Thank You National Community Church For the Eggcelent Eggstravaganza

On Saturday, April 15, excitement was in the warm air. Or perhaps it was egg-citement. Lincoln Park was cordoned off with pink ribbon and there was a flurry of activity within. Energetic volunteers from the New Community Church, a.k.a. ‘ theater church,’ scurried about dropping brightly colored treat-filled eggs all around, setting up games, donning hot bunny and chicken costumes and preparing food stands. At 1pm the ‘doors’ opened, and the kids came, and came and came. Names were registered and baskets and raffle tickets were disbursed. Pink cotton candy was devoured with delight, as were the chicken sandwiches, popcorn and new Ebenezer Coffeehouse coffee. Games were played, giant bunnies hugged, faces painted, crafts made and eggs collected. And then came the biggies: the raffle prizes. As in years past goodies like Barbie dream-houses and bikes were awarded. This year t-shirts, a pogo stick and Nationals tickets were included in the offerings. All for free! Kids and adults cheered. Smiles were seen on all. It was a great day. Thanks, Pastor Joel Schmidgal,l to you and all of the volunteers at the National Community Church. For more information about the National Community Church, log on to www.theaterchurch.com or email Pastor Joel at joel@theaterchurch.com.

See Local Kids Fly In Peter Pan

Don’t miss the Cheverly Young Actors' Guild's musical production of "Peter Pan" on Thursday, May 4-Sunday, May 7! The kids will be flown through the air by ZFX Inc, the company that flies Cathy Rigby on Broadway and the national tour! Tickets sell fast, so make sure you get yours at the Publick Playhouse Box Office--5445 Landover Road, Cheverly--301-297-1710. The show will also feature a live orchestra. CYAG is a "homegrown" nonprofit organization—comprised entirely of Prince George's County and Washington-area kids ages 7-18--and sponsored by the Cheverly Recreation Council. For more information, please visit www.cheverlyyoungactors.com. Showtimes are Thursday and Friday at 7:30 pm; Saturday at 2 and 7:30, and Sunday at 2 pm and 6:30 pm. Tickets are $8 for children under $12;$10 for senior citizens and students; and $12 for adults. All patrons, including infants, must have a ticket. If you would like to volunteer to help backstage at the show, please email Volunteer Coordinator Cindy Cook at cynthialcook1@juno.com.

Smithsonian Summer Camps

Summer camps at the Smithsonian this year offer something for everyone--including parents. Camp focuses run the gamut from traditional arts and crafts to playwriting to science to dioramas. New this year are two camps where children bring their adults along and three performing arts camps offered in conjunction with the National Music Center and Museum. Camps run from Monday, June 26, through Friday, Aug. 11. Sessions are offered for young people entering kindergarten through 8th grade in fall 2006. Sessions are one week long, and campers may register for one or more sessions. Half-day and full-day camps are offered. The full-day sessions include a supervised brown-bag lunch hour. Half-day sessions include a time for snacks. The supervised drop-off and pick-up place is the entrance of the S. Dillon Ripley Center unless otherwise noted. Campers provide their own transportation to the Mall. The After-Camp Program runs from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Pre-registration is required. To register call (202) 357-3030!

Capitol Hill Classic: A Fun Run For the Whole Family

Get the family ready for the Capitol Hill Classic on May 21.There are three running options - the 10K, a 3K and a kid's fun run. The course begins and ends near Peabody School, which is located at the corner of 5th and C Streets NE, just across from Stanton Park. Run through the historic Capitol Hill neighborhoods, around Lincoln Park and RFK Stadium, down East Capitol Street and around the Capitol, and then back up the Hill. The 10K will start at 8:30 a.m., while the 3K will start at approximately 9:45 a.m. The kids' fun run will begin at 10:30 a.m. Strollers, baby-joggers, skates, pets and headphones are prohibited on the 10K course. The race benefits the Capitol Hill Cluster School, a DC public school serving approximately 1000 students from pre-school through 8th grade (for more information on the Cluster School, visit www.capitolhillclusterschool.org). In 2005, the Classic raised a record $45,000 for the Cluster School, and this year the goal is $50,000. For more information, contact: Don Montuori don@capitolhillclassic.com 202-544-4452; Howard Crystal, howard@capitolhillclassic.com; 202-547-1826. Or log on to www.capitolhillclassic.com

