, nourishment and survival branch out from inside homes and out into the neighborhood to form a thriving ecosystem of interconnectedness like a network of mycelium threads. Inside the structure, you’ll find objects of care sourced from Douglass’s own home.

Much like the rest of Douglass’s work, public engagement and active programming are a fundamental part of “The Prescription is Home: A Manifesto.” The design of the exhibition itself is meant to encourage gathering and fellowship. In the Anna.log corner (named in honor of Anna Murray Douglass, Frederick Douglass’s wife), you’re encouraged to leave tech at the door and paint, sketch or draw. A handmade book – modelled after Douglass’s family bible, one of a few objects her father managed to save from a house fire – invites you to jot down what home means to you while a vintage television set in the corner plays a slideshow of family photos submitted by exhibition visitors. A QR code nearby allows you to submit treasured family recipes to the Arlington Country Library Cookbook, and co-working sessions are every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Levita Mondie hosts regular supper club events within the exhibition, where she shares the wisdom of cooking passed down from her ancestors and the secrets of ingredients like collard greens, black eyed peas and squash. For Mondie, being part of Douglass’s exhibition has been transformative. “It made me feel visible in a way that I don’t think I’d ever consciously put together in my own mind. There’s something about someone photographing you that makes you say ‘Wow, that’s special.’ The premise of the everyday being art... it took so long for me to call myself an artist.”

Anacostia, like many majority Black and African American neighborhoods across the country, is facing transformation, challenges and change but Douglass believes that home and community can offer answers through potent forms of resistance, perseverance and power. “One of the ways to overcome these systems is community, having an extended definition of family and a more permeable definition of home. I feel that everyone should make their home into a museum. You should be a guardian of your family’s histories. Make your home a living archive.”

“The Prescription is Home: A Manifesto” runs through April 18 at Mason Exhibitions, 3601 Fairfax Dr, Arlington, VA. www.masonexhibitions.org/exhibitions/ prescriptionishome u

Chord Progression Local Musician Andy Valenti is Embarking on a New Musical Journey

by Matthew McClure

Andy Valenti’s journey to Fairlawn in southeast DC from Philadelphia in 2011 follows a familiar script in a city long fueled by the ambitions of young professionals drawn by the federal government and its orbit of industries. A gifted vocalist, guitarist and songwriter, Valenti landed a job at Bloomberg in his early twenties and soon connected with a friend who had a spare room in a Northwest rowhouse.

But it wasn’t the job — or even the housing — that most excited him. It was the basement recording studio in the house.

“I was honestly more excited about the opportunity to live in a house with a recording studio than I was to move here for the job,” Valenti said, laughing. “I was excited to focus on music a bit more than before.”

A collegiate wrestler from a family of athletes, Valenti first explored his musical proficiency when a series of injuries forced him onto the couch for a period of recuperation. “I picked up the guitar, and it was something that helped me pass the time, but I was always obsessed with music. When I was five or six, I’d memorize the lyrics of songs on the radio.” Once in DC, he found himself in what he remembers as a “safe space” to work on his music.

It didn’t take long for Valenti’s nascent talent to flourish. Within a month, he’d formed his first band consisting of part-time musicians he’d connected with over the water cooler at his day job and they’d spend nights rocking out in an old brick shed in the tiny backyard. “We’d played until late one night,” Valenti recalls with a smile. “The next morning one of the neighbors came around. She said ‘We can hear you, it’s loud, but also, I love what you’re playing. I work at a local school. Do you guys want to come play an event there?’” The origin story of the band that came to be known as Big Country Express – named after the school’s miniature

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train – is one of Valenti’s favorite DC memories. “That’s something I hold very dear. That community DC experience was awesome.”

Little did Valenti know that his career was about to go stratospheric. Claire Newbegin, a neighbor and band teacher at Cesar Chavez Capitol Hill, introduced him to a budding young vocalist named Cynthia Johnson with whom Valenti formed the ve-member band Oh He Dead in 2015. Valenti’s sound, at that point largely de ned by laid back rock and roll with in ections of folk-pop, began to develop with additional in uences from alt and garage rock bands like Kings of Leon and Weezer.

“The Venn diagram of our music interests was 90 percent the same,” Valenti explains as he describes the artistic relationship between himself and Johnson, whom he calls CJ. “I tried to get her to like folk music, and she’d pretend to like it which was really sweet of her.”

