Chesapeake Family Life November/December 2021

FrEE free free || |september nov | oCT & dec 20212020 2021 FrEE september 2020

MONEY MANAGEMENT FOR KIDS The strategy you need to teach your kids financial literacy

PRIVATE SCHOOL DIRECTORY PROJECT-BASED AND EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

Holiday Light Displays, Maryland Turkey Trots, Holiday Concerts and Events, and Tons of Ways to Serve Your Community this Winter!

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Come see why Key School is one of the most sought-after educations in Maryland What makes Key different from most schools is our approach to teaching and learning—where critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and resourcefulness are valued above the volume of content covered. Key School’s intellectually dynamic and challenging academic program, caring faculty, and diverse, inclusive community are why Key students thrive and why we are one of the most soughtafter educations in Maryland.

VISIT KEY Schedule a private, weekday tour of campus

INFORMATION SESSIONS Inquire online to receive more information and to be the first to hear about division-specific events keyschool.org/visit

98%

32%

75%

80%

of families surveyed recommend Key to friends & colleagues

of families receive need-based financial aid

of Upper School students play a sport

of graduates received merit scholarships (not including financial aid 2019-2021)

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.

5 3 4 HI L L SM E R E DR . • A NNA POLIS , MD • 214 03 • 410. 263.9231 • KEYS CHOOL .ORG

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November/December | ChesapeakeFamily.com

in this issue

12

Features

Special Section

12/ EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

Project-based and experiential learning are gaining momentum as popular and effective teaching methods.

18/ MONEY MANAGEMENT FOR KIDS

First you need a strategy.

14/ PRIVATE SCHOOL DIRECTORY Family Fun

20/ HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAYS

Walk or drive through unique and themed holiday dislays

Stay Inspired

29/ SERVING YOUR COMMUNITY

Toy Drives, Clothing Drives, and more ways to serve this season.

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DEPARTMENTS New & Notable 07 / Maryland STEMfest

05 / PUBLISHER'S LETTER Talking about money

08 / Minimizing Allergies in Babies 09 / Balloon Releases Banned 09 / Money Management Survey Results 10 / Maryland Turkey Trots

26 / THINGS TO DO IN NOV/DEC

Things to do for grown-ups, kids and families in November and December

11 / Piscataway Park Spotlight

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E-newsletter Uncover the latest fun events, seasonal roundups, trending topics and so much more! chesapeakefamily .com /enewsletter

Vol. 31 No. 3 PUBLISHER Donna Jefferson ext. 212 djefferson@jecoannapolis.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Laura Boycourt, Kristen Page-Kirby ART DIRECTOR Jenny Patrick C. ext. 202 AD DESIGN Jessica Kannegieser EVENTS AND ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER Claire Darcy ext. 204 ClaireK@jecoannapolis.com ADVERTISING Linda Benkhadra linda@jecoannapolis.com 240-277-4215 Pam Beall ext. 226 pam@jecoannapolis.com PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY: Jefferson Communications, LLC 121 Cathedral Street 3A Annapolis, MD 21401 Phone: 410-263-1641 Fax: 443-782-1495

DISCOVER WHAT MATTERS AT SEVERN SCHOOL Education at Severn reaches far beyond what you know. It’s about envisioning the impact you can make on the world. We learn together. We care for one another. And as a community, we reach for greater heights.

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. ©2021 Jefferson Communications, LLC.

Join us for our next Open House!

January 12, 2022 • 9-11 am Lower School (preschool - grade 5)

Find us on Facebook & Twitter: Facebook.com/ChesapeakeFamilyMagazine Twitter: @ChesFamily ChesapeakeFamily.com

2020 2020

CIRCULATION AUDIT BY

www.severnschool.com • preschool - grade 12 Severna Park and Arnold, MD • MSDE #161229

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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 responsibility for errors in advertisements. All rights reserved.

Reproduction of any part of Chesapeake Family, by any means without permission, is strictly prohibited. ©2011 Jefferson Communications, LLC.

publisher's letter

M

M

aryland Kids Fest is scheduled for Saturday, March 12, 2022.

Chesapeake Family Life is combining the Camp Fair with the STEAM Fair for the Maryland Kids Fest. One day of fun, experiences and education at the Pip Moyer Recreation Center in Annapolis. Hands-on activities for kids and information for parents to help them find the perfect summer solution for their children.

STEAM workshops to participate in, summer camp displays and information, engineering contests, and much more. Don’t miss it!

Talking About Money

y dad once told me that one of the main things couples argue about is money. He never had any in-laws so didn’t get to experience that sort of tension, but if I had to guess he was probably correct. As a teenager I was always looking for ways to make money to support my horseback riding habit. Around the dinner table there were often discussions about budgeting and how to make sure all expenses were paid.

From the age of twelve I was responsible for making sure I had feed for my horse, money to pay for horseshoes, and pony club dues.

I think I was able to do this because of the open communications about money that I had with my parents. It wasn’t overbearing, more guidance-like with frequent check-ins. Read our article by Kristen Page about teaching your kids how to manage their money. Ongoing conversations are important.

Without question the past school year has been a challenge for nearly everyone. If you are thinking about making a change or entering the

private school environment, the Private School Directory is a great place to start. Go online to ChesapeakeFamily.com/PrivateSchools where you can get even more information about each school and compare multiple schools side by side, then go for a visit.

There are exciting teaching changes happening in some classrooms. Read about how teachers are using Project Based Learning and Experiential Learning to engage students and give them the opportunities to learn while they also come up with solutions to real world problems. “Every child deserves the thrill of learning something new, the satisfaction that comes from working on a challenge, and the intrinsic motivation that comes from posing an intriguing question,” says Melissa Major, a Global Studies teacher at Bodkin Elementary School.

Save the Date March 12, 2022 Pip Moyer Rec Center

Your Holiday Guide Inside!

Check out these pages for all the upcoming Holday events.

Maryland Turkey Trots Page 10 Holiday Light Displays Page 20 Holiday Events & Concerts Page 26

Donna Jefferson, Publisher DJ@jecoannapolis.com

Serving Your Community Page 29

JOIN T HE CONVERSATION facebook.com/ chesapeakefamily magazine

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new & notable LIFESTYLE

TRENDS

EDUCATION

HEALTH

NEWS

Maryland STEM Festival

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Announcing the 7th Anniversary

he theme of the 7th annual state-wide celebration of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is Health and Wellness. The Festival runs through November 14th and features over two hundred virtual and in-person events that recognize the invaluable, lifesaving work being done in healthcare fields and the healthcare heroes that got us through COVID! A complete list of events is available on MarylandSTEMFestival.org. The Festival is excited to see the return of live, in person events that will be held at libraries, schools, parks, museums, and other locations. The in-person events will range from building competitions to nature walks to technology classes.

Among the organizations expected to participate in the Festival are Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Stanley Black and Decker, Google, Comcast, US Naval Academy, NASA, National Cancer Institute, and Emergent BioSolutions.

Themes and topics include: • Health Theme Comedy Shows by DC Science Comedy • Steve Spangler, YouTube Science star • Maynard Okereke, The Hip Hop Md, • Bilingual Hispanic STEM Night • How vaccines are developed/manufactured • Live Performance by Marsha and the Positrons, popular children musical performer • Forest Fires and Fire Prevention • Mental Health Research Events are open to the public, free of charge, familyoriented, and FUN! In continued dedication of its mission, the Festival will be donating STEM kits and books to schools with significant underrepresented populations such as girls, minorities, and those with disabilities. At least one school in every Maryland jurisdiction will receive these donations.

Maryland STEM Festival, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) corporation funded by generous support from companies, organizations, and individuals across Maryland.

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new & notable

Minimizing Food Allergies

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Babies Need Variety in Their Food

ll babies are unfortunately at risk for developing a food allergy. Food allergies in the United States have doubled every single decade for the last 30 years. New guidelines from the USDA and American Academy of Pediatrics hope to reduce the instances of allergies in children.

Babies are not born with food allergies, they develop over time. While all babies are at risk of developing a food allergy, some of the most common high-risk factors include eczema, delaying the introduction of common allergens, presence of other food allergies, and family history.

By taking some simple-yet-important steps, USDA guidelines suggest that introducing common allergens regularly can help your baby from developing a food allergy.

Food is best introduced to a baby by eating and entering their GI tract during early infancy (e.g., 4 to 6 months of age when a baby shows readiness for solid foods).

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Delaying food introduction. Research shows that if a parent delays potential allergen introduction after a baby is 12 months, the baby’s risk of food allergy sensitization increases by up to 400%. If they wait until 18 months, the risk is up to 700%.

The latest USDA Guidelines recommend introducing your baby to commonly allergenic foods like peanuts, egg, cow milk products, tree nuts, wheat, crustacean shellfish, fish, and soy starting at 4-6 months. The guidelines also urge for a variety of complementary foods every day. Diet diversity is great for babies and is a key early habit in lifelong, healthy eating.

To learn more watch our interview with Dr. Wendy Swanson, the Chief Medical Director of SpoonfulOne, leading communication and health translation to clinicians and parents to protect against the development of food allergies. https://www.chesapeakefamily.com/minimize-foodallergies-in-children/

new & notable

Intentional Balloon Releases Banned in Maryland New State Law will Reduce Plastic Pollution that Degrades Waterways and Threatens Animal Life

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he new Maryland law bans the releasing of balloons that, upon landing, create litter and threaten the health and safety of animals on the land and in the water. Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) is responsible for enforcing the law.

“In Maryland it’s now illegal to be a plastic balloon litterbug and that’s good news for our land, water, and wildlife,” said Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Ben Grumbles.

“With the rising tide of plastic pollution, this new law is an important and timely step for the health of our Chesapeake Bay, coast, and ocean.”

“Balloons can be a great way to commemorate a special occasion, but when they are intentionally released into the air, they can harm and kill livestock and wildlife. They can also cause electric outages when caught in power lines,” Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio said. “The key is to find other ways to celebrate or honor a loved one or if you have balloons, be sure to ‘pop them and drop them’ in the trash rather than releasing them into the air on purpose.”

The law bans people aged 13 or older from intentionally releasing a balloon or organizing or participating in

a mass release of 10 or more balloons.

This legislation follows similar bills in other states, including neighboring Virginia and Delaware, and certain municipalities within Maryland.

