Kids & Family Notebook by Kathleen Donner

kids&family

On April 16 and 17, the National Zoo will celebrate 50 years of unprecedented achievement in the care, conservation, breeding and study of giant pandas. Over the past ve decades, the Zoo’s pandas have become international icons, beloved both for their adorable antics and their ability to bring colleagues from the United States and China together to collaborate for a common goal: saving the species from extinction. On Saturday, April 16, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., visitors can enjoy lion dance performances, panda-shaped Bao buns and calligraphy demonstrations, courtesy of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, speak with the Zoo’s scientists who study giant panda biology and ecology, and see the pandas receive special enrichment treats. On Sunday, April 17, 10 a.m. to noon, visitors can enjoy a performance by Dong Xi, a musical collaboration between percussionist Tom Teasley and Chinese dulcimer artist Chao Tian. The Zoo’s giant pandas also will receive enrichment treats as part of the celebration. nationalzoo.si.edu/ animals/celebrating-50-years-giant-pandas.

March 1, 1985. Giant pandas Hsing-Hsing (left ) and Ling-Ling (right) at the Smithsonian’s Nati onal Zoo and Conservati on Biology Insti tute

Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs

Once upon a time, there were three hungry Dinosaurs: Papa Dinosaur, Mama Dinosaur…and a dinosaur who happened to be visiting from Norway. That’s just the beginning of this hilarious, fractured, symphonic take on Goldilocks and the Three Bears, as retold by Mo Willems. This new classic is presented by favorite performers and the National Symphony Orchestra, featuring original music by indie pop icon and NSO Artistic Advisor Ben Folds. $25 to $55. Best for age five, up. Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs is at the Kennedy Center on Saturday, April 30 at 2 and 4 p.m. The 2 p.m. performance is sensory-friendly. kennedycenter.org.

Kids Welcome at Anacostia Watershed Society Earth Day Cleanup

Kids, accompanied by an adult, can join in the Anacostia Watershed Society’s Earth Day Cleanup--a DC-area tradition where thousands of volunteers cleanup sites all along the Anacostia River and its tributary streams throughout the watershed in DC, Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties. On the Saturday following Earth Day, thousands of volunteers come out to dozens of di erent sites to pick-up trash, serve their communities, and enjoy the Anacostia River. Registration is now open for the 2022 cleanup which is on Saturday, April 22 10 a.m. to noon. Preregistration is required to volunteer and to get the coveted t-shirt at anacostiaws.org.

Mount Vernon’s Revolutionary War Weekend

On April 30 and May 1, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (rain or shine), Mount Vernon’s serene 12-acre eld transforms into a battleground as Continentals, Redcoats, and Hessians conduct military drills, perform cavalry demonstrations, and engage in 18th-century tacticals. Meet the soldiers who are encamped at Mount Vernon, discuss military techniques, and greet General Washington. All activities are included in admission price: $28 for adults, 12+; $15 for age six to eleven; ve and under, free. There is a $2 price reduction for early online ticket purchase. mountvernon.org.

Have you applied to Pre-K yet? Open to ages 3 and 4 FREE for all DC residents.

Introducing a free, new, safe and secure preschool option for all DC families. Apply today for Pride Pre-Kindergarten, presented by Perry Street Prep - a Tier 1 K-8 public charter school in the heart of Northeast. No income restrictions - minimum or maximum.

PROGRAM BENEFITS:

• Full day, full week 12-month program • Includes meals and before or aftercare • Small Class Sizes with 1:9 Ratio • Outdoor Learning Space • Music, Art, Field Trips, Spanish and more!

Register today on MySchoolDC.org or email Mrs. McCaskill (dmccaskill@pspdc.org)

• Apply online at myschooldc.org - limited seats available • Now enrolling all students in PK-8th grade • Tuition-free; before care and afterschool care offered 6:30am - 6:00pm

Give your cub the best in early childhood education - apply to Pride Pre-K today!

Petalpalooza at Capitol Riverfront at the Yards

On Saturday, April 16, 1 to 9 p.m. (rain date, Sunday, April 17, 5 to 9 p.m.), celebrate spring at the National Cherry Blossom Festival‘s Petalpalooza at Capitol Riverfront at the Yards, with 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 beer garden and family-friendly hands-on activities. The evening is capped by reworks set to music. Free. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/event/ petalpalooza.

Soar Together @ Air and Space Virtual Family Day

When you think of careers in air and space, you might not think of clothing designers, bakers or artists. However, there are jobs that require skills in artistry, creativity and visuals and this month (May), they’ll introduce you to some of these air and space career connections. Join them on May 13 and 14, all day, for live, virtual story times, their monthly Air and Space Adventures challenge game, and artifact exploration. airandspace.si.edu/events/ soar-together-air-and-space-virtualfamily-day-crafty-and-creative-career-connections.

Story Time at Union Market

On Tuesdays, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m., join Northeast Library as they travel to the roof of Union Market, 1309 Fifth St. NE, to bring a unique story time to babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their caregivers. Join them on the roof for books, songs, rhythm, rhyme and movement. Bring a blanket or towel to sit on. This outdoor program is canceled in the event of a heat/cold emergency. dclibrary.org/ northeast.

