Prince George's Community Events Oct. 9-16, 2008

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Thursday 9

KIDS' AVIATION ACTIVITIES, for ages 2-5 with an adult companion, the Peter Pan Club, including stories, museum tours, crafts and games. 10:30 a.m.-noon Thursdays, College Park Aviation Museum, 1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Dr., College Park. Free, with museum admission: $4; seniors, $3; ages 2-18, $2; age 1 and younger, free. 301-864-6029.

FORT WASHINGTON ICE SKATING, for all ages. Noon-2 p.m. and 3-5 p.m. today, Tucker Road Ice Rink, 1771 Tucker Rd., Fort Washington. $4; nonresidents of Prince Georges and Montgomery counties, $5, including skate rental. 301-265-1525; TTY 301-203-6030.

LARGO BLOOD DRIVE, organized and run by the Arc's self-advocacy group, People On the Go. 2-8 p.m., the Arc building, 1401 McCormick Dr., Largo. Free, reservations suggested. Call Elizabeth Wilson, 301-925-7050, Ext. 230.

DINNER AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DISCUSSION, with the Rev. Unnia Pettus, founder of "Nobody but God Outreach Ministries" and a domestic violence survivor, discusses "Domestic Violence: Survivor and Advocate." Spaghetti dinner prepared by church members, 6 p.m., discussion, 7 p.m., Clinton United Methodist Church, 10700 Brandywine Rd., Clinton. Dinner, $8, reservations required; discussion, free. 301-868-1281.

FORT WASHINGTON CLASSICAL MUSIC RECITAL, the Air Force Band Clarinet Quartet. 8 p.m., Harmony Hall Regional Center, 10701 Livingston Rd., Fort Washington. Free. 202-767-5658.

Friday 10

COLLEGE PARK NEEDLE ARTS, an informal gathering to work on quilting, knitting, embroidery and cross-stitch projects. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Fridays, Old Parish House, 4711 Knox, at the corner of Dartmouth, College Park. Free. 301-277-9630.

FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY EXPO, about commonly overlooked fire hazards, life-saving tips and more. 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Food Court, Bowie Towne Center, 15606 Emerald Way, Bowie. Free. 301-583-1882.

FORT WASHINGTON ICE SKATING, for all ages. Noon-2 p.m. and 3-5 p.m., Tucker Road Ice Rink, 1771 Tucker Rd., Fort Washington. $4; nonresidents of Prince Georges and Montgomery counties, $5, including skate rental. 301-265-1525; TTY 301-203-6030.

LANDOVER GYMNASTICS WORKSHOP, for children 18 months to 14 years, accompanied by adults, instruction about types of equipment in an unstructured, informal class. 4:30-5:30 p.m. Fridays through Oct. 24, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 25, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Oct. 28, Prince George's Sports and Learning Complex, 8001 Sheriff Rd., Landover. Children, $6; adult companions, free; maximum of three children per adult. 301-583-2400; TTY 301-583-2483.

HYATTSVILLE "XTREME TEEN" OPEN HOUSE, for ages 10-17, information on service learning and volunteer options, classes, trips, health and wellness programs, open gym and sports offered by the center. 7-10 p.m., Prince George's Plaza Community Center, 6600 Adelphi Rd., Hyattsville. Free. 301-864-1611; TTY 301-445-4512.

PLANETARIUM PROGRAM, staff members lead a journey to explore mock ruins of the lost city of Atlantis. 7:15 p.m., Howard B. Owens Science Center, 9601 Greenbelt Rd., Lanham. Free. 301-918-8750.

"BEST BOOK OF 2002" DISCUSSION, a librarian leads a discussion of Yann Martel's "Life of Pi," Amazon's choice for its annual award, the story of a teenage boy adrift on the ocean with a Bengal tiger companion and his subsequent slant on life. 7:30 p.m., Beltsville Library, 4319 Sellman Rd., Beltsville. Free. 301-937-0294.

