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Office of Community Partnerships 

Community Engagement Cluster

Newsletter
October 2012
, Issue 54

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In This Issue

Attractions of October

Latino Health Festival

Excellence in the Arts and Humanities

One Stop Fair Housing

Gilchrist Center Registration

Library Board

Community Cornerstones

50+Expo

County Holiday Giving Program

Community Service Day

Hispanic Heritage Month

Town Hall Meeting

Election Registration

Voter Registration Drives

Planning Department Open House

Interfaith 40th

Question B

Election Registration (more)

Community Service Day (more)

Community Cornerstones (more)

Calendar


Ellen's Run 

Sunday, Oct. 7, 9 am 

5k Run/3k Walk  

and Kids Activities!
Post-race Celebratory Brunch!
Prizes for Top Winners and Top Team!

Ellen's Run, now in its seventh year, honors the memory of Ellen Vala Schneider.

For information and to register: www.ellensrunonline.org
Contact Pam Feinstein at (301) 332-7859 or
[email protected]

Book Discussion

Book discussion of
A Good Man:  Rediscovering My Father, Sargent Shriver
.
  On Tuesday, October 9, 7:30 PM at the Bethesda Library, author Mark Shriver will discuss his new book in which he reveals what it was like to grow up in a legendary family.
"Faiths in Action"
Concert for Mobile Med Care  
Concert and Reception
Sunday, October 14, 4:00 PM
"Faiths-In-Action" Concert with Washington Vocal Artists, directed by Rosemary Dyer.
Mobile Med Care, Inc. will receive all donations from this concert.
Potomac United Methodist Church
10300 Falls Road, Potomac, Maryland
Phone:  301-299-9383
Montgomery County Family Justice Center Foundation
3rd Annual Benefit 
The Foundation's annual benefit on Sunday, October 14, 5-9 pm at the Hyatt Regency Bethesda, One Bethesda Metro Center, combats domestic violence.  The Benefit includes a silent and live auction, dinner, and awards presentations. Individual tickets are $125.00.  To learn more about the Foundation and the honorees or to register online to attend, go to mcfjcfoundation.org.
For additional information and to learn more about sponsorships, please contact Foundation Executive Director Resa Levy at 301-509-6832.
Annual Community Celebration
Annual Community Celebration of the
Collaboration Council
for Children, Youth and Families.
Thursday, November 8
5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
VisArts, Rockville, MD

Visit collaborationcouncil.org

Attractions of October

Bruce Adams

Director, Office of Community Partnerships

 

October is my favorite month. I was born and married in October. The World Series is played in October. And two of Montgomery County's most important community building events are held just one week apart in October.

 

Last year at this time, we were hard at work organizing for the 25th anniversary of Community Service Day. With your help, more than 25,000 volunteers served over an expanded Community Service Week. We like the idea of a Community Service Week as it gives more flexibility to our busy families. While Community Service Day is Saturday October 27, again this year we will celebrate an  entire week, October 22-28. So please go to the Volunteer Center's website and sign-up to serve: www.montgomeryserves.org.   

 

Join Us at the World of Montgomery Festival

Sunday October 21   

 

This year, I am especially excited about our World of Montgomery Festival. This is the fourth year since we resurrected and renamed the County's wonderful ethnic heritage festival. And this will be the best. We'll have the food and entertainment of previous years, but this year thanks to our partnership with the KID Museum and support from the Fund for Montgomery, we will have a great treat for families interested in learning about the major cultures that have added so much to the rich diversity of our community.
 
The KID Museum is organizing an International Village featuring China, El Salvador, Ethiopia, and India. For fun for the whole family, come to the Wheaton Triangle (Grandview Avenue & Reedie Drive just one block from the Wheaton METRO) on
Sunday October 21from noon to 5 p.m. Free admission and plenty of free parking nearby. Check it out:
Latino Health Festival

"Ama Tu Vida/Love Your Life" Health Festival

 

Sunday, October 7, 2012

12:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Rain or Shine

1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD  

(Ellsworth Drive and Fenton Street,  

downtown Silver Spring)

FREE medical screenings

(blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, etc.)

- Information to help you stay healthy

- Live entertainment  

- Raffles

For additional information call: 240-777-4173

Arts and Humanities Award Winners to be Honored; Free Tickets Now Available   

Free tickets to the 11th Annual Montgomery County Executive's Awards for Excellence in the Arts and Humanities, to be held Monday, October 22 at the Cultural Arts Center, Montgomery College Takoma Park/Silver Spring, are now available at  www.creativemoco.com/executives-awards.

