To commemorate Earth Day today, yesterday we went to a Solar Decathalon preview, a preservation league party, and a happy hour fighting homelessness through running.

Last night, we went to Foggy Bottom's Pelli Clarke Pelli building to get a peak at the Parsons, Stevens and Milano plan for September's Solar Decathlon. They'll compete to build the best solar house as one of 20 international teams on the National Mall. We snapped Parsons dean Joel Towers with Mystics owner Sheila Johnson, who’s been head of the Parsons board for nine years.

The Parsons house is unique because it will be used after the competition by a Habitat for Humanity family in Deanwood. The team is also building another home to help the community. Here Habitat of Washington prez Kent Adcock and his wife Melanie.

Deanwood ANC Commissioner Sylvia Brown, right, tells us with her community's high foreclosures, the homes come at a great time. We found her soaking up the sun with Washington Interdependence Council’s Peggy Seats and LTL Architects principal David Lewis. 

Last night, we joined the DC Preservation League’s 40th Anniversary celebration at the Shaw historic district's Wonder Bread Factory. PNC Bank’s Ryan Coughlin and Jason Dark surround Pharm-

Athene’s Kathleen Callahan and Millward Brown’s Cathy Hartman.

There was an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, and Hostess twinkies, sno balls, and cupcakes (!) while grooving to music from Dr. Blues and The Out of Town Blues Band. NES Associate’s Shannon Hill, GWU’s Anna Yakovleva, Eurasian’s Sylvia Neely, P. Brennans’ Daniella Kaeji, and musician Dappho Rice.

DCPL Founder Alison Owings flew in from California to attend last night’s event and commemorate her first protest in 1971 to preserve the old Post Office on 12th and Pennsylvania. She’s with PG County Historic Preservation Commission’s Howard Berger.

Meet Our Sponsor: Reston Limousine!

Ladies, grab your handbags! Laura Lee of Laura Lee Designs spoke to 150 women business owners and representatives at this month’s Sterling Women Network Luncheon, explaining how she overcame challenges like the 2004 tsunami and the recession, to create a successful boutique handbag business. The monthly networking luncheon is sponsored by Reston Limousine, whose CEO, Kristina Bouweiri, is here; it's held at the National Conference Center in VA for Loudoun County businesswomen. Laura’s bags have been featured on Desperate Housewives and Gossip Girl, and been worn by Kate Winslet and Helen Mirren. More on Reston Limousine here and Sterling Women here.

Last night, we also went to One Lounge for Just Cause's monthly fundraiser. This month, benefits went to Back on My Feet, which helps the homeless through running. Just Cause founder Sheryl Winarick, Washington Office on Latin America's Adriana Beltran, Lily and Ellie Hamburger, and BOMF’s Autumn Campbell.

Just Cause benefits a different organization each month and 100% of donations plus a portion of bar sales (thanks to One Lounge this month) go directly to the cause. Here, Executives Without Boarders' Jeff Pelletier and Bob Goodwin and attorney Stephanie Baucus.

In the lounge, we found Linette Tobin, Susan Foley, and FERC’s Amina Mirza.

Casie Kiel, Kristina D’Ambrosio, and Caitlin Byrnes contributed to this issue.

Friday April 22 from 6:00 – 9:00 PM, check out Mother Earth Inspirations: Earth Day Eco Fashion Show at Carbon, 2643 Connecticut Ave. NW featuring New York eco designer Auralis, trunk show, hors d'oeuvres, and wine. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit DC Threads, info.

Friday April 22 from 6:45 – 11:00 PM, check out the Earth Day Film Festival at Goethe-Institut, 812 7th St. NW. Featuring films The 4th Revolution and The Nuclear Comeback, reception to follow films - tickets/info.

Friday, April 22 from 6:00-8:00 PM, enjoy Complementary Earth-Friendly Wine Tasting at the Butcher’s Block, 1600 King St., Alexandria, VA. Offers a selection of wines and the opportunity to learn about environmentally-friendly farming. Free to the public, info.

Friday, April 22 from 6:30-9:30 PM, check out the Green Works Party and Earth Day Event at Project 4 Gallery, 1353 U St. NW, 3^rd floor. Enjoy a panel discussion of local green experts and view the Green Works exhibition for the last time. Free to the public. RSVP at info@project4gallery.com.

Friday, April 22 from 7:30-10:30 PM, check out I Dream of Bettie—A Burlesque Tribute to the Queen of Pinups at The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA. Enjoy a collection of tribute acts to Bettie Page. Tickets: $25, http://www.birchmere.com. 

Saturday, April 23 from 3:00-5:00 PM, Yoga for Anxiety, Stress & Insomnia at Tranquil Space Yoga and Spa, 1632 17^th St. NW. Learn how to relax in this yoga workshop. Tickets: $30, info.

Saturday, April 23 from 7:30 - 9:30 PM, Washington Improv Theater Gala: Vive la Révolution! a French fundraiser to support the performance and education programming of Washington Improv Theater at Muleh, 1831 14th Street NW. Tickets: $75/general or $100/VIP, info.

Sunday April 24 at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, celebrate Easter with a Brunch Cruise aboard DC's elegant cruising vessel, the Odyssey.  Enjoy a buffet, complimentary champagne or Mimosa, live entertainment, and dancing.  Boarding begins an hour before departure at 600 Water St. SW. $65-$70; $34.95 per child, info

Monday, April 25 from 7:00-9:00 PM, Third Eye Blind: Blind Tasting Class at Ripple, 3417 Connecticut Ave. NW. Learn how to blind-taste six different wines. Tickets: $30, info.

Monday April 25 from 6:00 – 9:00 PM, join The Heart of America Foundation and AUI for Sweet Charity at the Mandarin Oriental, 1330 Maryland Ave SW. Featuring over sixty award winning chefs and the highly acclaimed Des Alpes Chocolate Fashion Show. Proceeds benefit Books from the Heart – tickets: $110, info.

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