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Montgomery County Recreation RecCalendar – December 2017

Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year 2018.

December 1: Adult Basketball Leagues Winter 2018 Registration is on the way for Men’s, Men’s 3 on 3, Women’s Drop-In, and 60+. Each regular league will play a 6-game season plus playoffs. The 2018 season begins January 14 and ends in late March. The regular leagues are scheduled for Sunday and Wednesday evenings, and game times are rotated between 6 and 9 p.m. Please contact Pat Sullivan at patrick.sullivan@montgomerycountymd.gov or at 240-777-6893. Register online at ActiveMONTGOMERY.org. The deadline is December 18 by 4 p.m. Registration will not be accepted without payment. We offer payment plans.

December 2: Bauer Drive Holiday Craft Show Bauer Community Recreation Center 14625 Bauer Drive, Rockville, MD 20853 240-777-6922 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Local and regional artists exhibit original creations of fine art, photography, fabric arts, jewelry, candles, holiday decorations, wood work and many more. Admission and parking is free/gratis.

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December 3: Breakfast with Santa

Nancy H. Dacek North Potomac Community Center 13850 Travilah Road, Rockville, MD 20850 240-773-4800 9 - 11:30 a.m. $5 per person-includes a photo with Santa, a small gift, breakfast and a craft. Register online at ActiveMONTGOMERY.org under activity #42525.

December 3: Dive with Scuba Santa Olney Swim Center 16605 Georgia Ave., Olney, MD 20832 240-777-4995 Noon - 4 p.m. We welcome all ages. 10+ may use provided scuba equipment after receiving instruction. Those 9 and younger can hold their breath and swim down for a quick action shot with Santa. Or, Santa will go to the concrete steps leading into the

pool’s shallow end and they can visit above the surface. Bring a non-perishable food or a donation of $5 or more. All contributions benefit MUM Captain Joseph A. Mattingly Jr. food pantry. Co- sponsored by the Olney Scuba Adventure Dive Club.

December 9: Winter Wonderland

Mid County Community Recreation Center 2004 Queensguard Road, Silver Spring, MD 20906 240-777-6820 Noon - 3 p.m. Join us for an afternoon of holiday games, puppet show and fun. Register in person at the center or online at ActiveMONTGOMERY.org under activity #35783. You can donate toys, canned food or gently worn clothes. All ages are welcomed. Free/Gratis.

December 13: Santa’s Workshop

Damascus Community Recreation Center 2550 Oak Drive, Damascus, MD 20872 240-777-6930 6:30 - 9 p.m. Hot chocolate, cookies, crafts and much more. Free/Gratis.

December 14: Holiday Party Damascus Senior Center 9701 Main Street, Damascus, MD 20872 240-777-6995 1 - 3 p.m. Join us to celebrate the holiday season and the New Year. We will have light refreshments and a toast to the New Year. Free/Gratis.

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December 14: Multicultural Holiday Extravaganza North Potomac Senior Center 13860 Travilah Road, Rockville, MD 20850 240-773-4805 1 - 3 p.m. Share holiday traditions, stories, dances and dishes from your native land. We are a melting pot and we reflect it in showcasing what makes us culturally unique during this festive time of the year.

December 15: Potomac After Hours – Winter Party

Potomac Community Recreation Center 11315 Falls Road, Potomac, MD 20854 240-777-6956 9:15 - 11 p.m. A special program for 6th-8th graders. Join other middle schoolers for active

and creative games and fun. Cost $5. Party featuring DJ Eli. Register online at ActiveMONTGOMERY.org under activity #43773.

December 15: Winter Wonderland on Ice

Plum Gar Community Recreation Center 19561 Scenery Drive, Germantown, MD 20874 240-777-4919 5 - 9 p.m. Fun filled evening of holiday entertaining. Experience the adventures of Skating on Ice without Jack Frost nipping at your nose. Enjoy karaoke, baking fun, and light refreshments. Register at the center in person or online at ActiveMONTGOMERY.org under activity #43968. Free/Gratis.

December 16: Holiday Fair & Puppet Show Gwendolyn Coffield Community Recreation Center 2450 Lyttonsville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910 240-777-4900 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Fun filled family festivity featuring “Santa’s Workshop” presented by Blue Sky Puppet Theater. All ages are welcome to enjoy continental breakfast, sugar cookie decorating, cake walk, interactive games, holiday music and more. Register online at ActiveMONTGOMERY.org under activity #43730. Free/Gratis.

December 18: Encore Chorale Holiday Concert Margaret Schweinhaut Senior Center 1000 Forest Glen Road, Silver Spring, MD 20901 240-777-8085 1 – 3 p.m. Join the center’s Encore Chorale lead by Jeanne Kelly, Founder and Director, as they perform holiday music to capture the season. Free/Gratis.

