Try Something Different Next Week in Silver Spring

February? Already? Wow – 2012 is flying! Silver Spring home owners can enjoy an abundance of terrific places to go and things to do right here in our area. Here's a look at just a few of the possibilities available for your enjoyment during the upcoming week:

On Saturday, February 4 (2:30pm), head to the Wheaton Library to join the “royal elders” and musicians of a typical West African village! Native Ghanaians Kofi Dennis and Kwame Ansah-Brew offer an exhilarating and memorable performance of traditional music, storytelling and dance. Through “call and response” songs, games and drum rhythms on authentic instruments, Anansegromma of Ghana offers an engaging, first-hand exploration of West African cultural traditions.

Come out Sunday, February 5 from 12-4:30pm for the National Capital Trolley Museum Celebrates Black History Month festivities. The special exhibit, "Jim Crow on Streetcars,"
tells the stories of both 19th and 20th century efforts to establish racially segregated transit and to resist its establishment. The cost is museum admission: $7 adults, $5 youth. The National Capital Trolley Museum is located at 1313 Bonifant Road in Colesville.

Worry about your computer's security? On Monday, February 6 from 7-8:30pm, you'll want to attend the Connection Cafe Workshop: I know your computer password! You may be using your pet and/or kids names, or something like that. There are better alternatives, and you owe it to yourself to check them out. The Connection Cafe is located at the Poolesville Presbyterian Church, 17800 Elgin Rd. For more info, contact wbmattes@yahoo.com.

If you're starting your spring cleaning a little early, take note! Walter Johnson High School is accepting donations of gently used books on Tuesday, February 7 for the All School Booster Club Used Book Sale fundraiser. Deliver boxed items to the school main office from 7am to 7pm at 6400 Rock Spring Drive in Bethesda. Music CDs, audio books, and movies in DVD/VHS formats are also accepted. No magazines, software, games, textbooks or encyclopedias. Sale will be Saturday and Sunday, March 3-4, from 9am - 2pm at WJHS. Proceeds support all extracurricular activities. Donations are tax deductible.

Celebrate Black History Month on Wednesday, February 8 from 10:30-11:30am with KIDS DAY OUT: The Greatest Stories Never Told: How Old is a Hero? Young People of the Civil Rights Movement. This inspiring play, created for the nation's Museum on the Mall, features African American heroes of the twentieth century. Explore the power of youth and meet three courageous heroes who helped shape history during the civil rights movement. Hear the compelling experiences of Ernest Green, the first black student to graduate from an integrated high school; Claudette Colvin who, months before Rosa Parks, refused to give up her seat on the bus; and six-year old Ruby Bridges, who won equal rights before she could read. This event will be held at Harmony Hall, 10701 Livingston Rd. in Fort Washington. Contact lawrence.knowles@msn.com for more information.

Are you new to the US? On Thursday, February 9 from 6-8pm (and every Thursday through March 15) Take part in FREE Citizenship Preparation Classes. Intermediate-level English is required. Come to the Upcounty Regional Services Center, 12900 Middlebrook Road in Germantown, or contact patricia.larson@montgomerymd.gov for details.

Are you suffering from cabin fever? On Friday, February 10, spring begins in February in the Conservatory when plants that flower in cool temperatures and short day length bring color and fragrance to the dark days of winter. Plants from tropical climates, like Cymbidium orchids, various Citrus cultivars, winter Jasmine and African Melianthus major add global representation to the collection of plants on display. Many of the permanent plants also flower in the early months adding to the riot of color in the season display beds. Come to Brookside Gardens at 1500 Glenallan Ave. in Wheaton from 10am-5pm for a breath of spring! Contact leslie.mcdermott@montgomeryparks.org for more information.

Emcee Arah - "the REALTOR with Architectural Dimension" – is both a Certified Distress Property Expert (CDPE) and a Certified Investor Agent Specialist (CIAS). He is uniquely equipped to assist you in navigating today's residential real estate market. Contact us online or by phone at (301) 452-5252. And don't forget to leave your comments on our Facebook page – we'd love to hear from you!