Around Town Community Calendar

The American Legion Auxiliary of La Plata, Whodunnit for Hire, and Middleton Hall team up to present "Sinister Speakeasy," the 1920s-themed murder mystery dinner party. Proceeds will go to Warfighter Advance, which helps veterans suffering with post-traumatic stress. Featured will be a three-course meal and $5 drink specials.

The event will feature “Porgy and Bess: A Concert of Songs,” starring Kevin Short, bass-baritone, and Marsha Thompson, soprano, as well as the Carter Legacy Singers.

Come out and support the event’s third-graders through eighth-graders as their 10 weeks of learning will culminate in a celebratory 5K.

The STEM Center will open its doors to the public for tours, informational sessions, and hands-on STEM activities. Staff will be on site to answer any and all questions you have about any growingSTEMS programs. Registration information will be available for the robotics programs, which are open to students from 4th to 12th grade.

Active-duty military and their dependents are invited to spend the day enjoying Sotterley with complimentary site and house tour admission. Please show your military ID at the Visitor Center.

Dinners include 4 pieces of fried chicken, green beans, parsley potatoes, and a roll for $14. A bucket of fried chicken with 8 pieces and 4 rolls is also available for $14. Bake sale, 50/50 and cash raffles available as well.

The Sierra Club will also be meeting on the last Tuesday of June and July. Attendees can learn about opportunities to volunteer, upcoming events, and goals for the year.

Two Rivers Harmony and The Opera Guys present an evening of "songs that … are old and new, songs that got away and songs that …" enough said. Seating is limited so reservations are recommended. Ticket cost is $10 prepaid or $15 at the door.

The event offers a selection of homemade, handmade, vintage, or baked items. The volunteer-run Summerseat Farm organization is dedicated to protecting and preserving the estate with its natural resources and agricultural history and historic research; educational programs; and sharing its story. Summerseat is supported by fund-raisers, donations, and memberships.

Designed for preschool-age children 3 to 5 years old with an accompanying adult. $4 per child ($3 for Friends members); one accompanying adult free. Full-day admission included. Meet at The Shop at Farthing's Ordinary.

The event is a day of song circles and acoustic jamming, followed by an evening concert, dinner, and contra dancing. Bring your preferred instruments and/or your favorite songs to the afternoon song circles – or just come to listen. In the evening, dinner will be available along with music from four bands, including Sarah and Lauren Brenzo, Recycled Bluegrass, Fair Warning, and Robby Wilson and Friends. The evening contra dance will feature caller Slim Harrison and the Bushwood Mill Band (contra dance beginners welcome). Purchase a discount admission and dinner package.

Featured will be gently used items, tools, and antiques. Free admission; free parking.

The morning kicks off with registration, a tournament gift, pre-tournament continental breakfast, and putting contest. The event includes lunch on the course, complementary beer and beverages, and interactive contests. A reception follows the day on the links with awards for the contest winners and top three teams. This year's tournament will help fund the Medical Center's plans to construct and equip the new Julie and Bill Dotson Center for Breast Health.

The morning kicks off with registration, a tournament gift, pre-tournament continental breakfast, and putting contest. The event includes lunch on the course, complementary beer and beverages, and interactive contests. A reception follows the day on the links with awards for the contest winners and top three teams. This year's tournament will help fund the Medical Center's plans to construct and equip the new Julie and Bill Dotson Center for Breast Health.

Learn the true and fascinating stories behind the myths and legends that have grown up around pirates. This workshop is filled with hands-on activities that explore the lives of pirates, their punishments, and weapons. Designed for children age 11 to 14 years old. $30 per child ($25 for Friends members). Payment in full is required at time of registration. Space is limited.

Opening ceremonies begin at noon followed by African dancers, face painting, food, gospel singing, pony rides, monuments, vendors, and performances by Art Sherrod, Stacy Lattisaw, and Latrice Carr.

