Two concerts for kids tonight at BloomBars, plus events on Friday and Saturday

Have kids? This looks like a fun event to take them to. Here's the info from John at BloomBars, the art and community space at 3222 11th Street NW.
You can check out videos from the performers below, looks like a fun, participatory time.

They've been named the city's best arts & culture nonprofit two years in a row by City Paper readers too!

Greetings folks & friends!

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday. Wanted to give you a heads up:

• Cecilia Esquivel will be filling in for Andrés tonight (bio below). Two shows at 5:30 & 630pm. 
• Family Reggae Night is this Friday at 6:30pm w/Dub Africa (Baba Ras D) and The Relics. Awesome photos from the last Family Reggae Night here: http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=BloomBars&s=rec
• Traveling from New York City, celebrated kids musician Mariana Iranzi will take the stage after Harambee on Saturday at noon (bio below).

Tonight's Show: 

Cantaré is lead by vocalist Cecilia Esquivel and gutiarist Dani Cortaza of Argentina, Vocals are accompanied by several live string and percussion instruments from Latin America plus bass, percussion and keyboard backing tracks. Larger ensemble available upon request.

Cantaré, Latin American Music introduces audiences to the beautiful songs and rhythms of Latin America in an exciting interactive performance. Drawing from the musical heritage of the Caribbean, Central and South America, Cantaré performs an entertaining blend of songs in Spanish and Portuguese, while sharing the music's cultural and historical background.

Saturday Show at Noon:

Mariana Iranzi is a native from Argentina, professional musician and educator graduated from Berklee College of Music currently living in the city of New York. With more than twelve yeas of experience as a bassist, children’s musician and educator, she has released two professional albums “Aventura Collage” (2008) and “Hola Hello” (2013). Mariana’s music is bilingual (Spanish & English), multicultural, educational and fun for the whole family to enjoy. “The music is bright and captivating" "Children, and their parents and teachers, will love all the songs on Hola Hello" –Spanish Playground “That the lyrics are mostly in Spanish is merely incidental. Iranzi's eclectic celebration of all things musical-reggae,jazz, even electronica-is a party, not a language lesson." –Cookie Magazine

Big 11th Street Halloween event for kids, families and dogs tomorrow: costume contest, parade, trick-or-treating, more

Halloween is upon us, and the North Columbia Heights Civic Association is putting on what sounds like a really fun 11th Street extravaganza. There will be games, craft tables, costume contests for kids and dogs (separate ones,) music, a parade, and trick-or-treating on the street and more. I bet there will be a lot of cute kids and funny dogs. 

A lot of local businesses are involved too, hosting part of it or helping out. Nice to see this.

Click the flyer for a bigger version.

Last Petworth farmers market of the season is today: kids' Halloween events, costume contest, music, more!

It's getting chilly, and the Petworth Farmers' Market is ending their season today. In celebration of a successful year, and for the holiday, they're having a lot of kids' events too. Take a look and go pick up some farm-grown good stuff.

The market is today (Friday) from 4-8pm at the triangle where Georgia Avenue, 9th Street and Upshur Street NW meet.

Here's more info on the kids' events.

PETWORTH COMMUNITY MARKET HOSTS: The Final Market and Halloween CelebrationDate and Time: Friday October 25 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Events and details: Parents and friends bring your children and/ or pets dressed in costume from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. for….

• A Scavenger Hunt
• Create your own Trick-or-Treat Bag
• Coloring
• Halloween Bucket Ball Toss
• Mummy Bowling
• Trick-or-Treating
• Eminence Band will close out the season from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

Pumpkin decorating this Saturday with Grace Meridian Hill Church

This sounds like a nice, wholesome event for the kids: punkin time! It's at the 1480 Girard Street Park. Click the fyler for a larger version.

Also my rant the other day about the lack of Halloween decorations in the neighborhood was picked up in the Express, so let's get on it! Target has a good selection of decorations, though the CVS at Georgia and New Hampshire didn't, so stay away from that one.

