Girl's Night Out - reblog by Sarah K.

Today's post is  reblogged from Sarah's blog, Adventures of a Recent Grad (Thanks, Sarah!). In this post, she shares about a girl's night out in Bethesda. We thought you might like some ideas, too. What do you like to do with your friends in the area? Leave your ideas in the comments below!


Since rotations keep stealing our husbands away, my friend and I decided to go out on the town for some much needed girl time. We went over to Connecticut Avenue to hang out at Politics and Prose Bookstore and then we wandered next door to Comet Ping Pong for some pizza.

Politics and Prose is a sanctuary for book lovers. It has that wonderful ahhhhh.... feeling when you step through the door and is one of the must-see bookstores in America. For such a large bookstore, this place loses none of the cozy, independent book-seller vibes. The book islands throughout the store are overflowing with interesting titles that bring back elementary school memories of DEAR time (Drop Everything and Read). The store features an extensive calendar of events that are free to the public. This is one of the things I love about D.C. There is a really nice collection of free stuff to do here which makes up for some of the overpriced food. Anyway, you can come out almost every night of the year for a book signing or an author lecture, and they occasionally hold multiple events in a day. Politics and Prose also hosts a series of book clubs in their store; you can purchase your book for 20% off and then come for a free book discussion with one of 20 different groups. The highlight of my trip was meeting the Espresso Book Machine. It prints books from start to finish right before your very eyes in ten minutes or less. How cool is that? I recommend printing yourself a book when you come to visit, and don't forget to check out the sale selections on the lower level!

 

Back when E and I visited R & R Taqueria, I set a goal to visit local gems featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives to satisfy my inner foodie and explore the different hometowns we'll have through a career in the military. Comet Ping Pong has been next on the list for a while, so you can imagine how excited I was when I realized it was right next to the bookstore we were visiting! The photo above features the front dining area. Yes, it does look that dingy inside, but it sets the perfect tone for the laid-back pizza joint. If you walk all the way to the back, you will find the namesake ping pong tables. We were there late-ish on a Sunday night, so it was not too crowded and we had no trouble securing a table for pizza or ping pong. The main attractions on the menu are pizza and beer. Our waitress told us the bread sticks weren't that great when we were looking at appetizers, but the pizza came highly recommended. Prices are $14 for a specialty personal-sized pizza and they start at $8 for your basic cheese pizza with additional toppings costing $1-$4. I was a little sad at first that I would not be getting a giant pizza, but the quality more that made up for any qualms about quantity. Each pizza featured generous amounts of toppings and the crust was just right. Get the melted onions on your pizza! They are awesome. I would definitely like to go back for a longer visit and more pizza to do this menu justice.

Summer Reading Programs - by Emily R.

Montgomery County Libraries

Summer is here! 

As a kid, I was a big nerd (ok, so I still am) and I always looked forward to the library's summer reading program.  This area has very well funded libraries, and the summer programs and events can be amazing.  Last year I took my kids to see a dog trick show, meet farm animals, see acting groups and more.  It is easy to sign up for the library's reading program, either online or at the library and it looks like this year's prize is a lunch bag.  But, this is probably the least exciting summer reading opportunity.

B&O Railroad Museum

Last year, my son and I discovered two amazing programs.   The first is through the B&O railroad museum in Baltimore. You can print out a reading journal from their website http://www.borail.org/Summer-reading.aspx and then read 10 books about trains before your visit to the museum.  The reading journal has suggestions, but you are free to pick your own titles.  The prize is picking out a book, under a certain dollar amount, from the gift shop.  What's even better?  During the summer, if you show your military ID you get in free as part of the Blue Star Museums program.  This was perfect for my son, a train enthusiast, even at age 3.

Montgomery County Agricultural Fair

he other amazing program we stumbled upon was through the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair.  Most,

if not all, of the libraries will have a special event in July where you can come and meet the 4H fair royalty and a farm animal.  You may need to get tickets in advance, depending on your library, but this is worth it.  The event was great with learning segments, crafts, petting a goat, and my son received a great goody bag with all sorts of animal themed art supplies.  Also in his goody bag: a card for the fair's summer reading program.  After reading 5 books about farm animals, we visited the children's area at the fair and my son received coupons for a free soda (we opted for lemonade), a free ice cream cone and a free fair ride.  It was the perfect way to make a day at the fair extra fun, without the extra cost.  Kids as young as 2 are allowed to participate, and if you can't make it to a library event, you can stop by the fair office to pick up a card to track your reading on.

