The Clark Spark
Check out what’s new at the Clarksburg Outlet Mall!
By Keshav Maranchi
The majority of people living in Clarksburg have most likely taken a trip to the Clarksburg Premium Outlets, whether they were getting food, shopping for clothing, or buying gifts. However, this fall, the mall is different. It’s very vibrant, as if the mall has come to life. If you go to the Clarksburg Outlets during the Fall season, you will witness the amazing food, fall festivities, and vibrance.
First off, the mall has a bunch of our favorite treats including Starbucks, Auntie Anne’s pretzels, and plenty of other great options from the food court. Going to the mall would let you experience some new fall flavors that might interest you.
Furthermore, the mall has a bunch of festivities and attractions. In October, there was a scarecrow man on stilts (center of picture) and a pumpkin decorating stand to get ready for Halloween. There were also plenty of nicely decorated food trucks that hold some quality food.
Last, but definitely not least is the whole vibrance of the outlet mall. Previously when I had gone to the mall, there were always people, but the corridors and passageways were never filled and bustling. Now, there is a surplus of people trying out all of the new activities the mall has to offer, making a trip to the mall a more vibrant and exciting experience.
To conclude, the Clarksburg outlets have outstanding food and flavors, interesting fall activities, and a vibrant, energetic atmosphere. These developments are a reminder of the growing industry that Clarksburg has to offer. Taking a trip to the outlet mall is even more enjoyable now, so come to the mall and try some new things!
This Hidden Gem in Boyds has lots to Offer
By Georgia Thoman and Keshav Maranchi
The Black Hill Discovery Center, located in Boyds, Maryland at 20926 Lake Ridge Drive is less than 15 minutes away from Wilson Wims Elementary School, and has some great opportunities for fun times.
First off, Fun with Furs, taking place on November 23rd from 1:00-3:00 PM is a great activity for all ages where the animals that live in your backyard are at your fingertips, completely free of charge. This is a chance to see and feel animal fur in close range with a naturalist. During this program you can also learn about the anatomy of deer and other wildlife. Once you register here you can stop by during the program hours.
Next up is Nature Hunt, on November 29th from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM. Another completely free activity, Nature Hunt takes the game “I Spy” to a whole new level. Stop by the Discovery Center, pick up a scavenger hunt sheet, and start looking for natural treasures. After you’ve finished and found everything, head back to the Discovery Center to receive a prize. Register here.
Lastly, we have Make It & Take It: Nature Ornaments on December 13th. During this program you can make and bring back some great decorations made from natural materials. It’s 2 dollars, and any age can participate from 1:30-3:00 PM by registering here.
In conclusion, The Black Hill Discovery Center is a hidden gem located in Boyds which has so many great experiences to offer. There are plenty of amazing events to choose from, so check out the Black Hill Discovery Center website for more information.
Winter Events
Best Christmas Movies of All Time
By Connor Choi
Christmastime is a time for holiday spirit, joy and of course, movies. Christmas movies range from funny, to hysterical, to sad, to suspenseful. That’s right, suspenseful. There’s so many Christmas movies out there so let’s go through the best ones of all time.
Home Alone (1990): 8 year old Kevin McAllister (Macaulay Culkin) gets in trouble the night before his family’s trip to Paris. His mother (Catherine O’Hara) makes him sleep in their attic that night. The next morning is all a rush, the McAllister family scurries to the airport, forgetting Kevin at home. It gets even worse when two robbers, (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern) try to rob the McAllisters’ house. What will Kevin do to protect his fort? This movie comes with laughs and rude humor which is perfect for movie night with family friends.
Elf (2003): The story of Buddy the Elf (Will Ferrell). How when he was a baby, he snuck into Santa’s sack of gifts one Christmas eve and ended up in the North Pole. Raised by elves, he felt like he didn’t fit in so he traveled to New York to find his biological father (James Caan). This movie is filled with fun and laughter and is great for family movie night.
A Christmas Story (1983): A classic old film about 9 year old Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley) who faces challenges like school bullies, family problems, and a disappointed Santa Clause. For Christmas, despite all the gifts he got, the BB gun from his father (Darren McGavin) was most thrilling to him. Washed over with excitement, Ralphie plays with the gun which causes an accident. This movie is filled with rude material and laughs and is best to watch for older kids and adults.
How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000): How The Grinch Stole Christmas is a live-action remake of the children’s book by Dr. Seuss. The Grinch despised Christmas so he tried to ruin it for the citizens of Whoville who were very festive at this time. He came up with a plan to steal all the gifts from the Who’s on Christmas eve. During his mission that Christmas eve, he encountered a little girl named Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen) who eventually changed him. This movie has rude humour, spooks, and is perfect for a night in.
Die Hard (1988): The most debated Christmas movie ever, Die Hard is an action thrilled movie set in Los Angeles on Christmas eve. NYPD policeman, John McClane (Bruce Willis) visits his wife and daughters on Christmas eve. He meets his wife (Bonnie Bedelia) at a holiday party in the headquarters of a Japanese-owned company that she works for. But is interrupted when a gang of terrorists take over and hold everyone hostage. John McClane realizes he’s the only one left to save everyone. This movie is action-packed mainly for older kids and adults and is a great movie to watch with friends.
There’s so many more Christmas movies to watch during the holiday season. From It’s A Wonderful Life, to The Santa Clause, to even A Christmas Carol. The possibilities are endless when it comes to finding a Christmas movie to watch.