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Plan Ahead For Your Favorite Fall Events!


Germantown Oktoberfest
 

It’s time to raise your stein and celebrate like they did in the old country – with a biergarten and lots of family fun. The Oktoberfest started with the celebration of the marriage of King Louis I of Bavaria, and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The community was invited by the royal family to celebrate in the public fields in front of the city gates. The day ended with horse races but the tradition continued year after year and became known as Oktoberfest.

Join us Saturday, October 5th from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm for lots of celebrating, including:
·         games and activities for kids
·         traditional German music and polka dancing
·         food and craft vendors
·         biergarten for adults age 21 and over

Oktoberfest is held at High Point Farm located at 23730 Frederick Road in Clarksburg, MD. For more information visit:  germantownoktoberfest.org or call 301-515-1589.


We Double Dog Dare You to Visit the Haunted Forest at Damascus Community Recreation Center


The ghouls are back at it! Bring your bravest friends and family members and come explore your wildest childhood fears! This haunted trail features over 50 creepy characters, more than 20 scare ‘stations’, and lots of spooky surprises.  Register today because this ghostly trail is only open for a few nights in October. Check out last year’s story in the Gazette! Fee is just $13 per person. For more information call 240-777-6840.

358909 Friday, October 11 from 7:30 – 10:00 pm
358910 Saturday, October 12 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm
358911 Friday, October 18 from 7:30 – 10:00 pm
358912 Saturday, October 19 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm
358913 Thursday, October 24 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm
358914 Friday, October 25 from 7:30 – 10:00 pm
358915 Saturday, October 26 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm


Countdown to the Thanksgiving Parade

Image credit: Dee Cee Real Estate

It’s almost time for one of the most exciting events of the season! The Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade will take place in Silver Spring on Saturday, November 23 stepping off at 10:00 am. Be sure to add this to your calendar and take public transportation if possible. The whole family will delight in watching the community come together with displays, marching bands, and huge balloons and inflatable characters . Emcee Brian Van De Graff of ABC 7/WJLA will announce the parade from the grand stand.  The parade will be televised on Channel 8 for those who can’t watch in person. The heads south on Georgia Avenue from Ellsworth Drive and Fenton Street, ending at Silver Spring Avenue.

MORE Halloween Fun Around the County


Spooktacular Costume Dance for Therapeutic Friends
Teens and adults ages 15 and up with disabilities can enjoy a safe, positive and festive Halloween celebration. Costume prizes will be awarded, so dress to win! We might even have special guests join including Spiderman, Snow White and Snoopy.
Course# 360768
October 26 • 7:00 – 10:00 pm
Holiday Park Senior Center
3950 Ferrara Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20906

Halloween Extravaganza in Silver Spring
Families of kids in kindergarten through grade 5 are invited to celebrate an early Halloween with us. Tons of activities including games, prizes, face painting, costume contest, crafts and more! Call 240-777-8090 for more information.
October 26 • 12:00 – 2:00 pm
East County Community Recreation Center
3310 Gateshead Manor Way, Silver Spring, MD 20904

Halloween Happening at Marilyn Praisner Community Recreation Center
Kids ages 12 and under will delight in this ghostly evening filled with games, crafts, music, dancing, and we might even have a few tricks (or treats) up our sleeves! Parents: please bring an unopened bag of candy with you.
Course# 367504 
October 25 • 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Marilyn Praisner Community Recreation Center
14906 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville, MD 20866

Halloween Club Friday at Lawton Community Recreation Center
Join us November 1st from 7:00 – 9:00 pm and please come in costume! Fee is free for Club Friday members or $5 for guests and we’ll have tons of fun for kids in grades 3 –6.
Lawton Community Recreation Center
4301 Willow Lane, Chevy Chase, MD 20815

Halloween Puppet Show at Ross Boddy Community Recreation Center       
Kids in grades K – 6 are invited to join in the magic of a spooktacular puppet show to kick off Halloween night! Show is free. 
October 31 • 6:00 – 7:00 pm.
Ross Boddy Community Recreation Center
18529 Brooke Road, Sandy Spring, MD 20860

Harvest Festival at Good Hope Neighborhood Recreation Center
Halloween day we’ll kick off a good old-fashioned harvest festival
October 31 • 5:00 – 8:00 pm.
Good Hope Neighborhood Recreation Center
14715 Good Hope Road, Silver Spring, MD 20905

