Chevy Chase, DC April 2026

April – Renewal & Possibility

April arrives softly — with cherry blossoms in bloom, longer evenings, and that unmistakable feeling of fresh beginnings. There is something about spring in our community that feels especially hopeful. Windows open. Calendars fill. Energy shifts.

This month is about renewal — not just of our homes and gardens, but of our priorities. It’s a beautiful time to ask: What do we want more of? More connection? More creativity? More time outdoors with the people who matter most?

In these pages, you’ll find stories that celebrate growth, local businesses expanding their vision, women building community, families creating meaningful traditions. Chevy Chase has always been rooted in both legacy and evolution, and spring reminds us that both can coexist.

As iHeartRadio’s iconic Washington station HOT 99.5 celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, the milestone offers a chance to reflect on the station’s deep connection to the local community. For a quarter century, HOT 99.5 has been more than just a hit music station, it has been a cultural touchpoint for the region, championing local voices, events, and businesses. Among the community leaders who have helped shape the health and wellness landscape locally is Dan Kraus, founder of Bethesda Scoliosis & Posture. Through his work helping patients improve spinal health and posture, Kraus represents the kind of dedicated local professional who strengthens the fabric of the greater Bethesda and Chevy Chase communities.

As a mom, April feels like the unofficial start of memory-making season, playground afternoons, outdoor dinners, spontaneous ice cream stops. The small moments become the ones we hold onto.

May this month invite you to refresh something in your life — a space, a routine, a relationship, or perhaps your own sense of possibility.

Here’s to longer days, lighter layers, and living fully in the present season.

Warmly,

BREE KUNZEL, PUBLISHER @CHEVYCHASELIFESTYLE

April 2026

PUBLISHER

Bree Kunzel | bree.kunzel@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Vivian Mammen | vivian.mammen@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Pat Ruppert, Marie Wood, Yvonne Turner, Jessica DeArmond

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Sarah Rachael, Ceylon Mitchell, Nate Wolbert, Jessica Rincon

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Liz Nixon

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

Proverbs 3:5-6

Precision Care for the Spine. Excellence in Posture.

THANK YOU

To our patients, for the trust that earned us the honor of being named Best of Bethesda - Readers' Pick, Best Chiropractor.

Expertise That Sets the Standard

Dr. Dan Kraus, DC, is one of the region’s leading specialists in conservative scoliosis and spinal deformity care. With over 30 years of clinical experience and advanced certifications in ScoliBrace®, ScoliBalance® Physical Therapy, and Chiropractic BioPhysics® (CBP®),

Dr. Kraus provides highly specialized, research-based treatment designed to address the root structural causes of scoliosis, kyphosis, and postural disorders. His expertise allows patients of all ages, from children in growth phases to adults with degenerative scoliosis, to receive personalized care focused on improving spinal alignment, stability, function, and long-term health.

Schedule Your Specialized Consultation Today Bethesda Scoliosis & Posture

4733 Elm Street, Suite 300 Bethesda, MD 20814

301.656.2435 www.bethesdaspineandposture.com

See how our signature Gl amedicine ditches the “done” look. We c reate sophisticated, natural results for the modern patient.

— Morgan Gale, NP | @TheAestheticVisionary

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Cocktails beautifully curated by neat.sips, elevating the evening with refined, artful mixology. 3: DC creatives gathering in an intimate setting for conversation, culture, and connection 6: Önder Ōns Supper Club unites DC creatives through art, food, wine, music, and connection. 7: Vinyl spinning, curated beats setting the tone for an unforgettable experience.

Whether you have a chronic health issue like neuropathy or pain, are working on fertility, going through peri enopause, an iety or have inso nia, we're here to help Schedule your appointment today .

Guided by a client-first philosophy, TJ brings this perspective to every aspect of the residential real estate journey. Whether navigating a complex sale or discovering a hidden gem to call home, his approach is defined by precision, discretion, and a relentless commitment to your vision. With TJ, you aren’t just making a move; you’re securing your future.

business monthly

Story Tapestries

Founded by Arianna Ross, Story Tapestries brings arts-integrated programming to schools and communities, using storytelling, movement, music, and visual arts to spark creativity and confidence in young learners. The organization partners with educators to enhance academic engagement through culturally responsive arts experiences, empowering students to find and share their voices while strengthening literacy, collaboration, and social-emotional development.

