Info For Martin Luther King Jr. Day

This Monday commemorates what would have been Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 82nd birthday. Here’s the rundown on closings, celebrations, and volunteer opportunities.

Saturday, January 15 and Sunday, January 16, 2011

Food Collection Drive from 11 AM to 5 PM
Food being collected for Manna Food Center at all 28 Giant Food Stores across Montgomery County. If you are shopping at Giant on Saturday and Sunday, donate a can! Non-perishable food items can also be donated at any one of the volunteer sites or the musical tribute at Strathmore.

Monday, January 17, 2011

CLOSINGS FOR MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY

The following will be closed:

Rockville City Hall
The Rockville Senior Center
Rockville Civic Center Park
The Glenview Mansion and the Glenview Mansion Art Gallery
The F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre and Box Office
Twinbrook Renaissance and Beall Kidz Clubs after-school programs

Parking fees at meters and in City-owned garages will be suspended.

All residents will have their recycling and refuse collection day shifted to the following day. (Friday collection will be made on Saturday.)

All City of Rockville sports practices and programs held in Montgomery County Public Schools facilities are canceled.

The Twinbrook Community Recreation Center will be open 6 AM-9:30PM

The Lincoln Park Community Center will be open 9 AM-9:30 PM

Thomas Farm Community Center is open 6 AM-9:30 PM

Croydon Creek Nature Center will be open 10 AM-2 PM

The Rockville Swim and Fitness Center will be open regular hours.

RedGate Municipal Golf Course will be open, weather permitting.

For more information about schedules for specific facilities or programs: www.rockvillemd.gov.

CITY OF ROCKVILLE CELEBRATION

One of the largest celebrations in the Washington D.C area, free program and reception at noon at Richard Montgomery High School.

Maureen Bunyan, news broadcaster and anchor for ABC 7, will host the event which is made possible by the Mayor and Council and the Rockville Human Rights Commission. The program will include performances by vocalist Desiree Ellis, Urban Artistry, Soul in Motion and Body Moves Contemporary Dance Company, Capital Focus Jazz Band, Yellow River Art Ensemble and Soulfuldisiac.

The Martin Luther King Jr., Youth Award and the F. Michael Taff Award will also be presented during the program. The Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Award is given to a high school student who has promoted the dreams and goals of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The F. Michael Taff Award honors an individual, business or organization that has made a contribution to improving the lives of people in Rockville with disabilities.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY CELEBRATION

Tribute and Musical Celebration from 4 to 6 PM at The Music Center at Strathmore.

This year’s theme, “Continuing the Legacy…How will YOU Serve?” pays tribute to the life and works of Dr. King and its present day impact. County Executive Ike Leggett’s remarks will include a challenge to boost volunteer activity addressing poverty and need in Montgomery County. The two-hour musical celebration will feature jazz performer, Marcus Johnson; the 2010 winners of “How Sweet the Sound,” Men of Valor; Gospel jazz saxophonist, Brian Lenair; and a host of other performers from diverse backgrounds.

Advanced Tickets are Sold Out. STAND-BY LINE: For individuals unable to secure advanced tickets, a stand-by line begins at 3 PM, outside the Music Center, where noted, the evening of the performance. No lines may form before the designated time. At 3:45 PM all tickets are null and void and patrons in the stand-by line will be allowed entry subject to available seating.

VOLUNTEER

(1.) Clean Lake Needwood

Combined Stream Team Action! Everyone is invited to Lake Needwood on Monday to clear gobs of trash from the dredged lakebed. This is a unique chance to improve the health of this crucial element of Rock Creek. Wear hat & warm layers, sturdy boots and prepare to get wet! 10 AM - 1 PM. Meet in parking lot at 6700 Needwood Road, Derwood. They can use 50 volunteers and groups are welcome. Coffee & bagels will be provided. In order to participate email.

(2.) Attend A Volunteer Event and Fair

Volunteer Projects organized by Montgomery County’s Volunteer Center on Martin Luther King Jr. Day at:

Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, 5701 Marinelli Road, North Bethesda, 1 to 3:30 PM.
This event is free for all participants with free parking. Activities include decorating bookmarks and cards for children with cancer and other terminal illnesses; packing snow day baskets for county-wide Meals on Wheels programs; learning how to register as a bone marrow donor and attending sessions by the Conflict Resolution Center of Montgomery County. There will also be a Volunteer Fair with many nonprofit organizations throughout the County to share information about how to get involved with them throughout the year. There are projects for all ages and ability levels and groups are welcome.

