December 2010

Top Pick Events

TELLING STORIES: NORMAN ROCKWELL FROM THE COLLECTIONS OF GEORGE LUCAS AND STEVEN SPIELBERG
Ongoing - January 2, 2011 I AMERICAN ART MUSEUM, WASHINGTON DC
The exhibition is based on new research into Rockwell, his work and the relationships between the artist and the movies. It showcases fifty-seven major Rockwell paintings and drawings from these private collections. The museum is the only venue for the exhibition.

WALTER WICK: GAMES, GIZMOS, AND TOYS IN THE ATTIC
Ongoing–January 2, 2011 I WALTERS ART MUSEUM, BALTIMORE, MD
The first museum retrospective of award-winning author and photographic illustrator Walter Wick, author of Can You See What I See? and co-creator of the Walter Wick, whose I Spy book series loved by millions of children and adults around the world. Price: $10 Adults, $8 Seniors, $6 Students and Young Adults (18–25), free for members and 17 and under. Tickets available online or at the door.

ODYSSEY'S SHIPWRECK! PIRATES & TREASURE
Ongoing I MD SCIENCE CENTER, BALTIMORE, MD
Aaaaargh! Odyssey’s SHIPWRECK! Pirates & Treasure, is a new exhibit featuring the compelling stories behind some of the world's most famous shipwrecks, their treasure historic artifacts and pirates. Multiple hands-on interactive exhibits and cutting–edge computer games engage visitors with the adventure and excitement of deep–ocean shipwreck exploration, as well as intrigue them with pirate history and legend.

DISCOVERING THE CIVIL WAR: CONSEQUENCES
Ongoing - April 17, 2011 I NATIONAL ARCHIVES, WASHINGTON DC
The "Discovering the Civil War" exhibition will present the most extensive display ever assembled from the incomparable Civil War holdings of the National Archives, and will take a fresh look at the Civil War through little-known stories, seldom-seen documents, and unusual perspectives. The free exhibition is presented by the Center for the National Archives Experience and the Foundation for the National Archives.

HOLIDAY WORKSHOP
Wednesday, December 1, 2010: 4:15 PM I URBANA REGIONAL LIBRARY
It's Holiday Time! “Let's Make Something Festive” for ages 6 – 11. Registration is required.

BOOKWORMS
Wednesday, December 1, 2010: 4:30 PM I BRUNSWICK BRANCH LIBRARY
A book club with theme-related activities for children in kindergarten - second grades. Book choices include picture, beginning to read, short chapter and non-fiction books. Children do not have to be independent readers.

THE "UNNAMED" BOOK GROUP
Thursday, December 2, 2010: 3:15 PM I MIDDLETOWN BRANCH LIBRARY
Still "Unnamed" and that's okay! Love to read? Want to talk about the best book ever?! This book group is just for you if you are in middle school. Find out more about the "Unnamed" . . .

DARING CLUB FOR GIRLS
Thursday, December 2, 2010: 4:00 PM I THURMONT REGIONAL LIBRARY
Are you daring enough to join us for fun and unusual activities? Based on "The Daring Book for Girls" by Miriam Peskowitz, the club will be exploring new games, crafts, and interesting information that all girls will want to know. Grades 2 to 5. Registration is required.

EVENING PLANETARIUM SHOW: MYSTERY OF THE CHRISTMAS STAR
December 2, 7, 16, 21, 2010: 5:30, 6:30, 7:30 PM I EARTH SCIENCE AND SPACE LABORATORY, FREDERICK
Journey back 2000 years to Bethlehem as we seek to discover a scientific explanation for the Star sighted by the wise men. We’ll investigate possible dates for this occurance, and look at recorded sightings of significant astronomical events during this timeframe. We’ll see which of these signs in the sky could have been remarkable enough to cause the wise men to travel across the desert from Babylon to Bethlehem. This modern retelling of the Christmas story is sure to charm and captivate audiences of all ages.

