<lst>To have community events listed free in The Potomac Almanac, send mail to 10220 River Road, Suite 303, Potomac, MD 27854, 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 Matthew Razak at 703-917-6457.
<cal1>Wednesday/Jan. 3
<cal2>Furry Fun. Locust Grove Nature Center, 7801 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda, will look at animals' waterproof coats, warm coats, barely-there coats, and more, 10-11 a.m. Ages 3-6. Cost Is $5. To register go to www.parkpass.org or call 301-299-1990.
Conversation Club. This English language conversation club is conducted by an ESOL teacher and will run from 2-4 p.m. in the Bethesda Library, 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda, meeting room. It is designed for non-native speakers of English at every skill level. This is a drop-in program, pre-registration is not required. Call 240-777-0970.
Masterclass. Norwegian violinist Henning Kraggerud leads a master class with advanced Levine students in the Education Center, Room 309, at the Mansion at Strathmore, 5:30 p.m. Kraggerud, a recipient of Norway's prestigious Grieg prize, has established himself as one of Scandinavia's most outstanding international soloists. Free. Call 202-686-8000, ext. 1599.
Babies in the Library. Join the Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Drive, Potomac, for a storytime program designed for pre-walkers (birth to 12 months), 10:30 a.m. Infants and adults will perform lap bounces, clapping rhymes, lullabies and other pre-literacy activities with a librarian. Come prepared to sing and play. Registration required. Call 240-777-0690 [TTY 301-765-4083].
Shoe Therapy. Transform shoes into art sculptures. Little City Art Studio, 4808 Auburn Ave., 7:30-9:30 p.m. Cost is $125 (includes materials). Ages 18 and up. RSVP to 301-718-9644.
<cal1>Thursday/Jan. 4
<cal2>Friday Morning Music Club. Join The Mansion at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, for music 11 a.m. Tickets will be distributed at 10:30 a.m. at the Mansion Door. Call 301-581-5200.
BSO at Strathmore True Romance. Renowned conductor Roberto Abbado is joined by Norwegian violinist Henning Kraggerud, an audience favorite from last season. He will perform one of the most beautiful and technically demanding concertos in the violin repertory, Brahms’ Violin Concerto, complete with its exhilarating finale, followed by Mussorgsky’s famed Pictures at an Exhibition at the Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. Tickets $43-$80. Call 301-581-5100.
Artist Reception. “Digital Divide” will be exhibited at the Dennis and Phillip Ratner Museum, 10001 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda. Works range from enhanced digital images to works created completely by cyber space. Reception runs from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Call 301-897-1518.
Shoe Therapy. Transform shoes into art sculptures. Little City Art Studio, 4808 Auburn Ave., 7:30-9:30 p.m. Cost is $125 (includes materials). Ages 18 and up. RSVP to 301-718-9644.
<cal1>Friday/Jan. 5
<cal2>Contra Dance. The Friday Night Dancers presents traditional American dancing including contra dances, square dances, and several waltzes. Contra dance lesson from 7:30-8:15 p.m. Dance from 8:30-11:30 p.m. to the Glen Echo Open Band, $8, in the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park. Contact info@fridaynightdance.org, or visit www.fridaynightdance.org.
Warm Spirits Excursion. Join Locust Grove Nature Center, 7801 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda, as they hike one of the shorter circuit trails (2.5 miles, rugged terrain) on Sugarloaf Mountain. En route learn about the cultural and natural history of the mountain and savor its scenic panoramas. A stop on the way home at Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard will include a tasting of their Bordeaux-style wines. Then to the Comus Inn will serve lunch (average price range $6-$20, dress is casual, but neat). Transportation provided from Locust Grove. Reservations must be made by Dec. 29. Ages 18 and up. Cost is $22. Event will run 9 a.m. - 1:45 p.m. To register go to www.parkpass.org or call 301-299-1990.
<cal1>Saturday/Jan. 6
<cal2>Theater. "Junie B. Jones & A Little Monkey Business," at Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, 12:30, 3:30 and 7 p.m. Tickets $10-$20. Visit www.ImaginationStage.org or call 301-280-1660.
Carousel Tours. 12 p.m. at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo. Admission is free and the tour is also offered by appointment at 301-492-6229. Visit www.nps.gov/glec.
Park Tours. Walking tours of Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo begin at 2 p.m. A 60-minute film documentary is shown at 4 p.m. Admission is free and the tour is also offered by appointment at 301-492-6229. Visit www.nps.gov/glec.
English Language Conversation Club. Join in practicing and improving your spoken English with the help of volunteers leading discussions at the the Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Drive, Potomac, 3 p.m. 2 hours.
Swing Dance. The Washington Swing Dance Committee presents a swing dance with live music. Beginner swing dance lesson 8-9 p.m., dance 9 p.m. to midnight, in the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park. Dress is casual and no partner or dance experience is necessary. All ages are welcome. Cost TBD or volunteer for one hour and get in free. Email Derek at wsdcvolunteer@hotmail.com or call 301.340.9732 or visit www.wsdc.org.
