Chesapeake Family Life April 2019 by Chesapeake Family Life Magazine

A Home Away From Home Sponsor families provide Midshipmen a home off the yard. FrEE | april 2019

GOING GREEN

Get your kids on board

AN EASY A

Classes in having fun

SPRING EVENTS Tons of Fun

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FAMILY FUN FOR EVERYONE

This is the year to make forever memories. Enjoy thrills for all ages and experience two all-new attractions, Finnegan’s Flyer™ Screamin’ Swing at Busch Gardens® & Cutback Water Coaster™ at Water Country USA®. With two fun-filled parks, there are endless opportunities to bring your family closer together.

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APRIL 2019

ON THE COVER Photo by Dunks Photo. Judy Buddensick (center) with mids past and present. Story on page 10.

April | ChesapeakeFamily.com

in this issue Features

Family Fun

10/ SUPERINTENDENT SMEDBERG'S GRAND IDEA The USNA

24/CREATING AN ECO-FRIENDLY FAMILY

14/ ADVENTURES IN HIGHER LEARNING

Stay Inspired

Going green is good for the planet and your family. Here's how to get them in an eco-friendly mood.

Sponsor Program helps midshipmen feel at home in Annapolis by pairing them with local families.

32/ SPRING IS FOR PEDALS

Grown-ups can still learn new tricks like trapeze arts, cake-decorating and glassblowing.

Grab your bikes and get ready to ride, as dozens of cool races, tours and scenic rides pepper the spring calendar.

Day Camp Advertising Section

Camps to keep your kids happy, busy, learning and growing this summer

DEPARTMENTS 05 / EDITOR'S LETTER

Get your family in on going green with some little changes and big action.

New & Notable

27 / GET OUT!

Events, activities and fun things to do this month

07 / Fun: Get Your Geek On at Awesome Con 08 / Profile: Nina's Flying Needle 09 / Lifestyle: Love You Hard

34 / EVENTS WORTH A BABYSITTER

APRIL 2019

Fun for grown-ups in April

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READY, SET, SMILE. DENTAL CHECK-UPS $ 99

BRACES 25% OFF Vol. 29 No. 07 PUBLISHER Donna Jefferson ext. 200 djefferson@jecoannapolis.com EDITOR Ann Levelle ASSOCIATE EDITOR Joyce Heid CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Steve Adams Mary McCarthy Katie Riley ART DIRECTOR Jenny Patrick C. ext. 202 artdirector@jecoannapolis.com AD DESIGN Jessica Kannegieser OFFICE MANAGER Claire Kovacs ext. 204 ADVERTISING Jen Jeffries ext. 207 jen@jecoannapolis.com PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY: Jefferson Communications, LLC 121 Cathedral Street, 3rd floor, Annapolis, MD 21401 Phone: 410-263-1641 Fax: 410-280-0255

These materials are neither sponsored by or endorsed by the Board of Education of Anne Arundel County and all other Maryland counties, the superintendents or the schools. The acceptance of advertising does not constitute endorsement by Chesapeake Family Life of products or services. Advertisers are not given special consideration or placement in editorial content. The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertisement or listing that is not in keeping with the policies or standards of this publication. Jefferson Communications assumes no financial responsibility for errors in advertisements. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any part of Chesapeake Family Life, by any means without permission, is strictly prohibited. ©2017 Jefferson Communications, LLC.

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The acceptance of advertising does not constitute endorsement by Chesapeake Family of products or services. Advertisers are not given special consideration or placement in editorial content. The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertisement or listing that is not in keeping with the policies or standards of this publication. Jefferson Communications assumes no financial

editor's letter

Online this month

Spring Fairs and Festivals ChesapeakeFamily.com/spring

Little Changes, Good Causes

pril is the season of new beginnings, flowers blooming and fresh breezes. It’s the time when we can hopefully get outside comfortably to play, clean up the yard and plant our gardens. Earth Day, Monday April 22, too, gives us another chance to reconcile with nature. Lately with recycling troubles coming to light around the country and people becoming increasingly aware of the scope of our country’s plastic usage, I’ve been thinking of how I can change some of my family’s habits in the reduce/reuse department. While I don’t guarantee I’ll produce amazing results, by picking even a few little changes that I can make—say, by kicking my paper towel habit or getting the girls to take shorter showers—we can begin to reduce our family’s footprint, and save a little money in the process. If you’re inclined to do the same, we’ve got two helpful articles this month on ways to go a little greener. The first is on page 8, and features local mom and business owner, Nina Wolfe, who makes reusable bags for everything from snacks to pump parts. The other is on page 24, and gives several fun ways to get your kids interested in going green. A few years ago, after a simple preschool lesson on planting native flowers for the bees resonated with my

daughter, she decided to decorate pots and plant seeds as her birthday party favor. The kids had a great time painting and were all excited to plant their wildflower seeds. While it was a tiny step in getting them interested, sometimes that’s all it takes to hook them into a good cause. Speaking of good causes, you’ll find several others in this issue, including a season’s worth of bike rides all around Maryland that raise money for good causes on page 32. Not to mention our cover story about U.S. Naval Academy midshipmen and families around Annapolis who open their homes to the mids. By giving them a home away from home while they’re at the Academy, mids have a chance to relax and enjoy some non-military downtime, as well as get to know people in the community. Here’s to a spring of good causes. I hope you find something that sparks a new beginning for you and yours.

Vote For Your Family Favorites ChesapeakeFamily.com/ familyfavorites

Nominate a Standout Student ChesapeakeFamily.com/ standoutstudents

Ann Levelle, Editor Ann@jecoannapolis.com

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APRIL 2019

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Outcomes

cademic rigor at Key is derived from achieving a deep understanding of the complexity of concepts and problems, not from the sheer amount of content covered. From First School through Upper School, Key’s program emphasizes experiential learning, creative and collaborative problem solving, and building habits of grit and resourcefulness. Key alumni say they are uniquely prepared for the challenges of collegiate programs and well-equipped to meet the demands of the innovation-driven economy.

HIGHLIGHTS 2018 • Over 75% of the Class of 2018 received merit scholarships • 80% will attend “Most/Highly/Very Competitive” colleges/universities

KEY GRADUATES ARE: • Independent thinkers • Intrinsically motivated • Creative innovators • Effective collaborators • Tenacious problem-solvers • Articulate leaders

• 33% will attend Research 1 Universities • 33% intend to pursue STEM-related studies including engineering, computer science, marine and environmental science, pre-health/vet, and architecture • 25% of the Class of 2019 scored 1430

+ on SATs

• 11% earned National Merit Scholar Recognition • 90% of recent graduates accepted to one of their top choice colleges • 98% of alumni parents surveyed would recommend Key to a friend, colleague or family member

VISIT US! It’s not too late to begin planning your child’s next educational adventure. Contact us to schedule an individual weekday tour for Key-Wee (2 1/2 year olds) through grade 12. keyschool.org/visitkey

The Key School engages children from 2.5 years of age through grade 12 in a progressive, coeducational, college-preparatory program on its picturesque 15-acre campus located 4 miles from downtown Annapolis.

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534 HILLSMERE DR. • ANNAPOLIS, MD • 21403 • 410. 263.9231 • KEYSCHOOL .ORG

APRIL 2019

new & notable LIFESTYLE

TRENDS

EDUCATION

HEALTH

NEWS

Get Your Geek On . . .

wesome Con is coming to Washington, D.C. this April. Whether you regularly geek out over your favorite comic book stars at conventions, love to cosplay as your favorite superhero, want to meet some of your favorite movie stars, or have a kid engrossed in fandom, you are in for a fantastic experience. If your kids are tugging at your sleeve to go, they’re not wrong in knowing it’s gonna be, well, awesome. Kids will have their own section of the convention: Awesome Con Jr., which “brings new and beloved toy and pop culture brands together in one area for an interactive and fun-filled live event.” At the junior event, families will be able to meet beloved characters, experience hand-on activities and enjoy an entire stage dedicated to kids programming. Grown-ups will have plenty of fun, too, with opportunities to meet stars from classic movies including “The Princess Bride,” “The Karate Kid,” and TV shows “The Office,” and “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” Comic book fans, too, can

meet their heroes—the creators and illustrators of beloved Marvel, DC and Dark Horse comics. There will also be panel discussions and screenings, and a Costume Contest on Saturday (ages 11 and up; preregistration required). At the Backlot, you can immerse yourself in film history with actual props used in movies and films. And in Artist Alley, you can watch artists in action and buy one-of-a-kind pieces of fan artwork. Other can’t-miss areas include Future Con, which explores the relationship between science fiction and real-time science and technology with hands-on displays, speakers and fun for the whole family. So, get your costumes ready, find a pair of comfy sneaks (this convention is enormous), and get your geek on! Awesome Con will take place April 26–28 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. Fri. Noon–8 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. awesome-con.com APRIL 2019

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new & notable W O L F E S H O P S W I T H A R E U S A B L E P R O D U C E B A G . C O U R T E S Y O F N I N A ' S F LY I N G N E E D L E

Nina’s Flying Needle

f you’ve ever worried about your family’s paper towel consumption, Ziploc bag habit or your children’s addiction to individually wrapped granola bars, you’re not alone. Our impact on the environment and the prevalence of plastics is ever growing and it’s easy to wonder if and how you can ever make a change . . . right before you give up and put a peanut butter sandwich in a plastic bag. But Nina Wolfe is here to give you hope. “If you start thinking too much, you’ll paralyze yourself, and you won’t start,” she says. “You just need to find a simple starting point, and make one change. One baby step at a time.” Wolfe and her husband, Sean, and three kids, Connor (10), Nora (7) and Claire (4) moved back to Annapolis five years ago after her husband transitioned out of the Navy. She started noticing how many snacks they went through during the day. “It just started adding up, the amount of plastic we started using. So I started making little reusable bags for my own kids.” Wolfe learned to sew as a child. “I learned it in fifth grade. Growing up in Germany, we had to take it for a couple of years, so I was properly taught how to sew,” she says. After a bit of sewing bags for friends and family, as well as clothes for her little girls, Wolfe took her hobby and turned it into a business— Nina’s Flying Needle. “It was kind of a fluid transition, two and a half years ago [when I opened the business],” she says. “I had more and more people saying, ‘Oh I want one of those!’ ” Now, after several years in business, Nina’s Flying Needle offers a variety of reusable snack and storage bags (from snack to gallon sizes), produce bags, napkins, wet bags (great for wet swim suits or pump parts), reusable tote bags (reversible!), and a few clothing items, including neck warmers (think scarf, but more hip). Wolfe’s bags are made with high-quality cotton. “I try to purchase from other small shop owners,” Wolfe says, “but a lot of them are just designer cotton brands, which I know don’t fade or deteriorate.” The inside liners, according to her website, are “made from 100-percent food-safe, waterproof, formaldehyde-free, lead free, BPA