Saturday 11

MICROSOFT OFFICE SUITE CLASSES, for age 18 and older, a four-week class to learn the fundamentals of Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Access. 9-10 a.m., Oakcrest Community Center, 1300 Capitol Heights Blvd., Capitol Heights. $64; nonresidents of Prince George's and Montgomery counties, $78. 301-736-5355; TTY 301-218-6768.

FIRE HOUSE OPEN HOUSES, meet firefighters, learn about safety tips and more, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Bowie Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, 15454 Annapolis Rd., Bowie, and noon-4 p.m., Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department, 6061 Central Ave., Capitol Heights. Free. For information on events at other fire houses, call 301-883-7739 or 301-883-7705.

SATURDAY MORNING AT THE MOVIES -- VAUDEVILLE STYLE, with live entertainment by the Marlboro Boys and Girls Club Cheerleaders and a showing of Disney's "Game Plan," the story of a professional quarterback's discovery that he has an 8-year-old daughter from a previous relationship. 10 a.m., Publick Playhouse, 5445 Landover Rd., Cheverly. $5. 301-277-1710; TTY 301-277-0312.

LARGO-KETTERING LIBRARY SUPPORT, discussion about fundraising, volunteering and projects; a meeting of Largo-Kettering Friends of the Library. 10:30 a.m., Largo Kettering Library, 9601 Capital Lane. Free. 301-336-4044.

OCTOBERFEST AT THE LIBRARY, crocheted and other handmade items from the Oxon Hill Crochet Club and Friends, baked goods, plants, books and more. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Oxon Hill Library, 6200 Oxon Hill Rd. Free. 301-839-2400.

OXON HILL PUMPKINS, ideal for ages 6-12, but all are welcome, learn about pumpkins through activities, songs, stories and poems. 11:30 a.m., Oxon Hill Farm, Oxon Cove Park, 6411 Oxon Hill Rd. Free. 301-839-1176.

ACCOKEEK "OKTOBERFEST," performances of Bavarian and Austrian dancing, hayrides to the Potomac River, apple squeezing in an old-fashioned press to make cider, arts and crafts, silent and live auctions. 1-6 p.m., Hard Bargain Farm, 2001 Bryan Point Rd., Accokeek. $8; age 7 and younger, free; German foods and beverages available for purchase. 301-292-5665 or http://www.fergusonfoundation.org.

GYMNASTICS WORKSHOPS, for children 18 months to 14 years, accompanied by adults, instruction about types of equipment. 1:30-2:30 p.m. Saturdays, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesdays, through Oct. 28, Prince George's Sports and Learning Complex, 8001 Sheriff Rd., Landover. Children, $6; adult companions, free; maximum of three children per adult. 301-583-2400; TTY 301-583-2483.

COOKING WITH YOUR CHILDREN, for ages 3-6 and an adult companion, learn to cook delicious treats. 2-4 p.m., Lake Arbor Community Center, 10100 Lake Arbor Way, Mitchellville. $10; nonresidents of Prince George's and Montgomery counties, $12. 301-333-6561; TTY 301-218-6768.

GREENBELT SPAGHETTI DINNER, with salad, dessert and beverage; whole pies for sale. 5-7 p.m., Mowatt Memorial United Methodist Church, 40 Ridge Rd., Greenbelt. $8; ages 5-12, $6; age 4 and younger, free. 301-474-7291 or http://ruthcircle@greenbeltumc.org.

FALL COOKIE PARTY, for ages 5-8, decorate cookies and participate in singing and dancing. 7-9 p.m., William Beanes Community Center, 5108 Dianna Dr., Suitland. $3. 301-568-7719; TTY 301-203-6030.

Sunday 12

BOWIE FARMERS MARKET, a "producers only" market offering fresh fruits and vegetables, breads and other baked goods, jams and jellies, salsa, herbs, fresh cut flowers and bedding plants. 8 a.m.-noon Sundays through Oct. 26, Bowie Farmers Market, 15200 Annapolis Rd. Admission, free. 301-809-3078.

