FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 30, 2017

MEDIA CONTACT: KIRA CALM LEWIS 301-446-3327; Kira.CalmLewis@pgparks.com – or –

VERONICA MARSHALL 301-446-3313; Veronica.Marshall@pgparks.com

Create New Connections this November

With the Department of Parks and Recreation

Riverdale, MD – This fall, we want to help you embrace the beauty and wonder of the season with a variety of events that will help you connect with nature, music, art, and each other!

WHAT: Shannon Gunn Sextet
WHEN: Friday, Nov. 3 from 8 – 10 PM
WHERE: Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Road, Laurel, MD. 20708
COST: $25/Person
The Montpelier audience is invited to a CD release concert presenting talented trombonist and composer Shannon Gunn. Her latest album reflects her pursuit of the groove and free jazz expression. Hear her play songs like ‘Overjoyed’ by Stevie Wonder, ‘But Beautiful’ by Jimmy Van Heusen, and ‘What It Takes,’ (an ode to President Obama).

WHAT: Trash to Treasure Green Craft Fair
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 4 from 10 AM – 4 PM
WHERE: Watkins Nature Center, 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD. 20774
COST: FREE
Meet a variety of artists and crafters that create arts and crafts from reused, recycled, responsibly harvested/ sustainable and/or environmentally friendly products! Many types of green crafts, art, and other items will also be for sale – along with refreshments. And for the little ones, there will be a free children’s craft table. Reservations are not required and the event is open to all ages!

WHAT: In a Distinctive Style
WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 5 from 12:15 – 3:15 PM
WHERE: Riversdale House Museum, 4811 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Park, MD. 20737
COST: (in period attire): $2.50/adult; $2/senior; $1/student

Come during regular open hours dressed in your Regency or Federal era finery for a half price tour of this house of ‘distinctive style.’ Rosalie Stier Calvert, the mistress of Riversdale, corresponded frequently with Isabelle, her sister in Belgium. Often, their letters turned to fashion and clothing. Fill your own afternoon with talk of clothing and mingle with other guests while donning your Regency Sunday best. Guests are welcome to come with a picnic to enjoy an informal light luncheon inside the home after tours.

WHAT: Smooth Sounds for Seniors: Carly Harvey
WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 9 from 12 noon – 1:15 PM
WHERE: Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Road, Laurel, MD. 20708
COST: $12/person
Proclaimed as ‘DC’s Queen of the Blues’ by WPFW radio, singer Carly Harvey has a sound like Etta James with influences from Bonnie Raitt to Ella Fitzgerald. Her contemporary blues sound combines blues, jazz, soul, Americana, roots, and rock styles and is sure to entertain!

WHAT: Gingerbread Contestants Needed!
WHEN: Registration ends Friday, Nov. 10
WHERE: Darnall's Chance House Museum, 14800 Governor Oden Bowie Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD. 20772
COST: $5/Entry
You are invited to be contestants in Darnall’s Chance House Museum’s 18th Annual Gingerbread House Contest and Show. Participants can enter one of three categories: family category, child age 8-16, and adult age 17 and older. Ribbons and prize money (ranging from $25-$100) will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each division. The Viewer's Choice Awards will be selected by the viewers. Winners of the Viewer’s Choice awards will each receive $200. Entry forms may be obtained by going online to history.pgparks.com, calling staff at 301-952-8010, or by stopping by the museum. All completed entries must be dropped off at Darnall's Chance House Museum on November 19, 2017 between the hours of noon and 4 pm.

WHAT: 33rd Annual Pottery Sale
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 11 from 11 AM – 4 PM
WHERE: Langley Park Community Center, 1500 Merrimac Drive, Hyattsville, MD. 20783
COST: FREE
Get a jump on your holiday shopping by joining us for the 33rd Annual Pottery Show and Sale! Shop for one-of-a-kind items such as baking and casserole dishes, platters, teapots, vases, and more!

WHAT: The Death of Abraham Lincoln
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 11 from 4 – 5 PM
WHERE: Surratt House Museum, 9118 Brandywine Road, Clinton, MD. 20735
COST: FREE

By looking through various newspapers, letters and diaries, join Lincoln assassination scholar David Taylor as he explores the differing reactions to Lincoln’s assassination during our nation’s time of morning. The lecture is free, but guests are asked to arrive early because space is limited.

WHAT: Teen Cotillion Registration
WHEN: Registration ends Sunday, Nov. 12
COST: A non-refundable $100 fee for selected participants, due by January 6, 2018
The Teen Cotillion is a 16-week, co-ed comprehensive program for Beaus and Debs ages 15-18 (high school students), that runs from January 2018 -May 2018. Application are now being accepted for the 2018 Teen Cotillion. Through a series of workshops, special events, service learning projects and more, the Teen Cotillion offers leadership and growth opportunities to participants. Only 20 female and 20 male applicants will be selected to participate in the Teen Cotillion. All applicants must be residents of Prince George’s County, Maryland, and be between the ages of 15 and 18 years old.

WHAT: Litiz, PA: Wolves, Pretzels, & Chocolate
WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 16 from 6:30 AM – 7:30 PM
WHERE: Watkins Nature Center, 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD. 20774
COST: $35/Resident; $46/Non-resident

Join a naturalist for this day trip to meet some captive rescued wolves and learn about their stories. Guides will lead groups on a leisurely walk around the wolf sanctuary, stopping briefly at each pack to introduce wolves and share facts about wolf biology and conservation. Then, enjoy a trip to the town of Lititz, PA to visit the Sturgis Pretzel Factory and the Wilbur Chocolate Museum and gift shop. Bring a lunch, drinks, snacks, binoculars, a camera and money for dinner and gift shops. No refunds unless trip is cancelled, or unless spot is resold. The trip coordinator must approve and process all refunds. Trips depend on sufficient registration.

WHAT: Fall Colors Hike
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 18 from 10 – 11 AM
WHERE: Watkins Nature Center, 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD. 20774
COST: $3/Resident; $4/Non-resident
Take a hike with a park naturalist and learn to identify trees. Learn about leaves - including why they change colors in autumn. Stop by the exhibit hall and see live animals and birds of prey.

WHAT: C I R C E Ensemble
WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 19 from 3 – 4:30 PM
WHERE: Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Road, Laurel, MD. 20708
COST: FREE; $5 donation is appreciated

Laura Kay (soprano), Isabel Fairbanks (cellist), and Zach Mo (pianist) have made a name for themselves as one of the most versatile soprano-cello-piano trios in New York City.

WHAT: Live Animal Show
WHEN: Friday, Nov. 24 from 2 – 3 PM
WHERE: Watkins Nature Center, 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD. 20774
COST: $3/Resident; $4/Non-resident
Meet the nature center’s live animals including insects, reptiles, amphibians and birds of prey.

WHAT: Nature Craft and a Story
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 25 from 10 – 11 AM
WHERE: Watkins Nature Center, 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD. 20774
COST: $3/Resident; $4/Non-resident
Participants will enjoy a story, meet a live animal and do a hands-on nature craft activity.

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission is celebrating 90 years of excellence, since 1927. The Department of Parks and Recreation delivers an award-winning park system through progressive, innovative leadership and a commitment to the community and the environment in Prince George’s County.

For more on the Department of Parks and Recreation, visit www.pgparks.com and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, YouTube, and Instagram. The M-NCPPC Department of Parks and Recreation encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities in all programs and services.

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