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APRIL 2019

free PUL fabric.” Plus, she uses all YKK zippers, which are certified lead free. Her products are CPSC Safety compliant as well, ensuring materials are safe for consumables and children’s products. “Every single item I make has a specific number that will tell you when it was made, and tell me what exact materials I used for it and where I got them from,” says Wolfe. “So if there’s ever a recall, they’ll alert me, and I can send you a message that they’re not safe.” Quality means a lot to Wolfe. “It was important to me that in doing this I make sure that I at least offer something I stand behind. And everything I sell, we have used ourselves for years.” In addition to quality of craftsmanship and materials, Nina’s Flying Needle bags come in fun, exciting patterns that kids and adults will love. “I never have 30 or 40 bags in one print, so I like the fact that most of them are very individualized and the kids are very proud to have them and excited to have a snack out of their bag.” “I’ve tried ordering other bags and am always disappointed. Nina’s bags are made with impeccable skill and care,” says Cynthia Bolin, a frequent customer. “It’s also amazing to know I’m supporting a fellow mom in our area.” Wolfe encourages people to “greenify” a part of their lives, whether it’s breaking your paper towel habit, or buying her reusable snack bags for your kiddos lunch boxes, noting that, “eliminating these products will make not just an environmental difference, but one on your own pockets.” But if you’re not ready, or haven’t the time just yet to make a big change, she adds, “We’re all just moms. Do not make yourself feel bad or guilty about it.” If you’re ready to outfit the kids (or yourself) with a fashionable, fun alternative to single use bags, check out ninasflyingneedle.com. —Ann Levelle

new & notable

Love You Hard

n August of 2012, I found out that my best friend’s husband, TC, had been brutally attacked in Washington, D.C., and was in the hospital suffering from severe traumatic brain injury. As quickly as I could, I raced to the hospital to be by my friend Abby’s side and we waited to hear from the doctors if he would survive. TC did survive. But his recovery involved him relearning how to breathe, walk and talk again. It required months of intense therapy and multiple surgeries. Abby had to take a leave of absence from her job as an elementary school teacher to be a full-time caregiver to TC. Throughout the arduous recovery process, Abby began writing as a form of therapy, working through her grief and pain, and using it to understand how brain injury not only had affected TC’s brain, but also how is was affecting hers. They both had to work at relearning their

love for one another and forging ahead in a marriage that had made them strangers to each other in the wake of this tragedy. In writing through this experience, her memoir, “Love You Hard” was born. It is an incredibly detailed account of their journey through the world of traumatic brain injury and what it took to rebuild their life together, stronger than ever. This powerful memoir has received nationwide attention on the “Today Show,“ and with reviews from New York Times bestselling authors Maria Shriver and Kelly Corrigan. Maria Shriver stated, “Inspiring, touching, and beautifully written.” Chesapeake Family Life will be hosting its first Book Club Brunch event for “Love You Hard.” It will take place on Sunday, May 19 at ArtFarm Annapolis. Abby will do a reading, a Q&A and a book signing. Watch our Facebook page for more details. —Claire Dougherty Kovacs

Mission Escape Rooms is fun, interactive entertainment. A real-life escape experience designed for small groups of 1-10 people. Your mission is simple: work together as a team, testing your wits and skills, to escape from a locked room in 50 minutes or less. While the goal is simple, the game is challenging. Getting through the locked door will require finding clues, solving puzzles, and working together. Use promo code APRIL10 for 10% off your visit!

APRIL 2019

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Superintendent Smedberg's

Grand Idea

Pairing midshipmen with local families gives them a chance to build relationships in the community and a place to relax off the yard.

by Steve Adams

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APRIL 2019

P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F U N I T E D S TAT E S N AVA L A C A D E M Y

hen Rear Admiral William R. Smedberg III was named Superintendent of the Naval Academy in 1956, he brought firsthand knowledge of the midshipman experience to the position. Like all mids, Smedberg had faced the Academy’s physical and academic demands, traveled up and down the Severn River countless times, and rooted for his peers to beat Army before his graduation and commissioning in 1926. When he returned to the yard 30 years later, there was one aspect of the midshipman experience that Superintendent Smedberg wanted to improve upon: life off the yard. Smedberg had enjoyed using his liberty (time granted for mids to spend off campus) in all that early 1920s downtown Annapolis had to offer. But he envisioned a broader off-campus life that not only included more hours of liberty but also more opportunities for interaction with the residents of Annapolis. Thus, the USNA Sponsor Program was born. SPONSOR PROGRAM 101

When Smedberg created the Sponsor Program 63 years ago it consisted of just a handful of faculty members providing just a handful of midshipmen a private home to escape to for a few hours of their Saturday or Sunday leave. Now the program boasts over 2,500 single or family sponsors—from firsttimers to those who’ve sponsored for many decades—offering their home and time to the approximately 1,200 plebes (first-year midshipmen) who arrive at the Academy each year. Given this supply, coupled with the fact that the vast majority of sponsors continue the relationship with “their” mids throughout the midshipman’s four years at the Academy, it’s no wonder that Rose Clark, USNA Sponsor Program Director, can happily report that virtually every midshipman who wants a home to visit on any

given weekend has one (or perhaps more than one, as mids often end up congregating at the home of a friend’s official sponsor). The main task for Clark, who has served in her matchmaking role since 2004, is to assign as many plebes as possible to sponsors with whom they’ll feel comfortable and forge relationships that last four—or often many more—years. With just five weeks to do so each summer, Clark begins the process on July 15. She starts by weeding out any potential sponsors who don’t meet the Program’s minimum requirements—passing a background check, living within 45 miles of the Academy Chapel’s dome, and writing a compelling statement of interest. This usually excludes very few applicants, however, so Clark relies heavily on a substantial amount of background information provided by both plebes and sponsors to make her high-quality matches. For starters, the sponsor application gives applicants the opportunity to request a specific plebe, for example a family friend’s child or perhaps even one’s own child. Next the application covers virtually everything that you might want to know if given the opportunity to pick your family—or your kid—such as: Is/was the sponsor in the military? What does he/she and his/her spouse do? Does the sponsor’s home have kids? Pets? Allow smoking? What gender, home state, military background, and varsity sport affiliation would the sponsor prefer in a mid? What are the sponsor’s interests in the areas of sports, crafts/hobbies, and music, and miscellaneous others, from movies to museums? Once Clark has collected and analyzed the answers to these questions and plebes’ corresponding answers, she notifies new sponsors of whether or not they’ve been accepted into the program in late July, then delivers Sponsor Training to all new sponsors and, after making her 1,200

The Sponsor Program not only provides a physical place to get away, relax, and have fun but also, a place where I can be surrounded by people who make me feel loved, inspire me to work hard and grow as a person. matches, notifies both parties of their assignments before the annual USNAhosted reception in Alumni Hall in early August. Clark’s goal with each match is a sponsor (who is very importantly not a parent or an adult within a mid’s chain of command), who can offer moral support and friendship, a friendly place to get away from the Yard, hands-on encouragement with studies, sports, and career decisions to a young adult who’s going through a unique college experience. In turn, the program gives sponsors the opportunity to be part of the USNA family, learn more about the military lifestyle, and support those who will defend our country. “My overarching goal is for both mids and sponsors to look to one another as family,”says Clark. If the following three matches are even close to the norm, it’s clear that Clark is on the right track. THREE EXEMPLARY MATCHES

Judy Buddensick moved to Annapolis in 1998 and requested her first plebe, Kate, in 1999. Buddensick and Kate, whose brother happened to be Judy’s nephew’s lifelong best friend, already thought of each other as what APRIL 2019

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PHOTO BY OF DUNKS PHOTO

Judy Buddensick and her Midshipman Wall of fame Buddensick affectionately calls “FRAMily,” given that they’d spent many holidays and family dinners together back in New York City. Kate now had a home away from home, and with their great relationship as a starting point, Buddensick has continued to sponsor mids each year. She proudly displays a Wall of Fame in her home, filled with photos of all of her mids as proof of just how close she has become with each and every member of what she and her mids call each other, the “Fambam.” Her images and fond memories include many musically inclined members of the Fambam holding impromptu concerts in her living room; dozens of late-night Netflix binges and day-long holiday feasts; spring break travels to Thailand and Belize; visits to sponsor sons’ families in Jamaica and Texas. There have also been plenty of mini-reunions at weddings; and, most memorably, attending the 2009 Marine Corps Ball in Las Vegas with a sponsor son who later lost his life in a helicopter crash in 2015, and who Buddensick considers both a hero and the guardian angel of her family.