Oktoberfest at the Armed Forces Retirement Home on Oct. 6

The Armed Forces Retirement Home, located north of Howard University and Park View, is holding another event for the public: Oktoberfest. It's Sunday, Oct 6 from 1-5pm, and you can get in through the gate at the intersection of Rock Creek Church Rd NW and Randolph St NW.

From the looks of it, there will be beer, German music and dance, things for kids, and a lot more. 

Here's more info from them!

Sunday, Oct. 6, 1-5 p.m., southern grounds of the Armed Forces Retirement Home, Washington, D.C. (Gate entrance 333 Rock Creek Church Road N.W., intersection of Rock Creek and Randolph)

Starring: Washington DC German Bandand the Bairisch und Steierisch Dancers*rain or shine*craft beer*food*kids' activities

Friends of the Soldiers Home is grateful for support from the Armed Forces Retirement Home, the AFRH Resident Fund Advisory Board, and DCMTB, DC's only mountain bike team and organizers of the DCCX cyclocross race held at AFRH on October 20, 2013.

Friends of the Soldiers Home is a non-profit organization serving to strengthen the bond between the Armed Forces Retirement Home and the surrounding community

friendsofsoldiers@gmail.com**friendsofsoldiers.org** facebook:friendsofsoldiers**twitter:friendssoldiers

Full Columbia Heights Day schedule announced; it's Oct 5.!

It's almost party time. The 7th annual Columbia Heights Day is less than a month away, and they recently announced the full schedule of events and performances. There's music, a trivia contest (with Dalton who runs the Looking Glass Lounge's trivia, and is awesome at it,) a momo eating contest from Mad Momo's, lots of music and other performances, and a whole lot more.

There's also a whole stag for kids, plus lots of booths for craftspeople, local businesses and organizations, local pols, and a lot more. And back as before is the food truck row on Kenyon Street, which is always pretty awesome.

The whole shebang starts at 10am with a yoga workshop and runs until 5 pm. As mentioned, it's October 5th at the Tubman Elementary School field at 11th and Kenyon (across from Wonderland.)

Here's more info from their website, and they're always looking for volunteers and sponsors! It's an all-volunteer event, so help them out!

Columbia Heights Day Festival

7th Annual Columbia Heights Day
October 5, 2013
10 am to 6 pm
Tubman Elementary Field
11th & Kenyon Streets NW, Washington, DC

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Main Stage
10:00 am — Kali Yoga Studio workshop
11:15 am — Tara Trinity
12:15 pm — Metropolitan Lady All-Stars
12:45 pm  — D.C. trivia contest with the Quizmaster of Georgia Avenue
1:15 pm — Inaugural mad momos Momo eating contest
2:00 pm — The Originators
3:00 pm — Megaphone Barons
4:00 pm — TBD

KidsZone Stage
1:00 pm — Genesis Dance Unlimited
1:30 pm — Ella
2:00 pm — International Capoeira Angola Foundation
3:00 pm — Afrika Abney (Professional West African Dancer/Instructor)
3:30 pm — GALA Hispanic Theatre

All performances are subject to change without prior notice.

Columbia Heights Day is a rain or shine event.

Other Activities

• Check out dozen of local vendors
• Petting zoo
• Grab a snack at Food Truck row
• Screen print your own t-shirt
• Learn how to fix your bike with The Bike House (1 to 5 pm)
• Plus, more to do all along 11th Street in Columbia Heights

Get Involved

• Vendor, food truck and sponsorship opportunities available for 2013. Click here for more information.
• Columbia Heights Day is an all-volunteer organization. Want to help out? Sign up here.

Many thanks to our generous sponsors

• Uber - Transportation Sponsor
• DC Sustainable Energy Utility – Community Benefactor
• ZipCar – Main Stage Underwriter
• Wonderland Ballroom
• Scout Properties

Family Day at President Lincoln's Cottage on Sept. 21: petting zoo, Civil War encampment, picnic, more

If you're interested in history, or just curious bouthe Armed Forces Retirement Home (aka the Old Soldiers' Home located just east of Park View and north of Howard University) check this out!