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December 19: Jingle Bells That Rock

North Potomac Senior Center 13860 Travilah Road, Rockville, MD 20850 240-773-4805 1:30 - 3 p.m. Join your neighbors in singing your favorite holiday tunes! Led by our very own N.P.A.S.S. (North Potomac Amazing Senior Singers). Guaranteed good time by all. Free/Gratis.

December 21: Holiday Caroling and Concert White Oak Senior Center 1700 April Lane, Silver Spring, MD 20904 240-777-6944 1 - 2 p.m. Enjoy eggnog and hot cider while singing holiday tunes. Special guest performance. Free/Gratis.

December 22: Holiday Party with DJ Tyzer Margaret Schweinhaut Senior Center 1000 Forest Glen Road, Silver Spring, MD 20901 240-777-8085 Noon - 2 p.m. Join us for the Annual Holiday Party. Our nutrition Program will provide lunch followed by moving and shaking on our dance floor to music by DJ Tyzer. Pre-registration is required. Free/Gratis.

December 30: New Year’s Party Dance

Holiday Park Senior Center 3950 Ferrara Drive, Wheaton, MD 20906 240-777-4999 6 - 10 p.m. Ring in the New Year a night early. For ages 15 and up with disabilities. We are celebrating with party hats, streamers and plenty of dancing. All dancers pay $10, pre-registration is encouraged. Register online at ActiveMONTGOMERY.org under activity #40295.

Holiday Week

Some Recreation and Senior centers are closed from

December 25, 2017 to January 1, 2018. Except for Mid County, East County, Ross Body, Damascus, Potomac, and North Potomac.

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December: Club Friday 7 – 9 p.m. Club Friday is a membership program filled with fun activities such as games, sports, movies, dancing, arts and crafts, theme nights, raffles and special activities that every child will enjoy. Come out and join in the fun! Meets on selected Friday nights October through May. Health and Rules/Regulation form required by the first day of Club Friday. Cost of membership is $52 ($88 at Potomac.) Times are 7-9 pm unless otherwise is stated in the chart below. Register online at ActiveMONTGOMERY.org under the activity # shown in the chart below:

Center Phone #

Dates

Activity #

Grades

Longwood 240-777-6920 December 8, 15 40402 3-5

Potomac 240-777-6960 December 1, 8, 15 40411 3-6

North Potomac 240-773-4800 December 1, 15 40413 3-5

Clara Barton 240-777-4910 December 15 40401 3-6

Germantown 240-777-8095 December 1, 15 40399 3-6

Lawton 240-777-6852 December 1, 15 40400 3-6

Mid County 240-777-6820 December 1, 15, 22, 29 6:30-9 pm

40736 K-6

Upper County 240-777-8077 December 1, 15 6:30-8:30 pm

40405 K-6

Praisner Friday Night Hype

240-777-4970 December 1 6:30-8:30 pm

40721 $6 per child each night

K-5

Montgomery County Recreation

Administrative Office 4010 Randolph Road, Silver Spring, MD 20902

240-777-6840 FAX 240-777-6818 recreation.customerservice@montgomerycountymd.gov

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Recent Recreation Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 3, 2017

Montgomery County's Winter Guide for

Recreation and Parks Programs Is Now

Available

The 2017-2018 winter issue of the Montgomery County Guide for Recreation and Parks programs is

now available to the public.

The Winter Guide features a wide variety of classes and programs designed to help participants stay

active and have fun. There are offerings in aquatics (including the new Aqua Spin class on a stationary

bike in the water), sports, therapeutic recreation services and active adult programming.

Residents may register for classes and programs beginning Monday, November 13, 2017. You can

register online, by mail or in person at the Montgomery County Recreation Administrative Offices

at 4010 Randolph Road, Silver Spring, 20902, and by fax to 240.777.6818.

Print copies of the guide are available at recreation centers, park facilities, aquatic and senior centers,

and public libraries. Residents who prefer receiving the guide by mail can pay an annual subscription fee

of $5 to receive the Summer, Fall, Winter, Summer Camps, and Spring editions.

To view the Winter Guide online, visit the Montgomery County Recreation website, here.

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Media Contact: Susan Hoffmann, 240.777.6962

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Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade Celebrates 20 Years on November 18

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, October 31, 2017

The Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade, televised live from downtown Silver Spring, celebrates its

20th anniversary on November 18, the Saturday before Thanksgiving. The only Thanksgiving parade in the

area, it features over 140 marching units, including marching bands, musical groups, floats, and inflatables.

Stepping off at 10 a.m., the Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade route goes from Ellsworth Drive and

Fenton Street in downtown Silver Spring, south on Georgia Avenue to Silver Spring Avenue.

The parade began in 1997, when Silver Spring was experiencing its revitalization. Susan Hoffmann, then

marketing manager of the Silver Spring Regional Center, suggested a holiday parade to engage the

community and enliven activity in downtown Silver Spring. It is a tradition that still goes strong, attracting

approximately 15,000 people each year.

