BRANCHING OUT

A LOOK INSIDE• Calendar of Events 4• Kid’s Corner 6• Native Spotlight 7

Nature NotesBy Sharon Gurtz

DECEMBER • Groundhogs hibernate.• Furbearers have winter coats.• Foxes begin searching for mates.• Spotted Wintergreen and Partridgeberry are evergreen.

JANUARY• Deer shed antlers.• Robin flocks dine on holly berries.• Raccoons breed.

• Bald Eagles begin to nest.

FEBRUARY• Owls are nesting.• Witchhazel blooms.• Southern Flying Squirrels are breeding.• Spring Peepers begin to call.

Walker Nature Center

Winter 12-13 Volume Eighteen

If birds could count calories, they would during winter--but they would be looking to increase them. Consuming enough calories when it is cold can be a big challenge, especially during a time of year when food is scarce. Smaller birds like chickadees use strategies to conserve calorie use, much like we trim budgets or improve homes to increase their energy efficiency. Their most fascinating method is lowering their internal body temperature on cold winter nights to reduce the amount of energy needed to survive until they can refuel in the morning.

Staying AliveStrategies for survival are varied for different birds in the cold of winter. Carolina Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, White-breasted and Red-breasted Nuthatches all cache seeds, saving them for later. These birds form mixed flocks with Downy Woodpeckers, Brown Creepers, and Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets. Group foraging provides many eyes to find food and keep watch for predators. Larger woodpeckers like the Pileated and Red-bellied Woodpeckers and

Counting CaloriesBy Ken Rosenthal

Walker Nature Center11450 Glade Drive, Reston, VA 20191

Enjoy year-round access to trails, free parking

and restroom facilities dawn to dusk.

FEATURES72 acres of forested land, a picnic pavilion,

demonstration gardens, educational signage, a campfire ring, two streams, a pond, the

entrance to 44-acre Lake Audubon and an interpretive green building,

known as Nature House.

NATURE HOUSE HOURS Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays

Saturdays 10 a.m.–1 p.m.Sundays 1–4 p.m.Closed Dec. 24/25 for ChristmasClosed Jan. 1 for New Years DayClosed Jan. 21 for MLK DayClosed Feb. 18 for President’s Day

FOR MORE INFORMATION703-476-9689 • www.reston.orgGroups: Please call ahead to arrange your visit.

Branching Out is a quarterly publication of the Walker Nature Center (WNC), owned and operated by Reston Association. The mission of the WNC is to foster an environmental stewardship ethic in the community. It is named after Reston’s first Open Space and Nature Center Director, Vernon J. Walker.

Branching Out is printed on 100 percent recycled paper using soy ink. It is produced using 100 percent wind

power. Please recycle.

Counting Calories continued from page 1

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Northern Flickers don’t need to rely on caching because their food sources remain fairly constant. They hollow out tree cavities for

nocturnal roosting, providing shelter from the cold.

How Can I Help? Should I Help?While there is some debate over the merits of winter feeding, it is generally

accepted to be beneficial to the birds. There is no contact with humans, so it does not reduce their natural wariness of humans. High calorie content food like sunflower seeds and suet provide nutritional sources of energy. Most birds do not use one feeding site exclusively, but travel throughout their territory feeding at other bird feeders as well as natural sites. They will not develop a dependence on your feeding station alone.

Bird feeders are an excellent way to attract winter birds to your backyard. Providing several types of food will increase the variety of birds that visit your feeders. Sunflower seeds are high in oil (and therefore calories) and prized by winter birds. Thistle seeds will attract goldfinches. Suet, which is raw beef fat, is a high calorie food that can be purchased or made at home as a fun project.

So Suet MeTo make a suet cake for your yard, the fat must be rendered. Save beef fat scraps and trimmings or purchase them from your butcher. Finely chop or grind the fat and heat it over a low flame until it liquefies. Strain the melted fat through fine cheesecloth, then allow it to cool and harden. After hardening, re-heat and strain again, so that the suet will cake properly. After the second cooling, store your suet in a freezer until ready to use. Just like there are several varieties of suet cakes available to purchase, there are many suet recipes you can find online to add different flavors to your suet cakes. Hot pepper cakes are useful for keeping the squirrels away.

Woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees and wrens are among the birds that will visit suet feeders. Choose a location and a suet holder that fits their needs, such as one mounted on the trunk of a large tree. Wire cages are the most commonly used holders. They can be bought or easily constructed. Nylon or wire mesh bags, hung from a branch, will also work. You can even smear soft suet directly on a tree trunk, or onto pine cones to be hung around the yard.

Winter bird feeding can be a fun and rewarding experience that is beneficial for the birds and relatively inexpensive for you. You can learn more about feeding the birds by visiting the feeders at Nature House or e-mailing naturecenter@reston.org with your questions.

Please & Thank YouBy Katie Shaw

The on-going support of the community is essential to the nature center. Many people choose to support the center through volunteer work, others through cash or in-kind donations. Here are some ways that you can help, like your friends and neighbors below.

PleaseTax deductible donations are gratefully received by our charitable 501c3 organization, Friends of Reston, 12001 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, VA 20191. Write “Nature Center” in the memo section of your check. You will receive a letter of receipt for tax purposes.

If you can donate one of the following items in new or excellent condition, please contact kshaw@reston.org or call 703-435-6510. Friends of Reston will provide you with a letter of receipt for tax purposes. Wish List: freezer, black oil sunflower seeds for feeders, a subwoofer for the stereo system and a pair of computer speakers.

Thank You to the Following Donors: Friends of Reston, Westin Reston Heights, Whole Foods Market

Thank You to the Following Volunteers: Carolyn Badila; Matt Bender; Diane Blust; Anne Cannizaro; Patrick Cantwell; Maria Cortes; Nancy Davis; Freya De Cola; Rishi Devulapalli; Dory DeWeese; Alex Dilldine; Naomi Eitches; June Ferrara; Melissa Frith; Kevin Fry; Valentina Golac; George Graining; Carol & Jay Hadlock; Nojan Hajiabbassi; Amanda Halacy; Mike Hogan; Emily Holt; Christopher Howard; Stephanie Huard; Devyn Johnson; Ryan & Shelly Kirkpatrick; Rutika Kushe; Catherine Linberg; John & Fran Lovaas; Michelle Ma; Aalliiee Malmberg; Angie & Grace McCarthy; Stacey Moore; Bob Mowbray; Chynna Murphy-Rubeck; Sabrina Nasir; Valerie Nelson; Khoa & Quang Nguyen; Barbara, Carla & Elisa Nicolini; Hayne Noh; Casey Noll; Michael O’Sullivan; Barbara Paolucci; Lindsay & Holly Peckman; Salvador Pendleton; Ellen Perrins; Gracie Podshivalova; Claudia Quek; Greg Reinfeld; Mara Scally; Vanessa Sequiera; James & Helena Stamper; Anne Strange; Claire & Isreal Suttles; Gabe Tipton; Belen & Richard Torres; Dave Winfree; Sarah Wood; Nicole & Steve Wynands; Andrew Xue; Wissam & Theresa Yafi; Richard Zeisler

Thank you to the 50 volunteers who put the fun and sparkle in the 15th Halloween House & Trick-Or-Treat Trail event.

Above: Steve and Nicole Wynands

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Looking for the perfect spot for a community meeting, family gathering or business retreat? Affordable and attractive rentals are available at the nature center.

Nature House Multipurpose Room664 square feet of space, capacity 94 people, seats 44 people with tables and chairs. Parking and restroom access.RA member or Reston not-for-profit fee $30/hr.Non-member or Non-Reston not-for-profit fee $50/hr.For profit/corporate fee $75/hr.

Nature Center Pavilion576 sq. ft. pavilion with picnic tables and bench seating in a beautiful woodland setting. Parking and restroom access.RA member fee $20/hr.Non-member fee $30/hr.For profit/corporate fee $50/hr.

Campfire RingCampfire pit with bench seating, small pavilion and picnic tables. Roadside parking. No restroom. RA member fee $10/hr.Non-member fee $15/hr.For profit/corporate fee $25/hr.

Renters must supply their own wood and water to extinguish the fire.