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“My life has definitely been enriched by these fantastic young people and their families,” says Buddensick. “Having a house full of mids from all over the U.S. and the world has given all of us a better perspective and worldview, and our conversations and experiences have made us family for life.” This sentiment is shared by Bill Hebert, USNA class of 1982, and the mids he has sponsored as well. When Hebert was as a plebe in 1978, he had a great experience with two sponsor families, first, with a Navy Lieutenant and his wife, who were fellow native Louisianans, and second a Marine Corps Captain and his wife. He knew that he wanted to participate when he moved back to Annapolis in 2015. “I wanted to make a difference in the lives of these men and women, who are all going through an extremely stressful 4-year curriculum and military training experience, and to also stay close to the heartbeat of the Academy,” says Hebert. Whether providing a listening ear, a hug and words of encouragement, or

firsthand advice based on his time at the Academy and in the Navy, Hebert has provided emotional support and life guidance to his mids—Chris, Chip, Lucas, and Amaris—amid poolside cookouts, and regular Sunday morning pancake breakfasts. “As a midshipman at the Academy your weeks are long, stressful, and tiresome. You spend so much time working hard to keep up with the Academy’s academic, physical, and professional demands that you often struggle to find time for anything else,” says Hebert’s mid Amaris. Hebert’s support of his mids is so great, in fact, that one of them credits it with giving him the strength and resolve he needed to “come out” to his family. Another invited Hebert to the 2018 Ring Dance. Hebert, who didn’t attend his own Ring Dance in 1981 due to the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy, says it was “a deeply special and meaningful action that I’ll never forget.” My last story is that of my own family and Nicole, a sponsor sister who made a huge impact on my family. My parents joined the program in the

mid-1980s primarily as a way to support female mids, who make up roughly 25 percent of the student body now, and accounted for even less of it then. Nicole wasn’t the first mid that my parents sponsored, but she’s the one that we became closest to for a number of reasons but, first and foremost, because of soccer. Both Laura Boycourt (my sister) and I played soccer throughout our childhoods. So Nicole, who started in 74 of 75 games during her four years, captained the team during her senior year, and was an NCAA Academic All-American, was a natural role model to both of us. “I was fortunate to have her, during a very formative period of my life (high school), as an example of what a young woman could be: strong, smart, athletic,

passionate about her interests, and goal oriented,” recalls my sister. “To say I was inspired by her and hoped to emulate her as I prepared to head off for college is an understatement.” Ditto for me. I was only in middle school during Nicole’s sponsorship, but I lived and breathed soccer, I ended up serving as the team’s ballboy at every home game, each of which my dad attended from the stands. We even attended the team’s postgame meals, and traveled to West Point one Halloween with a “Go Navy” carved pumpkin to cheer them on against Army. Throughout it all, Nicole asked how I was doing in school and soccer after every game, including losses, and stressed the importance of working as hard as possible at both. Following her graduation from the Academy in 1999, Nicole continued to demonstrate this importance by going on to earn a master’s degree from Stanford, fly F/A-18 Hornet missions during two Operation Iraqi

Freedom deployments, and enter NASA’s Astronaut Training Program in 2013. She’ll be one of three crew flying Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft to and from the International Space Station later this year and, as some of her biggest fans, my family and I will be closely following the journey of an amazing person whom we never would have met without the sponsor program. So thank you, Superintendent Smedberg, for creating a program that has grown into something that you’d surely be proud of!

ONLINE Interested? Learn more about the USNA Sponsor Program or apply to become a sponsor before this year’s July 15, 2019 deadline, at usna.edu/Sponsor/index.php

Academic Exellence in a Supportive Christian Community At AACS students pursue their God-given gifts and talents through a comprehensive offering of academic courses, fine arts and athletics, extracurricular clubs and programs, and AP and honors courses.

Annapolis Area Christian School K–12 • 4 Locations

aacsonline.org VISIT US ONLINE AND REQUEST A PRIVATE TOUR!

Academically excellent. Distinctively Christian.

DISCOVER AACS APRIL 2019

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Adventures in Higher Learning Broaden your horizons with classes in glass blowing, trapeze arts and fine cooking. By Katie Riley

n a late winter Saturday in Baltimore, students gathered around a pastry table to learn the art of rolling fondant icing. “Turn the fondant as you use your rolling pin so that you have an even layer of thickness to completely cover your cake,” said instructor Amanda Rae, who was teaching a 6-inch cake decorating class. The students carefully followed instructions, making sugar fondant ribbons, flowers and bows. The end result: a half-dozen elaborately decorated cakes that would make Charm City Cake’s owner, Food Network star Duff Goldman, proud. “We get a lot of students that are Duff Goldman fans and we promise to always make it fun,” Rae says with a laugh. Most students sign up for a onetime class to try their hand at decorating a cake like Goldman, host of Food Network’s popular “Sugar Showdown” and “Kids Baking Championship” shows. Other students have attended a half-dozen classes or more, each time perfecting their technique so they can try repeating it at home.

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High-flying fun with the Trapeze School New York, Washington, D.C. P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F T S N Y- D C

Charm City Cakes is just one local venue that is offering unique weekend and evening classes for adults wanting to learn something new, and have a little fun while they’re at it. Another local school aims to give adventure seekers a taste of the Big Top without ever having to join the circus. At Trapeze School New York in Washington, D.C., students of all ages and abilities can take classes in Flying Trapeze. “There is nothing like embracing your inner circus star,” says Laura Wooster, Fly Troupe Director for TSNYDC. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see students conquer their fears, embrace new challenges and transform their fitness through flying trapeze and aerial arts.” Whether you’re interested in flying and flipping on the trapeze or challenging yourself to a class in sushi-making or Dim Sum, these unusual classes promise culture, learning and hours of off-thebeaten-path fun.

Charm City Cakes

2936 Remington Ave., Baltimore Classes from $65 charmcitycakes.com Charm City Cakes opened its doors almost twenty years ago, and became known for wild fondant-style cakes that have been served to celebrities around the world, including at President Obama’s 2013 inauguration. The bakery first became famous on the Food Network’s “Ace of Cakes,” but the genius bakers at Charm City Cakes continue to churn out intricately decorated cakes that defy believability. Classes last between 90 minutes and two hours and are limited to about a dozen participants. Students of all ages are welcomed at their cupcake decorating classes, like the popular unicorn cupcake classes, while adultonly classes focus on 6-inch cake designs. Students who want to test their skills further can sign up for the bakery’s challenging cake-shaping class that teaches students to mold cakes into anything from a hamburger to a purse, complete with designer-themed icing.

Trapeze School New York of Washington, DC

1299 New Jersey Ave. SE, Washington, D.C. Trapeze classes from $50, Aerial from $40 washingtondc.trapezeschool.com Ever wanted to learn how to fly? At the Trapeze School New York of Washington, DC (TSNY-DC), you can. Opened in 2009 in D.C.’s Navy Yard neighborhood, TSNY-DC offers aerial classes in Flying Trapeze, Silks, Spanish Web, and Trampoline. For the popular beginning Flying Trapeze Class, students start out with a basic safety lesson, but are soon up in the air doing tricks, all while being attached to a series of safety harnesses. Flying Trapeze classes are limited to 10 students to maximize time in the air and no experience is necessary. “Our all-levels classes welcome beginners with any kind of fitness level or athletic background,” says Wooster. Afraid of heights? TSNY-DC also offers on-ground classes like juggling and balancing and acrobatics. APRIL 2019

chesapeakefamily.com

Coradetti Glass Blowing Studio

Baltimore Chef Shop

At the Coradetti Glass Blowing Studio in Baltimore, students can learn the ancient art of glassblowing from skilled artisans. Owner Anthony Coradetti opened his studio in 2005 in the Clipper Mill complex in Baltimore after a 30-year career creating glasswork. In addition to his commissions for area homebuilders, galleries and lighting installations, Coradetti now teaches classes to the public. Students can try anything from a one-hour mini-workshop to a more intensive all-day beginners glassblowing class. The flower mini-workshop is an hour-long class where one will learn to shape 2,000-degree glass into an 8- to 12-inch colorful flower. Recent mini-workshops included a glass egg paperweight workshop and a glass heart workshop. The six-hour-long beginners glassblowing class, which covers everything from basic tools and safety to techniques for shaping the perfect piece of glass art.

After many years of teaching at the area’s most exclusive culinary schools, Scott Ryan and his wife, Gwynne, decided to open their own school dedicated to teaching budding chefs of all skill levels. The Baltimore Chef Shop opened three years ago in the heart of Hampden and has been a destination for area foodies ever since. Classes range from basics like Knife Skills and Butchery 101, to unique offerings like Dim Sum, Thai Street Food, or a couples Cajun cooking class. Classes are either techniquebased or menu-focused. Menu-based classes focus on one cuisine and are followed by a sit-down dinner where students enjoy the fruits of their labor. The school’s immense popularity can be attributed to its diverse class offerings and relaxed atmosphere, where students are encouraged to collaborate, and are even allowed to BYOB.

2010 Clipper Park Road #119, Baltimore Mini-workshops from $42; Beginners classes from $225. corradetti.com

Baltimore Chef Shop 807 West 36th St., Baltimore Classes from $49. baltimorechefshop.com

Kids of Summer PHOTO CONTEST 2019 Your cool kids could be on the COVER! Winners will be announced in the June issue. The Most Votes winner will receive a $50 gift card. SPONSORED BY

ENTER BY MAY 1ST

Mairead M. O’Reilly, DDS, MS, PA Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics

chesapeakefamily.com/kids-of-summer 16

chesapeakefamily.com

APRIL 2019

FEATURING: BOWLING • LASER TAG • 100+ ARCADE GAMES & MORE COLUMBIA (410) 995-9009 10300 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 2520 • Columbia, MD 21044

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Valid for arcade game play only. Card is not entitled to a cash refund for unused portion, unless required by law. One coupon per person, per day. Expires June 25, 2019. All promotional FUNcard values valid for arcade game play only and cannot be used as cash or payment towards an activity, food, beverage or group event. Offers subject to change, may end at any time without notice and cannot be combined with other offers. Must bring coupon in from original advertising. Copies or duplicates or digital renditions will not be honored.

APRIL 2019 *Laser Tag has a height requirement of 48” to play.

chesapeakefamily.com

camp section

ACADEMIC

GYMNASTICS

Pongos Learning Lab & Coder Kids Club

Severna Park Gymnastics and Thrive Gymnastics

Crofton, 301-789-1815 ext 4

Annapolis, 410-995-8130

Offering academic writing, engineering,

pongoslearninglab.com

Severna Park, 410-709-8130

baseball, basketball, lacrosse, soccer, dance

Kindergarten-8th grade, Before & after care

severnaparkgymnastics.com

and cheer, field hockey, football, softball,

Join the Pongos Learning Lab for a

thrivegymnastics.com, 3 years–8th grade

girls volleyball, cross country, ice hockey

summer of STEAM adventures. Kids can

SPG and Thrive offer half- and full-day camp

and wrestling summer camps.

enjoy camps on topics such as coding,

options to fit your needs. Children learn new

See our ad on page 21

animation, video production, robotics,

gymnastics skills, make new friends and

escape rooms, game design, game

expend a ton of energy.

development, gaming, and more.

