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Office of Community Partnerships 

Community Engagement Cluster

Newsletter
January 2013
, Issue 57

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In This Issue

MLK Weekend

Gilchrist Center

New Website and Council Legislation

Artists and Scholars in the Community Grants

Kaseman liaison to the faith communities

MLK Celebration

MLK Day of Sevice

2013 Women's Legislative Briefing

2013 Momentum Awards

2013 Civil Rights Educational Freedom Tour

2012 Celebration of Civic Spirit

Excellence in Nonprofit Mgt

Functional Project Manager

County board vacancies

Rockville WBC

IMPACT (more)

Open Governament - Website (more)

Rockville WBC (more)

Important Links

engageMontgomery
Suggest, share and second ideas to help make Montgomery County, Maryland an even better place to live, work, and do business. Your posts will be reviewed to help shape decision making across the County.

  

dataMontgomery

Direct access to County datasets in consumable formats is available here, offering the public an opportunity to review and analyze raw data, and the opportunity to use it for a variety of purposes.   

  

mobile.montgomery

Visit County services and information while you're on the go.  

 

Snow Emergency
Delays, closings, and other information due to winter storms and emergencies. Check on snow plow progress or report a missed street with the interactive MCDOT Storm Operations' map.


Join Us for the MLK Weekend of Celebration & Service

Bruce Adams

Director, Office of Community Partnerships

 

I hope you and your families enjoyed the holidays and are rested and ready for a year of real accomplishment in 2013. We have much to do as we aim to meet the County Executive's goal of making Montgomery County America's most welcoming community.  

 

I hope you and your family will join us at one or more of our January 19-21 events to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Again this year, as in 2009, our MLK Weekend of Celebration and Service coincides with the inauguration of our President. That creates real synergy, but it also scrambles the schedule a bit. The annual Alphas breakfast at the North Bethesda Marriott Conference Center will take place on Saturday morning January 19. The President and First Lady have asked us all to devote Saturday to service to others. In Montgomery County, volunteers will be collecting food at every Giant Food store on Saturday and Sunday. Groups are encouraged to "adopt a store" for one day or both days to help Manna collect food donations. For more information, visit www.mannafood.org and to volunteer, email [email protected]. On Sunday January 20 at 3 p.m., Montgomery County will pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr at the Music Center at Strathmore.  

 

On Monday January 21, our Volunteer Center is organizing and coordinating indoor family-friendly service projects at the North Bethesda Marriott Conference Center (5701 Marinelli Road, North Bethesda) from 9 to 11 a.m. Activities include decorating cards for troops, assembling peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for local shelters, constructing fleece blankets for Montgomery Hospice and packing snow day boxes for Meals on Wheels. Various agencies will be present at the Volunteer Fair for anyone wishing to learn more about ongoing volunteer opportunities in Montgomery County. Non-perishable food items will be collected at this site for Manna Food Center to distribute to those in need. The volunteer projects are all approved for Student Service Learning hours. For more information and to pre-register, visit www.montgomeryserves.org.

Gilchrist Center Registration
Gilchrist registration
ESL, computer, and citizenship classes
start soon. 

The Gilchrist Center's upcoming winter session is on its way!  Whether you are interested in improving your English, gaining computer skills or ready to take a citizenship test, we have the program for you.

Our winter session starts January 26, 2013 and ends April 13, 2013. Classes run from 8 to 10 weeks. The registration fee is payable by cash or check.  Students must register in person. Space is limited, so register early!

For ESL classes, students must register and take a test to determine the correct level. Just choose a location that is close to you and visit during registration dates and times.

For citizenship classes, register on the first day of class.

For computer classes, registration is required.

Important Dates to Remember -

Wheaton:    
January 15th starts at 1pm
             ESL Registration
January 17th starts at 1pm
             Basic Computer Registration
January 19th starts at 10am
             ESL/Basic Computer Registration

Germantown:
January 14th & 16th starts at 3pm
             ESL Registration

Information about all of our programs and class schedules with registration dates can be downloaded from our website under Winter 2013 Programs.

