Chesapeake Family Life Oct 2022

Vol. 32 No. 2

PUBLISHER

Donna Jefferson ext. 212 djefferson@jecoannapolis.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jillian Amodio Mary Ostrowski

Nancy Parode

Kerrigan Stern

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

PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY: Jefferson Communications, LLC 121 Cathedral Street 3A Annapolis, MD 21401

Phone: 410-263-1641 Fax: 443-782-1495

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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. ©2022 Jefferson Communications, LLC.

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ctober is a busy month and brings with it lots of seasonal fun. Pumpkin patches, corn mazes and haunted houses can provide a nice break from the work at school. Check out ChesapeakeFamily.com/Fall for a huge list of seasonal activities.

This month we are introducing Family Home, a new column to show you the projects and renovations that families have undertaken to make their homes more comfortable and functional for them. The personal cubbies and cleat wash in this month’s home are definitely a bonus for a busy athletic family.

And re-introducing Standout Studies, a recognition of students who are making a difference in the community. A Standout Student is someone who is a budding entrepreneur, local leader, environmentalist or innovator whose ideas will change the world.

Instead of one annual event as we’ve done in the past, there will be one Standout Student profiled each month. Rachel Spitzer, a 10th grader at Broadneck High School who combines her artistic talents with fundraising for her favorite non-profits is the October Standout Student.

Don’t miss the Family Favorites. All of you have voted for your favorite family services, restaurants and places to visit. Take a look at the list to find new adventures.

Campfires and Wagon Rides

Friends and family sitting around a campfire singing songs, telling stories and toasting marshmallows is a lot of fun and creates memories. As evening temperatures cool a few local parks and farms are offering public rentals of campfire rings. Make sure to reserve your date in advance at the following sites.

CARROLL COUNTY RECREATION & PARKS

Enjoy a 45-minute private wagon ride on the trails of Piney Run Park followed by up to an hour campfire! We'll supply the wagon ride and campfire, families bring your own supplies for making s'mores, hotdogs, and other fun campfire treats! $120 per group (up to 25 people)

MONTGOMERY CO PARKS

CAMPFIRE RING RENTAL 2 hours / $150 montgomeryparks.org/ campfire-ring-rentals/

Black Hill Nature Programs 20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds

Brookside Nature Center 1400 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton

Locust Grove 7777 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda

Donna Jefferson, Publisher DJ@jecoannapolis.com

Maydale Nature Classroom 1638 Maydale Drive, Colesville

instagram.com/ chesapeake_family

Maryland STEM Festival Free activities for the whole family

The eight annual state-wide celebration of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics will be held from Friday, Oct. 14 through Sunday, Nov.

13. Governor Hogan has declared October STEM Education in support of the efforts to increase STEM opportunities in Maryland. The Festival will highlight Cybersecurity and Information Technology with over three hundred virtual and in-person events. The theme recognizes the significance of these topics to everyday life as well as their importance to the Maryland Economy.

A complete list of events will be available on MarylandSTEMFestival.org. Events will be live/ in-person, virtual or both. Family-oriented, fun and free live events will be held at libraries, schools, museums, and other locations. The events will take place all around the state to give residents maximum opportunity to participate in this important Festival. Verizon, Wal-Mart, Lockheed Martin, Northrop, Microsoft, NASA, National Security Agency, WhitingTurner, and the Maryland Zoo will be among the participants.

Themes and topics of our exciting events will include:

• STEM Parade in Baker Park

• STEM Professionals in Middle Schools

• STEM Theme Comedy Show

• Cybersecurity Career Panel Discussions

• Capture the Flag/Cybersecurity Competition

• Authors Cori Lathan, Jennifer Swanson, and Katey Howe

• Cybersecurity Family Feud

• Robotic Demonstrations

• Esports Virtual Competition and In-person Career Conference

The Festival encourages all students, regardless of age, background and experience to take a greater interest in STEM with the hope they will pursue a STEM related/focused career. The Festival was able to weather the COVID pandemic and provide over two hundred virtual events to students.

Maryland is one the few states in the nation to have a state-wide STEM or Science Festival. Events are open to the public, free of charge, family-oriented, and FUN! In continued dedication of its mission, the Maryland STEM Festival will be donating STEM kits and books to organizations and schools in underrepresented populations such as girls, minorities, and those with disabilities.

Rachel Spitzer

Activist & Fundraiser

10th Grade

Broadneck HS

Tiny Kindness & ModPaws

Standout Student

Rachel is a 10th grader at Broadneck High School and is being recognized as a Standout Student because of her pursuits and accomplishments. Rachel uses her creativity and artistic talents, blended with her passion for service, to help in her community.

Rachel has been a competitive dancer since the age of 4. Recognizing the high costs associated with performing arts, Rachel holds drives at her dance studios to collect costumes for low-income students. She has also raised money for homeless shelters. In addition, she has dedicated time through her performances and charity walks to bring awareness to suicide prevention.

As a Girl Scout since Kindergarten Rachel has completed a solo Silver Award project where she introduced her Tiny Kindness Campaign. The goal of the Tiny Kindness Campaign is to educate young children about the importance of small acts of kindness. Her project also included her own design artwork for brochures and presentations that were shared with local schools, Boys and Girls Clubs, and Scout troops. She is currently working on her Girl Scout Gold Award that includes expanding on the Tiny Kindness Campaign. Rachel will writing and illustrating a children’s book in order to spread positivity and kindness from her community to national and international levels. The proceeds of her book will benefit a youth mental health organization.

Rachel is also the Founder and President of a new business

called ModPaws, launching this fall. Using her own artwork, she will be designing pet bandannas and accessories and plans to donate proceeds to animal welfare shelters and organizations. She is passionate about animals and volunteers at the SPCA in Anne Arundel County

She dances on Broadneck’s senior dance company, and plays Varsity Golf, Varsity Unified Bowling, and Varsity Unified Bocce. Rachel is an A student and since her Freshman year has served as a Student Government Leader and Treasurer of the Interact Club.

Her activism and enthusiasm won’t stop at the end of the school year. She and her family are currently hosting an exchange student from Indonesia and through Rotary International she will be traveling overseas next summer to live and learn as an international ambassador.

Please join us in congratulating Rachel and wishing her well in all of her future endeavors. We know we will continue to see great things from someone so passionate and dedicated!

NOMINATE A SOS

Do you know a student who is making a difference in the community? Someone who is a budding entrepreneur, local leader, environmentalist or innovator whose ideas will change the world? Chesapeake Family LIFE is now accepting nominations for Standout Students!

Visit us online and fill out the entry form at ChesapeakeFamily.com/SOS

Rachel Carson Conservation Park Destination Spotlight

Rachel Carson Conservation Park covers 650 acres in Montgomery County which was set aside to recognize the county’s most famous environmentalist, Rachel Carson. The park has over six miles of trail through the thick woods and along a meadow filled with wildflowers. The trails are dirt and in some places shared with horses and bikes, although you probably won’t pass many people on the trails. What you won’t find are any amenities. Bring drinking water and make sure to pack out your trash. There are no restaurants or restrooms close by.

