Community center news

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Wade Community Center’s Annual Tot Fest will be offered from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. April 26 for kids 1-6. Enjoy carnival games, face painting, moon bounce, spaghetti-eating contests, pacifier toss, balloon animals and more. Enjoy watching dads participate in tricycle races and attempt to diaper balloons. Refreshments⁄snacks available. Prizes awarded. Registration recommended. The resident fee is $8 per child; nonresident fee is $10.

Celebrate Mother Goose Day with classic stories from 3-4 p.m. May 1 at Nanjemoy Community Center. We’ll have fun with stories, activities, games and a snack. For kids 2-4. Registration deadline is April 24. The resident fee is $3; non-resident fee is $5.

Join Antoinette and have a blast making a craft, special card or gift for Mother’s Day or Father’s Day at Henson Community Center’s Kids Craft Day 10-11 a.m. May 3 for kids 2-8. All supplies included. Must be accompanied by an adult. The registration deadline is three days before the event. The resident fee is $3; nonresident is $4.

Messes to Successes for kids 3-6 is offered at Stoddert Community Center from 5:30-6:15 p.m. May 6-20. Come to us and make a mess and bring home a success. We will use a different art medium each week. Have your child wear old clothes. Registration deadline is May 5. Resident cost is $25; nonresident fee is $30.

It’s that special time of year again at Somers Community Center for the Annual Dad & Daughter Tea party. Join us from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. May 10 for a day to remember. Open to children 3-8. Enjoy a delightful tea (juice also available), sandwiches and make a gift for Mother’s Day. The registration deadline is May 2. The resident fee is $7; nonresident fee is $9 ( Add a $3 fee for each child).

Nanjemoy Community Center offers Story Time Series for kids 3-6. ‘‘Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” will be held 6-7 p.m. May 14. Enjoy the delightful story followed by activities and refreshments. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration deadline is one week before story date. The resident fee is $5; nonresident fee is $7.

Toddler Circus Party for kids 1-4 will be held at Nanjemoy Community Center from 3-4 p.m. May 19. Carnival games, face painting, crafts, prizes and maybe even a special guest appearance. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The registration deadline is May 12. The resident fee is $3; nonresident fee is $5.

Classes and camps

Summer Fun Days will be offered at Piccowaxen Community Center weekly 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. June 23-Aug. 1, for children 6-12. Parents, drop your kids off for a week of fun and games. Each day we will offer a variety of recreational activities, along with arts and crafts to exercise your child’s creative abilities. Fees are per day. No program July 4. The weekly resident fee is $60; nonresident fee is $65.

General classes

Sugar & Spice and Everything Nice is part of our ongoing Diamonds in the Rough, Etiquette for Young Ladies series at Mattawoman Community Center. Young ladies 6-9 learn the importance of a positive self worth, effective communicating, proper posture, formal table settings and the art of letter writing. Final lesson will be a formal tea and dessert. Instructor will be Marcie Leggett of Events by Design. Join in from 11 a.m.-noon May 3-24. The resident fee is $45; nonresident fee is $50.

Fun with Science at Mattawoman Community Center for kids 5-10 will be offered from 6:30-7:15 p.m. May 12. Bring in small objects to magnify with our Eyeclops Enlarging Microscope and TV screen and share the amazement of the minute structures of everyday objects. Handouts and coloring pages provided. The resident fee is $3; nonresident fee is $5.

Introduction to Computers will be available at Piccowaxen Community Center from 6:30-8:30 p.m. May 5-June 16 for participants 11 and older. Learn the basics of how a computer works, Microsoft Word, e-mail, the Internet, digital cameras and creating music CDs. The program meets for six weeks. No class May 26. The resident fee is $45; nonresident fee is $50.

Glamour Girls Workshop ... Grape Sweetheart for kids 5-10 is planned for 7-8 p.m. May 21 at Wade Community Center. Come in your princess outfit and learn to be beautiful on the inside and out. Learn to apply makeup, glitter and nail polish while learning to apply character lessons in your heart. We’ll have a character challenge and a ‘‘good character” fashion show. Everyone receives a ‘‘glam bag” including body gel, lip gloss, nail polish, glitz stick and a choice of one of the following: hip hairpiece, rockin’ wand, queen’s crown, funky feather boa, a cool head and neck band set or a Bella Bee-Nie. Light refreshments served. Instructor will be Darlena Montague. The resident fee is $25; nonresident fee is $30. The registration deadline is May 9.