Biannual surveys of mid-Atlantic beaches consistently find balloons and related debris such as ribbons. These items can be mistaken by wildlife or even domestic animals as food, or animals can become entangled.

A person who violates the law may be subject to penalties of up to $100 per violation, community service, or watching a video about environmental pollution. MDE is charged with enforcing the law, but may delegate enforcement to local governments.

Suggested litter-free alternatives to releasing balloons for various occasions include blowing up balloons or using sparklers to create a festive atmosphere, while, for memorials, installing a bench or planting trees or wildflowers offer long lasting tributes to loved ones. Other alternatives to balloon releases include the release of bubbles, flying kites, or tossing ecofriendly “confetti” like bird seed, flower petals or dried leaves.

Balloon releases prohibited under the law can be reported to MDE by telephone at 410-537-3315 or by email (MDE.WEBMASTER@maryland.gov).

The Big 3 M's

Marriage, Mortgage, Muchachos

O

nce you’ve achieved the Big 3 the world starts spinning at a remarkable pace and those pesky, but necessary items needed for your future stability can easily slip through the cracks. The results of the most recent Chesapeake Family Life survey show that area parents still have a lot of questions and planning to do for their future.

Have you started saving for retirement?

92.3% Yes

Have you started saving for your kids’ college education?

77% Yes

Do you have a will?

61.5% Yes

Do you make your own investment decisions?

77% Yes

Do you have a ROTH IRA? 31% Yes

Do you own your own home?

85% Yes

Have you ever used a financial advisor or planner?

61.5% Yes

Check out our article on page 18 all about money management.

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new & notable 5 people). Due to insurance regulations safety issue: No wheels, headphones, pets, baby joggers, or strollers etc. permitted during the event. Strictly enforced! Sandy Point State Park, 1100 E College Pkwy, Annapolis.

SHEPPARD PRATT FREDERICK TURKEY TROT Nov. 25, 8am. Frederick

Lace up your sneakers and join us Thanksgiving Day, November 25, for a 5K run and 1K fun run/walk! For those unable to join us in person, we are offering a virtual option for the 5K run. $10-$35.

Baker Park, Frederick

Maryland Turkey Trots Thanksgiving Fun Runs

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ace up those sneakers and get ready to run this Fall!

Here’s a list of Turkey Trots and Thanksgiving Fun Runs happening in 2021. Many of the races are back in person, some are virtual, and registration is open so sign up today!

a Live Race with a Virtual Component, Thanksgiving Week event, organized by Eastern Shore Hospital Center. $25.

Eastern Shore Hospital Center, 5262 Woods Rd, Cambridge.

GREATER CHESAPEAKE BAY WELLNESS RACE 10K & 5K, VIRTUAL 10K-5K-3K Nov. 20, 8am, Cambridge

Join the 5K FUN RUN “Dashing Thru The Show” at Sandy Point State Park. You and your family can see Lights on Bay with a fun 5K run. Proceeds benefit the SPCA of Anne Arundel County. $55 per car (up to

Join us for the 18th Annual Great Chesapeake Bay Wellness Race – Now

DASHING THRU THE SHOW 5K FUN RUN Nov. 20, 2020; 6:15 p.m., Annapolis

CATONSVILLE’S 17TH ANNUAL CHS XC TURKEY TROT 5K RACE AND 1 MILE FAMILY FUN RUN/WALK Nov. 25, 8:10am, Catonsville.

It’s back and better than ever. 100% of the proceeds of our Annual Catonsville Turkey Trot race go directly to the CHS Cross Country program. With the safety and race integrity of our participants in mind, strollers are not allowed on the 5k race course. $20-$35. Catonsville High School, 421 Bloomsbury Ave. Catonsville.

YMCA CAMP LETTS TURKEY CHASE 5K AND 10K Virtual November 15-30, 2021.

YMCA Camp Letts Turkey Chase is teaming up with all the branches in YMCA of Metropolitan Washington for an exciting VIRTUAL Turkey Chase this year.

Cost: $39 & up. Benefits Caring for Community camp scholarships. YMCA Camp Letts, 4003 Camp Letts Rd., Edgewater.

JUG BAY POST TURKEY TRAIL 5K Nov. 27, 8:30 a.m., Lothian

Join Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary’s Superintendent Patricia Delgado for a fun 5K run along our beautiful, scenic trails of the Jug Bay Glendening Nature Preserve. The trail is all off road with some single track areas. Run times are not recorded. Hot cider and a light snack will be provided after the run. All proceeds will go to the Friends of Jug Bay to fund the purchase of kayaks, which will support our outdoor education programs along the Patuxent River. Ages 12 and up.

Registration is required. $15/person.

Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, Glendening Preserve, 5702 Plummer Lane, Lothian

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new & notable

Piscataway Park Park Spotlight

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hree miles of shoreline along the Potomac River borders Piscataway Park which offers nature trails, is home to the National Colonial Farm, and has scenic views of Mt. Vernon. The trails at Piscataway Park also link to a portion of the Captain John Smith and Potomac Heritage scenic trails, creating a lengthy walking trail.

History of Piscataway Park The land and waterways now known as Piscataway Park have been the tribal homeland of the Piscataway People for longer than records have been kept.

In the 1950s development threatened the 500 acre farm directly across the river from Mt. Vernon. The farm was purchased and the Accokeek Foundation was founded to protect six miles of Potomac shoreline. Piscataway Park was created as a result of the conservation efforts of the Accokeek Foundation.

The National Colonial Farm at Piscataway Park is a historic farm museum established by the Accokeek Foundation in 1958. The farm shows the history of early Marylander farmers.

Self-Guided Hikes at Piscataway There are three different types of self-guided hikes, all of which can be downloaded before you leave home: Nature, History and the Fairy Trail ($5 fee). We opted for the Fairy Trail since we had two preschoolers with us, and easily found the first Fairy House near the fishing pier.

The trails are not especially well marked but the paths are easy to follow. From the fishing pier we walked through the woods along the edge of the river until we got to a large field and saw chickens in a big

moveable cage that required closer inspection. As a special note, the animals living at National Colonial Farm are heritage animals, breeds of animals that have been around for several hundred years with unique genes, but are now nearly extinct.

After leaving the chickens we headed back towards the river and linked up with the PawPaw and Bluebird trails. We found two more Fairy Houses and also walked through a grove of PawPaw trees. Finding one on the ground we sampled it to discover that it tastes similar to a mango but with the consistency of a banana.

National Colonial Farm By this time the girls were ready to go look at the farm animals. We saw an enormous hog, of course wallowing in the mud. We also peeked at cows in the barn, turkeys and sheep grazing in a field.

The farm buildings are currently being restored so we couldn’t go inside to take a look at them. The four-year-old wondered where the playground was which led to a lengthy discussion about what the kids could do for entertainment living in a time with no playgrounds, bikes, TVs, or electronics of any kind.

Piscataway Park Details After passing the glitz of National Harbor, it’s a jarring difference in scenery as you get close to Piscataway Park. Bryan Point Road is a long, wooded and winding road down to the Park. From the parking lot the path to the fishing pier is only 500 feet.

The Visitor’s Center is currently closed due to COVID but there is park information and portable toilets adjacent to the parking lot. The park is open daily from 7am to 7pm.

Admission is free.

QUICK LOOK AT PISCATAWAY

The Visitor’s Center is currently closed due to COVID but there is park information adjacent to the parking lot. Open 7am to 7pm.

3400 Bryan Point Rd, Accokeek, MD 20607 accokeek.org ADMISSION FREE

PETS ON A LEASH ALLOWED

PARKING FREE RESTROOMS PORTAPOTTIES

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Solving Problems and Making Connections How Project-Based and Experiential Learning Put Students in the Driver’s Seat

P

roject-based and experiential learning are gaining momentum as popular and effective teaching methods. To learn more about both, we spoke with several local teachers (and one student) who break down why “PBL” and “EL” (as they’re known within education) are claiming their places as go-to approaches to learning.

Project-based Learning (PBL) VS. Experiential Learning (EL)

By Laura Boycourt 12

In PBL, students investigate a topic, typically a real-world problem, and create a product and/or a solution by the project’s conclusion.

Alex Koch, Program Coordinator and Social Studies teacher at OnenessFamily Montessori High School in Kensington, MD says that in PBL, teachers work with students to optimize the investigation process.

“In this method (PBL), students are provided with the time, space, and teacher support to investigate the world around them through the lens of

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focused topics, letting them chart their own personal and intellectual course along the way.”

There are quite a few steps and some serious work between identifying a problem and developing a solution, says Melissa Major, Global Studies teacher at Bodkin Elementary School.

After they refine their questions and consult with experts, “students fine tune a prototype or create an authentic product based on testing,” she explains. “Using checklists and selfcreated rubrics, students can measure their success. They share what they have created with a greater real-world audience. Finally, they reflect on their learning and discuss possible next steps.”

Experiential learning connects students with the world and allows them to establish a personal engagement with the topic they’re exploring. EL is often thought of as “learning by doing.”

Koch says EL allows students to deeply understand a topic and absorb the information in a big way.

“Experiential learning focuses on a student’s engagement with the outside world and the resulting experience as the primary tools of deepening their understanding of a topic,” he says.

“Because the student’s entire being

is occupied in this style of learning (including their intellect, physical body, and consciousness), connections made through experiential learning are often longer-lasting and more durable in comparison to more singular modes of learning, such as a simple text.”

While PBL and EL have their differences, both approaches position the student at the heart of the educational experience.

“Project-based learning and experiential learning are related to each other in that they both place the student’s lived and felt reality at the center of the learning process,” explains Koch.

The PBL and EL Edge

Koch says that when students have learned via PBL and EL, “they more automatically see and feel their connection to the topic at hand, as the primary lens of investigation (and starting point for learning) is their own interests, perspective, and abilities.”

When it comes to PBL specifically, there’s just a thrill in learning, Major says.

“PBL means that school becomes a place filled with excitement. The world is infinitely more interesting when we have the right approach. It’s where kids can think, question, create, struggle, collaborate, invent, and reflect.”

When it comes to project-based learning, Major says this approach can include testing out seemingly wild ideas, using critical thinking, and knowing that they can be brave in their exploration thanks to teachers who have helped design the experience.

“PBL allows us to move beyond rote memorization to become skilled in asking the right questions, considering the wisdom of others, and developing effective processes for ourselves.,” she says. “Students not only master standards, they walk away with their heads held high knowing they are capable of producing work that matters to the world.”