For details and reservations, call 703-476-9689 and press 3 or e-mail naturecenter@reston.org.

Rent Space at the Walker Nature Center

CALENDAR

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CANDLE MAKINGFriday, December 14 ∙ 7–8 p.m.$6/child RA members$9/child Non-membersAges 5 to 12Before light bulbs, candles were an important item in every home. Learn where wax comes from and discover how candles are made. Dip a pair of candles and decorate a pillar candle with natural materials. Keep your candles for yourself or give them away as gifts. There will be colonial music and refreshments while we work. All supplies provided. Reservations required by December 11.

JanuaryWINTER BIRD COUNTSaturday, January 5 ∙ 7 a.m.–NoonFreeAdultsJoin us for a half-day annual bird count throughout Reston’s natural areas. Meet local bird experts, learn tips on identification and have fun while helping obtain important information about our feathered friends. Volunteers are invited to enjoy a free lunch, tally results and swap stories back at Nature House following the count from Noon–12:30 p.m. Reservations required by January 2.

WHO GOES THERE?Monday, January 7 ∙ 10–11 a.m.OR Tuesday, January 8 ∙ 10–11 a.m.$5/child RA members$8/child Non-membersAges 18 months to 35 monthsTracks let us know when animals are nearby, even if we can’t see them. Make a track craft to take home, listen to a story and take a short hike in search of tracks along the trail. Reservations required by January 4.

DecemberCOLD CURIOSITIESSaturday, December 1 ∙ 11 a.m.–Noon$4/person RA members$6/person Non-membersAll agesWhat animal changes its coat for winter? Where do turtles go, and how do they survive? What animal can freeze solid and survive? Learn the answers to these questions and more through viewing animal artifacts and taking a short hike. Reservations required by November 28.

EVERLASTING EVERGREENSMonday, December 3 ∙ 10–11 a.m.OR Tuesday, December 4 ∙ 10–11 a.m.$5/child RA members$8/child Non-membersAges 18 months to 35 monthsEvergreen plants have green leaves all year long. Go on a walk to look for pines, hollies and evergreen ferns. Learn why these plants are important to animals. Smell the scent of pine and make some evergreen crafts. Reservations required by November 29.

WINTER WREATHSSaturday, December 8 ∙ 10:30 a.m.–Noon$15/wreath RA members$20/wreath Non-membersAll agesGet started on your holiday decorating by making festive wreaths for your home. Listen to seasonal music and enjoy mulled cider and cookies. All supplies provided. When making reservations, please include the number of people in your party and how many wreaths you would like to make. Reservations required by December 5.

ANIMAL HOMESTuesday, December 11 ∙ 1–11 a.m.$5/child RA members$8/child Non-membersAges 3 to 5When the leaves have fallen and plants have died back, it is easier to discover where animals live. Examine some animal homes close up, make a bird nest craft and go on a short hike in search of animal homes. Reservations required by December 8.

CHOICES FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVINGWednesdays, January 9–February 20 ∙ 7–9 p.m.$30/ person RA or RCC members$40/person Non-membersAdultsJoin this seven session, facilitated discussion course to explore the meaning of sustainable living and the ties between lifestyle choices and their impact on the earth. Learn steps that will move you towards an ecologically sustainable lifestyle and how to encourage your community to follow. Participants receive a book of readings that form the basis of each discussion. You will be contacted when the materials arrive and asked to pay your fee and pick them up approximately two weeks before the first session. Co-sponsored by Reston Community Center in support of Sustainable Reston. Reservations required by December 19.

PAPER MAKINGFriday, January 11 ∙ 7–8 p.m.$5/child RA members$8/child Non-membersAges 5 to 12Since ancient Egyptian times, people have made paper for artistic and practical purposes. Learn the process of making paper and experiment making some using a variety of recycled papers and fibers. Get ideas on how to use homemade paper for a variety of crafts and gifts. Reservations required by January 8.

CAMOUFLAGE CRITTERSTuesday, January 15 ∙ 10–11 a.m.$5/child RA members$8/child Non-membersAges 3 to 5Many animals rely on camouflage to hide from predators or to sneak up on their own food. Test your spotting skills on an unnature trail, make a camouflage craft, and see if you can find camouflaged critters on the trails. Reservations required by January 12.