F&L Design Builders

F&L Design Builders, co-founded by Lorena Ruiz Goodfellow and Felicity, is a woman-led construction and design firm specializing in thoughtful renovations and custom builds. Known for blending craftsmanship with creativity, the firm prioritizes collaboration, transparency, and client education. Their work reflects a commitment to empowering homeowners—particularly women— while delivering high-quality, detail-driven residential projects.

Northgate Realty

Founded by Lee Goldstein and co-led by Angela Goldstein, Northgate Realty is a relationship-driven real estate firm built on trust, expertise, and local market insight. Serving buyers and sellers across the region, the team emphasizes strategic guidance, personalized service, and long-term client relationships. Their approach combines data-informed decision-making with a deep understanding of community dynamics.

ENGINEERING HUMAN ALIGNMENT

DR. DANIEL KRAUS COMBINES ADVANCED BIOMECHANICS WITH PRECISION SPINAL CARE

Dr. Daniel Kraus, DC, owner and clinical director of Bethesda Spine & Posture in Bethesda Row, is not your typical chiropractor. Practicing since 1997, Dr. Kraus has developed one of the region’s most advanced non-surgical spinal rehabilitation program, an approach he describes as “a specialty within a specialty within a specialty.”

ARTICLE BY MARIE WOOD PHOTOGRAPHY BY DR. CEYLON MITCHELL

He is one of only a handful of chiropractors in Maryland who hold an Advanced Certification in Chiropractic BioPhysics® (CBP), the most researched and results-driven method for structural correction of the spine.

What truly sets his practice apart, however, is the integration of ScoliCare® protocols, including ScoliBrace® and ScoliBalance®—for the non-surgical management of scoliosis, kyphosis, and postural deformities. This unique combination of CBP structural correction and ScoliCare 3D bracing represents a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to restoring alignment, stability, and function.

Dr. Kraus also maintains physical therapy privileges in the State of Maryland, allowing him to combine chiropractic biomechanics with customized rehabilitative exercise programs for truly integrative care.

A native of Silver Spring, Dr. Kraus earned his undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland, College Park, before completing his Doctor of Chiropractic at Life College in Marietta, Georgia. Inspired by his own struggles with back pain as a young man, he devoted his career to understanding and correcting the root causes of spinal dysfunction, not just masking symptoms.

Scoliosis and Spinal Deformity Expertise

Dr. Kraus specializes in the conservative treatment of adult and adolescent scoliosis, kyphosis, and spondylolisthesis— conditions that can cause pain, fatigue, and progressive spinal collapse. His goal, he explains, is simple but ambitious: “These are collapsing deformities of the spine— and our mission is to stop that collapse.”

At Bethesda Spine & Posture, patients receive individualized care plans that may include CBP corrective traction, posture-specific exercise, and custom ScoliBrace® 3D bracing. Each brace is designed using a patient’s X-rays, photos, and 3D iPad scans, ensuring an exact fit that promotes spinal elongation, midline alignment, and de-rotation.

“People are amazed at how much taller, straighter, and more balanced they feel almost immediately,” says Dr. Kraus. While adolescents may wear the brace up to 22 hours daily during growth phases, adults typically use it for 4–8 hours a day as part of a broader posture restoration plan.

Dr. Kraus emphasizes patient empowerment and education at every stage: “My role is to meet you where you are, teach you the process, and guide you toward lasting correction.”

A Lifelong Learner and Innovator Committed to excellence, Dr. Kraus continues to advance his clinical expertise through ongoing education and research. He recently completed his second

advanced ScoliCare Advanced Certification seminar, deepening his understanding of the complex interplay between structure, function, and neuromuscular adaptation.

First in College Park with Terrapin Care Center, founded in 2001, and subsequently founding Bethesda Spine & Posture in 2020, Dr. Kraus has built a practice and reputation known for compassionate care, data-driven results, and innovative, patient-specific treatment plans. His passion is evident: “Every spine is different. I never know who’s going to walk through the door—but every day, I get to help people discover what’s possible.”

“I really want to help people in ways they don’t know is even possible, he says, adding, “Once they understand what true correction looks like, it changes everything.”

Bethesda Spine & Posture, LLC

4733 Elm St., Ste 300, Bethesda, MD 20814

Tel: 301.656.2435  • Fax: 301.986.6960

“I REALLY WANT TO HELP PEOPLE IN WAYS THEY DON’T KNOW IS EVEN POSSIBLE,” HE SAYS, ADDING, “ONCE THEY UNDERSTAND WHAT TRUE CORRECTION LOOKS LIKE, IT CHANGES EVERYTHING.”

