Gaithersburg High School Students with Special Needs Celebrate the Official Opening of Their Butterfly Sensory Garden

Per the Rotary Club of Gaithersburg:
While the world hopes for an end to the Covid19 Pandemic, Rotary Internationala humanitarian service organization dedicated to world peace and understanding – works to make it a reality by providing a place for people to gather outdoors in nature while restoring habitat for the Monarch Butterfly.  The Rotary Club of Gaithersburg has provided funding and volunteer hours to assist dedicated teacher, Elizabeth Nardin and her students with a special native outdoor learning space for all to enjoy. Gaithersburg High School Students will Save Monarch Butterflies and improve mental health in their community.

The special needs students in the SCB (School Community Based) program have been working hard creating a garden that is a peaceful place for all students and staff to enjoy while connecting to nature. Students play an important role in maintaining the garden.  They have been learning critical life skills and job skills while integrating functional reading and math skills into this year-long project.

They will be able to see the plants come to life this Spring and watch the monarch butterflies, bees, and birds arrive. They will learn the importance of pollinators and begin to understand their life cycles.  

The beautiful female Monarch butterfly will lay over 100 eggs on milkweed plants.  Caterpillars (Larvae) emerge and eat milkweed leaves as their only source of food.  Eventually the caterpillars grow large enough to form a chrysalis and an adult monarch butterfly emerges from it.  Most of these Monarchs will join the fall migration to central Mexico and their great grandchildren will return in Spring to the U.S. and Canada. Their population has declined over 90% mostly due to pesticide use. More must be done to restore habitat for our pollinators and preserve beautiful and beneficial insects.

To learn more about the Monarch Sister Schools program, visit www.MonarchSisterSchools.org

To learn more about the Rotary Club of Gaithersburg, visit http://www.gaithersburgrotary.org/

Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide who provide humanitarian service and help to build goodwill and peace in the world. There are approximately 1.2 million Rotarians who are members of more than 34,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries.  For more information, visit www.rotary.org.

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From the Offices of Councilmembers Will Jawando, Gabe Albornoz and Kristin Mink:

FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival

Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.

Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.

Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.

Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.

As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.

Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.

LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!

MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME

2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES

KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!

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