<lst>To have community events listed free in The Potomac Almanac, send mail to 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, Va. 22102, 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/Sept. 5
<cal2>English Language Conversation Club. Join in practicing and improving your spoken English with the help of volunteers leading discussions at the Potomac Library, 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda, 2 p.m. Call 240-777-0970.
French Book Club. Join Madeleine Hage for a discussion of books written in French and discussed in French at the Bethesda Library, 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda. This month the group is reading "Les Echelles du Levant" by Amin Maalouf. Free and open to the public. Call 703-777-0970.
Baby and Toddler Time. A developmentally appropriate program of songs,rhymes,fingerplays and stories for children who are not yet walking at Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Drive, 10:30 a.m. Register by calling 240-777-0690.
Don’t Bug Me. Insects are awesome; insects are great. Join a resident bug fan to learn about these miniature marvels at Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda, 10-11 a.m. Ages 3-6. Cost $5. Call 301-299-1990.
<cal1>Thursday/Sept. 6
<cal2>Opera Night Live. Entertainment and four course Italian meal at Trattoria Sorrento, 4930 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, 7-9 p.m. Cost is $48. Call 301-718-0344.
First Thurday. Specials and discounts from Bethesda Row stores and restaurants. Located where Bethesda Ave., Woodmont Ave & Elm St. meet. All day. Free. Call 301-998-8395.
<cal1>Friday/Sept. 7
<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.
World Travelers. Paint and decorate a wooden box to hold your worldly treasures at the Cabin John Mall Atrium, 11325 Seven Locks Road, Potomac, 9:30 a.m. Enjoy songs, games and story time with Perfect Parties by Terrye.
Chevy Chase Antiques Show. The 47th Annual Chevy Chase Antiques Show will be held at the Woman’s Club of Chevy Chase, 7931 Connecticut Avenue, Chevy Chase. Show hours are 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Proceeds from the Antiques Show support local community service organizations. Special events will occur throughout the day. Admission at the door is $15, $12 for Club members. Lunch/refreshments will be served during Show hours. Call 301-652-8480.
Cabin John Trail Walk. Rich in history and surprising vistas, the Cabin John Stream Valley merits a closer look. Hike its adjacent trail down to MacArthur Blvd. pausing frequently to enjoy the stream valley's sights and stories. Expect a 2 - 3 mile walk on natural surface trails with some steep inclines and muddy conditions. Meet at Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 18 years and up. Free. Call 301-299-1990.
Fall Arts Open House. Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda will hold a free open house for children and their families to sample drama, dance, film and musical theatre classes and to participate in activities, 6-8 p.m. For grades 6-12. Call 301-961-6060 or www.ImaginationStage.org.
<cal1>Saturday/Sept. 8
<cal2>Bethesda Farmers Market. Fresh fruits, vegetables, breads & more. Veterans Park, corner of Norfolk and Woodmont Aves, 10 a.m. -2:30 p.m. Free. Call 301-215-6660.
Chevy Chase Antiques Show. The 47th Annual Chevy Chase Antiques Show will be held at the Woman’s Club of Chevy Chase, 7931 Connecticut Avenue, Chevy Chase. Show hours are 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Proceeds from the Antiques Show support local community service organizations. Special events will occur throughout the day. Admission at the door is $15, $12 for Club members. Lunch/refreshments will be served during Show hours. Call 301-652-8480.
Swing Dance. Join Gottaswing.com for another great swing dance with live music and special guest Frankie Manning. Beginner swing lesson with Tom and Debra from 8–9 p.m., dance 9 p.m. - midnight. In the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park. Admission: $15. Visit Gottaswing.com for more information.
Crab and Chicken Feast. Cabin John’s 38th Annual Crab and Chicken Feast will run from 2-6 p.m. at the Clara Barton
Community Center, 7425 MacArthur Blvd., Cabin John. Features include delicious food and refreshments, children’s bike parade to the feast; live music, children’s entertainment, and Cabin John memorabilia and t-shirts for sale. Tickets are available for $11 at the door, and $10 if bought in advance. For info or to volunteer, call 301-221-7827 or email cjcrabfeast@aol.com. For advance tickets, call 301-320-2685.