Timeless by Design

For years, Signature Dresses has been the destination for women who understand that true luxury never follows trends, it defines them.

Each gown is curated with intention, craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to elegance. From once in-a-lifetime celebrations to defining personal moments, Signature Dresses has dressed generations of women in confidence, beauty, and grace.

Renowned for impeccable taste and a discerning eye, Signature Dresses is more than a boutique - it is a legacy. One built on trust, refinement, and the belief that the perfect dress should feel as extraordinary as the moment itself.

Because timeless style is never accidental. It’s Signature

Redefining MVP: TIM TEBOW’S LIFE BEYOND FOOTBALL

An exclusive Q&A with City Lifestyle

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

From championship trophies to global humanitarian impact, Tim Tebow’s journey has defied every standard playbook. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Tebow pulls back the curtain on the moments that truly defined him, from a humbling middle school church retreat to the life-altering shift of fatherhood. This isn’t just a look back at a career; it’s an invitation into the heart of a man driven by purpose. Read the highlights below, then join us for the full, unfiltered experience by scanning the QR code at the end.

Q: WE ALL KNOW YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD, BUT TELL US ABOUT THE CURL CONTEST.

A: I was competing for my future high school team (my brother’s team), and I pushed myself way past what was smart. I ended up collapsing and needing medical attention. But what stayed with me wasn’t the pain, it was the lesson. Would I be willing to do something that others aren’t? For much of my life, I strived to bring my best for a game, but I hope that I can say at the end of my life I was willing to do that for things that actually matter.

Q: YOU’VE ACHIEVED SO MUCH IN SPORTS. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT NOW?

A: Becoming a dad. Nothing compares. From the moment I knew my wife was pregnant, I felt a new depth of love for our child, but when you bring your baby home, the responsibility hits you like nothing else. Suddenly, everything you see, every decision you make, you’re asking, “Is this corner too sharp? What happens if she reaches that drawer?” It changes how you see the world and how you see other people.

Q: YOU’VE SPOKEN OPENLY ABOUT DISAPPOINTMENT, ESPECIALLY AROUND FOOTBALL. HOW DID THAT SEASON OF LIFE SHAPE YOU?

A: I talked a lot about that very thing in my book Shaken . We all go through moments where our faith in our abilities and purpose feels rattled, but I believe it’s often in those storms when God can show us who we could become.

Q: YOU TALK A LOT ABOUT COMPARISON CULTURE. WHY DO YOU BELIEVE COMPARISON HAS BECOME SUCH A TRAP TODAY?

A: Because we’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel. Social media shows people’s “best day,” often filtered and staged, and then we measure our reality against that. There’s a reason filters are so popular—it’s not real. We end up scrolling through images that don’t tell the full story, and without realizing it, comparison starts to steal our joy and our gratitude.

“We’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel... comparison starts to steal our joy.”

Q: YOUR FOUNDATION FOCUSES ON THE “MOST VULNERABLE.” WHERE DID THAT CALLING BEGIN?

A: When I was 15, I met a boy in the Philippines who was treated as a throwaway because he was born with physical differences. That moment changed me. I realized God was calling me to pursue a different kind of MVP, not “Most Valuable Player,” but “Most Vulnerable People.”

Q: FINALLY, WHAT’S ONE THING PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

A: I have some weird coffee habits, which include protein powder, collagen, and cream all mixed together. I love golf dates with my wife. And every night, I bring snacks to bed to share with our dogs. It brings me more joy than it probably should.

This conversation barely scratches the surface. Tim goes deeper into the moments that rattled him, the joys of fatherhood, and one story he has never shared publicly until now. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

CELEBRATING HOT 99.5

A Quarter-Century of Hits, Humor, and Home:

ARTICLE BY YVONNE SIU TURNER PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH RACHAEL

Do you remember what popular culture was like in 2001? Friends and Survivor were TV sensations. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was the year’s biggest movie. The first iPod debuted, and teenagers logged onto AOL Instant Messenger after school.

“I’ve always said that if I can make you forget about what’s going on in your life for five minutes, that’s a win.”

It was also the year that HOT 99.5, which is now DC’s #1 hit music station, was launched. With no top 40 station in DC at the time, it provided the region with a much-needed soundtrack it didn’t yet have. Since then, it has been an integral part of the cultural fabric of the DMV, playing people’s favorite pop music, featuring endearing radio personalities, and accompanying them through their daily lives.

