To have an item listed mail to 10220 River Road, Suite 303, Potomac, MD 20854, e-mail to almanac@connectionnewspapers.com, or fax to 703-917-0991. Deadline is Thursday at noon for the following week’s paper. Photos and artwork encouraged. Unless otherwise noted, all events are in Potomac. If you have any questions, call Rebecca Halik at 703-917-6476.
Auditions for children and teens for Washington Revels’ "2006 Christmas Revels," which has eight performances December 8-17. Children entering grades 3-5 and teens entering grades 9-12 are eligible to audition for this large, diverse cast. Children audition Friday, Sept. 8, 5-7 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 9, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Teens auditions are Sunday, Sept. 10, 5-7 p.m. Must call for appointment and directions 202-723-7528. Learn more at www.revelsdc.org. Auditions located in Chevy Chase.
Area non-profit organizations, charities, and residents are invited to nominate a local child up to 12 years of age for the second-annual Heroes in Training Award, part of the Heroes in Training event presented by PBS KIDS and Muggsy’s Meadow Kids Club at Lakeforest Mall on Sept. 16. The award recognizes three children for outstanding community service work. A local panel will select three finalists for the award with the winner announced during the Heroes in Training Award Ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 16. The honoree will receive a $250 donation toward his or her charity of choice and a $250 Lakeforest shopping spree. The other finalists will receive a $100 Lakeforest shopping spree. Heros in Training Nomination Forms are available online at ShopLakeforest.com, as well as at the Lakeforest Customer Service desk located at Center Court, lower level, or by calling the Lakeforest Management office at 301-670-0599 x17. Nominations are due by Sept. 5.
A report outlining the achievement on the ACT assessment of college readiness by the class of 2006 in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) shows these students performing consistently above Maryland averages in all sections of the test. The ACT is taken by some students applying to college as an alternative to the SAT. The average composite score for MCPS students was 23.1, compared to a state average of 21.4. Scores for MCPS students in the four subsections of the test were all more than a point higher than the Maryland averages. In the MCPS Class of 2006, 1,485 out of approximately 10,000 graduates took the ACT. Of this group, 79 percent were deemed ready for college English composition, compared to 71 percent statewide; 62 percent for college algebra, compared to 47 percent statewide; 65 percent for college social science, compared to 56 percent statewide; and 41 percent for college biology, compared to 29 percent statewide. More information is available at www.act.org
Young people who would like to make a difference in the lives of a homeless child are invited to join the County’s Youth Advisory Committee’s “Big Buddy, Little Buddy” program. Mentors must attend Montgomery County public or private high schools, provide their own transportation and commit to three hours a week for six months. Two sessions are planned — October through March and January through June — and are at the Greentree Shelter in Bethesda. Mentors will assist their “buddies” with homework and arts and crafts projects, plus play games and participate in sports activities with them. Group activities are planned once a month off the premises. Students will qualify for student service learning credits. Applications must be received by Sept. 22. The mentoring program is sponsored by the Montgomery County Youth Advisory Committee, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Recreation. For more information or to request an application, call David Branick at 240-777-6985.
The Montgomery College Symphony Orchestra will hold auditions on Monday, Aug. 28, starting at 4 p.m., and Monday, Sept. 11, starting at 7 p.m. Community members and students, including high school students looking for college-level playing experience, are invited to audition. Auditions will take place in the Music Recital Hall, located in the Music Building at the Rockville Campus, 51 Mannakee St., Rockville. All musicians, both new and returning, must audition each semester. The orchestra has openings for musicians who play violin, viola, cello, or bass; flute, oboe, clarinet, or bassoon; french horn, trumpet, trombone, or tuba; and timpani, percussion, or harp. Each participant will be asked to perform a solo musical selection of his/her choice (without an accompanist), play scales, and then sight-read another selection chosen by the conductor. The orchestra meets Monday nights at 7 p.m. on the Rockville Campus. Participants desiring college credit must enroll in MU171 College Orchestra. Montgomery County Public Schools students can earn student service learning (SSL) hours for appropriate volunteer activities associated with their participation in the Orchestra. To schedule an audition time or for more information, contact the Montgomery College Music Department at 301-279-5209.
There is still time to register for Montgomery College's fall semester with a special Saturday registration session to be on August 25. Students are encouraged to register as soon as possible, for the best choice of classes. Both online and on-site registration services are available. In addition to its normal weekday operating hours, Montgomery College will be open for a special Saturday registration session on August 26, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. During these hours, the Advising, Assessment, Cashier, Financial Aid, Admissions and Records Offices on all three campuses will be open. The Rockville Campus Admissions and Records Office is located in the Student Services Building, 51 Mannakee St. For general information about Montgomery College and to learn how to register for classes, visit www.montgomerycollege.edu or call 301-279-5000.
The American Red Cross Greater Chesapeake and Potomac Blood Services Region is seeking youth to work as Volunteer Ambassadors at blood operations this summer. Teens 14 years or older can earn Service Learning credits and develop job skills by assisting the blood collections staff. The volunteers will welcome donors in the reception area, and help care for them in the refreshment area after the donation process. Specific responsibilities include greeting donors and providing them with essential reading materials, serving refreshments, and offering an hospitable atmosphere to donors. Training is provided. A commitment of 30 hours over the summer is required. Blood operations last 4–6 hours, and are held daily throughout the Potomac area. Training is held in late May and throughout June. To register for training, please call the American Red Cross Volunteer Office at 1-800-272-0094, Ext. 1, or e-mail karlofft@usa.redcross.org.
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Head Start and Prekindergarten programs are recruiting income-eligible children who will be 4 years old by September 1, 2006. There also are a limited number of openings for Head Start-eligible children who will be 3 years old by September 1, 2006. These classes will begin in fall 2006. MCPS Prekindergarten and Head Start programs provide comprehensive family programs including preschool education, health and social services, and parent involvement for low-income families, including children with disabilities. Contact the Montgomery County Public Schools Head Start Unit at 301-230-0676 or visit the MCPS Web site at http://www.mcps.k12.md.us/departments/earlychi/index.shtm
Andrew Moynihan, eighth grade, son of Mr. And Mrs. David C. Moynihan of Potomac, received honors for the second trimester at Saint James School.
The Churchill Junior Engineering Technical Society (JETS) varsity team, placed third in their division for the state of Maryland at the annual competition held at George Washington University. Team captain Kevin Lee, and members Michael Krug, Vikram Kulkarni, Atul Luykx, Jeremy Ong, Michelle Sim, Seong Sim, and Shusaku Uesugi answered college-level engineering related questions, earning a school trophy for sponsor/science teacher, Paul Kang, for display at Churchill.