FIRST FRIDAY FICTION
Friday, December 3, 2010: 9:30-10:30AM I THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF ROSE HILL MANOR PARK, FREDERICK
Special program for ages 3 and up including a story (The Little Engine that Could), accompanying activities, and craft. Admission: $3 per child.

HOLIDAY MAGIC
Saturday, December 4, 2010: 10:00AM-3:00PM I THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF ROSE HILL MANOR PARK, FREDERICK
Magic shows at 10:15; 11:15; 12:15; and 1:15 PM. Hands-on crafts and a visit with Santa in the carriage museum. $5 child; $3 adult. Program information: 301-600-1650.

SATURDAY ART WORKSHOP: SCULPT A STORY
Saturday, December 4, 2010: 10:00AM-12:00PM I KREEGER MUSEUM, WASHINGTON DC
Observe and Create at the Kreeger Museum (AGES 8-12) Our fall Saturday Workshops, led by artist Susan Hostetler, will showcase two of the French artists in the Kreeger's collection. In the first workshop, we will look at the unique aspects of the impressionist style of painting through the seascapes of Claude Monet. The expressive work of sculptor Auguste Rodin will be the focus of the second workshop. Sculpt a Story. How can a sculptor tell a story? Observing Auguste Rodin's sculptures of the human figure, students will discuss how Rodin conveys emotion through his figures. Using modeling clay, students will form their own representations of human expression. Registration fee per child: $20 / Members: $15.

DOLLAR DAYS AT THE MD SCIENCE CENTER
December 4 & 5, 2010 I MD SCIENCE CENTER, BALTIMORE
We know it’s tough to stretch the almighty dollar these days. Come on down to the Maryland Science Center on December 4th and 5th and general admission is just $1 for the day. That’s right–$1 will get you into the exhibit halls, Planetarium, Observatory and the Demo Stage (traveling exhibition admission and IMAX are additional.)

HOLIDAY TEA
Saturday, December 4, 2010: 10:30 AM I EMMITSBURG BRANCH LIBRARY
We serve up old fashioned fun complete with holiday stories, songs, tea and cookies. Fun for everyone! Ages 2-12. Registration required.

LUNCH & A MOVIE: HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS (CLASSIC VERSION)
Saturday, December 4, 2010 I 12:00 PM I THURMONT REGIONAL LIBRARY
Celebrate the holiday season with the classic version of Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas on the big screen. Share the movie you loved as a child with your own little ones. Bring a lunch & a blanket or pillow and enjoy!
Don't miss the other Holly Jolly events today at the library or the downtown Thurmont Christmas in Thurmont events.

SUPER SECRET ELF WORKSHOP
Saturday, December 4, 2010: 12:00-5:00 PM I Delaplaine Center for Visual Arts, Frederick
Kids create art projects to give as holiday gifts! Bring your little elf to the Delaplaine on December First Saturday for art activities geared for gift giving. Work stations will feature a holiday mix of mediums to choose from. Artists and volunteers will provide all the materials and direction needed for each elf to take home new works of art! Adults are welcome to stay and participate ~ or take some time to shop our Local Color Artist Market! Admission is $10/per child. Free gift wrapping available.

STORIES WITH SANTA
Saturday, December 4, 2010: 2:00 PM I THURMONT REGIONAL LIBRARY
Santa will stop by the Thurmont Library to read stories and pose for photos! Bring your camera and get ready for a holly jolly good time!

MR. WILLOWBY'S CHRISTMAS TREE, A PENNY THEATER PRODUCTION
Saturday, December 4, 2010: 2:40 & 3:40 PM I URBANA REGIONAL LIBRARY
This 15-minute penny theater play is the perfect interlude before enjoying the Alpha 4 Handbell Choir performance at 3 pm during the library's Joyful Jingles Open House. Stay for refreshments and a craft, too! Registration is required.

FREDERICK FAMILY REVELS
Saturday, December 4, 2010: 7:30 PM I FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, BOWERS ROAD, FREDERICK
Celebrate the Holiday Season with Queen Elizabeth and her court, as the Frederick Chorale presents its 34th annual Christmas Revels. Children, families, young and old alike will enjoy this costumed musical show.

