<lst>To have community events listed free in The Potomac Almanac, send mail to 10220 River Road, Suite 303, Potomac, MD 20854, 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.
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Downtown Bethesda will host the seventh annual Bethesda Literary Festival from Friday, April 28 - Sunday, April 30. Produced by the Bethesda Urban Partnership, Inc. (BUP), the festival will feature local and national authors, journalists and poets, as well as poetry slams, a comedy night and youth and adult writing contests. The seventh annual Bethesda Literary Festival will also showcase novelists, journalists, poets and children's authors throughout downtown Bethesda's bookstores, arts organizations and community centers. Featured authors include: Fred Barnes, "Rebel in Chief: How George W. Bush is Redefining the Conservative Movement and Transforming America"; Barbara Kline, "White House Nannies: True Tales from the Other Department of Homeland Security"; Andrea Mitchell, "Talking Back to Presidents, Dictators and Assorted Scoundrels" and Bob Schieffer, "Face the Nation: My Favorite Stories from the First 50 Years of the Award-Winning News Broadcast". Call 301-215-6660 or www.bethesda.org.
“The Horse, A Mirror of Man: Parallels in Early Human and Horse Medicine,” a new exhibition at the National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda will run through April 28. Open Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Meet the Arab Culture Exhibit is at Rockville Library, From April 1-29, 99 Maryland Ave. Available for viewing during library hours. Call 240-777-0140.
Weekend Nature Programs at Glen Echo Saturdays and Sundays, May 6–21. Grab a hand lens, pack a field guide, and jump into the world of insects at Discovery Creek's Six-legged Sensations exhibition. Meet live animals, play in an oversized sandpit, take a hike to explore the creek, create crafts, and more. At the Stable at Glen Echo Park 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Members and children under 2: free, non members: $5. Call 202-337-5111 to make arrangements or visit www.discoverycreek.org.
JSSA Social Skills summer programs. Led by clinical social workers for small groups of children ages 7-10 who have difficulty making and keeping friends. Children learn more positive ways to express their needs, get along with peers, work cooperatively, carry on social conversation, deal with teasing, and boost their self-expression and self-esteem skills. July 11-August 3, 9 a.m.-noon, 6123 Montrose Road, Rockville. Call 301-816-2633 to register.
The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center and the Little Falls Library join efforts to help residents access County services and learn about County programs. A representative from the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center will visit Little Falls library, 5501 Massachusetts Ave. in Bethesda every 4th Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/bcc
Seniors can exercise almost everyday of the week free of charge with Potomac Seniors. Tai Chi, Suburban Hospital's Senior Shape or Chair Exercise all offered. Call 240-777-6960.
30-Plus Happy Hour hosted by the Young Professionals group from the Jewish Community Center for ages 30 and above at different clubs in Bethesda, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. For dates, call 301-881-0100. Meet new people and see old friends. For more information, visit www.jccgw.org.
Hospice Caring has recently launched a new support group specifically designed for those age 50 or under who lost their spouse or significant other more than a year ago. The support group meets every Thursday evening from 7–8:30 p.m. in Rockville. Group members are encouraged to participate regularly but weekly attendance is not required. For more information about the group and to register, contact Toby Rabbin, 301-990-0854.
Potomac Seniors gather at Potomac Community Center, 11315 Falls Road, during the week for a variety of activities between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The program includes Tai Chi, entertainment, health screenings and education, chair exercises, crafts, speakers, counseling, theme parties, monthly mini-trips and intergenerational activities. Visit http://www.co.mo.md.us/rec/Seniors/ptmsr.htm, or call 240-777-6960.
ASCE Toastmaster Club meets at 9:20 a.m., at the Potomac Community Center, 11315 Falls Road, Potomac, on the second Saturday of each month, and at Davis Library in Bethesda on the fourth Saturday of each month. Newcomers welcome. Call 301-299-2826.
English Language Conversation Club at Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Drive, every Saturday from 3-5 p.m. Group practice in spoken English on timely and interesting topics taken from the news or daily life. Volunteer discussion leaders needed. Call Nancy Benner at 240-777-0690.
Bauer Drive Seniors meet on Mondays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Bauer Drive Community Recreation Center at 14625 Bauer Dr., Rockville. Call 301-468-4015.
Daily Tours of Clara Barton National Historic Site, 5801 Oxford Road, Glen Echo, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tours begin on the hour. Call 301-492-6245. Free. Visit www.nps.gov/clba.
Lock Demonstrations. Wednesdays-Fridays, 3-3:30 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays, 1:30-2 p.m. Observe the workings of historic Lock 20 and find out about the significance of the C&O Canal in the vision to develop a nation. Handicapped accessible.
The Montgomery County Thrift Shop, 7125-27 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, is open on the second Sunday of each month. These Sunday openings permit five nonprofit organizations — Suburban Hospital Auxiliary, Planned Parenthood, National Council of Jewish Women Montgomery County Section, Mental Health Association of Montgomery County and Montgomery County Federation of Women's Clubs — to increase their funding of community service projects. The groups work together to benefit the Montgomery County community. Sunday hours are noon-4 p.m. Call 301-654-0063.
Afternoon Tea is served at Strathmore Hall, 10701 Rockville Pike, every Tuesday and Wednesday at 1 p.m. Prepaid reservations required, $17. Call 301-530-0540, or visit www.strathmore.org.
Teatime. Afternoon tea at Normandie Farms, 10710 Falls Road in Potomac, the first and third Wednesdays of every month, from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Cost is $18 per person. Call 301-983-8838.