GREENBELT FARMERS MARKET, locally produced fruits and vegetables, including organic produce, breads and baked goods, cut flowers, meat, chicken, eggs, sustainably harvested seafood, locally roasted coffee and locally made ice cream. Sundays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. through October 26, Greenbelt Farmers Market, Roosevelt Center, Southway. Admission, free. 240-476-8769.

PLANTATION SLAVERY VS. URBAN SLAVERY, a National Park Service ranger discusses the differences between plantation slavery on the Mount Welby Plantation and the version of slavery present in Georgetown in the 1800s. 1 p.m., Oxon Hill Farm, Oxon Cove Park, 6411 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill. Free. 301-839-1176.

LAUREL BRASS RECITAL, National Brass ensemble performs classical favorites. 3 p.m., Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Rd., Laurel. $5. 301-953-1993 or 410-792-0664.

UPPER MARLBORO KAYAKING TRIP, for age 18 and older, a guided trip to learn about the area's cultural history and the ecology of the river; no experience necessary; bring a hat and drinking water. 5-8 p.m., Patuxent River Park, 16000 Croom Airport Rd., Upper Marlboro. $15; nonresidents of Prince George's and Montgomery counties, $18. 301-627-6074; TTY 301-699-2544.

Monday 13

TALENT SHOW FOR SENIORS, for age 60 and older, sing, dance, recite poetry or demonstrate any talent. 10 a.m.-noon, Camp Springs Senior Center, 6420 Allentown Rd., Camp Springs. $2; nonresidents of Prince George's and Montgomery counties, $3. 301-449-0490; TTY 301-203-6030.

MONDAY AT THE MOVIES FOR SENIORS, Denzel Washington in "The Great Debaters," the true story of a controversial professor at a rural Texas African American college whose debate team challenged and beat Harvard's established champions in 1935. 11 a.m., Publick Playhouse, 5445 Landover Rd., Cheverly. $5. 301-277-1710; TTY 301-277-0312.

LARGO BOOK TALK, a librarian leads a discussion of Ron Suskind's nonfiction book "A Hope in the Unseen: An American Odyssey from the Inner City to the Ivy League," about the struggles experienced by inner-city residents in the United States and about a D.C. teen who succeeded. 1:30 p.m., Largo Kettering Library, 9601 Capital Lane. Free. 301-336-4044.

HILLCREST HEIGHTS LIBRARY SUPPORT, discussion about fundraising, volunteering and projects; a meeting of Hillcrest Heights Friends of the Library. 7 p.m., Hillcrest Heights Library, 2398 Iverson St., Temple Hills. Free. 301-630-4900.

LANDOVER DANCE LESSONS, for age 18 and older, line dancing to music from the 1960s, '70s and '80s, including the jerk, boogaloo, camel walk and others. 7:15-8:15 p.m. Mondays through Nov. 3, Prince George's Sports and Learning Complex, 8001 Sheriff Rd., Landover. $30; Nonresidents of Prince George's and Montgomery counties, $36. 301-583-2400.

Tuesday 14

LAUREL BIRD WALK, for age 16 and older, field guides and binoculars recommended. 8-10 a.m., National Wildlife Visitor Center, Powder Mill Road, between the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Route 197, Laurel. Free, donations welcome, reservations required. 301-497-5887.

HYATTSVILLE FALL INDOOR CARNIVAL, for age 60 and older, games, hot dogs, popcorn, peanuts and prizes, bring a friend or come and meet one. 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Langley Park Senior Center, 1500 Merrimac Dr., Hyattsville. $2; nonresidents of Prince George's and Montgomery counties, $3. 301-408-4343; TTY 301-445-4512.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT COLLEGE, educational consultant Steven Goodman and family psychologist Andrea Leiman, authors of "College Admissions Together: It Takes a Family," discuss the college admissions process, including campus visits, applications and early admission. 7 p.m., New Carrollton Library, 7414 Riverdale Rd., New Carrollton. Free. 301-459-6900.

