So Much to Do this Weekend!

Just a selection of the events going on this weekend in and around NE....

BROOKLAND COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP

What: In cooperation with CUA and the DC Department of Public Works' Helping Hand Program, the Brookland CDC is sponsoring a community clean-up in anticipation of the grand opening of Yes! Organic Market (I do not know the exact opening date yet). All tools and trash bags are being supplied through DPW.

When: Saturday, November 11th, 9am-12pm. The clean-up will be followed by a complimentary buffet lunch for all volunteers at the new Cardinal Club, 3514 12th Street, NE.

Where: The clean-up will begin at 12th and Michigan, then travel south along 12th Street picking up trash and cleaning out the tree boxes and planters through Monroe.

Etc.: Contact the Brookland CDC to volunteer at 202.529.8400 or brooklandcdc@aol.com, though I'm sure you'll be welcome if you simply show up.

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CHILDREN'S BOOK SIGNING AND ART EXHIBIT AT ROXANNE'S ARTIQUES

From the press release:

Roxanne’s ARTiques, located at 3426 9th Street NE, on Historic Brookland’s Gallery Row, across the street from the neighborhood landmark Colonel Brooks Tavern, will be showing art produced by the young students of the Harlem School of the Arts. The show features illustrations included in the children's book, Kara Finds Sunshine on a Rainy Day.

An opening reception will be held on Thursday, November 9, 2006, from 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm, featuring a book signing by author Caroline Brewer. On Saturday, November 11, 2006, from 1:00pm - 3:00pm, there will be a reading accompanied by music, and a book signing afterwards. The show will be displayed through Sunday November 12, 2006 [I have also heard the show will be on display through November 19th].

Kara Finds Sunshine on a Rainy Day is no ordinary book! All of the illustrations were produced by children, some as young as six years old, by students attending the prestigious Harlem School of the Arts in New York City and the Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey school system. The students created ceramics, pastel drawings, and collages in the style of Romare Bearden.

According to Brewer, "The theme of Kara Finds Sunshine on a Rainy Day is that the sun is always shining even when we can't see it. It's a book of hope and healing for all ages." Readers are introduced to courageous and inspirational historical figures, such as Rosa Parks, Anne Frank, Sitting Bull, Kim Phuc, Cesar Chavez, A. Phillip Randolph, and Mahatma Gandhi. A teacher/parent guide is included to help adults discuss with children coping with life's joys and pains.

Proceeds from sales of the book are being directed to book donations to Gulf Coast families disrupted by Hurricane Katrina.

Roxanne’s ARTiques is owned by Roxanne Carter, a long-time resident of Michigan Park in Greater Brookland. The gallery features artifacts and works of art by national and international artists. The Gallery is open from 12:00 noon to 7:00 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, and from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, and is located one block from the Brookland/CUA Metro station on the Red Line. For more information contact Roxanne Carter at (202)-526-7020, by email at roxannesartiques@hotmail.com, and on the internet at www.roxannesartiques.com.

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OPEN ART STUDIO

What: Bloomingdale resident, blogger, and artist, Sean Hennessey, is opening his studio in at the Washington Glass School in Mt. Rainier, MD to the public. Visit his art blog, Paint and Plaster, for detailed information and directions.

When: Sunday, November 12th, 2006, 1-5pm

Where: Washington Glass School, 3708 Wells Avenue (REAR), Mt. Rainier, MD

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NE DC HISTORICAL SOCIETY MONTHLY MEETING

What: NE DC Historical Society Monthly Meeting - exploring the history of our Northeast Washington communities - past, present, and in years to come.

When: Sunday, November 12th, 2006, 2:30-4pm (later starting time than usual)

Where: Lamond-Riggs Library 5401 South Dakota Avenue, NE (at Kennedy Street)

Presentations:
· Chris Holben of the DC Department of Transportation Bicycle Program with an update on the Metropolitan Branch Trail for commuting and communing with neighborhood history, art, and nature.
· James Loewen, best-selling author and noted sociologist on "Sundown Towns: The Exclusionary Communities Around Washington, DC."

Etc.: Meetings are always free and open to the public. For those unable to attend this meeting, don't miss our next month's meeting to be held from 2:00-4:00 pm on Sunday, December 10th, 2006. The meeting location and presentation topics will be announced early next month. Please plan to join us as we focus on more of the history of our prized neighborhoods and institutions of NE DC. Our meetings take place the second Sunday of every month. For further information contact: queenstowndc@yahoo.com.