Please call 240-777-4940 for more information. 
Leggett Announces New Open Government Efforts

New Website and Council Legislation Ensure Even

Better Transparency, Accessibility and Efficiency

 

County Executive Isiah Leggett announced a major advance in the County's open government efforts that will significantly improve government transparency, accessibility and efficiency.  Joining him for the announcement was County Councilmember Hans Riemer who initiated the open government legislation (Bill 23-12) to support the County's open government efforts into the future. 

 

Leggett's announcement included a new digital roadmap that will guide the County's efforts to deliver better services using modern tools and technologies; a new open data website that will provide constituents with convenient access to a growing variety of information; a new social media platform to encourage public participation on key County issues; and, new mobile versions of the County's award-winning web portal, MC311 website, and Storm Operations website.

 

"Providing this diverse community with a responsive and accountable County Government has long been my highest priority, I am pleased that these new efforts will substantially strengthen this County's ability to be even more transparent to our residents and businesses, as well as more efficient internally," said Leggett.  "I want to thank Councilman Riemer for his support of these efforts."

 

"Our Open Data legislation will completely change the way Montgomery County collects, manages and publishes data. The bill establishes an open data policy and then requires the executive branch to prepare an open data implementation plan for Council approval. I want to thank County Executive Ike Leggett and his team for their impressive work in building the information infrastructure required for future innovations in service delivery and resident engagement."

 

Montgomery County's Chief Information Officer Harash (Sonny) Segal provided details of the new openMontgomery website which the Department of Technology Services developed and will maintain along with the Public Information Office. 

 

See more.  
  Artists and Scholars in the Community Grants
There is an upcoming deadline for the Artists and Scholars in the Community Grants program of the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County.  Applications for FY13-2 are due no later than 11:59pm on Tuesday, January 29, 2013 through AHCMC's online system. As usual, this will be a competitive round. For more information and guidance, please consult the program guidelines, which are available on AHCMC's website at www.creativemoco.com/grants/guidelines.

 

Contact with any questions: [email protected].

Reverend Kasey Kaseman Named Liaison to Faith Community

Kasey  

Mansfield M. (Kasey) Kaseman has been named liaison to the faith communities in the Office of Community Partnerships. Kasey will be replacing Reverend Tim Warner who has moved to MCPS as the school system's Chief Engagement and Partnership Officer. A liaison to the African American community will be named soon to replace that part of Tim's previous job. Kasey will work out of the Upcounty Regional Center (12900 Middlebrook Drive, Suite 1000, Germantown, MD 20874). Office: 240-777-2503. Cell: 240-481-0690. Email: [email protected].

 

Since his student days the Reverend Mansfield "Kasey" Kaseman has been engaged in ecumenical and interfaith ministries aimed at creating the beloved community. Moving to Rockville in 1979, Kasey revitalized Rockville United Church, incorporated Community Ministries of Rockville, engaged the political, civic, religious and business sectors in meeting common interests.  The Caregiver's Coalition of Rockville, Emergency Assistance, Elderly Homecare, Latino Outreach, Manna, and Habitat for Humanity are among organizations he helped found and grow. Rockville's Kaseman Clinic is named in his honor.

 

Currently, Kasey serves on the boards of the Primary Care Coalition, Open Health Systems Laboratory, Low Vision Center, Play Ball America, and the Civilizations Exchange and Cooperation Foundation. He has degrees from Westmar College, Andover Newton Theological School, and Yale Divinity School.  He has certificate studies and continuing education at Oxford University, American University, Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation, and Eden, Princeton, and Lancaster Theological Seminaries. Kasey and his wife, Dianne, have three adult children and seven grandchildren.

 

On taking the position, Kasey said: "I consider it an honor and privilege to be to be part of a team committed to making Montgomery County the beloved community.  I have been working privately toward that goal since 1979 and now as a public servant I look forward to forging partnerships that can accomplish far more than any one individual, department or institution can do alone.  I know the resources of our community are more than adequate for meeting the needs and aspirations of our deserving residents.  I also believe our faith communities are exceptionally well positioned to help us become a more compassionate and welcoming community."  

Martin Luther King Day Celebration

Don't forget about attending the MLK Musical Tribute and Celebration at the Music Center at Strathmore on Sunday, January 20th at 3 pm.  Enjoy music and dance along with speeches and awards.  Get your tickets now at www.strathmore.org.