May is Family Month at Discovery Creek Museum

Discovery Creek Children’s Museum of Washington is an interactive children’s museum dedicated to teaching children about the wonders of nature and the environment. The month’s drop-by program schedule (no reservation required) includes: Saturday 5/6 - Sunday 5/7 - South of the Border: Make Mexican monkey maracas, go on a tropical rainforest hike, learn Spanish words for different animals, and take a trip to Mexico in the Children's Garden. Discovery Creek's Climb Wall is also open this weekend! Saturday 5/13 - Sunday 5/14 - Animal Mommies: Learn about ways animals care for their young, make a Mother's Day bouquet, search for animal families on a hike, and play "Animal Mother May I?" Saturday 5/20 - Sunday 5/21 – Water-world Weekend: Create fishy bookmarks, meet water animals and insects, and go on a Discovery Creek Watershed Investigation. Each weekend’s programs take place at: 10 am – 3 pm at the Stables at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo, MD. Cost: $5; Ages: Children 2 – 11 years old and their parents. For more information, please call 202-337-5111 or visit the Museum’s website at discoverycreek.org.

Take the Toddlers to the Building Zone

The National Building Museum has opened a new exhibition in the Building Learners Gallery designed especially for young visitors and their adult companions. Building Zone introduces children to the building arts through engaging activities. Build with big, soft Legos and building blocks; curl up with an architecture picture book in the book nook; vroom with 'dozers and other construction play trucks; pretend to be a craftsperson complete with hard hats, tool belts, and much more! 202.272.2448; http://www.nbm.org Ages: 2-6. Open Daily until 7/30/06. Free but a donation is suggested. The Building Museum is located at 4th & f Street NW. Metro: Chinatown.

Moonlight Hikes at the National Arboretum

Experience DC nightlife from a different perspective on this magical, 5-mile, mildly strenuous hike through the moonlit gardens and collections of the U.S. National Arboretum.Depending on your guide and the arboretum's seasonal points of interest, your experience will vary from hike to hike. Wear good walking shoes and dress for the weather. Not recommended for children. On May 12 & 13th from 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM at theU.S. National Arboretum.Enter through R Street gate. Fee: $15, FONA $12, Registration: Required. Registration is limited to 4 persons per party. 202-245-4523. Online: www.usna.usda.gov.

DC Yoga Week Offers Cheap Classes

Ten local yoga studios, including Capitol Hill Yoga, Georgetown Yoga, and Spiral Flight, offer classes for free or at greatly reduced rates, along with generous discounts on class packages and yoga merchandise. In celebration of yoga and of our DC Community, CH Yoga is inviting you to take advantage of their special $5 class and free class offerings. Be sure to check the class descriptions to make sure the class you are choosing is the right level for you! Select $5 classes will be offered May 1-5. Check their website for specifics: www.capitolhillyoga.com.

Women’s Bible Study Begins a New Session May 9

The Tuesday morning women's bible study on Capitol Hill is beginning a new book on May 9, "Living Beyond Yourself: Exploring the Fruit of the Spirit" by Beth Moore. Join the group for a 10 week study on fruit of the spirit, Tuesdays from 10 to noon. Child care provided for a fee split by parents using the sitters. Questions? Call Noel Montrey, 547-9041.