The 2012 honorees will receive their awards from County Executive Ike Leggett and Mrs. Catherine Leggett at the ceremony that begins at 7 p.m. The center is located at 7995 Georgia Ave.

The program will feature performances from arts and humanities organizations and recognition of individuals and organizations that have received grants for FY12 and FY13 from the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County.

The attire is business casual, and a dessert reception will follow the ceremony.

"One Stop Fair Housing Shop"
To be Held October 16  

Housing professionals and providers will have an opportunity to meet fair housing regulators in Montgomery County at the free Fair Housing Educational Forum on Tuesday, October 16, from 11:30 am to 4 pm, at the Silver Spring Civic Center, One Veterans Plaza (Ellsworth Dr. and Fenton St.).

The "One Stop Fair Housing Shop" is sponsored by the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights and will include a complimentary lunch. Guest speakers will include representatives from the Office of Human Rights, Office of Consumer Protection, Office of Landlord -Tenant Affairs, Housing Opportunities Commission, Maryland Commission on Civil Rights, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

 

Advance registration is required. To register, request TTD, or receive additional information, contact Anis Ahmed, Office of Human Rights, 240-777-8454 or email [email protected].

RSVP by October 12.

Intermediate English at the Gilchrist Center's Upcounty Program Still Open
Registration for Intermediate English at the Gilchrist Center's Upcounty Program will remain open until Oct. 4th or until the class is full.
    Registration times:  Monday-Thursday, 6-8 pm
    Class will be held Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 pm, starting Sept. 27.
    Cost:  $25 for book (cash or check only)
County Executive Leggett Seeks Applicants for Library Board  
Seeking applicants to fill three vacancies on the Library Board. Two incumbents are eligible to apply for reappointment.  The deadline for application is October 10, 2012.

 

The 12-member Advisory Board gives community input to the County Executive on matters affecting the public library system.

 

Members serve three year terms without compensation, but are eligible for reimbursement for travel and dependent care for meetings attended. Meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM in the Department of Public Libraries, Administrative Offices.  Each Board member serves as liaison to assigned Library Advisory Committees, which may involve additional meetings each month.

 

Applicants of diverse backgrounds, professions, gender, geography, disability and ethnicity are encouraged to apply. An application, consisting of a brief cover letter and resume, should be sent by mail to County Executive Isiah Leggett, 101 Monroe Street, 2nd Floor, Rockville, MD  20850, or by email to [email protected]. Home and employment addresses, as well as contact phone numbers and email addresses should be included.  

 

Members of County boards, committees and commissions may not serve on more than one such group at a time. Members of these boards are eligible for reimbursement for travel and dependent care for meetings attended. Leggett's appointments are subject to confirmation by the County Council. Applications of individuals selected for appointment are made public as part of the confirmation process.

 

Contact:  Beth Gochrach, 240-777-2528

Community Cornerstones: A Selection of Historic African American Churches in Montgomery County, Maryland

St Paul Sugarland

The Heritage Tourism Alliance of Montgomery County (Heritage Montgomery) has produced a new brochure - Community Cornerstones: A Selection of Historic African American Churches in Montgomery County, Maryland.  The 34-page booklet features the stories of 24 unique historic churches and their communities.  
50+Expo

If you're over 50 - or love someone who is - don't miss the 13th annual 50+Expo taking place on Sunday, Oct. 14 from noon to 4 p.m. at White Flint mall in N. Bethesda, Md., co-sponsored by Montgomery County Government. (A similar event takes place the prior week, on Sunday, October 7, at Ballston Common Mall in Arlington, Va.)

Hear Mark Plotkin, well-known political commentator, speaking about the upcoming election, obtain free health screenings, a flu shot, gather information about local services and products for older adults, and enjoy computer and exercise classes, live entertainment, giveaways and door prizes.

It's all free, and presented as a community service by the Beacon Newspapers. For more information, call (301) 949-9766.

Attn: businesses and organizations

Limited exhibit space is still available. 

County Holiday Giving Program
We are working to provide a wonderful County Holiday Giving Program for the most vulnerable Montgomery County children and families among us.  As was the case last year, we find ourselves struggling to find non-profit or other organizations to help with the County Holiday Program for residents in several Silver Spring zip codes.

We need organizations to help us in the following zip codes: 20902, 20903, 20906, 20910, 20912 
It is important to note that any organization can take any zip code; it does not have to be based in that specific zip code.  
 