Martin Luther King
Day of Service

Monday, January 21, 2013

Join thousands of volunteers on this  

National Day of Service.

Make it a day ON, not a day off!

 

Start the New Year off right by giving back to your community!  Join in the celebration of the Presidential Inauguration downtown and service to your community during the Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend of Service all around the region.  Montgomery County will be commemorating MLK Day by hosting indoor service projects at the Bethesda North Conference Center and the Silver Spring Civic Building on Monday, January 21st.  This is time to get the family together to serve side by side.  Students can also earn Student Service Learning (SSL) hours.  Find information and sign up to participate on the Volunteer Center website:  www.montgomeryserves.org.  

2013 Women's
Legislative Briefing

The Montgomery County Commission for Women invites you to the 2013 Women's Legislative Briefing on Sunday January 27, 2013 at The Universities at Shady Grove (9630 Gudelsky Drive, Rockville). For information and to register, please go to: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/cfw.

Call for 2013
IMPACT Momentum Awards Nominations

IMPACT Silver Spring is seeking nominations for its 2013 Momentum Awards which recognize individuals and organizations who are activating the power of our community's diversity to build momentum towards positive social, economic, and civic impact. The 2013 Momentum Award winners will be honored at the IMPACT Now! event on April 25, 2013 at the Silver Spring Civic Building.

See more.
Civil Rights
Educational Freedom Tour

Sign-up now for the 2013 Civil Rights Educational Freedom Tour, March 25-30, 2013. Join the Office of Human Rights on a fun-filled and educational tour traveling south to visit the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement. Retrace the Freedom Trail and learn about Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Voters Rights, and other significant events of the Civil Rights Movement. Come and travel on a state-of-the-art bus with internet access, movies, and snacks as part of the educational experience. Click here for complete details and registration form.

2012 Celebration of Civic Spirit

On December 5th, The Community Foundation celebrated its 2012 Celebration of Civic Spirit, honoring Richard W. Snowdon III, and five Linowes Leadership Award recipients.

 

Richard Snowdon is described as an individual who is "passionate about the power of philanthropy and volunteerism, and has a strong belief that every person has potential to make a positive impact on their community - a philosophy he forwards by example".  In addition to the Civic Spirit honoree, The Community Foundation recognizes "unsung heroes" working in a wide range of issue areas to both improve communities throughout the region and inspire the public to follow their example of leadership and service through the Linowes Leadership Awards.

 

Linowes Award recipients are a group of diverse individuals who demonstrate extraordinary leadership and service in the fields of the arts and humanities, education, and youth development, social justice, poverty and homelessness, and neighborhood revitalization. In short, their work touches our lives and the lives of our neighbors in countless ways. They are living proof that the ability to reach out and take action lies within each of us, and they inspire us to better our neighborhoods, our communities, and our region as a whole.

 

This year, The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region has had the pleasure of honoring the following five individuals:

Yasmine Arrington - Student, Founder of ScholarCHIPS

John Chambers - Founder/Chief Executive Gardner of BloomBars

Tara Libert - Executive Director/Co-Founder of Free Minds Book Club and Writing Workshop

Siham Eldadah - Retired Educator

Irene Coleman - Retired Educator

 

More background and photos. 

The Washington Post  

2013 Award for Excellence  

in Nonprofit Management 

post award

Wondering why you should apply for

The Washington Post 2013 Award

for Excellence in Nonprofit Management?

 

The top five reasons:  

5. It's free to apply!

4. Every applicant receives feedback on their management practices from The Washington Post Award Selection Committee-a team of professionals from across the greater Washington region.

3. Completing the application is a great way to assess your organization's management strengths and opportunities for improvement.

2. Up to four organizations will receive Honorable Mention Awards including a $2,500 cash grant and recognition in an ad in The Washington Post.

1. One organization will be named The Washington Post 2013 Award Winner, receiving a $10,000 cash grant, a scholarship to Georgetown University's Center for Public and Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program, recognition by The Washington Post and more!

 

Don't Delay! Applications are due January 7, 2013.

 

 Learn more.  

 Access the Online Application.

 Download the information packet. 