A huge meadow borders the parking lot off of Zion Road and connects to most of the trails which wind through the forest and along rock outcroppings. Follow The Rachel Carson Greenway Trail

until you reach the Hawlings River. Walk along the river until it joins with the Fern Valley Trail and before you know it you will be back at the meadow. Pick a spot along the meadow and you are sure to see butterflies and birds enjoying the flowers. This looped trail is about 3.5 miles. There are side trails and shortcuts if you want to make your walk shorter, or longer.

The Hawlings River is shallow and creates a happy gurgle over the rocks. Fishing is allowed. The trails are shady, a great relief when it’s hot outside, and there is a steady decline from the meadow to the river. Keep that in mind because eventually you are going to have to hike back up to the parking lot. This park is about as untouched by any development as you will find anywhere. It’s one of Montgomery county’s premier conservation areas and best natural areas.

This 1913 Ruxton house is home to a family with two young children. They lived in the house for 16 months before discovering a host of issues. Each issue evolved into more issues, and the project exploded into a full gut/ restoration. Since the house structure was exposed and being reinforced anyway, the renovation added all of the components that the family had hoped for down the road.

The renovation wish list included:

• open kitchen/family room

• prep sink in the kitchen

• wet bar

• butler's pantry

• mudroom with cubbies & cleat wash

• laundry room upstairs

• maintaining the 1913 character by tying the aesthetics of the new parts with the originals

The expansive two-story addition includes a gourmet kitchen, mudroom room, family room,

second story primary suite as well as a full basement. The existing home was completely reconfigured to accommodate the needs of the owners, including new bathrooms, second floor laundry, a guest suite and additional storage spaces.

The new kitchen and bar are equipped with custom cabinetry, top of the line appliances and a large island with a combination of marble and butcher block countertops. The mudroom has custom built lockers, and a partial height shower for cleat and dog washing. The mudroom, or “cleat wash” is used by the family for rinsing and drying cleats, boots, wet snow clothes, etc

Upstairs, the primary suite has custom cabinets and vanity, a large walk-in marble shower with rain head and custom closet systems. Multiple french doors open to the blue stone patio with butler stone walls.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GREENLEAF

Cubbies for storage.

French doors open to a lovely blue stone patio.

Cleat wash for cleaning dogs, cleats, boots, and other muddy things.

Marble and butcher block counter tops in custom kitchen.

The results are in for our Family Favorites 2022! There are so many great recommendations of your favorite kids’ menu, brunch spot, takeout restaurant, breweries, and playgrounds. With your votes, we have rounded up the top nominations in everything from pet care to happy hour, party place to music lessons, and a ton more in between. Family Favorites has all you need to find that perfect place to shop, eat, play and live!

OUTDOOR PLAY SPOT

Dunkirk District Park Dunkirk calvertcountymd.gov/2838/ Dunkirk-District-Park

Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks

• -Broadneck Park

• -Davidsonville Park

• -Downs Park

• -Kinder Farm

• -Lake Waterford

• -Quiet Waters Park aacounty.org/departments/ recreation-parks/parks

Historic London Town & Gardens Edgewater, historiclondontown.org

INDOOR PLAY PLACE

Mission Escape Rooms Annapolis, Hanover, Waugh Chapel missionescaperooms.com

Hyper Kidz Columbia columbia.hyperkidzplay.com

Maryland Science Center Baltimore mdsci.org

FAVORITE PARTY PLACE

Sky Zone Bowie skyzone.com/bowie Naptown Sings and Plays Annapolis naptownsings.com

Mission Escape Rooms Annapolis, Hanover, Waugh Chapel missionescaperooms.com

Visit us online for even more Family Favorites at ChesapeakeFamily.com/FamilyFavorites

FAVORITE RESTAURANT

Old Stein Inn Edgewater oldstein-inn.com

Boatyard Bar & Grill Annapolis boatyardbarandgrill.com

Garry’s Grill Severna Park garrysgrill.com

KIDS’ FAVORITE MENU

Miss Shirley’s Annapolis, Inner Harbor, Roland Park missshirleys.com

Glory Days Grill Edgewater, Ellicott City, Glen Burnie glorydaysgrill.com

Skipper’s Pier Deale, skipperspier.com

FAVORITE BREWERY

Forward Brewing Annapolis forwardeastport.com

Union Craft Brewing Baltimore unioncraftbrewing.com

Guinness Open Gate Brewery Baltimore guinnessbrewerybaltimore.com

BEST CRAB CAKES

Hellas Restaurant & Lounge Millersville hellasrestaurantandlounge.com

Boatyard Bar & Grill Annapolis boatyardbarandgrill.com

The Point Crab House and Grill Arnold thepointcrabhouse.com

1. Smoked wings from Chad's BBQ in Edgewater.

2. Hangout for a good time at Skyzone in Bowie

3.Park Tavern in Severna Park features a new flavor Crush drink every month.

FAVORITE TAKEOUT

Chad’s BBQ Edgewater chadsbbq.com

Jack’s Fortune Annapolis jackfortune1.com

Nano Asian Dining Annapolis nanoasian.com

FAVORITE BRUNCH

Miss Shirley’s Annapolis, Inner Harbor, Roland Park missshirleys.com

Evelyn’s Annapolis Annapolis evelynsannapolis.com

The Breakfast Shoppe Severna Park thebreakfastshoppe.com

FAVORITE HAPPY HOUR

Park Tavern Severna Park parktavernsp.com

Red Red Wine Bar Annapolis redredwinebar.com

True Food Kitchen Annapolis truefoodkitchen.com

FAVORITE DATE NIGHT

Vin 909 Annapolis vin909.com

Luna Blu Ristorante Italiano Annapolis lunabluofannapolis.com

Carrol’s Creek Café Annapolis carrolscreek.com

BEST PET BOARDING

Dogwood Acres Davidsonville dogwoodacres.com

Happy Tails Pet Resort Crownsville happytailspetresort.com

The Pup Camp Gambrills, Severna Park thepupcamp.com

BEST VET

VCA South Arundel Animal Hospital Edgewater vcahospitals.com/south-arundel

Huffard Animal Hospital Pasadena huffardanimalhospital.com

Annapolis Cat Hospital Annapolis annapoliscathospital.com

KID’S HAIRCUTS

Pigtails & Crewcuts Annapolis pigtailsandcrewcuts.com

Eastport Barbershop Annapolis eastportbarbershop.com

Snip-its Haircuts for Kids Gambrills local.snipits.com/gambrills-mdwaugh-chapel-towne-centre

SALON AND SPA

Sola Salon

Annapolis, Bowie, Crofton, Edgewater, Glen Burnie solasalonstudios.com

Bubbles Annapolis, Columbia, Gambrills bubblessalons.com

Image Creators

Severna Park imagecreatorssalonandspa.com

Annapolis oldfoxbooks.com Baltimore atomicbooks.com Annapolis backcreeksbooks.com

CONSIGNMENT SHOP

Savvy Consignment Severna Park savvyconsignment.com

Return to Oz Annapolis ozconsignments.com

Wee-Sale Children’s Consignment Sale Glen Burnie, Landover wee-sale.com

MUSIC LESSONS

Rattle & Roll Annapolis, Arnold rocktherattle.com

Music Together Chesapeake Edgewater, Severna Park musictogetherchesapeake.com

DRAWING/ART/PAINTING

Artworks Studio Annapolis artworksstudio.info

ArtFarm Annapolis artfarmannapolis.com

Maryland Hall Annapolis marylandhall.org

Healthy Eating Habits

The Harmful Messages Hiding In Plain Sight

By Jillian Amodio

Cultivating healthy eating habits can be a challenge.