The Approaches in Action

In Koch’s experience at OnenessFamily, he’s seen quite a few compelling iterations of PBL and EL. Case in point, the “Changemaker” project, for which juniors and seniors select a “personally meaningful contribution to make in their community and design a project to deliver that change,” explains Koch. From considering historical and contemporary factors to partnering with organizations in the community, Koch says the year-long project allows students to positively and personally impact their community. The school also dedicates a week each semester to leaving campus and participating in field experiences that “are often connected to personal projects that each student is working on, or a fundamental skill that informs a unit of study, such as shore mapping techniques in Environmental Science,” says Koch.

At Bodkin Elementary, Major’s “Harnessing the Wind” project finds third graders exploring the work of experts and applying their own critical thinking to determine how wind power can change lives. During the experience, students work in teams to develop a wind turbine prototype.

By the project’s end, “students will be able to clearly communicate how an invention, such as a wind turbine, can be used to solve a local or global problem,” as Major describes it.

Bodkin 4th Grader Kira Shehane recalls with fondness a project she completed (virtually) as a third grader last school year.

“We published a mini-comic about a shark who solves a real problem in the ocean and saves the day,” she explains.

For Kira, using her creativity to develop a solution to a real-life issue was a worthwhile experience.

“I enjoyed using my imagination to create a world where the sharks are the heroes,” she says. “It made me feel like I was a part of saving the ocean. I got to learn about humankind’s relationship with sharks and research to form my own opinion.”

While both Koch and Major say successful PBL and EL endeavors can be challenging in that they both require significant planning, support, and flexibility on the part of a dedicated teaching staff, the fruits of that labor are incredibly rewarding, especially when it comes to knowing that these experiences are equipping students with critical thinking skills and valuable personal experiences.

For Major, it’s all about providing students with an exciting learning opportunity that can make a real difference.

“Every child deserves the thrill of learning something new, the satisfaction that comes from working on a challenge, and the intrinsic motivation that comes from posing an intriguing question.”

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directory | private

PRIVATE A SCHOOL DIRECTOR Y

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chesapeakefamily.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

re you considering private school for your children? Whatever your reasons, this private school guide is a good place for you to start your decision making. More information is available online at ChesapeakeFamily.com/PrivateSchool where there is a tool you can use to compare several schools side-by-side. Visit each school, talk to other parents and teachers to see if this school is the right fit for your family since school will be a huge part of your life for the next few years.

directory | private ANNE ARUNDEL Annapolis Area Christian School Annapolis, Severn, 410-519-5300 aacsonline.org Kindergarten–12th grade

Archbishop Spalding High School Severn, 410-969-9105 archbishopspalding.org 9th grade–12th grade Tuition: $17,950/yr As a Catholic, co-educational, college preparatory secondary school, we are committed to challenging our students to grow spiritually, academically, physically, and socially. The school community provides a caring environment that affirms the dignity of the individual and promotes learning.

Book of Life Academy Annapolis, 410-263-2600 bookoflifeacademy.com 2 years–5th grade

Calvary Baptist Church Academy Glen Burnie, 410-768-5324 cbcaknights.org 3 years–12th grade

Indian Creek School Crownsville, 410-849-5151 indiancreekschool.org PreK 3-12th grade Before & after care Tuition: Flexible tuition available; $15,200-$28,300/yr ICS believes that education should be engaging and challenging.

Innovative teaching based on educational research combined with nurturing relationships and enrichment opportunities outside the classroom create a unique, remarkable Pre-K through 12th grade college preparatory experience.

Key School Annapolis, 410-263-9231 keyschool.org 2.5 years–12th grade Before & after care Tuition Costs: $9,085-$31,050/yr Key School engages children in a progressive, coeducational, college-preparatory, day program on its picturesque 15-acre campus.

Key emphasizes experiential learning, interdisciplinary studies and global perspectives. Key graduates are independent thinkers, creative innovators, effective collaborators, tenacious problem-solvers, and articulate leaders.

Chesapeake Montessori School

See our ad on page 2

Annapolis, 410-757-4740 chesapeake-montessori.com 18 months–8th grade

Monsignor Slade Catholic School

Edinboro Early School Severna Park, 410-544-2476 edinboroearlyschool.org 2 years–Kindergarten Before & after care, Tuition: Varies Four-year degreed teachers implement MSDE approved curriculum. Structured programs include language arts, math, music, science, art and social studies. Child Care Aware (military) approved. Playground time, homework help, snack, crafts and games in a safe, nurturing environment.

See our ad on page 24

Glen Burnie, 410-766-7130 msladeschool.com 2 years - 8th grade Before & after care Tuition: $3,440-$10,322/yr Our Mission: Rooted in Catholic faith and committed to academic excellence, Monsignor Slade Catholic School is dedicated to forming the whole child to know, love, and be disciples of Christ.

See our ad on page 27

Naval Academy Primary School Annapolis, 410-757-3090 napschool.org, 3 years–5th grade Before & after care Tuition: $6,010-$11,682 NAPS is a warm nurturing environment that is open to military families and the Annapolis communities. We have small class sizes and an inviting school house that stimulates children’s abilities to grow and mature intellectually, physically, emotionally and socially.

Rockbridge Academy Crownsville, 410-923-1171 rockbridgeacademy.org Kindergarten - 12th grade Before & after care Tuition: $7,100 - $16,380 Rockbridge Academy is a K-12 classical Christian school located in Anne Arundel County serving Annapolis, Baltimore, and Washington, DC, areas. A 25-year tradition of academic excellence using the classical method, combined with a loving, Christian environment, creates self-motivated lifelong learners who pursue truth, beauty, and goodness as they are taught to be socially graceful and spiritually gracious.

Saint Andrew’s Day School Edgewater, 410-266-0952 school.standrewsum.org 3 years–8th grade Before & after care Tuition $9,395 - $13,675/yr Saint Andrew’s intentionally small classes allow our experienced faculty to provide an engaging classroom environment that challenges all students. Our integrated curriculum and educational foundation ensures continued academic success.

See our ad on page 17

Montessori International Children’s House

School of the Incarnation

Annapolis, 410-757-7789 montessoriinternational.org 18 months–6th grade

Gambrills, 410-519-2285 schooloftheincarnation.org 4 years–8th grade

Severn School Severna Park, 410-647-7700 severnschool.com 3 years–12th grade Before & after care Tuition: $8,685-$29,260/yr Meets the needs of young learners as well as college-bound students while challenging them to realize personal excellence. Students are provided varied opportunities to demonstrate scholarship, leadership, citizenship, and sportsmanship.

See our ad on page 4

St. Anne’s School of Annapolis Annapolis, 410-263-8650 stannesschool.org 2 years–8th grade

St. John the Evangelist School Severna Park, 410-647-2283 stjohnspschool.org 4 years–8th grade Before & after care Tuition: $8,480/yr St. John the Evangelist School offers a challenging academic program in a nurturing environment. Our faculty have the knowledge, experience, and love for teaching that guides and inspires every student. Contact us today (lfish@stjohnsp.org) to see how we merge faith, technology, and academics to create good citizens and future leaders.

See our ad on page 17

St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal School Severna Park, 410-647-7055 stmartinsmd.org 3 years–8th grade Before & after care Tuition: $3,500-$13,500/yr We are an independent school educating students from early childhood to 8th grade. At St. Martin’s, we encourage students to stretch their thinking and discover their unique potential, while learning with confidence, serving with compassion, and leading with character.

See our ad on page 16

Visit us online for even more details on each school at ChesapeakeFamily.com/PrivateSchools Visit us online for even more details on each school at ChesapeakeFamily.com/PrivateSchools NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 | chesapeakefamily.com

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directory | private St. Martin’s Lutheran School Annapolis, 410-269-1955 stmartinsonline.org PreK3 - 8th grade Tuition: $6,150-$13,400/yr Founded in 1963, St. Martin’s Lutheran School of Annapolis educates students in grades PreK-3 through the 8th Grade. The school, located at the corner of Forest Drive and Spa Road in Annapolis, is home to 138 students. St. Martin’s mantra is: “Learning Today & Leading Tomorrow.”

St. Mary's Parish and School Annapolis, 410-990-4236, 410-990-4135 stmarysannapolis.org PreK 4 - 12th grade After care Tuition: $8,880 - $17,136/yr St. Mary's Parish and School is located in downtown Annapolis, Maryland, serves students in grades Pre-Kindergarten through

12. Anchored in faith, rooted in tradition, and committed to excellence, our programs build lifelong learners who are servant leaders.

St. Paul’s Lutheran School Glen Burnie, 410-766-5790 stpaulslutheranschoolgb.org 3 years–8th grade

St. Philip Neri Catholic School Linthicum, 410-859-1212 st.philip-neri.org 4 years–8th grade

The Summit School Edgewater, 410-798-0005 thesummitschool.org 6 years–8th grade

BALTIMORE Archdiocese of Baltimore Catholic Schools Baltimore, 410-547-5369 archbalt.org/schools

S A I S -in-the-feel EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

2 years–12th grade Before & after care Tuition: $1,340 - $21, 900/yr Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Baltimore provide a Christ-centered education that is academically excellent and empowers students to reach their full potential – spiritually, intellectually, physically, socially, and morally.

Almost 24,000 students attend Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, which include 40 elementary and middle schools, 18 high schools, and 1 early learning center, located in Baltimore City, Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Harford, Howard and Washington Counties.

that come with growing up. Our coed K-8 program tackles these challenges and empower boys and girls to learn together and be leaders in their community.

The Catholic High School of Baltimore

Baltimore School for the Arts

Baltimore, 410-732-6200 thecatholichighschool.org 9th–12th grade Tuition: $15,300/yr Empowered by the Gospel values and rooted in the spirit and tradition of Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi, The Catholic High School of Baltimore, a sponsored institution of the Sisters of Saint Francis of Philadelphia, is dedicated to the education of young women in an environment that fosters Christian attitudes of dignity and respect for the human person and all of creation. Through this mission, Catholic High recognizes that through education, the empowerment of women can effect the transformation of society.