Doggy Dip Day. As another summer concludes, the Rockville Municipal Swim Center, 355 Martins Lane, Rockville, hosts its fifth annual Doggie Dip Day from 12 noon to 4 p.m. The cost of Doggie Dip Day is $5 per dog. Owners and guests may enter for free, unless they intend to swim in the indoor pool or use other Swim Center facilities. Proceeds for this event go to the Humane Society. Contact Beth Jimenez, Aquatics Supervisor, at 240-314-8754.
Artist Market. The Bethesda Artist Market will return on from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The event will feature artwork and craft for sale by local and regional artists including painting, photography, jewelry, ceramics, wood, glass and bronze. The Bethesda Artist Market is free to the public and will be held in the Bethesda Place Plaza, located at the corner of Old Georgetown Road and Woodmont Avenue. Visit www.bethesda.org or call 301-215-6660.
Jewish Poetry. Poetic Atonement: An Evening of Jewish Poetry with Chamber Music, will be presented at 9:15 p.m. at Beth Sholom Congregation & Talmud Torah, 11825 Seven Locks Road, Potomac. The program features poets Sarah Antine and Jeff Savett reading original work. Bob Kurlantzick and Sarah S. Himmelfarb will perform music for oboe and piano by Bach, Handel, Fiocco, Telemann and Britten. Free admission. Telephone 301-279-7010.
Bar Crawl. Local bar crawl to support local food bank. Begins at Harp & Fiddle, 4844 Cordell Ave., 1-9 p.m. Ages 21 and up. Cost is $5 advance; $7 w/ 2 cans of food; $10. Call 301-652-7712.
Music with Nancy Nuttle. Music and movement for children and parents, 10:15 and 10:45 a.m. at the Bethesda Library, 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda. Call 703-777-0970.
Book Sale. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library, Potomac Chapter. Most hardbacks $1 and paperbacks $.50. 4 hours. At the Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden, Drive, Potomac, 9 a.m.
English Language Conversation Club. Join in practicing and improving your spoken English with the help of volunteers leading discussions at the Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Drive, Potomac, 3 p.m. Call 240-777-0690.
Open House. Meet Writer's Center workshop leaders and staff at an open house at The Writer’s Center, 4508 Walsh St., Bethesda, 12-3 p.m. There will be light refreshments, good conversation, a raffle, and an opportunity to learn more about workshops in the upcoming season. Call 301-654-8664 or visit www.writer.org.
Fall Arts Open House. Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda will hold a free open house for children and their families to sample drama, dance, film and musical theatre classes and to participate in activities, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. for ages 1-5 and 1:30-4 p.m. for grades K-5. Call 301-961-6060 or www.ImaginationStage.org.
Wine, Women and Song. Wine, Women, and Song, Strathmore’s annual tradition to welcome the fall season at Strathmore, offers a wine and food tasting to benefit Strathmore’s arts education and community programs at the Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. Culinary delights, distinctive wines, and performances by artists in residence. A live auction and other opportunities to support Strathmore will round out the evening. Contact the development office at 301-581-5128. Cost $125.
<cal1>Sunday/Sept. 9
<cal2>Chevy Chase Antiques Show. The 47th Annual Chevy Chase Antiques Show will be held at the Woman’s Club of Chevy Chase, 7931 Connecticut Avenue, Chevy Chase. Show hours are 12 –5 p.m. Proceeds from the Antiques Show support local community service organizations. Special events will occur throughout the day. Admission at the door is $15, $12 for Club members. Lunch/refreshments will be served during Show hours. Call 301-652-8480.
Ballroom Tea Dance. The La Salle Dance Orchestra invites the public to enjoy an afternoon dancing to the popular music of the 1920's and 30's. Marc and Ellen are always on hand to teach a class at 3 p.m. and downbeat for the orchestra is 3:30 p.m. They play three sets of great music until 6 p.m. In the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park. Admission: $8. Contact Sally Hile at 703-425-7926.