The Art of Massage by Jacquelyn Guzman, a registered massage practitioner, will be offered as three separate classes for participants 18 and older during May at Stoddert and Mattawoman Community Centers. Bring a towel, flat sheet and body oil or lotion to class. Sign up with a partner, as you will be giving and receiving a massage. The registration deadline is two days before the class. The resident fee is $40; nonresident fee is $45 (fees shown are for two participants). Class 1 is back massage – learn massage strokes, how the body can benefit from and how to give a great massage. Massage 2 – neck, shoulders and arms teaches basic massage for your neck, shoulders and arms to relieve tension and aid relaxation. Finally, Massage 3, for hands and feet. Your hands and feet are the gateways to stress reduction. Ignore them and your tension and fatigue will build. Attend this class to learn the secrets of hand and foot massage. Save $30 when you register for all three classes for $90. Stoddert Community Center will hold the programs on select Wednesdays, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Massage 1 will be held May 7, Massage 2 will be held May 14 and Massage 3 will be held May 21. Mattawoman Community Center will hold the programs on select Thursdays, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Massage 1 will be held May 8, Massage 2 will be held May 15, Massage 3 will be held May 22.

Crafting classesand programs

Creative Memories is an ongoing program. Learn to create unique, photo safe albums to showcase your favorite photos. No registration required. Classes available at Hanson, Henson, Stoddert and Wade community centers for adults 18 and older. Call the centers for available dates.

Design your own personalized Mother’s Day card from 6:30-7:30 p.m. May 8 at Mattawoman Community Center. Bring a picture to have scanned and digitally placed on your card, write a message and take it home. It’s a one-of-a-kind keepsake. Open to participants 6 and older. The resident fee is $4; nonresident fee is $5.

Show mom how much you care as you make a special gift just for her. Kids 4-14 can create decorative soaps and bath salts, and a gift box and tag at Piccowaxen Community Center from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. May 10. Adult supervision required. All supplies included. The registration deadline is May 2. The resident fee is $6; nonresident fee is $8.

Make a flag windsock and a craft stick flag door⁄window hanger at Piccowaxen Community Center’s Patriotic Craft Day. Bring a round cardboard box such as an oatmeal container. All other supplies included. Program is open to kids 3-13. Class will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. May 23. The registration deadline is May 16. The resident fee is $5; nonresident fee is $7.

Jewelry workshop for kids 10-15 will be offered at Stoddert Community Center from 6-7:15 p.m. May 28. Learn to make your own personalized necklace, bracelet or anklet. Beads, wire, string, feathers and more included. The registration deadline is the Monday before the program. The resident fee is $20; nonresident fee is $23.

Workshops⁄seminars

A free foster parent workshop will be held for adults 21 and older at Hanson Community Center from 6:30-8 p.m. May 13. Learn who needs foster care and about foster care agencies and licensing information. If you are a stay-at-home mom, retired or looking to provide a home to a child who needs loving care and attention, you won’t want to miss this valuable workshop. Presenters will be Alternatives for Youth and Families. The registration deadline is May 9.

Special events

Share your original poems with friends at Nanjemoy Community Center’s Teen Poetry Night for teens 14-18. Refreshments provided. No objectionable phrases or themes. Join in 7-8:30 p.m. April 28. Call the center about registration.

Brighten a soldiers’ day by making homemade cards, letters and edible goodies to send overseas. Let’s show them our appreciation. You make the package and we will send it to our soldiers. Open to all ages. Participation is at Smallwood Community Center from 10-11 a.m. May 3 and 10-11 a.m. May 10, at Henson Community Center. The registration deadline is two days before the event.

A Craft Fair⁄Bake Sale will be held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. May 3 at Stoddert Community Center for all ages. Spring has sprung and it is time to add a new notion, craft or knickknack to your house. Come by and browse the community craft fair⁄bake sale. Interested in participating as a vendor? Vendor setup is at 8 a.m. The registration deadline is April 30. The resident fee is $5 for vendor space (bring your own table); nonresident fee is $7.

Participants 12 and older are invited to Hanson Community Center for a spring tea party. Bring a friend and join us in a cup of tea and a tasty dessert. Learn about tea parties, meet new friends and enjoy the day. Join in 11 a.m.-noon May 10. The registration deadline is May 8. The resident fee is $5; nonresident fee is $7.

