Avast ye Hearties! The Best of all Parties!

Thursday, June 24th

This party is for swashbucklers and seafarers salty enough to know how to arrange for a babysitter on a summer’s eve. Chesapeake Children’s Museum is one of the lucky non-profits selected to benefit from the Best of Annapolis and Eastern Shore Party produced by What’s Up? Magazine. The event will be held at the Leow’s Hotel, 126 West Street, on Thursday, June 24th from 6 to 9 pm. That’s 4 bells. The theme - you could’ve seen it from the crow’s nest a league away - is “Set Your Compass Toward Local Treasures.” Included in admission will be live music with Doug Segree and fabulous food from 35 of the best restaurants in the area. Yum! You can support CCM by: donating a “treasure” for our coconut tree game, coming to the party, and taking a chance at popping a winning coconut. (Okay, so they’re balloons.) Prizes could be gift certificates or items – we’re especially looking for jewelry and nautical / adventure related prizes. You know, things a buccaneer would go to great lengths to acquire (without hurting anyone, of course!). Call Dale or Debbie at CCM to arrange drop off or pick up of booty.

Tickets are available online at: http://www.whatsupmag.com/best-of-party-2010.aspx Or call: 410-267-9390.

Summer Membership

Summer family membership of $25 starts June 1st! Unlimited admission through Labor Day.

April is the Month of the Young Child – Lots to Do for Your Child and You!

Long before children arrive at kindergarten, they are learning about themselves and the world around them. Click on this calendar of easy-to-do activities that will promote early learning and help children to be successful when they reach school. The calendar was created by members of the Early Childhood Coalition of Anne Arundel County, in which CCM is a partner.

Saturday, March 20: Maryland Day at CCM “Maryland Had Dinosaurs”

Many sites in and around Annapolis are offering special activities in celebration of our state’s birthday. CCM is participating with $1 admission all day Saturday, March 20, from 10 am to 4 pm. Go WAY back in Maryland’s history with fossil-making and other dinosaur activities. $1 for ages 1 and up. For a listing of activities at other sites, go to: www.fourriversheritage.org.

Tax Break! All Maryland Taxpayers Qualify

The Maryland State Legislature approved a bill that allow individuals – not just companies – to earn a tax credit for donating $500 or more to an approved non-profit. CCM has approval through Dec. 31, 2010 to take donations of $500 or more to qualify you for 50% back when you file your Maryland return. These funds are needed to move ahead with the expansion of CCM’s facility. We are getting close to our match of $115,00 in state funds to add a room for cooking and crafts classes, video and live performances and more.

Please consider a donation to CCM!

A Gift For All Our Children

This holiday season please remember Chesapeake Children’s Museum when you think about gift giving at this time of year. You can purchase CCM admission passes or a gift membership for families on your list. If you are renewing your own family’s membership, consider the Funded level so that a membership can be given to a local family in need.

End-of-year giving is a tradition for many families as a way to share with others. It is also a good time to think about tax deductions. Time is running out for the DOUBLE gift opportunity for tax credits to Maryland businesses. A donation of $500 or more (in cash or goods) not only benefits CCM, but earns the giver 50% of the gift back as a tax credit. A $1,000 gift earns the donor $500 off 2009’s Maryland tax liability. If no taxes are owed, it can be applied for up to 5 years in the future. CCM has until December 31st to offer $15,000 in tax credits to Maryland business owners. That could mean $30,000 toward building a better CCM for all our children.

If you would rather give the gift of time, volunteer here. Make a difference in the lives of children – starting with our own. Volunteers are always needed at CCM to keep the place tidy, facilitate activities, and otherwise keep the museum going full steam ahead. The board of directors meets monthly and works on various duties in between. Please ask how you might assist with: accounting, fund raising, membership, marketing, facilities, outreach, grants, or other much needed tasks. Children are always welcome when you volunteer. Call 410-990-1993 or write: debbie@theccm.org

Help with the Animal Exhibits

Got muscle? Please help out with moving the animal exhibits
on Tuesday, November 10 starting at 3 pm. Got knees?
You can help with tiling the floor! (Training and supervision
provided.) Tiling will continue on Wednesday, November 11th.
Animal exhibits need to be reinstalled Wednesday evening.
Please contact the museum if you can help, or email Jim
Lathom: jimlathom@yahoo.com.