The Old Soldiers' Home is a big campus housing retired veterans, and it's been open since 1851 and has a lot of historic buildings and nice grounds, pictured here. It's usually closed to the public, so this is a rare opportunity!

I got a chance to visit it when they opened it for the 4th of July a couple of years ago (they opened it this 4th too) and it was really a nice, relaxing place.

Washington, D.C. – Join President Lincoln’s Cottage and the Armed Forces Retirement Home on Saturday, September 21st, 2013 from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm and enjoy these grounds as the Lincoln family did! Family members of all ages will enjoy the live entertainment and activities inspired by the Lincoln family and their life at the Soldiers’ Home. Activities are free unless otherwise noted.

• Explore a Civil War Encampment: View the 150th Pennsylvania Volunteers, better known as the Bucktails, who served as Lincoln's personal guards. 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
• Play at the Petting Zoo: Ride a pony, chase the peacocks, and play with animals at a petting zoo with Tad Lincoln's favorite pets. Pony rides are first come, first served. 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
• Arts and Crafts: Make cards for veterans and create your own top hat! 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
• Picnic on the Grounds: Locally-sourced caterers Eat and Smile will be on-site selling fresh salads and carnival favorites, like fried mac n' cheese and pulled pork sliders! Or pack your own picnic and enjoy lunch at the picnic tables or on the ample South Lawn.10:00 am - 3:00 pm
• Climb Sherman Tower: Enjoy spectacular views of Washington, DC from the top of the Sherman Tower. First tour, 10:30 am; last tour, 2:00 pm.
• Live Music: Listen to Civil War-era songs performed by the Parlor Strings. 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm
• Meet the Author: Kent Boese, author of Park View, will host a book signing. 11:00 am - 1:00 pm.
• Hear Civil War Stories: Watch a performance by FREED (Female RE-Enactors of Distinction) and learn about the experiences of African-American women during the Civil War. 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm.
• Watch a Drill Team: A military drill team will perform their breath-taking routine. 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm.
• Tour the Cottage: Enjoy a guided tour of the Lincoln family's seasonal retreat! Regular ticket prices apply; visit www.lincolncottage.org/tickets to purchase.* First tour, 10:00 am; last tour, 3:00 pm.

President Lincoln's Cottage at the Soldiers' Home is located on the grounds of the Armed Forces Retirement Home. Entrance to the Cottage is through the Eagle Gate, located at the intersection of Rock Creek Church Road and Upshur Street, NW. Driving: The approximate street address for GPS devices is 140 Rock Creek Church Rd, NW. Free parking is available on site. Metro: The Georgia Ave/Petworth station (Green and Yellow lines) is .8 miles away. The H8 bus line has a stop at the Eagle Gate.

Family Day is sponsored by President Lincoln's Cottage and the Armed Forces Retirement Home. Reservations are requested but not required. RSVP: www.lincolncottage.org/FamilyDay2013

*Advanced reservations for Cottage Tours are strongly recommended, as they do sell out. Tickets may be purchased on our website: www.lincolncottage.org/tickets

Awesome! Outdoor movie night at Lamont Park starting Sept 6: Raiders of the Lost Ark

Who doesn't like outdoor movies? Mt. Pleasant Main Street is starting up a run of outdoor movie nights at Lamont Park, the triangle between Mt. Pleasant Street, 17th and Lamont.

They're starting Friday, September 6 at 7:15 with Raiders of the Lost Ark, then Sept. 20 with Bend It Like Beckham and finally Oct. 4 with Best in Show.

Sounds like a fun night, and would be good to hit one of the local restaurants before or bars after!

Hopefully no giant boulders will roll down Mt. Pleasant Street and only the bad guys' faces will melt.

Here's the full details on their Facebook page.

Volunteer tutors needed for Tubman Elementary and other local schools -- help out!