See our ad on page 19

MULTIPLE THEMES/GENERAL CAMP PROGRAMS

DANCE

Archbishop Spalding High School Severn, 410-969-9105 archbishopspalding.org

Bright Beginning Children’s Learning Center Crownsville (license# 130684), 410-923-3192 Glen Burnie (license#160256), 410-768-4526

Design in Motion Dance Camp

AACS Summer Programs Annapolis, Severn, 410-519-5300 x3150

Each themed week offers indoor and outdoor

Gambrills, 410-923-9925

aacsonline.org/summer-programs

activities. Utilizing the large playground,

designinmotiondance.com/summer.htm

3 years–12th grade, Before & after care

community and special visitors, these

4–10 years

We are proud to launch our 13th year of

activities help young children discover

Summer dance camps are designed to offer

fully integrated and comprehensive summer

science and explore nature and introduce

students the opportunity to experience many

programs. AACS Summer Programs are

preschoolers to new activities and skills. We

different styles of dance. Every week a new

innovative and provide children valuable

offer full and part time care.

creative theme will be presented. Students

growth opportunities in a fun, safe and

See our ad on page 19

will enjoy arts and crafts, movies and special

creative environment.

dance topics. See our ad on page 19

See our ad on page 13

Special Advertising Section

chesapeakefamily.com

APRIL 2019

bright-beginning.com, 2–5 years

camp section Camp Horizons

Two Convenient Locations!

Harrisonburg, VA 540-896-7600, camphorizonsva.com

Leagues, Camps and Sports for Kids and Adults of all Ages!

An overnight summer camp for kids ages 6-16. With one and two sessions, campers can choose from over 50 on and off-site activities!

Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball, Field Hockey, Baseball and More!

See our ad on page 20

Camp Wabanna Edgewater, 410-798-0455 4–16 years, Before & after care campwabanna.org A fun-filled, action-packed, Christ-centered camp located on the Chesapeake Bay. Day camp and overnight programs available.

Ages 2 - PreK • Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum • Serving Breakfast, Lunch and Snacks • Small, Caring Environment • Foreign Language Programs 867 Buttonwood Trail Crownsville, MD

543 Old Stage Road Glen Burnie, MD

License# 130684

License# 160256

410-923-3192

410-768-4526

Bright-Beginning.com

Activities include sailing, rock climbing wall,

We also host birthday parties, child developm ent classes, schools out camps. Sign up for Summer Camp and Schools Out Camp! Exit 10 Off I-97, in Millersville

www.benfieldsc.com 410-987-5100

Learn. Have fun. Repeat.

high ropes course, tubing/banana boating, kayaking, Archery Tag, 50’ giant swing,

Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM).

dual zip-line, archery, swimming, and arts & crafts.

Programs for pre-school, K-8, teens, and adults

See our ad on page 36

Camps, classes, clubs, birthday parties, after school programs, scout badge workshops

Edinboro Early School Summer Program

2141 Priest Bridge Drive, Suite 8 | Crofton, MD 21114 info@pongoslearninglab.com | 301-789-1815 ext. 4 pongoslearninglab.com

Severna Park, 410-544-2476 2 years–2nd grade edinboroearlyschool.org

Summer Camp info: http://bit.ly/summercamps2019

Running for nine weeks, we feature a single, multifaceted topic and culminate with a luncheon program. Weekly “water days” and two weeks of optional swim lessons.

Ninja � Dance � Gymnastics Tumbling � Art � Music & More!

See our ad on page 35

Superior Instruction & Personal Growth Through Innovative Classes

Grannie Annie’s Summer Program Pasadena, 410-255-0478 granniecare.com, 5 years–5th grade Full-day summer camp for school-agers with daily outside activities. Local field trips include swimming, bowling, Jazzercise,

Offering Full & Half Day Summer Camps! Enroll by the day or the week!

Arnold SevernaParkGymnastics.com 410-709-8130

Annapolis ThriveGymnastics.com 410-995-8130

yoga, movies and park. Other field trips have included Bricks 4 Kids, Eco Adventures, Pirate Adventures, Annapolis Maritime Museum, Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary and National Aquarium. See our ad on page 35

*All Camps Have Theme Related Arts & Crafts, Movies and Games.

APRIL 2019

chesapeakefamily.com

camp section Holy Trinity Episcopal Day School Summer Camp

Summer at KEY - Key School

Bowie, 301-464-3215, htrinity.org

keyschool.org/summer

4 years–9th grade, Before & after care

3.5 years–12th grade

Be part of the excitement. Celebrate the

Extended Care available

St. Margaret’s Day School Summer Camp

summer with thematic and specialty camps.

Key creates a safe, stimulating and engaging

Annapolis, 410-757-2333

Before and after care and swim lessons

environment for all campers. Spend the

stmargaretsdayschool.org

available for all campers. Register online!

summer learning, creating, and having fun

2 years–10 years, Before & after care

See our ad on page 29

with friends. With over 120 camps, this is

Join us from June to August at our fun-filled

your child’s key to summer fun. Both half-

day camp! Every two weeks we will have

and full-day options available. Camps run

a new exciting camp theme with crafts,

June 17 - August 9. See our ad on page 21

projects, games, science explorations, and

Indian Creek School Summer Camp Programs Crownsville, 410-923-3660

Annapolis, 443-321-2575

a different weekly theme. See our ad on page 27

more. See our ad on page 29

Before & after care, 3 years–12th grade

Severn School— Summer at Severn

Our summer program offers the fun and

Severna Park, 410-647-7700 x2344

exciting adventures. From STEM to music

severnschool.com

West River Sailing Club

to art, swimming, and outdoor adventures,

3.5 years–5th grade, Before & after care

Galesville, 410-867-WRSC (9772)

performing arts, and sports, ICS will be

Severn Day Camp provides a safe and

westriversc.org, 6 years and up

sure to provide a well-rounded and exciting

stimulating environment for students as young

Since 1953, WRSC has a long and

experience for all!

as age 3.5 through those entering fifth

successful history with young sailors. Our

See our ad on page 27

grade. Our weeklong sessions are made up

instructors instill a respect for the water, but

of fun and educational activities centered on

also teach the techniques and skills required

indiancreekschool.org

SAILING

Supporting our youth & the future of sailing since 1953...

Safe, low traffic river to learn on! Full day classes 8:30am - 3pm REGISTRATION IS OPEN www.learn2sailwrsc.com Sea Urchins - Ages 5-7 Sailing School - Ages 8-18 Racing Team - Ages 8-18 Adult Sessions on weekends!

a summer like no other!! located in virginia’s beautiful shenandoah valley, camp horizons is a sleep-away camp for kids ages 6-16. we offer a variety of activities that challenge our campers to reach their full potential, and experience their best summer ever!

540.896.7600 • www.camphorizonsva.com Special Advertising Section

chesapeakefamily.com

APRIL 2019

camp section to sustain a life-long passion for the sport while always keeping at the forefront the most important element of teaching children – fun! See our ad on page 20

SPECIAL NEEDS Camp Accomplish Nanjemoy, 301-870-3226

The Talent Machine Company Presents … Summer 2019 Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton.

melwood.org/recreation/camp 5 years–18 years Options for day and overnight camps, as well as several new specialty camp options. Campers enjoy a variety of different activities including swimming, wall climbing, ropes course, archery, creative arts, canoeing,

Show Dates: July 12th-18th & July 19th-21st

horseback riding, campfires, talent shows and much more. See our ad on page 35

SPORTS & GENERAL FITNESS

Coming in August Based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story.

Benfield Sportscenter Millersville, 410-987-5100, benfieldsc.com sport activities for all ages: instruction and leagues in futsal, soccer, baseball, lacrosse, Schools out camps and summer camp programs offered! See our ad on page 19

THEATER & PERFORMANCE ARTS

Writing Seminar • Dance & Cheer Skills for Success • Engineering Football • Field Hockey • Ice Hockey Boys Soccer • Girls Soccer Cross Country • Baseball • Softball Girls Lacrosse • Boys Lacrosse Boys Basketball • Girls Basketball For more information: archbishopspalding.org • 410-969-9105 8080 New Cut Road • Severn, MD 21144

Benfield Sportscenter offers a full variety of

field hockey, basketball and volleyball.

2019 Summer Camps

Show Dates: Aug. 9th-11th & Aug. 15th-18th

www.TalentMachine.com

ONLINE Checkout our online Camp Fair ChesapeakeFamily.com/ DayCamps

Talent Machine Camp Gonna Be! Millersville, 410-956-0512 talentmachine.com The Talent Machine Company is dedicated to the growth of creativity in all of the students. Camp Gonna Be was founded to continue and pursue the dynamics of advancing the total performer. We will encourage and challenge the students through committed and professional teachers who are contagiously enthusiastic and energized about their profession.See our ad on page 21 For the complete camp directory and listings

Camps for Children 3.5 years — Grade 12 Register keyschool.org/summer

visit us online at ChesapeakeFamily.com/ DayCamps. 534 HILLSMERE DR. • ANNAPOLIS, MD • 21403 • 443.321.2575

Chesapeake Family Life Summer at Key April 2019

APRIL 2019

chesapeakefamily.com

family fun

Creating an Eco-Friendly Family Three ways to go green with your kids (that they’ll actually like) by Ann Levelle 22

chesapeakefamily.com

APRIL 2019

pring and Earth Day are upon us, and present a perfect opportunity to get together as a family and go green. From small projects around the house, to outside fun, here are three easy ways to make your family a little more eco-friendly, and have fun in the process. 1. Go Native! Kids love getting their fingers in the dirt. A great way to get kids out in the garden and doing good for the planet is by identifying native plants and incorporating them into your yard. Native plants help attract butterflies, deer and birds, and they’re often colorful and hardy, because they’re meant to live in our region. To find native plants that will work in your yard, check out the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s guide, “Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat and Conservation Landscaping” (fws.gov/chesapeakebay/pdf/ NativePlantsforWildlifeHabitatandConservationLandscaping. pdf). The free, 85-page PDF has information on your local

family fun habitat, plants, shrubs and trees, and a wide recommendation of plants for your particular landscape and habitat traits. Once you’ve picked a few plants to fit your needs, you can head to your local farmer’s market, where gardeners will have native plants for sale, or your favorite local gardening center, which will likely have a good selection of natives. There are also quite a few special native plant sales in the area, around Earth Day, including at Historic London Town. If you’ve encouraged your kids along the way, they should be excited to pick out their plants, get them in the ground, and even take an interest in taking care of them. 2. Get Clean Your kids probably hate to clean, but they’ll be happy if you enlist them in mixing up some “potions” that will help you out with household chores, save money, and cut down on your household’s chemical consumption. With a few simple household ingredients, you can make simple cleaning liquids, soaps, shampoos, and detergents. Simple Cleanser—Mix one part water, one part vinegar together, then let the kids pick from sliced lemon, lime or oranges, and add to the mix. You can also add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the mix for added fragrance. Let the mixture sit for a few days to let the scent infuse. Then you can spray down counters, windows, and whatever else needs a wipe down. All-purpose Cleaning Spray—Mix together 1 tsp Borax, ½ tsp of Washing Soda, 1 tsp Castille Soap. Add two cups warm water, and a few drops of your favorite essential oil, and store in a spray bottle to get cleaning! (Recipe adapted from wellnessmama.com) 3. Compost Did we mention kids love to dig in the dirt? Getting your little ones interested in composting can be fun and easy for that very reason. Start with a large bowl or bucket in your kitchen that you can put food scraps into . . . apple slices

ECO APP FOR KIDS

I L o ve RSA!