As parents we want what is best for our children. We want them to grow to be happy, healthy humans. When struggles arise, we want to do whatever we can to support them and give them the tools they need to overcome the obstacles they face.

Concerns About Nutrition Begin Early In Life

One major area of concern for parents and caregivers is promoting healthy eating habits. For many parents, this starts prior to a child even being born. While in utero, the pregnant parent might find themselves steering clear of foods that are considered unsafe to ensure that they are consuming healthy meals and snacks to provide their unborn child with nourishment. Once a baby is born, we often hear of parents concerning themselves with how many ounces of formula the baby consumes, or the duration of time the baby spends at the breast. These are two very early examples of choices parents make with regards to nutrition.

The choices can grow exponentially as a child gets older. Parents might have to contend with food allergies, food aversions, or digestive struggles. Parents might simply be trying to find the latest and greatest tips and

tricks for sneaking veggies in a child’s favorite meal, or be desperately trying to get their children to branch out and try new things. These are all normal development stages for kids but what happens though when healthy eating becomes an obsession?

Sneaky Messaging

Experts say that the messages received from social media and society in general about food, health and wellness, and body image can have a substantial negative impact on people from a very young age. When it comes to instilling healthy eating habits in children, experts like Hannah Topper, an Integrative Nutritionist say that social media and its exponential growth have exacerbated the negative messages that youth receive about their body and their worth. Even more than that, Topper says that youth (and adults too) are being exposed to negative messaging that is cleverly designed to appear healthy. “Many adults were raised in the boom of diet culture,” she says.

Diet, exercise, and health and wellness programs are often designed to appeal to those who are already health conscious and care about their overall well-being. The messaging is rarely outright negative but instead creates a false narrative that there is a right way and a wrong way of

approaching health, wellness, and nutrition. What this messaging tends to do is warp our thinking about what it means to intuitively understand the needs of our bodies. This messaging also tends to categorize things as either good or bad, healthy or unhealthy, rather than creating a culture of acceptance, pleasure, and natural moderation. While not everyone exposed to this covert messaging will develop an eating disorder or engage in patterns of disordered eating, this type of messaging can cause youth to become hyper-focused on food, food choices, and body image.

Topper talks about the flawed messaging that many parents were raised with when it comes to food, and how we might be inadvertently passing this messaging on to our children. “The first thing we need to do as parents when it comes to the messages kids are getting about food, comes down to modeling the desired behavior and mindset in the home. The earlier we build the foundation the better, but it is never too late. Trust and mindfulness are the most important aspects of food when it comes to raising nutritionally conscious eaters.” She says.

Jacquelyn Stern, a registered dietician nutritionist at Annapolis Nutrition echoes the effects of messaging saying “One of the challenges is that we live in

a society that is filled with messaging about what is and is not healthy.” She says this puts a lot of pressure on parents.

There Is No Good And Bad Categorizing foods into hierarchical arrangements from least healthy to most healthy, or defining some foods as “good” and others as “bad” is a seemingly harmless way of trying to help youth make good nutritional choices. What this actually does, according to nutritionists like Topper and Stern, is override a child’s natural ability to use intuition when it comes to choosing what foods they put into their bodies, how much they consume, and how they feel about it. “Language is a huge part of it.” Says Topper. “Foods should not be used as punishments or rewards.” She says that even small changes such as using selective eater rather than picky eater can help remove the shame or guilt associated with eating habits.

Stern points out that it shouldn’t be taboo to eat processed foods, snacks, or fast food on occasion. She says “These foods should not be off limits, they should instead come with appropriate boundaries and guidelines that each family can feel good about.”

A simple example of flawed messaging can be things like you have to eat vegetables before you have dessert, you have to try everything at least once, and you have to finish your plate. Topper suggests alternative approaches such as putting the dessert, or what could be considered the “treat” item on the same plate as a child’s meal. By serving everything together, it removes the hierarchy of something being better or worse. It removes the barrier of having to finish one thing before the child can have the thing they really want. And perhaps most importantly, it puts the child back in charge of what they put in their bodies.

This sounds scary, ineffective, and counterintuitive to many parents, and experts say that there may be an

adjustment period. But kids naturally and intuitively will eat what their bodies need, and will control the quality, frequency, and variety of what they consume based on their own comfort, knowledge of their body, and how things make them feel.

“The actual message we should be sending is that kids need to learn to trust themselves to regulate their food intake and their choices according to what their body is telling them. Telling a child that food is bad makes them internalize it to think I am bad because I want that food. That then creates this internalized sense of shame.”

Modeling Healthy Choices

Many parents are struggling with disordered eating or skewed relationships with foods themselves which can be tricky when trying to prevent their children from developing these same struggles. Topper encourages parents to model eating a variety of foods, including the foods that may not be considered nutritious but are still foods that you genuinely enjoy, and to do so with positivity. She also suggests modeling acceptance of our emotions surrounding food. “Our emotions surrounding food and our desires surrounding food are never going to be exactly the same every day. It’s all about establishing and maintaining the relationship we have with ourselves, our family, our foods, and our culture.”

Modeling healthy choices looks like a lot of different things. Going to the gym or engaging in exercise is a healthy habit. But the healthy messaging is lost if you are going to the gym because I am fat, I need to lose weight, or I ate pizza last night. Eating salads or vegetable-heavy dishes is a healthy choice. But the healthy messaging is lost if you are eating these things because I ate bad for lunch, or I don’t fit in my clothes.

The Importance Of Eating Together

Meals have historically been a time for families to come together and connect over shared food and conversation. While the dinner table might be the picture that first comes to mind when we think of families sharing meals together, Topper says it goes beyond setting and time of day. Stern reinforced the concept saying that “dinner doesn’t have to be a three course meal, it can be as simple as a bowl of cereal.”

A mom sitting on the couch with her kids eating a bowl of cereal and catching up at the end of the day after she gets off work, or a family sharing a plate of cheese and crackers at the kitchen counter together before rushing off to team sports can be just as beneficial as a full meal around the table. The benefit of eating together is taking time to connect and be present. That can happen in a variety of places with a variety of foods.

When To Seek Help

Both Stern and Topper say that if parents notice any major change in their children’s eating habits such as overeating, restricting foods, hiding foods, not wanting to eat things they usually love, or having a sudden urge to eat “healthy” or make drastic changes to their diet, it is worth having a deeper conversation. Concerns about diet and nutrition can also be discussed with your child’s pediatrician or a nutritionist. If parents think their child might be developing an eating disorder, consulting a therapist skilled in this area can be an important factor in seeking help.

Nutrition is highly personal and nuanced and the approaches described in this article do not necessarily account for all specific needs including dietary restrictions or health complications. The main takeaway is that nutrition is less about the specific foods we eat, and more about the relationships we have with food as individuals and as a family unit.

Perspective: The Power of

Helping Kids See Other Points of View

(And Why It Matters!)

By Mary Ostrowski

The world has no shortage of opinions:

“I love blue.” “Blue is boring! Red’s the best.” “Only 10 problems? So short!” “Darn. 10 problems will take forever!” “YES! We’re playing kickball in gym today!” {Shudder} “Oh no…not kickball.”