8th annual celebration of beer brewing in Maryland. Local craft breweries, food vendors, displays, kids activity tent, arts and crafts, and live local music. Discount tickets for designated drivers.

Menu includes Crab Cakes, Fried Chicken, Country Ham, Potato Salad, Cole Slaw, Green Beans, Beets, and Rolls. Cost is $26 for adults, $6 for children age 7 to 12, free for children age 6 and younger, and $26 for drive-thru carryouts. Featured will be a Bake Table, Country Store, and Raffle.

History is so much more than dates, names, and places. It’s architecture, food, clothing, and much more. During the camp, kids will dig in the river for clay, make wooden nails, bake the colonial way, and make felt. Designed for rising fifth- and sixth-graders. The camp is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Cost is $140 per child ($130 for Friends members). Payment in full is required at time of registration.

Doors open at 11 a.m. to view items prior to auction. Auction begins at 1 p.m. Meet Pinch, the mascot of the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. Lunch and ice cream will be featured. The United Methodist Women's Sarah Circle will have their Rada Cutlery for sale and the Circle of Friends will have baked goods for sale. All donations for the auction are tax-deductible, and a letter will be provided upon request. Funds raised will go towards various ministries.

Gates open at 9 a.m. Wednesday, August 8. Food, ice, beverages, and ice cream will be for sale. Crafters and other non-food vendors can rent spaces—call to reserve a space. Below are the performers scheduled.

Thursday:

• 15 Strings
• Feinberg Brothers  
• Ralph Stanley II and the Clinch Mountain Boys

Friday:

• Dave Peterson and 1946
• Farm Hands
• Williamson Branch
• Joey Tippett and the California Ramblers

Saturday:

• Larry Stephenson Band
• David Parmley and Cardinal Tradition
• Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers
• Mickey Galyean and Cullen’s Bridge
• Cousin’s In Harmony

The walk aims to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Learn about Alzheimer’s disease, advocacy opportunities, clinical studies enrollment, and support programs and services from the Alzheimer’s Association and join in a tribute ceremony to honor those affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Sign up as a team captain, join a team or register to walk as an individual. Participation is free. Walkers are encouraged to raise funds.

Adult spectator fee is a $3 donation. Children 12 and younger are admitted free. Trophies for the top 30 and 5 specialty awards vehicle. Competitors must be registered be 4 p.m. to be judged, and awards will be presented at 6 p.m. T-shirts will be presented to the first 20 cars, trucks, or motorcycles through the gate. All entrants will receive dash plaques. Featured will be DJ music, blessing of the cars, vendors and food. Competitor registration is $15 in advance and $20 at the gate. Advance registration form must be postmarked by August 19. Interested vendors can call Trish Herriman at 301-247-4212, and vendors must be pre-registered and approved.

The walk aims to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Learn about Alzheimer’s disease, advocacy opportunities, clinical studies enrollment, and support programs and services from the Alzheimer’s Association and join in a tribute ceremony to honor those affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Sign up as a team captain, join a team or register to walk as an individual. Participation is free. Walkers are encouraged to raise funds.

Proceeds benefit the United Methodist Men ministries. Included is half a Barbecued Chicken, Baked Potato, Applesauce, Green Beans, Cole Slaw, Roll, and Snack Cake. Cost is $15 per dinner. Dinners are packaged to go, but you are invited to dine at the picnic tables or in the Fellowship Hall. Bake sale sponsored by the Girl Scouts.

Annual celebration of the local oyster industry. Includes the National Oyster Shucking Competition and Oyster Cook-Off. Food vendors of all kinds, beer and oyster tasting, live music and children's entertainment, and craft vendors. Admission is $10 for adults and free for children age 12 and younger.

Gates open at 11 a.m. Featured will be Danny Paisley and the Southern Grass, the Traveling Highlanders, Jay Armsworthy and Eastern Tradition, the Dixie Ramblers,
15 Strings, and Joey Tippett and California Ramblers. Tickets are $25 advance and $30 at the gate. Craft vendor spaces are available.