ANIME/MANGA TEENS
Sunday, December 5, 2010 I 2:00 PM I URBANA REGIONAL LIBRARY
Join us to view anime, talk about manga books, magazines and websites, or draw manga art. Bring your art, games or a lap-top. Meet with other enthusiasts and bring a friend.

WAGS FOR HOPE
Sunday, December 5, 2010: 2:00 PM I C. BURR ARTZ PUBLIC LIBRARY, FREDERICK
Improve your reading skills and make a new friend by reading aloud to a therapy dog! The Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) program improves children's reading and communication skills by employing a powerful method: reading to a dog. But not just any dog. R.E.A.D. dogs are registered therapy animals who volunteer with their owner/handlers as a team, going to schools, libraries and many other settings as reading companions for children. Allergy Alert! The dogs are live animals.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT OF THE YOUTH MUSIC ACADEMY
Sunday, December 5, 2010 6:00 PM I THE BARBARA HODEL CENTER, PATRICK HENRY COLLEGE, PURCELLVILLE, VA
Featuring the 8tth - 12th grade homeschooled students of the YMA Choir and Orchestra. Free admission/ donations appreciated. Call 540-441-8282 for more information.

HOMESCHOOL DAY - JEWISH MUSEUM OF MARYLAND
Monday, December 6, 2010: 10:00AM-12:00 PM, JEWISH MUSEUM OF MARYLAND, BALTIMORE
Homeschool students and their families from all over the area are invited to a morning packed with activities! You and your students will have the opportunity to move through stations in our three exhibits- Voices of Lombard Street, A Blessing to One Another: Pope John Paul II & the Jewish People, and The Synagogue Speaks -, to learn about food and traditions surrounding the Jewish holiday Chanukah, and to walk in the shoes of those who have immigrated to our own state of Maryland for the past two hundred years. To RSVP, contact us at 410-732-6400 x229 or erosemondhoerr@jewishmsuseummd.org.

BOOK CHATTER
Monday, December 6, 2010: 4:00 PM I C. BURR ARTZ PUBLIC LIBRARY, FREDERICK
Getting too old for the books in the Children's Room, but not sure what are the good books in the Teen Zone? Participate in Book Chatter, a middle school book club! Each month, we'll read a great book and talk about it.
December: Scat by Carl Hiaasen
January: Peeled by Joan Bauer
February: Flipped by Wendelin van Draanen

TEEN BOOK TOPICS
Monday, December 6, 2010: 6:30 PM I C. BURR ARTZ PUBLIC LIBRARY, FREDERICK
Discuss three books, all with a common theme! Read one or more of the titles and come ready to talk. For grades 9-12.
December: Unusual Crime Solvers
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
Black Rabbit Summer by Kevin Brooks
Into the Dark: An Echo Falls Mystery by Peter Abrahams

HOLIDAY LIGHTS AND LEGACY
December 6-10, 2010: 7:00-9:00PM: ROSE HILL MANOR PARK, FREDERICK
Visit historic Rose Hill Manor and enjoy the manor decorated for the holidays. While touring the 200 year old house, learn about holiday customs such as the English Cracker, the gingerbread man, and even Saint Nick himself. Program will feature a different historical craft and tradition each night. $3 per person. 24 hour program line – 301-600-1650.

THRIFTY TUESDAY
Tuesday, December 7, 2010: 10:00 AM-4:00 PM I B&O RAILROAD MUSEUM, BALTIMORE
All aboard for Thrifty Tuesday! All visitors receive half-price admission the first Tuesday of every month! Tour the Museum's many facilities including the 1884 Roundhouse and climb aboard a real locomotive and touch the most important American railroad collection in the world!

MAGIC TREE HOUSE BOOK CLUB
Tuesday, December 7, 2010 I 4:00 PM I C. BURR ARTZ PUBLIC LIBRARY, FREDERICK
Vacation on the Volcano? Afternoon on the Amazon? Mummies in the Morning? Do you have a favorite Magic Tree House Book? Join us for some hands-on activities celebrating this popular series. For ages 5-7. Registration required.