What's a great way to help kids succeed in life? Education! And to accomplish that, For Love of Children, a local organization, is looking for volunteer tutors for local kids. Here's more from their listing, and click here for more info and to sign up!

Nearly 75% of DC students perform at or below basic levels in reading and math. YOU can change that!

FLOC is currently recruiting volunteer tutors for the 2013-2014 school year. Our one-on-one tutoring program helps students achieve grade-level competency in reading and math. In just 22 hours of tutoring, students improve an average of 1 year in reading and math skills while gaining confidence in their abilities.

We need your help! Each new volunteer allows us to impact the life of one more child. Training and ongoing professional support from staff are provided, so no experience is necessary! However, we are looking for a few particular qualities from our tutors:

• Patience
• Creativity and flexibility
• Fluency in the English language. (Volunteers who are not native speakers of American English may be asked to tutor only in our math curriculum.)
• A sense of humor!
• Able and willing to commit 2.5 hours once a weekfor the full school year.

Programs are offered on weekday afternoons, weekday evenings, and Saturdays, and at sites in Adams Morgan, Congress Heights, Eastern Market/Barracks Row, Columbia Heights, and Dupont Circle.

El Atardecer Latin American restaurant now open at 14th and Otis

El Atardecer, the new Latin American restaurant at 3475 14th Street NW, the old DC Fish Carryout space, is now open. They had their grand opening on the 23rd, complete with bouncy castle for the kiddies.

There were some complaints early on (in the comments here, especially) about overflowing trash in the cans nearby from their renovations, but in passing by a few times since I haven't noticed that.

And to me, the bouncy castle furthers the owners' statement that this is going to be a family restaurant -- at the ANC meeting a few weeks ago, a couple neighbors angrily disputed that, with one guy (the "angry guy" from my previous post) yelling about people drinking alcohol until 2 am, when in all likelihood their late night hours would be reduced by the ANC, like has been done for other local places -- Mad Momo's, for example. Someone, or maybe the same person, wrote me with health code violations at La Morenita, a restaurant the same folks run on Georgia Avenue. I think we should give them the benefit of the doubt first.

They other day they had a sign up that said cash only, but the sign is down now, so they might have credit cards working.

A friend snapped a few photos of the place (including the bottom one of some folks coming to the rescue when the kids got a little out of control.)

And in case you were wondering, El Atardecer means late afternoon or dusk (from a verb meaning to get dark.) 

Block party this Saturday on Meridian Place NW

The neighbors of the 1300 block of Meridian Place are putting on a neighborhood block party this Saturday, and everybody is invited!

Sounds fun: there's going to be grilling, music, a moon bounce for kids, arts and crafts, and general camaraderie. It's from 3-8 pm.

They also made an awesome poster, and here's the Facebook invite.

Neighborhood bars and restaurants are sponsoring the event, and it will only be on Meridian Place, not 14th. They've been doing the party for years now, and the Facebook invite has a lot of older photos of the area, which is pretty neat.

Sounds like a great event, hope to see folks out there. They even made a video!

Woman changing her baby in the Columbia Heights Plaza's fountain: bad?

I got this email from reader Brian C. yesterday about the fountain at the Columbia Heights Civic Plaza at 14th and Park. Interesting.

This afternoon, at about 11:00, I walked by the fountain in the Columbia Heights Plaza and witnessed a mother changing the diapers of her baby. It looked as though she was helping herself to the water in her hygienic quest at the risk to everyone else. There is no way I would let my children frolic in those fountains until we collectively stop this crap (no pun…). Let’s all get the word out that this fountain is not some mountain stream in some pristine undeveloped area. It’s a municipal fountain that recirculates the water for God’s sake. Even if this woman didn't aid in the contamination of this fountain, the perception alone was, ehem, unsavory.

What do you think? If it does in fact recycle the water, then that's pretty gross and unhealthy. But then again, if you need to change your baby, you need to change your baby. Right? (I don't know, I don't have a baby.)

