School's out for the ......

Well, here we go. "Summer" launches this weekend. As an aside, were reminded of that this morning when we peered between our toes to see a commercial crabber yards off shore, staring back at us. Skulking into clothing I then did the morning ritual of chasing the ducks from the pool deck and cleaning up after them. It’s always something. Anyway...

Last night we went over to Great Mills High School to attend the “premier” of a film/video about the desegregation of that school in the late 50’s entitled “With all Deliberate Speed: One High School’s Story” It documented the story of the first black students to attend Great Mills, and then graduated in ’59. They went pretty much at the direction of their parents (kids obeyed parents then) which meant they left Carver (an all black school here in Lexington Park) and went to the then all white Great Mills. Quite the dynamic leaving a comfortable situation venturing into an unknown and potentially hostile situation. Many of the people involved were present, and there was a little panel discussion following the film where they further shared their experiences. Without venturing into politics, let’s just say that St. Mary’s County didn’t exactly embrace diversity. It wasn’t until the late 60’s that the school was truly integrated. The film was produced by Dr. Merideth Taylor, who is the chair of the Music, Theater, etc., department at St. Mary’s College. She is very active in preserving and documenting the history of African Americans here in St. Mary’s County, and has produced some excellent books and dramas. Keep and eye out.

And along with “summer” comes more events than you can possibly attend. This weekend is huge. On the menu:

Tonight:

The inaugural River Concert at St. Mary’s College, and will kick off Maryland’s 375th anniversary celebration. The music of the 1600’s will be featured along with the world premiere of “Terrae Mariae – A Creation Story”. And a special guest appearance of “O’Malley’s March” a Celtic Rock Group featuring the governor without his gov’s hat. Quite the event. See and be seen!

Tomorrow is jam packed.

An all day (10 – 5) 375th Birthday celebration at Historic St. Mary’s City, a free birthday party, with all the exhibits open and interpreters present. Musical offerings from local favorites, really neat important historical documents on display (like copies of the Charter), free boat rides on a skipjack, tall ships present, games and construction projects for the kids, an actual archeological dig to see, Indian dancers, food for everybody (including a booth from the Ruddy Duck), and another River Concert in the evening (sans the gov.)

In Lexington Park will be the annual “Juneteenth Celebration” in freedom park, commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. On June 19th, 1985 Union soldiers arrived at Galveston, Texas with the news that the war had ended and the enslaved were now free. Great music, food, and performances. The above mentioned Meredith Taylor is very active in the Unified Committee for African-American Contributions which puts on the celebration every year.

At Jefferson Patterson Park will be the African-American Family Community day, more gospel choirs, wagon rides, tennis lessons (?),

For you car fans, there will be a PINKS event at Budd’s Creek. I have no idea what PINKS is, but it appears very popular.

Oh, yeah, there’s also the rain plagued US Open at Bethpage.

And, happy father’s day Dad, you’ll need the day to recover..

Pick something and DO IT!!!

Too bad there’s nothing to do in Southern Maryland..

DFD (and for the weather which is supposed to be summer like as well)