Calendary, May 7-14

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

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/May 7

<cal2>Preschool Storytime. Stories, songs, rhymes, and literary activities for children 36 months and up at Bethesda Library, 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda, 10:30 a.m. Registration not required for individual children; groups should call ahead. Call 240-777-0970.

English Conversation Club. The English Conversation Club is for people who want to practice speaking English in a friendly setting at the Bethesda Library, 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda, 2 p.m. Call 240-777-0970.

Lunchtime Concert. Wednesday lunchtime concerts will take place from 12 – 2 p.m. at the Bethesda Place Plaza located at 7700 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda. This week’s performer is Gina DeSimone (Folk Rock). Free. Contact 301-215-6660 or visit www.bethesda.org.

<cal1>Thursday/May 8

<cal2>Evening Concert. Thursday Night concerts will take place from 6-8 p.m. in Veterans Park located at the corner of Woodmont and Norfolk Avenues in Bethesda. This week’s performer will be Terry Terrific and the Tornados (Variety Dance). Contact 301-215-6660 or visit www.bethesda.org.

Time for Twos. Stories, songs, rhymes, and literary activities for children 24 to 36 months attending with an adult at Bethesda Library, 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda, 10:25 a.m. Registration not required for individual children; groups call ahead. Call 240-777-0970.

<cal1>Friday/May 9

<cal2>Contra Dance. The Friday Night Dancers presents contra dancing as well as some square dances and waltzes in the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. There is a Contra dance lesson from 7:30-8:15 p.m. followed by the called dance from 8:30-11:30 p.m. Beginners are always welcome. This week Glen Echo Open Band. Admission: $9. Contact email: info@fridaynightdance.org.

Art Walk. 12 galleries and studios open late in Downtown Bethesda, 6-9 p.m. Guided tours: 6:30 p.m. at the Bethesda Metro Center, corner of Wisconsin Ave. and Old Georgetown Road. Call 301-215-6660 .

Wine Tasting. Enjoy Italian wines at Bella Italia, 4844 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, 6-8 p.m. Ages 21 and up. Call 301-654-2667.

Poetry and Music. 32 Poems Magazine, The Caribbean, and the Writer's Center join together to bring an evening of poetry from Sandra Beasley and Bernadette Geyer and songs from The Caribbean at the Writer’s Center, 4508 Walsh St., Bethesda, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Free admission. Call 301-654-8664.

<cal1>Saturday/May 10

<cal2>Piano Concert. Alexander Paley will return to Washington D.C. to perform a concert of transcriptions by Franz Liszt of famous lieder (songs) by Franz Schubert, 8 p.m.. This free concert, sponsored by the Washington Conservatory of Music will be performed at Westmoreland Congregational UCC Church, One Westmoreland Circle, Bethesda. Call 301-320-2770 or visit www.washingtonconservatory.org.

Laugh Riot. Enjoy five local comics and have a chance to tell jokes yourself at the Hyatt Regency Bethesda, 7400 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, 8-10 p.m. Cost $10. Call 301-657-1234.

Carousel Tours. Carousel tours start at 12 p.m. at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, and give visitors a closer look at the 1921 Dentzel carousel. Find out how it was made, how it works, and about the rest of the amusement park attractions that were built around it. Visit www.nps.gov/glec.

Park Tour. Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo, tours begin at 2 p.m. and lead visitors through a walking tour of the Park to learn about its history and the current programs in arts, dance and children’s activities. Admission is free. Tours begin at the visitor's desk in the Arcade Building..Visit www.nps.gov/glec.

Nature Program. Come visit Discovery Creek Children's Museum Forest Tales exhibition at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. Spend time with the entire family while participating in engaging science and nature activities. In the former Glen Echo Park stable building, near the park entrance. Open 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Admission is free for members and children under 2, $5 for nonmembers. Call 202-337-5111 to make arrangements or visit www.discoverycreek.org.

Rainbarrel Workshop. Learn to assemble a covered rain barrel to take home to catch rain water for use around the house! In addition to helping the environment, rainbarrels are a cost-effective way to lower your water bill, 10-11:30 a.m. Cost: $25. Contact Kelly Watkinson, Senior Director of Land Protection, at watkinson@potomac.org, or 540-667-3606.