Opening for
Functional Project Manager

Montgomery County Government seeks a highly skilled and experienced Functional Project Manager (FPM) to lead and manage the continued implementation, post-implementation and operational support of the County's Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system (currently comprised of Oracle e-Business, PeopleSoft, Hyperion, Oracle Business Intelligence, and Kronos). ERP has transformed the financial, budgeting, procurement, and human resource business processes and is replacing large scale mission critical legacy systems.

To apply visit  www.montgomerycountymd.gov.
Click on "Careers" then "Search Jobs",
Create an account and submit resume for Requisition IRC9933
County Board Vacancies 

County Executive Isiah Leggett is committed to representation on all of the County's boards, committees, and commissions that is reflective of, and responsive to, our County's residents. Public participation contributes to the work of County government and provides an important service to the community when a variety of issues, concerns, and viewpoints are presented. Currently, there is a valuable opportunity to serve on the following:  

  • Adult Public Guardianship Review  Board
  • Committee on Hate/Violence

The deadline for application is January 11, 2013.

 

Please share this notice with anyone who may be interested. You may access vacancy announcements for boards, committees, and commissions through this link.

 

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. Home and employment addresses, as well as contact phone numbers and email addresses should be included. If appropriate, applicants should indicate the position for which they are applying.

 

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.

Rockville WBC Workshops

Join us for our workshops in 2013.  Learn how to start your business the right way with our signature workshops - Orientation and ABC's of Starting a Business both offered on January 10.  Grow your business with our workshop on You-Tube video and email marketing.  Get your business finances in order with Knowing Your Numbers and QuickBooks Training. Learn to avoid small business legal pitfalls with McMillian Metro and Top 10 Legal Issues for Small Business.    See you in 2013!

 

Introductory Workshop: 

Orientation to RWBC Resources

Wednesday, January 10 from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM 

At this free workshop, learn more about the programs available through the RWBC and through other re-sources in the community, including counseling, training, and on-line re-sources. Whether you have been in business for years and are looking to expand or just starting your business, find out how the Rockville WBC can help you! 

Also offered on the following dates:

Thursday, February 7 from 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

Saturday, March 9 from 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM 


See more.
more1Momentum Awards Nominations (More)
IMPACT Executive Director Ronnie Galvin says of the event and awards that, "It is fitting that for the third year, the theme for IMPACT Now! is 'Diversity is Our Competitive Strength!' With so many folks across our county we have been demonstrating the veracity of this claim. We look forward to sharing our progress with the entire community of supporters in our county and recognizing heroic efforts by other individuals and organizations who are tapping the power of our community's diversity."
Award nominations will fall into the following categories:
Social Momentum: Those working in our community to build trust, relationships, a sense of belonging, and mutual support across lines of difference.
Economic Momentum: Those who are positively impacting employment, income and/or commerce in ways that tap the power of our community's diversity.
Civic Momentum: Those attuned to addressing, in the public square, the challenges faced by our diverse community.
Nominees may include individuals, groups, organizations, institutions, and businesses in the greater Silver Spring community.
For additional guidelines and forms, visit www.impactsilverspring.org.

Completed nomination forms must be submitted by Friday, January 18, 2013 by email or mail.

 2013 Momentum Awards Nomination Guidelines

 2013 Momentum Awards Nomination Guidelines (Espanol)

 2013 Momentum Awards Application

 

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more2 Open Government - Website (More)

The website includes four distinct portals:

 

accessMontgomery (http://montgomerycountymd.gov/access) provides convenient links to existing digital services related to accountability, accessibility and transparency, such as MC311 as well as CountyStat performance tracking.  It also includes direct links to internal audits, spending disclosures, contracts, open solicitations, budgets, and free WiFi locations in the County;

 

dataMontgomery (https://data.montgomerycountymd.gov)  provides direct access to disaggregate data sets, which include employee salaries, cable inspections and complaints, residential and commercial building permits, hospitals, schools, fire stations, post offices, real property taxes and MC311 requests. The data is available for viewing, and can be sorted and consumed in various ways, including by individuals and businesses in the development of smart phone and other applications. Resulting applications would provide value to residents and better connect them to County services. The menu of datasets will continue to grow as more become available for publication.  Datasets included in the dataMontgomery portal will also be accessible on the https://www.data.gov/communities, where data can be explored and compared with other jurisdictions such as the cities of Chicago and Baltimore, and the states of California, Colorado, Maryland and Massachusetts.  Montgomery is the first county in the nation to be included on the cities.data.gov website.