Photo by leftrightclick

Bruce Monroe Park Community Day on Saturday: food, art, entertainment, swap meet, more

There's a fun-sounding event this Saturday at Bruce Monroe Park on Georgia Ave & Irving St NW, with food, art, facepainting for kids, and a lot more. There's also going to be a "Freecycle Fete" which sounds pretty cool, you can bring some items and give them to somebody or swap it for something else! Here's a bit more on that part of the event, and see below for the full rundown of the event.

The 2013 Bruce Monroe Community Day at the Bruce Monroe Park is this Saturday August 10th from 2-7pm!

Join the Georgia Avenue Community Development Task Force, the DC Prevention Center for Ward 1 and 2, and the Georgia Avenue Business Alliance for fun and fellowship, as we highlight the progress we’ve made and continue to push for improvements.  The BruceMonroe Park is on Georgia Avenue between Columbia Rd. and Irving.  There'll be:

Food - thanks to the businesses on Georgia Avenue
Artwork and facepainting
Entertainment
Garden tours

Exercise activities

Capoeira

We'll also have a Freecycle Fete where you can bring your unwanted but useful items and swap them for something more to your liking (in partnership with DC Home Buzz)

Can you volunteer to help set up and breakdown?  We can use more hands.

Thanks and I hope to see you there!

Mark your calendars! Columbia Heights Day is October 5th!

Our neighborhood festival is coming up! Make sure to note it on your calendar. In past year it's been a blast, there's been music, food, arts, things for kids, and a lot more.

This year there's another petting zoo, food trucks, the cupcake eating contest (which is always fun, check out the one with Pat Mara and Bryan Weaver) plus lots of local businesses and a yoga workshop.

Here's the press release from them!

CALENDAR LISTING

7th ANNUAL COLUMBIA HEIGHTS DAY

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5 

Community celebration features live music and arts performances, family activities, local artisans, food trucks and more

WHAT:        7th Annual Columbia Heights Day

WHEN:        Saturday, October 5, 2013

10:00 am to 6:00 pm

WHERE:     Harriet Tubman Elementary Field

(Entrance on Kenyon St. NW between 11th and 13th streets)

Just 3 blocks from the Columbia Heights Metro (Green and Yellow lines)

COST:         FREE

WHO:         Schedule of events include:

• Live music and arts performances
• Petting Zoo & Kids Zone, with fun games and family entertainment
• Morning yoga workshop
• Your favorite DC food trucks
• Cupcake eating contest
• Dozens of local businesses and community groups

Website:            www.ColumbiaHeightsDay.org

Twitter:             www.twitter.com/ColHeightsDay

Facebook:             http://www.facebook.com/ColumbiaHeightsDay

Email:                        info@columbiaheightsday.org

Columbia Heights Day is presented by the Columbia Heights Day Initiative, a local, independent, grassroots 501(c)(3) organization. Columbia Heights Day is dedicated to celebrating community, diversity and service.

For more information, visit www.ColumbiaHeightsDay.org.

It's hot! Get your kids to the spray parks (and Columbia Heights fountain)

The weather is warming up, but we're lucky in that the city has not one but three spray parks in our area. The parks are basically outdoor places that spray water in the air for kids to play in.

The Department of Parks and Recreation's website has a map of the parks in the city, and the three near us are the Girard Rec Center at 1480 Girard Street NW, the Girard Street Park at the corner of 14th and Girard, and they consider the Columbia Heights Civic Plaza's fountain (at 14th and Park) one too.

Even more helpfully, they have hours for when the parks are open. Most are open during the day, which is good. The fountain, which is always fun to go to when it's on, as little kids having fun in the water is adorable, is open Sun-Fri from 10am-7pm and 3-7pm on Sunday. The Girard Street Rec Center's park is closed Sundays, open 11am-7pm Mon-Fri and 11am-4pm on Saturday, while the 14th and Girard Park is open every day 10am-7pm.

Should be a good option for those folks with kids (or I guess kids, if they read this blog?)