We each see a single situation through our own set of lenses. The person on the left may experience it in a similar way to you, while the person to the right has a very different experience. One is not wrong. Both may be correct.

Whether you like the opinion or not, there’s a lot of power in being able to see another person’s point of view. It can help affirm your own stance. It can just as easily open your eyes to alternative ways of thinking.

Jimmy was thrilled because his teacher pulled out a couple of

scooters at recess. He had his own scooter at home and loved it. Riding it was a little tricky at first, but his balance soon improved, and he spent hours zooming around his street on the weekends. Mrs. Smith partnered the children who wanted to ride the scooters into small groups. Jimmy was with Sean and Ezra. He went first, speeding down the blacktop without a care in the world. Mrs. Smith blew the whistle after a few minutes, giving Sean almost twice as long on the scooter as Jimmy’s turn. “That’s not fair! Sean’s not even good at riding the scooter,” he complained to Ezra. “Sure it’s fair,” Ezra replied. “Sean doesn’t have a scooter like you do, so the only time he gets to ride one is here at school. You can ride yours every day if you want! Don’t you want him to get good too?”

Jimmy still didn’t think it was fair that Sean got more time on the

scooter than he did. But Sean was one of his best friends, and he did have to admit that it was cool Sean was having fun. He even decided to give him some pointers to help him balance better.

Helping Kids See Other Points of View

Perspective is a choice. You get to choose how you react to experiences - how you respond to people who are different than you or who share differing opinions to yours. You get to decide how you see the world – and therefore the impact you will have upon it.

If that’s all true, then how can you introduce perspective to children and help them consider alternate points of view? I contend there’s one simple way to do it: by modeling it with your own behavior.

Kids are always watching and

always listening (except when you remind them to do their chores!). That means they learn from you even when you’re not aware you’re teaching anything. Seeing how you respond to events in your life helps shape how they will respond. Someone knocks over their milk at dinner. Do you get upset and bark, “Clean that up!” Or are you of a different mindset? “Accidents happen. Let’s clean it up and then we’ll finish our dinner.”

One way to help your children develop their points of view is by being mindful of the perspective you model in daily situations like the one above. You can also “think out loud” with your own experiences. Maybe you had a tough day at work. Talking about it and how you react to it can serve as a model for when your child has a tough day at school. When thinking out loud, consider questions like these:

• Could the situation have been different? Better? Worse?

• Did you have any control over what happened? If so, would you have done anything differently? If not, then what could you control within this situation? (Maybe the only thing you can control is your reaction!)

Perspective isn’t only important when we’re feeling bad or angry. Being able to see another point of view when things are good can be equally as important. For example, your child gets an A on his math test and is happy. He tells his friend and is kind of hurt when the friend mutters, “Yeah great. Good for you.” Why can’t he be happy for me too? your child wonders. But then he learns his friend got a D on the same test – even though he’s been working with a math tutor after school. This fact shouldn’t dampen your child’s happiness for his good grade; but it may help him understand why his friend isn’t as excited. In fact, it may also help him empathize with his friend.

Why Perspective Matters

Why does being able to look at other points of view even matter? Because the ability to see other perspectives

is one of the pillars of empathy. Perspective enables us to see other people’s points of view. Empathy is the capacity to not only see but also understand another person’s point of view; to walk in their shoes. Empathy is to understand another’s feelings and respond accordingly.

When I was in 4th grade, my family moved, and I started at a new school. One of my new classmates lived with rheumatoid arthritis. I didn’t really understand what that meant. Yet I remember many of the other children in my class treated her with kindness. To this day, I remember her running stiffly across the playground, knees barely bending. Still, she was never the last one chosen for a team during recess or gym class. What the other kids already knew was our classmate dealt with pain daily. Physical activity was hard for her; many days she couldn’t come to school at all. But what 4th grader doesn’t long to run around outside? Who doesn’t want to play games with their friends? Rather than laugh or exclude her, they learned to do the opposite: they pulled her into their games regardless of whether she’d be “good” or not.

The kids could have decided our classmate was a hindrance to winning. They could have decided winning was number one. Yet many of these children were able to understand that how she did or did not help their team wasn’t that important. They chose the perspective that helping our classmate feel included as a valued member of the team was the most important thing.

There is great power in perspective. The glass is either half empty or half full. Challenges are hard (Why me?!), but they can be opportunities to grow. Choosing how you wish to see the world will determine how you look to the world. Having an open mind to other people’s perspectives will broaden your own world view. Considering other points of view will also build compassion and empathy, thus shaping your character and strengthening the quality of your relationships with others.

ver the past few years, many devastating deadly stories have been plastered across the news, making school violence a hot-button issue for students, parents, school officials, and law enforcement. Just this year, 27 total school shootings have been accounted for across the country. Maryland itself has significantly contributed to this number in the past 50+ years, ranking in the top ten states with the most school shootings, per World Population Review.

To help curb this widespread violence, experts like Annette Anderson, deputy

director of the Center for Safe and Healthy Schools at the Johns Hopkins University School of Education, argue for a multifaceted procedure, like her "both-and-approach” method. “In a school, the most important position is that of the trusted adult. We have to empower every adult in a school building to be connected to kids,” she says. “It’s not just enough to put mental health resources in the building. You also have to train every adult, from the cafeteria manager to the maintenance person to the recess worker to the classroom teachers,” on how to best respond.

What’s Happening at School?

So with this approach in mind, what are Maryland schools, and the country in general, doing to combat these devastating crimes? According to a recent news release from the Maryland State Police, several resources have recently been initiated to curb school violence. One of these initiatives includes the Safe Schools Maryland (SSMD) anonymous reporting system. Through SSMD reports, individuals are able to anonymously and securely submit an anonymous report about a school safety concern. The forms can be accessed by calling 1-833-MD-B-SAFE, filling out

The Toll on Students and Faculty Part Two of a Series

By Kerrigan Stern

an online form, or by downloading the free Safe Schools Maryland app. For non-emergency safety concerns, reports can be made to the Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center by calling 1-800-492-TIPS.

School Safety Resource Officers

The addition of more School Safety Resource Officers (SSROs) is another strategy being used by Maryland schools to help curb school violence. In 2018, Governor Hogan implemented the Safe to Learn Act (STLA). “STLA required the State and local school systems to develop Behavioral Threat Assessment Model Policies, identify and report on the availability of mental health services for school-aged children, provide standardized SRO training, conduct school safety evaluations, and administer school safety grants,” according to the Maryland Center for

School Safety.

Training to be an SSRO is now in session and filled with numerous safety models that were updated in 2021. These expanded modules include De-escalation, Disability and Diversity Awareness, Implicit Bias, and Restorative Approaches. Additional programs have also been added to SSRO training as well: Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), Crisis Intervention, Dangers of Devices, Normative Adolescent Behaviors, and Understanding Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities.

One of the most significant tools SSROs use in their work is the new security systems placed in Anne Arundel County schools. According to spokesman Bob Mosier, almost ⅔ of the county’s schools have installed double-barrier entryways and classroom door lockdown devices to

add an extra layer of security—clear barriers to anyone trying to access restricted areas. “As we started our meeting, I noticed the door had a separate deadbolt lock with a big red button on it. When the meeting was over I examined the additional lock and realized it was an ‘active shooter’ defense measure—something certainly not a thought when I was in high school 10 years ago,” says George Shenas, the golf coach at DeMatha High School.