ANIME/ MANGA CLUB
Tuesday, December 7, 2010 I 5:00 PM I WALKERSVILLE BRANCH LIBRARY
Join other teens interested in viewing anime, discussing manga, playing Japanese games, creating comic characters, drawing, and other activities. Meets monthly on the 1st Tuesday. Registration is required.

81 YEARS OLD: B I N G O
Tuesday, December 7, 2010: 5:30 PM I MIDDLETOWN BRANCH LIBRARY
For teens: Bingo, Games and Pizza. Happy Birthday BINGO! Registration is required - Interested? Please call 301-371-7560.

HOMESCHOOL DAYS AT BALTIMORE MUSEUM OF INDUSTRY
Wednesday, December 8, 2010: 1:00-3:00PM I BALTIMORE MUSEUM OF INDUSTRY, BALTIMORE
The Baltimore Museum of Industry will offer four Homeschool Days during the 2010-2011 school year. These days are set aside just for individual homeschool families. Caregivers are free. Participating children are charged at the rates listed below. On December 8, program is for k-2 and costs $8 per student.

BOOK TALK DISCUSSION GROUP
Wednesday, December 8, 2010 I 4:00 PM I EMMITSBURG BRANCH LIBRARY
Want to share a book you loved? Have a favorite author you want to talk about? Join us for an easy-going afternoon of chatter about the thing we love best: READING! For elementary students. Registration is required.

HOLIDAY WORKSHOP
Wednesday, December 8, 2010: 4:15 PM I URBANA REGIONAL LIBRARY
It's holiday time! Let's make something festive. Ages 6 – 11. Registration is required.

BOOK ADVENTURES CLUB
Wednesday, December 8, 2010: 5:00 PM I WALKERSVILLE BRANCH LIBRARY
Join the Book Adventures Club - where books take you places - read, share & discuss plus games and crafts. Stop by the library to sign up and to pick up the monthly book selection. For grades 2 - 4. Registration is required.

LET'S START A BEDTIME STORY
Wednesday, December 8, 2010: 6:45 PM I THURMONT REGIONAL LIBRARY
What can be better than curling up with your children and reading a bedtime story! The hard part is finding a good book to read. We can get you started by finding a memorable book and reading the first chapter. Books will be provided for you to take home and finish with your children. Ages 5-10 with an adult. Registration is required.

CONVERSATIONS WITH FRYDERYK CHOPIN
Thursday, December 9, 2010: Exhibition open 3:00- 6:30 PM, Performance at 3:30 PM I C. BURR ARTZ LIBRARY, COMMUNITY ROOM, FREDERICK
Celebrate the 200th anniversary of Chopin's birth. Join Fryderyk Chopin and his family as they reminisce about this intriguing 19th century character. This informative show will be performed live by the homeschooling students of HARC.

REMARKABLE READERS
Thursday, December 9, 2010: 4:00 PM I C. BURR ARTZ PUBLIC LIBRARY, FREDERICK
Just beginning to read, or have you moved on to early chapter books? Either way, this is the group for you! Listen to a story or two and enjoy a craft with us. For ages 5-7. Registration is required.

FESTIVE RECYCLED TOILETTE PAPER TREAT HOLDER
Thursday, December 9, 2010: 5:00 PM I EMMITSBURG BRANCH LIBRARY
Join us as we turn empty toilette paper tubes into a crafty and creative treat holder with some paper, glitter, ribbon, gems and glue. Keep the candy-filled tube for yourself of use it as a holiday gift. Registration is required.

ANIME CLUB
Thursday, December 9, 2010: 6:00 PM I THURMONT REGIONAL LIBRARY
For teens, watch the latest anime, share your favorite books and characters. Sit, socialize and relax. Popcorn and soda all night.

HOMESCHOOL SESSIONS: ANIMAL ENRICHMENT
Friday, December 10, 2010 I BALTIMORE NATIONAL AQUARIUM, BALTIMORE
Advanced registration is required.

