<lst>To have community events listed in The Potomac Almanac, mail to 10220 River Road, Suite 303, Potomac, MD 20854, or e-mail to almanac@connectionnewspapers.com or fax to 703-917-0991. Photos, especially color, are encouraged. Please send notice of events at least two weeks in advance.
<cal1>Wednesday/April 16
<cal2>Potomac Book Club will meet at the Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Drive, Potomac, at 1 p.m. Adults. "Bee Season" by Goldberg. No registration required. Call 240-777-0960.
Spring Break Theatre at Strathmore Hall, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Nego Gato Ensemble offers Afro-Brazilian music and dance. Tickets are $6. Call 301-530-0540.
<cal1>Thursday/April 17
<cal2>Beginning Bird Walk Meet at the Cabin John Regional Park Athletic Area, Ballfield #4 parking lot, for a spring walk through forest, field and marsh, from 8-10 a.m. Adults. Register at 301-299-1990.
Spring Break Theatre at Strathmore Hall, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Lilo Gonzalez & Friends present "Latino Rhythms & Song." Tickets are $6. Call 301-530-0540.
Woman's Club of Potomac will meet at 11:30 a.m. at O'Donnell's Kentlands Restaurant, 311 Kentlands Blvd., Gaithersburg. Speaker will be Peter Murfitt, an expert on antique jewelry, silver and paintings. Call 301-365-0760.
Author Signing Linda Sue Park, author of “A Single Shard” at Barnes & Noble, 4801 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, at 7 p.m. Free. Call 301-986-1851.
<cal1>Saturday/April 19
<cal2>English Language Conversation Club at Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Drive, Potomac, at 3 p.m. Practice English with the help of volunteers leading discussions. Call 240-777-0960.
Nature Walk Stroll the grounds of Woodend Sanctuary, 8940 Jones Mill Road, Chevy Chase, with an Audubon Naturalist Society naturalist, from 10-11 a.m. Free. Meet at the bookshop. Call 301-652-9188.
Rileys Lockhouse Tours Girl Scouts, dressed in period clothing, will lead tours of Rileys Lockhouse and demonstrate tasks as they tell the story of a typical lockkeeper’s family, from 1-4 p.m. Call the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center for more information. Rileys lockhouse is located at the end of Rileys Lock Road (about 9 miles west of Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center), off Route 190 in Seneca, Md. Not Handicapped Accessible. Also on Sunday, April 20. Call 301-767-3714.
Education Theatre Project at Round House Theatre, located on East-West Highway in downtown Bethesda, at 3 and 8 p.m. "Washington Talks" features "extraordinary stories from ordinary Washingtonians," an oral history project. Show also on Monday, April 21, at 7:30 p.m. Call 240-444-1100. Visit www.roundhousetheatre.org.
Interfaith Discussion Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church, 6601 Bradley Blvd., presents "Interfaith Cooperation in a Religiously Diverse United States," at 7:30 p.m. in Covenant Hall. The Christian-Jewish-Muslim dialogue features special guests from the Republic of Kazakhstan. Call 301-365-2850. Visit www.bradleyhillschurch.org.
<cal1>Tuesday/April 22
<cal2>Potomac Seniors will meet at Potomac Community Center, 11315 Falls Road, at 11 a.m., to hear pianist-singer, Dale Jarrett. From 1-2 p.m., the Heyday Players will perform a new show called "conversations," a look at the struggles of senior living. Call 301-983-4471.
High Impact Resumes is a workshop sponsored by the Montgomery County Commission for Women, 401 N. Washington St., Suite 100, Rockville, from 7-8:45 p.m. Cost is $10; out-of-county, $15. Call 240-777-8300.
Green Party Meeting The Montgomery County Green Party will host professor Jamin Rankin of The American University's Washington College of Law who will speak on his new book "Overruling Democracy: The Supreme Court vs. the American People," at 7:30 p.m. at 7711 Garland Ave., Takoma Park. Visit www.mdgreens.org/montgomery or email Kennethingham@comcast.net.
Tea and a Concert at Strathmore Hall, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, at 1 p.m. Karen Ashbrook on hammered dulcimer and flue and Paul Oorts on guitar. Pre-paid reservations are required. Cost is $17. Call 301-530-0540.
<cal1>Wednesday/April 23
<cal2>Free Class on Massage Natural Body Day Spa, 1083 Seven Locks Road, Potomac, at 7 p.m. Learn basic anatomy and how to relieve stress and pain in the back and shoulders. Call to reserve a space at 301-610-5004.