Baltimore, 443-642-5165 bsfa.org 9th grade–12th grade

Center for Creative Learning

The Boys’ Latin School of Maryland

Baltimore, 410-945-0664 cclmd.org 2 years–5th grade

Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School Baltimore, 410-486-1900 bethtfiloh.com 2 years–12th grade

Baltimore, 410-377-5192 boyslatinmd.com 5 years–12th grade After School Tuition: $21,960-$31,600 Founded in 1844, The Boys’ Latin School of Maryland is an all-boys independent school serving boys in grades k-12. At Boys’ Latin, each and every student is known for who he is today, and all he will be tomorrow. Nearly two centuries of all-boys education has taught us that a close community builds a foundation of confidence. Of compassion. And of character.

Calvert School Baltimore, 410-243-6054 calvertschoolmd.org Pre K - 8th grade After Care Tuition: $18,850/yr At Calvert, we are committed to guiding students through the emotional and cognitive changes

Gilman School Baltimore, Lower School, 410-323-7284 Middle & Upper Schools, 410-323-7169, gilman.edu 5 years–12th grade

Lamb of God School Halethorpe, 410-242-4100 lambofgodschool.org 5 years–8th grade

Maryland Association of Nonpublic Special Education Facilities Baltimore, 410-938-4413 mansef.org 2 years–12th grade

The Park School of Baltimore Baltimore, 410-339-7070 parkschool.net Pre-K – 12th grade Before & after care

Visit us online for even more details on each school at ChesapeakeFamily.com/PrivateSchools

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chesapeakefamily.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

directory | private Tuition: $19,210-$34,730/yr The Park School of Baltimore is an independent, gender-inclusive, non-sectarian progressive Pre-K –12 school located on a 100acre campus with the mission of supporting young people in becoming confident questioners and responsible citizens of the world.

The School of the Cathedral Baltimore, 410-464-4100 schoolofthecathedral.org 5 years–8th grade

St. Paul Lutheran School Catonsville, 410-747-1924 stpaulcatonsville.org/school 18 months–5th grade

Resurrection-St. Paul School Ellicott City, 410-461-9111 resstpaul.org 3 years–8th grade

St. John’s Parish Day School Ellicott City, 4104657644 stjohnspds.org 3 years–5th grade

Trinity School Ellicott City, 443-498-5040 trinityschoolmd.org 3 years-8th grade

KENT COUNTY Kent School

CALVERT

Chestertown, 410-778-4100 kentschool.org 3 years–8th grade

Cardinal Hickey Academy

Radcliffe Creek School

Owings, 410-286-0404 cardinalhickeyacademy.org Montessori PreK 3-4, Traditional Kindergarten - 8th grade

The Calverton School Huntintown, 410-535-0216 calvertonschool.org PreK 3–12th grade Founded in 1967, Calverton is an independent college preparatory school that prides itself on providing a challenging college-preparatory program in an environment that promotes honesty, tolerance, respect, and responsibility. Small class sizes and excellent student-to-teacher ratios ensure that each student is challenged in every aspect of school endeavor.

Tidewater School Huntingtown, 410-257-0533 thetidewaterschool.org 2.5 years–5th grade

HOWARD Bethel Christian Academy Savage, 301-725-4673 bethelchristianacademy.com 3 years–8th grade

Chestertown, 410-778-8150 radcliffecreekschool.org 5 years–8th grade

An independent, co-educational Pre-K through 8th Grade School

Open House Friday, Nov. 5 9 am - 11 am

School.standrewsum.org office@standrewsum.org

410.266.9052

PRINCE GEORGE’S Belair Baptist Christian Academy Bowie, 301-262-0578 belairbaptistacademy.org 4 years–12th grade

Bishop McNamara High School Forestville, 301-735-8401 bmhs.org, 9th–12th grade

Christian Academy of Laurel Laurel, 301-490-1076 ChristianAcademyofLaurel.org 3 years-8th grade

DeMatha Catholic High School Hyattsville, 240-764-2200 dematha.org 9th–12th grade

Elizabeth Seton High School Bladensburg, 301-864-4532 setonhs.org 9th–12th grade

Now accepting applications for 2022-23! www.stjohnspschool.org 410.647.2283 Severna Park, MD 21146

Visit us online for even more details on each school at ChesapeakeFamily.com/PrivateSchools Visit us online for even more details on each school at ChesapeakeFamily.com/PrivateSchools NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 | chesapeakefamily.com

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directory | private Friends Community School

St Mary of the Assumption

College Park, 301-441-2100 friendscommunityschool.org Kindergarten–8th grade

Upper Marlboro, 301-627-4170 stmaryum.org 3 years–8th grade

Grace Christian School

St. Vincent Pallotti High School

Bowie, 301-262-0158 gcsbowie.org Kindergarten–8th grade

Holy Trinity Episcopal Day School Bowie, Glenn Dale, 301-464-3215 htrinity.org 3 years–8th grade Before & after care Tuition: $11,525 to $13,705/yr Our mission is to help students become “The Best You.” We offer strong academics and provide opportunities in visual arts, athletics, technology and help students become leaders of tomorrow.

Riverdale Baptist School Upper Marlboro, 301-249-7000 rbschool.org 3 years–12th grade

Laurel, 301-725-3228 pallottihs.org 9th–12th grade $17,650-$18,700/yr Founded in 1921, St. Vincent Pallotti High School is dedicated to promoting academic excellence and building Christian character in a welcoming community. Through our challenging and diverse curriculum, students develop into independent, self-motivated, socially conscious young adults who are prepared to enter college as critical thinkers.

QUEEN ANNE’S The Gunston School Centreville, 410-758-0620 gunston.org, 9th–12th grade

Lighthouse Christian Academy

TALBOT

Stevensville, 410-643-3034 lcacademy.org 4 years–8th grade

The Country School

Wye River Upper School Centreville, 410-758-2922 wyeriverupperschool.org 9th–12th grade Tuition: $31,995/yr Wye River engages bright students with learning differences in a challenging educational experience, preparing them for college, career, and life. Our students gain knowledge and independence through an inquiry-driven, multisensory, multi-modal pedagogy.

To support this approach, projectbased learning, outcome-based goals, and applied experiences outside of the classroom highlight our courses.

Easton, 410-822-1935 countryschool.org 5 years–8th grade

Saints Peter & Paul High School Easton, 410-822-2275 ssppeaston.org PreK–12th grade We are the only Catholic PreK-12 school on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. We offer outstanding and experienced faculty, small class size, diverse student life and athletic opportunities, a faith-centered sense of service and leadership, and a community rooted in faith.

Radcliffe Creek School Chestertown, 410-778-8150 radcliffecreekschool.org 5 years–8th grade Please visit us online for a complete directory.

Q&A

Why do I need a financial planner?

Our financial lives have become increasingly complex. Most of us don’t have the time to learn all about insurance, investments, taxes, mortgages, and so on. A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™professional takes a comprehensive look at everything that affects you financially: your benefits at work, health insurance, home and auto insurance, your will, taxes, budget and cash flow, plus your investments. Career plans and salary negotiations, elder care concerns, and paying for college are all things a financial planner can help with, not to mention your retirement plan.

A financial planner helps you develop a road map to achieve your goals, because money itself is not the goal. The goal is the life that money enables. Instead of just looking at an investment account, the focus is on you and your family.

RECOG NIZED AS

Chesapeake Family Life FA M I LY FAVO R I T E F I N A N C I A L P L A N N E R 2 0 2 0 & 2 0 2 1

COVI N GTO N A L S I N A .CO M 410.457.7165 I Info@CovingtonAlsina.com I 67 West Street, Suite 200, Annapolis, MD 21401 Securities offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC. CovingtonAlsina is a separate entity from LPL Financial.

Visit us online for even more details on each school at ChesapeakeFamily.com/PrivateSchools

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chesapeakefamily.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

of the rules are the same: Keep it ageappropriate, keep it understandable, and above all keep the conversation going. From preschool to pre-college, there are some strategies to put your mouth where your money is.

Pay to Play?

Teach Your Children About Managing Their Money First You Need a Strategy

T

By Kristen Page

here’s good news and there’s bad news about teaching your children about money. The good news is you’ve probably been teaching them for some time without meaning to.

The bad news? You’ve probably been teaching them for some time without meaning to.

For example, after a tough day, do you reward yourself with an $8 latte, or

a long bath? Or, conversely, are you so strict with your budget that there’s no room at all for a spontaneous splurge, even if you can afford it? Are fights about money common, or is money simply not discussed at all, up there with religion and politics as a taboo topic?

Talking with kids about money is similar to talking to them about anything else that’s difficult, and many

One of the biggest questions that comes up when parents start to talk about teaching their kids money skills is whether to pay for chores.

“Some families say, ‘here’s your allowance, but you have to do chores.’

Some families take the tack that you get an allowance because you’re part of the family,” said Ann C. Alsina, CFP, CPWA, founder of CovingtonAlsina, an Annapolis-based financial planning firm.

“Just like mom and dad have money to spend because they’re part of the family, kids have money to spend — but they also do chores because that’s how we make the household work.”

“We don’t want to pay our sons for things they should do as a contributing member of a household,” said Melissa Gilpin, a Southern Maryland mom to 7and 5-year-old boys. “The first time we tried, it immediately went from ‘can you clear the table?’ to ‘how much do I get for that?’ And ‘you do it because you’re part of the family’ wasn’t something he could understand.”

Be Consistent

It turns out there really isn’t a right way as long as there’s a consistent way.

First, if you decide to give your child a regular allowance, determine what it’s for: To compensate them for their work, or to give them the resources to buy the little (or big) things parents won’t cover, whether that’s Pokémon cards for a young kid or a designer purse for a teenager?

If you are going to pay children for chores, there are dozens of different ways to keep track of what gets accomplished and for how much — chore charts, chore wheels, even apps like FamZoo and Homey that keep track of it all digitally. The most important thing isn’t how you keep track, but that you do so consistently. There may be

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(and probably will be) some pushback at the beginning, but keep at it with clear expectations and consistent reinforcement.

If you pay a standard allowance regardless of chores, then stick with that, too — don’t withhold the money one week because your tween’s room is a mess; the mess and the money are separate issues. When complaints about not getting paid for chores come up (and they will), point out the unpaid, often unseen work the adults in the household contribute. Dinners do not appear without someone cooking, and socks do not magically match themselves coming out of the dryer.

Every member of the household, even down to toddlers, can contribute labor that benefits everyone.

