February 19 at 1:41 AM

Thursday, FEB. 19

Preschool series: Fanciful heroes Ages 2-5 with an adult, hunt for dragons, make a heros cape and explore a fantastical world of adventure. 10:30-11:15 a.m. Thursdays through Feb. 26. Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, 4155 Linnean Ave. NW. 202-686-5807. $12 per child and one accompanying adult, additional adults $15 each.

Washington Cathedral behind the scenes Age 11 and older. See gargoyles and stained-glass windows and climb stairs for a panoramic view of the city. Bring a camera. Weekdays except holidays at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW. 202-537-6200. http://www.nationalcathedral.org . $25, age 11 and 12 $21.

Face to face: Ira Aldridge Historian Jim Barber leads a talk about Ira Aldridge and his struggle for justice and the upcoming 150th anniversary of the passage of the 13th Amendment. Noon. National Portrait Gallery, Eighth and F streets NW. 202-633-1000. Free.

Cook demonstration: Hearty casseroles Adrienne and Danielle Cook create new and memorable one-dish meals and sides with an attitude. Noon and 12:45 p.m. U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW. 202-225-8333. Free.

Tax assistance For taxpayers with low and moderate income, special attention to those 60 and older, trained volunteers file federal and state tax returns. Thursdays at 1:30 p.m., Tuesdays at 11 a.m. Anacostia Library, 1800 Good Hope Rd. SE. 202-715-7707. Free.

Classical music Students from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theater and Dance perform. 6 p.m. Kennedy Center, Millennium Stage, 2700 F St. NW. 202-467-4600. Free.

Panel discussion: Resilient landscapes Learn creative ways in which communities work with nature to increase resilience to natural disasters, including green infrastructure, fire-wise planning, oyster reef construction and wetlands restoration. 6:30 p.m. National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW. 202-272-2448. $20, students $12.

Poetry reading Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Rae Armantrout reads from her work in response to the Phillips Collection exhibit Man Ray Human Equations, sponsored by Folger Shakespeare Library. 6:30 p.m. Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St. NW. 202-544-7077. $15.

Originally posted here:
D.C. community calendar, Feb. 19-26, 2015

New York City's homeless are just a bit warmer, thanks to one mother and son due on a mission to provide the neediest with a piping hot bowl of vegan chili.

A vegan family, Michelle Carrera, and her 4-year-old son Ollie, realized the city's soup kitchen meals all contained meat, leaving no option for a healthier alternative. By November 2014, the two decided to start making their own vegan chili to distribute to those in need just in time for Thanksgiving, leading to the start of Chili on Wheels.

Carrera said she got grateful reactions from the street and concluded that serving the homeless shouldn't be done only during the holidays, but rather on a monthly basis.

"It all started with Ollie because I wanted to teach him about community and helping others," said Carrera, who also works as a full-time English and Spanish translator. "This type of outreach can help teach children that it's not weird or exotic to help people in need. If they learn from a young age, hopefully it will stick with them as an adult."

The pair, which started the effort in Kensington, Brooklyn and eventually ventured into to Lower Manhattan, try to target those who need it most. By hitting major city areas, like Union Square and Tompkins Square Park, Carrera and Ollie hope that bystanders who watch them serve will be motivated to volunteer in their own communities.

"Once you're out there on the street, it's heartbreaking," Carrera said. "We found a big need for non-meat and vegan meals among the hungry."

Patrick Markee, a spokesman from New York's Coalition for the Homeless, lauded their pursuit to help improve the lives of the city's homeless population.

"It sounds like an incredibly kind thing, and we're always struck by the generosity of New Yorkers," Markee said. "Whether it's a local elementary school clothing drive or something like this, it just really shows that people care."

Now, Carrera and Ollie are striving to make this monthly project a weekly one, with the goal of serving every Saturday in public parks throughout Brooklyn and Manhattan. Carrera started a crowdfunding campaign that she hopes will raise $3,500 by March 1, with donations going toward funding Chili on Wheels' status as an official nonprofit organization.

Supporters have already sent Carrera generous donations to help expand the project's reach, including a folding table to use in parks and a cooler on wheels.

See the original post:
Vegan 'Chili on Wheels': Mom, son deliver food to homeless