Family Dance. Spend the afternoon dancing with your children. Each of the family dances features live music and dance calling from 3-5 p.m. in the Bumper Car Pavilion at Glen Echo Park. Bring the entire family, neighbors, church or synagogue group, birthday party, and Girl or Boy Scout troop. Admission: $5. Contact 202-518-1299 or visit www.fsgw.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. All dances are taught, and no partner is necessary. The newcomers' welcome lesson is at 7 p.m., followed by called dances from 7:30-10:30 p.m. In the Bumper Car Pavillion at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. Cost is $12 nonmembers/$9 FSGW members. Contact 202-518-1299 or www.fsgw.org.
Milonga. Flying Feet Enterprises presents a very special Milonga at Glen Echo Park’s historic, 1930s Art Deco Spanish Ballroom. The evening will start with a tango lesson at 7 p.m., followed by dancing from 8 - 11:30 p.m. to the finest Argentine Tango music from the 1920s through today, played a DJ. Admission: $15. Contact dance@flyingfeet.org or call 301-299-8728 or 202-244-2787.
Voices of the River. The Glen Echo Barbershop Quartet will perform at the River Center at Lockhouse 8, located on the C&O Canal towpath. Come hear this a capella quartet sing rousing songs of the past. To RSVP for this free event, contact Judy Welles at welles@potomac.org or 301-608-1188.
Vocal Performance. Mavis Staples will perform at the Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center, Montgomery College, 51 Mannakee St., Rockville, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $32 Regular, $30 Seniors and Students. Call 240-567-5301.
Film Screening. The Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington will host the Maryland premiere of the 2007 film "The First Basket" at 4 p.m. in the JCC's Kreeger Auditorium, 6125 Montrose Road, Rockville. "The First Basket" traces the Jewish history of basketball from Lower East Side tenements to the creation of the NBA to its present day status as the second most popular sport in the world. Tickets are $8. Contact Debbie Sokobin at 301-348-3760 or dsokobin@jccgw.org, or visit at www.jccgw.org.
Fall Festival. Food, music, moonbounce and prizes at Christ Lutheran Church, 8011 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Free. Call 301-652-5160.
Jaguar Car Show. The annual Concours d’Elegance, a Jaguar car show and competitive judging event will be at the Grounds of Montgomery College, Rockville Campus 51 Mannakee St. Rockville, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Musical Instrument Petting Zoo. Faculty members of the Washington Conservatory of music will demonstrate instruments for children ages 5 to adults at the Washington Conservatory of Music, Westmoreland Congregational UCC Church, 1 Westmoreland Circle, Bethesda, 3-4 p.m. Five-minute mini-concerts will be performed throughout the hour. Children are invited to hold, toot, blow, and bow the wind, brass and string instruments. Call 301-320-2770 or visit www.washingtonconservatory.org.
<cal1>Monday/Sept. 10
<cal2>Storytime. A Monday morning storytime at Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 4801 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, 11 a.m. Call 301-986-1761.
<cal1>Tuesday/Sept. 11
<cal2>Born to Read. Introduce your baby to books, language, and narrative with rhymes, songs, bounces, and short stories, 10:30 a.m at Bethesda Library, 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda. Babies ages newborn to 24 months attend with an adult. Call 703-777-0970.
Toddler Time: Wigglers and Squigglers. It's a perfect time to discover what's crawling or hopping on the ground and under the ground as toddlers do some explorative crawling themselves at Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda, 11:15 a.m. – 12 p.m. Ages 1-3. Cost $3. Call 301-299-1990.
Afternoon Tea. The soothing sounds of local musicians fill the room while Afternoon Tea is served in the cozy atmosphere of The Shapiro Music Room at the Mansion at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, 1 p.m. Strathmore Blend Tea is specially made, and is served with a light lunch of delectable tea savories by Restaurant Associates. Afternoon Tea is $20 (plus tax). Pre-paid reservations required, call 301-581-5108.