Keep It Real

One thing that makes it difficult to talk to kids about money today is that even adults rarely use physical money — our bills get paid automatically, we tip the pizza delivery driver via an app, and we pay at the grocery store by waving our phone at the scanner.

“Our brains don’t process a credit card or a debit card as being actual money,” said Alsina. “We get a dopamine hit from the purchase, but our brains don’t register that we have traded a resource for that.” For your child — especially younger children — to understand what money means, give them actual money (Alsina says that new, crisp bills tend to drive the point home better than crumpled, old ones).

When they want to spend their money, have them be the one to hand it over to the cashier.

In one of Alsina’s financial literacy workshops that’s targeted to 4th and 5th graders, she sets up five jars: save, spend, “bigger spending,” give, and invest.

“The idea is that saving is for a car or for college; investing is long-term for retirement; giving is for donating to charity; spending is ‘I’m going to the mall with my friends and I want a smoothie;’ and ‘bigger spending’ is ‘I want this video game, but I don’t have enough allowance right now,’” she said.

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earn to Manage Money Through Gaming

C

hances are, your kids already know at least some things about acquiring, saving, and spending money — at least in the electronic world. For example, in the popular Nintendo Switch game Animal Crossing: New Horizons, players must take out loans to build their houses, and can only upgrade to a bigger space by paying off the previous mortgage.

Players also must save money to build bridges and staircases for easier access around their electronic island paradise; they accrue money usually by selling items they’ve harvested, fished for, or built at the island store.

The catch is the store often has eye-catching goodies like house décor, clothing, and even electronics. If your child plays Animal Crossing or a similar game, they already have a language for discussing balancing the “right now” desire for, say, a drum set for the living room against the longer-term need to pay off their house. Minecraft, Roblox, and Fortnite all offer opportunities to discuss management of resources, and those strategies can be applied to the real world of dollars and sense.

Putting their money in a physical, visible space, the money is no longer a vague concept: It’s right there.

All In the Family

As kids get older, they can take more and more responsibility for their financial choices and become more involved — or at least aware — of the family’s finances.

“I was raised in a house where I never got an allowance; when I needed something my parents bought it for me,” said Gilpin. “But they also showed us how to save money, and they encouraged us to support them to reach financial goals. They’d say something like “if you can find a Homecoming dress under this amount, we can use the extra to buy this piece of furniture for the house.”

That’s a good strategy, says Alsina, especially when it comes to big-ticket family items like a vacation.

“I encourage people to put a picture of a thermometer on their fridge when they have a goal,” she said. “Say ‘every time we don’t stop at Chickfil-A coming home from practice, we’re going to transfer that $16 into the account for the trip we want to take.’

Then you color in the thermometer until you reach your goal. That makes it more real for the kids—or even for the adults, to be honest.”

chesapeakefamily.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

As your child gets older, they can also be more involved in purchases that affect them.

“Tell your kids you’re going to spend a certain amount on back-to-school clothes,” Alsina said. “Then say ‘we have $60 for shorts. If you want one pair of name-brand shorts for $60, that’s fine. If you want three pairs of $20 shorts, that’s fine.’ Give them a budget, and anything over that comes out of their own money.” As they get closer to college, be upfront with costs: What you can cover, and especially the role student loans play.

Make sure your student knows about all of their options so they can make a fully-informed choice.

In the end, there is no perfect plan, no app, no Pinterest-worthy chore board that will magically get your children to understand the value of money. Just like so much of parenting, conversation and consistency are the watchwords that will communicate your family’s financial values and strategies to your children.

family fun

Holiday Light Displays Get into the holiday spirit with beautiful light displays

C

GARDEN OF LIGHTS AT BROOKSIDE

By Claire Darcy

hristmas tree lightings, dazzling holiday light displays that range from strings of lights to spectacular animated displays are signs of the Maryland holiday

season. You can experience thousands of sparking lights and holiday fun by walking or driving through these magical wonderlands! Be sure to check out Chesapeakefamily. com/maryland-holiday-lightdisplays-and-tree-lightings/ for more local displays, including Six Flags Holiday in the Park, a North Pole Walk, and more!

Nov. 19- Jan. 2. Closed Nov. 22-25 and Dec. 24-25.

Twinkling light displays that dot the paths and flowerbeds throughout the 50 acres. Over one million dazzling LED lights depicting animals, flowers, and other natural elements.

5:30pm-9:30pm. Advanced ticket purchase required. $10 (under 3 are free). Brookside Gardens, Wheaton. montgomeryparks. org/parks-and-trails/brooksidegardens/garden-of-lights

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family fun

ZOO LIGHTS AT THE MARYLAND ZOO IN BALTIMORE

WINTERFEST OF LIGHTS

LIGHTS ON THE BAY

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS AT WATKINS REGIONAL PARK

SYMPHONY OF LIGHTS AT MERRIWEATHER

ANNMARIE GARDEN IN LIGHTS

Nov. 19–Jan. 2. More than 80 light displays with 150,000 environmentally friendly LED lights will transform the Zoo into a sparkling winter wonderland. This seasonal after-hours event runs five nights a week, WednesdaySunday, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Tickets are $33 per vehicle for the drive-thru experience and $28 per person for the walk-thru experience; advanced purchase is required. marylandzoo.org

Nov. 26–Jan. 1. Features more than 2.5 million twinkling lights.

Drive-through a spectacular trail that matches perfectly your car radio playing the Christmas favorites. Stop by a dazzling lifesize Gingerbread House and an enchanting Carousel of Lights. $8–$20. 5–9:30 p.m. Watkins Regional Park, Upper Marlboro. pgparks.com/742

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Nov. 18–Jan. 2. The Winterfest of Lights takes you through thousands of sparkling holiday lights and many animated light displays located along a paved path in Northside Park. Sip hot chocolate, take a photo with Santa, visit our gift shop and enjoy the array of holiday exhibits – including the 50-foot Christmas tree. $5 (11 and under are free). Wed.–Sun. 5:30-9:30 p.m. Northside Park, Ocean City. ococean.com/events/winterfestholidays

Late Nov. through Jan. 1. Open daily, including Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Display of more than 100 larger-than-life animated and stationary holiday light creations, made up of more than 300,000 bulbs. $20 per car.

Mon.–Fri. 6–10 p.m. Sat.–Sun. 5–10 p.m. Symphony Woods, Columbia. merriweatherlights. com

chesapeakefamily.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

Nov. 21–Jan. 2. Driving through this light display has become a tradition for many families for the past decade. The Lights on the Bay display is a scenic drive along the shore of the Chesapeake Bay with more than 60 spectacular animated and stationary displays illuminating the roadway. This holiday light show is sponsored by the SPCA of Anne Arundel County. $20 per car. Open daily, 5-10 p.m. Sandy Point State Park, Annapolis. lightsonthebay.org

Nov. 26–Jan. 1. closed Nov. 29-30 and Dec. 6, 7, 24, 25.

An enchanted world where they will discover glowing “light sculptures” and wondrous light installations. Discover magical creatures, wintery wonderlands, musical holiday scenes, deep sea treasures. $10–$12 per person, ages 2 and under free. 5–9 p.m.

Advance timed-entry tickets required for all guests. Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center, Solomons. annmariegarden.org

go out

TONS OF FUN THINGS TO DO THIS MONTH

calendar | nov/dec

Nov.1 Mon

DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS AT THE NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY

Celebrate el Día de los Muertos with an outdoor festival of music and art at the National Portrait Gallery. Free. 6:30-8:30 p.m. National Portrait Gallery, Washington. npg.si.edu.

Nov. 3 Wed

MIXOLOGY: THANKSGIVING COCKTAILS

Mixologist Brooke Brown-Fritz joins us for another in her wildly popular mixology series.

And this time we're going to be creating Thanksgiving Cocktails. No experience necessary. 6-8 p.m. No Thyme to Cook, Solomons. Choosecalvert.com.

Nov. 5 Fri CAMPFIRE CHAT

Park Rangers and local experts will lead discussions on a different theme, exploring topics about wildlife, conservation, history, survival skills, folklore and more. $5.00. 5:30-7 p.m. Earleigh Heights Ranger Station, Severna Park. aacounty.org

Nov. 5 Fri

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY BAZAAR

Nov. 5-6. Crafts, Pinecone & Gift Baskets, Wreaths, Gifts in a Jar, Silent Auction, White Elephant, Cakes, Cookies, Nuts, Soups & Sandwiches 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m.Oakland U.M. Church Hall, Eldersburg. carrollcounty tourism.org.

Nov. 6 Sat

BALDWIN MEMORIAL HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW & BAZAAR

Holiday. Craft Show & Bazaar Crafts Tables, Jewelry, Collectibles White Elephant: Books/ Media and Holiday items Don't miss a special visit from the North Pole! 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Baldwin Memorial United Methodist Church, Millersville.

Waterfowl Festival NOVEMBER 12-14

Downtown Easton turns into a giant tribute to the unique heritage of the Eastern Shore over the course of three days. This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Waterfowl Festival. Every day there are activities for kids and dogs, exhibiting artists, and live music to enjoy.

Celebrating Maryland vintners, brewers and producers of other gourmet items, you are sure to have a tasty experience when you visit the Tasting Pavilion. Offering wines and beers, cheeses and sweets, this is a palate-pleasing pavilion!

The Chesapeake Marketplace is the place to find that perfect momento from the Waterfowl Festival! Visit and experience painters and carvers at work, demonstrating the techniques and skills required in their creative process.

Outdoor enthusiasts and sporting visitors can visit the Sportsman’s Pavilion with vendors, offering everything from big-game hunting adventure trips to the smallest fishing lure. Tickets are $15. Children under 10 are free. Friday 10 a.m.

- 5 p.m.Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.Sunday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. 40 S. Harrison Street, Easton. waterfowlfestival.org

CARROLL COUNTY FARMER'S MARKET AND CRAFT SHOW - LOCAL AUTHOR'S DAY

Carroll County Farmer’s Market will be celebrating its 50th Opening Day of the Christmas Market. The Market will showcase the talents of thirty seven local Authors 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Carroll County Agriculture Center, Westminster. carrollcountyagcenter.com.

KIDS' SUPER HERO DASH

The Step by Step 5K Run/Walk is offering the Kids Super Hero Dash for children 6 and under again this year. The dash begins and ends at Calvert Marine Museum, Solomons. 7:45-9:30 a.m. md-calvertcountyedc.civicplus.com.

