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November 2010

Top Pick Events

TELLING STORIES: NORMAN ROCKWELL FROM THE COLLECTIONS OF GEORGE LUCAS AND STEVEN SPIELBERG
Through January 2, 2011 I AMERICAN ART MUSEUM, WASHINGTON DC
The exhibition is based on new research into Rockwell, his work and the relationships between the artist and the movies. It showcases fifty-seven major Rockwell paintings and drawings from these private collections. The museum is the only venue for the exhibition.

WALTER WICK: GAMES, GIZMOS, AND TOYS IN THE ATTIC
Ongoing–January 2, 2011 I WALTERS ART MUSEUM, BALTIMORE, MD
The first museum retrospective of award-winning author and photographic illustrator Walter Wick, author of Can You See What I See? and co-creator of the Walter Wick, whose I Spy book series loved by millions of children and adults around the world,Price: $10 Adults, $8 Seniors, $6 Students and Young Adults (18–25), free for members and 17 and under. Tickets available online or at the door.

ODYSSEY'S SHIPWRECK! PIRATES & TREASURE
Ongoing I MD SCIENCE CENTER, BALTIMORE, MD
Aaaaargh! Odyssey’s SHIPWRECK! Pirates & Treasure, is a new exhibit featuring the compelling stories behind some of the world's most famous shipwrecks, their treasure historic artifacts and pirates. Multiple hands-on interactive exhibits and cutting–edge computer games engage visitors with the adventure and excitement of deep–ocean shipwreck exploration, as well as intrigue them with pirate history and legend.

MARILYN J. PRAISNER BRANCH LIBRARY CHESS PLAYERS
Tuesday, November 2, 2010: 6:30 PM I MARILYN J. PRAISNER BRANCH LIBRARY (FAIRLAND), BURTONSVILLE, MD
Learn to play chess or sharpen your skills for ages 8 and up. Every Tuesday at 6:30. No registration necessary.

CHESS CLUB
Wednesday, November 3, 2010: 3:30 PM I LONG BRANCH LIBRARY, SILVER SPRING, MD
Learn to play chess or play with others. All are welcome.

HOMEWORK HELP
Wednesday, November 3, 2010: 4:00 PM I ASPEN HILL LIBRARY, ROCKVILLE MEMORIAL LIBRARY, ROCKVILLE, MD, MD
Free Homework Help for children in grades K-5 every Wednesday from 4-6, except for MCPS holidays. Instructors are teen volunteers.

CHILDREN'S BOOK CLUB - GRADES 4 TO 6
Wednesday, November 3, 2010: 7:00 PM I QUINCE ORCHARD LIBRARY, GAITHERSBURG, MD
Children read at least one of the two books designated for each month and gather to discuss them with peers. Discussion moderated by our adult volunteer. For elementary school age children. Register and choose books at Quince Orchard Library Information desk. Choices: "Lost and Found" by Andrew Clements or "Double Identity" by Margaret Haddix

POST IMPRESSIONISM LECTURE SERIES: VINCENT VAN GOGH
Thursday, November 4, 2010: 6:30PM I THE KREEGER MUSEUM, WASHINGTON DC
While still a novice, Vincent van Gogh, a largely self-taught artist, founded a small art school in Neunen, Holland in 1884. Unlike traditional late 19th century art schools, van Gogh's school allowed students to create their own compositions and begin painting immediately. Laura Coyle will describe this school using the students' recollections of Van Gogh's unusual methods and chaotic studio, as well as the artist's letters to his brother Theo, to explore why his teaching should be considered so innovative. The lecture will demonstrate that knowing about van Gogh's school and methods helps us to understand the painter's ideas about art and his work in an intriguing new way. $7-$10. Call 202-338-3552 to order tickets.

HOMESCHOOL DAY AT MOUNT VERNON
November 5, 2010: 9:00 AM- 4:00 PM I MOUNT VERNON, VA
In partnership with the home educator associations in Virginia and Maryland, Mount Vernon invites homeschoolers to experience 18th-century plantation life during this special one-day event!
At the George Washington: Pioneer Farmer site families can watch costumed interpreters produce 18th-century goods; learn about George Washington’s innovative farming practices; visit a reconstructed slave cabin; play colonial games; listen to musical demonstrations; and see animals (like horses, mules, sheep, and oxen). Elsewhere on the estate, families can tour Washington’s Mansion; visit our state-of-the-art Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center; meet people from Washington’s world; and participate in a special wreath laying ceremony at Washington’s Tomb. Special rates for homeschool families: $7 for homeschool students (age 6-18); $10 for adults; free for children 5 and under.