Defender of the nature

This fascinating ecological game will show your kids to love and respect nature, help to understand: why nature protection is needed, why it is necessary to protect nature and how to do it. left over from lunch, vegetable peelings, egg shells, sandwich crusts, coffee grounds . . . pretty much anything but meat and dairy product remnants. When your container fills up (or starts to get stinky), head outside and add it to your compost pile or bin. Then have fun mixing it in with already composted materials, and add “brown” material from the yard like leaves, weeds and grass clippings. Have your kids keep an eye out for worms and other fun bugs that might be hunting around your compost. Our kids found a turtle on top of our pile once that was feasting on watermelon rind! After several months your compost will have decomposed well enough to mix it with garden soil for beds or containers, add some to your houseplant soil, or sprinkle in the yard to help grass grow. Anne Arundel County has a Backyard Composting program that provides free bins, as well as material on how to be successful at composting. Backyard composting kits are available at the Central Recycling Center, Southern Recycling Center, and the Recycling and Waste Reduction Division. Find all the details at aacounty.org. Annapolis Compost (annapoliscompost.com) is a service that provides composting bins, and will collect your scraps from you weekly, as well as clean out your bins and twice a year, deliver compost to you.

Now Enrolling for Fall 2019! ★ Preschool for 2-5 Year Olds ★ All Meals and Snacks Included ★ Monthly Field Trip or In-House Activity ★ Online Video Feed of Your Child’s

Classroom Available

★ Owned and Operated by Educators

331 Gambrills Rd., Suite 1 Gambrills, MD 21054 www.rightstartacademy.org 410-923-7575

Its that time again! Pick your local Favorites

VOTE NOW chesapeakefamily.com/ familyfavorites APRIL 2019

chesapeakefamily.com

calendar | april

love to read? so do... Deborah & James Fallows Our Towns: A 100,000-Mile Journey into the Heart of America

Michael Isikoff Russian Roulette: The Inside Story of Putin’s War on America and the Election of Donald Trump

DeRay Mckesson On the Other Side of Freedom: The Case for Hope

Ken Starr Contempt: A Memoir of the Clinton Investigation

Evan Thomas First: Sandra Day O’Connor

Saturday, April 6, 2019 10am-5pm The Key School

S PONSORED BY

534 Hillsmere Dr • Annapolis MD 21403 www.keyschool.org/annapolisbookfestival

Free and Open to All Go to ChesapeakeFamily.com/Calendar for more events!

chesapeakefamily.com

APRIL 2019

CFL ABF AD - APRIL 2019

get out TONS OF FUN THINGS TO DO THIS MONTH

calendar | april

vents are subject to change; check websites before heading out. For even more events visit chesapeakefamily.com/calendar.

1 Monday

National Cherry Blossom Festival

Through April 14. Check out the cherry blossoms and celebrate with the kite festival, parade, fireworks festival and more. Some events may charge a fee. Various venues, Washington, D.C. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

2 Tuesday

Mr. Pacas Backyard Preschool Program

Cloudette is a petite cloud who believes she is not big enough to accomplish what the big clouds can. Can she make a garden grow? $10. 10– 11:15 a.m. William Paca House and Garden, Annapolis. annapolis.org

Tudor Tots: Goats

Read, sing and play while learning about goats. $5. 10–10:45 a.m. Tudor Place Historic House and Garden, Washington, D.C. tudorplace.org

4 Thursday

Cirque Goes Hollywood

Troupe Vertigo brings Hollywood flair to the Baltimore Symphony stage! Join the BSO as acrobats, aerialists, jugglers and more dazzle you with their extraordinary athletic artistry set to the music of Hollywood’s hottest hits. $45–$75. Apr. 4, Srathmore, 8 p.m.; Apr. 5–6, Meyerhoff, 8 p.m. Apr. 7, Meyerhoff, 3 p.m. Baltimore. bsomusic.org

5 Friday

Gamers Club

Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival April 6–7

This 8th annual sea glass and arts festival will feature more than 70 artisans— many from the local Delmarva area—who will exhibit and sell coastal and sea-glass related jewelry, home décor, art, and more. Jason Morton and the Chesapeake Sons is the musical headliner for Sunday. The festival also includes educational lectures about sea glass and its history along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay and a sea glass contest on Sunday. Boat rides, food and beverages will be available for purchase, including beer, wine and cocktails. The Festival also serves as the kickoff to the Beach Finds of the Chesapeake exhibition at the museum. Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $15 for adults; $6 for children 6–17. St. Michaels Maritime Museum. seaglassfestival.com

Kids in grades K-8 can get together to play games like Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros, Roblox, Fortnite and Minecraft, as well as enjoy board and card games. $25–$30. 6–9 p.m. Pongo’s Learning Lab, Crofton. Pongoslearninglab.com

Grow & Learn

Bring the little ones to a special storytime to find out how plants grow and to plant a seed of their own! Free. 10:30 a.m. Discoveries: The Library at the Mall, Annapolis. aacpl.net

6 Saturday

Annapolis Book Festival at The Key School

This annual book fair features well-known authors, a family-friendly comic-con, children’s activities and a used book sale. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free. The Key School, Annapolis. keyschool.org

Go to ChesapeakeFamily.com/Calendar for more events! APRIL 2019

chesapeakefamily.com

calendar | april Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival See higlight on page 25.

Annual Stream Cleanup

Ongoing Events (incld. with $5 admission) Creek Critters: Nature Walk, All Ages Thursdays, 10:30 am Art and Story Time: Ages 2-5, Fridays, 10:30 am

April Events: Stress in the Classroom - for adults Thursday, April 11, 6:30-9:30 pm Register: Arundel Child Care Connections arundelccc.org or 410-222-1723 Multi-Family Yard Sale Saturday, April 27, 9 am - 12 noon $10/space, $15/ rent a table Make Ma a difference in children's lives! Volunteer with CCM! Flexible hours.

To help keep litter from entering the Bay, volunteers will walk various stream corridors across Bowie picking up trash and recycling. Free. 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Various locations, Bowie. cityofbowie.org

Maryland Chicken Wing and Beer Festival

Taste inventive chicken wings by local chefs, enjoy locally brewed beer, live music and kids’ activities like an obstacle course, face painting and bounce houses. $12, ages 12 and under free. 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds, Crownsville. abceventsinc.com/maryland-chickenwing-festival

Petalpalooza

This free day of fun has something for all ages: music, cultural experiences, live entertainment, food and fireworks. Free. Noon–9:30 p.m. The Wharf, Washington, D.C. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

Symphonic Pops

Open daily 10 am to 4 pm theccm.org | 410.990.1993 25 Silopanna Road | Annapolis,MD 21403 info@theccm.org

Best kept secret...

6–7. The Columbia Orchestra will perform music from “The Greatest Showman,” Harry Potter, “Guys and Dolls,” and Celtic classics. $10–$38. Sat. 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 3 p.m. Jim Rouse Theatre, Columbia. columbiaorchestra.org

www.weemscreeknurseryschool.com Schedule a tour by calling 410.266.5522

12 Friday

Annual PEEPshow

12–23. This festival of marvelous marshmallow sculptures features more than 150 wacky masterpieces created by local artists, families, businesses and community groups. Free. Sun.–Thurs. 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sat.–Sun. 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Carroll Arts Center, Westminster. carrollcountyartscouncil. org/aa_peepshow.asp

Sugarloaf Crafts Festival

April 12–14. Crafts, jewelry and fine arts for sale, plus entertainment for the kids, and artisan foods. $8; kids under 12 free. Fri.–Sat., 10 a.m.– 6 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Montgomery County Fairgrounds, Gaithersburg. sugarloafcrafts.com/ festivals/gaith/spring

Bay Bridge Boat Show

April 12–14. Demo boat rides, simulated paddle rides, children’s activities, over 200 brokerage boats, equipment and accessory vendors, food and more. $12–$19. Children 12 and under free. Fri.–Sat., 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Bay Bridge Marina, Stevensville. annapolisboatshows.com

13 Saturday

Lattes with Lambs

Weekends, April 13–28. Take a hayride down the bunny trail, then try out the rubber duck derby, hunt for eggs, visit with bunnies and ride pedal tractors. $9.50 per child; adults $7.50. 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Butlers Orchard, Germantown. butlersorchard.com/ bunnyland-fun

Meet the National Colonial Farm’s new baby lambs and calves at the 5th annual barnyard festival, complete with sheep shearing, milking and woolspinning demonstrations, a 4-H livestock show, live music, and Sir Nigel the Hog Island sheep will be getting married to Lady Aster in a special ceremony. $10, $5 for children. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Accokeek Foundation at Piscataway Park. Accokeek. accokeekfoundation.org