Go to ChesapeakeFamily.com/Calendar for more events!

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calendar | nov/dec

Nov. 6 Sat Newly Installed REME-HALO UV Air Purification System Leagues, Camps and Sports for Kids and Adults of all Ages!

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

We also host birthday parties, child development classes, camps and facility rentals.

Sign up for Winter Futsal Leagues and Schools Out Camps

www.benfieldsc.com 410-987-5100

Exit 10 Off I-97, in Millersville

Register Now Limited Openings Available

HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR

Nov.6-7. Holiday Craft Fair. Meet & Greet w Santa. Strolling music. Raffles. Free Admission. Over 50 vendors Free. 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Huntingtown High School, Huntingtown.

Nov.7 Sun

FIRST SUNDAY ARTS FESTIVAL

Where Community and Arts Fuse in Annapolis: enjoy arts, crafts, live entertainment and streetside dining in an outdoor arts festival setting. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. West Street, Annapolis, Annapolis. firstsundayarts.com.

PAW FESTIVAL

Bring your dog and join us for a Fall "Paw" Festival at the Happy Tails Dog Park! $0.00 - $5.00. 12-8 p.m. Happy Tails Pet Resort, Crownsville. Happytailspetresort.com.

STEAM SUNDAY

Summer Programs | Before & After Care Talented & Gifted Programs Childcare Nursery School Pre-K Kindergarten- Full Day

Serving ages 2 through 5 and Kindergarten

410-544-2476 380 Jumpers Hole Rd. Severna Park, MD

SELECT AVAILABILITY for 2021-22 School Year

Echoes of Nature will be joining us this fall for monthly free STEAM Sunday workshops. Each workshop will include a visit from one or more of their live animal ambassadors! Free. 10:30 a.m.12:30 p.m.Chesapeake Arts Center, Brooklyn Park. chesapeakearts.org

Nov. 10 Wed

VETERANS DAY AUTHOR TALK WITH WAYNE KARLIN

Honor our war veterans by exploring their experiences through the work of local author and US Marine Corps Vietnam War Veteran, Wayne Karlin. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Online in Zoom Room 2, Leonardtown. stmalib.org.

Nov. 11 Thurs

Two Convenient Locations!

867 Buttonwood Trail Crownsville, MD

543 Old Stage Road Glen Burnie, MD

410-923-3192

410-768-4526

License# 130684

License# 160256

Bright-Beginning.com

Nov. 13 Sat CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL

One of Sykesville Main Street's most popular events is back, the Sykesville Craft Beer Festival, with the best of local microbreweries and food truck delishes! The event is "Rain or shine". 12-5 p.m. Town of Sykesville, Sykesville. facebook.com.

CRAFT SHOW

Saturday, November 13, 2021, Belles of St. Mary’s is having a craft show from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 1021 St., Pylesville.

HOLLY FAIR ON MAIN STREET

A juried artisan and crafters event showcasing 40 vendors. $3.00. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Reisterstown United Methodist Church, Reisterstown.

Nov. 20 Sat

DASHING THROUGH THE SHOW - 5K FUN RUN

See page 10 for details on this run and others.

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS TROT FOR A TURKEY

Help families in need by running or walking through the beautiful Winter Festival of Lights!

6 p.m. Watkins Regional Park, Upper Marlboro. pgparks.com/742/Festival-of-Lights. See more light displays on page 20 and more holiday runs on page 10.

HOLIDAY PHOTOS WITH HORSES & HOLIDAY MARKET

In honor of our nation's veterans, Mount Vernon admits FREE all active duty, former, or retired military personnel on Veterans Day, November 11. Free. 9 a.m. Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon. mountvernon.org.

Come celebrate the Holiday season with the FHHR horses! Shop for everyone on your Christmas list at the Holiday Market. The Market is FREE for entry and includes local artisans, crafters and more! $0.00 - $25.00. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Freedom Hill Horse Rescue, Owings. freedomhillhorserescue.com.

Nov. 12 Fri

OPEN HOUSE AT THE CARROLL COUNTY FARMER'S MARKET AND CRAFT SHOW

MOUNT VERNON SALUTES VETERANS

48TH ANNUAL MARYLAND IRISH FESTIVAL

Ages 2 - PreK • Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum • Small, Caring Environment • Spanish, Yoga, Sports & Fitness Programs Included • Fully Implemented CDC Guidelines for COVID

for holiday gifts for family and friends or gifts for yourself! Free. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Historic Oakland, Columbia. historic-oakland.com.

Nov. 12-14. Be Irish for a day at the 48th Annual Maryland Irish Festival, set for November 12-14, 2021 at the Timonium Fairgrounds; **from 6-11 p.m. on Friday; 12 noon – 11 p.m. $10.00 $20.00. irishfestival.com.

Nov. 13 Sat

On Saturday, November 20th is the week before Thanksgiving, so please don’t forget to place your orders with your favorite vendors. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Carroll County Agriculture Center, Westminster. carrollcountyagcenter.com.

Nov. 20 Sat

EASTERN SHORE GLASS AND COASTAL

HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR - COLUMBIA

ARTS FESTIVAL

Nov. 13-14. Start your holiday season at beautiful Historic Oakland Manor. Vendors will set up throughout the manor & tent. Come shop

Nov. 20-21. Features more than 90 artisans featuring coastal and sea-glass related jewelry, home décor, art, more. Food/beverages for

Go to ChesapeakeFamily.com/Calendar for more events!

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chesapeakefamily.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

calendar | nov/dec purchase. $6.00 - $18.00. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, Saint Michaels. ophiuroidea.com.

Nov. 26 Fri

MOUNT VERNON BY CANDLELIGHT

Join us for a candlelit guided tour and learn more about holiday traditions in 18th-century Virginia. $18.00 - $26.00. 5:30 p.m. Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon. mountvernon.org.

Nov. 26 Fri

Nov. 27 Sat

Nov. 28 Sun

CARDINAL CREEK PLANT FARM

The Downtown Annapolis Partnership joins the Annapolis Jaycees as they ring in the holiday season in downtown Annapolis.

5:30-7 p.m. Downtown Annapolis, Annapolis. downtownannapolispartnership.org.

2ND ANNUAL HOLIDAY MARKET AT

Nov. 27. Dec. 4,11. Join us for our 2nd Annual Holiday Market! We've tripled in si ze this year with 3 greenhouses full of vendors!! Over 30 vendors! 9 a.m.-2 p.m. North Beach. mdcalvertcountyedc.civicplus.com.

Nov. 27 Sat

Nov. 26-28. The 32nd annual Festival of Trees returns Nov. 26-28 for three days of holiday fun that benefits the patients, students and programs at Kennedy Krieger Institute. 10 a.m. Maryland State Fairgrounds, Timonium. festivaloftrees.kennedykrieger.org.

Join us as we welcome the Holiday season at The Holiday Market! Shop for unique items at this one-of-a-kind Pop Up Shop. Vendors, artisans, crafters, raffles, music, and more.

Free. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Severna Park Community Library, Severna Park. eventsfairies.com.

PASADENA LIGHTED BOAT PARADE

THE GHOST BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Nov. 26-27. Dec. 3,4,10,11. We are back for our holiday performances. Based on "The Haunted Man and the Ghost's Bargain", the best selling Christmas novel of memories and forgiveness

by Charles Dickens. 8-9:30 p.m. North Beach. md-calvertcountyedc.civicplus.com.

Dec.2 Thurs MIDNIGHT MADNESS

HOLIDAY MARKET

FESTIVAL OF TREES

GRAND ILLUMINATION

We are going to light up Pasadena from rock creek to Stoney creek! Contact PYY Marine to register your boat. We will have great prizes!

Free. 5 p.m. Stony Creek, Pasadena.

Dec. 2,9,17. Downtown Annapolis Partnership proudly presents Midnight Madness—a holiday tradition.4 p.m.-12 a.m. Downtown Annapolis, Annapolis. downtownannapolispartnership.org.

Dec.3 Fri

DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS CHESTERTOWN

Dec. 3-4. Chestertown's Historic District becomes Victorian London for this celebration of Charles Dickens and his beloved novella "A Christmas Carol." Live music and street performers, food, beverages, Free. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Historic Chestertown, Chestertown. mainstreetchestertown.org.

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HOLIDAY CONCERTS

DORRANCE DANCE

Add your event free to our calendar at ChesapeakeFamily.com/Calendar NOV 5–JAN 9.

IRVING BERLIN’S “WHITE CHRISTMAS” Based on the beloved, timeless film! Two WWII veterans and a duo of beautiful singing sisters perform their Christmas show at a rural Vermont lodge. They plan a yuletide fun-filled extravaganza to help fill the inn! Seventeen Irving Berlin tunes make this a family musical worthy of becoming a holiday tradition!

Toby’s Dinner Theatre, Columbia. tobysdinnertheatre.com NOV. 18-JAN. 2.

“HERSHEL AND THE HANUKKAH GOBLINS” Hershel just wants to celebrate Hanukkah with the community, but the Queen and King of the Goblins have forbidden the lighting of the candles. Can Hershel save the day and lift the curse for this shtetl (village)? Based on the book by Eric Kimmel.

The Puppet Co. Playhouse, Glen Echo. thepuppetco.org NOV. 26-DEC. 26.

“A CHRISTMAS CAROL” HOLIDAY TRADITION Enjoy this classic holiday story by Charles Dickens and make it a holiday tradition.

Follow mean-spirited Ebenezer Scrooge who hates Christmas as he is visited on Christmas Eve by three ghosts to help him see the true meaning of Christmas.

Classic Theatre of Maryland, Annapolis. classictheatremaryland.org NOV. 26-DEC 26.

“A CHRISTMAS CAROL” SOLO PERFORMANCE Rediscover this timeless classic presented in a friendly one-man show.

Adapted from Dickens’ original novella and reading tour, Morella’s solo version

will transport you back to Victorian England and into the heart of this classic morality tale. This critically acclaimed production has become a holiday must-see. Olney Theatre Center, Olney. olneytheatre.org DEC. 11-12.

BALLET CHESAPEAKE PRESENT'S "THE NUTCRACKER" The magic of the holiday season will be brought to life as Ballet Chesapeake presents performances of The Nutcracker! Stephens Hall Theatre, Towson. balletchesapeake.org NOV. 27-DEC. 26.

