Navy introduces warship USS Freedom at Academy
The U.S. Navy's newest warship, the USS Freedom, will visit the Naval Academy in Annapolis today through Monday during its maiden voyage from the Great Lakes to Norfolk.
The ship will be open for public visitation from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. tomorrow, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Visitors may walk through Gate 1 (King George Street) and Gate 3 (Maryland Avenue) and should be prepared to show a government-issued photo identification. Handicapped individuals with proper decals may drive through Gate 1 after a vehicle inspection.
The Freedom will be primarily used for coastal missions. It can attain speeds of up to 40 knots and can maneuver in water less than 20 feet deep. It will be manned by one of two rotational crews of 40 core sailors each.
The ship will eventually be based at Naval Base San Diego, Calif., as part of the Pacific Fleet. Information: 410-293-2292.
'Messiah' weekend
The Annapolis Chorale will hold its Messiah Weekend Dec. 19-21 with three performances of Handel's Messiah at St. Anne's Episcopal Church on Church Circle, Annapolis.
The first concert, Messiah by Candlelight, at 8 p.m. Dec. 19, features Part I of The Messiah, typically the holiday portion, and the "Hallelujah Chorus," with carols by the Chamber Chorus.
The full Messiah will be performed in its entirety, Parts I, II and III, along with a message for the holiday, at 8 p.m. Dec. 20.
The final program will be Messiah and Carols for Families at 3 p.m. Dec. 21. The Annapolis Chorale, Annapolis Chamber Orchestra and guest soloists will perform Part I and the "Hallelujah Chorus," followed by a holiday carol sing-along for all ages. Tickets are $37 for adults and $12 for students. Information: 410-280-5640.
Evergreen House trip
The Annapolis Watercolor Club will take a trip to the Evergreen House in Baltimore on Jan. 8.
Evergreen House is an opulent 19th-century mansion filled with post impressionist paintings and antiques that was owned by the Garrett family. After a guided tour, the group will have lunch at Gertrude's Restaurant at the Baltimore Museum of Art, then browse the exhibits. To save money, participants will carpool. Those willing to drive should make note of that when signing up. The group will leave from Jones Station Road in Arnold at 10 a.m. Information: 410-761-3940.
Annapolis Idol
