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By Katie Bianco, Alice Levitt, Jess Feldman, Holly Gambrell, Michele Kettner and Jennifer Zeleski
History in the making
I find American culture fascinating—I always have. Do you remember CNN’s original series about the important events that happened through each decade? (See here, here and here if that doesn’t ring a bell.) I’ve loved every iteration of that show, and I have the same feeling toward any book, lecture, etc. that takes a deep dive into the events that have shaped Americans. That’s why I’m excited to virtually attend the Smithsonian’s A Decade of Disruption: America in the New Millennium on Tuesday. Historian Garrett Peck will examine the 21st century’s economic crises, social and technological change and war. Find 16 more virtual events being held by the Smithsonian Institution this month here. -Holly Gambrell, Digital Editor // Tuesday, June 16, 6:45-8:15 p.m.; $20 members, $25 nonmembers
Creativity in the era of chaos
Finding light in the darkness can be difficult, but Leesburg-based artist Christine Olmstead seems to do it time and time again. I am drawn to her vulnerability in her work, and am grateful to have gotten more insight into her artistic and emotional mindset in a recent interview she did with my colleague. Trying to find the “light” of my own, I continue to look to Olmstead and other artists who use their power to create, regardless of the circumstances that surround them. If you’re interested in diving into Olmstead’s work, I recommend taking a glance at her Instagram, and I’m particularly fond of her recent pieces like this one and this one. Plus, she’s got a super-cute orange cat like mine, and that’s just an added bonus. -Jennifer Zeleski, Editorial Assistant
Screaming for ice cream
When people ask if I have a sweet tooth, the only honest answer is that I have a food tooth. I don’t care if it’s sweet, salty or sour, I want to eat it now, please. But I have a new favorite sweet spot that also serves savory fare, Dessert Lounge in Herndon. I filled up with some chaat as well as yummy (and inexpensive) Indian burgers before I moved onto the main attraction, a brownie sundae topped with rose and thandai ice creams. -Alice Levitt, Food Editor/Critic // 348 Elden St., Herndon
Tunes to get me through
In times of stress, I’ve always turned to music to make me feel better. At the end of a long day, I flip on my record player, blasting classic Fleetwood Mac or my current favorite, Maggie Rogers, until my sad, angry or irritating thoughts start to dissipate. During the three-month quarantine, I’ve decided to dive deep into classic rock, evolving my music taste. This week, I plan on tuning into the famed Morrison Hotel Gallery’s recently launched MHG radio, which goes behind the scenes of iconic music photography snapshots, playing tunes and discussing seldom-heard stories with rock legends, including two musicians of The Doors (this was a great episode, I highly recommend). For more information on upcoming episodes, check out the Gallery’s site today. And, if you’re looking for budding artists to bring you solace right now, give a few of my favorites—Mt. Joy, Clairo and Katie Pruitt—a try. -Jess Feldman, Editorial Assistant
Raising the next generation
There’s no denying it has been an extraordinary couple of weeks. With the killing of George Floyd spurring protests across the country, all over the world and here in NoVA, it’s been a time of learning and listening for many. In my own home, while my children are still a tad too young to realize all that’s going on, that doesn’t mean I can’t take steps to start conversations about race with them. Which is why I was so happy to see that the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture debuted a new portal, Talking About Race, earlier this month. It includes resources specifically designed to help parents talk about the complexities of race and how it impacts American life. It’s just the start in a lifelong journey I hope my my children will take as we work for equality and justice in this country. -Katie Bianco, Editor
Shop local
Now that Northern Virginia has entered phase two of reopening and business continues to open, it is more important now than ever to support local small businesses. I am going to do my part by continuing to do my favorite activity: watching movies. Yes, movie theaters are still closed to the public, but many theaters have created virtual cinemas to let you rent new and classic films online, like the Cinema Arts Theatre in Fairfax. The plan is to stop by the theater on my way home from work to pick up a bucket of movie theater popcorn and candy and cuddle up with my pups for a weekend full of movies and documentaries. –Michele Kettner, Editorial Assistant // 9650-14 Main St., Fairfax
