The Tommy Show-itunes

It's been a minute fam. We sat down recently for a podcast update on life and to gear up for another Teacher Tour. You can learn more on this year's "Virginia Lottery Teacher Tour" with Georgetown Cupcake at www.realfundc.com/teachers

Parklawn Elementary students in Alexandria, Virginia were ready for us. They created Tommy and Kelly portraits as past of a lesson on drawing. Things got creative in regard to like “where ears go” and the fun assignment brought smiles to our faces. Ms Z and the crew at Parklawn enjoyed Virginia Lottery scratchers and Georgetown Cupcakes.

At Rosa Park Elementary in Prince William County the motto “Be Kind” can be heard, felt and seen from every direction. Ms. Sue the Principal talked about the school’s mission of kindness and how they’ve sent hundreds of signs across the country to keep kind. We visited with Virginia Lottery Scratchers, swag and Georgetown Cupcakes as eager teachers readied for a much deserved holiday break and/or long winter’s nap.

Tommy and Kelly reposting an interview with legendary reporter Pat Collins from December in 2020 and discussing his book release "News Man". The beloved veteran DC TV reporter known for his quirky reporting will end his 30+ year career NBC4. Collins reported mostly on local crime but also known for his snow reports with the famous wooden yardstick.

Emerick Elementary in Loudoun County is full of fun and festive energy. We visited just before winter break on holiday sweater day. On top of Virginia Lottery ticket scratching and Georgetown Cupcake snacking we learned about the mischievous elf trying to replace the Eagle as the school’s mascot.

All the students at KW Barrett Elementary in Arlington, Virginia were buzzing. They knew something the teachers didn’t. It’s the first time a principal pulled off such an elaborate Virginia Lottery and Georgetown Cupcake caper. Heard how they did it…

Sometimes tours play the same cities two years in a we were thrilled to once again visit McLean High School! They had the most entries, and we loved learning about the extra special classes that McLean offers students. Laser printer anyone? The Virginia Lottery Teacher Tour is bringing scratchers and swag and cheer to awesome educators all around Northern Virginia. We love showing up with Georgetown Cupcakes as well to say thank you. RealFunDC.com/Teachers

There’s educational excellence and heart at Luther Jackson Middle School in Falls Church, Virginia. We brought the Virginia Lottery Teacher Tour to surprise the fantastic staff, with not only scratchers, and swag, and delicious Georgetown cupcakes … we were also thrilled to help stock there, PTA run food pantry with the help of Wegman's. If you want to support the Luther Jackson food pantry, check out more info… jacksonmspta.org/ljms-food-pantry

Dorthy Hamm Middle School in Arlington, VA is architecturally stunning. The school’s place in Virginia history civil rights history and the incredible educators who brings to life its values are in a league of their own. We were so excited to visit Dorothy Hamm to learn about it's significance and celebrate their staff with Virginia Lottery and Georgetown Cupcake on the teacher tour. Check out all of our Teacher Tour stops at realfundc.com/teachers

Island Creek Elementary in Alexandria, VA has a lucky streak and such positive energy. Perhaps there was something in the water …

When you walk through the halls of Franconia Elementary in Northern Virginia you notice blocks painted in wildly creative ways. That’s because the school community gets to give their space an artsy vibe. The Penguins bring so much pride to education. We visited them to honor Ms Allen a very special teacher and shoutout a staff that’s been making a difference for years.

We all want DC to be ranked number 1, in everything, all the time. So is it time we address the lack of witches in Washington?

Tommy got an education on the Mexican tradition of Dia de los Muertos, Day of the Dead. What is a very personal and familial tradition of remembering loved ones who have passed is becoming a cultural moment that's bringing the DC community together. After stops at the Mexican Cultural Institute on 16th Street NW and other spots around DC we hope you learn something and find a way to open your mind and heart to traditions that might be new to you.

Welcome to DC “The Rubell Museum!” Over 32,000 square feet of contemporary art galleries opened last weekend. The former Randall Junior High School was reimagined by Don and Mera Rubell's $20 Million renovation efforts. Open Wednesday through Sunday, it's FREE for DC residents and $15 for everyone else. Check out the bookstore, cafe and more than 190 works by more than 35 artists.

Tommy + Kelly's Teacher Tour is back and presented by the Virginia Lottery. We traveled all over Northern Virginia, and our first stop was the Key Center. Key Center is a public day school that serves special education students with significant intellectual disabilities. The energetic team of teachers and staff enjoyed Georgetown Cupcakes, Virginia Lottery scratchers, and swag. Since 1999, more than $11 billion in lottery proceeds has been contributed to Virginia’s K-12 public schools for programs like school breakfast, early reading intervention, and career and technical education.

Stigma and fear are keeping family members and neighbors from getting life saving care. Since 2019 the ACT ON ADDICTION campaign from INOVA Health and the HITT Family Foundation has set out to change that. As 95% of adults feel they know what signs to look for when it comes to addiction, only 50% of adults say they'd be comfortable having a conversation if they suspected a family member or friend was suffering from addiction. Robin Schultz and Ellen Yacoe from INOVA joined us for a hopeful conversation and insights on what to do if someone you love is suffering from addiction. ActOnAddictionNow.org for resources from all around the Beltway.

Living longer is something most all of us want to do. According to Newsweek a former official from the Cleveland Clinic and a Silicon Valley entrepreneur think they have the app to make 90 the new 40. We discuss. Article: https://www.newsweek.com/ninety-will-new-40-10-years-time-1742152

Salamander Hotels & Resorts, the luxury hotel company founded by renowned business leader Sheila Johnson, launched Salamander Washington DC, bringing Salamander’s welcoming and diverse style of luxury hospitality to the heart of the nation’s capital for the first time.   Kelly got a first look at the exciting announcement of the 373-room property, which formerly operated as a Mandarin Oriental. Under new ownership and Salamander’s management, the hotel will undergo an exciting, all-encompassing enhancement program. We’ve got the exciting details.  

The world mourns Queen Elizabeth’s passing while she is lying in state for days before Monday’s funeral. The British Embassy in DC is hosting an open house for people to pay their respects and leave flowers. Tommy wonders if this is too much.

The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum will require free timed-entry passes for visiting the renovated and newly opened west wing of its building in Washington, D.C. The free passes will be available online starting Wednesday, Sept. 14. The museum will reopen approximately half of the building Friday, Oct. 14, which will include eight new and renovated exhibitions, the planetarium, museum store and Mars Café. Tickets- https://airandspace.si.edu/visit/museum-dc