What followed was nine years of intense venue-hopping during which Oh He Dead amassed a coterie of fans obsessed with the band’s DCin ected fusion of funk and soul combined with rock and Johnson’s silky, Stevie Nicks styled vocals. Valenti recalls the band driving to Colorado to take advantage of a lastminute lineup change at the 2021 Telluride Jazz Festival. “It was the largest audience we’d ever played for. Nine thousand people and we had 45 minutes to win them over. We played our butts o and by the end they were all standing and dancing. We got a standing ovation from everyone in the sta tent and the owner invited us back.”

with Dani Zessoules, Valenti formed Uncle so the two could nurture an artistic synthesis as an acoustic duo. He’s now also able to give more attention to his band “theyoungbirds” which he formed with MJ McLaughlin in 2014. They debuted their sophomore EP “No One Likes a Quitter” late last year and lmed an uber cool music video for their single “Work It Out” at the old Macmillan sand ltration plant in Bloomingdale.

These days, Valenti’s nding the peace in a quieter kind of life with his dog Tony in Fairlawn.

Valenti, Johnson and the band got to meet some of their musical idols over the next few years. It was a whirlwind that he remembers fondly.

In 2024, after nine years of riding the wave, Valenti says he stepped away from the band to work on developing his own material. “I’d written some songs that I wanted to pursue, more of the singersongwriter style that’s my natural state. I’ve written close to a hundred songs and I wanted an opportunity to let my unique voice shine.” Together

“Living here has been delightful. There’s a great porch culture here. SE loves its music. My neighbor’s always blasting old soul when he’s working on his car. It’s providing a backdrop to my living experience that I love.”

“Honeysuckle,” a new release by Uncle, will be available wherever you stream your music on March 14, followed by an EP release show at the end of the month. Follow @uncletheband on Instagram for details on where and when. ◆

by Kathleen Donner

Fruit to Poop: A Seed’s Journey (On-site Drop-in Program)

What’s the connection between fruit and poop? On Friday, March 13, 2 to 4 p.m., at the US Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW, join Lilly and USBG volunteers to explore how plants and animals help each other and the relationship between plants making fruit and animals eating that fruit. Think and learn about what makes a fruit a fruit, why fruits tend to taste sweet, and why it bene ts plants when animals eat their fruits. No registration needed. usbg.gov.

Bloomaroo at The Wharf

Bloomaroo at The Wharf is on Saturday, March 28, 4 to 8 p.m. Here’s the schedule: 4 to 8 p.m., live music on multiple stages; 4 to 8 p.m., family fun

The

Blossom Kite

Festival at the Washington Monument

The Blossom Kite Festival is on Saturday, March 28 (rain date, March 29), 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Washington Monument. Join in the fun with soaring activities, music, competitions, and performances. Kite enthusiasts, beginners, families, and friends are all welcome. Enjoy kite demonstrations and competitions, arts & crafts, and so much more. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the National

Be Our Guest at “Beauty and the Beast”, Disney’s rst North American production of the beloved musical in over 25 years. This timeless tale, lled with romance and grandeur, has been brought to life with spectacular new sets and dazzling costumes. The show boasts the Oscar-winning score, including the classic songs “Be Our Guest” and “Beauty and the Beast.” National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, from March 18 to April 5. Tickets start at $60. thenationaldc.com.

Explore. Create. Be…The Fun!

Explore the outdoors with exciting nature hikes, treasure hunts, field trips, and creative challenges.

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This summer, let your child unleash their imagination, explore new adventures, and create unforgettable memories! At Polite Piggy’s, we believe that fun is not just an activity — it’s an experience, and it starts with you!

Create masterpieces in art, science, theater, dance, and crafts while discovering new talents. Be…The Fun! Embrace your inner adventurer, make new friends, and enjoy endless laughter through games, performances, music, and wacky competitions!

kids and family

activities including face painting, balloon animals and arts & crafts; and 8 p.m. fireworks. Free admission. wharfdc.com/bloomaroo.

Sensory Playtime at SW Library

Join SW Library, 900 Wesley Pl. SW, in the Children’s Room every Friday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. for fun sensory play for ages one to five. They’ll provide the materials, just bring your imagination. dclibrary.org.

LOC to Host Monthly Saturday Family Days in 2026

The Library of Congress will host monthly Family Days, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., on select Saturdays throughout 2026, including programming focused on America’s 250th anniversary. The Library is commemorating America’s 250th anniversary under the theme “It’s Your Story,” offering an opportunity for everyone to discover part of America’s story in the world’s largest research collections. During Family Days, each program includes a creative activity, connections to Library of Congress collections, a chance to talk to staff experts, and a guide to using Library resources at home. All events are free of charge. loc.gov/events.