Expanding Access to Mental Health Resources

Additional safety devices like this can be used to detect suspicious activity and respond to a variety of crises— many of which deal with a student’s mental health. With the knowledge that a student's poor mental health can be a predictor of school violence, there has been widespread public

demand for the expansion of school mental health resources. As a response, the Biden administration enacted the FY2022 bipartisan omnibus agreement. Part of the agreement is the disbursement of nearly $300 million to help schools provide mental health services, especially for the most vulnerable of students. Additionally, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) signed by President Biden last month designates another $1.7 billion to improve mental health services in schools and communities.

Maryland is taking its own legal initiatives as well: “Maryland recently enacted an Executive Order titled the ‘Task Force Bill to Study Behavioral and Mental Health and Guidelines on Trauma-Informed Approach Bill.’ The Executive Order tasks the Maryland Commission with studying mental health, ‘including access to mental health services and the link between mental health issues and substance use disorder,’” according to the University of Baltimore law review.

Maryland has also established a new 988 crisis number where both emergency and non-emergency complaints can be reported. The line can be accessed by someone “experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, contemplating suicide, or worried about someone who may need crisis support,” says the Maryland Center for School Safety. The number directly connects to phone-based support and provides connections to local resources that can help students manage their mental health.

Safe Spaces at School

But part of the responsibility still lies on the schools themselves. "It seems as though public schools don’t take fighting seriously or threats of it seriously,” says an anonymous DeMatha sophomore. “I feel that if I think someone wants to hurt me, I should have a safe place to ask for help without the school bringing us both in

and them getting more mad because I am now a ‘snitch.’"

A lack of a safe space to openly talk is certainly one of the areas where Maryland needs the most work.

Currently, the number of counselors in each Maryland school falls below the recommended ratio: “Right now, staffing levels for counselors and psychologists in Maryland’s schools are poor. The American School Counselor Association recommends a studentper-counselor ratio of 250:1; Maryland’s current ratio is 327:1,” says the Maryland StateEducation Association. It hopes to change this with its Blueprint funding: “The Blueprint started to phase

in this funding in FY 2020, adding more every year until 2027 when a predicted 557—nearly one-third of all schools in the state—are projected to receive the COP grants.”

But with initiatives to curb school violence like the Blueprint Fund, Maryland continues to make strides toward safe schools for all students, like the Dematha sophomore: “All in all, I believe that public schools need to get to the bottom of violence before it escalates and [create] a safe environment to ask for help without having to worry about your parents knowing and the other person knowing you ‘snitched.'”

Openings in Ages 2, 4, and Kindergarten Age 3 at Capacity Before and After Care | Summer Sessions

The American School Counselor Association recommends a student-percounselor ratio of 250:1; Maryland’s current ratio is 327:1,”

—Maryland State Education Association.

P R I V A T E S C H O O L

O P E N H O U S E S

Schools are opening their doors this Fall and there’s never been a better time to attend an Open House. A school Open House is the best opportunity to view the campus, talk with administrators, meet the faculty and teachers, and get as much information about a potential school environment for your child(ren). Whether you are starting to look at preschools for your toddler or want to know more about a private school education, an Open House is the place to start so mark your calendars for these upcoming dates.

ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST SCHOOL

669 Ritchie Highway, Severna Park, MD 21146 410-647-2283 StJohnSPSchool.org

Open House Information: Fall Open House - November 8th

Winter Open House - January 31st

For more information, contact Lynne Fish at LFish@stjohnsp.org

St. John the Evangelist School provides a 21st century educational experience rooted in values, compassion, and nurturing. Faculty, parents, and school leaders work in collaboration to develop each child spiritually, academically, artistically, socially and physically in a nurturing environment that promotes living faith, academic excellence, leadership and service.

MONSIGNOR SLADE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

120 Dorsey Road Glen Burnie, MD 21061

MONSIGNOR SLADE EDU-CARE

124 Dorsey Road Glen Burnie, MD 21061 msladeschool.com

Open House Dates: November 11, 2022

8:30 - 10:30 a.m.

January 29. 2023

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Monsignor Slade Catholic School offers a faith-based, comprehensive curriculum to students in Pre-K2 - 8th grade with STREAM integration. We welcome all!

Rooted in Catholic faith, and committed to academic excellence our educators are dedicated to forming the whole child to know, love, and be a disciple of Christ.

OPEN HOUSES

OCTOBER 15 10 a.m - 12 p.m. 2.5 yrs - Grade 4

NOVEMBER 5 10 a.m - 12:30 p.m. Grades 5 - 12

Key is renowned for its rigorous academic program, which emphasizes inquiry-based learning and interdisciplinary studies, and produces unparalleled student outcomes.

But Key is more than just a school.

It’s a diverse community where students are transformed through authentic connections with their teachers and peers. It’s a training ground for winning athletic teams and talented artists. It’s a safe space where students take risks, self-advocate, and grow into ethical citizens and exceptional leaders.

Key School is one of the most sought-after college preparatory programs in Maryland because we are more than a school.

Experience the Key difference for yourself!

RSVP at keyschool.org

Destination: Shenandoah

Get to Know Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley

by Nancy Parode

Several years ago, our family moved to a military duty station in West Virginia’s Ridge-and-Valley Appalachian Mountains. We enjoyed exploring the Mountain State, and we also quickly fell in love with Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. It’s an amazing family destination, with so much to see and do that we needed several trips to the valley just to hit all the highlights.

For Maryland families, the Shenandoah Valley is an excellent getaway destination. Winchester, at the northern end of Virginia’s section of the valley, is just over two hours from Annapolis by car. Natural Bridge State Park, at the southern end of the Shenandoah Valley, is a four-hour drive from Annapolis.

Whether your family likes to experience the great outdoors, stroll along historic small-town streets, or delve into local history, you’ll find plenty of options in the Shenandoah Valley. For example:

Outdoor Adventures

Many visitors head to the Shenandoah Valley specifically for its outdoor activities. The world-famous Appalachian Trail passes through Shenandoah National Park on a course that is quite close to Skyline Drive, so hikers wanting to log some A. T. miles should consider a visit to the park. Mountain bikers can choose from over 300 trails in the valley. Adventure-seeking mountain bikers will want to seek out the George Washington National

Forest’s challenging trails, but there are plenty of easy trails to choose from elsewhere in the Shenandoah Valley. Massanutten Resort turns its ski area into a mountain biking park every summer and also offers over 30 miles of mountain biking trails on its Western Slopes. If water sports are more appealing, the Shenandoah River should be your first stop in the valley. Outfitters in Front Royal, Luray, Rileyville, Bentonville, and Shenandoah rent kayaks and canoes; some also offer rafting trips. (Tip: Be sure to ask about water levels before you book.)

Historic Downtowns

Whether you meander down Virginia State Route 11 or venture off I-81, diverting to a historic Shenandoah Valley downtown will invite you to slow down and see how each community has transformed itself to appeal to everyone who stops by. Staunton (pronounced “Stanton”) is home to the valley’s best-known historic downtown, but Woodstock, Old Town Winchester, Downtown Lexington, and many other communities in the Shenandoah Valley offer opportunities to explore unique shopping districts, have lunch at locally-owned restaurants, and learn about each town’s history.