• Young 3s class • Young 4s class • PK class • 1/2 day kindergarten • STEAM class • Wednesdays at Weems • Summer Camp

Shops at Kenilworth, Towson. portdiscovery.org

The Snow Queen

Follow Kai and Gerda on an adventure through the frozen kingdom of the Snow Queen as she captures Kai and freezes his heart. 1–3 p.m. Children’s Theatre of Annapolis, Annapolis. chesapeakeballetcompany.ticketleap.com

Motivating Minds

programs for infants and toddlers, messy art (think paint!), and fun, hands-on building activities. Also preview the exciting new exhibits to come at Port Discovery Children’s Museum. 11 a.m.–7 p.m. The

7 Sunday

Free Family Sunday

Create a craft with family. Materials provided. Free. 2–5 p.m. Baltimore Museum of Art. artbma.org

11 Thursday

Pop-Up Play Space

Spark your child’s imagination as you play and learn together at Port Discovery’s Pop-Up Play Space, which features fun and educational drop-in

Bunnyland

Science in the Dark

Learn about the science of light with handson activities and demonstrations that are sure to sparkle. Experiment with long exposure photography, play with shadows, use diffraction to break light into a dazzling display, catch a glow-show in the theater, and see how light can be used to create art in the dark. Free with admission. Noon–4 p.m. Maryland Science Center, Baltimore. mdsci.org

Flea Market and Tractor Pull

New and used items for sale, including household goods, kids’ toys, tools, garden equipment, computers, electronics, party plan vendors and the spring tractor pull. Tractor pull, $5, noon. Flea Market, free, 8 a.m.–2 p.m. Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds, Crownsville. aacountyfair.org

Go to ChesapeakeFamily.com/Calendar for more events!

chesapeakefamily.com

APRIL 2019

calendar | april Day of Play

Enjoy a jam-packed day of athletic activities, food, games, health resources, live DJ and a parade. Free. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Carrroll Park, Baltimore. bmorekids. leagueapps.com

Earth Day Extravaganza

Join Eco Adventures in celebrating the planet with animal interactions, pony rides, face painting, arts and crafts, nature organizations, food, green screen photos, a moonbounce, games, and snow cones. $10. 11 a.m–2 p.m. Eco Adventures, Crownsville. ecoadventures.org

Spring Open House

Trail walks, children’s games, farm tours and more. Free. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Goshen Farm Historic Site and Education Center, Annapolis. goshenfarm.org

Potomac River Watershed Cleanup

Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow Educating students from PreK 3 - 8th grade.

Creative Teaching & Interactive Learning Where Every Child Thrives School, Family, Community

Come visit us!

Accepting Applications & Private Tours Available

1120 Spa Road . Annapolis, MD . 410-269-1955 . stmartinsonline.org

Join together with other environmental stewards and help remove trash from the Potomac. Trash bags and gloves provided. Registration required. 9 a.m.–noon. National Colonial Farm, Accokeek. accokeekfoundation.org

GreenFest

Activities, exhibits, demonstrations, workshops and other green-themed fun. Free. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Howard Community College, Columbia. hcgreenfest.org

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade

This high-energy, popular parade runs 10 blocks along Constitution Avenue, complete with balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands, celebrity entertainers and performers. Free. 10 a.m.–noon. Constitution Avenue from 7th–17th streets, NW. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

Severn School is an independent, coeducational college preparatory day school for students in preschool through grade 12, located in Severna Park, MD.

www.severnschool.com • 410.647.7700

Bowie Green Expo

This family-fun event features puppet shows, information on green products and demonstrations on how to make going green fun for everyone. Free. Noon–4 p.m. Kenhill Center, Bowie. bowiegreenexpo.org

Aladdin on Ice!

13–14. Presented by the Gardens Figure Skating Club of Laurel, this figure skating portrayal of the Disney movie and the Broadway show will wow kids and grown-ups. 1 p.m. $15. 1—3:30 p.m. The Gardens Ice House, Laurel. gardensfsc.org

Imagination Lunchbox International Children’s Film Festival

13–18. This 3rd annual Children’s Film Festival begins Saturday at the Baltimore Shake & Bake Family Fun Center for a free public screening of short films from around the world made by and for kids. 1–3 p.m. Shake & Bake Family Fun Center, Baltimore. imaginationlunchbox.com

Your child will spend over half of her waking hours at school.

MAKE SURE IT’S A SCHOOL YOU BELIEVE IN.

Pre-Kindergarten 3 through Grade 12

Schedule your visit today: Grades Pre-K3 - 6 410-923-3660 680 Evergreen Road Crownsville, MD

Grades 7-12

410-849-5151 1130 Anne Chambers Way Crownsville, MD

indiancreekschool.org

Go to ChesapeakeFamily.com/Calendar for more events! APRIL 2019

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calendar | april 14 Sunday Ugly Duckling

Lined with electroluminescent wire, the beloved story of the ugly duckling plays out on stage through a cutting-edge puppetry, technology and dance with musical ranging from pop to classical. $20; children under 2 are free. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Baltimore Center Stage. centerstage.org

Earth Day On the Square

Check out live animals, hands-on education demonstrations, eco-friendly products, recycling art projects, and live music in the Leonardtown Square, plus kayak and boat rides. Free. 12:30–4:30 p.m. Leonardtown Square & Wharf, Leonardtown. leonardtown.somd.com

Anacostia River Festival

The closing event of the National Cherry Blossom Festival features a bike parade, live music, educational activities, and canoeing. Free. 1–5 p.m. Anacostia Park, Washington, D.C. bridgepark.org/ anacostia-river-festival

EASTER EVENTS April 6 Easter Egg Festival Easter egg hunts, photos with the Easter Bunny, arts, crafts, food, and carnival rides. Price: TBD. 11:30 a.m.–4 p.m. St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds, Leonardtown. stmarysmd.com/ recreate/easter

April 12-23 Annual PEEPshow Wacky marshmallow masterpieces created by local artists, families, businesses, and community groups. 10 a.m. Free, Carroll Arts Center, Westminster. carrollcountyartscouncil. org/aa_peepshow.asp

April 13 Easter Event and Duck Race Purchase a Duck to race down the pool for great prizes and a great cause. Proceeds from the race go towards registration fees for a child with a special need to attend a CCPR Therapeutic Summer

Camp. Face painting, coloring, and Easter egg hunts in the pool. Free; ducks available for purchase. Noon–4:30 p.m. Edward T. Hall Indoor Aquatic Center, Prince Frederick. 410–414–8350

April 13–14, 18–20, 22, 27–28 Bunnyland Hayride down the Bunny Trail, rubber duck derby, egg hunt, jumping pad, and see bunnies, lambs, and chicks. $7.50–$9.50. 10 a.m–5 p.m. Butlers Orchard, Germantown. butlersorchard.com/ bunnyland-fun

April 13, 18-20 Eggstravaganza! Egg hunt, egg roll contest, games and crafts. Bring one basket, spoon, and hardboiled egg per child. $5–$10 (This event sells out quickly. Early ticket purchase strongly recommended.) 10 a.m.–noon. Tudor Place

Historic House and Garden, Washington, D.C. tudorplace.org

April 14 Spring Eggstravaganza Spring-themed crafts, egg hunt, music, meet adoptable bunnies and games. 9 a.m.–noon. $6. Robinson Nature Center, Columbia. howardcountymd.gov/ robinson

April 20 Fossil Egg Hunt Look for eggs with real fossils inside, hidden throughout the museum. Participants will be given a container for egg collection; no baskets needed! Docents will identify fossil finds. Excavate fossils from matrix, using the tools of a paleontologist. For ages 3–10. Free with admission of $7–$9. 10 a.m.–noon. Calvert Marine Museum, Solomons. calvertmarine museum.com

Fairy & Garden Gnome Festival Easter Egg Hunt Join us for a fun egg hunt through our gardens and trails. Eggs will be filled with candy and prizes. $10. 10 a.m. and noon. Willow Oak Flower and Herb Farm, Severn. willowoakherbs. com/classes.html

Easter Eggstravaganza Easter egg hunt, family and pet photos with Easter Bunny, games and a bake sale. $5 per family. Noon–3 p.m. Baltimore Humane Society, Reisterstown. bmorehumane.org

Free Easter Egg Hunt & Family Festival Egg hunt, face painting, pony rides, carnival games, moon bounce, and concessions. Free. 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Bay Ridge Christian Church, Annapolis. bayridgechristian church.org

Enjoy a magical afternoon of creative play, games, unicorn rides, a petting zoo, face painting, and crafts. Plus, meet the Chesapeake Mermaid and the Green Man of the Forest, journey to magical realms, and build your own fairy house or gnome home. Music, food, and drinks available as well. $7, free for ages 2 and under. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. AnnMarie Garden, Dowell. annmariegarden.org

Baysox Kids Opening Day!

Bring the whole family to see the Baysox in action, and let the kids enjoy pony rides and a petting zoo, play catch on the field, and meet the players before the game. 1:35 p.m. Bowie Baysox, Bowie. milb.com/bowie

16 Tuesday

Mr. Pacas Backyard Preschool Program

The Listening Walk helps us discover an extraordinary world of sounds in our everyday environment. The group will take a nature listening walk and make a list of all the things we hear. $10. 10–11:15 a.m. William Paca House and Garden, Annapolis. annapolis.org

17 Wednesday

Spring Break at Calvert Marine Museum

17–22. Activities during spring break change daily and include Eco Invaders, birds of the marsh, maritime history day and Earth Day. Free. Calvert Marine Museum, Solomons. calvertmarinemuseum.com

Go to ChesapeakeFamily.com/Calendar for more events!

