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Judge Mary Terrell and The High Tea Society is excited to announce the Fifth Annual Civili-Tea City-wide Creative Expression Contest. This year’s theme is “The Face of Your Neighborhood: Envisioning A Safe Community.” Students in the District of Columbia in grades 2-12 may create and submit artwork that illustrates how civility positively impacts their community as well as ways they would like to see their communities improved.

What do Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Go-Go music giants like EU and Rare Essence, rappers Public Enemy and the late activist and comedian Dick Gregory have in common? They have all appeared at one of the historic Malcolm X Celebrations and events attended by up to 50,000 people held in Southeast Washington, DC from 1972 to 1995 annually in Washington, DC. This May 14-20, 2018, Malcolm X, el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz, is being commemorated at a series of events in Washington, DC, addressing the most pressing issues facing urban communities today.

Governor Larry Hogan was joined by Senate President Thomas V. “Mike” Miller and Speaker of the House Michael Busch to sign 229 bills into law at a signing ceremony at the Maryland State House in Annapolis.

The governor and presiding officers signed House Bill 365/Senate Bill 184, which will save Marylanders from nearly $3 billion over the next five years in increased state taxes as a result of the federal tax overhaul by adjusting state law on personal income tax exemptions.

Governor Larry Hogan, together with the Maryland Department of Health and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), recently announced the federal approval of Maryland’s Total Cost of Care All-Payer Model, known as the “Maryland Model,” contract. This innovative approach to health care provider payment is unique to Maryland and made possible via a contract between CMS and the state.

DC residents who are behind on their mortgage, being sued by their lender, behind on their property taxes or confronting a potential mortgage scam may call the foreclosure prevention hotline set up by Housing Counseling Services, Inc. and funded by the DC Department of Insurance, Securities, and Banking. Depending on circumstances, DC residents may receive free housing counseling from a HUD approved, non-profit housing counseling agency and free legal services.

Governor Larry Hogan recently announced that his Fiscal Year 2019 budget provides $2 million in new funding for Biomedical Sciences and Engineering Programs at the Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville, Md. This funding is part of an ongoing effort by the Hogan administration to grow the state’s skilled workforce in science, engineering, and cybersecurity.

The Story of Our Schools, a Washington, D.C. nonprofit dedicated to empowering young people to tell the powerful stories of their school community, in partnership with the Marie Reed Elementary School are unveiling an exhibit that was the result of two years of hard work by Marie Reed students and staff.

Ripken Baseball and Giant Food, the leading greater Washington D.C.regional grocery chain, have partnered for the seventh consecutive year to host a series of free outdoor health & fitness clinics for children and their families throughout Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. The “Get Out and Play” clinics will combine baseball instruction with nutritional programming to create fun and informative events. The free clinics begin Wednesday, May 30 and run through Wednesday, June 20.

Nissan and BMW are offering Pepco customers special incentives that can save thousands of dollars on the cost of certain all-electric vehicle (EV) models. In addition to the manufacturer incentives, customers could also qualify for up to $7,500 in federal tax credits and up to $3,000 in Maryland excise tax credits. In the District of Columbia, qualified alternative fuel vehicles are exempt from the excise tax imposed on an original certificate of title.

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan (R) has signed legislation providing free community college to thousands of low and middle-income students in the Old Line State. The new law will provide tuition-free education to qualified full-time students who enroll in community college within two years of earning a high school diploma or a GED, beginning in fall 2019. It also creates grants for adults who are close to finishing their community college or university degrees.

Governor Larry Hogan recently signed legislation proposed by the administration to support foster youth throughout Maryland at a signing ceremony at the State House in Annapolis.

“Our administration strives to champion legislation and best practices that protect our children and support our families, ensuring that Maryland is a place where every child has the opportunity to thrive,” said Governor Hogan. “The legislation we enacted today will help ease the burden foster youth face as they transition into adulthood and provides a solid support system that will assist these youth with entering the workforce or pursuing a college education.”

On Friday, May 11th at 11:30 a.m., the Friends of the National World War II Memorial will host a brief ceremony and wreath presentation at the World War II Memorial’s Pacific Arch to mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Attu, the only land battle of World War II fought on incorporated territory of the United States.

The Battle of Attu was fought between the forces of the United States, aided by Canadian reconnaissance and fighter-bomber support, and the Empire of Japan on Attu Island off the coast of the Territory of Alaska as part of the Aleutian Islands Campaign.

In 2017, Pepco purchased $171 million in goods and services from diversity-certified suppliers which is 28 percent of the company’s total yearly purchases. This is an increase of $59 million over the amount spent in 2016.

For Pepco and its parent company Exelon, diversity and inclusion is one of the core foundational values both in the workplace and in outreach to the people it serves. Exelon has increased spending with women- and minority-owned businesses by more than 200 percent since 2011, reaching $2 billion in 2017.

BGE purchased $283 million in goods and services from diversity-certified suppliers in 2017, which equates to 29 percent of total purchases. This is an increase of $26 million over the amount spent in 2016.