Civil War Sights

With 11 battlefields and several museums to visit, Civil War buffs will appreciate the opportunity to experience the Shenandoah Valley’s Civil War history. The Virginia

throughout the entire Shenandoah Valley region, include Cedar Creek, Second and Third Winchester, and Port Republic (“The Coaling”).

Caverns

The most famous cavern system in the Shenandoah Valley is undoubtedly Luray Caverns, the largest caverns in the eastern United States. Front Royal’s Skyline Caverns is the Shenandoah Valley cavern system closest to Maryland. Families with young children should consider Shenandoah Caverns, which features an elevator to make the descent into the caverns more comfortable. Most of the caverns in the valley are quite well known, but Melrose Caverns in Lacey Springs, which recently reopened after a 53-year closure, is less famous. It’s worth a visit, however, not only because it’s less crowded, but also because Confederate soldiers hid in the caverns during the Civil War and left graffiti behind.

One-of-a-Kind Experiences

Shenandoah National Park’s iconic Skyline Drive, famous for its fall colors, is the only public road that runs through the

London’s Blackfriars Theatre, where William Shakespeare and the rest of James Burbage’s King’s Men performed indoors during the colder months. Take a step back in time and experience Shakepeare’s plays the way his own audiences did—in a lit theatre where rich folks got seat cushions and their social inferiors loitered near the stage.

Natural Bridge State Park encompasses land once owned by Thomas Jefferson, who purchased the acreage around the arched limestone rock formation in 1774. Today, the 215-foot high Natural Bridge is the centerpiece of the state park, but you’ll also find a Monocan Indian living history village, caverns, hiking trails, a children’s discovery area, and 30-foot-high Lace Falls. Bring fishing poles for the kids—children age 15 and younger are permitted to fish in Cedar Creek.

Staunton’s Frontier Culture Museum immerses visitors in the life and times of those who lived on the first American frontier—the Shenandoah Valley. Costumed interpreters demonstrate daily tasks and animal husbandry in an Eastern Woodland Native American hamlet, a West African (Igbo) village, 1600s and 1700s homes from England, Ireland, Germany, and 1740s, 1820s, and 1850s Shenandoah Valley farms. Children will enjoy interacting with the interpreters and searching for the two cats that live at the museum.

OCTOBER 15, 2022

Discover the rich and diverse culture of Native American Indians at this year’s in-person festival! Including Live Music, Drumming, Singing, Dancing, Storytelling, Interactive and Educational Exhibits, Demonstrations, American Indian Games, Live Birds of Prey, Traditional Food and Craft Vendors, Raffles, And More! Free. 10am-4pm. Patuxent River Park, Upper Marlboro. pgparks.com.

1 Saturday

A JURASSIC CORN MAZE & FALL FESTIVAL

Get lost in Everything Fall! Sat. & Sun. in October. $12.95 - $15.95. 10 am-7 pm Maryland Corn Maze, Gambrills. mdcornmaze.com.

BAYGRASS INAUGURAL MUSIC FESTIVAL

Oct. 1-2. This is a very special, beach-front music festival with a mission to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay through education, awareness and donations generated by a wonderful weekend of music and Annapolis. annapolisgreen.com.

BOO! FAMILY-FRIENDLY HALLOWEEN EXPERIENCE

Looking for a day out with the little monsters and goblins? Six Flags America is offering family-friendly fall activities in one place with no frights, just fun delights. Check website for dates. $39.99 - $74.99. 12-6 pm Six Flags America, Bowie. sixflags.com.

CORN MAZE

The Corn Maze starts Friday September 23rd and runs every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through October 31st. We will be open on Monday Oct. 31st for Halloween! 2-10 pm Carroll County Agriculture Center, Westminster. carrollcountyagcenter.com.

FRIGHT FEST, PRESENTED BY SNICKERS®

Experience the DMV’s largest and most horrifying Halloween event, Fright Fest, select nights in October at Six Flags America. $39.99 - $74.99. 12-10 pm Six Flags America, Bowie. sixflags.com.

HALLOWEEN EYE SPY TRAIN

Take a Halloween-themed ride aboard the miniature trains in Cabin John and Wheaton Regional Parks. Sat. and Sun. 11 am-6 pm Wheaton Regional Park, Wheaton. montgomeryparks.org.

LATINAS IN AVIATION: GLOBAL FESTIVAL

10 am-4 pm College Park Aviation Museum, College Park. collegeparkaviationmuseum.com.

LIGHT HOUSE PUMPKIN PATCH

Each October, the Friends of the Light House teams up with volunteers from local churches to host our fun Pumpkin Patch at St. Martin’s Lutheran Church on Spa Road. Free. Check website for dates. 10 am-6 pm St. Martin’s , Annapolis. friendslhs.org.

MARYLAND RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

The Maryland Renaissance Festival, a tradition for the entire family, is in its 46th season and runs Saturdays and Sundays through October out THINGS TO DO THIS MONTH

23rd. 10 am-7 pm MD Renaissance Festival, Annapolis. rennfest.com.

2 Sunday

ANNAPOLIS FIRST SUNDAY ARTS FESTIVAL

Visit booths showcasing jewelry, art, antiques, and more, every first Sunday of the month, from May to December. Food trucks and live music. Parking is easy around the festival. Free. 11 am-5 pm The People’s Park, Annapolis. firstsundayarts.com.

7 Friday

HALF-PRICE FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM

Overview Friday is your night! 5 pm National Aquarium, Baltimore. aqua.org.

NAVAL ACADEMY FORMAL PARADE

The Naval Academy Band leads the Brigade of Midshipmen onto historic Worden Field for a Formal Parade. 4-5 pm Worden Field, Annapolis. usna.edu.

8 Saturday

8TH ANNUAL ARTS IN THE PARK FESTIVAL

Free. 10 am-3 pm Chesapeake Arts Center, Brooklyn Park. chesapeakearts.org.

HIGGINS PET FAIR & CROFTON DOG SHOW

This is a benefit for the Spay Spa/Neuter Nook and AACSAVECATS programs in Davidsonville, MD. There will be pet related vendors, animal rescues and demonstrations. Free. 11 am-4 pm Village Green, Crofton. higginsandfriends.com.

THE HOPS & HARVEST FESTIVAL

The Hops & Harvest Festival returns to Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods for 2022. $45.00 - $50.00. 12-5 pm Symphony Woods, Columbia. hopsandharvestfest.com.

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY AT IRVINE NATURE CENTER- A FAMILY EVENT

Native American Indians have made, and

continue to make, lasting contributions to our nation in every arena. Help celebrate their achievements and learn about just some of their history. 11 am-3 pm Irvine Nature Center, Owings Mills. explorenature.org.

NO THYME TO COOK OCTOBERFEST

Join DSA and Friends for a full day of German Beer and food along with many vendors. Desperately Seeking Awesome will be providing live music entertainment. 11 am-7 pm No Thyme to Cook, Solomons. choosecalvert.com.

PATUXENT RIVER APPRECIATION DAY

Patuxent River Appreciation Day (PRAD) is an annual celebration of the Patuxent River. 10 am7:30 pm Calvert Marine Museum, Solomons. calvertmarinemuseum.com.