SHARP'S AT WATERFORD FARM -PILGRIM HISTORY
Friday, November 5, 2010: 1:00-3:00PM I SHARP'S FARM, BROOKEVILLE, MD
We cordially invite all families, and homeschoolers, to join us for “Pilgrim History”. This is one of our most popular November educational programs that we offer. History comes to life as all of our tour guides for this program are in costume. Children will learn about the Pilgrims home life, the chores Pilgrim children were responsible for, the games Pilgrim children played, and also about the Pilgrim’s relationship to Native Americans. The program concludes with a hayride that goes through the Cattail Creek. Everyone will harvest their own ear of popcorn to take home! The program is 2 hours long and is $7.25/person. Registration is required. For an extra $.50 you can go through our educational corn maze at the conclusion of the program. ( add on another 1⁄2 hour – hour). Must register by November 3.

IMAGINATION & CREATION EXPLORATION
Friday, November 5, 2010: 3:00 PM I MD SCIENCE CENTER, BALTIMORE, MD
This activity is specially designed for children ages 5 through 8. Each week come and face a new I.C.E. challenge based on our monthly theme. Our theme for November is electricity. Come get charged as we learn about static electricity and battery powered circuits through hair raising experiments.

22nd ANNUAL TRAIN DAY
Saturday, November 6, 2010: 10:00 AM I DAMASCUS LIBRARY, DAMASCUS, MD
Bring the entire family and enjoy model train layouts, displays by the B & O Historical Society and Operation Lifesaver, live train music performed by the First Fruits Band, Preschool Story Time all about trains at 10:30 a.m., and much, much more, sponsored by the Friends of the Library, Damascus Chapter. A Hobo lunch will be available from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; the menu includes hot dogs, chili dogs, chips, sodas and brownies, sponsored by the Damascus Senior Center. Join us between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. for a day of fun for all ages! Call 240-773-9444 for more information.

QUINCE ORCHARD FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY USED BOOK SALE
Saturday, November 6, 2010: 10:00 AM I QUINCE ORCHARD LIBRARY, GAITHERSBURG, MD
Lots of books, videos, CDs, DVDs for all ages. 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at the Quince Orchard Library. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library, Quince Orchard Chapter. For more information call 240-777-0200. Book sale donations: Place donations in bin located near Return Desk anytime library is open.

FAMILY CELEBRATION: HARVEST FESTIVAL
Saturday November 6 and Sunday, November 7, 2010: 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM I AMERICAN INDIAN MUSEUM, WASHINGTON DC
The whole family is invited to kick off the Smithsonian’s celebration of American Indian Heritage Month and the release of The Mitsitam Cafe Cookbook by executive chef Richard Hetzler. This weekend-long festival explores how Native communities throughout the Americas celebrate the harvest. It includes harvest-related dance and theater performances, cooking demonstrations, and hands-on activities -- including grinding corn, weaving cornhusks, making masa, and making and wrapping tamales. The local Mayan community will develop a special large-scale puppetry presentation based on the Popul Vuh, exploring the areas where the gods make people from corn, and the search for a food source for the newly created people.

BLUE SKY PUPPET THEATRE: EDUCATIONAL THEATRE FOR CHILDREN
Saturday, November 6, 2010: 11:00 AM I CHEVY CHASE LIBRARY, CHEVY CHASE, MD
Blue Sky Puppet Theatre: Educational Theatre for Children presents, "Bananas: Exercise, Nutrition and Healthy Choices." For children, Pre-K through grade 5.

BUNKASAI
Saturday, November 6, 2010: 1:00-4:00 PM I AMERICAN ART MUSEUM, RENWICK GALLERY, WASHINGTON DC
Celebrate Japanese cultural heritage at this afternoon's Bunkasai (cultural festival). Learn about the time-honored art of origami, listen to traditional Japanese music, take part in sushi-making demonstrations, join us in sake tasting, go on a docent-led tour of the exhibition, and more!
Event free; nominal charge to sample sushi and sake (pay at event).

