Events roundup: Metro’s turning 40!

Metro turns 40 this week! Also, weigh in on how much of the Wizards practice facility DC residents pay for, give Metro advice on how to get better, learn how cutting back on trash and adding parks makes your community better, and hear the latest on modernizing Union Station.

Metro’s Birthday: Metro has a big birthday coming up. Say your congrats to our region’s rail line when it turns 40 this Sunday, March 27!

After the jump: Wizards facility, Metro’s advisory council, the benefits of reducing trash, parks in DC, and changes to Union Station.

Funding the Wizards: As of now, DC taxpayers will be on the hook if the Wizards practice facility goes over budget. DC Councilmember Elissa Silverman proposed a bill to limit DC’s contribution and make the construction process more transparent. There’s a hearing on the bill this Thursday, March 24, at 3 pm in Room 500 in the John A. Wilson Building. To testify, contact the Committee of the Whole at (202) 724-8196 or cow@dccouncil.us by 5:00 pm on March 22.

Metro wants advice: The Metro Riders’ Advisory Council, a group of individuals that advises the Metro Board on issues related to bus and rail, will hold its public meeting this Wednesday, March 23 at 6:30 pm at Metro Headquarters (600 5th Street NW). Share your opinion at this meeting or any of their monthly meetings, which will be on the first Wednesday of every month for the rest of the year.

No more trash: As part of the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Potomac River Watershed Trash Treaty, head to the Transforming Communities Summit this Tuesday, March 22, from 10 am to 4 pm. You’ll hear from County Executive Rushern Baker and other leaders about trash reduction and how it leads to healthier lives, cleaner land, and safer water. It’s at the University of Maryland College Park’s Riggs Alumni Center, at 7801 Alumni Drive in College Park.

The wonder of parks: Learn about the benefits of green spaces on DC residents at the Tree Advocates dinner this week. Hear from several qualified speakers, eat dinner, and chat with fellow trees lovers on Thursday, March 24, from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Casey Trees Headquarters (3030 12th Street NE).

Changes to Union Station: Big plans are in the works to expand and modernize Union Station. Learn about the project at a forum next Wednesday, March 30, in the East Hall of Union Station (50 Massachusetts Ave NE). There will be an open house from 4 pm to 8 pm, with two presentations, one at 4:30 and one at 6:30.

Calendar: Beyond what we’ve highlighted here, there are many other worthwhile events across the region. Check out more great events in our events calendar:

Do you know of an upcoming event that may be interesting, relevant, or important to Greater Greater Washington readers that should go on our events calendar? Send it to us at events@ggwash.org.