Disney Live

Disney Live will be appearing on May 4-7 at the Patriot Center and May 18-21 at the National Theater. Tickets for opening night are $15. For more information log on to www.disneylive.com

Dive Into The Guppy Gala

Dive into an ocean of adventure at this special event just for kids and their families at the National Zoo. Guppy Gala is fun for youngsters of all ages. Children can hop in a moon-bounce, meet a magician, or try using a jackhammer. There will be lots of fun kid-friendly foods, from cotton candy and ice cream to fried chicken and funnel cake, plus a six-inch sub courtesy of Subway, and delicious apples from Whole Foods Market. Popular activities include: Animal encounters, a mock construction site, rock-climbing walls, Moon-bounces, mazes, costumed characters, jugglers, gymnasts, and magicians, and live entertainment Every year, children ages 2 to 12 participate in a wild party unlike any other, while raising funds for the National Zoo's conservation and education programs. A swimmingly fun time is waiting for you! The Guppy Gala will be held on Friday, May 12, at 6-8:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 - FONZ members / $28 – nonmembers and are available online at www.fonz.org.

National Capital YMCA Offers Children Swimming Classes Starting May 10

The YMCA is holding their second spring session of swim classes beginning on May 10. Parents/child classes are for ages 6 months up to three years old. Preschool, youth and more are offered. Logon to www.ymcawashdc.org for specifics and registration info.

Summer Camps at the National Capital YMCA

The YMCA will hold five summer camp sessions beginning on June 23rd. The last session will run August 18 – 29. For more information call Neal at 202-862-9644 or log on to www.ymcawashdc.org and download their camp brochure.

Flower Mart at the National Cathedral

Washington's premier springtime family festival celebrates with food, flowers, plants, and arts and crafts. Activities include music; over 50 boutique booths, filled with gift items for home and garden; the antique carousel operates both days; puppet show; children's games and rides both days; New Scotland's famous lobster rolls on Friday; delicious crab cakes on Saturday; a variety of other tasty foods both days; antiques and collectibles for sale; used and rare books; plants of all kinds: herbs, annuals, perennials; Cathedral Tower Climb on Saturday; Olmsted Woods and Garden Tours; and horticulture and landscape exhibits and events. May 5 & 6, Fri 10am-6pm; Sat 10am-5pm.Free Washington National Cathedral; Metro: Cleveland Park/Tenleytown.

Northeast Stars Montessori Learning Center Offers Summer Camp

Northeast Stars Montessori Learning Center located at 1325 Maryland Ave., NE, is offering summer camp for 3 and 4 year olds. Sessions will run: June 12th-June 30th, July 3rd-July 21st, July 24th-August 11th, and August 14th-September 1st. Flexible schedules are available. Call the school today for additional information and rates at 202.399.2208

Have Problems with the District?

If so, tell DC Appleseed about the District's biggest problems and how you think they should be solved. To get you thinking, they’re putting real prize money on the table. The best idea will receive $5,000, the second-best $2,500, and the third-best $1,000--all sponsored by the June and John Hechinger Family Trusts and donors to the Community Foundation for the National Capital Region. Who will pick the best ideas? You will! You will have the chance to vote online to select the three best ideas from 20 finalists. And the three winners will get to present their ideas to the Mayoral candidates at a forum in June. We will compile your great ideas and present them to the public, government officials, and candidates running in the District's 2006 elections. Make sure your voice is heard! DC AppleSeed is a nonprofit organization that solves problems affecting the daily lives of those who live and work in the District of Columbia area--from health care to voting representation to education reform to environmental concerns to jobs and housing.

Thomson Elementary School Will Offer Chinese Language Classes

Thomson Elementary School, a newly renovated and expanded DC Public School, located at 12th and L Sts. NW will offer Chinese language instruction next year for children in pre-k through 2nd grade. An information session will be held in mid-May. For more information and for the date and time of the meeting, please contact Donna Pavetti on 546-6942. The school is easily accessible by metro, bus or car from Capitol Hill.

Maury Celebrates End of Year on June 2

Maury Elementary School will hold its End of The School Year Celebration on Friday, June 2nd. This event, formerly known as the Spring Bazaar, will take place during school hours. Moon-bounces, various concessions, games, prizes and special entertainment is scheduled. Come and join the Maury family as we conclude another successful school year. For more information, please contact the school at 202-698-3838.