Glenview Mansion Halls Are Decked

Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

As a National Historic Place, Rockville’s Glenview Mansion already receives much acclaim as a very picturesque property. When decorated for the holidays, its appeal flourishes even more.

The annual tradition of decorating the Mansion’s 15 rooms and numerous halls attracts nearly 3,000 people each year. As part of a wonderful community effort, fourteen community groups, from the Girl Scouts to local artists, have decorated trees and created holiday displays for your viewing pleasure.

During December the Glenview Mansion Art Gallery on the second floor features the Rockville Art League Winter Show in addition to the holiday decorations. The Art Gallery is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Check before visiting to ensure there are no private events scheduled.

If you’re like me, the holiday spirit is nowhere near. Visiting the Mansion, especially during the special Sunday programs in December, might bring about a more festive attitude.

The Sunday Open Houses include entertainment and activities from 1 to 4 PM on December 5, 12 and 19, 2010. Visitors can enjoy live holiday music, featuring choral groups, jazz performances, and classical hand bells.

Free Holiday Open House Schedule:

Sunday, December 5

“Art, Music and Holiday Cheer” along with the Art Gallery Opening Reception from the Rockville Art League Winter Show. Awards for juried show presented at an awards ceremony beginning at 2 PM.
1:15 PM The Supertonics
2:15 PM The Rockville Singers
3:15 PM The Heavenly Handbells of Trinity Lutheran Church

Sunday, December 12

“Children’s Sunday” includes visits from Santa, Mrs. Claus, Frosty and Rudolph. There will also be a variety of craft activities for children throughout the afternoon.
1:15 PM Richard Montgomery High School Madrigals
2:15 PM Watkins Mill Chamber Singers
3:15 PM Home School Talents and a sing-along

Sunday, December 19

“Music and Merriment”
1:15 PM Heart of Maryland Chorus - Sweet Adelines
2:15 PM The Encore Singers
3:15 PM Victorian Lyric Opera Company

Town Square Tree Lighting And Open House

Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

The tree went up in Rockville Town Square before Thanksgiving but this Thursday, December 2, 2010 the lights will officially be illuminated during the annual Holiday Open House from 6:30 – 9 PM. Although it’s not Rockefeller Center or the White House, we have our own little tradition emerging here in Rockville.

Sue Richards Photo from her website.

In addition to a photo op with Santa from 7-9 PM and light refreshments, live entertainment will liven up the ceremony including a holiday dance performance by Dawn Crofton Dance Center. But if you venture over to The Waygoose (on Maryland Avenue) from 6 – 8 PM, you’ll find an extra special treat. Sue Richards, a Rockville resident and internationally known performer, teacher, composer and author, who has recorded dozens of CDs and toured throughout the U.S. and Europe, will be playing Celtic music in the Irish and Scottish tradition of her heritage on her harp. She’s a regular customer and has performed in the shop during the holidays for the past six years.

If you donate an unwrapped toy or gift to benefit the Montgomery County Housing Opportunities Commission residents, you can also enjoy a free Horse and Carriage Ride from 7-9 PM. From December 3rd -20th donations for the Toy And Gift Drive can also be brought to the Fenestra Apartments Leasing Office, located at the corner of Beall and Maryland Avenue next to Taste of Saigon during these hours: Monday-Friday 10 AM – 10 PM, Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM, Sunday Noon – 5 PM - OR - at The Waygoose during these hours: Monday-Thursday 10 AM -7 PM, Friday-Sat 10 AM - 8 PM, Sunday 12–5 PM.

If you spend $150 at a combination of two or more Town Center stores from December 1st -12th you will receive a free Artichoke Pesto Balsawood gift by Bella Cucina (a 6 oz. jar of artichoke lemon pesto nestled in an elegant balsawood baking dish with olivewood spreader and easy-to-make recipe for artichoke dip valued at $35.) Receipts dated December 1-12 and totaling $150 or more can be presented at The Cottage Monet (located on Maryland Ave) or Ten Thousand Villages (located on Gibbs Street) to receive the gift. The Merchants tell us: “Limit one per customer, per day, regardless of purchase amount. Quantities are limited, while supplies last. No rainchecks.”