Book Sale. The Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Drive, Potomac, will hold a book sale, 9 a.m. Most hardbacks $1.00 and paperbacks $.50. Call 240-777-0690.

English Conversation Club. Join in practicing and improving your spoken English with the help of volunteers leading discussions at Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Drive, Potomac, 3 p.m. Call 240-777-0690.

Born to Read. Introduce one’s baby to books, language, and narrative with rhymes, songs, bounces, and short stories at the Bethesda Library, 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda, 10:25 a.m.. Babies ages newborn to 24 months attend with an adult. Call 240-777-0970.

Opera. Staff from the Washington National Opera will introduce children to the music and themes of their current production, "Hansel and Gretel" at the Bethesda Library, 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda, 10:30 a.m. Call 240-777-0970.

Storytime. Kat Tales featuring Kat and aerobics at Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 4801 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, 11 a.m. Call 301-986-1761.

Ann Darr Celebration. Join The Wrtier’s Center, 4508 Walsh St., Bethesda, 4 p.m., in a celebration of the work of Ann Darr, a longtime poetry workshop leader who is now retired. Admission is free, and there will be a reception after the program. Call 301-654-8664.

Bird Walk. Celebrate International Migratory Bird Day with bird expert Paul Hagen from American Bird Conservancy for a morning hike along the C&O Canal during migration season at the River Center at Lockhouse 8, C&O Canal National Historical Park, Cabin John, 8-10 a.m. Contact Potomac Conservancy's River Center Coordinator, Bridget Chapin, at chapin@potomac.org or 301.608.1188, x213, or go to www.potomac.org.

<cal1>Sunday/May 11

<cal2>Fused Glass. A fused glass workshop from 2-4 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington, 6125 Montrose Road, Rockville. Celebrate Mother’s Day by creating a beautiful fused glass photo frame with mom. The fee is $50 for members and $56 for the general public. Preregistration is required and can be made by contacting Julie Grimley at 301-348-3772 or jgrimley@jccgw.org.

Ballroom Tea Dance. Join New HOTS Jazz Orchestra for an afternoon featuring the music of the 1920s Hot Dance and 1930s-40s Swing eras in the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. The dance class from 3-3:30 p.m. is for all levels and is included in the cost of admission. Admission: $10. Contact Email: jackelder@aol.com. Contact Phone: 703-860-4142.

Family Dance. Spend the afternoon dancing with your children in the Bumper Car Pavilion at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. Each of the family dances features live music and dance calling with Gypsy Meltdown from 3-5 p.m. in the Bumper Car Pavilion. Admission: $5.

Blues Dance. The Glen Echo Park Partnership presents a Blues Dance with Jamie Lynch Band in the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. For dancers who want to learn more about slow blues dancing, Mike Marcotte and Donna Barker offer a blues lesson from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Dancing runs until 11:30 p.m. Admission: $12 dance only/$17 lesson and dance. Contact Email: dbarker@glenechopark.org.

Contra and Square Dance. The Folklore Society of Greater Washington presents traditional American dancing with a focus on New England style contra dances, including square dances, country mixers, waltzes and other couple dances in the Bumper Car Pavilion at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. All dances are taught, and no partner is necessary. The newcomers' welcome lesson is at 7 p.m., followed by called dances with Happy Foot from 7:30 - 10:30 p.m. Admission: $12 nonmembers/$9 FSGW members. Call 202-518-1299.

Brunch. All-you-can-eat brunch at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad, 5020 Battery Lane, Bethesda, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Cost: $12 for adults and $6 for kids. Call 301-758-2143.

Bach Concert. The Washington Bach Consort will conclude its 30th anniversary season with a performance of J.S. Bach’s St. Matthew Passion at 3 p.m. at the Music Center at Strathmore, located at 5301 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda. Ticket prices start at $20 and may be obtained through Strathmore’s ticket office at 301-581-5100 or www.strathmore.org.

Bird Walk. Half day at the C&O Canal. Songbirds, waterbirds, raptors. Meet at 6:45 a.m. in front of Safeway in Potomac. Contact leaders Tony Futcher, 301-422-3927, or Floyd Murdoch, 301-937-2362.