CALENDAR

Call 703-476-9689 and press 5 or e-mail naturecenter@reston.org for reservations and information. Advanced reservations are required for all fee-based programs. Programs may be canceled in the event of severe weather, severe weather warnings or low enrollment. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

of Events

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All programs will be held at the Walker Nature Center,11450 Glade Drive, unless otherwise noted.

ENVIRONMENTAL FILM: IN TRANSITION 2.0Friday, January 18 ∙ 7–9 p.m.$5 suggested donationAdultsThis film is an inspirational immersion in the Transition movement, which gathers stories from around the world of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Hear about communities growing food everywhere, localizing their economies and setting up community power stations. It’s an idea that has gone viral, a social experiment that is responding to uncertain times with solutions and optimism. There will be a post-film discussion. Co-sponsored by Sustainable Reston. Reservations required by January 15.

CREATURES OF THE CHESAPEAKE BAYSunday, January 20 ∙ 2–3 p.m.$7/person RA members$10/person Non-membersAll agesReston is in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Join a marine biologist from Under the Sea to meet and touch live creatures native to the bay such as a horseshoe crab, a flounder and an American eel. Learn about bay ecology and how the way we treat water at home affects the water quality and wildlife found in the bay. Under the Sea specializes in lively, entertaining programs and has presented at the Smithsonian Discovery Theater and the National Theater. Reservations required by January 17.

OWL INVESTIGATIONSThursday, January 24 ∙ 7–8:30 p.m.$5/person RA members$8/person Non-membersAges 7 through adultWhat do owls eat? Examine a real owl pellet. Learn about how owls catch their prey and which owls live in Reston. Then take a short hike in search of owls in the forest. Reservations required by January 21.

FebruaryNESTING BIRDSMonday, February 4 ∙ 10–11 a.m.OR Tuesday, February 5 ∙ 10–11 a.m.$5/child RA members$8/child Non-membersAges 18 months to 35 monthsBird nests are easy to find in the winter. Make your own bird nest craft to take home, see real bird nests up close and go in search of nests in the trees along our trails. Reservations required by February 1.

NATURE GAME NIGHTFriday, February 8 ∙ 7–8:30 p.m.$5/person RA members$8/person Non-membersAll agesBring the whole family for a game night with a nature spin. Play Nature Pictionary, Tree Twister and Forest Bingo. Then, make your own checker board out of natural and recycled materials to take home. Have popcorn and homemade snack mix while enjoying an evening full of fun and games. Reservations required by February 5.

FEBRUARY BIRD WALK: RESTON’S LAKES WATERFOWL AND RAPTORS TOURSunday, February 10 ∙ 7:30–10:30 a.m.FreeLake Audubon Boat Ramp - 2070 Twin Branches Drive, next to Lake Audubon Pool.AdultsWe will start at the Lake Audubon boat ramp to check for waterfowl on the lake. Participants are invited to gather at the South Lakes Shopping Center Starbucks later in the morning to warm up and check for birds on Lake Thoreau. If the birding is good, we may caravan or carpool to other Reston sites. Leader: Kevin Munroe.

ENVIRONMENTAL FILM: HOMEFriday, February 15 ∙ 7–9 p.m.$5 suggested donationAdultsExperience the wonderment of our world in a way that will enthrall and inspire you. Award-winning aerial photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand and narrator Glenn Close take you on a spectacular voyage with aerial footage from 54 countries. Home is a depiction of Earth’s majesty, an exploration of its problems and a call to action. There will be a post-film discussion. Co-sponsored by Sustainable Reston. Reservations required by February 12.

LOVE IS IN THE AIRFriday, February 22 ∙ 6–7:30 p.m.$4/person RA members$6/person Non-membersAll agesAnimals do some weird things to find that special someone, from singing insects and frogs, to dancing fish, strutting birds, and smelly moths. Explore the amazing and sometimes funny, world of animal courtship through animal artifacts and multimedia. Reservations required by February 19.

