<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. 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. Call 240-777-0690.
Preschool Story Time. Stories, songs, rhymes, and literary activities for children 36 months and up at Bethesda Library, 7400 Arlington Blvd., Bethesda, 10:30 a.m. 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 Blvd., Bethesda, 2 p.m. Registration is not required. Free and open to the public. Call 240-777-0970.
Nature Storytime: Wings! Fall is full of fearless flyers, from butterflies to migrating hawks. What do they have in common? Come and find out at Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. 3-5 years. Cost is $5. To register for program go to www.parkpass.org.
<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.
Time for Twos. Stories, songs, and literary activities for children 24 to 36 months old attending with an adult at Bethesda Library, 7400 Arlington Blvd., Bethesda, 10:30 a.m.. No registration required for individual children. Call 240-777-0970.
NEA National Heritage Fellowship. Celebrate the recipients of the nation's highest recognition for folk and traditional artists in this free performance featuring music, dance, storytelling, and crafts at the Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are free, but reservations are required. Standby line begins at 6:30 p.m., outside the Music Center, where noted. No lines may form before the designated time. Call 301-581-5100 or visit www.strathmore.org.
Levine Woodwind Quintet. The Quintet will perform classical music at the Mansion at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $26. Call 301-581-5100 or visit www.strathmore.org.
<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.
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.
Rock ‘n Roll Van Tour. Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda will meet the stones and maybe spot a beetle or two as we explore the more unusual rocks and minerals that underlie some of our upcounty parks, 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Bring a drink and a bag lunch. Ages 18 and up. Cost $16. Register at www.parkpass.org.
<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.
Swing Dance. The Washington Swing Dance Committee is pleased to present Jacques "Saxman" Johnson and Friends in the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, 8-12 p.m. Admission: $12. Contact Derek at volunteer@wsdc.org or call 301-340-9732.
Geology of the Billy Goat Trail. Explore the Billy Goat Trail on a hike with a geologist, 1:30-4 p.m. Dress appropriately for the weather, wear suitable hiking shoes or boots, and bring water. This program is limited to 15 participants. Call the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center 301-767-3714 to reserve space.
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.
Celebrate the Equinox. The autumn equinox is an ancient time of celebration. The dog days of summer are waning; the late harvests of pumpkins, grapes, and grains are coming in, and day and night are in perfect balance. It is a magical time. Join Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda for a festive evening to connect with changing seasons, woodland sprites, and a bountiful harvest, 6:30-8 p.m. Cost is $2. Register at www.parkpass.org.
<cal1>Sunday/Sept. 23
<cal2>Contra & 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 to 10:30 p.m. In the Bumper Car Pavilion at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. Admission: $12 nonmembers/$9 FSGW members. Contact 202-518-1299 or visit www.fsgw.org.
Susan Allport Reading. Susan Allport will be at the Writing Center, 4508 Walsh St., Bethesda, for a reading and booksigning, 2-4 p.m. Susan is an award-winning writer specializing in science, travel, and food. Visit www.writer.org.
Family Hike: McKee-Beshers. This Wildlife Management Area along the Potomac in northern Montgomery County never fails to yield surprises to the observant eye. Its mix of habitats (ponds, swamps, woods and farm fields) hosts a wide variety of waterfowl, insects and wildflowers. Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda will meander on grassy paths, alert to natural wonders, 1-3 p.m. Expect to cover 1 - 2 miles on flat terrain. Call for directions. 5 years and up. Cost $2. Visit www.parkpass.org to register.
<cal1>Tuesday/Sept. 25
<cal2>Born to Read. Introduce your baby to books, language, and narrative with rhymes, songs, bounces, and short stories at Bethesda Library, 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda. Babies ages newborn to 24 months attend with an adult. 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.
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 please call ahead. Call 240-777-0970.
French Book Club. Join Madeleine Hage for a discussion of books written in French and discussed in French at Bethesda Library, 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda, 7:30 p.m. This month the group is reading "Les Echelles du Levant" by Amin Maalouf. Free and open to the public. Call 240-777-0970.
Brookeville-Sandy Spring Van Tour. Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda, will travel parallel to the old turnpikes and go through the 'toll gates' into Sandy Spring, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. After stopping for lunch, we board the bus for a van tour through Sandy Spring and some of the 'famous villages' nearby. Bring a bag lunch. All fees and drinks are included. Transportation provided from Locust Grove. Cost $25. Visit www.parkpass.org to register.
<cal1>Thursday/Sept. 27
<cal2>Half Pint Kid’s Club. Create art using fruits and veggies at Whole Foods Market, 5269 River Road, 4-5 p.m. Ages 3-11. Free RSVP to 301-984-4860.
Time for Twos. Stories, songs, and literary activities for children 24 to 36 months old attending with an adult at Bethesda Library, 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda. No registration required for individual children; groups please call ahead. Call 240-777-0970.
Pint Sized Science: Wind. What brings autumn? Birds know. Leaves know. Weather watchers know. Let them share their secrets in this moving class at Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda, 10-11 a.m. Ages 3-6. Cost $5. Visit www.parkpass.org to register.