Teens Behind the Scenes at the National Theatre

Teens Behind the Scenes at the National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, educates and inspires socio-economically diverse high school students in the DC metro area by providing free access to touring Broadway shows, facilitating post-show discus-

Petalpalooza at Capital Riverfront

On Saturday, April 4, 1 to 9 p.m., at Capital Riverfront, celebrate spring at Petalpalooza for 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 cashless beverage garden, roaming entertainers, and more, all along the banks of the Anacostia River. The evening is capped by the choreographed Official National Cherry Blossom Festival Fireworks show set to music starting at 8:30 p.m. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.

RATÓN DE BIBLIOTECA (The Library Mouse) at GALA

This charming bilingual play, on Saturdays, March 14, 21 and 28, 3 to 4 p.m., at GALA Theatre, 3333 14th St. NW, is about the clash between an intellectual library mouse and a street gang of mice. It teaches children to respect differences and appreciate books. Tickets are $14 (including fees) for adults; $12 for kids, two to twelve. galatheatre.org.

sions, and introducing students to performing arts careers. This program welcomes dedicated students with an interest in theatre to engage with shows in the Broadway at The National season and to participate in post-show talkbacks with their dramaturg and special guests. Send in a Student interest Form at nationaltheatre.org/teens-behind-the-scenes.

Storytime Studio and Open Studio Drop-ins at the Hirshhorn

On Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to noon, step into Storytime Studio at the Hirshhorn, Independence Ave. and Seventh St. SW, and enjoy a captivating blend of play, reading, and art exploration designed for kids

up to age six and their caregivers. On Saturdays, let your creativity run wild at Open Studio, the Hirshhorn’s all-day for all ages art-making adventure. Drop in and explore contemporary art through hands-on activities inspired by the Hirshhorn collection. hirshhorn.si.edu.

Democracy Lab at the Capitol

Daily except Sundays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., learn about the work of Congress in this hands-on education gallery. The collaborative activities in the gallery are designed for children between the ages of eight and fourteen. Visitors of all ages are welcome. Visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Sta are available to assist and answer questions, but not to supervise children. Groups of 15 or more children must make a reservation in advance of their visit. They recommend that you allow 15 to 30 minutes to ensure that everyone has time to engage in all the activity stations.

Moonshot Studio at the REACH

The Kennedy Center’s Moonshot Studio at the REACH celebrates creativity and the artist in everyone through hands-on artmaking. The recommended age is ve years old and older. Stop by anytime from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on (most) Saturdays & Sundays to explore their projects. Upcoming dates are March 7, 8, 15, 28 and 29; and April 4, 5, 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26. Free admission. kennedy-center.org/reach/moonshot-studio/moonshotstudio.

Family Workshop: From Print to Paint at the Folger

On Saturday, March 21, 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., you can contribute to their current exhibition, Imagining Shakespeare: Mythmaking and Storytelling in the Regency Era! Families start by adding dramatic air to scenes from Shakespeare’s plays. Then will use their artistic skills to create performance-inspired artwork that will be displayed in the exhibition hall, alongside paintings depicting famous Shakespearean scenes. Attendance

is free with a recommended $3 donation. There are two sessions available with these recommended ages: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for ages ve to seven; 1 to 2 p.m., for ages eight to eleven. folger.edu.

NSO’s Philharmonia Fantastique: The Making of an Orchestra

Told through a mesmerizing hybrid of animated and live action lming, 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 the National Symphony Orchestra. At the Kennedy Center Concert Hall on Sunday, March 29, 2 p.m. Following the performance, young audience members can ask questions and hear stories from the show’s artists. Tickets are $25.30. Most enjoyed by ages ve and older. kennedy-center.org.

National Zoo Webcams

See pandas, elephants, lions, cheetahs, and naked mole-rats on animal cams streaming live at nationalzoo.si.edu/webcams. Also, download Animal Cam Bingo Cards. These activities are designed to engage learners of all ages in looking closely and thinking deeply about animal behavior and habitats. Welcome to the wild side of learning! nationalzoo.si.edu.