“THE NUTCRACKER” BALLET This celebrated production is set in historic 1882 Georgetown with George Washington, King George III, and other historical figures. Music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The Washington Ballet, Washington, D.C., washingtonballet.org DEC. 9-DEC. 26.

“A BROADWAY HOLIDAY” Enjoy a performance of holiday show-stoppers with new song and dance numbers, performed by our popular Broadway performers and a live band.

Classic Theatre of Maryland, Annapolis. classictheatremaryland.org DEC. 11-12, 18-19.

BALLET THEATRE OF MARYLAND PRESENTS “THE NUTCRACKER” Discover the wonder of this timeless holiday tradition and allow yourself to be magically swept away by the tale of the young heroine Clara and her adventures

to rescue her beloved Nutcracker from the Rat Queen’s evil spell. Travel with Clara through the whirling Kingdoms of Snow and Sweets to the place where the possibility of dreams, the magic of Christmas, and the wonder of the child merge to reveal her destiny.

Maryland Hall, Annapolis. balletmaryland.org DEC. 17.

ANNAPOLIS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PRESENTS “HOLIDAY POPS: SULTANS OF STRINGS” Sultans of String’s “Christmas Caravan” delivers an exuberant performance featuring originals, worldmusic inspired classics, and seasonal favorites to warm your heart on a cold winter’s night.

Maryland Hall, Annapolis. annapolissymphony.org DEC. 21-23.

“A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE MUSICAL” The Musical, brings the classic 1983 movie to hilarious life on stage! Set in 1940s Indiana, a young and bespectacled Ralphie Parker schemes his way toward the holiday gift of his dreams with hilarious distractions along the way. Hippodrome Theatre, Baltimore. france-merrickpac.com DEC. 23.

TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA’S “CHRISTMAS EVE AND OTHER STORIES” There are two show times to rock out to this popular holiday music – 3pm & 8pm. This is an event to remember! Capital One Arena, Washington D.C. trans-siberian.com For more events visit us online.

Brighten your holiday season with a joyful, tapinfused Nutcracker that boogies, slides, struts, and dives. 8 p.m. Kennedy Center, Washington. kennedy-center.org.

Dec.4 Sat

AACHS HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

Dec. 4-5. Come out and view the decorations, have some punch and cookies, and enjoy the atmosphere of a time gone by. Tour the historic Benson-Hammond House and learn about the farming history of the county. Free. 1-5 p.m.

Benson-Hammond House, Linthicum Heights.

Dec.4 Sat

COLONIAL CANDLELIGHT HOLIDAY TOUR

Learn about this historic Inn and the Christmas traditions of Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay region. $8.00 - $18.00. 6-10 p.m. Rising Sun Inn, Crownsville. visitmaryland.org.

THE DISTRICT'S HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE AT THE WHARF

The Wharf is excited to announce that the District’s Holiday Boat Parade, an iconic DC holiday tradition for 29 years, returns on December 4, 2021. Free. 6-9 p.m. District Pier at The Wharf, Washington. wharfdc.com.

HOLIDAY FAMILY DAY

Learn about the holiday season at Mount Vernon in the 18th century. 10 a.m. Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon. mountvernon.org.

HOLIDAY KICK-OFF MARKET

Kick-off the holiday season with this holiday market at Southern Trail Distillery! 27227 Morganza Turner Rd, Mechanicsville. visitstmarysmd.com.

HOLIDAY MARKET AT JEFFERSON PATTERSON PARK & MUSEUM

Join us at our beautiful historic show barn for a holiday celebration on the farm at JPPM! 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Prince Frederick. mdcalvertcountyedc.civicplus.com.

MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS

Do you remember the first time you heard Mannheim Steamroller Christmas ? $52.00 - $108.00. 7 p.m. The Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda. strathmore.org.

NPR'S A JAZZ PIANO CHRISTMAS FEATURING GERALD CLAYTON & ERIC REED

Your favorite holiday classics as you've never heard them! 7 p.m. Kennedy Center, Washington. kennedy-center.org.

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chesapeakefamily.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

calendar | nov/dec SOLOMONS CHRISTMAS WALK

The museum is open and free to the public from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Enjoy musical entertainment, Santa, the Otter mascot, holiday crafts, model train display, and shopping in the Museum Store. 6-9 p.m. Calvert Marine Museum, Solomons. calvertmarinemuseum.com.

Dec.5 Sun

Dec. 10 Fri

EASTPORT YACHT CLUB BOAT PARADE OF LIGHTS.

CHRISTMAS IN ST. MICHAEL'S

Dec. 10-12. Christmas in St. Free. 12-7 p.m. St..

Michael's, Saint Michaels. christmasinst michaels.org.

KRIS KRINGLE MARKET

4 p.m. Waldorf. explorecharlescounty.com.

CIRQUE-TACULAR'S SNOWKUS POCUS

Young Brianna is whisked away to an enchanted winter wonderland where she encounters the colorful characters that inhabit the magical world of Snowkus Pocus. 7:30 p.m. Prince George's Community College, Largo. pgcc.edu.

HOLIDAY TRACTOR PARADE

Parade promptly begins at 5pm, route to begin at Old Pylesville Rd. traveling to Street Rd. to Highland Rd. ending at Falling Branch Brewery.

Free. 5-8:30 p.m. Falling Branch Brewery, Street. fallingbranchbeer.com LUNCH WITH SANTA

Reservations by Dec. 1 are ENCOURAGED. Lunch will be provided to the children – Hotdog, chips & drink. $0.00 - $5.00. 12-2 p.m. Earleigh Heights Fire Station, Severna Park. ehvfc.org.

40 boats of all shapes and sizes—both power and sail—brightly decorated with thousands of lights and crewed by jolly revelers. This festive maritime event is great fun for the entire family. Watch from Downtown Annapolis or any point along Spa Creek. 6-8pm. https://www. eastportyc.org/lights-parade

Dec. 11 Sat

THE CHRISTMAS STORY BACH'S

Families are invited to the mansion for a day of holiday stories and crafts. Children will enjoy story-time amidst the splendor of the ballroom decorated for the season. 10-11 a.m. Hammond Harwood House, Annapolis. hammondharwoodhouse.org.

The Washington Bach Consort brings an enduring European Christmas tradition to America every year-Bach's Christmas Oratoriothe ultimate musical experience of the holiday season. 7 p.m. The Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda. bachconsort.org.

CHRISTMAS ORATORIO

A DUTCH AMERICAN CHRISTMAS

Dec.11 Sat

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

8 a.m.-12 p.m. La Plata. townoflaplata.org.

VINTAGE CHRISTMAS MARKET

Dec. 11, 18. Come on out to the farm for our

Get more...

Inspiring Students to Lead & Serve

Dec.5 Sun

SENSORY FRIENDLY SANTA EXPERIENCE

Dec. 5, 12. In partnership with Autism Speaks, Sensory Friendly Santa Experience for the community Free. 9:30-10:30 a.m. Westfield Annapolis Mall, Annapolis. westfield.com.

Dec.7 Tues

CHRISTMAS WITH CHORAL ARTS

Baltimore Choral Arts presents Christmas with Choral Arts. $38.00 - $76.00. 7:30-9 p.m.

Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, Baltimore. baltimorechoralarts.org.

Dec.9 Thurs

A BROADWAY HOLIDAY

Dec. 9,10,12,16,17,19, 26. This original holiday musical sold out the last season we produced it. $49.00 - $68.00. 7:30 p.m. Classic Theatre of Maryland’s Main Stage, Annapolis.https:// classictheatremaryland.org/

Dec.10 Fri

20TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF NINE LESSONS & CAROLS

Celebrate 20 years of Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols at the University of Maryland! 8 p.m. The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, College Park. theclarice.umd.edu.

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ENROLL TODAY chesapeakefamily.com/cflinsider

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Open Houses

November 11, 2021 | 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.

January 30, 2022 | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Pre-K2 through 8th grade Grants available for transferring students

Conveniently located near the intersection of Route 100 and I-97

msladeschool.com | 410.766.7130

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

• MAEOE Green Cer • STEM Program • Weekly Specials

• Financial Aid • Before & After Care •

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

Fall 2022 preschool class registration begins on January 28, 2022 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.

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calendar | nov/dec annual open-air Vintage Christmas Market! Free.

3-7 p.m. Wildberry Farm + Market, Crownsville. wildberryfarmmarket.com.

Dec.15 Wed

CHRISTMAS THEMED JANE AUSTEN TOUr

Tour of the house that compares the customs and social graces of the Loockerman family, who lived in the Hammond-Harwood House in the early 19th century, with those of characters in Jane Austen 2-3 p.m. Hammond Harwood House, Annapolis. hammondharwoodhouse.org.

Dec. 18 Sat

CHRISTMAS ILLUMINATIONS AT MOUNT VERNON

Kick off the holiday season with sparkling fireworks overlooking the Potomac River. $48.00 - $50.00. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon. mountvernon.org.

Dec. 19 Sun

TEEN BIRDING: CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT

CELEBRATE THE SEASON TOGETHER DIP, EAT & BE MERRY! WITH FONDUE FAVORITES TO SHARE 2348 Solomons Island Road | Annapolis, MD 21401 | (410) 266-8004 | meltingpot.com/annapolis-md

Come help with the Jug Bay Christmas Bird Count. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Ward Farm Nature Park, Dunkirk. md-calvertcountyedc.civicplus.com.

Dec. 20 Mon

THE HIP HOP NUTCRACKER

Nutcracker Dec 11, 1pm & 6pm Dec 12, 1pm Stephens Hall Theatre Towson University

Dec. 20-22. A generous dose of contemporary spirit sure to heat up even the most restless and wintry of souls. This holiday mash-up is back by popular demand! $34.00 - $68.00. 8 p.m. The Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda. strathmore.org.

Dec. 20 Mon

CHRISTMAS VILLAGE IN BALTIMORE.

Dec. 20-24. Running for its 8th season, Christmas Village in Baltimore will transform West Shore Park at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor into an authentic German Christmas market.

Free. 11 a.m. West Side of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, Baltimore. Baltimore-christmas.com.