Sights and Sounds of the Season. 10 a.m.-12 p.m., every first and last Wednesday and Saturday of each month. Join volunteer naturalists to explore the season near Great Falls, Md. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes for this two-hour nature walk. Not handicapped accessible. Call 301-714-3714.
Kids Storytime. Stories and activities. Barnes & Noble, 4801 Bethesda Ave. Every Monday and Tuesday, 11 a.m. Ages 1-5. Free. 301-986-1761.
Support and therapy sessions for wounded spouses with therapist Sherri McKenna. Mondays 7:30-9 p.m. at St. James Episcopal Church, Potomac. $30 per person/session. Call 301-439-7191.
JSSA Girl Talk: Middle School Group. Girls will have the chance to discuss difficulties, academic pressures, family, self-esteem and decision-making. On Wednesdays, 5 p.m., beginning in March at 6123 Montrose Road, Rockville. Call 301-263-2633 to register.
JSSA Support Group for Newly Widowed Spouses. Ongoing group for those bereaved in the last year. Group meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, 9:30-11:00 a.m., 6123 Montrose Road, Rockville. Call 301-816-2683 to register and for more information. Call 301-816-2658 to register. Free
JSSA Support Group for Adults Grieving the Loss of a Parent. Six-session group for adults who have lost a parent within the last two years. Group begins in March, dates/times TBA. 6123 Montrose Road, Rockville. Call 301-816-2658 to register. Free
The Scottish Country Dance Society of Washington invites beginners and experienced dancers to join the dance group. Meetings are Mondays at 8 p.m. at St. Alban's Church, 3001 Wisconsin Ave. Cost is $3 per session. Call Betty Lee Barne at 202-966-3595 or John MacLeod at 301-622-5945.
Sacred chanting. The healing effects of chanting. First and third Saturdays of the month and first Sunday of the month, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Call 301-656-6277 or visit www.adidam.org/dc. At Adidam Revelation Bookstore and Dharma Arts Center, 7215 Arlington Road, Suite 202, Bethesda.
The Way of Adidam — Introductory. Hear Avatar Adi Da's views on life, death, suffering, truth, reality and more. Tuesdays, 7:30-9 p.m. Call 301-656-6277, or visit www.adidam.org/dc. At Adidam Revelation Bookstore and Dharma Arts Center, 7215 Arlington Road, Suite 202, Bethesda.
Li-Ming Toastmasters Club welcomes guests in developing communication and public-speaking skills Sundays from 10:15-11:45 a.m. at the staff lounge of Julius West Middle School, 651 Great Falls Road, Rockville. Call 301-279-8720 or visit www.li-ming.org/toastmaster.
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), a support group, meets the third Sunday of each month at 2 p.m., at Cedar Lane Unitarian Church, 9601 Cedar Lane, Bethesda, to discuss the issues that surround coming out. Free. Call 301-439-3524 or visit www.pflag.org.
Adidam Study Group. Study of the Wisdom Teachings of Avatar Adi Da Samraj. Third Thursday of the month, 7:30-9 p.m. Donation $9. Call 301-656-6277 or visit www.adidam.org/dc. At Adidam Revelation Bookstore & Dharma Arts Center, 7215 Arlington Road, Suite 202, Bethesda.
Earth Treks Climbing Center offers an Open Climb. An easy and fun way to get started climbing. Show up any Saturday between 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. at any Earth Treks location to climb with an experienced instructor controlling the ropes and cheering you on. $5 per climb. 1-800-CLIMB-UP or www.earthtreksclimbing.com.
The Potomac Area Newcomers Club welcomes new residents to the community with monthly meetings. Call the membership chairman for locations and reservations at 301-765-0066. Visit www.geocities.com/potomacnc.
Mom's Club of Potomac offers activities for stay-at-home moms and their children on the third Monday of every month at the Potomac Community Center, 11315 Falls Rd., at 10:30 a.m. They offer playgroups that meet weekly and a full calendar of fun activities every month. Call Juli Jamison at 301-461-5469.
Dr. Edward E. Stonestreet (portrayed by Clarence Hickey) holds his regular office hours the second Sunday of every month from 12-4 p.m. Learn the realities of medical treatments during this period as Dr. Stonestreet shares his medical knowledge and teaches visitors to make pills and remove bullets. The Stonestreet Museum of 19 Century Medicine was Dr. Stonestreet's Rockville office from 1852 to 1903. The Montgomery County Historical Society operates this unique, free-standing doctor's office as a museum interpreting medical knowledge and treatments during the second half of the 19 century. The museum is located at Beall-Dawson Historical Park, 103 West Montgomery Ave., Rockville. Call 301-762-1492 for more information, or visit www.montgomeryhistory.org.
The Glen Echo International Folkdancers meet every Thursday night at Church of the Redeemer, 6201 Dunrobbin Drive. Teaching all levels from 7:30 - 9 p.m., and requests from 9-10:45 p.m. No partner or experience needed, newcomers always welcome. Admission $5. Call Jamie at 301-320-7099 or visit www.dancingplanetproductions.com. Co-sponsored by the Folklore Society of Greater Washington.
Beginners Bird Walk. Stroll the grounds of the 40-acre Woodend Sanctuary of the Audubon Naturalist Society and look for resident and migrating birds. The guided walks take place every Saturday at 8 a.m. Bring binoculars if you have them, and dress for the weather. Older children welcome. 8940 Jones Mill Road, Chevy Chase. Free. 301-652-9188.
Birders. The Montgomery Bird Club, a chapter of the Maryland Ornithological Society, sponsors bird field trips and holds monthly meetings on the third Wednesday of each month at Potomac Presbyterian Church, 10301 River Road, from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Visit http://www.mdkinc.com/mccbird/.