We’re wondering if they’ll start construction on the temporary ice rink after the Open House.

Veterans Day Ceremony And Closings

Steve Cromwell Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

Two years ago, I wrote a piece, Voices of Our Veterans, which included Steve Cromwell’s story from World War II. Now he’s the speaker at the Veterans Day Ceremony this Thursday, November 11, 2010 at 11 AM in Veterans Park which is located at the intersection of Rockville Pike and Veirs Mill Road . Parking is available at St. Mary’s Catholic Church or at the Sandy Spring Bank building located between Fleet Street and Route 355.

Although I shared narratives from four veterans about their service in the piece, Mr. Cromwell’s story also depicts a small piece of Rockville’s history:

Since he is the last living survivor of the first wave on Omaha Beach, Steve Cromwell received a gold medal of honor from the U.S. Congress. Even so, he admitted that his own kids never knew of his experiences in World War II because he would never speak about it. He still has the piece of shrapnel that ripped his pants but left him unharmed as he ran across the beach during the Normandy Landing that day. Although people expected the Allied Forces to attack, they didn’t know when D-Day would occur. News of the offensive reached our City at about 11 a.m. The minister at Christ Episcopal Church started to ring the church bell. The courts and businesses closed. People knew something was happening and by 11:30 a.m. they gathered at the church to pray. All of Rockville’s soldiers survived the Normandy Invasion on June 6, 1944.

Mr. Cromwell served in five campaigns including the first wave at Omaha Beach in Normandy, the China Seas, Iwo Jima and Okinawa. As I’m sure you can tell, you don’t want to miss his words on Veteran’s Day.

The ceremony is always filled with energy and respect. American Legion Post 86 will lead the wreath-laying ceremony and give a 21-gun salute.

Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

Here’s all the schedule and closings for Veteran’s Day:
Recycling and refuse will be collected on regular schedules.
All city-owned parking meters and garages are free. Parking at Montgomery County public garages, lots, and curbside meters is free.

CLOSED:

City Hall will be closed.
County Offices are closed.
Libraries are closed.
State offices & courts are closed.
Glenview Mansion will be closed and the Rockville Civic Center Park offices will be closed.
The Glenview Mansion Art Gallery will be closed.
Rockville Senior Center will be closed.

OPEN:

The Rockville Swim and Fitness Center will be open on its regular schedule.
RedGate Municipal Golf Course will be open. The course will operate under winter hours (first tee time at 9 AM).
Twinbrook Community Recreation Center will be open regular hours (6 AM- 9:30 PM).
Lincoln Park Community Center will be open regular hours (9 AM -9:30 PM).
Thomas Farm Community Center will be open regular hours (6 AM-9:30 PM).
The Croydon Creek Nature Center will be open regular hours (9 AM-5 PM).
The F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre Box Office will be open 2-7 PM.
After school and teen programs will operate on their regular schedule.
County liquor stores are open for regular hours.
Ride On has the special modified holiday schedule.
Metrobus has special service.
Metrorail is open 5 AM to midnight.
Transfer Station is open.
MCPS Administrative Offices are open.

How to Donate to the Rockville Holiday Drives

>The City of Rockville annual Holiday Drive needs your help to distribute food baskets and new toys to needy Rockville families. Last year 626 Rockville households were helped with food for Thanksgiving and 1,244 children received toys and gift cards in December.

You can make a donation for both the Thanksgiving and December Holiday Drives:
Tax-deductible monetary contributions are used to purchase fresh food and gift certificates for both the Thanksgiving and December Drives. Checks should be made payable to City of Rockville Holiday Drive Fund and mailed to City of Rockville Community Services, 30 Courthouse Square, Suite 100, Rockville 20850.

How to Help with the Thanksgiving Drive:

You can organize a food drive
Food collected by mid-November is used in our Thanksgiving baskets. Large quantitities can be picked up.

