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The first ever "Flea Market in the Park," held June 13 at the Wheaton Regional Park, was a huge success, said park officials. More than 50 area vendors and 400 shoppers filled the Wheaton Outdoor Rink for the flea market, prompting county Department of Parks officials to extend the operating hours for upcoming flea markets and add a date in September.

The new hours for the market are: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will be held on the following Saturdays: July 11, Aug. 8 and Sept. 12.

The Wheaton Outdoor Rink is located at 11751 Orebaugh Ave., next to the Wheaton Dog Park, just down the hill from the Wheaton Ice Arena in Wheaton Regional Park.

Admission and parking are free for shoppers. Vendors can rent a 10-by-10-foot space for $20 to sell their wares. Vendors should bring their own tables and chairs to set up at 7 a.m. To register as a vendor, sign up at www.ParkPASS.org under course no. 76801 for July 11; 76802 for Aug. 8; and 88449 for Sept. 12.

For more on the "Flea Market in the Park" at the Wheaton Outdoor Rink, visit www.WheatonIceArena

.com.

Downcounty libraries to hold Guitar Hero tournaments

The Wheaton, White Oak, Silver Spring and Long Branch libraries will each hold a Guitar Hero qualifying tournament this month to find the player best suited to represent each library in a countywide Guitar Hero tournament.

First up is Wheaton Library's tournament, held at 2 p.m. July 8 at the library, 11701 Georgia Ave. Next is White Oak's, which will be held at 2 p.m. July 9 at the library, 11701 New Hampshire Ave.

The Silver Spring Library, at 8901 Colesville Road, will have a tournament at 2 p.m. July 20. And finally, residents can compete at Long Branch Library, 8800 Garland Ave., at 2 p.m. July 22.

Winners of each tournament will receive a prize and represent the libraries at the final competition, which will be held at 2 p.m. July 30 at the parks department headquarters, 4010 Randolph Road in Wheaton. For more information, call 240-777-6985.

The competition, co-sponsored by the county Department of Recreation, is for age 12 and older. Snacks and drinks will be provided at each event.

SHA to begin resurfacing

on Route 193

The Maryland State Highway Administration announced this week it will begin resurfacing about two miles of road on University Boulevard (MD 193) between Veirs Mill Road and Arcola Avenue in Wheaton. The project will also upgrade pedestrian crossings with countdown signals at various intersections along University Boulevard.

During construction, motorists can expect single lane closures along University Boulevard between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, between 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and double-lane closures between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday.

The project should be complete by late summer 2010, weather permitting, according to an SHA press release.

For more information, call 301-513-7300 or 1-800-749-0737.

Area church

to hold blood drive

Hughes United Methodist Church, located at 10700 Georgia Ave. in Wheaton, is holding a blood drive from 2 to 8 p.m. July 13 at the church to replenish reserves in the Washington, D.C., area. Church officials say blood supply levels have been "critically low" in recent years. If donators bring a friend and register beforehand, each can receive a $5 Starbucks gift card. Call Deja Lockwood at 301-890-8902 to register.

Fourth of July fireworks to be held at Einstein High School

Celebrate our nation's birthday with live music, food and fireworks starting at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Einstein High School, 11135 Newport Mill Road in Kensington. Superflydisco, a regional disco band, will perform at 7:30, and balloon sculptures and roaming magic shows will be around for the kids. A fireworks display is scheduled to begin 9:15 p.m. Shuttle buses to Einstein High School will run from the Wheaton Metro and Westfield Wheaton Shopping Center starting at 6:15 p.m. and continue running until the fireworks site is empty.

Wheaton class of 1969

holds reunion

The Wheaton High School class of 1969 will hold its 40th reunion at Dutch's Daughter in Frederick from 7 to 10:30 p.m. July 17 and 6 to 11 p.m. July 18 and at Linganore Winery in Mt. Airy at 1 p.m. on July 19. For more information, e-mail Shirley McDonald at Shirley.mcdonald@mindspring.com.

Three consecutive nights of music in downtown Silver Spring

The "Friday Night Spotlight" concert series continues 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday with music from Latin jazz band Dual Rhythm at Silver Plaza on Ellsworth Drive between Georgia Avenue and Fenton Street in downtown Silver Spring.

The series will run every Friday through Aug. 14 and will feature a musical performance, face-painting and temporary tattoos, among other children's activities. For more information, visit www.downtownsilverspring.com.

The series accompanies the "Silver Spring Swings" concert series on Thursday nights. From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. this Thursday, The Fabulous Bel-Airs will play oldies music at Silver Plaza. The "Silver Spring Swing Series" runs Thursdays through Aug. 6.

And Saturday, Doctor's Orders will play pop, rock and Motown hits for a Fourth of July performance 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Silver Plaza. It is part of a concert series running every Saturday night through Aug. 8.

Wellness Workshops

at Brookside

Join instructor John Howley for "Tai Chi in the Garden," from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. eight Saturdays in a row: July 11, 18, 25 and Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 at the Japanese Tea House at Brookside Gardens. Fee is $100; registration is required by visiting www.parkpass.org and entering course number 67400.

Howley will lead this gentle activity for beginners and continuing students, which offers quiet and supple movements performed in a calm, peaceful manner. Soft-soled shoes and comfortable clothes are required.

Liz Chabra, a yoga instructor, will lead a half-hour walking meditation beginning at 7 a.m. July 12 at Brookside gardens. The walking meditation is simple to learn and can leave people feeling grounded and centered. Similar to sitting meditation, participants will use walking to create stillness and alleviate the stress, anxiety and disquiet that underlie many people's lives. Fee is $10; registration is required at www.parkpass.org by entering course number 65489. Meet at the Japanese Tea House at Brookside Gardens.

In the pristine quietness of the morning, soak in the sounds and smells of the outdoors with yoga instructor Liz Chabra from 8 to 9:30 a.m. July 12 at the Japanese Tea House in the gardens. Participants will use breathing techniques, visualization and yoga poses to follow a deep practice that opens hearts and replenishes energy and inspiration. All students must bring a yoga mat, block, strap and blanket. Fee is $30; registration is required by visiting www.parkpass.org and entering course number 65850.

Brookside Gardens is located at 1800 Glenallan Ave. in Wheaton. For more information, call 301-962-1400 or visit www.brooksidegardens.org.

Items for People and Places may be sent to Amber Parcher, The Gazette, 13501 Virginia Manor Road, Laurel, MD 20707. The fax line is 240-473-7501; or e-mail aparcher@gazette.net. Call 240-473-7563. Deadline is one week prior to publication.