Cat Kid Comic Club at Imagination Stage

For one weekend only, Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m., 1 and 4 p.m., and Sunday, March 22, 1 and 4 p.m., at Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, MD. Don’t miss a hilarious, madcap musical adaptation of Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man spin-o series. Cat Kid and Molly Pollywog have started an epic club to teach 21 rambunctious baby frogs how to make their own comics. When the frogs’ constant bickering and outrageous imaginations send their comics comically o the rails, their shy father Flippy ips out. Tickets are $15 to $52.02, plus fee. Best for ages ve to ten. imaginationstage.org.

HOUSE & INFORMATION SESSIONS

ZOOM Information Session: Join us for building tours and information sessions to learn more about our programs:

THU. MARCH 19 10 AM - 11 AM SAT. MARCH 21 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM THU. MARCH 12 I 7 PM THU. MARCH 26 I 7 PM

Her Name Is Linh Mai

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s (NZCBI) Asian elephant calf has received her name. The winning name is Linh Mai [LIN-my], Vietnamese for spirit blossom. Linh means “spirit” or “soul,” and Mai refers to the apricot blossom, a flower associated with Tet (Lunar New Year), which began Feb. 17. Linh Mai is the first Asian elephant born at the Zoo in nearly 25 years. Her birth is a significant conservation success for the Zoo and this endangered species, as fewer than 50,000 Asian elephants are left in the world. Linh Mai will make her first appearance on the Elephant Cam (nationalzoo.si.edu/webcams/elephants), enabling worldwide fans to stay connected and watch the calf socialize, play and learn. nationalzoo.si.edu/elephants.

“Good Morning,

Good

Night” at Imagination Stage

In this brand-new show, very young children will discover the beauty of the world during daytime and nighttime. They will watch–and help–Winnie and August work the “day shift:” waking the birds, putting dew in the grass, and baking fresh clouds; and the “night shift:” releasing the fireflies, shining the stars, and banishing nightmares. 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, MD, from March 21 to April 19. It is best for ages one to four. Ticket prices start at $21.50. imaginationstage.org.

Sunday Storytime at Planet Word

Join Planet Word for Sunday Storytime, a free monthly program designed especially for young children and their grownups. Featuring songs and read-alouds presented by children’s librarians from the DC Public Library, Sunday Storytime is ide-

al for ages two to six. After storytime, attendees are invited to explore the museum or stop by the pop-up DC Public Library wagon to check out children’s books using their library cards. Upcoming dates are March 8 and April 12, 10 to 11 a.m. Free registration includes general admission to the museum. Planet Word is at 925 13th St. NW. planetwordmuseum.org.

Walloping Weather! with The Science Guys of Baltimore

On Wednesday to Friday, March 11 to 13, at 10:15 and 11:30 a.m., the Science Guys of Baltimore are back at Discovery Theater at the Ripley Center on the Mall to explore the wacky science of weather. They bring together elements from all their shows to make one thunderous spectacle. Learn about lighting with a Tesla coil; see how extreme weather patterns are created through heat and

pressure; make the world’s smallest blizzard; discover how rainbows are created after a storm and much more. Recommended for ages six to 11. Adult tickets are $8; kids, $7; and under 2, $3. discoverytheater.org.

Powerful Pollinators at Discovery Theater

On Tuesday to Friday, March 24 to 27, at 10:15 and 11:30 a.m., learn about the world of our planet’s pollinators at Discovery Theater at the Ripley Center on the Mall. Meet pollinators big and small as they do their part to keep the biodiversity of all our ecosystems thriving. Get ready to dance like a honeybee, leap like a lemur, and beat those hummingbird wings in this new Discovery Theater original. Recommended for ages three to seven. Adult tickets are $8; kids, $7; and under 2, $3. discoverytheater.org.

“Save a Spider Day” at Natural History

Join the Natural History Museum on Saturday, March 14, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., to see spider specimens and other arachnids up close, make observations at live tarantula feedings, and learn about the amazing diversity found within the different spider and arachnid species. Scientists from the museum will also debunk common spider myths. Families can join at any time during the duration of the event and stay as long as suits them. This program is held in Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Edu-

cation Center, on the ground floor of the museum on the right of the Constitution Ave. entrance. naturalhistory.si.edu.

Frontlines: Infant and Child CPR at Hill Center

On Sundays, March 22, April 19, May 17; June 21; Aug. 16; Sept. 13; Oct. 18; and Dec. 20; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Frontlines CPR teaches the skills required to save a life. Hands-on practice along with thorough instruction on the following topics: Child CPR; Child Choking Relief; AED overview; Infant CPR; and Infant Choking Relief. All classes are adults-only and are taught by current medical professionals. For more information, email Rharry1@frontlinescpr.com or visit frontlinecpr.com/schedule-andregistration to sign up for a class. Space is limited and classes often sell out weeks in advance. $80. hillcenterdc.org.