This April, HOT 99.5 turns 25. Along with the celebrations and festivities of this milestone, it is also an occasion to look back at what the station has given to the region, and where its future lies.

HIT MUSIC AND SO MUCH MORE

Along with beloved hit favorites, HOT 99.5 has also offered something deeper and more enduring: companionship and connection.

“HOT 99.5 has really given people a heightened level of companionship in the DMV because of the long-standing personalities that have been on the station,” said

Nick Gomez, Night Show Host and Music Director. “Intern John, Sos and Rose from the Morning Show, Elizabethany, and Rob Kruz all have long-standing followings…They will connect with you in a way that Spotify or your playlist won’t.”

It has also given people a nostalgic connection to home. “It’s so fun to meet people at events who grew up here and who come back visiting for the weekend who come up to me and say, ‘I was listening to HOT 99.5 in the car, and it reminded me of driving to high school every morning,’” said Gomez.

In a digital age where authentic connection may be difficult, this human touch and familiar sense of home are heartwarming and create a special place in people’s hearts.

UPLIFTING SPIRITS

The comedy and levity of the station’s radio personalities have long made HOT 99.5 a local gem, along with their care for the community.

Intern John, host of Intern John & Your Morning Show, is a fan-favorite and has had three national comedy tours that have raised over $150,000 for military families.

“I’ve always said that if I can make you forget about what’s going on in your life for five minutes, that’s a win,” said Intern John. “When I hear people say we’ve helped them get through some of the toughest times of their lives, that’s been one of the greatest gifts for me,” he said.

Right out of college, Intern John had the opportunity to work and learn alongside Peter "Kane" Deibler, host of The Kane Show, which ran for 14 years from 2006 to 2020. He became a father figure for HOT 99.5–a constant, comforting voice for thousands of commuters. As ratings for The Kane Show grew, it drove the station.

RESPONSIBILITY TO THE DMV

“Kane got us to where we are, and now it’s a tremendous honor and our responsibility to keep the station going, keep being a part of the community, and keep doing the things that made us number one over the last 25 years,” said Intern John.

That responsibility includes supporting thousands of local and nonprofit organizations and raising hundreds of millions of dollars for critical causes.

In addition to philanthropy, this responsibility includes keeping people informed of critical news and public safety announcements, including during major snowstorms like those this past winter.

It also means making comforting, unifying remarks that bring people together in tough times. “I remember right after the election in 2024, I stopped the music, which we aren’t supposed to do,” said Gomez. “I talked about how we just need to be neighbors for each other. A couple of weeks later, a listener approached me and thanked me for saying that. It’s part of our responsibility to bring people together in times like that.”

25 AND JUST GETTING STARTED

As HOT 99.5 turns 25, it’s worth noting that radio still has an important place in our digital world.

“Contrary to what many think, the audience for radio has actually grown in the last 20-30 years,” said Rob Kruz, the station’s Program Director. “It’s more widely available–you can listen in your car, online, through your smart speakers, or on the iHeartRadio app.”

And the station’s “secret sauce,” its human touch, its community trust, its sense of home, is what keeps people coming back.

“People come for the music, but they stay for the personalities,” said Kruz.

Expect surprises throughout the year as the station celebrates its milestone birthday, including a huge giveaway in April and culminating in the station’s iconic holiday Jingle Ball concert.

Because birthdays should always come with a party.

CHIMES AND CHILD CARE

ARTICLE BY PAT RUPPERT, COA BOARD MEMBER

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

It was the four-year-old boy’s turn. At Precious Moments Family Childcare in Rockville, preschoolers had been shaping letters with their bodies through a series of yoga poses. The energy in the room slowly shifted from active movement to quiet reflection. One by one, each child was invited to chime the yoga bell and offer a wish or blessing.

The boy approached the bell with care. In a barely audible voice, he whispered, “I miss my mom.” He struck the bell with the small mallet—bing—and the sound lingered in the air, carrying his simple truth far beyond the room. He then passed the mallet to the next calm child in line.

As a daily yoga practitioner, I received this moment with deep gratitude. The Friday TalkYoga teacher visits Precious Moments through a grant from a philanthropic organization.

“We envision a society where all children thrive,” reads the Bainum Family Foundation’s website—a vision that aligns seamlessly with the philosophy of Precious Moments founder, Tiffany Jones, who places children’s well-being at the heart of her family child care program.