Discovery Hike at Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Democracy Blvd., at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Children ages 3-5 with an adult will learn about "Bringing Back the Bluebirds." At 3:30 p.m., younger siblings in carriers are welcome. Call to register at 301-299-1990.
Tea and Piano at Strathmore Hall, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, at 1 p.m. Pre-paid reservations required. Call 301-530-0540.
Speaker at Landon Jack Valenti, chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and former special assistant to President Lyndon Johnson, will speak at Landon School in Bethesda, 6101 Wilson Lane, at 4 p.m. in the Mondzac Performing Arts Center. Valenti will address issues relating to the motion picture and entertainment industry, including the theft of intellectual property and video piracy. call 301-320-1066 or visit www.landon.net.
<cal1>Thursday/April 24
<cal2>Literary Festival The fourth annual Bethesda Literary Festival runs from April 24-27. Activities at many locations feature readings from authors, a poetry slam and book fair. Diane Rehm is the keynote speaker at the Hyatt Regency Bethesda on April 26, from 1-3 p.m. For complete details, call 301-215-6660 or visit www.bethesda.org.
Preschool Storytime at Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Drive, at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. "Lots o' Fun" is for ages 3-5. No younger siblings. Call to register at 240-777-0960.
Friends of the Library Program at Strathmore Hall, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, at 11 a.m. "The Haunting of L" author Norman Howard will discuss his most recent book and work. Call 301-530-0540.
<cal1>Friday/April 25
<cal2>Music in the Mansion Amy Beth Horman on violin and Brian Ganz on piano, at 8 p.m. at Strathmore Hall, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda. Tickets are $24. Call 301-530-0540.
Potomac Seniors will take a Mini Trip to the Organization of American States in Washington, D.C. Transportation is $3; lunch, to be announced. Call 301-983-4471.
<cal1>Saturday/April 26
<cal2>Small Press Conference and Book Fair at The Writer's Center, 4508 Walsh St., Bethesda. Newshour's Jim Lehrer and wife novelist Kate Lehrer and their three daughters read and participate in a panel discussion at 1:30 p.m. Used books at the fair cost 25 cents per pound. Call 301-654-8664. Visit www.writer.org.
Children's Authors at Bethesda Chevy Chase Services Center, 4805 Edgemoor Lane, Bethesda, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Meet and listen to favorite authors such as Maggie Meachum, Phillis Reynolds Naylor, Audrey Penn, Carla Golembe and Barbara Effron. Visit www.bethesda.org.
Bookmaking Craft Class Children ages 7-12 will write and illustrate their own book from noon-2 p.m. at CREATE Arts Center, 6831 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda. Also on Sunday, April 27, from noon-2 p.m. Pre-registration required at 301-652-2787.
Poetry Slam for middle and high school youth at Bethesda Elementary School, 4600 Arlington Road, Bethesda, from 4-7 p.m. Pre-register at www.bethesda.org.
Bargain Book Sale at Montgomery County Thrift Shop, 7125-27 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 301-654-0063.
Spring Clean Up Day at Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Democracy Blvd., from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Ages 6-adult (under 15 with an adult). Call 301-299-1990.
Preschool Family Program at Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Drive, at 10:30 a.m. "Lots o' Fun" for ages 3-5. Younger siblings invited. Call to register at 240-777-0960.
English Language Conservation Club at Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Drive, at 3 p.m. Practice and improve spoken English. Two hours. Call 240-777-0960.
<cal1>Sunday/April 27
<cal2>Opening Reception for The Potomac Valley Watercolorists Exhibit and Sale at Strathmore Hall, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, from 1-3 p.m. The show runs through May 31. Exhibit hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Wednesday, until 9 p.m.) and Saturday, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Call 301-530-0540. Visit www.potomacvalleywatercolorists.com.
Young Adult Fiction Authors Diane Leatherman and Sallie Lowenstein will discuss writing and their books at Caribou Coffee, 7629 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, from 1-3 p.m. Visit www.bethesda.org. Call 301-215-6660.
Children's Book Authors at Barnes and Noble, 4801 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, from 3-5 p.m. Susan Stockdale and Rosalyn Schanzer. Visit www.bethesda.org. Call 301-215-6660.
Family Day at RAP Rockville Arts Place, 100 E. Middle Lane, Rockville, presents a fabric collage workshop and performance by the Heart of Maryland Chorus (2 p.m.), from 1-4 p.m. RSVP by April 23 for workshop (either at 1 or 3 p.m.) which costs $5 per person. Call 301-309-6900.