Charles County’s 7th Annual Heritage Bike Ride is here! Start your day at the ‘‘End of the Road” in scenic Nanjemoy and enjoy a ride with stops at local points of interest. The western section of Charles County will delight you with its sense of serenity and history. Each route begins and ends at the Nanjemoy Community Center. Three recreational routes to choose from: 100k, 50k or 25k. T-shirts, refreshments, sag wagons and rest stops included. Riders 10-15 must be accompanied by a paying adult and may only ride the 25k route. The Department of Community Services believes safety is a top priority and helmets are required for all riders. Registration is strongly recommended. Event will be held from 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. May 17. Open to 10 and older. The resident fee is $25; nonresident fee is $27. Day of registration, add $5.

Free Kids Connections event will be held from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. May 17 for kids 1-13 at Piccowaxen Community Center. Come learn about all the cool organizations and businesses available in Charles County such as Scouts, 4-H and more. Enjoy the moon bounce, games, arts and crafts and other challenges. Some activities may have a small fee. Snacks and goody bags will be available for those who register early. Registration deadline is May 9. Kids Connections vendors are needed. Set up a booth for your business (a 6x6 space is $20; free to nonprofits). Pass out literature, disperse giveaways and display items. Bag lunch provided. Must register by May 4. Setup is at 8 a.m. Call 301-259-2503.

Celebrate Charles County’s 350th Anniversary by taking your family on a Heritage Photo Scavenger Hunt offered by Nanjemoy Community Center. Pick up list and rules May 1-9. All photos will be reviewed May 20. Photos may be presented printed or on CD, and must be original photos taken by participants. Refreshments provided. Family with the most correct or accurate photos will win a prize. In the event of a tie, winner will be chosen at random from eligible entries. Open to all ages. Submission deadline and winner selection will be from 6:30-7:30 p.m. May 20. The registration deadline is May 9.

Nanjemoy Community Center’s Friday Night Cinema for all ages will be from 6:30-8:30 p.m. May 23. Join us for family fun night at NCC’s very own movie theater complete with projector and screen. Refreshments available for purchase or bring your own. All children must be accompanied by a paying adult. The registration deadline is one week before the event. Tickets are $3 in advance⁄$5 at door; nonresidents pay $5 in advance⁄$7 at door.

Dance Dance Revolution for participants 6-17 will be divided into groups according to skill level. Refreshments provided. Join in at Wade Community Center from 6-9 p.m. May 23. The registration deadline is two days before the event. The resident fee is $3; nonresident fee is $4.

A magic show for all ages will be held from 6:30-7:15 p.m. May 30 at Nanjemoy Community Center. Enjoy a magical performance by Frank Culler. All children must be accompanied by a paying adult. Resident fee is $3 in advance⁄$5 day of; nonresident fee is $5 in advance⁄$7 day of. Learn a few secrets after the magic show at the workshop available for kids 6-12 from 7:30-8 p.m. The resident fee is $8; nonresident fee is $10. The registration deadline is May 23.

Sports programsand events

Boaters Safety Class for participants16 and older will be offered by Wade Community Center from 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, from May 6-8. If you were born on or after July 1, 1972, and operate a motorized vessel on Maryland water, you must have a Certificate of Boating Safety Education. From a Maryland Department of Natural Resources sponsored course. Students 16 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Second program offered from 6-9 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, June 10-12. The registration deadline is Friday before the class. The resident fee is $10; nonresident fee is $15. The first night of class, $25 is due to instructor.

Indoorcommunity pools

Open swim is held at indoor community pools for free for kids 2 and younger, $4 for kids 3-12, $5 for participants 13-59 and $4 for participants 60 and older. Children 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Mother’s Day at the Pool will be offered during the normal open swim hours May 11. Bring the family to the swimming pool to celebrate Mother’s Day. All moms receive free admission with a paid children’s admission. Group rates are available for eight or more.

Bring your family to the indoor community pools at Lackey or North Point for a day of splashing and swimming from noon-9 p.m. May 26. Cost is $10⁄family of four; $1 each additional member.

Water Exploration for Special Populations will be offered at North Point pool. The class is specifically designed for children with physical, intellectual or developmental disabilities who want to learn how to be safe in, on and around the water. Participants will learn water safety skills and basic swimming skills. Each class includes independent, guided discovery time in the water with a parent or a responsible adult. A parent or responsible adult must accompany their child in the water. Open to kids 5 and older. The resident fee is $55⁄session; nonresident fee is $60. Session 1 will be offered from 11-11:45 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays June 17-July 10.; and session 2 will be offered from 11-11:45 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays July 15-Aug. 7.