Dec. 27 Mon

KWANZAA LIVE WITH CULTURE QUEEN

balletchesapeake.org

Join Kwanzaa expert Culture Queen as she teaches royal children of all ages a fresh approach to observing the seven principles of Kwanzaa, an African American festival that celebrates culture, family, and community from December 26 to January 1. With interactive music, movement, storytelling, and Black History themed games, participants will feel inspired to incorporate Kwanzaa into their family traditions. 10:30am. Discoveries: the Library at the Mall, 2250 Annapolis Mall Road, Annapolis. aacpl.librarycalendar.com/events

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chesapeakefamily.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

DATE NI G HT & MORE

stay inspired Catholic Charities of Baltimore

Catholic Charities programs now has in-person, inside volunteer opportunities and in-person outside opportunities. They also have remote and virtual volunteer opportunities.

Email volunteer@cc-md.org on how to get involved. If you’d like to help donate money, food or supplies, please see cc-md.org/covid19 or email helpnow@ cc-md.org to offer a donation or ask a question about where to deliver a donation. catholiccharities-md.org/ volunteer

Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels, an organization that provides meals to homebound seniors and disabled individuals, needs volunteers to help deliver meals during the holiday season and beyond. Volunteers (ages 14 and up) can serve as many times a month as they like with opportunities in meal delivery, packaging, grocery assistance, donating and pet food delivery. mealsonwheelsmd.org. 410-558-0827

Serving Your Community

T

By Claire Darcy

here are plenty of ways to serve your community in Maryland coming up: food drives, collections of donations for nonprofits, toy and gift drives, and serving or delivering holiday dinners for those less fortunate. Help the homeless and needy during these winter months by volunteering at some of the events or donation drives listed below.

PREPARING, SERVING, DELIVERING FOOD

Light House Shelter

Help to feed those who cannot afford or are unable to make a meal.

The United Way of Central Maryland – Harvest of Plenty

Through the United Way of Central Maryland, families can help assemble and distribute complete Thanksgiving meals for the needy at dozens of convenient locations throughout the state. Each year, the United Way donates more than 3,000 complete Thanksgiving dinners to families in need, and many local churches and community centers help with this process. If you are unable to volunteer, monetary donations are accepted. https://www.uwcm.org/. 410-547-8000

There are off-site volunteer opportunities including donations of food and supplies, providing a meal through the Light House Bistro, fundraising, and bagged lunches. For questions about volunteering, please email volunteers@annapolislighthouse. org. annapolislighthouse.org/getinvolved/volunteer-opportunities/ 443-569-4211.

We Care and Friends

We Care and Friends, a nonprofit organization in Annapolis, is dedicated to creating strong families and communities in areas affected by drugs, poverty, and crime in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County.

We Care and Friends is a grass-

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stay inspired

CLOTHING DRIVES

During these cold months, donate your warm winter clothes to those who consider a coat a luxury.

Giving Back, Linda’s Legacy

roots organization who depends on volunteers to support outdoor lunch programs, fundraisers, mentoring, or our reentry program. Check the website for open opportunities and events or email larry@wecareandfriends.org. wecareandfriends.org/home 410-263-2874

Beans and Bread

St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore has multiple ways to deliver meals to those in need, including making volunteer-bagged lunches to deliver to the homeless, serving hot meals for holiday dinners and adopting families for the holidays. For volunteering opportunities, please email volunteer@ vincentbaltimore.org. vincent baltimore.org

Happy Helpers for the Homeless

Engages young people, their parents, and community organizations in preparing food and goods for the needy, bringing love and necessities directly to homeless people every weekend, no matter the weather and including holidays. This year, the Thanksgiving Day Distribution will be on Thurs. Nov. 25 from 10:30am1pm. For more information, please email happyhelpersforthehomeless1@ yahoo.com happyhelpers forthehomeless.com

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GBLL is an all volunteer, 501(C)3 nonprofit based in Anne Arundel County, Maryland whose Christmas Drive to Help the Homeless delivers over 20 truck loads of clothing annually to homeless shelters in the Annapolis, Baltimore and Washington, DC on Christmas Eve. GBLL will be collecting coats, hats, gloves, new/gently used warm clothing all ages/both genders, sleeping bags, blankets, toys, travel size toiletries, new underwear and baby items such as diapers, baby seats, clothes and formula, and nonperishable food items. homeless drive.org

One Warm Coat

Ask your family to round up their old, gently-worn coats to donate to needy and homeless children, women, and men who cannot afford them all across Maryland. For some of those in poverty, a winter spent without a coat is a harsh reality. Visit the website to find the closest donation center near you. Monetary donations are also accepted—just $1 provides two coats. onewarmcoat.org. 877-663-9276

Call for Coats

Admiral Cleaners collects coats every October and November for those in need. Their team then cleans these coats and donates them to numerous local charitable organizations. Over the last three decades, they have donated over 100,000 coats. To donate a coat, or coordinate a pickup, call 410267-8381, email customerservice@ admiralcleaners.com or visit admiral cleaners.com for a list of locations.

chesapeakefamily.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

FOOD DRIVES

Food drives are an easy way to provide nourishment to those who need it most.

Maryland Food Bank

Maryland Food Bank operates facilities in Baltimore, Hagerstown and Salisbury that distribute more than 120,000 meals per day.

Donate food, volunteer for pantry organization or begin an online campaign to provide hungry families with a holiday meal this season.

Volunteer families can also schedule appointments to help load, pack and sort food at a local branch, or help with administrative work or fundraising efforts. Call the branch nearest to you for specific food needs, or go online to create a food donation campaign for your family. mdfoodbank.org/ways-to-give/ volunteer

Feed Anne Arundel

Donate money or volunteer time to Feed Anne Arundel, which originated in the spring of 2020 and has brought together numerous restaurants and donations to keep those in Anne Arundel from going hungry. For more information and ways to help support Feed Anne Arundel, please email feedannearundel@gmail.com. facebook.com/FeedAnneArundel.

Anne Arundel Food Bank

Donate food, volunteer for pantry organization or begin an online campaign to provide hungry families with a holiday meal this season.

The Anne Arundel Food Bank collects food and goods to distribute through local pantries and on-site feeding agencies that receive food to distribute to those in need in our county. aafoodbank.org

stay inspired

PET SHELTER DRIVES

Aid local shelters by donating supplies, food, and toys for unadopted animals.

Friends of Anne Arundel County Animal Control

From providing food, toys and blankets to the shelter, to offering emergency assistance for injured shelter animals, the Friends of Anne Arundel County Animal Control is there. Donations of cash, gift certificates, dog and cat food and toys are especially needed during the holidays and the rate of surrenders tends to go up. faacac.org/get-involved

Maryland SPCA for Pets

Animal lovers can donate treats and new cat and dog toys for homeless animals at the Maryland SPCA Adoption Center in Baltimore or at the Anne Arundel County SPCA. Families can also donate gently used towels and blankets or empty toilet and paper towel rolls to be used to create cat toys. mdspca.org Small Miracles Cat & Dog Shelter Help to keep this shelter properly stocked during the holiday season by shopping from its Amazon wish list, where you and your family can choose what kind of gifts to give to the animals of the shelter. Pedigree wet dog food is a high priority. Monetary donations are also accepted. smallmiraclesrescue.org.

410-461-0516.

Maryland Animal Sanctuary and Rescue

Monetary donations and goods donations are accepted. Take your kids to the pet store to shop for gifts for the animals at the rescue. Some gift ideas include cat and dog food (high quality, both dry/wet), dog crates, cat litter and cleaning spray. If you’d like to donate an item, feel free to contact them. masrescue.org/index.html

TOY DRIVES

Be the Santa for a needy child who otherwise might not receive a gift this holiday season.

Toys for Tots

The mission of the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys and to distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children.

Contact baltimore.md@toysfortots. org for more information on where to donate or to start a donation site. baltimore-md.toysfortots.org Donations to Children’s Hospitals Help to brighten a young patient’s day through a charitable donation.

Child’s Play

Child’s Play seeks to improve the lives of children in hospitals around the world through the donation of toys, books and games. Families can send a financial donation to be used for purchasing gaming devices for children’s hospital wings or go online and search the Amazon wish list of more than 70 hospitals nationwide.

In Maryland, Child’s Play has partnered with the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. childsplay charity.org

St. Jude’s

At the St. Jude’s Gift Shop, families can choose to donate any monetary amount to help children with cancer, but the St. Jude’s Gift shop also allows donors to choose how they want to help through specific events or materials for a patient. Sponsor a No Mo’ Chemo party for a patient for $25, purchase a wagon to transport a patient to treatments for $75, or share the cost of chemotherapy, radiotherapy or a bone marrow treatment. giftshop.stjude.org.

800-746-1539

OTHER COLLECTIONS

Improve the welfare of needy families through donations by adopting a family this season.

Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services

You can deliver gifts, food and clothing directly to a needy family or senior through this program. Families can specify what kind of family and how many people they would like to give to. Donors may even choose the geographical area that is convenient for them. Families can sign up online or contact the program directly to choose a specific giving opportunity. dhr.maryland.gov/local-offices/annearundel-county. 410-269-4462.

YWCA of Anne Arundel County

Support women and children fleeing from domestic abuse. Visit the organization’s headquarters in Arnold to adopt a family or an individual rebuilding a life after the tragedy of abuse. annapolisywca.org.

410-626-7800.

House of Ruth

Provides shelter, food, counseling, and more for women and children.

Item donations help clothe, feed and nourish those seeking help and support. Clothing, hygiene supplies, books, toys, craft supplies and linens are some of the items that are needed. There is a wish list with highly desired items listed in bold. hruth.org/ways-to-give/wish-list.

410-889-0840.

Visit us online for a complete list of community volunteer opportunities at ChesapeakeFamily.com.

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Presorted PresortedStd. Std. U.S. Postage U.S. Postage PAID PAID Baltimore, Baltimore,MD MD Permit 4475 PermitNo. No. 4475

121 121Cathedral CathedralStreet, Street,Suite Suite3A 3A Annapolis, MD 21401 Annapolis, MD 21401 Find Findus: us: chesapeakefamily.com chesapeakefamily.com

Holiday Happiness Fill your holiday plans with fun for the whole family.

TREE LIGHTINGS & LIGHTS DISPLAYS TURKEY TROTS | CONCERTS & PERFORMANCES CHRISTMAS TREE FARMS | TRAIN GARDENS Activity Roundups

CHRISTMAS | HANUKKAH | KWANZAA NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATIONS

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