Get Out! The Events Column, December 20 - 27, 2018

Photo by Thomas S Mann

We wanted to share some events and activities that we thought would be of interest to list members. Have a great weekend -- and week beyond, too. If you know of an event that the 18,000+ members of the Cleveland Park Listserv should know about, please email us at events @ fastmail dot net.

Peggy Robin and Bill Adler
Publishers, Cleveland Park Listserv
www.cleveland-park.com      

Thursday, December 20 from 5 - 7 PM, Take 5! With the Chris Barrick Band. Vibraphonist, drummer, percussionist, and educator Chris Barrick has recorded and played with many jazz musicians both locally and nationally and performed with numerous symphony orchestras, theater, and ballet companies. In this installment of Take 5!, Barrick and his band will celebrate the music of the Bobby Hutcherson/ Harold Land quintet. Stop by the Courtyard Café of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Kogod Courtyard, for refreshments, and for added fun borrow a board game to play during the concert. Free. The Smithsonian American Art Museum is at 8th and F Street NW. Event Link: https://s.si.edu/2Dv4yK8  

Friday, December 28 at 12 noon, Discover Science* with Dr. Bear. *Scientific Creative Innovative Engaging New Cool Experience. This hands-on STEM and arts program focuses on health issues of concern to the local DC community. This Discover SCIENCE Day: Being Me! will explore what makes us unique. Children are invited to dive into topics including hereditary traits and what’s in our blood, through science projects, arts and crafts and other fun stations. This is a family program for ages 5 and up. Free. At Lamond-Riggs Library, 5401 South Dakota Ave. NE, https://www.dclibrary.org/node/62189     

Friday, December 21 from 6:30 - 8 PM, Winter Solstice 2018 Celebration. Come celebrate the shortest day in the northern hemisphere, the 2018 Winter Solstice, at Unity of Fairfax. Lights, yule tree and decorations, song, bonfire, readings, and storytelling will entertain child and adult alike. This is an indoor and outdoor event, so dress appropriately. Suggested Love Offering: $10. Donations will be taken at the event. If you can't afford to donate please come anyway! Registration is requested but not required -- it helps us plan and know how many people to expect! Unity of Fairfax, 2854 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton, VA 22124. Register at http://bit.ly/2PL949V  

Saturday, December 22 at 1 PM, Winter Craft: Harry Potter Gift Tags. Give your gift a magical touch! Come make personalized gift tags with pages of recycled Harry Potter pages. Ages 5+
Free. At the Chevy Chase Library, 5625 Connecticut Ave. NW, https://www.dclibrary.org/node/62332    

Saturday, December 22 from 5 - 7 PM, 5pm – 7pm, Caroling at the Wharf. Enjoy the sounds of the season—featuring the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC—and join in singing holiday songs to spread the Christmas spirit all along the waterfront, including performances at Pearl Street Stage and Floating Stage. You can also buy s’mores at the fire pit and visit the lighted Christmas Tree. Plus, Santa Claus himself will take time out of his busy schedule to join in the fun. Bring your camera to snap photos with Santa. Free. Caroling takes place from 5 - 6 PM and the Gay Men's Choir performs from 6 - 7 PM, on Wharf Street, District Square, District Pier.

Sunday, December 23 at 1:15 PM, Holiday Stories with Mrs. Claus. Join us for this family story time and get into the holiday spirit. Mrs. Claus will be reading the classic “Yes Virginia There is a Santa Claus” and other holiday stories, followed by refreshments. All ages are welcome.Free. Lamond-Riggs Library, 5401 South Dakota Ave. NE, https://www.dclibrary.org/node/62341 

Monday, December 24 at 1 PM, Water-Skiing Santa. Now in its 33rd year, this favorite DC-area Christmas Eve event returns to Old Town Alexandria. Gather along historic Alexandria's Potomac River waterfront for a spectacular show by Waterskiing Santa and his merry crew. The prime viewing area with music and announcements is Waterfront Park (1A Prince St.), with more great views from the Alexandria City Marina (0 Cameron St.), Founders Park (351 N. Union St.), and Point Lumley Park (1 Duke St.). Come early to see the pre-show (on jet skis). Gather at the Alexandria City Marina after the show to meet Santa, Mrs. Claus and their merry crew at the gazebo near Blackwall Hitch. Free. More info: https://www.visitalexandriava.com/event/waterskiing-santa/7229/ 

Tuesday, December 25, all day, December 25th Day of Service (D25). Join hundreds of volunteers at a social service agency in the metro-DC area to prepare and serve meals, sing carols, visit homebound seniors, throw holiday parties, play bingo, and deliver holiday cheer to those in need. Many of the projects are family-friendly – please read individual project descriptions carefully for the minimum age to volunteer at each site - available here: http://bit.ly/2EBe5AJ. A $20/person tax-deductible program fee is requested to help cover the costs of supplies, including gifts for clients, Santa suits, party decorations, arts & crafts, and games. All of the money from program fees except for a small credit card processing fee goes directly towards D25 supplies. If the program fee is in any way a barrier to volunteering please don’t hesitate to contact Sonya at the DCJCC - sonyaw @ edcjcc dot org. Locations depend on the project. 

Wednesday, December 26, all day, Boxing Day. In the UK, Canada, Australian, South Africa and many other English-speaking countries around the world (excluding the US), the day after Christmas is known as Boxing Day. Though celebrated widely, there is no agreement on where the name comes from. Some say it comes from the old English tradition of leaving money in the poor box at church on the day after Christmas, while another origin story says when servants were given the day off, they would pack up their things in boxes and go home for a visit. Yet another origin story says that the master and mistress would give their servants and other service workers boxed-up presents. What about some connection to the spot of boxing? You would think that’s a possibility. There are a good many other plausible origin stories, some more entertaining than others -- see http://bit.ly/2R7nupm . At this special Boxing Day event, we invite you to come up with your own legend of the origins of Boxing Day. If you tell the Boxing Day story that gets the most votes, you will win our big surprise - in a box, of course! For more details about this event and to register to tell a story, visit: http://bit.ly/cpfakeevent  

Thursday, December 27 from 6 - 8 PM,  Holiday Concert Series: Capital Accord Chorus. Join us for live seasonal music in the Garden Court of the US Botanic Garden. Capital Accord Chorus is a women's chorus performing four-part a cappella harmony in the barbershop style. Their fun and engaging repertoire range from jazz to pop, through standards and show tunes -- they sing it all. Please note: Limited seating available on a first come, first served basis. Seating will open around 5:30 PM. FREE: No pre-registration required. United States Botanic Garden Conservatory, 100 Maryland Avenue SW, 202-225-8333, https://learn.usbg.gov/calendar?productId=2818&eventCtlId=64750&venueId=0