“Ike Leggett and Montgomery County have always been very supportive of events which build community

and help boost the economic impact of our County,” said Hoffmann, who is now the marketing manager for

Montgomery County Recreation.

ABC7 Meteorologist Brian Van de Graaff and ABC7 traffic reporter Julie Wright will return to emcee the

parade. Parade units will consist of college and high school marching bands, glittering Thanksgiving and

Christmas floats, theatrical performances, culturally-diverse musical groups, the 12-foot inflatable turkey

parade logo, a 12-foot penguin, motorcycles and horse-mounted police, the Montgomery County Recreation

“T-Recs” 12-foot dinosaur, beauty queens, fire engines, antique cars, performing dogs and rescue animal

groups, clowns and so much more. As always, the Parade will culminate with Santa’s float playing holiday

music and featuring the smiling, rosy-cheeked elf, tossing candy canes to the eager crowd.

The parade will be held rain or shine. For more information, call 240.777.0311 or

visit www.silverspringdowntown.com.

Holiday Family Photos and Selfies

This year at Veterans Plaza, the parade offers a place to take your family holiday photos. Right next to the

ice rink, you can take your photo with inflatable turkeys, penguins, “Frozen’s” Elsa, or with Hanukkah or

Christmas décor. All parade selfies marked with the hashtag #MoCoThanksParade will be broadcast on the

jumbotron at Ellsworth and Fenton along the parade route.

Volunteering

The Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade is always looking for volunteers to be elves and pilgrims,

reindeer and penguins in the parade. The parade needs volunteers, aged 13 and older, to dress up in costume,

to serve as unit leaders, and to be inflatable and balloon handlers. The hours for volunteers are from 7:30

a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (volunteers need to be present the entire six hours) on Saturday, November 18. Volunteers

can register on the parade site at: www.SilverSpringDowntown.com.

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Parking and Road Closure Information

The northbound lanes of Georgia Avenue, from East-West Highway to Colesville Road will close at 7 a.m.

and re-open at the conclusion of the parade, about 1 p.m.

Free parking will be available in the public garages including the Wayne Avenue Garage, the Sligo Avenue

Garage, the Cameron Street Garage, and the Bonifant Street Garage next to Metro. The Town Center garage

on Ellsworth is CLOSED that day. Parade goers are encouraged to take the Metro/Red Line to the Silver

Spring station, just west of Georgia Avenue, across from the Discovery building.

The Town Center public parking garage on Ellsworth Drive will close at 2 a.m. Saturday morning to

accommodate the parade.

Broadcast live at 10 a.m. on NewsChannel 8, the parade will be aired again several times on Thanksgiving

Day.

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Media Contact: Elizabeth Gallauresi, 301.793.2928

Susan Hoffmann, 240.777.6962

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For Immediate Release: October 25, 2017

Soccer 4 Change Scores Big After School Opportunities for Montgomery County Teens

The Montgomery County Department of Recreation’s Soccer 4 Change program is in its second year,

and it’s been a game changer for the 286 high school students who are participating in the fall program.

The goal of this six-week program is to connect vulnerable youth with a soccer team. Montgomery

County Recreation has partnered with Identity, Street Outreach Network and the City of Gaithersburg to

identify students for this unique program that is offered free of charge.

“Positive youth development is one of my initiatives,” said Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett.

“The Soccer 4 Change program is a way to ensure our youth are engaged and connected after school in

a positive environment. These kids love soccer, and this program provides an experience for them that

they might not otherwise be able to afford.”

The students participating in the program attend high schools around the county, including: Clarksburg,

Gaithersburg, John F. Kennedy, Montgomery Blair, Northwood, Seneca Valley, Springbrook, Watkins Mill

and Wheaton.

Team practices are held twice a week after school, and games are played on Fridays. In addition, special

clinics are part of the program to help with player development. There are 10 boys’ teams and four girls’

teams. Each player receives a team uniform and soccer ball.

Accountability, respect, trust and teamwork are shared values of those participating in the Soccer 4

Change program, and coaches use that criteria to nominate players to the All-Star Team. In addition,

each team is required to participate in one community service project per session. Coaches measure

changes in attitude and behavior by attendance, Student Service Learning (SSL) hours, and testimonials

written by the players. According to a recent Department of Recreation survey, 89 percent of the Soccer

4 Change participants said the program has positively impacted their conduct in school.

“This is a successful program,” said Recreation Director Gabe Albornoz. “These kids are improving their

soccer skills on the field in a safe space, and they are learning what it is like to be part of a team. We are

also seeing more parental involvement at the games. That’s a win, win.”

The Soccer 4 Change fall soccer season runs from October 9 thru November 22. The program’s All-Star

Game will be played this year under the lights, November 15, at Lakelands Park in the City of

Gaithersburg. The fall season culminates with a celebration on November 22, at 1:30 p.m., at the

Rockville Sportsplex.

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Media Contact: Sonya Burke, 240.777.6531