“Engaging with diverse suppliers and contractors enhances our ability to serve our customers and strengthens our community. The growth in our spending with these companies shows our commitment to both,” said Calvin G. Butler Jr., chief executive officer for BGE. “As we’ve expanded our network of suppliers, we have also recorded our best performance in reliability, safety, financials and customer satisfaction. This shows it’s an investment worth making.”

Visual artist Kiril Jeliazkov and DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) unveiled “The Orange Step,” a one of a kind open air art installation consisting of 128 individual canvases, each 22 feet high and 11 feet wide at DPR’s Rose Park in Georgetown. The exhibit will run through June 7.

“The majority of our recreation centers have art throughout each facility,” said DPR Director Keith A. Anderson. “The opportunity to add such vibrant splashes of color to our green space was appealing and we hope people far and wide will come to enjoy this huge art display.”

Mayor Muriel Bowser and DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) are proud to announce the #FitDC Mother’s Day 5K fun run/walk will take place 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 12, 2018 at Fletcher’s Cove in Georgetown.

The event, led by weekly run group ParkRun, celebrates mothers of all ages as well as raises the importance of mothers committing to more healthy and active lifestyles by way of Mayor Bowser’s FitDC initiative. This free family-friendly run/walk will encourage individuals to connect with loved ones and new people, while receiving a workout, a free t-shirt and more.

The Governor’s Office of Crime Control & Prevention today announced the launch of a new Healthy Teen Dating: A Guide for Educators and Youth Service Providers. The first of its kind for Maryland, this guide provides information on teen dating violence prevention programs to address the needs of youth who are at risk for dating violence. Each year, nearly 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner. In 2014, more than 10 percent of Maryland high school students reported experiencing physical and/or sexual dating violence.

His Eminence Donald Cardinal Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington, today was joined by Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett, other community leaders, and Victory Housing officials for the dedication of Victory Crossing, a new mixed-income community for seniors. Victory Housing, the Archdiocese of Washington’s nonprofit affordable housing development arm, developed the 105-unit community which was made possible in partnership with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs, Freddie Mac, Capital One, N.A., Hudson Housing Capital, and the Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County.

Governor Northam recently announced that Virginia received another $9.76 million in federal grant funding to help fight the opioid epidemic. This is the second consecutive year that the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) received a State Targeted Response Grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The continued funding will help Virginia’s Community Services Boards (CSBs) to provide many of the services and supports needed to fight the opioid crisis, including prevention, treatment, and recovery services for Virginians struggling with addiction across the Commonwealth.

Children in Washington, DC and surrounding areas will be able to receive dental treatments at no cost on Sunday, May 20, during Sharing Smiles Day, an annual day of free dental care hosted by children’s dental provider Kool Smiles.

“At Kool Smiles, we believe every child should have a dentist,” said Dr. Ashley Nichols, Managing Dental Director for Kool Smiles. “While we’re proud to accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicaid and TRICARE, we also know there are children in our community who do not have dental insurance and whose parents can’t afford to pay out of pocket for needed dental treatments. Sharing Smiles Day is an opportunity for our dentists and staff to give back to children and families in our community and bring smiles to those in need.”

WUSA9 has unveiled a new, state-of-the-art studio, changing the game for local news coverage in the District of Columbia, Virginia and Maryland. The new studio is the latest tangible example of the station’s efforts to embrace innovation and re-imagine local journalism in the digital age.

The new studio, which was unveiled last week, offers flexible, nontraditional space and replaces the traditional, “two-anchors-at-a-desk” format familiar to local viewers. Emerging technologies like a seamless LED video wall and augmented reality aid in the visual delivery of news, weather and sports. Talent will employ touch screens and a social media megaphone to engage audiences and provide information that is both relevant and entertaining. The new studio is complemented by an updated on-air, online and mobile graphics package. WUSA9 has also partnered with Snap to embed public Snapchat stories into its reporting.

Mayor Muriel Bowser, DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and DC Department of General Services (DGS) announced that a brand new multi-million dollar facility in honor of Marvin Gaye will open with a block party style festival with members of Marvin’s family, live music, food trucks, giveaways and more for DPR’s first Marvin Gaye Day on Saturday, May 5, at 2 p.m. at the Marvin Gaye Recreation Center.

Highlights of the event include the ribbon cutting for Mayor Bowser and members of Marvin Gaye’s family as the center opens its doors for the first time. Marvin’s original group, The Marquees will perform a tribute, while radio and TV legend Donnie Simpson is set to share musings of Marvin with the crowd. Closing out the event will be a more current Marvin-inspired performance by Black Alley.

The DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) announced that 28 affordable housing units—most of which will be family-sized—will be coming to Wards 1 and 5 as the result of the disposition of District-owned properties.

“While some may contend that you cannot create affordable housing in popular neighborhoods in the District, we are proving in fact it is possible,” said DHCD Director Polly Donaldson. “We are making this happen by using every tool in our toolbox, such as the vacant property in our inventory, to provide affordable housing. We are particularly pleased that through these projects, more families, singles and seniors can grow roots in District neighborhoods where housing prices have risen dramatically in recent years and can have easy access to transportation, schools, retail and other amenities.”

