Fall 2010 Masthead 2
Week of October 4, 2010
Fun in Your Community This Week!
SMARTlink logo
IN THIS ISSUE
Audition for the Choreographers' Showcase
Enter a gingerbread house contest
Enjoy your parks
Building Block training sessions
Kids Day in the Kountry
Tales the Tombstones Whisper
A great book discussion
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Envision Prince George's
Parks and Recreation live more, play more logoGreetings!

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission has lots for everyone to enjoy here in Prince George's County. Live more, play more at the park and recreation facilities in your community. Check out some of the great park and recreation opportunities described below. Explore the park system and enjoy the social, healthy, fun recreation programs and activities.

The Department of Parks and Recreation Marketing Team
Audition more
dancerApplications are being accepted through Friday, November 5, to audition for the Choreographers' Showcase at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center in November. Applicants must be 18 or older and reside in the metropolitan area to apply. You may audition any modern work, not exceeding 15 minutes in length, created within the last two years. Work must be auditioned in finished form with props, sets, and costumes. Learn more here.
Be creative in the kitchen more
gingerbreadCan incredibly clever architectural displays really be edible? See for yourself at Darnall's Chance House Museum's annual Gingerbread House Contest and Show from late November through mid-December. Applications are now being accepted (through Friday, November 5) for those interested in entering this contest. Contestants will be divided into two categories - adult (age 17 & up) and child (ages 8-16). The Gingerbread House Committee will award prize money ($25-$100) and ribbons. The Viewer's Choice Awards (which are given to one adult and one child entry) will be selected by viewers and each winning entry will receive $350. Click here to read more so that you can enter and start baking. For more information call 301-952-8010.
Enjoy the great outdoors more
fall walk in the woodsFall is the perfect time to visit M-NCPPC parks throughout Prince George's County. Hike, bike, jog, play ball, play tennis, read under a tree, push the kids on swings, and enjoy the beautiful fall weather. To find out more about all the terrific parks near you, log on to www.pgparks.com and click on the Find a Park bar on the right side of the home page. For additional information call staff at 301-699-CALL(2255).
Attend great training programs more
building block teensThe Fall 2010 Building Block training sessions begin this month and will be held at the Prince George's Sports & Learning Complex, conveniently located in Landover. These valuable, FREE training program sessions assist teens ages 13-17 with developing skills they'll need as they venture into the world of employment and volunteering. The program features four different "blocks," which combine great activities and valuable lessons to help youth give back to the community, fulfill school service learning hours and learn skills that will help them be successful at work. Read more about the program and sign up here.
Have fun in the country more
girl with pumpkinKids Day in the Kountry, at Patuxent River Park's Patuxent Rural Life Museums (Upper Marlboro), will be held on Saturday, October 9, from 10 am to 3 pm. Activities include hayrides, pony rides, face painting, basket weaving, toy tractor making, pumpkin painting, sachet making, a blacksmith demonstration and open hearth cooking. All ages are welcome to attend this FREE program. For more information call staff at 301-627-6074.
Learn interesting things more
tombstoneWhat do the tombstones say? A special presentation, Tales the Tombstones Whisper, will be held at the Surratt House Museum on Saturday, October 9, from 4-5 pm. Join Mike Dixon as he brings to life the valuable community lessons of timeworn tombstones, traces the evolution of graveyards, speaks about interesting epitaphs, and discusses the changes in practices and customs. Reservations are not needed for this FREE program, designed for those ages 12 & up; please arrive early, though, as space is limited. For more information call 301-868-1121.
Read and discuss more
iyanla vanzant bookJoin us for the first meeting of a brand new book club at the Prince George's Sports & Learning Complex. Iyanla Vanzant, author, inspirational speaker and television personality, will be a special guest on Thursday, October 14, at 7 pm in Betty's Place & Caf�. She will discuss her book, "One Day My Soul Just Opened Up." Fees are $30 (in advance) or $40 (day of the event). The fee includes a copy of the book (that will be autographed at the event) and light refreshments.  Bring the book if you already own it and the fee will be reduced. Space is limited, so sign up now and be prepared to join in on what will be an exciting conversation. For more information and/or to sign up for the club, call Ms. White at 301-583-2434.
There's always something good going on in Prince George's County. Browse www.pgparks.com to find out what's happening and where. Sign up for classes and activities using the SMARTlink system. Or check out information on parks and trails, community centers, nature centers, sports and arts facilities, and more.
 
Questions? Contact our Customer Service Help Desk at 301-699-CALL(2255) or e-mail [email protected].
 
Have a great week!
The M-NCPPC Department of Parks and Recreation