JUNIOR GARDENER'S WORKSHOP
Saturday, December 11, 2010: 10:00 AM I EMMITSBURG BRANCH LIBRARY
Join the Silver Fancy Garden Club to learn basic techniques in creating a Christmas arrangement with fresh evergreens to take home for the holidays Ages 7 to 12. Registration required.

CHILDREN'S HOLIDAY RECEPTION
Saturday, December 11, 2010: 10:00AM WASHINGTON COUNTY MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, HAGERSTOWN
Tickets must be purchased in advance and are only $5.00 per person. Seating is limited and this program sells out quickly, so call early! The program will feature two performances by Reptile World, Inc. with Michael Shwedick providing a captivating experience for all. During the program, the audience will meet an interesting selection of live, colorful, gentle reptiles from all over the world. The presentation will include fascinating reptiles, specifically an unbelievable yellow turtle, a tropical lizard, an iguana, an alligator and a crocodile. Shwedick will also bring a variety of beautiful snakes including a young anaconda and a tropical python. Performances will begin at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., Santa Claus will be available to visit with children from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. during which time the Museum Volunteers will serve an assortment of refreshments.

CHILDREN'S WEEKEND
December 11–12, 2010 I DOWNTOWN FREDERICK AREA, FREDERICK
Ornament painting, storytelling, and breakfast with Santa. This weekend has something for every child!

KRAFTY KIDS
Saturday, December 11, 2010: 10:30 AM I THURMONT REGIONAL LIBRARY
Sign up today for an hour of arts and crafts of all types - we paint, draw, make collages and much more - it's relaxing, educational, and just plain fun. Ages 6-11, with an adult. Registration is required.

HOLIDAY GET TOGETHER WITH MR. & MS. SANTA CLAUS
Saturday, December 11, 2010 2:00-3:00 PM: FOUNTAIN ROCK NATURE CENTER, WALKERSVILLE
Come to the cozy nature center for an old-fashioned get together. Mr. And Ms. Santa Claus will be present to visit with the children and Marcia Wines will be giving her traditional story time with puppets galore! No pre-registration required.

"BINDING WOUNDS, PUSHING BOUNDARIES: AFRICAN AMERICANS IN CIVIL WAR MEDICINE"
December 13, 2010 through January 28, 2011 I NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CIVIL WAR MEDICINE, FREDERICK
The National Museum of Civil War Medicine honors the history of the African Americans that served in the American Civil War by mounting its latest exhibit: “Binding Wounds, Pushing Boundaries: African Americans in Civil War Medicine”. The exhibit was developed and produced by the National Library of Medicine with research assistance from the Historical Society of Washington, DC.

TEEN ADVISORY GROUP (TAG)
Monday, December 13, 2010: 3:00 PM I THURMONT REGIONAL LIBRARY
Volunteer your talents at the library. Help with children's activities, teen displays and plan activities. Registration is required.

MAGIC TREE HOUSE BOOK CLUB!
Monday, December 13, 2010: 4:00 PM I EMMITSBURG BRANCH LIBRARY
Discussion, activites, snack! December: The Knight at Dawn. Registration is required.

THE STORYTIME SHOW: TOYS AND TUNES
Tuesday, December 14, 2010: 11:00 AM I MIDDLETOWN BRANCH LIBRARY
Join Ms. Jenni as she shares the toys and tunes of the Holiday Season. See a special Santa puppet play and other musical fun. Registration is required.

BOOKTALK!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010: 2:30 PM I MIDDLETOWN BRANCH LIBRARY
Teens, once a month join in with other high school teens as you read and discuss the books you love. This is NOT just another book group! Interested? Please call 301-371-7560.

MAKE MERRY . . .
Tuesday, December 14, 2010: 3:00 PM I MIDDLETOWN BRANCH LIBRARY
For teens––unique and creative. . . made by you for . . . Interested? Need more information? Please call 301-371-7560.