FASHIONABLE GODS AND GODDESSES
Saturday, November 6, 2010 and Sunday, November 7, 2010: 2:00 PM I SACKLER GALLERY, WASHINGTON DC
ImaginAsia is for children ages eight to fourteen and their adult companions. Use an activity book to explore Gods of Angkor and discover the changing fashions, crowns, jewels, and objects associated with Buddha and Hindu gods as their influence spread from India to Cambodia. In the classroom, decorate a traditional image or design new attire for the gods. Reservations are not required for open sessions. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Sessions for groups larger than eight can be reserved in advance for Wednesday mornings at 10 am by e-mailing eckerst@si.edu. Free.

PUPPET THEATER: CANDY & CUPCAKE DREAMLAND ADVENTURES
Saturday, November 6, 2010: 2:00 PM I OLNEY LIBRARY, OLNEY, MD
Candy and her teddy bear "Cupcake" share songs, stories, puppets and lots of fun. Each story contains wholesome, warm and friendly adventures for the whole family!

HOMESCHOOL DAY
Monday, November 8, 2010: 11:00 AM-2:00 PM I COLLEGE PARK AVIATION MUSEUM, COLLEGE PARK, MD
Home-schooled students of all ages and their parent-educators are invited to the museum for a day of learning and adventure. Aviation-themed activities and crafts will address learning in science, math, language, and art. Pre-registration is required. Please contact the museum for more information or to pre-register. $4/person; Contact: 301-864-6029; TTY 301-699-2544

FREE EARLY CHILDHOOD AND GROUP PIANO CLASSES
Monday, November 8 - Monday, November 29, 2010: Class times vary I THE ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS, GAITHERSBURG, MD
Try 4 classes during off-peak hours for free: Toddler Tunes (18-36 mths), Music in Me (3.5-4yrs), Harmony Road Group Piano (4.5-5 yrs) and Young Musician Group Piano (6-7yrs). Phone: 301-947-9705.

MARILYN J. PRAISNER BRANCH LIBRARY CHESS PLAYERS
Tuesday, November 9, 2010: 6:30 PM I MARILYN J. PRAISNER BRANCH LIBRARY (FAIRLAND), BURTONSVILLE, MD
Learn to play chess or sharpen your skills for ages 8 and up. Every Tuesday at 6:30. No registration necessary.

FALL FEAST FOR THE SENSES
Tuesday, November 9, 2010: 7:30 PM I BETHESDA LIBRARY, BETHESDA, MD
For teens, a meet the author event: Join Casey Scieszka and Steven Weinberg, author and illustrator respectively, of To Timbuktu: Nine Countries, Two People, One True Story for young adults.

PIRATE PUZZLES – HOMESCHOOL WORKSHOP
Wednesday, November 10, 2010: 3:00 PM I MD SCIENCE CENTER, BALTIMORE, MD
Argh matey. Pull on your boots, put on your pirate hat and get ready to embark on a voyage through our new traveling exhibit Odysesy’s SHIPWRECK Pirates & Treasure. Participants will explore pirate’s lives, discover the fierce weather they faced, and examine the treasures they found. Then you will have the opportunity to solve pirate puzzles, and use the information learned to conduct pirate experiments.

CHESS CLUB
Wednesday, November 10, 2010: 3:30 PM I LONG BRANCH LIBRARY, SILVER SPRING, MD
Learn to play chess or play with others. All are welcome.

HOMEWORK HELP
Wednesday, November 10, 2010: 4:00 PM I ASPEN HILL LIBRARY, ROCKVILLE MEMORIAL LIBRARY, ROCKVILLE, MD, MD
Free Homework Help for children in grades K-5 every Wednesday from 4-6, except for MCPS holidays. Instructors are teen volunteers.

POLAR FAIR
Friday, November 12, 2010: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM, 5:00–8:00 PM & Saturday, November 13 : Noon–4:00 PM I MD SCIENCE CENTER, BALTIMORE, MD
Join scientists and educators who have lived and worked in the Arctic and the Antarctic and experience our new Antarctica exhibit, located just outside the Kids Room.