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APRIL 2019

calendar | april Empty Bowls

To benefit the Kent County Food Pantry. Tickets include your choice of bowl to keep and a modest serving of soup and bread to simulate a homeless individuals meal. $25; students and children $10. First seating at 5 p.m., second seating at 6:30 p.m. Garfield Center for the Arts, Chestertown. chestertownriverarts.orgwith admission. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Calvert Marine Museum, Solomons. calvertmarinemuseum.com

18 Thursday

LEGO Imagination Station

Playing with LEGOs is the perfect opportunity for building fine motor skills! DUPLOs and standard LEGO's will be available for free building and activities. 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Annapolis Branch Library. aacpl.net

Fantastic Beasts at the Library

Newt Scamander has finally finished his textbook, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” but now a dark wizard is on the loose. Help Newt on this adventure through crafts, games, and activities. Witch & wizard dress encouraged! Free. 1–3 p.m. Crofton Library. aacpl.net

19 Friday

St. Margaret’s Day School Kindergarten and Preschool Classes (Ages 2-5)

• MAEOE Green Certified School • STEM Program • Weekly Specials

• Financial Aid • Before & After Care •

• A Nut-Free School • MD EXCELS rated Level 5 • Summer Camps

Registration for Camp and Fall classes now open! 1605 Pleasant Plains Rd. • Annapolis, MD 410.757.2333 • www.StMargaretsDaySchool.org Our students are accepted without regard to sex, race, religion or national background.

Happy Passover!

20 Saturday Plant Sale

Historic London Town and Gardens presents its annual plant sale, featuring London Town’s horticultural collections, small trees and shrubs, natives, annuals and perennials. Preview sale for members Friday April 19. Free. 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Historic London Town, Edgewater. historiclondontown.org

Discover Archaeology Day

Join the friends of JPPM for a fun day of discovering and learning with scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, free guided tours, food and an Easter egg hunt. Free. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum. jefpat.org

What is your

BEST YOU? Our BEST YOU

earned over $300K in scholarships

from area high schools.

Waterfront Spring Festival

Food trucks, drinks, a kid zone, live entertainment, appearances by Ravens players, for grown-ups, the Crush Fest ($30). Free. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Rash Field, Inner Harbor, Baltimore. bmorespringfest.com

21 Sunday

Happy Easter!

Serving Preschool through Grade 8

See sidebar on page 28 for Easter event highlights or visit us online at ChesapeakeFamily.com/EasterBunny for a full listing of Easter events in your area.

Htrinity.org admissions@htrinity.org 301-262-5355 Open House on April 26th, 2019 from 9:30-11:30am or call to arrange a personal tour.

Go to ChesapeakeFamily.com/Calendar for more events! APRIL 2019

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calendar | april 22 Monday

26 Friday

For more Earth Day celebrations, visit CheasapeakeFamily.com/EarthDay.

April 26–28 and May 4–5. Ride Thomas the Tank Engine, meet Thomas the Tank Engine characters, take part in Thomas-themed activities and enjoy live entertainment. $20–$25. B&O Railroad Museum, Baltimore. borail.org

Happy Earth Day!

Day Out With Thomas

Earth Optimism Day

Activities celebrating conservation success stories, interactive demonstrations, a scavenger hunt and more. Free. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. The National Zoo, Washington, D.C. nationalzoo.si.edu

23 Tuesday

Alvin Ailey 60th Anniversary Tour

23–24. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is renowned for celebrating the human spirit through the African-American cultural experience and the American modern dance heritage. $36–$71. 7:30 p.m. Modell Lyric, Baltimore. modell-lyric.com

STOMP!

23–25. This explosive eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments— matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps—to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms and delight audiences of all ages. 7:30 p.m. The National Theatre, Washington D.C. thenationaldc.org

Bluegrass Festival

April 26–27. Multiple stages featuring live bands (including Steep Canyon Rangers), kids activities, and food and drinks. $30–$170; free ages 10 and under; 2-day passes available. Druid Hill Park, Baltimore. charmcitybluegrass.com

Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show

April 26–28. Check out new boats for sale, entertainment, drink tastings and deals on boating gear. $12–$19, children 12 and under free. Fri.–Sat., 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Downtown Annapolis. Annapolisboatshows.com

Johns Hopkins Spring Fair

April 26–28. This annual student-run fun fair features funnel cakes and carnival fare, games and entertainment, a cappella concerts, beer garden, a food court and live music. Free. Fri. Noon–8 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Johns Hopkins Homewood Campus, Baltimore. jhuspringfair.com

French Market

April 26–28. The Book Hill neighborhood of Georgetown transforms into a Parisian-inspired openair market. More than 40 locally-owned boutiques, cafes, salons and galleries will offer designer goods, art, home furnishings, French fare, whimsical street performers, face painting, live French and gypsy jazz. Free. Fri.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sun. Noon– 5 p.m. Downtown Georgetown, Washington, D.C. georgetownfrenchmarketdc.com

27 Saturday

Maritime Heritage Festival

Celebrate Fells Point and its maritime history with kids activities, crafts, pirates, living history demonstrations, live music and living mermaids. 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Fells Point, Baltimore. fellspointmainstreet.org

Mardi Gras Festival

Weekends, April 27–May 12. Enjoy Cajun cuisine like beignets, jambalaya and more all while sipping on a hurricane and watching festive street entertainers. Dance to the beat of authentic New Orleans and zydeco style jazz music and celebrate the culture while catching beads. $45. Six Flags America, Bowie. sixflags.com

Go to ChesapeakeFamily.com/Calendar for more events!

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APRIL 2019

calendar | april Run for Nature Earth Day 5K

The rolling and beautiful 5K course is run on mostly paved park trails through the lovely, wooded Quiet Waters Park. Walkers, children are welcome. Pets, strollers are permitted. Post-race enjoy an awards ceremony, refreshments and prizes. Registration required. $20–$25. Race starts at 9 a.m. Quiet Waters Park, Annapolis. fqwp.org

Pawject Runway

Drinks, heavy hors d’oeuvres, animals and selfie station with four-legged supermodels, plus live and silent auctions. Proceeds benefit BARCS. $25–$75. 6–10 p.m. Royal Farms Arena, Baltimore. baltimoreanimalshelter.org

Greenscape Annapolis

This citywide beautification effort, clean-up and planting project will bring community members a chance to clean up together. Materials provided by the city. Free. 8 a.m.–noon. Locations throughout Annapolis. annapolis.gov/403/GreenScape

Celtic Festival and Highland Gathering

Maryland’s oldest Celtic festival features live music and dance, craft and country-dance demonstrations, Celtic market and more. $25. Children 12 and under free. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Jefferson Park and Museum, St. Leonard. cssm.org/festival

Garden Fair & Plant Sale

April 27–28. New, rare and hard-to-find plants, plus garden supply vendors and fun activities. Free. Sat., noon–4 p.m.; Sun. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. National Arboretum, Washington, D.C. fona.org/gardenfair

28 Sunday

Unicorn Festival

Celebrate all things magical, mystical and unicorn. Actual unicorns, vendors, a photo booth, refreshments and more. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Historic Marietta Mansion, Glenn Dale. thebigpurplebarnbowie.org

Spring Farm Festival

Visit with working farm animals, see sheep shearing demonstrations and enjoy folk Music, crafts, beekeeping demonstrations and more. 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. $5; $10 per family. Hancock’s Resolution, Pasadena. historichancocksresolution.org

Rocknocerous

Get ready to twist, shake, rattle, and role as Rocknoceros gets the family on their feet dancing to upbeat tunes. Coach Cotton, Williebob, and Boogie Woogie Bennie have been making award-winning music for the whole family since 2005. Free. 10 a.m. Full food and drink menus available. eventbrite.com

Mermaid and Pirate Brunch

Come dressed up in your favorite Pirate and Mermaid outfits for a delicious brunch, complete with pirate party food. This is a monthly occurrence, rain or shine! Preregistration required. $7–$13. 10–11:30 a.m. Chesapeake Brew Pub, Annapolis. eventbrite.com

Super Heroes Virtual Run

April 28 is National Super Heroes Day! Let out your inner superhero and celebrate by running a 1 Mile, 5K or 10K course. This is a virtual race. You choose to complete 1 Mile, a 5K or 10K. Complete your race on your own and submit your time, and your medal ships directly to you. $20–$30, raises money for Soles to Souls. eventbrite.com

Want to submit an event? • Go online to ChesapeakeFamily.com • Click on Fun • Select Calendar of Events • Add an Event and follow directions. Tip: Please keep descriptions short and concise.

Do you know an Exceptional Student?

Showcase their achievements! Standout Student awards program recognizes local students (grades 6–11 as of May 1, 2019) who are making a difference in their community. Deadline to apply June 1, 2019

Nominate

Now!

To nominate your Standout Student, go to chesapeakefamily.com/ standoutstudents Go to ChesapeakeFamily.com/Calendar for more events! APRIL 2019

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DATE NI G HT & MORE

stay inspired Spring is for pedals Bike your way across the Delmarva peninsula. MARY MCCARTHY

pring is here and it’s time to dust off the bicycles after a long, cold, rainy winter and get back outside! Whether you are a novice or

pro, there are events revolving around your style. Maybe this year it’s time to try your first race. Many of the upcoming spring bike flings are charity events. So in addition to choosing a ride that’s right for your experience level, terrain preference and location, you can choose an event that benefits a nonprofit organization to your liking and ride for a good cause. At Ride for the Feast on Saturday, May 11 and Sunday, May 12, 2019, riders will embark on a two-day biking journey across Maryland in support of Moveable Feast and its mission to provide nutritious meals and other services at no cost to people with lifethreatening illnesses. “The annual Ride for the Feast is a fun, family-friendly event that involves biking 140 miles from the boardwalk in Ocean City through the beautiful Eastern Shore and ending at the Moveable Feast headquarters

chesapeakefamily.com

APRIL 2019

in Baltimore City,” says Christian Metzger,

“There are many more people on bikes these

Executive Director of Moveable Feast.

days throughout Maryland, whether it’s for

“It is a wonderful way to challenge

transportation, recreation, or participating in

yourself, volunteer and help provide

the many great events throughout Maryland,”

medically tailored meals to our neighbors in

Feldmark says. “While driving a car, please

need,” says Metzger. “Last year we delivered

keep cyclists and pedestrian safety in mind.

more than 740,000 meals throughout

We urge you to obey the speed limit and

Maryland."

other traffic laws, pay attention, don’t be

If you’re not up for a ride, but find yourself sharing the road with one, it’s important to remember to stay alert and keep in mind the

distracted and always give a cyclist 3 feet of space when you pass him/her on the road.” Bicyclists who are ready to get rolling in

safety of bikers who are out in increased

Maryland have lots of options in this Spring.

numbers with nicer weather. Joshua Feldmark

Here are some of the many event options in

is the Executive Director of Bike Maryland, a

the surrounding area. More biking events are

nonprofit dedicated to pro-bicycle advocacy.

listed at ohbike.org/events Pedal on!

stay inspired TSR Spring Classic

Programs. $30 to April 28; $40

race day. Luncheon provided

Tour de Chesapeake

Saturday, April 13. Elkton

on day of ride. Includes map,

at Furnace Town after the

Saturday, May 18.

tsrspringclassic.homestead.com

marked routes, prizes to the top

ride, with entertainment and

Mathews, Va.