SPRING SENSESSaturday, February 23 ∙ 11 a.m.–Noon$5/child RA members$8/child Non-membersAges 3 to 5Spring is right around the corner – time to give our senses a tune-up. Learn about our five senses, how animals use their senses and then go outside to get your senses ready for the sights, sounds and scents of spring. Reservations required by February 20.

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LET IT SNOWBy Earl the Squirrel with help from Abby Stocking

Last winter was just plain strange. Temperatures were warmer than normal and we barely got any snow here in Reston. Some people thought that was a good thing. However, we animals know that snow is an interesting and important part of our winter.

As part of the water cycle, water evaporates and changes from a liquid into a vapor. The water vapor moves up through the air and cools down as it rises. High in the sky where clouds form, the temperature is usually below freezing. Up there, the water vapor turns into an ice crystal. A snowflake is formed when as many as 200 ice crystals are joined together. Snowflakes have six “arms” and can be many different shapes. Snowflakes fall to the ground and will remain snowflakes as long as the air temperature from the

cloud to the ground is below freezing. Otherwise, they melt and turn into rain drops.

When enough snow falls, it can cover the ground like a white blanket. The snow may stay for a few hours or it may last a few weeks. When the temperature warms up, the snow melts and the water slowly seeps into the ground. As it melts,

it helps to refresh our water supply. The snow, ice and rain we get in the winter are just as important as the rain we get throughout the rest of the year. Plants depend on this water for their growth in the springtime.

This year, let’s watch for what will happen with our winter water cycle.

Kid’s Corner

PAPER SNOWFLAKESMATERIALS

WORD SEARCHDirections: Find and circle the words hidden in the grid. Words can be horizontal, vertical, backwards or diagonal.

CLOUDCRYSTALCYCLE

DIRECTIONS1. Take a sheet of paper and fold it in half along the long edge.2. Starting from one corner on the folded edge, fold the paper diagonally at about a 60° angle. 3. Do the same with the other corner.4. Cut off the uneven ends in a semi-circle.5. Use the scissors to make cutouts in the paper.6. Carefully unfold the paper and look at the snowflake you created. 7. Decorate with glitter if you want a sparkly snowflake.8. To hang your snowflake, punch a hole in the paper and tie a piece of ribbon through the hole.9. Repeat the process, using different cutouts to make a variety of snow flakes.

Did you know that no two snowflakes are exactly

the same?

Hole punch (optional)Ribbon or string (optional)

White rectangular paperScissorsGlitter (optional)

FREEZINGICERAIN

SNOWFLAKEWINTER

FIND

L A T S Y R C F Y S T IV C S I M P R J N N P VI X W W C E D T E O V JO B H U E E U D E W W IR R H Z R Y O D A F Z RH E I X P F L T N L C VR N T X R G C E R A I NG M K N R F L X K K C XF T U V I C Q C D E W IO Z R I Y W W R C Q G PF A Q C G M C G A Q Y NI N U N B O E Y B B V D

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Native Spotlight: MARGINAL WOODFERNDryopteris marginalisBy Sharon Gurtz

Ferns are sometimes overlooked in the native landscape in favor of colorful, fragrant perennials. If you struggle to find a plant that will do well in your shaded yard and would like to add some green color to your winter landscape, you might consider this evergreen, native fern.

Marginal Woodfern, sometimes referred to as Leatherwood Fern, Wood Fern or Marginal Shieldfern, grows 1-3 ft. and up to 10 inches wide. They have twice-pinnate, dark, leathery fronds (leaves). The plant gets its name from the fact that its sori, or spore capsules, are found along the margin of its leaflets, called pinnae. It is a clumping fern that grows well under shade trees and prefers slightly acidic, dry to moist soil with a large amount of humus.

Easy to GrowOther than making sure they have adequate moisture, ferns are relatively maintenance-free and easily transplanted. For healthy, optimal growth, remove any damaged fronds and debris around them and limit your use of herbicides. Although there is little wildlife value for this plant, it can provide cover for small creatures such as toads and skinks. If you are tired of deer eating your garden, you will love this plant. It is one of the most “deer resistant” native plants that you can buy.