Penguin Palace. March to the steps of the penguins and follow the line to Locust Grove Nature Center, 7801 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Stop to create a penguin palace and to learn a bit about these waddling wonders. Ages 6-12. Cost is $9. To register go to www.parkpass.org or call 301-299-1990.
<cal1>Sunday/Jan. 7
<cal2>Winter Pastimes Afternoon Workshop. Make an old-fashioned toy and enjoy other amusements from the past. This workshop is being held in conjunction with the Childhood exhibit on display in the Beall-Dawson House, 12:30-3:30 p.m.
Call 301-340-2825 or visit www.montgomeryhistory.org.
Theater. "Junie B. Jones & A Little Monkey Business," at Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. Tickets $10-$20. Visit www.ImaginationStage.org or call 301-280-1660.
Carousel Tours. 12 p.m. at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo. Admission is free and the tour is also offered by appointment at 301-492-6229. Visit www.nps.gov/glec.
Park Tours. Walking tours of Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo begin at 2 p.m. A 60-minute film documentary is shown at 4 p.m. Admission is free and the tour is also offered by appointment at 301-492-6229. Visit www.nps.gov/glec.
Waltz Dance. Waltz Time presents a beginning Waltz lesson from 3-3:30 p.m., followed by an afternoon of waltzes with Rhapsody Dance Band. The dancing runs from 3:30-6 p.m., and admission for the whole afternoon is $8, in the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park, no partner required. Visit www.waltztimedances.org.
Contra and Square Dance. The Folklore Society of Greater Washington presents traditional American dancing with a focus on New England style contra dances, and including square dances, country mixers, waltzes and other couple dances. The newcomers' welcome lesson, 7 p.m., followed by called dances from 7:30-10:30 p.m. $10 nonmembers/$8 FSGW members, in the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park.. Call 202-518-1299 or visit www.fsgw.org.
Winter Pastimes Afternoon. The Montgomery County Historical Society presents the annual Winter Pastimes Afternoon. Make a silhouette, paper toys and engage in activities from the past at an afternoon of crafts and games, 12:30-3:30 p.m. at the Beall-Dawson House, 103 West Montgomery Ave., Rockville. Cost is included with museum admission ($3 adults/$2 seniors & students/Free for members of MCHS). Call 301-762-1492 or visit www.montgomeryhistory.org.
Restorative Yoga Workshop. Lie over blankets to open body and relax mind at Tranquil Space Bethesda, 7475 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 8., 3-5 p.m. Ages 18 and up. Cost is $35. Call 301-654-9642.
<cal1>Tuesday/Jan. 9
<cal2>Children's Theater. Adventure Theatre and the Clara Barton House present "Clara Barton: The Courage Within." Clara's life is portrayed on stage at Adventure Theatre at Glen Echo Park, followed by a National Park Service tour of her historic home. Performances at 11 a.m. Cost is $8 for children and adults, grade three through six. Call 301-320-5331 or visit www.adventuretheatre.org.
Bethesda Reads. The book group at Bethesda Library, 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda, will discuss the “Space Between Us” by Thrity Umrigar in the study room. Call 240-777-0970.
Afternoon Tea. Enjoy a cup of tea at the Mansion at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Behtesda, 1 p.m. A light lunch is served witht he special Strathmore Blen Tea and the sounds of local musicians. Tea is $18. Call 301-581-5108 or visit www.strathmore.org.
<cal1>Wednesday/Jan. 10
<cal2>Storytime: The Lorax. Join Locust Grove Nature Center, 7801 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda, for a reading of this classic environmental story from Dr. Seuss, followed by a hike and simple craft, 11 a.m. to noon. Ages 2-5. Cost is $4. To register go to www.parkpass.org or call 301-299-1990.
Focus Music. Peter Mayer will perform at O'Briens BBQ, 387 East Gude Drive, Rockville, 8 p.m. Call 301-275-7459.
Afternoon Tea. Enjoy a cup of tea at the Mansion at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Behtesda, 1 p.m. A light lunch is served witht he special Strathmore Blen Tea and the sounds of local musicians. Tea is $18. Call 301-581-5108 or visit www.strathmore.org.
A Capella Music. Almost Recess, a capella band from the DC area will perform at the Mansion at Strathmore, 7:30 p.m. This performance features the world premiere of a new piece commissioned by Strathmore. Cost is $10. Visit www.strathmore.org or call 301-581-5108.
Shoe Therapy. Transform shoes into art sculptures. Little City Art Studio, 4808 Auburn Ave., 7:30-9:30 p.m. Cost is $125 (includes materials). Ages 18 and up. RSVP to 301-718-9644.
Conversation Club. This English language conversation club is conducted by an ESOL teacher and will run from 2-4 p.m. in the Bethesda Library, 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda, meeting room. It is designed for non-native speakers of English at every skill level. This is a drop-in program, pre-registration is not required. Call 240-777-0970.
<cal1>Thursday/Jan. 11
<cal2>Winter White. What else is white besides snow and ice? Explore the colors and shades of winter in Locust Grove's, 7777 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda, indoor discovery class and short outdoor hike, 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Ages: 1-2. Cost: $4. To register go to www.parkpass.org or call at 301-299-1990.