Governor Ralph Northam announced Monday that Virginia’s signature Medicaid initiative for addressing opioid addiction and other substance use disorders has generated significant results in its first year, increasing access to treatment and reducing the burden on hospital emergency departments.

The Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) launched the ARTS program in April 2017. The program expands access to residential treatment for all Medicaid members, creates new care models combining medication with counseling and other supports, and offers training and financial incentives to increase provider participation.

It was the best feel-good moment of the week when more than 2,000 Washingtonians showed their support for the health of all moms and babies by participating in March for Babies presented by Pepco Holdings to benefit March of Dimes.

Washington Nationals Stadium was packed with strollers, families, and business teams who raised more than $ 550,000 to help give every baby the best possible start.

The Department of Energy and Environment’s (DOEE) 12th Annual Family and Youth Casting Call will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 28, 2018. This year’s event will be held outside of DOEE’s Aquatic Resources Education Center in Anacostia Park.

The Family & Youth Casting Call is a FREE family event where area youth are invited to learn basic fishing skills and practice catch-and-release fishing. DOEE will provide all fishing rods and bait, and participants will have the opportunity to learn how to cast, create fish art, and learn about the watersheds where the real DC lunkers lurk…

Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper, the District of Columbia Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Washington Nationals Dream Foundation have joined together to create Bryce Harper Field at the Takoma Community Center in Northwest D.C. An official dedication ceremony will take place in early May.

“I am excited and honored to participate in the dedication of Bryce Harper Field at the Takoma Community Center,” Harper said. “Youth baseball was a very important part of my childhood. The game of baseball has taught me life lessons and shaped the man I am today. To give back to the D.C. community and have local kids play baseball on a field dedicated in my name is truly an honor.”

Celebrate Earth Day at the Annual Ward 4 Bike Ride with Councilmember Todd, Rachel Maisler (Ward 4 Representative to the D.C. Bicycle Advisory Council), and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA). The approximately 8-mile loop will begin and end at the Upshur St & 9th St, NW bikeshare station, and will feature bicycle infrastructure and sites of significance in Ward 4Celebrate Earth Day at the Annual Ward 4 Bike Ride with Councilmember Todd, Rachel Maisler (Ward 4 Representative to the D.C. Bicycle Advisory Council), and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA). The approximately 8-mile loop will begin and end at the Upshur St & 9th St, NW bikeshare station, and will feature bicycle infrastructure and sites of significance in Ward 4.

Start of your Earth Day, Sunday, April 22, with the Tenley Tiger Run! The Tenley Tiger Run is a fundraiser benefiting the award-winning track and field teams at Wilson High School, sponsoring athlete travel to competitions, training clinics, and equipment. We will be sending athletes to Penn Relays! It’s a great way to celebrate Earth Day and to mark progress on your new year’s running resolution. There is a 5K, a one-mile race, and a cub run for kids. Something for the whole family — or get a team together. Register online: www.TenleyTigerRun.com.

Come support our beloved Whittier Education Campus at their Annual Spring Festival! Attractions include: food, live music, petting zoo, zumba class, bounce house, facepainting, and a raffle with great prizes. All profits from this event will supplement the cost of Whittier’s Before and Aftercare program.

On Tuesday April 17, HBCU Collective’s 2nd Annual Day of Action press conference was filled with excitement from students, alumni, and supporters from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) all over the country. HBCU advocates took Capitol Hill steps to call on Members of Congress in effort to make HBCUs a priority for fiscal educational opportunities and for the preservation of HBCUs.

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) announced registration is open for the 35th Annual DC Senior Games (DCSG) presented by Aetna. Aetna is sponsoring the first 300 senior athletes to register by waiving the entry fee and providing participants with a commemorative 2018 DCSG tee shirt.

Governor Ralph Northam recently announced that Appian (Nasdaq: APPN), a leading low-code and business process management platform provider, will invest $28.4 million to expand its headquarters operation in Fairfax County. The company will move into Valo Park, the prominent 785,000-square-foot multi-tenant campus owned by Tamares Group at 7950 Jones Branch Drive in McLean. The project will retain 600 existing jobs and create 600 new jobs over the next five years.

In observance of April is Financial Literacy Month, District residents can participate in free educational programs, resources and services that promote inclusive prosperity, economic growth and personal financial well-being.



“Many Americans live paycheck to paycheck and worry about not having enough funds to cover daily expenses let alone planning for retirement,” said Commissioner Stephen C. Taylor.

Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts announces its 2018 season lineup for Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods. The 2018 season begins with Wolf Trap first-timers Michael & The Rockness Monsters, featuring Blue Man Group veteran Michael Napolitano. Nine acts make their Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods debuts this summer, including Bollywood dance company Rhythmaya Dance, renowned Spanish singer-songwriter Sonia De Los Santos, and Danny Weinkauf and his Red Pants Band, which features long-time They Might Be Giants bassist Danny Weinkauf. Returning favorites include David Engel with Harry Potter and Willy Wonka-themed performances, and high flying hip-hoppers FLY Dance Company.