SERVING GRADES 6-12

YOUR LEGACY STARTS HERE.

Apply today for School Year 2022-2023. Seats are limited. Complete the application online through MySchoolDC.org. #ChoosePaul and we’ll choose you back! Increase your chances of being matched with Paul PCS by making us your #1 selection.

WHY PAUL PCS FOR 6-12 GRADE?

•Tier 1 High School; on average 1:15 ratio for MS and HS classes • Guaranteed seat for Paul middle school families into Paul IHS • SAT Prep, Tutoring, Honors AP Classes, Dual Enrollment, and In-House College

Application Assistance • Over 20 competitive Jr. Varsity and Varsity Athletic teams • Free daily breakfast, lunch, and Extended Day after school programs • Highly Rated 6-12 Special Education Services, IEP/504 Support, and Counseling

After you apply, visit us during our Paul PCS Saturday Enrollment Hours: Saturday, April 23rd

8:30am - 12:30pm

Saturday, May 24th

8:30am - 12:30pm

Saturday, June 11th

8:30am - 12:30pm

Visit www.paulcharter.org to learn more.

Questions? Email: Enrollment@paulcharter.org 5800 8th Street NW Washington, DC I (202) 291-7499

Arboretum Eagles Egg Hatches

The Eagle Nest Cam at the US National Arboretum revealed that on Feb. 22, Mr. President and LOTUS celebrated President’s Day weekend by laying two eggs. One egg hatched on March 27, but the eaglet died. A second eaglet hatched on March 29 and was doing ne. Eagle eggs take about 35 days to incubate before hatching. During that time, Mr. President and LOTUS took turns incubating and rolling the eggs so they stayed warm and developed evenly. With the arrival of the eggs, Azalea Road and parts of the Azalea Collections were closed to visitors for about the next four months. While there will still be plenty of trails to see the azaleas in full bloom in spring, please respect the closed sections and give the eagles space to care for their young. PLEASE NOTE: This is a wild eagle nest and anything can happen. Things like predators, natural disasters as well as territorial disputes can a ect this eagle family and may be di cult to watch. naeaglecam.org.

A Special LUNCH DOODLES with Mo Willems! Variant Edition

In March of 2020, millions of people of all ages from around the world rst joined Emmy Award–winning writer and New York Times best-selling author and illustrator Mo Willems in his studio for weekday LUNCH DOODLES. To mark the second anniversary, Mo and the Kennedy Center are releasing a special new “Variant Edition” of LUNCH DOODLES, inviting everyone back into his studio to doodle, re ect on the past two years, and create art together. This new “Variant Edition” is available at kennedy-center.org/education/mo-willems.

Summer Acceleration Programs DCPS Students Announced

This summer, DCPS is inviting all students enrolled currently in pre-K4 through fourth grade to be part of the Elementary Summer Acceleration program. This ve-week program will take place on weekdays from July 5 to August 5 and o er a full-day of learning, fun, and friendship. Registration for the program has opened at dcpsreopenstrong.com/summer/#ESA. Space is limited, and families will be directed to the school in their assigned neighborhood feeder pattern when registering online.

Registration has also opened for current students in grades ve through eight where they can explore their career interests through the Career & Technical Education (CTE) Enrichment program from July 5 to Aug. 5. Current students in grades ve to eight also can grow their math skills through the Algebra Accelerator program on weekdays from July 5 to Aug. 5. Rising ninth grade students will start their high school experience by attending Summer Bridge at their school from Aug. 8 to 12. During this orientation week, students will enjoy a variety of activities, such as team building games, scavenger hunts to get to know their new schools, excursions and eld trips, creative projects, performances, and presentations about high school and beyond. dcpsreopenstrong.com/summer.

Amidon-Bowen Elementary PTA Virtual Auction Fundraiser

Amidon-Bowen Elementary’s online auction is on April 27 to 29. Auction items include sports tickets, gift cards for local businesses and travel/adventure tickets. All proceeds support Amidon-Bowen students from technology purchases and expanded after school activities. Visit auction site and bid at biddingowl.com/AmidonBowenPTA. To donate items to the auction or for questions, contact amidonbowenauction@gmail.com.

Free KN95 Masks for Kids at DC COVID Centers

DC residents can obtain two packages of children’s masks each containing ve masks. In addition to masks for children, all COVID Centers will continue to provide access to vaccinations, boosters, adult masks, take-home rapid antigen tests, and PCR tests. DC Health has eight COVID Centers with one in each Ward. All sites are open six days a week, as late as 9 p.m. COVID Centers are open across DC. Proof of residency is required. coronavirus.dc.gov.

Applications Open for DPR Summer Camp

This summer, DPR will have a wide range of summer camp o erings for ages three to thirteen. Registration for camps will open on a rolling basis during the week of April 4. DPR will ao er reduced rates to qualifying DC residents. dpr.dc.gov/page/about-camps.