PRE-SCHOOL HALLOWEEN PARTY

Celebrate wildlife and Halloween with our PreSchool Halloween Party! Come in costume, play games, decorate a Halloween craft, and

have a tasty Halloween treat! $10.00. 2-3 pm Anita C. Leight Estuary Center, Abingdon. harfordcountymd.gov.

ROCKHALL FALL FESTIVAL

FallFest attracts thousands of visitors from across the eastern seaboard showcasing the quaint hamlet of Rock Hall as we celebrate our heritage as a waterman’s town. Free. 10 am-4 pm Main St at Sharp St, Rock Hall. rockhallfallfest.org.

GREATER MARYLAND HEART WALK

Our Greater Maryland Heart Walk has always been about coming together, getting hearts pumping, honoring survivors, raising lifesaving funds - and having fun along the way. 8 am-12 pm Maryland State Fairgrounds, Timonium. https://www2.heart.org/

9 Sunday

BROOKSIDE NATURE CENTER’S 60TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Brookside Nature Center is turning 60! Stop by Brookside Nature Center on Sunday, October 9, from 1 to 7pm to celebrate 60 years of memories. 1-7 pm Brookside Nature Center, Wheaton. montgomeryparks.org.

FAMILY CLAY DATES: HOT COCOA MUGS

1-3 pm Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Art Center, Dowell. annmariegarden.org.

FREE SECOND SUNDAY

Take advantage of free Museum admission every Second Sunday of the month. Explore the spacious Museum galleries and shop in the Museum Store, 12-5 pm. Free. 12-5 pm Maryland Historical Society, Baltimore. mdhistory.org.

NATIVE PLANT OPEN HOUSE SALE

We have been working hard all year to get a handle on our invasive jumping worm problem, which was brought to our attention last fall. 10 am-2 pm Annapolis. annapolisgreen.com.

FOSSILS FROM THE AGE OF MAMMALS

Nature Connections help you and yours explore and connect with nature. National Fossil Day is celebrated annually on October 12. Free. 12-4 pm Natural History Society of Maryland, Baltimore. marylandnature.org.

10 Monday

OCTOBER FARM TOUR

Come to the farm anytime between 10 AM and 1 PM Sign up for the hayride time you are requesting. $9.00. 10 am-1 pm Sharp Farm, Brookeville. sharpfarm.com.

11 Tuesday

MODEL SKIPJACK RACE

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum guests are invited to watch the Model Sailing Club’s 11 am-1 pm Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, Saint Michaels. cbmm.org.

13 Thursday

WEEMS & PLATH’S ANNUAL TENT SALESAILBOAT SHOW

Oct. 13-17. This annual event offers big bargains on discontinued, overstock and sample items, available throughout the United States Sail & Power Boat Shows. Free. 9:30 am-6:30 pm Weems & Plath, Annapolis.

15 Saturday

AMERICAN INDIAN FESTIVAL

Discover the rich and diverse culture of Native American Indians at this year’s in-person festival! Free. 10 am-4 pm Patuxent River Park, Upper Marlboro. pgparks.com.

NSO FAMILY: SLEEPOVER AT THE MUSEUM

Imagine spending your birthday at the museum! 2 pm Kennedy Center, Washington. kennedycenter.org.

HYATTSVILLE ZOMBIE RUN

The annual Hyattsville Zombie Run will be held in Driskell Park. Hyattsville, https:// runsignup.com/Race/MD/Hyattsville/ HyattsvilleZombieRun

20 Thursday

WHOSE LAUGH IS IT ANYWAY?

Whose Laugh Is It Anyway? (ages 9 - 18) Improv Comedy Workshop. They say laughter is the best medicine & this workshop will provide tons of it. 4:30-6 pm Children’s Theatre of Annapolis, Annapolis. cta.ticketleap.com.

22 Saturday

HALLOWEEN IN THE GARDEN

Join us for a family-friendly Halloween festival at our beautiful 30 acre park. With timed-entry tickets and activities spread out across the park, there will be lots of room for everyone. 10 am-4 pm Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center, Solomons. choosecalvert.com.

OLLIE’S NOT-SO-SCARY HALLOWEEN

Enjoy the season’s finest fun with trunk or treat, live animal encounters, hot cider, marshmallow roast, costume contest, and more! Purchase one of our pumpkins to race, other cash games. $5.00. 3-7 pm Anita C. Leight Estuary Center, Abingdon. otterpointcreek.org.

23 Sunday

FALL FESTIVAL - MARYLAND AVENUE

This free street festival features Arts, Crafts, Antiques, Home Decor, Live Music, Food Trucks, Children’s Activities, Halloween Pup Parade and much more! Free. 10 am-5 pm Maryland Avenue, Annapolis. mascma.com.

OUTDOOR STORYTIME AT HISTORIC SOTTERLEY

Stories, songs, and activities for children with their adult caregivers, outdoors at Historic Sotterley. Please register once per family group. Rain or shine! 10:30-11 am Historic Sotterley, Leonardtown. stmalib.org.

24 Monday FAMILY FISHING FUN!

Fishing is fun for the whole family and for all abilities! We’ll show you how to set up a simple bobber rig, bait your hook, and give you some tips on casting. $12.00. 10 am-12 pm Bethesda. montgomeryparks.org.

25 Tuesday

LUMINIS HEALTH FARMERS MARKET

The AAMC farmers market is open to the community and runs every Friday from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm through Oct. Annapolis. visitannapolis.org.

SCOOBY-DOO (2002)

2002; 1 h 26 m; PG for some rude humor, language, and scary action. $6.00 - $7.00. 7:30 pm Carroll County Arts Center, Westminster. carrollcountyartscouncil.org.

26 Wednesday

MIDWEEK: CALYPSO FUSION

STEAM-activated, arts-integrated orchestra concerts for students Pre-K through Middle School and beyond. Midweek Concerts are appropriate for all children, regardless of age. 10-11:30 am Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, Baltimore. my.bsomusic.org.

28 Friday

PUMPKIN WALK

Join us for our annual Pumpkin Walk! Come celebrate the spooky season with games, crafts and a costume parade around the mansion. 4-6 pm Hammond Harwood House, Annapolis. hammondharwoodhouse.org.

SPOOKTACULAR! AT LEXINGTON PARK

Grab your ghostly pals and don your best costumes for the revival of a St. Lexington Park Library, Lexington Park. stmalib.org.

29 Saturday

AUTUMN LEAF ART

Discover why leaves change color this time of year and then enjoy the peak fall color and crisp autumn weather as we gather leaves. We will then create an autumn work of art to take home. $10.00. 10:30-11:30 am Anita C. Leight Estuary Center, Abingdon. harfordcountymd.gov.

BELIEVE IN TOMORROW CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION - PORT TO FORT 6K

Get in the Halloween spirit and join our familyfriendly walk/run through historic Fort McHenry. Share a fun day with family and friends all while supporting Believe In Tomorrow. $15.00 - $35.00. 8:30 am Liberty Lot in Locust Point, Baltimore. runsignup.com.

COSTUME PARADE & DANCE PARTY WITH DJ JAMPIRE

Show off your outfit and be a part of a parade around the museum alongside Port Discovery staff and friends. Culminating in a dance party with a special music mix by our very own DJ Jampire! 1 pm Port Discovery Children’s Museum, Baltimore. portdiscovery.org.