OXON HILL LIBRARY SUPPORT, discussion about fundraising, volunteering and special projects; a meeting of Oxon Hill Friends of the Library. 7 p.m., Oxon Hill Library, 6200 Oxon Hill Rd. Free. 301-839-2400.

Wednesday 15

LAUREL BIRD WALK, for age 16 and older, a guided search for birds living in various refuge habitats, field guides and binoculars recommended. 8-10:30 a.m., National Wildlife Visitor Center, Powder Mill Road, between the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Route 197, Laurel. Free, reservations required; donations welcome. 301-497-5887.

BOOK TALK, a librarian leads a discussion of "Hemingway's Chair," by Michael Palin, a novel about a postal worker who becomes obsessed with the life, works and personal style of novelist Ernest Hemingway. 10:30 a.m., Hyattsville Library, 6532 Adelphi Rd., Hyattsville. Free. 301-985-4690.

FORT WASHINGTON TEA AND MUSIC, husband-and-wife team Ashbrook and Oorts performs on the hammered dulcimer, flute and guitars. 2 p.m., Harmony Hall Regional Center, John Addison Concert Hall, 10701 Livingston Rd., Fort Washington. $10. 301-203-6070; TTY 301-203-3803.

DINING ETIQUETTE, for ages 8-12, a four-week course on table-setting, proper identification and use of utensils, glassware and napkins, how to eat unusual foods and more. 6-7 p.m. Wednesdays through Nov. 5, Prince George's Sports and Learning Complex, 8001 Sheriff Rd., Landover. $45. 301-583-2400.

ACCOKEEK LIBRARY SUPPORT, discussion about fundraising, volunteering and projects; a meeting of Accokeek Friends of the Library. 7 p.m., Accokeek Library, 15773 Livingston Rd. Free. 301-292-2880.

THE ROLE OF MILLS IN EARLY MARYLAND HISTORY, Nathan Maddox, a miller at Colvin Run Mill historic site in Great Falls, discusses the importance of mills to area settlers. 7:30 p.m., Montpelier Mansion, 9650 Muirkirk Rd., Laurel. Free. 301-953-1376.

Thursday 16

UPPER MARLBORO DISCOVERY HIKE, for age 4 and older, a naturalist leads a walk to look for and listen to the sounds of nature. 10-11 a.m., Watkins Regional Park, 301 Watkins Park Dr., Upper Marlboro. $1; nonresidents of Prince George's and Montgomery counties, $2. 301-218-6702; TTY 301-699-2544.

WAR OF 1812 BOOK DISCUSSION, a librarian leads a discussion of A.J. Langguth's nonfiction work "Union 1812: The Americans Who Fought the Second War of Independence," about the three-year war to establish control over the middle of North America. 10 a.m., New Carrollton Library, 7414 Riverdale Rd., New Carrollton. Free. 301-459-6900.

COLLEGE PARK BIRD WALKS, for beginners and experts, a 2.2-mile walk along the Luther Goldman Birding Trail at Lake Artemesia; bring binoculars, a bird checklist available; sponsored by Prince George's Audubon Society and Patuxent Bird Club. 4 p.m. Oct. 16, Nov. 6 and 20; meet in the parking lot at Berwyn Road and Balew Avenue, Berwyn Heights. Free. 301-459-3375.

NORTH BRENTWOOD PUMPKIN PAINTING, for ages 6-12, bring a pumpkin; brushes and paint will be provided. 4 p.m., North Brentwood Community Center, 4012 Webster St. $2; nonresidents of Prince George's and Montgomery counties, $3, reservations deadline, Sunday. 301-864-0756; TTY 301-445-4512.

FORT WASHINGTON CLASSICAL MUSIC RECITAL, Air Force Band French hornist Tara Islas and violinist Deborah Volker perform. 8 p.m., Harmony Hall Regional Center, 10701 Livingston Rd., Fort Washington. Free. 301-203-6040 or 202-767-5658.

-- Compiled by GERRI MARMER

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