Two neighborhood cleanups this Saturday: Park View Rec Center and Columbia Heights

Here's a good opportunity to help make our area look better: there are not one but two neighborhood cleanups this Saturday.

One is at the Park View Rec Center at 693 Otis Pl NW, where there will be weeding, planting a kids vegetable garden and general cleaning, followed by a pizza party.

The other is a more traditional street cleanup of Columbia Heights: folks meet at the Dunes at 14th and Meridian starting at 10am and make their way around the area. All materials will be provided.

So get out there and do some good! Here's more info on the Park View event, and see the flyer for the Columbia Heights one.

We are reaching the end of the planting season, and are going to have one more planting event putting a small shade garden in the flower bed in the Rec Center courtyard and helping DPR with its kids vegetable garden. We will also do soe much needed weeding and address other maintenance concerns. 

We really depend on community support to make these events possible, so please come out and bring your friends and neighbors!

*Park View Park Cleanup and Planting Day!*
*June 22nd*
*10:00 - 10:30am Safety Training*
*10:30am - 1:00pm Planting, weeding, cleanup*
*1:00 - 2:00pm Pizza Party* 

Come help us plant a shade garden in the courtyard of the Park View Rec Center, help out with the kids vegetable garden, and carry out maintenance and cleanup throughout the park. Kids and families welcome! 

Safety first: wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. 

Sponsored by the United Neighborhood Coalition, Friends of Park View Park, and Department of Parks and Recreation. 

Pizza and flowers provided through community donations, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to support our event!

Visit the Soldiers Home on July 4th: activities, food, tours, and more

The 4th of July is coming up, and the Friends of the Soldiers’ Home and the Armed Forces Retirement Home are hosting a day full of events at the Home. 

Located just north of Howard University and east of Park View, the home serves as a retirement community for veterans and has a lot of open space and nice historic buildings, like Abraham Lincoln's summer cottage. 

I was there for part of the day on July 4th and it was pretty neat -- there were food trucks and walks around the campus. It sounds like this year is even better. (They also just opened their golf course to new members.) Read on!

A July 4^th Celebration

Local Food Vendors * Children’s Fishing * Family Fun & Games

Watch the fireworks at the National Mall

from one of the best vantage points in Washington, DC! 

Thursday, July 4, 2013

4 pm to 9:30 pm

 The Armed Forces Retirement Home

 (Entrance: Randolph Street, NW at Rock Creek Church Road)

****STREET PARKING IS EXTREMELY LIMITED****

Please walk or bike; take the H8 bus; or park inside the gates (convenient for picnicking, the elderly and families with children) for a suggested donation of $5 per vehicle. 

FOOD

Carry in your own picnic food (no glass containers) or purchase from various vendors.

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES

·         Harambee with Baba Ras D is an engaging musical Early Childhood Education experience promoting peace. Don’t miss it at 4:30 pm!

·         Trout Unlimited is the nation’s foremost organization for restoring fisheries. Catch-and-release fishing is from 4 pm to 7 pm. Poles and bait provided.

·         DC Bike House will help you decorate your bike, trike, stroller, scooter or skateboard. Our 4^th of July Parade begins at 7 pm.

 FAMILY FUN (sorry – no dogs!)

·         Tour Lincoln’s Cottage for a reduced fee at 4 pm (one tour only).

·         Engage in organized Games and Play with the entire family!

·         Dance to the DJ’s tunes.

·         Pose for a Souvenir Photo.

…and much more! 

Fireworks begin shortly after 9 pm

For more information:http://friendsofsoldiers.org/

or

www.Facebook.com/FriendsOfSoldiers
Print out the colorful flyer attached to this e-mail, hang it up, share it with friends!

Friends of the Soldiers Home is a non-profit organization serving to strengthen the bond between the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Washington and the surrounding community.

The Latin American Youth Center's Do More 24 campaign: open house today or donate on their website

The Latin American Youth Center, the great group on Columbia Rd that works with low-income young people and their families on education, prevention, housing, mental health, the arts, and a lot more, is holding an open house today from noon-8pm to learn more about their projects and for people who want to volunteer. It's part of the Do More 24 campaign, a nationwide campaign to raise money and awareness of local organizations who are doing good stuff.

