Tag Archives: Week 49

February 18, 2021 · 7:31 am

Five Things for Today: February 18, 2021

Pops of color in Georgetown brighten up a gray, winter day

1. This wintry-mixed day is a perfect time to watch an exciting space event! This afternoon, Mars Rover Perseverance will land on the Red Planet to begin an exploration mission. NASA will start broadcasting live at 2:15pm, and the landing is scheduled for 3:55pm. View it on NASA’s YouTube channel or on Space.com. More information about the mission is available through the first link.

2. Kids ages 8-17 can earn $20 for participating in a fun online research study to help the Developmental Social Neuroscience Lab at George Washington University learn more about social development. They will be asked to join a quick online game and will be compensated per hour. Anyone interested should contact andilab@gwu.edu.

3. Celebrating Purim? Chabad of East DC is hosting a virtual Purim Carnival — in a Box! Order a kit full of festive supplies and join them on zoom Sunday, February 21, for afternoon activities. Supply packs can be picked up near Stanton Park on Capitol Hill on Thursday or Friday, or delivered for a $5 fee anywhere on the Hill.

4. Smithsonian’s Mother Tongue Film Festival, which is going virtual this year, begins on Sunday and will run through May. The annual event celebrates cultural and linguistic diversity by showcasing films and filmmakers from around the world, highlighting the crucial role languages play in our daily lives. All films are free to watch online.

5. HONY always tugs at the heartstrings.

PS: There are some places welcoming visitors indoors, all of them with extra safety protocols in place (it includes spots that reopened but closed again, but the current status is noted).

Five Things for Today: February 17, 2021

Current views of the Capitol include a tall razor wire fence and National Guard

1. Imagination Stage is presenting Spy Academy & the Lost Treasure of Atlantis, an immersive online experience for children ages 5-10, that sounds like a fantastic at-home activity. Through Zoom, kids can cast themselves by choosing spy codenames and using a set of specially designed props during the show. It’s described as “part online escape room, part interactive game.” It’s available through May 23, and “tickets” are $25/household.

2. Have you checked out CertifiKid lately? You can find deals and discounts on all kinds of activities and offerings for families, both local and virtual (and edible).

3. After the attack on the Capitol last month, a fence was a erected around it that has since expanded to three miles, and there is concern that it will remain there. A petition against permanent fencing seeks to help prevent that — you can sign it and share if you believe the Capitol grounds should be accessible again.

4. The most beautiful place to visit in every state.

5. Relatable?

PS: The sun is finally shining again! If you want to get out and enjoy it, refer to the round-up of activities during the Covid winter — and be sure to bundle up!

Five Things for Today: February 16, 2021

Glenstone is reopening in March!

1. Temps are supposed to reach 50s today + after the weather this past weekend, it seems like a good day to get outdoors — even if the sun only peeks out a bit. Head to a place that draws crowds on the weekends, but you might have to yourself on a weekday. Some suggestions: Scott’s Run Nature Preserve, Roosevelt Island, Riverbend Park, Great Falls.

2. Glenstone, the wonderful modern-art museum in Potomac, MD, is reopening (again) on March 4! Only the outdoors will be accessible, but I can assure you the beautiful, expansive grounds showcasing large-scale installations are fantastic to explore. The patio will also be open for outdoor dining. Hours are 10am – 5pm Thursday – Sunday, and this one isn’t for little kids — guests must be at least 12 years old. While admission is free, reservations are required. Tickets for March and April are now available, and they will be released for May on April 1.

3. A KFDC reader just let me know about UpCycle Creative Reuse Center, a creative exchange place in Old Town Alexandria, where you can shop for and donate arts and crafts supplies. Apparently, it’s a very small store, so you can only shop by appointment, and one person at a time (so back-to-back appointments if you have multiple kids). Check out their Instagram for a glimpse of what you can find there.

4. We just started subscribing to Imperfect Foods, a grocery delivery service with a mission to eliminate food waste. They offer produce, fish, meat, and more items that don’t make it to the stores because of weird shapes, unwanted cuts, and outdated packaging; essentially, the food is perfectly good to eat, just imperfect for display. If you want to give it a try, sign up through my referral link and get $20 towards a box!

5. You don’t need to have a Peloton to have a laugh at this.