Shoe Therapy. Transform shoes into art sculptures. Little City Art Studio, 4808 Auburn Ave., 7:30-9:30 p.m. Cost is $125 (includes materials). Ages 18 and up. RSVP to 301-718-9644.
<cal1>Friday/Jan. 12
<cal2>Art Reception. Creative Partners Gallery, 4600 East West Highway, Bethesda, is one of the host galleries for Artomatic and will be featuring the work of performing and visual artists participating in Artomatic 2006, Jan. 9 - Feb. 3. Opening reception 6-9 p.m. Gallery hours are Tuesday - Saturday 12-6 p.m. Visit www.artomatic.org. Call 301-951-9441.
Contra Dance. The Friday Night Dancers presents traditional American dancing including contra dances, square dances, and several waltzes. Contra dance lesson from 7:30-8:15 p.m. Dance from 8:30-11:30 p.m. to the Glen Echo Open Band, $8, in the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park. Contact info@fridaynightdance.org, or visit www.fridaynightdance.org.
Artists Reception. Creative Partners Gallery, 4600 East-West Highway, Bethesda is one of the host galleries for Artomatic and will be featuring the work of performing and visual artists participating in Artomatic. Gallery Hours are Tuesday - Saturday 12-6 p.m. Exhibit runs through Feb. 3 with performing arts on Saturdays. Opening reception runs 6-9 p.m. Call 301-951-9441. See www.artomatic.org for further information on artists and show details.
<cal1>Saturday/Jan. 13
<cal2>Theater. "Junie B. Jones & A Little Monkey Business," at Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, 12:30, 3:30 and 7 p.m. Tickets $10-$20. Visit www.ImaginationStage.org or call 301-280-1660.
Carousel Tours. 12 p.m. at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo. Admission is free and the tour is also offered by appointment at 301-492-6229. Visit www.nps.gov/glec.
Park Tours. Walking tours of Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo begin at 2 p.m. A 60-minute film documentary is shown at 4 p.m. Admission is free and the tour is also offered by appointment at 301-492-6229. Visit www.nps.gov/glec.
Puppet Theater. Puppet Co. presents "Peter and the Wolf," at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. Half life-sized marionettes tell this popular tale of good versus evil based on Prokovief's children's classic. An introduction to the instruments in the orchestra, and to the musical themes in the work precede, 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Recommended for pre-K through grade 6. Cost is $8. Call 301-320-6668 or visit www.thepuppetco.org.
Swing Dance. Flying Feet Enterprises presents a Swing dance featuring the best live music in the DC area! Beginning Swing lesson from 8-9 p.m. with Marc Shepanek and Ellen Engle is followed by dancing from 9 p.m. to midnight in the Spanish Ballroom, at Glen Echo Park. Call 301-299-8728 or 202-244-2787 or visit www.flyingfeet.org.
Birds And Morning Tea. The feeders outside Locust Grove's, 7777 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda, window are as popular as Dunkin Donuts on a Sunday morning, but the clientele is avian and more finely feathered. Observe and identify birds in comfort while sipping fine teas or hot cocoa and munching on refined delicacies, 9-10 a.m. Ages 12 and up. Cost $9. To register go to www.parkpass.org or call 301-299-1990.
Craftsmens Guild. Dancing and Magic: The Art of Design, with Elaine Robnett Moore. Elaine Robnett Moore, president of the Washington Bead Society, believes that any piece of art must possess rhythm and a dash of magic. Join her as she expands the boundaries of design elements and techniques, learn the techniques she employs that enable unexpected elements to lead the design dance, develop your unique design rhythm, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Sponsored by Potomac Craftsmen Guild. Located at Metropolitan Center for the Visual Arts (VisArts), 9300 Gaither Road, Gaithersburg. Free. Visit www.potomaccraftsmenguild.org.
Classical Music. Fourteen-year-old cellist Alan Toda-Ambaras from North Carolina and twenty-one-year-old violinist Daniel Austrich will perform classical selections at the Mansion at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, 7:30 p.m. Visit www.strathmore.org or call 301-581-5108.
Classical Saturdays. "Music Springs Eternal" by the BSO at the Music Center at Strathmore, 8 p.m. The BSO’s new Music Director Marin Alsop leads this very special performance in celebration of the Peabody Institute’s 150th anniversary featuring Strauss’ colossal Alpine Symphony, and a hallmark of the Alsop repertoire, Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, in an expanded festival orchestra with the BSO and members of the Peabody Symphony Orchestra. Tickets are $43-$80. Visit www.strathmore.org or call 301-581-5108.
Book Sale. Sponsored by the Friends of the Potomac Library. Most hardbacks $1 and paperbacks $.50. 4 hours, from 11:24 a.m. at Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Drive, Potomac. Call 240-777-0690.
English Language Conversation Club. Join in practicing and improving your spoken English with the help of volunteers leading discussions at the the Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Drive, Potomac, 3 p.m. 2 hours.