SHARP'S AT WATERFORD FARM - PILGRIM HISTORY
Friday, November 12, 2010: 1:00-3:00PM I SHARP'S FARM, BROOKEVILLE, MD
We cordially invite all families, and homeschoolers, to join us for “Pilgrim History”. This is one of our most popular November educational programs that we offer. History comes to life as all of our tour guides for this program are in costume. Children will learn about the Pilgrims home life, the chores Pilgrim children were responsible for, the games Pilgrim children played, and also about the Pilgrim’s relationship to Native Americans. The program concludes with a hayride that goes through the Cattail Creek. Everyone will harvest their own ear of popcorn to take home! The program is 2 hours long and is $7.25/person. Registration is required. For an extra $.50 you can go through our educational corn maze at the conclusion of the program. ( add on another 1⁄2 hour – hour). Must register by November 10.

BOOK SALE
Saturday, November 13, 2010: 10:00 AM I ROCKVILLE MEMORIAL LIBRARY, ROCKVILLE, MD
Gently used and a few new books for sale from 10-2. Children's books, young adult books, fiction, nonfiction, books on religion, politics, history, travel, diet, health and many other topics. Sponsored by the Rockville Friends of the Library.

FREE SECOND SATURDAY STORY TIME
Saturday, November 13, 2010: 10:15-11:00 AM I THE KREEGER MUSEUM, WASHINGTON DC
For reservations, call 202-338-3552. Child and adult companion are FREE for this storytelling tour through the Museum.

BLUE SKY PUPPET THEATRE: EDUCATIONAL THEATRE FOR CHILDREN
Saturday, November 13, 2010: 11:00 AM I DAVIS LIBRARY, BETHESDA, MD
Blue Sky Puppet Theatre: Educational Theatre for Children presents, "Bananas: Exercise, Nutrition and Healthy Choices." For children, Pre-K through grade 5.

PUPPET THEATER: CANDY & CUPCAKE DREAMLAND ADVENTURES
Saturday, November 13, 2010: 2:00 PM I POOLESVILLE LIBRARY, POOLESVILLE, MD
Candy and her teddy bear "Cupcake" share songs, stories, puppets and lots of fun. Each story contains wholesome, warm and friendly adventures for the whole family!

BLUE SKY PUPPET THEATRE: EDUCATIONAL THEATRE FOR CHILDREN
Saturday, November 13, 2010: 2:00 PM I DAMASCUS LIBRARY, DAMASCUS, MD
Blue Sky Puppet Theatre: Educational Theatre for Children presents, "Bananas: Exercise, Nutrition and Healthy Choices." For children, Pre-K through grade 5.

MARILYN J. PRAISNER BRANCH LIBRARY CHESS PLAYERS
Tuesday, November 16, 2010: 6:30 PM I MARILYN J. PRAISNER BRANCH LIBRARY (FAIRLAND), BURTONSVILLE, MD
Learn to play chess or sharpen your skills for ages 8 and up. Every Tuesday at 6:30. No registration necessary.

CHESS CLUB
Wednesday, November 17, 2010: 3:30 PM I LONG BRANCH LIBRARY, SILVER SPRING, MD
Learn to play chess or play with others. All are welcome.

HOMEWORK HELP
Wednesday, November 17, 2010: 4:00 PM I ASPEN HILL LIBRARY, ROCKVILLE, MD
Free Homework Help for children in grades K-5 every Wednesday from 4-6, except for MCPS holidays. Instructors are teen volunteers.

POTATO CHIP SCIENCE/DISCOVERY THEATER
Friday, November 19, 2010: 10:15 AM and 11:30 AM I LECTURE HALL, RIPLEY CENTER, NATIONAL MALL, WASHINGTON DC
For ages 6 to 12: This yummy show will really get kids' attention! Allen Kurzweil demonstrates 29 cool experiments (or “snacktivities”) using potato chips, spuds, bags, tubes, and lids. Aerodynamics is a potato chip bag kite, conservation of energy a homemade chipmobile, and a (potato) mummy introduces the archaeologist's concept of desiccation. Kurzweil's new book is Potato Chip Science.

IMAGINATION & CREATION EXPLORATION
Friday, November 19, 2010: 3:00 PM I MD SCIENCE CENTER, BALTIMORE, MD
This activity is specially designed for children ages 5 through 8. Each week come and face a new I.C.E. challenge based on our monthly theme. Our theme for November is electricity. Come get charged as we learn about static electricity and battery powered circuits through hair raising experiments.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE
Saturday, November 20, 2010: 9:30 AM-12:00 PM I DOWNTOWN SILVER SPRING
Save the Date for the most fun event of the year in downtown Silver Spring! Georgia Avenue from Sligo to Silver Plaza on Ellsworth Drive to Fenton Street.