<cal1>Monday/May 12

<cal2>Duplicate Bridge. Enjoy a game at 7:30 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington, 6125 Montrose Road, Rockville. The fee is $4 for members or $6 for the general public. Contact Selma Sweetbaum at 301-348-3860 or ssweetbaum@jccgw.org.

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, 2 p.m. This month the group is reading "L'enfant de sable" by Tahar Ben Jelloun. Call 240-777-0970.

Storytime. Monday morning storytime at Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 4801 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, 11 a.m. Call 301-986-1761.

Mineral Club Meeting: The Gem, Lapidary and Mineral Society of Montgomery County will meet at 7:30 p.m., at the Rockville Senior Center, 1150 Carnation Drive, Rockville. The program will be a presentation by Denise Nelson GG, NAIA. Visitors are always welcome and there is no charge. Call 301-593-0369.

<cal1>Wednesday/May 14

<cal2>Archaeology Lecture. 8 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington, 6125 Montrose Road, Rockville. Dr. Peter Feinman will speak on the topic, "William Foxwell Albright and the Origins of Biblical Archaeology." Admission is $10 for JCC members, Archaeology Series benefactors and PJLL Melton graduates, or $14 for the general public. Reservations are not required. Contact Lynn Gittleson at 301-348-3840 or lgittleson@jccgw.org.

Focus Music. Tom Kimmel will peform at O’Brien’s BBQ, 387 East Gude Drive, Rockville, 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 general and $12 members. Visit www.focusmusic.org.

Preschool Storytime. Stories, songs, rhymes, and literary activities for children 36 months and up at Bethesda Library, 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda, 10:30 a.m. Registration not required for individual children; groups should call ahead. Call 240-777-0970.

Book Group. Join in a monthly book group at Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 4801 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, 7:30 p.m. Call 301-986-1761.

Lunchtime Concert. Wednesday lunchtime concerts will take place from 12 – 2 p.m. at the Bethesda Place Plaza located at 7700 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda. This weeks performer is Hula Monsters (Hawaiian Swing). Free. Contact 301-215-6660 or visit www.bethesda.org.

<cal1>Thursday/May 15

<cal2>Evening Concert. Thursday Night concerts will take place from 6-8 p.m. in Veterans Park located at the corner of Woodmont and Norfolk Avenues in Bethesda. This week’s performer will be Terry Terrific and the Euphonism (Rockapella). Contact 301-215-6660 or visit www.bethesda.org.

<cal1>Friday/May 16

<cal2>Dance. Imagination Stage presents a specialty workshops and performance titled "XX" at Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, 7:30 p.m. Call 301-280-1660.

Contra Dance. The Friday Night Dancers presents contra dancing as well as some square dances and waltzes in the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. There is a Contra dance lesson from 7:30-8:15 p.m. followed by the called dance from 8:30-11:30 p.m. Beginners are always welcome. This week Mary Lea's band. Admission: $9. Contact email: info@fridaynightdance.org.

Salsa Dance. High Energy Productions presents a Salsa Dance with a Salsa lesson from 8 - 9 p.m., taught by Keith Givens, followed by dancing to live music until midnight by Salsa bands in Bumper Car Pavilion at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. Visit www.oohsalsa.com.

<cal1>Saturday/May 17

<cal2>Celebration of Hope Gala. The Wellness Community – Greater Washington, D.C., will be hosting its Celebration of Hope Gala from 7- 11 p.m. at the Bolger Center, 9600 Newbridge Drive, Potomac. Tony Snow, cancer survivor and former press secretary to President George W. Bush is honorary chair of this fundraising event. Visit us at www.thewellnesscommunity.org/dc or call 301-493-5002. All proceeds will benefit The Wellness Community – Greater Washington, D.C.

Gala in the Park. "Retroville" is the 1950s theme for the 2008 Gala in the Park at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, to benefit the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture. The evening includes a reception, dinner, a 1950s-style band and dancing, and carousel rides. In the Spanish Ballroom and Bumper Car Pavilion from 6:30 p.m. to midnight. Tickets $175. Call 301-634-2230.

Dance. Imagination Stage presents a specialty workshops and performance titled "XX" at Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, 7:30 p.m. Call 301-280-1660.

Storytime. Kat Tales featuring Kat and aerobics at Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 4801 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, 11 a.m. Call 301-986-1761.