Jones and I also serve together on the board of the Children’s Opportunity Alliance (COA), an independent 501(c)(3) organization led by Executive Director Kimberly Rusnak. COA exists to strengthen our child care system so that children, families, educators, employers, and businesses across the county can thrive. The organization brings together stakeholders—from philanthropic partners to family child care providers—to identify opportunities, close gaps, and build sustainable solutions.

Yet our current system is strained. Child care in our county is expensive, difficult to access, and a persistent barrier to workforce participation. At the same time, early educators—dedicated professionals doing some of the most consequential work in our community—are often underpaid and receive few benefits. The question we must ask is simple and urgent: how did we allow a system so essential to our collective success to fall into disrepair?

Decades of research provide a clear answer to why this matters. Landmark studies, including the Perry Preschool Project (Heckman et al., 2010), demonstrate that the greatest return on investment in human development occurs from birth to age five. Children who are read to, encouraged to play meaningfully, nourished well, kept active, supported in their curiosity, and surrounded by affection are far more likely to attend school consistently, graduate, pursue higher education, and build stable careers. They are less likely to experience homelessness, food insecurity, or involvement with the justice system. In turn, they raise healthier, more self-sufficient families.

“Our child care systems must be repaired.” This belief is more than a mantra—it is the driving force behind the work of Children’s Opportunity Alliance.

In recent years, COA has made measurable progress. The organization helped expand community-based, state-funded Pre-K seats from 354 to 646. It launched The Sandbox, a monthly blog offering data and insights on early childhood issues. COA has convened community conversations with leaders such as The Daycare Myth author Dan Wuori and former County Executive Ike Leggett to examine the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. It has mobilized early childhood education leaders to advocate in Annapolis and submitted written and oral testimony on 14 bills during the State’s 2025 legislative session—sometimes giving voice to individuals who had never before stepped into the County Council chambers.

The work ahead remains daunting. But it is also hopeful. When children and families flourish, entire communities benefit. Like the sound of a chime echoing outward, the impact carries farther than we can see, quietly shaping a stronger future for us all.

The boy approached the bell with care. In a barely audible voice, he whispered, “I miss my mom.”

Porsche Studio

Design & Celebrate: custom-build every detail of your Porsche; upon arrival, host a reveal at the Studio to mark the occasion.

Refined Appraisal & Convenience: Enjoy an espresso at our barista bar while our team provides a professional, on-site appraisal of your current vehicle. It’s not just a showroom—it’s Porsche, reimagined.

CURATED BOUTIQUE FINDS

LISTEN, LEARN, AND LEAD:

Service That Transcends Boundaries

ARTICLE BY JESSICA DEARMOND | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STORY TAPESTRIES

“I’m Connie Morella, and I approve this message.” She smiles and laughs when she says it, not as a rehearsed slogan or a closing line, but as a reflection of a life shaped by purpose, perseverance, and people. The words feel lighter in her voice, grounding the phrase in genuine

appreciation. Connie Morella often describes herself as a “lucky gal,” and after listening to her story, it is hard not to agree. But luck, in her case, has never stood alone. It has always been paired with intention, discipline, and a willingness to show up.

The first in her family to attend college, Morella’s early life was defined by curiosity and determination. Education opened doors for her, but it also sharpened her awareness of who was still being left behind. She began her professional life as an educator at Montgomery College, where she saw firsthand how access to education, mentorship, and opportunity could alter the course of a life. Long before conversations about equity became mainstream, she was living it, advocating for fairness in classrooms and institutions that quietly shape the future.

From those early years, a clear throughline emerged: the conviction that opportunity should never be limited by gender, background, or circumstance. Teaching was more than a profession. It was preparation. It trained her to listen carefully, to explain complex ideas clearly, and to respect differing perspectives. These skills would later define her leadership style and her ability to build trust across communities.

That belief carried her into advocacy and community leadership, beginning with the Montgomery County Commission for Women. There, she and her colleagues asked questions others had overlooked. Who is missing from leadership roles in education, construction, and public life? Why are certain voices absent from decision-making tables? The answers were not always comfortable, but they were necessary. As Morella often says, “It was the women’s movement that put the movement into me.” Advocacy became action, and action gradually became a calling.