Following last year’s successful enrollment period, Maryland Health Connection, the state’s official health insurance marketplace, is hosting regional forums to share ideas to strengthen its marketplace for 2019 enrollments and review upcoming state and federal actions. Maryland Health Benefit Exchange leadership will kick off a month-long tour on May 11, visiting communities across the state to engage with state and local leaders.

“Our state’s success in reaching and enrolling Marylanders has been recognized nationally,” said Michele Eberle, executive director of the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange. “Now we want to be sure our partners in communities across the state are aware of where things stand today and what the future holds.

DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has partnered with LimeBike for an exciting and unique series of FITDC bike rides through a few parks East of the River in Washington, D.C. with #BiketheDistrict: Petals & Pedals.

The next ride is Saturday, April 14th at Anacostia Recreation Center and will take riders through Anacostia Park. The final ride in the series takes place on Saturday, May 19th beginning at Malcolm X Opportunity Center.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced its tenth-annual “Top Cities” list, which ranks the 25 U.S. metropolitan areas with the most ENERGY STAR certified buildings in the preceding calendar year. Los Angeles earned first place with more than 700 ENERGY STAR certified buildings. The Washington, D.C. metropolitan area was in second place with 661.

“Earning a spot in the ENERGY STAR Top Cities ranking demonstrates a city’s commitment to cutting building-related energy costs and reducing waste,” said Bill Wehrum, Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation at EPA. “With help from ENERGY STAR, city leaders and building owners are working together to strengthen their economies, foster competition, and create a healthier environment.”

Pepco will inspect 16,700 wooden utility poles across the region throughout the year as part of the company’s commitment to deliver safe and reliable energy for customers. The company’s Wood Pole Inspection Program is part of the preventive maintenance work it undertakes annually to proactively review its system and address potential problems before they occur.

“Pepco is committed to ensuring that we are delivering the highest level of service to our valued customers,” said Donna Cooper, Pepco region president. “These proactive programs provide us important information to help prevent outages before they occur. Our execution of these programs are key factors in enhancing system reliability, safety, and operational efficiency.”

Spring is finally here. It has been a long wait, but warmer temperatures bring events like weddings, graduations and holiday celebrations. These events bring together groups of people to enjoy considerable amounts of delicious and often traditional foods. But if proper food safety steps aren’t taken, your celebration could turn into a disaster.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that in the U.S., foodborne illness causes 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths each year. This spring, USDA is offering tips on how to properly handle, cook and store food when serving large groups of people. These tips will keep you and your guests safe from foodborne illness.

Georgetown University and the Georgetown Alliance of Graduate Employees signed a landmark private agreement that will allow graduate student assistants a chance to vote on whether they want to join a union. The agreement—among the first of its kind—provides for a union election outside the scope of the National Labor Relations Board.

The Baltimore-DC Building Trades (formerly CHOICE) was awarded “The Legacy Commitment to Diversity Award” by the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC WMAC) last Friday for their work recruiting residents from historically neglected communities into state-of-the-art union apprenticeship programs.

ProjectBlackFlag Sports (PBF), a social sports league in the District of Columbia, is gearing up for its third season of flag football. The organization was created by five DMV millennials hoping to provide a positive and unique environment for urban professionals to participate in social-athletic and service-oriented events.

Giant Food of Landover, Md. is helping customers eat healthier and save time grocery shopping with a first-of-its kind nutrition navigation program, Guiding Stars. With symbols that are visible at a glance, Guiding Stars aims to take the guesswork out of nutrition by decoding labels into one clear rating. Available at all 166 Giant Food locations, tens of thousands of items will feature the star ranking system that showcases “good”, “better” and “best” choices.

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam and Governor Larry Hogan of Maryland recently announced a unique training event for school and campus personnel, law enforcement and other first responders. The Briefings: Resiliency and Recovery After a School Crisis, will be held on April 11 at the Northern Virginia Community College’s Alexandria Campus. “The Briefings” provides a cross-disciplinary opportunity to learn from colleagues who have experienced or averted a traumatic school or campus tragedy and hear their stories and lessons learned.

Washington D.C. philanthropists, lung cancer survivors, scientists and friends will gather and boogie to the hits of disco at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium Friday, April 20, for LUNGevity Foundation’s 7th Annual Musical Celebration of Hope Gala, Follow the Call of the Disco Ball.

Pepco is providing 1,175 free trees to residential customers through the Energy-Saving Trees program, an initiative that helps customers conserve energy and reduce household energy bills through strategic tree planting. For the eighth year, Pepco is taking part in this important environmental program. Customers can reserve one free tree per household by visiting www.arborday.org/pepco. Customers should have their Pepco account number available when ordering the free tree.

While Mother Nature might not want to make it feel like spring, it’s actually here. And with summer almost in reach, Pepco is providing important tips and information so customers can spring into savings. By following a few simple tips, customers can save big money and energy during the hot summer months. This spring, customers should take advantage of the mild weather to inspect their home or business and make enhancements that can lead to significant energy efficiency improvements and greater savings.