Haunted House at Longbranch Community Recreation Center
Course #366208 
October 25, 2013 • 7:00 pm
Long Branch Community Recreation Center
8700 Piney Branch Road, Silver Spring, MD 20912

Halloween Party at Clara Barton Community Recreation Center
Sunday October 27 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm we’ll be celebrating Halloween a little early. This free event is perfect for families with kids ages 2 to 11.
Clara Barton Community Center
7425 MacArthur Blvd., Cabin John, MD 20818

National Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award


Image via Montgomery County Media Relations

Montgomery County Recreation Director Gabriel Albornoz has received the National Football League (NFL) Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award. The award is presented by Courtyard by Marriott during Hispanic Heritage Month in all 32 NFL markets nationally. The prestigious Hispanic Heritage Leadership Awards were created by The White House to honor notable Latinos who have distinguished themselves in various fields and made an impact on America and beyond. 

Albornoz was recognized onstage during a star-studded 26th Annual Hispanic Heritage Awards ceremony at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and was introduced by NFL Hall of Famer Anthony Muñoz. Additionally, Albornoz was recognized on the field at the Washington vs. Detroit game on September 22.

Albornoz has dedicated most of his career to fighting for children, youth and families across the Washington Metropolitan region. In addition to serving as director of Montgomery County Recreation, Albornoz has also been appointed by Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett to serve as co-chair of the County’s Positive Youth Development Initiative and co-chair of the Senior Sub-Cabinet. He was appointed by Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley to serve on the Commission for State Parks, as well as the Maryland Partnership in Nature Initiative. Albornoz also serves on the board of directors for the Collaboration Council for Children Youth and Families; St. Anne’s Home for Children, Youth and Families; and ischair of the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee.

Albornoz has earned a reputation for being steadfast and determined to safeguard services for the most vulnerable Montgomery County residents, including programs serving youth identified to be at a greater risk for academic failure and services to ensure that senior adults have ample opportunities to live independent and healthier lives. The award not only reflects the ongoing hard work of Albornoz but also is a testament to the commitment and value that Montgomery County places on the richness of all cultures.

Meet the Instructor: Yanni Nguyen and Vovinam Martial Arts




Montgomery County Recreation offers a huge selection of martial arts classes from Karate Do and Jujitsu to Aikido, Kendo, and something called Vovinam. We had the chance to talk to Vovinam instructor Yanni Nguyen to find out more about this unique form of martial arts.

Yanni Nguyen grew up in Vietnam and started taking Vovinam when he was 12. He explains, “Living in Vietnam it was very popular. While most other practices focus on one aspect: kicking, punching or throwing; Vovinam covers all of those areas and more.” In addition, Yanni describes Vovinam as “open source technology” that can be modified and changed by whomever is practicing. Each class will vary depending on the instructor and depending on what the student wants to contribute.

While Yanni practiced Vovinam all of his life, he started teaching about 3 years ago. “I used to have my own studio, but now I like partnering with Montgomery County (Recreation). They offer more locations that are convenient for people.”

Vovinam classes are 90 minutes including warm up, working on technique, working on form, and then time for sparring. Students have the opportunity to participate in competitions. While class has already begun, Yanni does accept late registrations. 

13 sessions, $129
362301 Thursdays at Darnestown Elementary School from 7:00 – 8:30 pm
362277 Saturdays at Eastern Middle School from 1:00 – 2:30 pm

14 sessions, $139
362293 Sundays at Plum Gar Community Recreation Center from 1:00 - 2:30 pm
362300 Tuesdays at Whetstone Elementary School from 6:00 – 7:30 pm

Rec FAQ: Can I Register For a Class That Has Already Started?



We know it happens. You check out The Guide online, you mark the day registration opens on your calendar, you might even set an alarm on your smart phone to register for that Fall class.
And you still miss it.
The good news is that Montgomery County Recreation DOES accept late registrations!

Here are the rules:
1. We cannot pro rate a class.

2. You can fax the registration form or bring it to the main office (4010 Randolph Road, Silver Spring, MD 20902) but you cannot register online

3. Some of our programs allow you to make up missed classes if you join late. This often depends on space availability and the type of class. If you see something you like and you missed the start date, call 240-777-6840 and ask!