Accepted from November 9, 2009 to November 18, 2009

• Macaroni and cheese
• Canned green beans, corn, or peas
• Canned soup
• Canned cranberry sauce
• Jello
• Canned fruit (applesauce, peaches, pears, fruit cocktail)
• Turkey gravy (mix or can)

You can volunteer to deliver food baskets
Teams of volunteers deliver baskets on the Saturday before Thanksgiving to seniors and families who have no transportation (2 hour commitment).

How to Help with the December Holiday Drive

Donations of toys and gift cards will be accepted from December 10, 2009 to December 18, 2009.

Toy suggestions include:

For Babies and Toddlers

• Mobiles
• Musical toys
• Board books
• Soft Dolls (multi-cultural)
• Rattles and teething rings
• Shape sorters

For Preschool and School Children

• Action figures
• Coloring books
• Building toys
• Costume jewelry
• Play phones
• Purses
• Watches
• Jewelry making kits
• Yu-go cards
• Barbie dolls (multi-cultural)
• Art kits and art supplies
• Age-appropriate board games
• Sports-gear (soccer balls, basketballs)
• Popular movie/tv character items
• Hand-held electronic games
• Pierced & non-pierced earrinig sets
• Cameras ($10.99-14.99)
• Vanity mirror and hair sets

For Adolescents: $15 gift cards to Target, Best Buy, Old Navy, Westfield Shopping Malls, and Sports Authority

You can also sponsor a family
Buy gifts and food for the December holidays, tailored to a specific family’s need (usually valued around $250). You will be matched with one or more families, depending on the size of your organization. This activity is ideal for a business or civic group.

Call Community Services: 240-314-8310 for more information and drop off locations.

Community Services is located at 30 Courthouse Square, Suite 100, Rockville.

The Holiday Drive won’t happen without the help of caring neighbors. Please take the time to give. Take part. Give from the heart.

Bonus POTD: High Flag Ratio

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Rockville Central friend (and Rockville Roundtable participant) Paula Watson suggested I take a peek at this for a possible POTD, and I was not disappointed! Here is what Paula said: “I like the ratio of flag to cottage.” Me too.

Happy Flag Day!

POTD: Happy Flag Day

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This just seemed a fine specimen for Flag Day weekend.

POTD: Luck O' The Irish

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Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all our readers, from Rockville Central!

Happy MLK, Jr. Day

Dear Readers:>

In observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Rockville Central will not be publishing today.

If you are one of the many in the area who have the day off (or can get away for a long lunch), please consider attending the City’s 36th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday celebration. It happens today at noon, at Rockville High School (2100 Baltimore Road).

Actor Jim Lucas, a civil rights activist and follower of Dr. King’s legacy and teachings, will present an excerpt from Dr. King’s final speech, “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop.” (Listen to part of the original.) Other performers include:

• Meloso Duo (Prelude)
• Nationally renowned Duke Ellington School of the Arts Show Choir
• Mount Calvary Baptist Church’s Puppet Ministry
• Soul in Motion Players
• Jerusalem Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church’s Inspirations
• Youth Choir
• Derrick R. Middleton, Dufief Elementary School

See you back here tomorrow!

(Image from City of Rockville.)

POTD: The Waiting

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(With apologies to Tom Petty.) This title only makes sense if you know that I took this photo a couple of weeks ago and have been sitting on it, impatiently, until I could run it today. It is, to me, the perfect pan-holiday use of a pumpkin.

Rockville Holiday Drive: Many Ways to Help

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Some Halloween Cheer

All this >election business is getting quite tiresome, don’t you think? How about a change of pace?

You might have noticed that tonight was some sort of special night.

I don’t know what it’s like in your part of town, but here in my neck of the woods, Halloween is a Very Big Deal. There’s a block party, and neighborhood kids and families trick-or-treat en masse. For many parents, it is a yearly question: which gets to go to the party, and which stays home to give out candy? It’s like a giant street festival.

I got to go with the kids this year, and took just a few photos. Here’s a slideshow of the ones that turned out!

Do you have photos to share of your Halloween night? Send ‘em in!

POTD: Walking With A Ghost

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(With apologies to Tegan and Sara and The White Stripes.) You can feel that Fall nip in the air, and many homes have, as my family likes to say, “decorated up!”