Spring brings new and exciting things from the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) with the launch of its new fitness website MyFITDC.com, as District enters the final stretch to recapture the title as the “Fittest City in America.”

The web site features an image-driven, easy to navigate listing of DPR’s free fitness events at different locations with varying themes and partners; led by an array of sought-after instructors.

Maryland’s top high school culinary and foodservice management students competed in the Maryland ProStart Student Invitational (MPSI) on March 1st at the Hyatt Regency in Baltimore. Teams competed for scholarship money and the opportunity to represent the State of Maryland at the national competition in Providence, RI.

Governor Larry Hogan recently announced a new phase in Project C.O.R.E, Maryland’s ongoing initiative to revitalize Baltimore City by demolishing vacant and derelict buildings in Baltimore and replace them with green space or redevelopment. Project C.O.R.E., or Creating Opportunities for Renewal and Enterprise, is a multi-year city-state partnership established in 2016.

Mayor Muriel Bowser recently joined disability services leaders and advocates in recognizing March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month under the theme of See Me for Me. The Mayor also participated in a ceremonial signing of Disability Services Reform Amendment Act of 2018, which was passed unanimously by the Council of the District of Columbia last month. The Act brings Washington, DC, in line with national best practices on community residential-based services for people with disabilities. The Mayor formally approved the legislation last week.

Museum of the Bible will present “The Lindisfarne Gospels: Godspel Goes West,” at Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. on March 24, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

As part of the one-time event, leading expert Professor Michelle P. Brown will explore how this beautifully illuminated manuscript preserves the earliest surviving English translation of the Gospels. Made on Holy Island off the Northeast coast of Britain 1,300 years ago, The Lindisfarne Gospels also preserve the best early version of St. Jerome’s Latin Vulgate edition.

BGE unveiled one of its two state-of-the-art electric buses that will shuttle employees between its downtown Baltimore headquarters and its Spring Gardens campus in south Baltimore. BGE is the first company in Baltimore City to have an electric bus vehicle fleet and the first utility in the nation to incorporate electric shuttle buses into its fleet of vehicles. The second bus will arrive next month.

The shuttles will transport employees to and from the company’s new customer care center at BGE’s downtown headquarters opening next month. Employees will have access to parking at the company’s Spring Gardens campus, including newly installed electric vehicle charging stations that are located at each of BGE’s work locations throughout central Maryland.

Governor Ralph Northam announced recently that nearly $420,000 will be awarded to 28 localities across the Commonwealth as part of a competitive process under the Supplemental Local Emergency Management Performance Grant (SLEMPG) program. The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) will administer the funds, which Virginia receives annually from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Localities received the news today at the Virginia Emergency Management Symposium, a forum to train emergency responders, planners, managers and volunteers and to share best practices, lessons learned and initiatives among Virginia’s emergency management community. The symposium is being held this week in Hot Springs, Virginia.

Live Nation is launching a nationwide job search across nearly 40 cities this spring for music lovers who have a heart for service and hospitability. Live Nation Amphitheaters hire 28,000 employees each summer and is inviting music lovers to experience working during the exciting summer amphitheater season to help create once in-a-lifetime experiences for millions of fans! Seasonal amphitheater staff enjoy their roles so much that many return year after year, and Live Nation expects to fill nearly 18,000 positions with returning employees, leaving an additional 10,000 roles open for hire this season.

Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the appointment of Ana Lopez Van Balen as the first Affordable Housing Preservation Officer for the District of Columbia. The Mayor’s Housing Preservation Strike Force recommended the creation of this position, located within the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), to lead efforts to preserve the District’s existing affordable housing stock.

“When I established the Strike Force in 2015, its mandate was clear—develop an action plan that ensures the District does not lose any of its already existing affordable housing,” said Mayor Bowser. “Ana has a strong background in economic, housing, and community development, strategic planning, and engagement, and we know she will serve the residents of DC well.”

The Children’s Guild District of Columbia Public Charter School, which serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade, named Bryan C. Daniels principal. Previously, Daniels was the school’s assistant principal.

For the past 15 years, Daniels has held multiple positions with The Children’s Guild, including resource instructor, special education teacher, instructional coordinator, instructional coach and assistant principal for The Children’s Guild’s nonpublic school, serving students who are emotionally and behaviorally disturbed as well as students on the autism spectrum. Prior to joining The Children’s Guild, Daniels was a kindergarten teacher in Prince George’s County Public Schools.

For the fourth consecutive year, the District of Columbia was named the best city in the country for women in tech, according to SmartAsset, a digital publication that analyzes data on factors such as gender pay gap, income after housing costs, women’s representation in the workforce and percent growth in employment. The news comes on the heels of Mayor Muriel Bowser and Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Brian Kenner’s recent trip to Silicon Valley to pitch Washington, DC as an ideal location for tech companies and promote the District as the capital of inclusive innovation.

Mayor Bowser recently announced that Washington, DC has been named a “Gold” Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists, making the District the largest city on the East Coast to receive the designation.