25-, 50- and 62-mile routes on

ten poker hands, 5 food stops.

complimentary beverages.

tourdechesapeake.org

Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

All blind riders ride free.

Benefits Talbot Special Riders, a volunteer-driven nonprofit

Six Pillars Century

which provides equine therapy

Saturday, May 4. Cambridge

to developmentally disabled

6pillarscentury.org

individuals in and around Talbot

37-, 56- and 100-miles from

County. $45 or $55.

Great Marsh Park with most of

Ride to End Hunger in Calvert County Saturday, April 27. Huntingtown endhungercalvert.org/bike 16-, 35-, 48- and 63-mile courses on the scenic Western Shore of the Chesapeake Bay. Pedal along the Bayfront and

the miles through the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. Sponsored by Character Counts Mid Shore, a nonprofit education organization that fosters positive character development for students in grades K-12. $65.

23-, 24-, 25- and 30-mile rides;

Ride for the Feast

do all four routes for a

Saturday, May 11–

103-mile century. Celebrate the

Sunday, May 12

arrival of spring with a weekend

Ocean City to Baltimore;

of scenic cycling; great flat

140 miles in two days.

routes with views of the water

rideforthefeast.org

everywhere you turn. The

This cross-Bay tour raises funds for services and raises awareness of nutritional needs of people living with HIV/ AIDS and breast cancer. $135 includes T-shirt, water bottle and six meals. Each rider is asked to raise a minimum of $1,500, which is the cost of feeding one client for a full year. 100

local winery. Sponsored by End

Tree House Tour de Cookie

Hunger in Calvert County. $59.

Saturday, May 4. Rockville

directly to client services.

past marinas, farmland and a

Powhatan Historic Bike Tour Sunday, April 28. Powhatan, Va. diabetes.org 35-, 62- and 100-mile courses from Powhatan Courthouse Village (30 miles west of Richmond). Benefits the Free Clinic of Powhatan, which provides medical, dental and mental health care services at no cost to Powhatan County’s uninsured, low-income residents.

percent of what’s raised will go

Bike to Work Day

the Johns Hopkins Montgomery

Friday, May 17.

County Campus. The shorter

Washington, D.C.

route is mostly on the Millennium

biketoworkmetrodc.org

Trail—a paved, off-road,

Celebrate bicycling as a fun

shared-use path. All proceeds

and healthy way to get to work.

will benefit the Tree House

Child Advocacy Center of

your home or work. On Bike to

Montgomery County. $60. One

Work Day, stop by your pit stop

child 12 or younger rides free

to pick up your T-shirt and enjoy

with paid adult entry. Additional

breakfast treats, and prizes.

children are $20 each.

dcbikeride.com

34-, 50- and 62-mile routes

Bike 20 scenic miles, seeing

on Maryland’s Lower Eastern

D.C.’s most iconic sights and

Shore, starting and ending at

finishing on Pennsylvania

Furnace Town Living Heritage

Avenue. This event is for

Village (between Snow Hill

all ages (3+) and all riding

and Salisbury). Enjoy cycling

abilities. The ride ends with

on flat terrain on sparsely

a festival between the U.S.

traveled roads through the

Capitol and the National Mall

Great Pocomoke Forest and

that includes entertainment

surrounding farmland. Free

and family-friendly activities.

farm-fresh ice cream from local

Proceeds benefit WABA’s street

working dairy on all routes.

safety programs and DC’s

$59 thru April 30, $70 till

Vision Zero Campaign.

quaint towns, and great country stores. Draw a playing card at each check station. The object is to have the best poker hand at the end of the ride. Proceeds benefit Lions Club Sight

stormingofthunderridge.org 27-, 45-, 47-, 75- and 100mile rides in the Blue Ridge

Kent County Spring Fling Friday, May 24–Monday, May 27. Chestertown baltobikeclub.org 11- to 100-miles on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Cycle along flat to rolling, lightly traveled along scenic rivers. Both riders

ironfurnacefifty.org

farmlands, old country homes,

Lynchburg, Va.

roads, by rural hamlets and

DC Bike Ride

Sunday, April 28. Betterton

Upper Kent County, including

Saturday, May 19.

indoor camping for $10.

Washington, D.C.

the scenery of the heartland of

Thunder Ridge

May 1. Free outdoor camping;

Saturday, May 11. Snow Hill

Company. The route takes in

Storming of

$70 before May 1; $80 after

Saturday, May 18.

the Betterton Volunteer Fire

make this a weekend event.

YMCA of Central Virginia.

12-, 27-and 43-mile routes from

Iron Furnace Fifty

36- and 60- mile rides from

there are plenty of activities to

Mountains. Sponsored by the

treehousemd.org/tour-de-cookie

“Draw for Sight” Bicycle Poker Run Ride chestertownlions.org

supported ride is Saturday, but

and non-riders can also enjoy historic Chestertown’s annual Tea Party festival, with living history fun, a parade, music, food, crafts and boat race. This 4-day event from Friday to Memorial Day Monday (with an option of 3 days) includes award winning cuisine, dessert and cordial parties, and great music. $30 prior to May 1; $50 May 1 through May 15. For even more biking events visit us online at ChesapeakeFamily.com. APRIL 2019

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APRIL

Events worth hiring a babysitter

Yoga at the Zoo Animals have been a core element of yoga poses for centuries. From downward dog to cow, to lizard, cat and more, wildlife has a deep tie to this ancient practice. $15–$25 8–10 a.m. The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, Baltimore. marylandzoo.org.

12 Friday

Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular The Laser Spectacular carries listeners away on a mind-expanding journey driven by cuttingedge effects, high-powered lasers, large screen video projection and special lighting effects; all choreographed to the masterful soundtrack of Pink Floyd. $30–$35. 8 p.m. Maryland Hall for the Performing Arts, Annapolis. marylandhall.org

13 Saturday

Adult Easter Egg Hunt Hundreds of eggs are filled with prizes including golden eggs worth $50 values or more. Bring a basket and a flashlight. Ages 18 and older. Cash only. $10–$15. 8–10 p.m. Annapolis Recreation & Parks “Pip” Moyer Recreation Center, Annapolis. annapolis.gov

Trevor Noah The Daily Show host and celebrated comedian is on his first tour. $48–$104. 8 p.m. Royal Farms Arena, Baltimore. royalfarmsarena.com

14 Sunday Queen Latifah

From her groundbreaking 1989 debut All Hail

APRIL 5 | Welcome to Westeros

the Queen, which set the visual and contextual standard for female rappers, to her bold foray into R&B, Latifah is considered one of Hip Hop’s pioneer feminists. $59–$199. 8 p.m. Kennedy

Monthlong Weekends in April Escape London Town: Ferguson Tavern

5 Friday

Grown Up Field Trip: Welcome to Westeros

18 Thursday

Winter is here. Prepare yourself for the impending

Catch actor, comedian, screenwriter, and favorite

This Escape Room experience goes historic, as

freeze as the Science Center is transported across

London Town’s Lord Mayor’s Tenement (one of its

the Narrow Sea for a Grown Up Field Trip!

reconstructed colonial buildings) into Elizabeth

Assemble your house, grab a drink, and get ready

Ferguson’s tavern. Working in groups of 4 to 10

to explore the science of the Seven Kingdoms.

players, you will have the opportunity to match

Complete all of our tasks, and do so carefully,

wits against Elizabeth to see if you can escape

or you might find your own face staring back at

her tavern. Thursdays–Sundays, April 4–21. $35

you from the Hall of Faces. Admission includes

per person. Historic London Town and Gardens,

one drink ticket, participation in all activities, and

Edgewater. historiclondontown.org

access to the exhibits. This event is 21+. $30. 7–9:30 p.m. Maryland Science Center, Baltimore. mdsci.org

chesapeakefamily.com

APRIL 2019

Center, Washington, D.C. kennedy-center.org

Rob Schneider

SNL cast member live at Rams Head in Annapolis. $45. 6 and 9 p.m. ramsheadonstage.com

25 Thursday

Broccoli City Festival 25–27. Live music including Childish Gambino, Lil Wayne, Ella Mai and more. Plus wellness and fitness activities, panel discussions, networking events, and a day of service event. Music Festival, Sat. Apr. 27, Noon. RFK Stadium Lot 8, Washington, D.C. bcfestival.com

Providing care for infants through school-age since 2003 Call to Schedule Your Visit!

■ Childcare - age 2+ ■ Nursery School - age 3+ ■ Pre-K - age 4+ ■ Kindergarten - Full Day - age 5+ ■ Before & After Care - up to age 7 ■ Talented & Gifted Programs Pre-K Scholarships Available For Low Income Families on Food Stamps or Below 300% FPG

380 Jumpers Hole Rd. Severna Park, MD

410-544-2476

Now Enrolling! 2 Carvel Court Pasadena • 410-255-0478

Currently accepting applications for school year 2019-2020!

2018 Best of Annapolis Award

• Ages 6 weeks – 5 years old • Loving & Nurturing Environment • Approved MSDE Curriculum • Spanish & Sign Language • Call to schedule a Tour

111 Duke of Gloucester Street Annapolis, MD 21401 410-990-4135 | stmarysannapolis.org/page/es-admissions

190 Admiral Cochrane Drive, Suite 190 Annapolis, MD

410-974-6700

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APRIL 2019

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Summ e Regis r 2019 tr Now ation Open !

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Chesapeake Family Life April 2019

Articles inside

Spring is for pedals

Creating an Eco-Friendly Family

Adventures in Higher Learning

Superintendent Smedberg's Grand Idea

Love You Hard

Nina\u2019s Flying Needle

Get your geek on at Awesomecon