Independence has new meaning for teens

Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2008

Allison and Caitlin volunteered during the celebration by helping out during a variety of activities designed to help family audiences better understand and appreciate the holdings of the National Archives and the events that led up to the nation’s fight for independence.

The annual Fourth of July program included remarks by Archivist of the United States Allen Weinstein, patriotic music, a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence and other activities for families.

Shipwreck central

It’s time to get wrecked for charity.

The Mattawoman Creek Art Center will hold a Shipwreck Party on Sept. 19 to celebrate the milling and paving of Upham Place, a gravel road that leads to the art center.

The upgrade to the road has been a three-year project for the members of the center and they want to celebrate.

Come in ‘‘shipwreck” attire or tropical casual (no one is quite sure what either really means, I’m thinking Hawaiian shirts or peg legs) — best outfit wins a prize.

There will be a silent auction, door prizes, original art and a drawing for a stay at a St. Thomas waterfront condo. Raffle tickets are $5 each or five for $20.

The event tickets are $50 per person with tables for 10 available.

Dinner, dancing, music by Roadhouse and a cash bar are on the agenda at the Waldorf Jaycees center.

The Jaycees-sponsored event will be held from 7 to 11 p.m.

Reservations must be made by Sept. 5 with checks payable to MCAC, P.O. Box 258, Marbury, MD 20658.

For more information, call 301-743-5159 or go towww.mattawomanart.org.

Students put stampon art, art on stamp

Westlake High School in Waldorf is celebrating the recent success of three students who were honored with national artistic achievement awards from Artstamps, a school fundraiser that turns student-produced artwork into U.S. postage.

Kim Wiman placed first place and received $500. Kathleen Seay and Meghan Hunt received honorable mention awards.

‘‘Students should be encouraged to continually grow their artistic talents,” said George A. Castineiras, founder and CEO of Artstamps. ‘‘The artwork submitted by the students is truly remarkable.”

To be considered for the national artistic achievement award, students must submit artwork that has been converted into U.S. postage, note cards or other products through ArtStamps.

Boo. A ghost

Ghosts of Sotterley tours are on the horizon with just one itsy-bitsy problem. They need ghosts. That’s where you come in.

Auditions for the October tour will be held at 6 p.m. Aug. 21 and at 1 p.m. Aug. 23 in the barn at Sotterley at 44300 Sotterley Lane in Hollywood.

If acting isn’t your thing, organizers are looking for behind-the-scenes help to work on lighting, technical issues, makeup and to serve as tour assistants.

The theme this year is set in 1789 and the British soldiers have already come and gone, leaving the plantation to recover in an uneasy peace.

George Plater III, the widower of Elizabeth and raising four children, is the master of the plantation, with his son, George IV, is in line to inherit the land.

Older than Mount Vernon and Monticello, Sotterley Plantation is a National Historic Landmark on the Patuxent River in St. Mary’s County.

Auditions are open to the public and membership is not required to try out. Those auditioning will be doing cold readings from a script. Organizers ask that those trying out bring along a calendar to ensure scheduling conflicts will not arise.

Performance dates are Oct. 16 through 18.

Can’t attend the auditions but still want to try out? Contact Morriah Cell at morriahdavis@hotmail.com.

For more information on volunteering, auditioning or on upcoming events, call 301-373-2280 or go to www.sotterley.org.

Dramatic summer

The Indian Head Center for the Arts summer theater camp recently wrapped up a successful season with 11 students participating.

Six high school and four middle school students went through the camp, which culminated in 10 performing shows.

One camper, Yadira Coleman, was so taken with the experience she is switching her band elective (which she’s taken for four years) to theater, according to Peggy Palmer, executive director of the Black Box Theatre, where the camp was held.

The camp was conducted from July 14 through 26 by Helen Coy who has been studying drama at a New York conservatory.

Online registration availablefor fair exhibitors

The Charles County Fair celebrates its 85th anniversary this year Sept. 10 through 14, with farm animals, displays of all kinds, demonstrations and food of various kinds.

Four stages will be filled with entertainment, games, shows, music, a baby show, pig races, events and activities for all ages. New attractions for 2008 include Old MacDonald's Barn and the “Agricadbra“ show.

Exhibitors can now register online at www.charlescountyfair.com.

Look for the new register online button and enter as a new exhibitor or enter your password as a returning exhibitor.

For more information, call the fair office at 301-932-1234 or e-mail Charlescofair@aol.com.

Foundation sets African-AmericanHeritage Day

The Accokeek Foundation will celebrate African-American Heritage Day from noon to 6 p.m. Aug. 23 at 3400 Bryan Point Road in Accokeek.

The day will include educational exhibits, storytelling, entertainment, food, artists and crafters in celebration of the cultural, educational and creative contributions of African-Americans to Southern Maryland.

The event will be held rain or shine. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children 3 to 12. Members get in free.

First 25 visitors receive free membership.

Activities include living history performances; meet ‘‘Harriet Tubman” and take a ‘‘ride” on the Underground Railroad; a puppet show; storytelling, hands-on activities; musicians; artists, craft and food vendors.

Go to www.accokeek.org or call 301-283-2113 for more information.

Library seeksboard member

The Board of Library Trustees of Charles County is searching for candidates to be considered for appointment to the board. Anyone interested in serving as a library trustee should submit a letter of interest and a brief resume by Sept. 1 to Hank Scharles, board president, Charles County Public Library, 2 Garrett Ave., La Plata, MD 20646-5959.

The board has a vacancy beginning Jan. 1.

To qualify for appointment to the library board of trustees, a candidate must be a resident of Charles County.

Candidates should indicate commitment to carry out the duties of a library trustee, attend all meetings, and be a vocal advocate for libraries.