Has anyone else found a summer reading program they just love?

Second Annual SSC Wounded Warrior Run: April 26th

Running to support the local community

Don’t let this long winter get you down! Run local and support your community by running to care for those in harms way. The SSC Wounded Warrior Run’s second annual race is raising money for wounded service members and military families in our D.C. area community.

The 5K and 10K race will take place next Saturday, April 26th at the Agricultural History Farm Park. The race includes a free kids fun run, live music by Broken Rocker, and prizes and raffles from local businesses.

"Last year was a great inaugural year and we are excited that this year we will be directly supporting our local community of wounded warriors at Walter Reed," said Christine Kempsell, race director. "We are also proud to be supported by a great number of local and small businesses."

    

The 2014 SSC Wounded Warrior Run is presented by LMT, a mathematic optimization company, based in Vienna, Virginia, with strong roots to the military. President and CEO, Lani Hay, is a Naval Academy alumna military veteran and LMT has used data analytics to protect military troops and civilian communities from getting hurt.

Online registration for the race is open until Thursday, April 24, and onsite registration will be available on race day. Wounded warriors run free!

Learn more and register online at www.sscwoundedwarriorrun.com or email sscwoundedwarriorrun@gmail.com for questions and to register a group. Visit them on Facebook for event updates. For more information on the Walter Reed Warrior Family Coordination Cell call 855-360-HERO (855-360-4376).

The SSC Wounded Warrior Run is a Maryland State registered charity entirely organized and managed by volunteers from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and their significant others. Proceeds benefit the Walter Reed Warrior Family Coordination Cell and the USU Student Spouses Club.

       

Summer Activities - Blue Star Museums

Thanks to Molly Grasso for sharing this great idea for summer activities!

Looking for affordable fun this summer? Blue Star Museums has you covered, visit more than 2000 museums for FREE! http://www.dodlive.mil/index.php/2013/05/free-summer-activities-for-military-families/

The 4^th of July is fast approaching and there are a TON of events going on around our area.  Whether you decide to camp out on the National Mall for the day or host a barbeque, here is a low-down of some of the happenings in our area.

As I’ve been consulting veteran Marylanders, the general consensus is that if you want to go see the National Fireworks you should get there early in the day to find a good spot.  See below for lots of events going on at the Mall throughout the day.  That said, I also spoke with a friend who went later in the day one year and by going closer to the Washington Monument, she and her family were able to find enough space.

If you aren’t up for the crowds, there are LOTS of firework displays throughout the state.  Check each location to double check about parking. (For example Wheaton fireworks DO NOT have on site parking.)  It seems like most fireworks start between 9:00pm and 9:30pm.

One last thing.  Fireworks are NOT LEGAL in Montgomery County. “In Montgomery County, ALL fireworks are illegal to possess or discharge including gold label sparklers. Snap-and-pop noise makers, snakes and party poppers are the only exception to this law.”

I hope you all have a wonderful and safe 4^th of July!

- Victoria K., parent-tot chair

Downtown Washington DC (Thank you dc.about.com)
Washington, DC’s Independence Day Parade
Parade Start Time: 11:45 a.m.
Parade Route: Constitution Avenue and 7th to 17th Sts.

Washington, DC’s 4th of July Parade features marching bands, military and specialty units, floats, and VIP's. The parade draws a large crowd, so plan to arrive early to stake out a good viewing spot.

Smithsonian Folklife Festival 
The annual event includes daily and evening music and dance performances, crafts and cooking demonstrations, storytelling and discussions of cultural issues. The themes of the 2012 program will be: Campus and Community, Citified: Arts and Creativity East of the Anacostia River and Creativity and Crisis: Unfolding The AIDS Memorial Quilt. The hours on the 4th of July are 11 a.m to 5 p.m. 

4th of July at the National Archives
The National Archives celebrates the 4th of July with special family programming celebrating the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Visit the National Archives Building for this special birthday party from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

White House Visitor Center Family Events
Between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., stop at the and enjoy games, crafts and other activities celebrating America's Birthday. National Park Service rangers and volunteers will give you the opportunity to sample the sights, sounds, activities and personages that helped finalize the Declaration of Independence and create the United States of America on July 4, 1776. 

Concert on the Washington Monument Grounds
From 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. the U.S. Navy Band performs on the Southwest corner of the grounds of the Washington Monument. The concert includes the talents of the U.S. Air Force Band, featuring American country music artist, Jo Dee Messina. 

