Lexington Park, MD – A community fundraiser to benefit Great Mills High School’s Recovery Programs is being planned for Wednesday, August 22. This collaborative Happy Hour Event will be held at The Reluctant Navigator Restaurant at 18521 Herring Creek Road in Tall Timbers from 5 to 8 p.m. This will be a fun night of socializing, movie-watching and hobnobbing with neighbors, friends, and filmmakers. Tickets are $20 cash at the door and will include a special plate of Chef Keith’s heavy hors d’oeuvres and the screening of 4 short films reflecting life in St. Mary’s County.  (A Cash Bar will be available.) $10 of each ticket purchased will be donated to GMHS.

The four short films and the filmmakers are as follows: (52 minutes total running time)
“Historic St. Mary’s County Life” by Alex David is a Saturday Night Live parody that highlights the best parts of county life. “In Passing” by Bittnarie Shin. Friends meet after many years to attend the funeral of a mutual friend. This particular film is significant because it was filmed on location right at Tall Timbers Marina in December of 2016. The writer/director and the producer were students at Columbia University in New York City. The film enjoyed its premiere at the 30th Annual Columbia University Film Festival at Lincoln Center in New York City in May, 2017. “Memories of Leonardtown” by Kennedy Abell. This film is a recollection of memories illustrated through drawings of Leonardtown from decades past by Mr. Abell himself. Great Mills Strong by Ed Winson Delmoro. This film is a documentary featuring the efforts to heal and support a community as it returns to learning. In Passing, Memories of Leonardtown, and Great Mills Strong were part of the 2018 Southern Maryland Film Festival held in Leonardtown July 13-14. In Passing and Great Mills Strong were both nominated for the SMDFF Jury Award. Seating at The Reluctant Navigator is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot before Aug. 15 or as soon as possible by calling Lois at 240-925-9797. This event is sponsored by The Reluctant Navigator Restaurant, local filmmakers, and friends and neighbors of Great Mills High School.

Shakespeare In the City
If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, come on out to St. Mary’s City for Romeo and Juliet – a great show in a beautiful location. Shakespeare productions are produced in partnership with Historic St. Mary’s City and the Newtowne Theatre. Shows are scheduled rain or shine for August 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. outdoors at HSMC on the State House Lawn. For more information and to order tickets visit this web site.

Twin Beach Players’ Kids Playwriting Festival
Celebrating its 20th theatre season, Twin Beach Players (TBP) presents the 13th Annual Kids’ Playwriting Festival. Six plays will be produced, directed, and will star the youth membership Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from August 10 through 19. This year’s winning plays include real life situations, many of which are experienced by children daily, and are quite personal to today’s youth. The Director is Sherry Lehnen.  Tickets are priced at $7 each. For more information, you may contact 443-646-3878 or the TBP web site. Performances are held at the Boys’ and Girls’ Club on Dayton Avenue in North Beach. Twin Beach Players is a non-profit 501(c)3.

Historic Sotterley Plantation
On Friday, Aug.17, the gates open at 6 p.m. and music stats at 7 p.m. The Barn Bash and Craft Beer Tasting with live music by the Country Memories Band. Advance tickets are $20 which includes admission, a signature pint glass and four (4 oz.) tastings. You may purchase additional tasting tickets on-site. A limited amount of tasting/admission tickets may be available at the Gate for $25 each. Advance NON-taster price is $15 which includes admission. Admission is free for children under age 5. For an additional $10 you may upgrade to receive double-tasting tickets and one hour early entry to the party. You may order tickets online at www.sotterley.org.
Saturday, August 18, 9 p.m. – Midnight: Bring a picnic blanket, the bug spray, and a flashlight and come out for this family-friendly event featuring the Southern Maryland Astronomical Society. Pajamas are welcomed at this free event. Weather conditions such as rain or cloud cover could potentially affect this event so be sure to check the Historic Sotterley FB page for the “it’s a go” message by 2 p.m. that day. For more information contact 301-373-2280, or www.sotterley.org.

Send your items for Parks and Points to LynnieBDavis@gmail.com