Please spread the word; let me know if you can sign up for a zip code

Mark Bergel, Ph.D.
Founder, Executive Director, A Wider Circle
301.675.7511; www.awidercircle.org

Community Service Day 2012   

is just around the corner . . .

Community Service Day 2012

Be a part of
Montgomery County's Community Service Day, Saturday, October 27, 2012.

 

Projects are available the whole week of October 22-28.
 
Organizations are reaching out to the community to participate in one-time projects during this exciting week.  There are a variety of opportunities such as pulling invasive weeds, helping at fall festivals, attending volunteer info sessions, spending time with seniors, passing out voter information, and so much more.

Organizations are still posting; so check back soon! 

Hispanic Heritage Month Continues
Montgomery County announces several events to take place during Hispanic Heritage Month - September 15 to October 15 - throughout the County and region.  
 
Events in Montgomery County: 
October 3, 8:00PM, "Ballet Folkl�rico de M�xico," Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852.* 
 
October 6, 11:00AM & 1:00PM, Coral Cantigas' "Rhythm & Song: A Latin American Musical Journey," 7995 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910. 11:00AM preshow introductory Afro-Puerto Rican dance workshop. 
October 6, 1:00PM-3:00PM, City of Rockville Hispanic Heritage Celebration, fun for the whole family with performances from Spain, Uruguay, Peru and more. Twinbrook Community Center, 12920 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, MD 20851. 
 
October 7, Noon-5:00PM, Montgomery County's Latino Health Initiative "Ama Tu Vida/Love Your Life" Health Fair, Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring, MD 20910 (Ellsworth Drive & Fenton St). 
 
October 21, 12:00-5:00PM, World of Montgomery Festival featuring four country tents including El Salvador and the Pupusa Cook-off, Wheaton Triangle in front of 2424 Reedie Dr., Wheaton MD 20902. 
 
A few events in surrounding areas: 
September 13-October 7, 8:00PM, Hispanic Heritage Month celebration with Gala Hispanic Theater's Performance of El Desd�n con el Desd�n/ Inspite of Love, Gala Hispanic Theater, 3333 14th St. NW, Washington, DC 20010.* 
 
October 6, 6:00PM, Committee for Monsignor Romero's Multicultural Night: Folkloric Dances from Latin America, Washington Ethical Society, 7750 16th St. NW, Washington DC 20012. * 
*There is a fee associated with this event. 
 
For more Hispanic Heritage Month events in Montgomery County, call the Office of Community Partnerships at 240-777-2525. 
Leggett to host
a Town Hall Meeting in Olney

Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett will host a Town Hall Meeting in Olney on Tuesday, October 23 at 7:30 p.m. at Rosa Parks Middle School, 19200 Olney Mill Road. Previous town meetings have drawn thousands of residents who have taken advantage of the opportunity to voice their concerns to the County Executive.

            "Town meetings present an excellent opportunity for me to find out what's on the mind of our residents," said Leggett.  "A cornerstone of my administration has been to make sure 'everyone has a seat at the table' and these public meetings provide a forum for our residents to share their ideas and concerns."

            The town meeting is free and open to all and will be videotaped by County Cable 6, the County government channel, for future airing.       

            Sign language interpreter services will be provided only upon request with notice as far in advance as possible, but no less than 72 hours prior to the event. If these or other services or aids are needed to participate in this activity, please call 240-777-6507, TTY 240-777-6505 or email a request to  [email protected].

Voter Registration

Deadlne Nears

Montgomery County residents who wish to vote in the 2012 Presidential General Election are reminded that the deadline for voter registration is 9:00 pm on Tuesday, October 16, 2012.

Read more.  

Montgomery County to Hold Voter Registration Drives at Public Libraries

Volunteers will conduct voter registration drives on Saturdays  11 am - 1 pm and Sundays  1 pm - 3 pm at local public libraries according to the following schedule:

 

Saturday, October 6:

Long Branch Library, 8800 Garland Ave., Silver Spring, 240-777-0910,     301-565-7662 (TTY)

Poolesville Library, 19633 Fisher Ave., 240-773-9550, 301-972-7825 (TTY)

Quince Orchard Library, 15831 Quince Orchard Rd., Gaithersburg, 240-777-0200,  MD Relay Service (711)

 

Sunday, October 7:

Marilyn J. Praisner Library, 14910 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville, MD,

     240-773-9460, MD Relay Service (711) (TTY)

Rockville Memorial Library, 21 Maryland Ave., 240-777-0140, 240-777-0902 (TTY)

Silver Spring Library, 8901 Colesville Rd., 240-773-9420, 301-565-7505 (TTY)

 

For additional information, contact Dr. Gilberto Zelaya at 240-777-8532; or email.