DOG DAYS AT SHARP FARM

Saturday & Sunday October 29 & 30: - 6th Annual Dog Days At Sharp Farm No entrance fees, no parking fees & free hayrides & dog friendly! Free. 10 am-5 pm Sharp Farm, Brookeville. sharpfarm.com.

FULL MOON TOUR

Night was a perilous time in early America as thieves, wayward travelers, and even evil spirits lurked around the corner for our early ancestors. 6-7 pm Hammond Harwood House, Annapolis. hammondharwoodhouse.org.

MAYO FARMERS MARKET

Family friendly market with produce from local farms. Free. 4-7 pm Wild Kid Acres, Edgewater. instagram.com.

30 Sunday

THE 50TH BLACK STUDENT & LATINO STUDENT FUND SCHOOL FAIR

The Black Student Fund and the Latino Student Fund present the 50th Annual School Fair on October 30, 2022. Tickets are FREE. Free. 2-5 pm Walter E Washington Convention Center, Washington. eventbrite.com.

FLOATING INTO FALL CANOE

The marsh and uplands are putting on their “fancy clothes” for one final dance before winter. Enjoy the cornucopia of color from a creek perspective. $15.00. 12-2:30 pm Anita C. Leight Estuary Center, Abingdon. otterpointcreek.org.

HALLOWEEN PET PORTRAITS 2022

It’s back! In partnership with Just Walk, join us for a Halloween pet portrait in your pup’s favorite place! Options for portraits include either dog or family style. 11 am-3 pm Historic Congressional Cemetery, Washington. congressionalcemetery.ticketleap.com.

HALLOWEEN SCAVENGER HUNT

Don costumes and step into the forest in search of clues hidden at creature stations. Complete a word puzzle to earn a Halloween prize!

$12.00. 1-3 pm Anita C. Leight Estuary Center, Abingdon. harfordcountymd.gov.

To see daily events visit us online at ChesapeakeFamily.com/calendar.

costume contest for all ages! $25.00. 3pm. Riva Baptist Church, Davidsonville. lso-music.org/ event-details/halloween-spooktacular-3

OCTOBER 28

Ghosts, Goblins, & Ghouls!

Fall Fun All Month Long

Calling all ghosts, goblins, witches and ghoulies—it’s time for trick-or-treating and there are plenty of family friendly events taking place throughout the community! Mark your calendars with these fun Halloween events!

USNA Halloween Concert

Oct. 28-29. The USNA annual Halloween Concert is a spectacular event of music, light, drama, and dance. $10- $40. 7 p.m. USNA Chapel, Annapolis. usna.edu

Not so Spooky Skate

Skate in costume and trick or treat at the rink, participate in the costume contest, and do some Halloween crafts. $20.00. 4:30-6:30 p.m. Cabin John Ice Skate Rink, Bethesda. Montgomeryparks.org.

Pumpkins on the Green

We are excited to be back in person for this fun-filled “un-gala” featuring great live music, food, drinks and silent auction. 7-11 p.m. Irvine Nature Center, Owings Mills. explorenature.org/ pumpkins-on-the-green/

OCTOBER 29 ZooBooo!

ONGOING

Halloween Haunted Barn and Hayrides

Oct. 14-16; 21-23; 28. Scare up some thrills and chills at this haunted house and haunted maze and haunted hayride. 7pm-10pm. Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds, Crownsville. https:// aacountyfair.org/halloween-happening/

Bennett’s Curse Haunted House

Sept. 30, Oct. 1, 16, 23, 27, Nov. 4-5: 7pm9:30pm. Oct. 7-8, 30-31: 7pm-10pm. Oct. 14-15, 21-22, 28-29: 7pm-10:30pm. Nov. 5 is Black Out Night where you navigate the Haunted House in complete darkness! Four terrifying haunted houses all under one roof. Tickets can be purchased online or Cash Only at the Box Office. $25-$45. 7875A Eastpoint Mall, Baltimore. bennettscurse.com

Cornstalkers Trail of Terror

Oct. 1, 7-8, 14-15, Nov. 4-5: 7:30pm-10:30pm. Oct. 21-22, 28-29: 7:30pm-11:30pm. Oct. 23, 30-31: 7:30pm-10pm. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Five Attractions for 2022 – The Asylum, The Barnyard, Cornstalker’s Trail, Graves Farmhouse, and Hillbilly Homestead. $23-$27. Blue Crabs Stadium, 11765 St. Linus Drive, Waldorf. ebehaunts.com

Fright Fest at Six Flags

Starting September 24 through Oct 30, FridaysSunday, times vary. Trick-or-treat trails, pumpkin patch, hay maze, songs and dance with Monster Mash Bash, haunted houses, scare zones and more. $49.99 and up. Some attractions cost

extra. Six Flags America, Upper Marlboro. https:// www.sixflags.com/america/events/fright-festpresented-by-snickers

OCTOBER 15

Halloween Spooktacular with the BSO

Get ready for Halloween with a spooky performance with the BSO featuring music about goblins and ghosts, magic, and dancing! Come dressed in your favorite costume for this special performance, perfect for the entire family. 11am. Joseph Meyerhoff Performance Center, Balti more. my.bsomusic.org/overview/17578

OCTOBER 20

Garden Glow at Ladew Gardens

Oct. 20-22, 5pm-9pm. See a showcase of hundreds of creative jack o’ lanterns carved by artists, celebrities, dignitaries, local businesses, and friends and neighbors. $11-$35. Ladew Gardens, Monkton. ladewgardens.com/EventCalendar/Events-at-Ladew/Garden-Glow

OCTOBER 22 Halloween in the Garden

Timed entry tickets and fun activities including games, DJ dance party, and food truck. $5. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Annemarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center, Solomons annmariegarden.org/ annmarie2/content/halloween-garden

OCTOBER 23

Halloween Spooktacular

A family-friendly concert featuring music with spooky sounds, haunted harmonies and a

October 29–30, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Parents and kids of all ages are encouraged to wear costumes and bring trick-or-treat bags for trick-or-treating throughout the Zoo. Free with zoo admission. Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, marylandzoo.org/special_events/zoobooo/

Sanderson Sistah’s Tribute Trunk or Treat!

Come join Calvert Rainbow Alliance for our 3nd Annual Trunk or Treat. Either as a volunteer or just to join the fun, we welcome you! $8/ person. 3:30pm-8:30pm. Southern Community Center, Lusby. eventbrite.com/e/sandersonsistahs-tribute-show-and-trunk-or-treattickets-383520378777

Día de los Muertos Virtual Family Celebration

Bring the whole family to see exciting live performances from Ballet Folklorico Mi Herencia Mexicana, Mariachi Aguila DC, and Sol y Rumba. Enjoy face painting and our featured Día de los Muertos–themed crafts for all ages.11:30am3pm. Free. American Art Museum, Washington. americanart.si.edu

OCTOBER. 30

Animal Appreciation Day and Pet Parade

Family fun event for all ages and animals! Bring your pet all dressed up for Halloween. The parade starts at 2 pm. Must be registered by 1:45 pm. Free. 1-4 p.m. Historic Hancock’s Resolution, Pasadena. historichancocksresolution.org/events/ pet-parade

For a full ist of haunted happenings visit us online at ChesapeakeFamily.com.

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