REMARKABLE READERS
Tuesday, December 14, 2010: 4:15 PM I URBANA REGIONAL LIBRARY
Elementary age students: Come enjoy a great story with follow-up fun activities. Registration is required.

IMAGINATION AND CREATION EXPLORATION
Friday, December 15, 2010: 3:00 PM I MD SCIENCE CENTER, BALTIMORE
This activity is specially designed for children ages 5 through 8. Each week come and face a new I.C.E. challenge based on our monthly theme. Our theme for December is sound. Learn how vibrations make sound waves that travel through the air and how our ears are designed to capture these waves.

THE GUYS BOOK CLUB OF SUPER SONIC AWESOMENESS
Wednesday, December 15, 2010: 4:00 PM I THURMONT REGIONAL LIBRARY
Let's hear it for the guys! This book club is for guys, so come check it out. This club is loaded with cool games, books, snacks and fun. For ages 8-12. Meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Registration is required.

BOOK BUDDIES
Wednesday, December 15, 2010: 4:00 PM I C. BURR ARTZ PUBLIC LIBRARY, FREDERICK
December - Choose Your Favorite Book. Ages 8-12. Registration is required.

BOOK BUNCH BOOK CLUB
Wednesday, December 15, 2010: 4:00 PM I EMMITSBURG BRANCH LIBRARY
Join us for a book celebration highlighting a special book complete with a discussion time, craft, and snack. Registration is required.

EXPLORER'S BOOK CLUB FOR KIDS
Wednesday, December 15, 2010: 4:30 PM I BRUNSWICK BRANCH LIBRARY
A book club with theme related activities. For students in grades 3 - 5.

YOUNG READER'S WII GAME NIGHT
Wednesday, December 15, 2010 I 6:00 PM I EDWARD F. FRY MEMORIAL LIBRARY AT POINT OF ROCKS
Challenge friends to Wii--Super Mario, Sports, Guitar Hero! Big Screen (6 x 8 ft.)! FOUR PLAYER CAPACITY! (Come to Young Readers before and stick around to play, or come just for Wii). Ages 7-14 (under 8 needs an adult.

TOY DAY AT THE LIBRARY!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
10:00 AM -5:00 PM I THURMONT REGIONAL LIBRARY
We're celebrating toys at the library today! The story time room will be open all day with special toys for little ones, and we'll have puzzles and games for young and old all day and night. Don't miss out on our other great activities
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Toys and games in the Story time Room
10:30 AM: Toys & Games of the Past with Rose Hill Manor Museum staff (registration required)
12:00 PM: Lunch & A Movie: Toy Story 3!
6:30 PM: Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree
6:45 PM: Toy Show & Tell

HOMESCHOOL ART SESSION: WALTER WICK: GAMES, GIZMOS, AND TOYS IN THE ATTIC
December 16, 2010: 1:15-3:30 PM I WALTER’S ART MUSEUM IN BALTIMORE
Ages 5-12 – monthly art sessions on the third Thursday of each month. Advanced registration is required.

TOYS AND GAMES OF THE PAST
Thursday, December 16, 2010: 10:30 AM I THURMONT REGIONAL LIBRARY
Have you ever wondered what types of toys kids your age played with throughout history? What games did they play before everyone had TV? Join Kari Saavedra from the Rose Hill Manor Park & Museums for this hands-on historical program for ages 3 and up. Registration is required.

LUNCH & A MOVIE: TOY STORY 3
Thursday, December 16, 2010: 12:00 PM I THURMONT REGIONAL LIBRARY
Grab your lunch & your favorite toy and head out to the library to see Toy Story 3 on the big screen! Don't miss our other Toy Day activities, too! Rated G. All ages, with an adult.

THE GUYS BOOK CLUB OF SUPER-SONIC AWESOMENESS!
Thursday, December 16, 2010: 4:00 PM I C. BURR ARTZ PUBLIC LIBRARY, FREDERICK
Let's hear it for the guys! This book club is for guys, so come check it out. This club is loaded with cool games, books, snacks and fun. For ages 8-12. Registration is required.