Earthquake Victims Fundraiser. Mayorga Coffee, 8040 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, invites the public to an evening of music, food, and friends to provide support for Peru's earthquake victims, 7-9 p.m. Call 301-562-9090.
<cal1>Friday/Sept. 28
<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.
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 a Salsa band. In the Bumper Car Pavilion at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. Admission: $12. Visit www.oohsalsa.com.
Bye-Bye Bats. Bats are fattening up for winter migration and hibernation. Join Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda, to watch them hunt over our meadows and sip from the stream before they leave for their winter homes, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Ages 5 and up. Cost is $2. Visit www.parkpass.org to register.
<cal2>Saturday/Sept. 29
<cal2>Country House Tour. The 52nd Annual Potomac Country House Tour and Artisan Boutique will run from 12 – 5 p.m. Tour features unique area homes including arguably the most environmentally "green" home in Montgomery County. Advance tickets will be sold for $20 at St. Francis Episcopal Church, 10033 River Road, Potomac, and retail outlets throughout the area. Tickets on tour days will be available at St. Francis Episcopal Church for $25. Call 301-365-2055 or visit http://www.stfrancispotomac.org.
Patricia Sullivan Benefit. A benefit event to support Potomac Community Resources at Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center. 7 p.m. cocktails and 8 p.m. dinner. Cost is $200. Visit www.pcr-inc.org or call Liz Robinson at 301-980-8082.
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>Sunday/Sept. 30
<cal2>Blues Dance. The Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture presents a mostly Blues Dance with Big Joe and Little Bill’s Blues Cats with Big Joe Maher, Clarence Turner, Bill Heid and Louis Rao. This band plays a mix of traditional and contemporary blues music. Blues lesson from 7 - 8:30 p.m, dancing to 11:30 p.m. In the Spanish Ballroom, Glen Echo Park. Admission: $17 lesson & dance/$12 dance only. Contact Donna Barker at Contact dbarker@glenechopark.org or call 301-634-2231.
The Crescendo Club. Advanced music skills for grades 5 and 6 at the Music Center at Strathmore, Education room 402, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Cost is $320/eight classes. Call 301-581-5100.
8k and 2k Road Races. Prizes, brunch and kids’ fun runs. Somerset Elementary School, 5811 Warwick Place; line-up on corner of Warwick & Dorset. 8 a.m. Cost is $20/register before Sept. 21; $25/day of; $15/ages 18 and under. Call 301-654-8305.
Crab Feast. All you can eat crabs, side dishes and beverages, Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad, 5020 Battery Lane, Bethesda, 1-5 p.m. Cost is $35. Call 301-758-2143.
Exploring the Jungle Book. The Bethesda Library and Imagination Stage join forces to explore Rudyard Kipling's "Jungle Book" at Bethesda Library, 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda, 2 p.m. Call 240-777-0970.
Poetry and Prose Open Mic. Poetry and Prose Open Mic reading at the Writer’s Center, 4508 Walsh St., Bethesda. The sign-up for readers begins at 1:30 p.m. and the reading starts at 2 p.m. Visit www.writer.org.
Voices of the River. The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society will give a demonstration and opportunity to join in the dancing at the River Center at Lockhouse 8, C&O Canal National Historical Park, Cabin John, 3:30 p.m. Scottish Country Dancing is a lot of fun, not very hard, and you don't need to be Scottish to do it. To RSVP for this free event, contact Judy Welles at welles@potomac.org or 301-608-1188.
Fall Festival. The community is invited to attend Westbriar Elementary’s First Annual Fall Festival, 1-5 p.m. Join the school for an afternoon of fun, including games, moonbouce, obstacle course, giant slide, joust, and strike zone. A marketplace of local vendors will also be participating. Cotton candy, popcorn, ice cream and Church Street pizza will be served.
<cal1>Saturday/Oct. 6
<cal2>Swing Dance. The Washington Swing Dance Committee is pleased to present Girls From Mars. Swing lesson from 8 - 9 p.m.; dancing from 9 p.m. to midnight. Admission includes the lesson. In the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. Admission: $12. Volunteer and get in free: email Derek, Volunteer Coordinator, at volunteer@wsdc.org or call 301-340-9732.
Rescue Day. Fire and rescue squad activities for all ages, including fire and rescue trucks, tours of the station, demonstrations of medical and rescue equipment, a visit by a helicopter, free firefighter hats for children, and moonbounce, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad, 5020 Battery Lane, Bethesda. Call 301-652-0077 or visit www.bccrs.org.
<cal1>Monday/Oct. 8
<cal2>Nature Author. ANS is pleased to feature renown author and naturalist Scott Weidensaul at their annual member meeting this fall at Woodend Sanctuary in Chevy Chase, 6-8 p.m. Weidensaul is the author of more than two dozen books on natural history. Light refreshments will be provided by Paris Caterers. Email Loree Trilling or call her at 301-652-9188 x35.