Downtowner: Kitten for POTUS? Dennis Owen R.I.P., Staff Shortages
By January 12, 2022 0 1069
•Crumbs & Whiskers to President Biden: How About a Kitten?
With the news of President Biden’s new German Shepherd puppy Commander at the White House, Georgetown’s kitten and cat café, Crumbs & Whiskers, has recommended that the Bidens adopt a homeless cat for the White House. Crumbs & Whiskers has many cats available like nine-month-old Mr. Sweetie or two tabby cats named Mario and Walter. A spokesperson for the café spoke to WTOP, saying there was talk of Commander hoping for a buddy of the feline variety to keep him company.
Radio Host Dennis Owens Dies
Late news getting back to the area—Dennis Owens, who was the voice of local classical music radio for decades, passed away in September at a hospice in Naples, Florida. Owens was 87 years old and died of degenerative heart disease. The broadcaster was on WGMS for nearly 40 years until his retirement in 2005. The Washington Post reported that Owens told their columnist Bob Levey in 2002, “Classical music is like sex, you never know how long it’s going to last, and it’s embarrassing if you clap at the wrong time.”
Smithsonian Museums Close Temporarily Due to Omicron
The National Zoo and Smithsonian museums are operating on a reduced schedule through Monday, Jan. 17. According to the Washingtonian, many Smithsonian museums will be open for five days-a-week or less. The National Air and Space Museum is closed through the 17th, as will the Anacostia Community Museum. The Air and Space Museum was already planning on being closed for six months beginning at the end of March due to renovations. Other noteworthy closures include the Natural History Museum, closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, the American History Museum, closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Metrobus Dealing with Covid Related Staffing Shortages
Like many businesses, schools and other venues, Metrobus reduced bus service starting Monday. Buses will operate on a Saturday schedule (but some routes will have additional trips). MetroAccess is planning on reducing shared rides and increasing accessibility rides and Metrorail will be operating normally.