Woodferns can be used alone or planted successfully with almost any perennial in your shade garden. A variety of ferns are a beautiful alternative to invasive exotic English Ivy, which is banned from new plantings in Reston.

Kid’s Corner

Green Living Programs Win Statewide AwardOver 450 delegates gathered at the 58th Annual Conference of the Virginia Recreation and Parks Society. The conference is education-focused and provides an opportunity for recreation and park professionals to discuss areas of common interest. Highlighting each year’s conference is a presentation of awards.

Judged by a jury of its peers, the society presented the Best New Program Award to the Green Living Series, a partnership of Reston Community Center, Reston Association’s Walker Nature Center and Sustainable Reston. The series is geared towards adults who are interested in exploring issues and learning new skills related to sustainable lifestyles. Programs have included Organic Gardening, Backyard Composting, Solar Cooking, Food Preservation, and Home Energy Efficiency as well as discussion courses such as Menu for the Future and Voluntary Simplicity.

“We share our Best New Program award with our long-time community partner, Reston Association, and with gratitude for the contributions to the programming from Sustainable Reston’s volunteers,” said Leila Gordon, RCC executive director, “This award demonstrates that through our combined efforts, we can make a long term positive impact on the community.”

“The excellence of the award winning projects was evident. We offer our congratulations to each winner for their outstanding contributions to the profession and their community,” said VRPS President Cindy Roeder. “Entries in every population category, from around the state, allow us to recognize the best in our business while raising the standards and quality of programs, facilities and events in every region.”

See the calendar of events for details on the upcoming Green Living program, Choices for Sustainable Living, which begins January 9th.

Thank You Seed CollectorsThe following volunteers dropped off seeds at the nature center as part of the Potomac Conservancy’s Growing Native initiative. This year’s huge response reflects a bumper mast crop dominated by Chestnut Oak and White Oak acorns. Over 900 pounds of nuts were collected The seeds were taken to the state forestry nursery where they will be planted and used to restore riparian forests in the 15,000 square mile Potomac watershed.

Barney BarnumDiane BlackwellRenee CarlisleThe Carver FamilyFreya DeColaDomenick DiPasqualeEileen DoughtySharon GurtzConstance HartkeNancy Herwig

Linda JonesJennie KoffmanKyle MorrisonAnna Lynn NadiucAaron Otte Barbara PaolucciDebra PennEva QuaresimaMichael SheafferGS Troop 4111

WoodfernPhoto by: Joseph O’BrienUSDA Forest Service

GS Troop 1313Harry TunisDian TublinVera Webb32 children from Dranesville Elementary SACC

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDRESTON, VA

PERMIT NO. 21Walker Nature Center11450 Glade DriveReston, Virginia 20191

www.reston.org

Proceeds benefit Friends of Reston.Stories intended for an adult audience.

Saturday, February 9First Show 7 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30 p.m.)Encore Show 9 p.m. (Doors open at 8:30 p.m.)Location: Walker Nature Center, 11450 Glade Dr. Tickets: $15Buy tickets online at: http://coldstories.eventbrite.com/Refreshments on sale: wine, beer, coffee, hot cocoa, snacks

Better Said Than Done, Virginia’s premiere storytelling troupe, voted one of the “Best Performance Acts in Virginia 2012,” by Virginia Living Magazine, presents a night of true personal stories about acting cold, being warm and just plain freezing.

Contact: Katie Shaw at kshaw@reston.org or 703.435.6510

BRRRRR IT’S COLD OUTSIDE Stories of winter nights, ice queensand finding warmth

8 Branching Out Winter 12-13

SUNDAY,DECEMBER9•1–3P.M.

Bring your family, bring a friend for…

Free refreshments

Ornament making with natural materials

Live holiday music from the Nature House jammers

Alternative gift donations accepted by Friends of Reston

Handmade, reusable shopping bags from the Virginia Green Baggers

On sale items from Reston artist Dana Scheurer and The Bird Feeder

A book signing with Ellice Stern, Reston author of Toadie and the Snake

Photo ops with everyone’s favorite mascots, Earl the Squirrel and Myrtle the Turtle

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

There will be a special sing-a-long at 2:30 to show our holiday spirit.