River Park Nursery School’s Fundraiser a Success

River Park Nursery School wishes to thank those who so generously donated to the school's fundraiser on April 22. The fundraiser, held at Finn Mac Cool’s pub on 8th Street SE, was a huge success and RPNS families are very grateful! Finn Mac Cool’s donated delicious food and their spacious upstairs area, and the following businesses and individuals donated items for the silent auction: Eastern Market artist Zakhar Sasim, Anu Day Spa, Stitch DC, Yes Organic Market, Belga Cafe, Hoopla Traders, Michelle Tarver (Artistry cosmetics), Ann Rose (handmade jewelry sold at Dawn Price Baby), Shellie Bressler (Thomas the Tank Engine toys; wooden_trains@yahoo.com), Bernadette Blum, Sharon Curry, Heather Davis, and Courtney Lynch. Thank you!

School Open Houses & Information Sessions

New Nia Community Public Charter School’s Open Enrollment Day May 13

Don't miss the upcoming Open Enrollment Day on Saturday, May 13, 2006 from 10:00 am to 3:00 p.m at Nia Community PCS.. The Nia Community Public Charter School is designed to meet the holistic needs of those students living in the District of Columbia. Nia Community Public Charter School, located at 3845 South Capitol Street SW, is scheduled to open September 2006. Nia Community Public Charter School will offer instruction to students grades Pre-K through grade 3 in the first year. Each year thereafter, one grade level will be added through grade 8. Learn about the school, meet the staff and enroll your child in the upcoming fall school year.

Yavneh on the Hill After-School Jewish Education Program Open House

On Tuesday, May 2nd, 4-5:30 pm, Yavneh On The Hill will Hold an Open House at 801 North Carolina Ave SE. Yavneh on the Hill is a children's weekly, after-school program that provides Jewish cultural and spiritual education. The curriculum and activities focus on Jewish values, traditions, prayers & songs. Excellent teachers plan, guide & supervise all Yavneh activities. Yavneh on the Hill is a self-funded, cooperative educational off-shoot of Hill Havurah and serves children who are in kindergarten (or 5 years old) through 6th grade. Any child who is interested in learning about Jewish traditions may attend. Currently, the students are from mixed faith and Jewish families. Yavneh meets on Tuesday afternoons (3:45-5:45) during the school year in the activity room of Christ our Shepherd Church at 801 North Carolina Avenue SE on Capitol Hill. Children who go to school on the Hill can be picked up at school by the Yavneh car pool & dropped off at the Yavneh location, in care of the teachers. Yavneh is priced competitively with other aftercare activities. Some cooperative parent duty is required. Contact Lori Feinman at yavnehonthehill@yahoo.com for an application, or pick one up at the open house. The kids learn through games, plays, stories & field trips. The kids love it and the whole family gets involved!! RSVP to Sharon 546-7565.

Children’s Studio Charter School of the Arts & Architecture Open House

The Children's Studio School PCS is holding an orientation on May 6 at 1pm for parents of children between the ages of 3-10. Children’s Studio School is an award winning full-day school of the arts for young children of diverse cultures – the only one of its kind where artists – visual, performing, writers and architects - are complete teachers. On May 20 at 10AM is an Open House for the whole community, celebrating DC public charter schools’ 10 Anniversary and Children's Studio School's 29th Anniversary. Call 387-6148 for more information about the Open Houses, community programs, internships, volunteer opportunities and partially subsidized artists’ studio spaces. The Children’s Studio School is located at 1301 V street NW (one block from U Street metro). 

Two Rivers Reschedules Open House to May 4

Two Rivers Public Charter School has rescheduled their April 25th Open House to May 4. For more information log on to www.tworiverspcs.org.

Bridges Public Charter School Holds Info Sessions

Bridges Public Charter School is an inclusive preschool and pre-kindergarten program that is free and open to all District of Columbia residents. It is located in Petworth at 1250 Taylor St. NW. Applications are due by May 15, 2006.. Program Features: small classroom size and trained staff; individualized educational program for each student; and, thematic and project-based curriculum. Info/Open House Sessions Will Be Held At The School On Wed, May 3 from 9:30-10:30 am and Wed, May 17 from 9:30-10:30 am. For more information or an application visit or call the school 202.545.0515, or visit their website www.bridgespcs.org