Planning Smarter Open House     
Planning Open House
Want to know more about how the Montgomery County Planning Department helps create great communities? Attend our Open House to get a crash course in good planning.
  •         tour the headquarters building
  •         see the latest cool projects approved by the Planning Board
  •         see what's in the cards for Montgomery County communities
  •         interact one-on-one with planners
  •         Bring the kids for our build-a box-city activity 

Planning Smarter Open House
10 am- 1 pm Saturday, October 6

Park and Planning Headquarters

8787 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring
www.montgomeryplanning.org/planningsmarter

Interfaith Works' 40 Year Anniversary Celebration

You are invited to Fables & Tables - a fundraising event celebrating 40 years of service, education, and advocacy for the growing number of neighbors in need in Montgomery County. Over 15 participating restaurants will donate soup and bread to be shared by supporters at a community meal.  State and local government officials, along with professional and Olympic athletes, are donating their time, as well as autographed handcrafted bowls and sports memorabilia for live auction at the event.  Adventure Theater MTC will also do a special performance of the fable, "Stone Soup", at the event in honor of the cause. 

 

WHAT:  Fables & Tables - Interfaith Works' 40 Year Anniversary Celebration 
WHO:   Interfaith Works, along with several partner restaurants 
WHEN:   6:30pm, Thursday, October 11th, 2012 
WHERE:  Julia Bindeman Suburban Center -
11810 Falls Road Potomac, MD 20854 
COST:     $40/adult, $15/Children Under 12,
 $350/Congregation/Group purchase of 10 or more 
 
This event is open to the public.  Tickets may be purchased at www.fablesandtables.org/
 

Proceeds from Fables & Tables will be used to support Interfaith Works' programs to help feed, clothe, and provide housing and emergency services to the thousands of people in Montgomery County who are at-risk and in crises.  Event attendees will be asked to keep handcrafted bowls specially made for the event, as a reminder of the many bowls in our community that remain empty on any given day in Montgomery County. 

Question B
on the November ballot

Question B will be on the November ballot. A vote "for" is to eliminate "effects bargaining."  A majority of elected officials supports the vote "for."
For the position described by the Montgomery County Office of Public Information, see the webpage,
www.montgomerycountymd.gov/QuestionB/
SSLcompleteVoter Registration (More) 

In order to become a registered voter, individuals must be a U.S. citizen, live in Montgomery County, and be at least 18 years of age on or before November 6, 2012.

 

Applications for the General Election may be obtained by calling the Voter Information Service at 240-777-VOTE until Tuesday, October 9.  Applications are also available in county libraries, regional services centers, all offices of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, the Motor Vehicle Administration, and all U.S. Post Offices or may be downloaded at www.777vote.org or  www.montgomerycountymd.gov/elections.

 

Individuals may also register at the Board of Elections, 18753 N. Frederick Avenue, Suite 210, Gaithersburg, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and on Tuesday, October 16, from 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

 

For more information on voter registration, call the Voter Information Service at 240-777-VOTE, or visit the website at www.777vote.org or www.montgomerycountymd.gov/elections.

 

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cfwmoreCommunity Service Day  (More)
Click here to see the full list of projects.

Interior Renovation          YMCA Community Center
Invasive Weed Removal    McCrillis Gardens
Button Farm Restoration   Button Farm Living History Center
Fall Festival Help             Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture

If your business, community group, faith organization, or non profit organization is interested in planning your own project tell us about it by filling out the Community Service Week Project Idea Form.
.
For questions contact Katie Sayago at [email protected] or call 240-777-2608.

 

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nacoAfrican American Churches (More)  
Community Cornerstones introduces the stories of a selection of historic churches in the county.  Use this brochure as a guide to draw your attention to sites you may have passed on a daily basis, unaware of their meaningful history.

Heritage Montgomery is one of 12 heritage areas in the state administered by the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority.  Each area is defined by a theme or focus on the unique history, traditions, and natural landscapes of the region. 

The Community Cornerstones brochure can be viewed on the Heritage Montgomery website,HeritageMontgomery.org, and paper copies are available from the Heritage Montgomery office (12515 Milestone Manor Lane, Germantown MD 20876; 301-515-0753).

 

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