Author Event. Meet Claudia Gabel author of "In or Out #4: Friends Close, Enemies Closer" and Cheryl Klam author of "The Pretty One" at Barnes and Noble, 4801 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, 2 p.m. Call 301-986-1761.

Music. The German School will present the U.S. premiere of Peter Schindler’s "Missa in Jazz" at Our Lady of Mercy, 9200 Kentsdale Drive, Potomac, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15/general, $8 students. Call 301-767-3846.

Strawberry Festival. The 18th Annual Strawberry & Artisan Festival will be at Potomac United Methodist Church, 9908 South Glen Road, Potomac, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. It will feature strawberry shortcake, a silent auction, used clothing, artisan jewelry and more. All proceeds benefit over 14 programs and missions locally and abroad. Call 301-299-9383 or visit www.potomac-umc.org.

Dog Walk. The River Center at Lockhouse 8, C&O Canal National Historical Park, Cabin John, will host a dog walk from 10-11 a.m. Meet with four-legged and two-legged friends for a scenic pooch parade along the C&O Canal towpath and surrounding trails. Contact Potomac Conservancy's River Center Coordinator, Bridget Chapin, at chapin@potomac.org or 301-608-1188, x213, or go to www.potomac.org.

Laugh Riot. Enjoy five local comics and have a chance to tell jokes yourself at the Hyatt Regency Bethesda, 7400 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, 8-10 p.m. Cost $10. Call 301-657-1234.

<cal1>Sunday/May 18

<cal2>Critiques and Coffee. A monthly Sunday morning photo jam session at Photoworks studio in Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. Bring photos to a morning critique led by a Photoworks faculty member. In the Photoworks Studio from 10 a.m. to noon. Call 301-229-7930 or visit www.glenechophotoworks.org.

Cajun Dance. Dancing by the Bayou presents a Cajun dance with Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys in the Bumper Car Pavilion at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo. Admission includes an introductory dance lesson from 3 - 3:30 p.m. followed by dancing until 6 p.m. Admission: $20. Contact Email: Dancingbythebayou@verizon.net.

Waltz Dance. Waltz Time presents a beginning waltz lesson from 3 - 3:30 p.m., followed by an afternoon of waltzes and other couples dances in the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. Dancing from 3:30 to 6 p.m. to the music of Jubilea. As always, no partner is required, and the cost is $8, including lesson. Contact Email: info@waltztimedances.org.

Argentine Tango/Milonga. Flying Feet Enterprises presents an Argentine Tango/Milonga in the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. The evening will start with a tango lesson at 7 p.m. for all levels of Tango dancers. After the lesson, dance from 8-11 p.m. to music by a tango DJ who will play Argentine Tango music from the 1920s through today. Contact Phone: 301-299-8728.

Film Screening. Cinema Art Bethesda will show "Private Property," an intimate look at a tragically dysfunctional family. The doors to the Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema, 7235 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda, will open at 9:30 a.m. and the film will begin promptly at 10 a.m. "Private Property" is the final film in Cinema Bethesda’s 2007-2008 season. The films will resume next September. A discussion led by a local film expert will follow each film. Tickets at the door are $14. Visit http://CinemaArtBethesda.org or call 301-365-3679.

Dance. Imagination Stage presents a specialty workshops and performance titled XX at Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, 6 p.m. Call 301-280-1660.

Hummingbirds. Join the Audubon society and learn all about hummingbird’s amazing adaptations, take a bird walk, and then prepare a hummingbird feeder for the yard at the Woodend Sanctuary in Chevy Case. Add a $5 material fee per family. Fees: Members: $12 per child; nonmembers $14 per child. $8 for each additional member sibling; $10 for each nonmember sibling. Adults are free. Call 301-652-9188 x26.

Kings Dominion Trip. 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. for middle school students, sponsored by the Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington. For fee, other details or to register, contact Tracy Schneidkraut at 301-384-3889 or tschneidkraut@jccgw.org.

Paws in the Park. The Montgomery County Humane Society will host its annual "Paws in the Park – Wags & Whiskers Pet Walk & Family Fun Fair" from noon – 4 p.m. at The Old Ice Arena at Wheaton Regional Park in Wheaton. Join a walking team on the Yorkie or Beagle Trail, pucker up for a Bull Dog kiss at the Kissing Booth, enter your canine in the Ugliest Dog Contest or meet your new, four-legged best friend in the Petting Place, where rescued pets will be available for adoption. Leashed dogs are welcome. Proceeds will be used to help all of the animals under the care of the Montgomery County Humane Society. Register at www.mchumane.org or call 240-773-5967.