<cal1>Wednesday/Sept. 12
<cal2>Focus Music. Martine Locke and Trina Hamlin will perform at O’Brien’s BBQ, 387 East Gude Drive, Rockville, 8 p.m. Tickets $15/general, $12/member. Call 703-380-3151.
<cal1>Wednesday/Sept. 12
<cal2>Preschool Storytime. Stories, songs, rhymes, and literary activities for children 36 months and up at the Bethesda Library, 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda, 10:30 a.m. Registration not required for individual children; groups please call ahead. Call 240-777-0970.
Book Group. A Fiction and Literature book group meets at 7:30 p.m. at Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 48-1 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda. Call 301-986-1761.
Afternoon Tea. The soothing sounds of local musicians fill the room while Afternoon Tea is served in the cozy atmosphere of The Shapiro Music Room at the Mansion at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, 1 p.m. Strathmore Blend Tea is specially made, and is served with a light lunch of delectable tea savories by Restaurant Associates. Afternoon Tea is $20 (plus tax). Pre-paid reservations required, call 301-581-5108.
Rock Music. Luke Brindley will perform at the Mansion at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, 7:30 p.m. This is his first Artist in Residence program appearance. Tickets $10. Call 301-581-5100 or visit www.strathmore.org.
<cal1>Thursday/Sept. 13
<cal2>Fearless Feast. Freak out your friends and scare your siblings as we cook up some lousy-looking recipes and taste some terrible treats at Locust Grove Nature Center, 777 Democracy Blvd., 301-299-1990, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Ages 6-12. Cost $7.
<cal1>Friday/Sept. 14
<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, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. Contact info@fridaynightdance.org, or visit www.fridaynightdance.org.
Swing Dance. The Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture presents a Swing Dance with the Boilermaker Jazz Band from Pennsylvania. An introductory Swing lesson with Donna Barker and Mike Marcotte from 8-9 p.m. is followed by dancing until Midnight. In the Bumper Car Pavilion at Glen Echo Park. Admission: $13. Contact Donna Barker at dbarker@glenechopark.org or call 301-634-2231.
Mom and Baby Hike. Join Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda the state park in Gaithersburg. Check out Clopper Lake, the tire playground, welcome center and history of this sprawling park as the group walks 1-2 miles on paved surfaces, 9:30-10:45 a.m. Ages 18 and up. Call 301-299-1990.
<cal1>Saturday/Sept. 15
<cal2>Lamplight Tour. The public is invited to join the staff and volunteers of the Clara Barton National Historic Site, Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, for their annual evening look at Clara Barton’s Glen Echo home by the subdued light of lamps, 7-9 p.m. Also to enjoy "The Art of Clara Barton" exhibit and opening reception, appropriate for all ages. Call 301-634-2228.
Cajun/Zydeco Dance. Crawfish Productions presents a Zydeco dance with Rosie Ledet in the Bumper Car Pavilion at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. Beginning zydeco lesson at 8 p.m. is followed by dancing from 9 p.m. to midnight. Admission: $18. Contact Ellen Wicker at 301-309-0895.
Swing Dance. Join Gottaswing.com for another great swing dance with live music. Beginner swing lesson with Tom and Debra 8–9 p.m., dance 9 p.m. - 12 midnight. In the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. Admission: $15. Visit Gottaswing.com.
Classical Music. The Landon Symphonette Chamber Essemble will present "Mozart" at Friendship Heights Community Center, 4433 South Park, Bethesda at 12 p.m. Free. Call 301-320-1090.
English Language Conversation Club. Join in practicing and improving your spoken English with the help of volunteers leading discussions at the Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Drive, Potomac, 3 p.m. Call 240-777-0690.
<cal1>Sunday/Sept. 16
<cal2>Critiques and Coffee. A photo jam session at Photoworks Studio. Bring photos to a morning critique led by a Photoworks faculty member. Enjoy the camaraderie of peers along with coffee and bagels and a lively discussion of images, photo interests and questions. Led by Photoworks staff, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. in the Photoworks Studio, Arcade Building, Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. Call 301-229-7930 or visit www.glenechophotoworks.org.