Photo Exhibit Fraser Gallery, 7700 Wisconsin Ave., Suite E, in Bethesda will host a photography display, lecture and book signing with Joyce Tenneson. "Flower Portraits: Lifecycle of Beauty," is the topic, at 1:30 p.m. Free. Light refreshments. Call 301-718-9651.
Navy Band Chamber Group Montgomery College Performing Arts Center, 51 Mannakee St., Rockville, at 3 p.m. Free. Call 202-433-2525. Visit www.navyband.navy.mil.
Holocaust Memorial Day Observance "Sephardim in the Holocaust: The Balkan Experience" will be presented at Magen David Sephardic Congregation, 11215 Woodglen Drive, Rockville, at 1 p.m. Cost is $10 in advance; $15 at the door. Reservations requested. Make checks payable to Magen David Sephardic Congregation. Call 301-770-6818 or e-mail magendavid@erols.com.
Separated and Divorced Catholics (SDC) of the Archdiocese of Washington will meet at 7:30 p.m. at Saint Elizabeth's Church. Mary Cadden will speak on "Life Goes On: Flying Solo & Having a Good Life." Call Judy at 301-767-6946.
<cal1>ONGOING
<cal2>Potomac Seniors gather at Potomac Community Center, 11315 Falls Road, during the week for a variety of activities between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The program includes Tai Chi, entertainment, health screenings and education, chair exercises, crafts, speakers, counseling, theme parties, monthly mini-trips and intergenerational activities. Visit http://www.co.mo.md.us/rec/Seniors/ptmsr.htm, or call 301-983-4471.
American Antique Arts Association meets the third Monday of the month at Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Drive, at 1 p.m., September-June. Meetings include speakers, demonstrations and information. New members are welcome. Call Mary Lennon at 301-299-5030.
Conversation Club at Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Drive. Group practice in spoken English on timely and interesting topics taken from the news or daily life. Volunteer discussion leaders needed. Call Nancy Benner at 240-777-0690.
"Next Step" is sponsored by The Jewish Social Service Agency, a free support and activities group for widowed men and women 50-65 who are beyond initial bereavement. The nonsectarian group meets the first and third Thursday of every month from 7-8:30 p.m. in the board room of the Hebrew Home Wasserman Building, 6121 Montrose Road in Rockville. Call Mary Hull Levyne at 301-816-2680.
Counseling and Career Center The Montgomery County Commission for Women provides counseling services in four areas: personal, couples, career and displaced homemakers. Sessions are 50 minutes and the is a $30 fee. Call 240-777-8300.
Birders The Montgomery County Chapter of the Maryland Ornithological Society sponsors bird field trips and holds monthly meetings on the third Wednesday of each month at Potomac Presbyterian Church, 10301 River Road, from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Visit http://www.mdkinc.com/mccbird/index.html.
Gems and Minerals The Gem, Lapidary and Mineral Society of Montgomery County meets at the Rockville Senior Center, 1150 Carnation Drive, at 7:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month (except July and August). Visitors welcome. Free. Call 301-299-8213.
30+ Happy Hour hosted by the Young Professionals group from the Jewish Community Center for ages 30 and above at different clubs in Bethesda. First Tuesday of every month, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Meet new people and see old friends. Call 301-881-0100.
Tea Time Afternoon tea at Normandie Farms, 10710 Falls Road in Potomac, the first and third Wednesdays of every month, from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Cost is $18 per person. Call 301-983-8838.
The Scottish Country Dance Society Of Washington invites beginners and experienced dancers to join the dance group. Instruction and social dances are offered throughout the year. Meetings are Mondays at 8 p.m in the NIH Fitness Center, Building 39 in Bethesda. Cost is $3 per session. Call Betty Lee Barnes at 202-966-3595 or Belinda Acre at 703-528-5628.
Mule-Drawn Canal Boat Rides Public rides are offered Wednesday-Friday at 3 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m., 1:30 and 3 p.m. There is a $5 vehicle entrance fee to the park area. Tickets for the boat ride cost $8 for adults (ages 15-61), $6 for seniors (62+), and $5 for children (ages 4-14). Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, 11710 MacArthur Blvd. Not Handicapped Accessible. Call 301-767-3714.
Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, 11710 MacArthur Blvd. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., daily. Entrance fees to the park are $4 per car or $2 for hikers and bicyclists. Call 301-767-3714.
The Potomac Area Newcomers Club welcomes new residents to the community, with monthly meetings. Call for locations and reservations at 301-365-7572. For membership, call Sue Bigler at 301-610-5056. Visit www.geocities.com/potomacnc/.