Bird Walk. Half day at the C&O Canal. Songbirds, waterbirds, raptors. Meet at 6:45 a.m. in front of Safeway in Potomac. Contact leaders Tony Futcher, 301-422-3927, or Floyd Murdoch, 301-937-2362.

<cal1>Monday/May 19

<cal2>Storytime. Monday morning storytime at Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 4801 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, 11 a.m. Call 301-986-1761.

Poetry Reading. A reading from the "Innisfree Poetry Journal" will be at the Writer’s Center, 4508 Walsh St., Bethesda, 2 p.m. Call 301-654-8664 or visit writer.org.

Duplicate Bridge. Enjoy a game at 7:30 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington, 6125 Montrose Road, Rockville. The fee is $4 for members or $6 for the general public. Contact Selma Sweetbaum at 301-348-3860 or ssweetbaum@jccgw.org.

<cal1>Tuesday/May 20

<cal2>Bustles and Beaux: Letters in America. Join Michael Bevel for a discussion of Sarah Orne Jewett's novel, "The Country Doctor" at Bethesda Library, 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda, 7 p.m.Visit http://bustlesandbeaux.wordpress.com or call 240-777-0970.

Book Club. A Science and Technology book club will meet at Barnes and Noble, 4801 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, 7:30 p.m. Call 301-986-1761.

<cal1>Wednesday/May 21

<cal2>Potomac Book Club. Adult book discussion at the Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Drive, Potomac. This month’s book will be "Suite Francaise." Ask for the book at the Circulation Desk. Starts at 1 p.m. Call 301-765-4083.

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, 7:30 p.m. This month the group is reading "L'enfant de sable" by Tahar Ben Jelloun. Call 240-777-0970.

Lunchtime Concert. Wednesday lunchtime concerts will take place from 12 – 2 p.m. at the Bethesda Place Plaza located at 7700 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda. This weeks performer is Naked Blue (Alternative Rock and Folk). Free. Contact 301-215-6660 or visit www.bethesda.org.

Jazz. 8 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington, 6125 Montrose Road, Rockville, with John Eaton. To purchase tickets, call 301-348-3872.

<cal1>Thursday/May 22

<cal2>Evening Concert. Thursday Night concerts will take place from 6-8 p.m. in Veterans Park located at the corner of Woodmont and Norfolk Avenues in Bethesda. This week’s performer will be Terry Terrific and the Judge Smith (Original Rock). Contact 301-215-6660 or visit www.bethesda.org.

<cal1>Friday/May 23

<cal2>Contra Dance. The Friday Night Dancers presents contra dancing as well as some square dances and waltzes in the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. There is a Contra dance lesson from 7:30-8:15 p.m. followed by the called dance from 8:30-11:30 p.m. Beginners are always welcome. This week Avant Gardeners performs. Admission: $9. Contact email: info@fridaynightdance.org.

Swing Dance. The Glen Echo Park Partnership presents a Swing Dance with the Boilermaker Jazz Band in the Bumper Car Pavilion at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo. An introductory Swing lesson with Donna Barker and Mike Marcotte from 8 - 9 p.m. is followed by dancing until Midnight. No partner necessary; admission includes the lesson at 8 p.m. Admission: $13. Contact Email: dbarker@glenechopark.org.

Wine Tasting. Enjoy Italian wines at Bella Italia, 4844 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, 6-8 p.m. Ages 21 and up. Call 301-654-2667.

<cal1>Saturday/May 24

<cal2>Laugh Riot. Enjoy five local comics and have a chance to tell jokes yourself at the Hyatt Regency Bethesda, 7400 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, 8-10 p.m. Cost $10. Call 301-657-1234.

<cal1>Sunday/May 25

<cal2>Carousel Tours. Carousel tours start at 12 p.m. at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, and give visitors a closer look at the 1921 Dentzel carousel. Find out how it was made, how it works, and about the rest of the amusement park attractions that were built around it. Visit www.nps.gov/glec.

The Connection

Calendary, May 7-14

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