FRIENDS OF THE MARILYN J. PRAISNER LIBRARY BOOK SALE
Saturday, November 20, 2010: 10:00 AM I MARILYN J. PRAISNER BRANCH LIBRARY (FAIRLAND), BURTONSVILLE, MD
Check out our monthly special at the book sale!

FAMILY DAY: PIONEERS OF FLIGHT
Saturday, November 20, 2010: 10:00 AM–3:00 PM I AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM, WASHINGTON DC
Celebrate the reopening of the newly updated Barron Hilton Pioneers of Flight gallery with activities focusing on the 1920s and 1930s -- formative decades in aviation when flight technology rapidly advanced; military and civilian aviation grew tremendously; record-setting and air racing captured public interest; African Americans began to breach the social barriers of flight; and modern rocketry was born.

BOB BROWN PUPPETS
Saturday, November 20, 2010: 10:30 AM I ROCKVILLE MEMORIAL LIBRARY, ROCKVILLE, MD
Come meet the cast of "Second Hand Stars." In this unique tale, Master Puppeteer Bob Brown takes "throw away treasures" and gives them a second chance to shine! Registration is not required. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library, Montgomery County, Inc.

HARRY POTTER DAY
Saturday, November 20, 2010: 12:00-4:00 PM I MD SCIENCE CENTER, BALTIMORE, MD
Join us for a very magical celebration of the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in our IMAX theater. Find out what it’s like to spend a day in the life of a Hogwarts student. Attend Potions class, learn to play Quiddich and even see what house you will be sorted into. Muggles welcome too!

BOB BROWN PUPPETS
Saturday, November 20, 2010: 1:00 PM I POTOMAC
Come meet the cast of "Second Hand Stars." In this unique tale, Master Puppeteer Bob Brown takes "throw away treasures" and gives them a second chance to shine! Registration is not required. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library, Montgomery County, Inc.

THE SUNDAY EXPERIMENT AT NASA
November 21, 2010: 1:00-3:00PM I NASA GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER, GREENBELT, MD
Elementary school students and their families are invited to the Goddard Visitor Center on the third Sunday of every month, from September to May, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., for a free afternoon of eye-opening, hands-on activities that will help you experience what it’s like to be a NASA engineer.

FRIENDS OF THE MARILYN J. PRAISNER LIBRARY BOOK SALE
Monday, November 22, 2010: 5:00 PM I MARILYN J. PRAISNER BRANCH LIBRARY (FAIRLAND), BURTONSVILLE, MD
Check out our monthly special at the book sale!

MARILYN J. PRAISNER BRANCH LIBRARY CHESS PLAYERS
Tuesday, November 23, 2010: 6:30 PM I MARILYN J. PRAISNER BRANCH LIBRARY (FAIRLAND), BURTONSVILLE, MD
Learn to play chess or sharpen your skills for ages 8 and up. Every Tuesday at 6:30. No registration necessary.

CHESS CLUB
Wednesday, November 24, 2010: 3:30 PM I LONG BRANCH LIBRARY, SILVER SPRING, MD
Learn to play chess or play with others. All are welcome.

HOMEWORK HELP
Wednesday, November 24, 2010: 4:00 PM I ASPEN HILL LIBRARY, ROCKVILLE, MD
Free Homework Help for children in grades K-5 every Wednesday from 4-6, except for MCPS holidays. Instructors are teen volunteers.

ACT IT OUT KIDS BOOK CLUB
Monday, November 29, 2010: 7:00 PM I ROCKVILLE MEMORIAL LIBRARY, ROCKVILLE, MD
For children in grades Kindergarten, first and second grades. We will share stories and act them out. Please register at 240-777-0140.

BILINGUAL STORYTIME FOR TODDLERS
Tuesday, November 30, 2010: 10:30 AM I CHEVY CHASE LIBRARY, CHEVY CHASE, MD
Stories, songs and rhymes in English and Spanish presented by Senora Marks! For ages 18 to 36 months. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library, Chevy Chase MD Chapter.

MARILYN J. PRAISNER BRANCH LIBRARY CHESS PLAYERS
Tuesday, November 30, 2010: 6:30 PM I MARILYN J. PRAISNER BRANCH LIBRARY (FAIRLAND), BURTONSVILLE, MD
Learn to play chess or sharpen your skills for ages 8 and up. Every Tuesday at 6:30. No registration necessary.


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