Daughters of the American Revolution Celebrate America’s Birthday

To celebrate America’s 250th birthday, on Saturday April 18, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., this free event takes place throughout DAR Headquarters, 1776 D St. NW. All are welcome to join in family-friendly activities in the DAR Library and DAR Museum, while enjoying cupcakes and refreshments. dar.org. u

Celebrating Ten Years of Books from Birth

The DC Public Library’s Books from Birth program, in partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, is open to all children under the age of five who live in Washington, DC. All enrolled children receive a free book in the mail each month from birth until they turn five. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is also offering a book option which includes 100% Bilingual English/Spanish books from when the child enters the program until they graduate at age five. To register, complete the online registration form. You can also register using the Spanish language form. dclibrary.org/using-the-library/books-birth.

It’s nice to be acknowledged

by Myles Mellor

Across:

1. Some people drop them

6. Ghosts or goblins, for example

13. ___ and hers

16. Kind of number or clock

18. Borealis and australis

19. Yoga principle

21. Game piece

22. Staying power

23. Nephritic

24. Friendly encouragement

26. Words like “well done,” from the boss

28. Stable diet

29. Digital camera type

30. Mongolian monk

31. Train part

37. The Duke of ___, “Rigoletto” role

40. Part of E.M.T., abbr.

41. Cheapen

44. Good-luck piece

45. Initiates quarrels

46. Available sans Rx

47. Cereal grain

49. Payroll processing company

52. Game of Thrones character

53. Computer network

55. Houston ballplayer

57. Ear of corn

61. Judge

64. Hogwarts, e.g.

65. Gave some official recognitions

69. ABC’s

70. Easily offended

71. Postpones

72. Besmirch

73. Fighting Tigers of the N.C.A.A.

74. Stride

76. ___-en-Provence

77. I, to Claudius

79. Vision benefits provider

82. Inane

88. Loud laugher

90. Bargain

91. Rams’ ma’ams

95. ____ and World Report

96. Place into a group

97. Poivre’s companion

98. Desire

99. Fish mover

101. Applauded

103. Express appreciation to the winners

113. Personnel director

114. Streaks in the sky

115. Early day refrigerator

116. Standing by 117. Foreshadow

118. Flamboyant

119. Writer, Deighton

120. Railway track converging

121. Curved letters

Down:

1. Zippo

2. At the summit of

3. N.Y.C. cultural center

4. Send out

5. Chinese, prefix

6. Figure skater Cohen

7. Adorable tot

8. Many a Saudi

9. Alitalia destination

10. Novelist Ambler

11. Row

12. Kind of cow, dog, or horse

13. Take care of

14. Surrounded by standstill traffic

15. Strauss opera

17. Swindle

19. Proportionately

20. Classic Royale, of automotive fame

25. Clobbered

26. Attach, in a way

27. Setting of many jokes

29. Nat’l league cap letters

31. Fed. watchdog org.

32. Turkey part

33. Diamond stat.

34. Road goo

35. French key

36. Down Under natives

37. Noted Warhol subject

38. Invoice fig.

39. Cores

42. Oolong or Earl Grey

43. Japan follower

48. Unspoken

49. Make up

50. Waste

51. Campaign hustler, for short

54. Museum contents

56. Drive off

57. US coastal resort

58. Connecticut River town

59. Atlas section

60. Ill-gotten gain

61. Trademarks, abbr.

62. On a pension, briefly

63. Like winter weather

64. Relative

66. G.P.S. data

67. Collected works

68. Getting back for

69. Troop grp.

73. Freed

74. Application datum, abbr.

75. US Open start

78. Swiss cheese

80. Stitch a dress

81. Telephone trio

83. And

84. Rapper prefix

85. __ de Cologne

86. No. to measure against

87. Peek at

89. The Atlantic’s Cape ___

91. Foreseeing skill, for short

92. Artist Andy

93. Seinfeld character, Benes

94. Recipe direction

99. Fake

100. Little picture

102. Short time

103. Evening, at La Scala

104. Rate ___ (be perfect)

105. Recently, abbr.

106. Stocking stuffer

107. City on Guanabara Bay

108. Realtor’s unit

109. Perfect scores, often

110. Local entrepreneurial orgs.

111. Lug

112. Big galoots

114. Fuel usage