A Capitol Fourth Concert
Time: 8 - 9:30 p.m. (Admittance begins at 3 p.m.)
Location: West Lawn of the U. S. Capitol

A 4th of July tradition in the nation's capital includes a live concert by the National Symphony Orchestra and several pop artists performing patriotic music on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building. The concert and show is followed by a spectacular display of fireworks over the Washington Monument. The concert is free and open to the public. No tickets are necessary. The annual event will be broadcast live on WETA TV 26 with a repeat airing at 10:00 p.m. 

4th of July Fireworks on the National Mall
Fireworks Time: At dark, usually around 9:15 p.m. Rain Date: July 5th
Launch Location: The fireworks are launched from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and light up the sky over the Washington Monument. 

Other Locations to see National Fireworks

·Jefferson Memorial

·U.S. Capitol

·Lincoln Memorial

·FDR Memorial

·East Potomac Park

·Rooftop Bars in Washington DC

·Rooftop of the W Hotel (tickets required)

·Anywhere along the National Mall between 14th Street and the Capitol

·Aboard a cruise along the Potomac River (tickets required)

Maryland Fireworks
• Gaithersburg, Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 16 Chestnut Street, Gaithersburg, Maryland.  (301) 258-6350. Gates open at 5 p.m. Walk-in at Chestnut or Dalamar Streets; the Perry Parkway entrance will be closed. Entertainment at 7 p.m. Fireworks at dusk.
• Rockville, Montgomery College, Rockville Campus, 51 Mannakee Street, Rockville, Maryland. Additional parking will be available at Rockville Town Center. Live entertainment begins at 7 p.m. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
• Boyds/Germantown, Germantown Soccerplex, 18041 Central Park Circle, Boyds, Maryland.  (240) 777-6820. Patriotic concert at 7 p.m. and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. 
• Poolesville, Poolesville Polo Grounds, 14660 Hughes Rd., Poolesville, Maryland. Live music begins at 6 p.m., Fireworks at 9 p.m. Parking is $5 per vehicle.   (301) 972-8888.
• Kensington/Wheaton Albert Einstein High School, 11135 Newport Road, Kensington, Maryland. Entertainment begins at 7:30 p.m. and fireworks show will begin approximately 9:15 p.m. No parking on site! You need to take a shuttle starting at 6:15 from Westfield Wheaton Metro Parking Garage close to Macy’s.
• Takoma Park Takoma Park Middle School, 7611 Piney Branch Road, Takoma Park, Maryland. Parade at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Carroll and Ethan Allen Avenues. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
• College Park University of Maryland, College Park. Parking Lot 1, off Campus Drive near the University Boulevard/Adelphi Road entrance.   (301) 864-8877. Food and music start at 7 p.m., with fireworks around 9 p.m.
• Six Flags America, Mitchellville, Maryland.  (301) 249-1500. The amusement park sponsors a spectacular fireworks display on July 4th. Enjoy a full day of family entertainment.
• Bowie Allen Pond Park, Bowie, Maryland.  (301) 809-3078. Entertainment, food and fireworks from 3-10:30 pm. 
• Bowie Prince George's County Stadium, 4101 NE Crain Hwy, Bowie, Maryland. Fireworks display after the game. For additional information and tickets, call  (301) 805-6000.
• Greenbelt Buddy Attick Park, 555 Crescent Rd., Greenbelt, Maryland.  (301) 397-2200. Entertainment begins at 4 p.m. Fireworks at dusk.
• Laurel July 7, 2012. Granville Gude Park, Laurel Lake, Laurel, Maryland.  (301) 725-5300 ext. 44. Parade at 11 a.m. Car show following and Fireworks at dusk.
• Fort Meade Routes 175 (Annapolis Road) and Reece Road, Fort Meade, Maryland. Celebration from noon to 10:30 p.m. Free admission - Open to the public. DJ, Band, Food/beverage vendors, Novelty vendors, Karate> demonstration and fireworks. 
• Frederick, Baker Park, Second and Bentz Streets, Frederick, Maryland.  (301) 228-2844. Music on four stages, fireworks and much more.
• Columbia, Lake Kittamaquandi, 10221 Wincopin Circle Columbia, Maryland.  (410) 740-4545. Music, children's entertainment begins at 5 p.m. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
• Annapolis, Annapolis City Dock, Annapolis, Maryland.  (410) 263-1183. Parade and fireworks: Parade starts at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Parade Route: West Street, around Church Circle, down Main Street to the City Dock. Naval Academy's Concert Band will perform at the end of City Dock just prior to the fireworks.