The Silver Spring Penguin

A recent Washington Post article posed this question: Is Barack Obama just the US president or another District resident? Unlike his predecessor, Obama and his family have made it a point to eat out on the town like locals, whether that’s scoring burgers and peanuts at Five Guys or half smokes at Ben’s Chili Bowl.

But another Post article asked this: When will the First Family hit Maryland? They’ve gone to northern Virginia for frozen custards and frou-frou Georgetown for date night. But when will the Commander in Chief conquer Silver Spring’s tater tots and doro wat?

Sure, the Sprung ain’t haute cuisine, but we’ve got some decent eats. Therefore, as Penguin editor, I challenge the Obamas to chow down in Silver Spring. Come on, what have they got to lose? Hey, even Bo’s invited.

Until Barry, Michelle, Malia and Sasha hit me with an RSVP, I’ll chew on this week’s events:

Monday

9:30 a.m. The county council’s transportation committee receives an update on construction of the Metropolitan Branch Trail, which eventually will allow pedestrians and cyclists to travel from downtown Silver Spring to The District’s Union Station. This free event takes place at the council’s office building (100 Maryland Ave, Rockville), seventh floor, and is open to the public.

7:00 p.m. Silver Spring’s neighborhoods committee holds its monthly meeting at the Silver Spring Regional Center (8435 Georgia Ave). This event is free and open to the public.

Tuesday

2:00 p.m. The county council’s planning and human services committees discuss a change to Silver Spring’s urban renewal plan that will permit construction of a pedestrian bridge between the Wayne Avenue garage and downtown’s planned new library. This free event takes place at the council’s office building (100 Maryland Ave, Rockville), third floor, and is open to the public.

Wednesday

7:30 p.m. Silver Spring’s transportation and pedestrian safety committee holds its monthly meeting at the Silver Spring Regional Center (8435 Georgia Ave). This event is free and open to the public.

9:00 p.m. The Pyramid Atlantic Art Center (8230 Georgia Ave) hosts a free outdoor screening of the action film “Transformers” (2007)  starring Shia LaBeouf. Guests are invited to bring blankets, lawn chairs and food.

Thursday

Check the Penguin’s Google Voice account to see if the White House called.