Maryland Community Newspapers Online
DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville has opened its newly-renovated McCarthy Activity Center.
The center houses rehearsal classrooms, a music library, instrument storage, offices and individual practice rooms. More than 400 students are involved in bands, choruses, string ensembles and percussion ensembles.
Also this winter, the school will open its new 72,000-square-foot Convocation Center, which will have additional classrooms, physical education facilities, a bookstore and more.
Prince George's
nonprofit plans bike tour
Anacostia Trails Heritage Area, Inc., will host a bike ride and historic tour from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The ride, which starts and ends at Bladensburg Waterfront Park, will focus on the historical significance of the Anacostia River and river restoration efforts.
Planned routes include stops at Lake Artemisia, the College Park Aviation Museum, Greenbelt Historic District, Beltsville Agricultural Center and Montpelier Mansion. Participants can choose a 10-, 14- or 32-mile course.
For more information or to register for the ride, call 301-887-0777 or visit www.atha.com. Early registration is $20, and children under 12 are free.
Langley Park-McCormick students win essay contest
Three Langley Park-McCormick Elementary School students — Roxana Patricia Santos, Jessica Corvera and Brian Ezcurra — participated in the Teach For America contest.
Ezcurra won first place and a $500 savings bond. Corvera won second place and a $200 savings bond.
The students entered the contest last school year as fourth-graders under the direction of their teacher, Samantha Bustamente. The contest was sponsored by the Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity.
College showcase
at Prince George's mall
The Mall at Prince George's is hosting the sixth annual Prince George's Classic College Showcase from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday.
Admissions representatives from universities and colleges from around the country will be on hand to answer questions about undergraduate programs, financial aid and admissions.
The fair will also hold workshops on college planning, standardized test preparation, applying for scholarships and receiving financial aid.
The mall is located at 3500 East-West Highway in Hyattsville.
Visit www.mallatprincegeorges.com or www.princegeorgesclassic.com for information.
Street Smart Safety
program in Bladensburg
The Tae Kwon Do Ramblers are presenting a Street Smart Safety program from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Bladensburg Community Center, at 4500 57th Ave.
Clifford Thomas will lead a free self-awareness and defense seminar to teach participants personal safety techniques to use in dangerous situations. The two-part seminar will focus on techniques for parents and children and for women. Call 301-277-2124.
Hyattsville resident's grandson graduates basic training
The grandson of Hyattsville resident Dorothy King recently graduated from basic training at the Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.
Kenni King completed the intensive eight-week program in which he was trained in military discipline, physical fitness and basic warfare principles and skills. King also earned four credits toward an associate in applied science degree from the Community College of the Air Force.
King is the son of Loriann King of Hartsville, S.C.
Women's empowerment event planned for Glenn Dale church
The 2009 Women Empowered To Achieve The Impossible conference is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Reid Temple AME Church at 11400 Glenn Dale Blvd. in Glenn Dale.
The conference features Lonise Bias and Margaret Dureke.
The conference is $40 in advance or $47 at the door. The group rate for 10 or more people is $35 each.
The conference includes lunch, refreshments and entertainment.
E-mail info@margaretspeaks.
com or call Dureke at 301-864-2800 or Bias at 301-577-0071.
Elizabeth Seton Concert Choir to perform at federal department
Elizabeth Seton High School's concert choir will perform at the federal Administration for Children and Families annual awards ceremony at 1 p.m. Oct. 29. The choir from the Bladensburg school will sing the National Anthem and a second piece during the ceremony at the National Transportation Safety Board Conference Center.
Annual pumpkin pursuit run/walk in Bladensburg
The Rotary Club of Bladensburg is hosting its fourth annual Pumpkin Pursuit 5k Run/Walk on Oct. 31 at Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro. The club is accepting applications and sponsorships for the event, which will benefit the group's volunteer activities and programs.
Call David Walbright at 301-541-5009 or 301-917-7855 or e-mail
dwalbright@collington.com.
Conference aimed at helping residents cope in tough times
Prince George's County First Lady Leslie E. Johnson will hold a second "Coping in Extraordinary Times Conference" at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at Landover's Prince George's Sports and Learning Complex. The free conference will feature a series of workshops on topics such as financial management, health and wellness and gaining access to the county's recreational opportunities.
The conference is sponsored by Prince George's Women United To Help Others, which encourages women to use their strengths to become county leaders.