Her journey, however, was far from inevitable or easy. Early setbacks tested her resolve. For many, such disappointments might have signaled an ending. For her, they marked a beginning. The lesson she draws from that experience remains central to her message, especially for young people and young women: losing is not failure. It is information. It is preparation. Resilience is built not in moments of applause, but in moments of disappointment, when one decides whether to step away or step forward.

Throughout her years of leadership and public service, she became known for something increasingly rare: trust

across differences. People from all backgrounds felt heard. The reason was simple. She listened. Her guiding principle, “Listen, learn, and lead,” was not rhetorical. Listening, she insists, must always come first. Only by understanding lived experiences, family pressures, economic realities, and local concerns can leaders craft solutions that truly serve communities.

Her legacy reflects that philosophy. She championed initiatives supporting safety, dignity, women’s health research, science and technology advancement, and cultural preservation. She played a meaningful role in efforts that strengthened research institutions and helped bring long-envisioned cultural landmarks to life in Washington, D.C. What ties these accomplishments together is patience. Change is rarely instant. It unfolds through sustained effort, collaboration, and a belief that progress, even slow progress, is worth pursuing.

She is candid about the challenges facing communities today. Division, she believes, has weakened not just institutions, but relationships. People no longer spend enough time truly knowing one another. Her prescription is both simple and profound: build relationships, stay curious, and relearn one another’s humanity. We have far more in common than what divides us.

That belief extends beyond leadership into culture, especially the arts. A lifelong lover of music, painting, and visual storytelling, Morella speaks passionately about the arts as essential, not expendable. Art tells truths that statistics cannot. It supports mental health, fosters critical thinking, and helps people understand themselves and one another. She calls it medicine, delivered without a prescription.

Today, Connie Morella remains deeply engaged as an educator, a community advocate, and a convener of thoughtful dialogue. Her legacy is not defined solely by titles or milestones, but by the example she set. Show up. Listen deeply. Bring others with you. Don’t lose sight of why you started. Because leadership does not begin with authority. It begins with listening.

Losing is not failure. It is information. It is preparation. She often notes that resilience is built not in moments of applause, but in moments of disappointment, when one decides whether to step away or step forward.

events

APRIL 2ND

National Capital New Play Festival

Round House Theatre | 2:00 PM

A month-long festival presenting new works from emerging playwrights in an exciting showcase of local and national talent in Bethesda, blending cutting-edge theatre with community engagement. See showing dates and times at www.roundhousetheatre.org

APRIL 4TH

Character Playdate Series: Rapunzel & Easter Bunny Character Playdate

7610 Old Georgetown Road, Plaza Level, Bethesda, MD 20814 | 10:00 AM

An imaginative playdate for little ones featuring themed activities, music, and photo moments with Rapunzel and the Easter Bunny in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. www.pinkmoonmoms.com/workshops

APRIL 6TH

2026 White House Easter Egg Roll

South Lawn, White House | 7:30 AM

The White House Easter Egg Roll is one of the nation’s most cherished spring traditions, welcoming families to the South Lawn for a day of egg rolling races, live entertainment, storytelling, character appearances, interactive activities, and commemorative wooden eggs. The event typically includes music performances, reading corners, fitness activities, and photo opportunities throughout the grounds. Visit recreation.gov to learn more.

APRIL 8TH

Small Business Expo

Charles E. Smith Center | 10:00 AM

One of the region’s biggest business networking events with panels, workshops, and opportunities to connect with local entrepreneurs, vendors, and industry professionals. www.cf.thesmallbusinessexpo.com/washingtondc

APRIL 10TH

Coffee and Current Events Discussion

Friendship Heights Community Center, 4433 S Park Ave, Chevy Chase, MD | 11:00 AM

Engage with your neighbors in a lively, moderated discussion about local, national, and international headlines. This weekly Friday gathering provides a welcoming space for residents to share perspectives over coffee. It is an excellent way for newcomers and long-time residents to stay connected to the community.  www.friendshipheightsmd.gov/events

APRIL 11TH

Doc On A Walk

Fleming Local Park: 9929 Fleming Avenue, Bethesda (Meet at the park and then walk the Bethesda Trolley Trail) | 9:30 AM

Doc on a Walk is a welcoming monthly community gathering designed to spark meaningful conversation around health and wellness. Typically led by local physicians, this month features a special guest appearance, offering fresh perspective and approachable insights in an open, walk-and-talk format. https://walkwithadoc.org/rsvp

Want to be featured?