American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras Applications Open

With a nationally recognized artistic sta , AYPO annually selects and trains more than 400 of the area’s most talented young musicians. Students up to age 21 are encouraged to audition in June for the opportunity to participate in one of their six orchestras and six instrumental ensembles. Auditions will take place virtually this season with video submissions due Friday, May 27. Rehearsals for the 2022-2023 season will start on Monday evenings in September and continue through May. aypo.org. ◆

Photo: Mehgan Murphy, Smithsonian Nati onal Zoo

Easter Monday at the Zoo

On Easter Monday, April 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (rain or shine), the Smithsonian’s National Zoo will continue a Washington tradition that spans more than 100 years by hosting “Easter Monday: An African American Family Tradition”. Throughout the day, the Zoo will o er family-focused activities, from an Easter egg hunt with prizes to eld games, special animal demonstrations and live entertainment. And don’t miss a chance to meet Easter Panda. Free but parking is $30 and you must reserve a parking pass online before you visit. nationalzoo.si.edu.

XWORD

“Two steps forwards, two steps back”

by Myles Mellor

Across:

1. Carved family emblem 6. U.S. Open champ, 1985-87 11. Teaching inst. 14. Made like 18. Island, to a Venetian 19. Big name in kitchen foil 20. Stray 22. Unrobed 23. Got off the mountain 25. Going up the mountain 27. Aria, e.g. 28. Fruity drinks 29. Wild 31. Hearty steak 32. Manipulator 33. Relief 34. Paper purchase 35. Those who put confi dence in someone 39. “Well said!” 42. Parts of a herd 46. Publishers 47. Word origin abbreviation 48. Cruelty 51. J.F.K. postings 52. Cry plaintively 53. Eggstone 54. Golf meeting place 55. Signifi cant 17th century religious work 61. Heads of state 63. ____if it could (contraction) 64. Place to unwind 66. Villain 67. Real estate ad abbr. 68. Oldest independent country in Africa 72. A Cadillac 73. Denebola’s constellation 74. Young hares 75. Copies another’s software, in a way 81. Government security agency, abbr. 83. Many 84. Go bad 85. “___ Smile” (1976 hit) 89. Luxury boat owner 91. “The Joy Luck Club” author 92. Censored and replaced 95. Pigeon pen 96. Talked up? 98. Pendant gem shape 99. Crimson colors 102. Dummy 103. Sound boosters 104. Anouk of “La Dolce Vita” 106. Uncluttered 108. Swing around 109. Land with 60% of the earth’s population 113. Gaining ground from the enemy 115. Relapsing 118. Red Sea city 119. Couturier Cassini 120. Make giddy 121. Dog 122. Org. 123. Famous falcon 124. Grooves 125. Chief German city of Ruhr River valley

Down:

1. Twitches 2. 1952 Olympics host 3. Work hard 4. “Tickle me” doll 5. Queen of the fairies 6. Fire truck attachments 7. Seniors 8. Sgts. and such 9. Stock exchange index 10. Sluggishness 11. Booty 12. Mexican quarters 13. ___cup (odd sound) 14. Between the thorax and pelvis

Look for this months answers at labyrinthgameshop.com

15. Hurtful sensation 16. Sea eagle 17. B.S., e.g. 21. Bash 24. Assuaging agent 26. Org. that has many guards 30. ___ Simbel, Egypt 32. Colorado Native American 33. Finnish bath 34. Hook up again 35. Dead heat 36. What U can follow 37. 2002 Winter Olympics site (Abbr.) 38. Film genre 40. Three or more harmonious notes 41. Interactive online game 43. Scuba gear 44. End for Siam 45. Compass point 47. Speaker’s platform 49. Orch. section 50. Laugh sound 52. Winter comment 53. Picks 56. Personal statement intro 57. Driver’s need: Abbr. 58. “Is that so!” 59. Cowell of Idol 60. Emphasized 61. Blair and others, for short 62. Take back 65. Undergrad degrees 67. Snorkler’s interest 68. Fast time 69. The Beatles’ “___ Got a Feeling” 70. Spelling stinger? 71. Go off 73. Hotelier Helmsley 74. Sphinx animal 76. Port vessel 77. Raised railroads 78. Frolics 79. Telephone button 80. Reunion attendees 81. Wall Street locale 82. ___ Paulo, Brazil 86. Shower month 87. ___ Speedwagon (“Keep on Loving You” band) 88. Payroll processing company 90. Writer, Hesse 91. Platform for experimentation 92. Discombobulates 93. Place for a pin 94. Speech stumbles 97. Chatter 98. Address 100. Night of poetry 101. Like New York’s Radio City Music Hall, informally 104. Contributes 105. Folk-singer Burl 106. Joint with a cap 107. Holiday fi ndings 108. Great deal 109. Flurries 110. Letter salutation word (pl.) 111. ‘’Bus Stop’’ playwright William 112. Opposed, in Dogpatch 113. Auto insurer with roadside service 114. Breed 116. Pie ___ mode 117. Crystal meth, in slang

GAMES AND PUZZLES FOR EVERYONE!

Tues, Thurs, & Friday: 11am -10pm Wed: 11am – 8pm Sat + Sun: 10am – 7pm 645 Pennsylvania Ave SE • Friendly, knowledgeable staff • Board Games • Card Games • Puzzles • Building Toys • Events