 

engageMontgomery (http://engage.montgomerycountymd.gov) is the new social media platform that will serve as an informal online Town Hall Meeting or a place where people can share ideas on ways to improve the community.  Users who sign up for an account are encouraged to offer their own ideas and to support the ideas that they like best from others.  Elected officials, department heads and program managers will be able to gain valuable public feedback on various topics such as the kinds of books that the Library Department should purchase for its collection, or funding priorities.  Users gain points for signing up, points for good ideas, and even more points when others support their ideas.  Points can be "cashed in" for various prizes such as a free round of golf at a County golf course, a home security evaluation by a County police officer and a story time and tour for up to four children at a County library.     

 

mobileMontgomery (http://montgomerycountymd.gov/mobile) offers a listing of  the County's mobile sites such as MC311 and Transportation's Storm Operations with directions on how to bookmark them, as well as apps such as Library BookMyne, Crime Reports and RideOn Real Time that can be used anytime and anywhere. 

 

Previous accountability systems set in place by County Executive Leggett such as MC311 and CountyStat -- along with the integration of social media tools and new web and mobile technologies - open the door to even stronger open government efforts that will invite innovation, economic development and community participation.  These are expected to move Montgomery County, Maryland towards even greater service improvements and efficiencies in the future.        

 

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more2 Rockville WBC Workshops (More)
More workshops:

ABC's of Starting A Business

Wednesday, January 10 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM  

What does it really take to start your own business? Learn more about the steps involved and discover the many resources that are available to support you. Explore the demands of being an entrepreneur and take a brief self-assessment. Obtain concrete information about where to go and get "registered" with the federal government and state. Fee:$10

Also offered on the following dates:

Thursday, February 7 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Saturday, March 9 from 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM

 

Writing a Business Plan

Tuesday, January 15, 2013 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM 

New and existing businesses benefit from a strong business plan. Join RWBC staff to learn why you need one and how to develop a good one, the right way.  Includes comprehensive business plan outline, financial templates and additional resources.  Fee: $25

 

One Day Website

Wednesday, January 16, 2013 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Trumpet Marketing 
leads this dynamic workshop where you bring your laptop and walk away with a fresh new website, domain name, and hosting for the new year! You can not beat this opportunity to develop your own website using a free Wordpress platform that is easy to edit with tons of robust features. This includes your first year of hosting on our platform and a domain name for your website. Fee: $295

 

Top 10 Legal Issues for Small Businesses

Thursday, January 17, 2013 from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM EST  From day one of starting a business, owners are faced with many difficult business and legal decisions. This seminar, led by McMillian Metro, P.C.,  is designed to help business owners obtain a basic knowledge of important legal issues, identify potential problems with their businesses and gain insight into how to protect themselves and their businesses. Fee: $25

 

Knowing Your Numbers

Wednesday, January 23, 2013 from 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM

At the end of the year, your financial program gives you great reports, but what do they mean?  What do they tell you about your business and how can you use them to set goals for the New Year?  This workshop, led by Woodard & Associates, will help you review your year-end financial reports - Profit & Loss, Cash Flow, and Balance Sheet - and interpret what they mean for your future. Fee: $25

 

You-Tube for Your Business

Tuesday, January 29, 2013 from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM EST
Learn how to use video and email marketing to get your message across to current and potential clients. Understand the 4 key principles of successful video marketing and best practices for incorporating video into your email and social media strategies.  In this workshop presented by MiniMatters, you will learn to build your business with video tools and market to new customers in the new year. Fee: $25

 

QuickBooks Training

Thursday, January 31, 2013 from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM EST  Learn using QuickBooks to pay your bills and track the financial performance of your small business.  This workshop, presented by Monarch CPAs, is perfect for new users who want to get started right. Topics include: setting up QuickBooks, processing invoices and payments, working with bank accounts and running reports. Bring your laptop or borrow ours. Fee: $75

 

Visit the website: http://www.rockvillewbc.org/ 

  

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