There's also a "Twitter party" today using the hashtag #laycdomore24 to talk about the group. You can also donate money on the Do More 24 website!

Click the flyer for a bigger version too.

Here's more on LAYC:

The mission of the Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) is to empower a diverse population of youth to achieve a successful transition to adulthood through multi-cultural, comprehensive, and innovative programs that address youths’ social, academic, and career needs. 

For 45 years, LAYC has been committed to transforming the lives of low-income young people and their families. LAYC offers multi-service, comprehensive, and bilingual enrichment, prevention, and intervention programs and opportunities in education, workforce readiness, housing, community building, mental health services, arts, and healthy recreation to over 4,000 individuals each year 

LAYC has special expertise in serving underserved youth, low-income teen parents, homeless youth, youth in foster care and juvenile justice systems, and youth facing mental health, substance abuse, or complex family issues 

While LAYC initially worked with Latino youth of diverse backgrounds, today all youth — Latino, African American, African — are supported by LAYC at sites in the District of Columbia and Maryland’s Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties.

Come chat with the principal of Cardozo HS on June 18

Are you interested in learning more about the school, future plans, giving any comments or suggestions, or seeing how you can get involved? The last Morning Tea with the principal, Dr. Tanya S. Roane, is Tuesday, June 18 at the school's temporary facility in Meyer Elementary. Here's a bit more info from the school. Sounds like a nice event.

Morning Teas with the Principal (Dr. Tanya S. Roane)
Tuesday, June 18 9-10:30 AM in the Senior Café
Cardozo at Meyer Elem 2501 11th St NW

This is an informal event where we invite community members and parents and organizations to chat with the principal about the school, future plans, questions and suggestions and ways that the community can get involved. You should come out- it's our last one! :)

Photo by Mr. T in DC

Help support a local youth boxing program: film, raffle, reception at The Coupe

This sounds pretty awesome -- the Coupe is hosting a film screening, raffle and reception to benefit Lime Light Boxing a Fitness, a youth program in the neighborhood.

The film screening is of "Into the Lime Lite," a short about Columbia Heights resident and program participant Malik Jackson, who recently won the 2013 national championships.

Pretty cool to have a champion among us, and this sounds like a great event. There are 30- and 50-second trailers here, embedded below too.

Here's more about the event!

Film Screening * Raffle * Reception

for Lime Lite Boxing and Fitness

Tuesday June 11

6:30 - 8:30 

The Coupe, 3415 11th St NW

Join The Coupe and the 11th street business community in celebrating  Lime Lite Boxing and Fitness,  a Columbia Heights boxing program that trains champion boxers and provides a safe haven to local youth.

Just steps from new restaurants and development on 11th Street, Lime Lite has had tremendous success this year and the community is coming together to congratulate them. One of Lime Lite's star fighters, Malik Jackson, recently won the 2013 USA national championships and secured a spot on the Olympic training team. Another, Greg Newby, is rising up the pro ranks with a 7 and 0 record with 4 knock outs.

The event features a screening of Into the Lime Lite, a documentary short that follows Malik as he prepares for a tough match in the Belfast Beltway Classic. The soundtrack includes music from local band Buildings and Brendan Canty (Death Fix, Fugazi), Special features and trailers can be found on the Into the Lime Lite Facebook page.

The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers and Lime Lite coaches and fighters. Organizers will also be giving away Lime Lite posters designed by Nick Pimentel. 

The Coupe’s owner, Constantine Stavropoulos explains why they are sponsoring the event. “It was really exciting to learn that just steps from our new restaurant, there’s a gym training an Olympic champion in the making. Lime Lite also does a lot for local youth. We’re glad to be part of their support network.”

After the screening the short Q and A there will be a reception with a buffet, drink specials and a raffle featuring boxing lessons and gift certificates from 11th street businesses.