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Holiday 2011

Friday, December 30, 2011

Middle School Students Get Donuts for Christmas

Who was behind it? The Transformers! No, not the alien robots franchise.

What Are You Doing for New Year's Eve?

Are you staying in and going to sleep early?

  New Year's Eve is a big time for parties and other extravaganzas. But some people just like to stay in. What are you doing for New Year's Eve? If you're looking for celebrations around Montgomery County, check out our New Year's Eve guides on the Wheaton Patch, the Silver Spring Patch, and the Bethesda Patch. And don't forget that if you're out on the town in D.C., you can get a safe ride home for free through the SoberRide program. Happy New Year!

AAA Offers Safe Rides Home for New Year's Eve

Take a free cab in D.C. if you're feeling tipsy.

During the last decade, the highest number of alcohol-related traffic fatalities occurred on New Year’s Day, according to a study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. And even though D.C. wasn't rated as one of the top 25 drunkest cities in the United States, there will likely be a lot of imbibing happening in the DMV. That can make getting home safely tricky, but there is a way back if you find yourself without a designated driver and with empty pockets. Although AAA is not offering their tipsy tow program in any of the Mid-Atlantic states this New Year's Eve, adult partygoers in the Washington area can take advantage of the SoberRide program, which is co-sponsored by the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP). On Dec. 31, from …

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Donation Helped Wheaton’s Veterans Enjoy Special Christmas Dinner

National charity Mercy for Me donated $500 to two Wheaton organizations.

More than 50 Wheaton area veterans were able to enjoy a Christmas dinner this year partially due to the generosity of Mercy for Me, a national organization dedicated to helping veterans who are experiencing financial hardship. Mercy for Me donated $250 each to the American Legion Post 268 and VFW Post 2562 in Wheaton.   Chris Crismond, Post 268’s Commander was thrilled with the offering “It was a nice event, and we were able to welcome about 35 people." The Post shopped at area wholesalers to get the best deals, and actually had some of the donation left over. “The $250 was more than enough, and we plan to use it to feed people on New Year’s Day” Crismond said. Mercy for Me is a national organization, but is based locally in Bethesda.  …

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

County Offers Christmas Tree Recycling

Mulch from county-recycled trees can be picked up in February.

  It’s the second day after Christmas and for some, the ever-green decorations of holiday cheer are devolving into a drab-brown, needle-dropping mess. Take charge of the situation before your happiness starts drooping along with the ornaments. Montgomery County will give residents the opportunity to recycle Christmas trees through February. Trees should be placed on the curb by 7 a.m. on the day of your regular recycling schedule. All decorations should be removed from the tree prior to collection. Trees with root balls are considered “live” and cannot be collected as part of the county’s regular recycling program. Artificial trees will not be collected, but can be donated to area charities. After collection, the trees are shredded into …

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Track Santa's Route Around the World

Use the map to find out when Santa will reach Wheaton.

  If you want to track down Santa Claus in Wheaton during December, just follow the lines of children to the Wheaton Mall. But Santa Claus does not come to just Wheaton; he visits children all over the world. Jolly St. Nick sees you when you're sleeping and knows when you're awake...but who's watching Santa? For 364 days out of the year, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) spends its time tracking airplanes, missiles, space ships—anything flying near the United States and Canada.  But on Christmas Eve, a team of volunteers spends the night tracking a very special pilot: Santa Claus.  "We are the only organization that has the technology, the qualifications and the people to do it," NORAD said on its website. "NORAD tracks …

Guide to Christmas Eve Services in Wheaton

Check our events section for Christmas morning services as well.

  Here is a list of local churches holding Christmas Eve services. Click through for more specifics about time and location: A list of candlelight services: Additional services in the surrounding area: This is by no means a comprehensive list, so if you do not see your church's Christmas Eve service, please share it in the comments section below. Thank you!

Friday, December 23, 2011

Dining Out on Christmas Eve in Wheaton

Had enough of holidays at home? Try out one of these great places Saturday night.

Whether you need a break from all of the holiday hoopla at your house, like to celebrate out on the town or just flat-out don’t feel like cooking, Wheaton offers a number of places to eat this holiday weekend. Patch scoured the streets to bring you this selection of Wheaton restaurants that will be open Christmas Eve: Christina Ristorante Italiano – Take a tour of Italy without leaving Wheaton! Open from 4:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., Christina’s will offer a selection of Chef’s Specials - fish, veal, chicken and pasta dishes, priced from $18.00-25.00. Reservations are recommended and can be made at 301-942-4137. Paul Kee –Tagged as one of the Washington Post’s “Five Options for Christmas Dining,” expect this Christmas Eve favorite to be busier …

Photos: Wheaton Businesses Decked Out for the Holidays

Which business in Wheaton does the best job decorating for the holidays?

      The Wheaton downtown area does not have its own holiday lights, but some businesses put on a show anyway. Patch found the IHOP on Grandview Avenue and Nava Thai on Fern Street, and we're sure there are others. So, what do you think - Which business in Wheaton does the best job decorating for the holidays? Tell us in the comments and upload your own photos. If you enjoy looking at holiday lights (or decorating your own home!), check out our Deck The House contest and vote for your favorite photo!

Montgomery County Christmas and New Year's Holiday Schedule

Find out what's open and what's closed in Montgomery County.

The following Montgomery County government offices will observe this schedule during the upcoming holidays: 

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