An Eventful Few Days

As I said on Rockville Central Radio last Friday, the list of events scheduled for this past weekend was very long! Here’s a rundown of what's been happening in Rockville.

The “Spring Fling” at Maryvale Elementary School was a real community occasion in the summery sunlight last Saturday. The kids went from playing games to riding horses with rock cover songs in the background. The middle school band, Medow, had t-shirts and a fan base. Kids lined up to be dunked in the dunk tank. With the heat they really should have been charging for the dunk rather than throwing the ball at the target! Squeals of happiness could be heard from little ones going on the giant slide after the moon bounce and trackless train. Personally, I was more than slightly dizzy after spinning in the tubs! Sometimes when you go to an event at a school that is not your own with unfamiliar faces you feel out of place, but the Maryvale “Fling” is just like a real old-fashioned carnival creating a great time for everyone.

At the Croydon Creek Nature Center “Spring Festival” also on Saturday, people were in and out all afternoon. The native plants were all sold in a half hour! If you sign up for the mailing list, you will be notified about preordering the plants next year. The Raptor Conservancy of Virginia presentation was standing room only. A cute little Eastern Screech Owl was brought out, but he was not the new resident of the Nature Center, who was in the back offices getting acclimated to the new surroundings in peace away from the crowds. The bees were a buzzing and the honey-making process was explained. Kids made a nature craft and learned about City environmental programs. Out on the back porch you could get a free sno-cone and tree seedling. Many took advantage of the naturalist led hikes on the trails. The Center was bursting with activity.

Although the weather turned colder and overcast on Sunday, everyone still enjoyed Science Day at Montgomery College. The rocket launches and pigeon release were outside, while inside there were many interactive displays. The student-designed robots moved and swept foam balls. Microscopes showed the details of creek critters. Snakes and monitors were on display with tortoises, which could be touched. Mars was seen through 3-D glasses. Kids continually lined up to land the space shuttle in a simulator, but when it was our turn, we unfortunately crashed it into the swamp! My son is still carrying around the feather he received from the Animal Exchange after answering three questions about birds. Parents were as interested and excited as the kids.

Last night The West End played Austin Grill to raise funds for the Beall Elementary School anthology. So many people turned out that every table was taken and supporters were still lined up at the door. An early start time made for a family event. The band skillfully played through all their favorites for an appreciative audience of both new and old fans. These Beall parents really know how to rock!

This Thursday’s Weekend to Weekend will be just as packed with activities, as the warm weather brings lots to do in Rockville.