WINTER WONDERLAND CRAFT
Thursday, December 16, 2010: 6:00 PM I THURMONT REGIONAL LIBRARY
Sparkly Snowflakes: these three-dimensional, sparkly snowflakes are just like the icy cold variety - no two will ever be the same. Registration is required.

TOY SHOW & TELL
Thursday, December 16, 2010: 6:45 PM I THURMONT REGIONAL LIBRARY
Celebrate Toy Day at the library by bringing your favorite toy for a special show and tell following Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree Puppet Show at 6:30. We want to know about your favorite toy! All ages, with an adult.

CELEBRATE BIODIVERSITY
Saturday, December 18, 2010: Noon-4:00 PM I MD SCIENCE CENTER, BALTIMORE
Come Celebrate Biodiversity in TerraLink and learn about animals affected by climate change. The Maryland Zoo will be here presenting ‘Going, Going, Gone’ (appropriate for all ages). Every day, more species and habitat vanish. Why? View cause and effect as they relate to happenings in our natural world. Discover along the way that everything we do has an impact – big or small – on our world. Learn ways that each of us can protect the richness of life on our planet. Talk with a member of the Maryland Invasive Species Council about what animal and plant species are invading the Maryland landscape.

VISIT WITH SANTA
Saturday, December 18, 2010: MIDDLETOWN AND OAKDALE RECREATION CENTERS, FREDERICK COUNTY
Middletown Rec Center: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM, Oakdale Rec Center: 2:00 PM - 4:00PM Have you been good this year? Want to spend some time with Mr. and Mrs. Claus? Then visit the Middletown or Oakdale Recreation Centers for light refreshments, games, crafts and plenty of time to ask Santa for that special gift. Parents, don't forget to bring your camera! Cost: $5 per child. Ages 2-10 years. Sponsored by Frederick County Parks and Recreation. Pre-registration and directions available on website.

READING IN ACTION
Tuesday, December 21, 2010: 4:00 PM I C. BURR ARTZ PUBLIC LIBRARY, FREDERICK
We read so we can do! Come join us as we read, but also create, celebrate, share, and learn. We put the A in reading and A equals Action! Register for the month(s) you would like to join us. Ages 8 to 12.

HOLIDAY WEEK EXPLORATIONS
December 27-December 30, 2010 : 2:00 PM I MD SCIENCE CENTER, BALTIMORE
Each day the Learning Lab will feature one of the following activities for families to participate in. Explore evergreens underneath our handheld microscope, feel the forces that hold your holiday decorations up and let the New Year’s ball down, conduct chilly experiments to discover why we salt the roads in the winter, and investigate the sounds of the season.

MOVIE MONDAY: LILO AND STITCH
Monday, December 27, 2010: 6:00 PM I THURMONT REGIONAL LIBRARY
Join us for a special winter edition of our popular Movie Mondays and warm up with Lilo and Stitch on the big screen. Set in Hawaii, this movie is sure to make you feel warm, even when the temperature outside is chilly! Bring your dinner or dessert along with a blanket or pillow and curl up for an evening of movie fun! All ages, with an adult.

LUNCH & A MOVIE: HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON
Tuesday, December 28, 2010: 12:00 PM I THURMONT REGIONAL LIBRARY
Pack your lunch and a pillow or blanket and watch How to Train Your Dragon on the library's big screen! Let us know how it compares to the book! Rated PG. Ages 5 and up, with an adult.

A HEDGEHOG HAPPENING
Thursday, December 30, 2010: 6:00 PM I URBANA REGIONAL LIBRARY
Learn all about hedgehogs and meet a real one named, "Spike." For Ages 6 – 11. Registration is required.

MIDNIGHT NOON
Friday, December 31, 2010: 10:00 AM-2:00 PM I MD SCIENCE CENTER, BALTIMORE
Don’t let your bedtime get in the way of your New Year’s celebration! Join us for Midnight Noon where the ball will drop at Noon and the celebration of the New Year is in the morning! Join us for arts and crafts, puppet shows and a musical performance by popular kids band–Milkshake. Advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended.


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