APRIL 11TH

Pregnancy & Postpartum Resource Fair

7610 Old Georgetown Road, Plaza Level, Bethesda, MD 20814 | 11:00 AM

Connect with trusted pregnancy and postpartum experts, gather resources and giveaways, and build foundational support with local providers all in one welcoming event.  www.pinkmoonmoms.com/workshops

APRIL 12TH

Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain

The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Ln, North Bethesda, MD | 4:00 PM

A world-renowned ensemble that proves "less is more" by performing everything from Tchaikovsky to Nirvana on various ukuleles. Known for their virtuosic playing and dry British wit, this performance is a family-friendly highlight of the spring season at Strathmore’s iconic glass-walled concert hall.

APRIL 13TH

Monthly Village Council Meeting

Village of Friendship Heights Community Center, Chevy Chase, MD | 6:30 PM

Observe local democracy in action at the monthly council meeting. Residents of Friendship Heights are encouraged to attend to hear updates on neighborhood development, public safety, and upcoming community projects. There is typically a dedicated period for public comment for residents to voice their concerns.

APRIL 16TH

Filmfest DC: International Film Festival

Various venues (including nearby Avalon Theatre, 5612 Connecticut Ave NW) | 12:00 PM

While centered in DC, this major festival heavily utilizes venues in the Spring Valley/Chevy Chase corridor. It showcases premier global cinema, including dramas, comedies, and documentaries. It’s a must-attend for cinephiles looking to catch international premieres and attend Q&A sessions with visiting directors and actors.

APRIL 18TH

Character Playdate Series: K-Pop Dance Party

7610 Old Georgetown Road, Plaza Level, Bethesda, MD 20814 | 10:00 AM

A dynamic kids’ event powered by K-Pop beats, featuring high-energy music, guided movement, and interactive play woven into a creative character experience. www.pinkmoonmoms.com/workshops

APRIL 30TH

Moms Feelin’ Themselves Pre-Party Event

7610 Old Georgetown Road, Plaza Level, Bethesda, MD 20814 | 6:30 PM

An uplifting social evening for moms with movement, music, connection, and feel-good vibes — a spirited lead-up celebration to the Mom Dance Party at Union Stage in DC. www.pinkmoonmoms.com/workshops

HT E ENDOFTH E PENNY :

A Small Coin with a Big Legacy

ARTICLE BY JESSICA DEARMOND PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

From the wheat stalks of the early 20th century to the Lincoln Memorial introduced in 1959 and the Union Shield design that followed in 2010, the penny quietly chronicled the country’s changing identity. It survived wars, recessions, and technological revolutions. Yet survival in sentiment does not always equal sustainability in economics.

In recent decades, the cost of producing a penny has exceeded its face value. Rising prices for zinc and copper, combined with minting and distribution expenses, have meant that each coin costs more than one cent to make. For years, economists and policymakers debated its practicality. Critics argued that eliminating the penny would reduce government losses and streamline cash transactions. Supporters countered that prices would inevitably round up, subtly increasing costs for consumers, and that charitable organizations rely heavily on penny drives and small change donations.

Beyond the balance sheets lies a deeper question: What does it mean to retire a symbol so woven into daily life? The penny is more than currency. It is idiom and ritual—“a penny for your thoughts,” “penny-wise and pound-foolish,” and the childhood thrill of finding one gleaming on the pavement. It has taught generations the earliest lessons in math and money. For many, it represents thrift, humility, and the incremental power of small contributions.

Countries such as Canada and Australia have already eliminated their lowest-denomination coins, rounding cash transactions to the

nearest five cents without significant disruption. The United States now joins a broader global shift toward efficiency and digital transactions. In an age when most purchases occur with a tap or swipe, the penny’s physical presence has felt increasingly symbolic.

Still, symbolism matters. The retirement of the penny underscores how even the smallest objects can carry outsized meaning. It reflects a society willing to reevaluate tradition in pursuit of practicality—yet also nostalgic for the tangible artifacts of its past.

As production ceases, existing pennies will remain legal tender, circulating quietly until they gradually disappear from registers and jars. Some will become collectors’ items; others will live on in memory boxes and coin albums. And somewhere, perhaps years from now, a child will still stoop to pick one up, believing— as generations before have—that a small piece of copper can carry a bit of luck.

In the end, the penny’s value was never only one cent. It was a reminder that even the smallest unit can matter. Its cancellation closes a chapter in American history—but its legacy, like Lincoln’s steady gaze, will endure.