“As we continue to improve and expand our bike infrastructure and make cycling a dynamic component of our city’s transportation network, this award is a testament to how far the District has come,” said Mayor Bowser. “Through smart investments that are helping us meet the needs of more residents and commuters, we continue to build a safer, stronger DC.”

Governor Ralph Northam recently announced more than $840,000 in matching grant funds to be awarded to 56 local tourism initiatives as part of the Virginia Tourism Corporation’s (VTC) Marketing Leverage Program (MLP). The MLP grants are designed to help local and regional tourism entities attract more visitors by leveraging limited local marketing dollars through a local match of the state grants funds. This funding cycle, local partners will commit more than $3.1 million to match the VTC grants, providing more than $3.9 million in new marketing funds to increase visitation to Virginia. The grants will ultimately impact at least 232 other statewide tourism entities.

Nicholas Leathers, a 24-year-old records examiner analyst, recently sat in the children’s section of a Washington public library reading to his 2-year-old cousin, Riley. On its face, nothing particularly significant. After all, for many kids, the library is a place to go find their favorite book.

Leathers’ and Riley’s reading session, however, is the result of a unique collaboration that stretches from Riley’s home to the U.S. Postal Service to the city’s library system to D.C. city government all the way back to, of all things, country singer Dolly Parton.

“To Dye For: Ikats from Central Asia,” will be on view at the Smithsonian’s Arthur M. Sackler Gallery March 24­­­-July 29. Traditional 19-century ikat coats and panels from the Sackler’s collections, a gift of Guido Goldman, encourage visitors to explore the techniques and traditions that produced the Central Asian textiles. Alongside these historical objects are a number of Oscar de la Renta (1932-2014) garments on loan from the Collection of Annette de la Renta and the Oscar de la Renta Collection.

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), the Recreation Wish List Committee (RWLC) founded by Ms. Cora Masters Barry, will again bring iconic figures to life through performances by the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center (SETLC) tennis youth scholars for the 12th Annual Blacks in Wax. The ARC Theater and the John F. Kennedy Center of Performing Arts will host headlining performances of the Blacks in Wax in March.

Blacks in Wax is a creative production of vignettes that educate and entertain all ages through dance, music, and drama. Each year young performers breathe new life into American heroes from the worlds of sports, entertainment, activism, politics and literature.

Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater announces the full cast and creative team for the world-premiere musical Snow Child, based on Eowyn Ivey’s Pulitzer Prize-nominated novel. Infused with a score that combines Alaskan string band-traditions with contemporary musical theater, Snow Child follows a couple rebuilding their lives in the Alaskan wilderness when they meet a magical and mysterious snow child who transforms them. Concluding her 20th anniversary season at Arena Stage, Artistic Director Molly Smith directs this world-premiere musical, featuring a book by John Strand, music by Bob Banghart and Georgia Stitt and lyrics by Stitt.

On March 24th, the Maryland Historical Society will host its annual fundraiser, a very special Maryland Day event celebrating the culture and cuisine of the state. Guests can expect their taste buds to experience a wide range of culinary delights and flavors that have been pulled from the Chesapeake Bay including oysters, crab, coddies, and mock turtle soup. There will be an assortment of dishes featuring venison, ham, and pit beef as well as local produce from the fields and orchards. Guests can also explore sweets that evoke the tastes of immigrants coming to Maryland through the 19th century including German-based smearcase cheesecake, Jewish apple cake, and a dessert developed to aid a Hungarian revolutionary, the Kossuth Cake.

The 2018 Organizing Committee of the Maryland Hispanic Gala (MHG) proudly announces that after five years of serving students in financial need, the event’s growth, popularity and positive impact in communities throughout the State of Maryland dictated that the Montgomery Hispanic Gala becomes Maryland Hispanic Gala.

The Annual Maryland Hispanic Gala will take place at The Fillmore Silver Spring on Thursday, September 13, 2018, 7pm-11pm.

Alan Patrick Sondej led a life of compassion and generosity. From his undergraduate days at Notre Dame University through adulthood, Sondej committed himself to helping others affected by poverty and hunger. He raised money for relief efforts and traveled the world to teach sustainable agriculture techniques.

Alan Sondej also gave his time and energy to helping his local community.

Arena Stage Artistic Director Molly Smith and Executive Director Edgar Dobie announce the 2018/19 season lineup for the company’s 69th season. The season reflects Arena Stage’s commitment to championing diverse voices and producing work that is politically and socially relevant.

“This season is an intoxicating mix of power, politics and pleasure,” shares Smith. “The time period ranges from the 1790s to the present day, covering the span of the American experience. In sum, yes, it is a dynamic series about HISTORY.

Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) engineer Taiwo Alo was named the Errol B. Davis Legacy Award winner at the 2018 Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA) conference held earlier this month in Washington, D.C.

“I am deeply honored to receive this award and am inspired to join past recipients who I have long admired and respected,” said Alo. “What makes my experience at BGE so rewarding has been the number of great mentors who have helped me develop as a professional with an emphasis on effective leadership.”