Waltz Dance. Waltz Time presents a beginning Waltz lesson from 3-3:30 p.m., followed by an afternoon of waltzes with Gypsy Meltdown and musicians Keith Gillis, Kathy Kerr, and Colleen Reed. The dancing runs from 3:30-6 p.m., and admission for the whole afternoon is $8. Lesson and dancing in the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, no partner required. Contact info@waltztimedances.org or 202-238-0230.
Blues Dance. Blues Dance with the Jamie Lynch Band playing a mix of traditional and contemporary blues music. Blues lesson from 7-8:30 p.m., dancing follows until 11:30 p.m. No partner required. In the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Ave., Glen Echo. Admission: $17 lesson & dance/$12 dance only. Contact Donna Barker at dbarker@glenechopark.org or call 301-634-2231.
Family Fun Festival. Carnival games, rides, food and silent auction at the YMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase, 9401 Old Georgetown Road, 12-4 p.m. Fees vary. Call 301-530-3725, Ext. 2831.
Readings by Workshop Leaders. The Writer’s Center, 4508 Walsh St., Bethesda will present a Poetry and Prose Reading featuring Writer's Center workshop leaders, 2-4 p.m. Call 301-654-8664.
<cal1>Monday/Sept. 17
<cal2>Storytime. A storytime for ages 3 and under at 11 a.m. at Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 4801 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda. Call 301-986-1761.
<cal1>Tuesday/Sept. 18
<cal2>Bustles and Beaux: Reading the Classics in Context. Join Michael Bevel for a lively discussion of George Eliot's novel, "Daniel Deronda" at the Bethesda Library, 7400 Arlington Blvd., Bethesda, 7:15 p.m. Visit www.bustlesandbeaux.blogspot.com.
Author Event. Mitchell G. Bard will discuss "Will Israel Survive?," 7:30 p.m. at Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 4801 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda. Call 301-986-1761.
Book Group. A science and technology book group will meet at 7:30 p.m. at Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 4801 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda. Call 301-986-1761.
Fall Boutique. Spring boutique with 20 vendors featuring items for adults, children and the home at the Potomac Community Center, 11315 Falls Road, Potomac, 9:30 – 4:30 p.m. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to The Lisa Sandler Spaeth Memorial Fund which benefits pulmonary fibrosis.
<cal1>Wednesday/Sept. 19
<cal2>Baby and Toddler Time. A developmentally appropriate program of songs, rhymes, fingerplays and stories for children who are not yet walking at Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Drive, Potomac, 10:30 a.m. Register by calling 240-777-0690.
Potomac Book Club. Adult book discussion at the Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Drive, Potomac. "The Road." Ask for the book at the Circulation Desk. Starts at 1 p.m. No registration required.
<cal1>Thursday/Sept. 20
<cal2>Cheese Sampling & Discussion. Experience a range of Italian cheeses at Whole Foods Market, 5269 River Road, 7 p.m. Cost is $10. RSVP to 301-984-4860.
<cal1>Friday/Sept. 21
<cal2>Six String Sing-a-Long. A musical performance and sing-a-long of children's favorites with Ellis Woodward at the Cabin John Mall Atrium, 11325 Seven Locks Road, Potomac, 9:30 a.m. Contact 240-779-8000.
Art and Writing. Longtime instructor Kate Blackwell and her sister Mary Beth Blackwell-Chapman will come together for a mixed media event at 7:30 p.m. at the Writer’s Center, 4508 Walsh St., Bethesda. Call 301-654-8664.
<cal1>Saturday/Sept. 22
<cal2>Saturday Storytime. Stories, songs, and literary fun for young children and their parents at Bethesda Library, 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda, 10:30 a.m. Call 240-777-0970.
<cal1>Wednesday/Sept. 26
<cal2>Focus Music. Bill Morrissey will perform at O’Brien’s BBQ, 387 East Gude Drive, Rockville, 8 p.m. Tickets $15/general, $12/member. Call 703-380-3151.