MOMS Club of Potomac offers activities for stay-at-home moms and their children. New calendar and newsletter given out the third Monday of the month. Meets at 10:30 a.m. at the Potomac Community Center, 11315 Falls Road. Call 301-983-5225.
Daily Tours of Clara Barton National Historic Site, 5801 Oxford Road, Glen Echo, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tours begin on the hour. "A Lifetime of Service" photographic exhibit, through June. Free. Call 301-492-6245.
Mystery Night for children at Barnes and Noble, 4801 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, at 7 p.m. for ages 7-11. A weekly series on Thursdays for children who love mystery books and solving mysteries. Weekly clues provided. Free. Call 301-986-1761.
Dancing and Music In the Bumper Car Pavilion, Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. Admission and times vary. Call 301-492-6229, or visit www.nps.gov/glec/ge-tweek.html.
Storytime for children at Barnes and Noble, 4801 Bethesda Ave., Sundays at 3 p.m., Tuesdays at 11 a.m. and Fridays at 11 a.m. Free. Call 301-986-1761.
Afternoon Tea is served at Strathmore Hall, 10701 Rockville Pike, every Tuesday and Wednesday at 1 p.m. Prepaid reservations required. Call 301-530-0540, or visit www.strathmore.org.
Swing Classes are sponsored by the Montgomery County Department of Recreation. Swing and Lindy classes for all levels, including "Two Left Feet," beginner and novice, and advanced. Call 301-946-3473 for times.
Ice Skating at the Cabin John Ice Rink, 10610 Westlake Drive, is open all week, with early-bird specials on Tuesday and Friday, 7:30-9 a.m., and pickup hockey from 10:15-11:45 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Call 301-365-2246.
<cal1>Local Theatre
<cal2>"Goldilocks!" The Puppet Co. Playhouse presents a musical with Goldilocks on trial in the Spanish Ballroom of Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., through May 25. Show times are Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 10 and 11:30 a.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tickets are $6 for adults and children. Group discounts available. Recommended for Pre-K-grade 6. Call for reservations at 301-320-6668.
Round House Theatre presents "Speaking in Tongues" through April 27. The Australian drama features Jane Beard, Marty Lodge, Andrew Long and Elizabeth Long in a tale about adultery and murder. Tickets are $27-$36, with discounts available. Call 240-644-1100. Visit www.roundhousetheatre.org.
BAPA's Imagination Stage "Rapunzel" at White Flint theatre in North Bethesda, 11301 Rockville Pike, next to Bloomingdale's. Saturdays at 3 p.m.; Sundays at 12:30 and 3 p.m. Show runs through June 1, with special spring break performances, April 15-18 and 21, at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets are $7.50 or $6.50 for groups of 10 or more. Call 301-881-5106. Visit www.imaginationstage.org.
<cal1>Local Art
<cal2>Fraser Gallery presents Andrew Wodzianski through May 7. This is the solo debut of the young Maryland painter, a recent graduate of Maryland Institute College of Art. Opening reception Friday, from 6-10 p.m. Call 301-718-9651.
Rockville Arts Place offers a new show, "Expressions...Color, Form, Media," at its gallery, 100 E. Middle Lane, Rockville. Both two- and three-dimensional works featuring whimsical and abstract designs introduce a variety of themes and expressions. The show runs through May 3. Call 301-309-6900. Visit www.rockvilleartsplace.org.
Glenview Mansion Art Gallery, 603 Edmonston Drive, Rockville, will present the work of Susanne McDougall Carmack (mixed media paintings) and Michelle Rogers (photography, triptychs), through April 29. Call 240-314-8682.
Arts at Westmoreland. An exhibit of African art and crafts at One Westmoreland Circle, Bethesda. Show runs through April and may be viewed Monday-Friday, from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Call 301-229-7768.
Creative Partners Gallery "Color and Spirit of the Andes" at 4600 East West Highway, Bethesda, through May 3. Bolivian-born Roberto Mamani gets his inspiration from the "everyday life of his people." Gallery hours: Tuesday-Friday, noon-6 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 301-951-9441.
Strathmore The Baltimore Watercolor Society will be on exhibit at Strathmore Hall, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, through May 24. The juried show features artists from around the region. Call 301-530-0540. Visit www.strathmore.org.
The Glass Gallery offers "One Hundred eighty Degrees: Artists Changing Direction," through May 17. Tony Caretta, Jamie Harris, Brent Marshall, Steven Tobin and others. The gallery is located at 4720 Hampden Lane, Bethesda. Hours are Wednesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 301-657-3478.