In honor of Harriet Tubman, the greatest freedom fighter that ever was, GirlTrek, the largest national public health nonprofit and movement for Black women and girls, will follow in her footsteps – literally. The entire national team will start-off from the Eastern Shore of Maryland, where Harriet Tubman made her first escape, and walk the path she took to freedom.

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Interagency Task Force (IATF) on Veterans Small Business Development and the Advisory Committee on Veterans Business Affairs (ACVBA) holds public meetings March 7 and 8, respectively, at SBA headquarters in Washington, D.C.

The March 7 IATF meeting is from 1 to 4 p.m. The March 8 ACVBA meeting runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., in SBA’s Eisenhower Conference Room at 409 Third Street, SW, Washington, D.C., 20416.

Governor Larry Hogan recently announced a series of new initiatives, including new funding, an executive order, and emergency legislation. He also voiced his support for existing legislative proposals to enhance safety in Maryland schools; increase coordination among schools, state agencies, and law enforcement; and keep firearms out of the hands of the mentally ill and individuals with violent criminal records.

Arlington, Va. – Dominion National, a leading dental insurer and administrator

of dental and vision benefits, is donating thousands of children’s dental care

kits to clinics and health departments throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. This

is the sixth consecutive year that Dominion has donated the kits to promote

oral health awareness in honor of February’s National Children’s Dental Health

Month.

The website for the Coolidge High School has been updated with more information about the ongoing modernization, which continues on-track. Visit the website at sites.google.com/a/dc.gov/dcps-school-modernizations/home/coolidge for more information. To read answers to frequently asked questions about Coolidge, visit: dcpsplanning.files.wordpress.com/2018/02/coolidge-hs-faq-final-jan-2018.pdf

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is gearing up to host its ninth cohort of the Community Engagement Academy. This free, fun, and interactive session series provides insight into the way MPD works and covers topics such as:

The Recruit Training Program
Common Policing Scenarios and Challenge

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DCDPR) Kids, Camps and Co-op Division announced the 2018-2019 Cooperative Play Program Open House Week will be held on Monday, February 26 – Friday, March 2, 2018 for current and prospective families. The Co-op Play Program advances youth development using outcome based programming and developmentally appropriate practices in a creative and recreational play environment.

Governor Larry Hogan recently announced the Board of Public Works’ approval of a new Text to 9-1-1 technology for Maryland, helping to update 1960s-era emergency systems with life-saving technology. This new Internet-based infrastructure allows citizens to send a Short Message Service (SMS) text message to 9-1-1. The Federal Communications Commission estimates that more than 70 percent of all 9-1-1 calls now come from cellular users.

In celebration of Black History Month, the Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism Director, Van Brooks, announced that free tickets are available to the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park, the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum, and the Reginald F. Lewis Museum for Maryland volunteers. The initiative has been introduced to thank volunteers and encourage education on African American history in Maryland, and comes on the heels of Maryland Governor Larry Hogan’s issuance of a proclamation declaring 2018 as the “Year of Frederick Douglass” in honor of the bicentennial anniversary of the birth of the renowned abolitionist and Maryland native.

Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater announces the full company for August Wilson’s quintessential epic drama Two Trains Running. Confronted with a rapidly changing world in the wake of the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the looming demolition of Memphis Lee’s diner, Memphis and his regular customers struggle to maintain their solidarity and sense of pride.

Governor Ralph Northam recently announced more than $6.5 million in Affordable and Special Needs Housing Loans for ten projects in ten localities across the Commonwealth. These projects are focused on affordable new construction and rehabilitation housing projects, as well as permanent supportive housing options for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Tens of thousands of high school students across America were marked with an unexcused absence Wednesday, but everyone knew where they were.

In the Washington area, high school students from DC. Public Schools and from public schools in Maryland marched to the Capitol and then to the White House to demand Congress and the president institute gun control legislation that will keep them safe.

The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) recently honored Steve Atkinson, principal business project manager at Pepco Holdings, with the Technology Transfer Award. EPRI gives the award annually to utility employees who have explored and implemented innovative technologies on behalf of their company and the industry. Atkinson was part of a team of employees from fellow Exelon utilities BGE, ComEd and PECO who researched how deploying low-cost sensors on electric distribution poles could assist utilities in responding to outages faster and more efficiently.

Mayor Bowser recently announced new efforts to explore an autonomous vehicle (AV) program by establishing the Interagency AV Working Group to proactively prepare the District for AV technologies and ensure that AV deployment will benefit District residents and visitors. The working group is comprised of District agencies focused on transportation, disability rights, environmental issues, and public safety. Additionally, the Bowser Administration is partnering with the Southwest Business Improvement District (SWBID) to release a Request for Information (RFI) for a AV pilot program on 10th Street, SW.

Appliance Recycling through the BGE Smart Energy Saver Program® helps customers recycle older, inefficient, refrigerators and freezers by offering a $50 reward, and hauling away their old appliances at no additional cost. But in February, participating residential customers will receive a fifty percent bonus for a total reward of $75 through Feb. 28, 2018.

As the White House releases its infrastructure plan, it will begin a national debate on the improvements needed to shore up the foundation of the nation’s economy and ensure the future growth and opportunity in cities and other communities. The bipartisan U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) today released its plan for what are essential components of a strategy to rebuild and modernize the nation’s critical infrastructure.

On Thursday, February 8, DC’s Dancing Stars Gala presented seven local charities with a total of $333,000 in donations raised at this year’s Gala bringing their four-year total to $1,042,500. Beneficiaries included The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Marymount University, Operation Renewed Hope Foundation, the Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation, Operation Second Chance, the Amelia Morgan Foundation and the Raymond A. Wood Foundation.

Following through on Governor Larry Hogan’s promise to improve access to government services for all Marylanders, the Maryland Department of Information Technology (DoIT) today unveiled a new statewide licensing portal. Known as Maryland OneStop and available at onestop.md.gov, the portal provides a single point of entry for citizens to access all offices of state government that issue licenses or permits, from hunting licenses and fishing permits to drivers’ licenses and commercial permits.

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) announced select DPR Aquatic Centers will be closed due to this year’s 32nd Annual Black History Invitational Swim Meet (BHISM) taking place February 16 – 18, 2018.

This unique event was co-founded in 1987 by DPR and the United Black Fund, Inc. (UBF) in honor of Black History Month. During the three-day invitational, over 1000 youth athletes nationwide ranging in age from 5 – 18 will compete in standard swim events, such as the individual medley, freestyle, butterfly, relays, and back and breast strokes.

The Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) has streamlined the annual business filing process in Maryland by updating the paperwork all entities are required to file with the state. 2018 filings can now be made online through Maryland Business Express (MBE), and the Department’s website now hosts fillable versions of the 2018 forms. The extension request system is also available for 2018, which will extend the Annual Report deadline from April 15 to June 15, 201

The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) recently honored BGE senior engineering tech specialist Jack Edwards with the Technology Transfer Award. EPRI gives this award annually to utility employees who have explored and implemented innovative technologies on behalf of their company and the industry. Edwards was part of a team of employees from fellow Exelon companies ComEd, PECO and Pepco Holdings who researched how deploying low-cost sensors on electric distribution poles could assist utilities in responding to outages faster and more efficiently.

Work2Live WELL Now Recruiting Applicants in Baltimore City and Cambridge

Work2Live WELL, designed to provide entry into the emerging careers fields of the environment and natural resources.

With funding from the Employment Advancement Right Now (EARN) Maryland program, the pilot program is recruiting 30 adult applicants in the Baltimore City and Cambridge area.

(Black PR Wire) NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–This February, Macy’s (NYSE:M) celebrates Black History Month by welcoming a host of innovators in fashion, entertainment, art, music, literature and technology, who are pioneers in their industries. Innovation is one of the cornerstones of Black culture, helping to propel trends, widely influencing pop culture, and changing the face of history. From music to science, Black culture has created a wave of change that has helped drive the country to new heights.

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Human Resources Division is currently accepting applications for Summer 2018. DPR strives to provide high quality recreational programming and is looking for talented individuals to join our team.

DPR employment opportunities include the following:

Mayor Bowser officially kicked off Black History Month with the release of A Fair Shot: A Toolkit for African American Prosperity – a first-of-its kind resource for African American residents that provides an overview of the many District-funded programs and services that support Washingtonians in reaching pathways to the middle class.

“By staying laser-focused on spreading prosperity and creating new pathways to the middle class, we have made tremendous progress,” said Mayor Bowser.

Harmony DC PCS is organizing and hosting DC STEM Festival. DC STEM Festival features various STEM demonstrations performed by students. The DC STEM Festival also hosts different community organizations that will demonstrate STEM activities. The activities are, included but not limited to, Rubik’s Cube solver robot, dry ice activities, hover board, smoke ring, and other student activities. The event will take place at Harmony DC school campus at 62 T St NE Washington, DC 20002 on February 24 between 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is proud to announce the #FitDC Healthy Hearts Walk to keep DC residents on a path to fitness and to build awareness for cardiovascular disease during American Heart Month. The walk takes place February 10, at 10 a.m. at Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the world, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Smithsonian Institution has been asked to study the feasibility of establishing a new national museum in Washington telling the story about the making of the American people. The request was made by the Coalition for the National Museum of the American People which is composed of 239 ethnic, nationality and minority organizations. 



The museum’s story would begin with the first humans in the Western Hemisphere and progresses through waves of migration and immigration to today.

Madame Tussauds Washington, DC is celebrating Black History Month, honoring African American accomplishments throughout history as well as famous faces of today.

For the month of February, guests can come face-to-face with figures of Zendaya and Snoop Dogg, in DC for the first time in honor of Black History Month.

February 1st marked the beginning of Black History Month, when we honor and recognize the contributions of African Americans to the District, the nation, and the world. It is a time to celebrate Black culture and achievements, and acknowledge the central role African Americans have played in the history of Washington, DC and the United States of America. This year, there are myriad opportunities to celebrate Black History Month: