NEWS & EVENTS AROUND THE REGION
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Down County Providers Meet, Talk Accountability
The Down County Providers--a network of nonprofit organizations, schools, faith-based groups, and other community-based organizations dedicated to working with county residents--gathers quarterly for meetings organized by the Office of Community Partnerships. These meetings are designed to help facilitate collaborations and provide information on specific topics of interest to county providers, aiding them in delivering effective and efficient services to residents.
The group's most recent meeting, held March 17 at the Wheaton Library, featured special speaker David Gottesman, manager of CountyStat, a component of the county's accountability system. CountyStat, he explained, has developed a high-level barometer of county performance and how it reflects the quality of life in Montgomery County. He noted that these indicators allow the county to compare its performance against itself over time, and to also compare performance to other like-counties, both regionally and nationally.
Click for more information about CountyStat. To be added to the Down County Providers group list, email Daniel Koroma.
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County Forum Focuses on Poverty
Learn about and discuss issues facing low-income community residents at the "Raise Your Voice EAST" forum on Wednesday, April 22, 6 to 9 pm, at the East County Regional Services Center, Silver Spring. The event features a resource fair, offering information and resources from local service providers, plus a panel discussion and focus groups, offering participants an opportunity to discuss issues such as child care, transportation, jobs, and housing.
The event is sponsored by the County's Community Action Board, in partnership with the East County Citizens Advisory Board, the East County Regional Services Center, Office of Community Partnerships, Montgomery College and the Gilchrist Center for Cultural Diversity.
The forum is free and open to the public. Childcare and food will be provided.
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Sociologist Examines
'The Truly Disadvantaged'
Renowned sociologist William Julius Wilson will discuss "The Truly Disadvantaged Revisited: Critical Reflections on the Recent Research on Concentrated Urban Poverty" on Tuesday, April 14, 6:30 pm, at the Cultural Arts Center Theater 1 at Montgomery College Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus.
Wilson is one of the most prominent American sociologists alive, writing prolifically on the effects of race and class in inner-city neighborhoods, with emphasis placed on the deskilling of these communities at the same time that de-industrialization took many jobs away from them. Free parking available in Lot W1 and student spaces in the West Campus Garage. |
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April is Earth Month, Time for Stream Cleanups
The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection is hosting and/or supporting the following stream cleanups in honor of April's designation as Earth Month. Cleanup event volunteers will help remove trash and larger debris while learning about local waterways and enjoying the natural environment.
* Saturday, April 11, 9 am-noon, Glenfield Park, 12800 Layhill Road, Silver Spring
* Saturday, April 18, 8:30-11:30 am, East County Community Center, 3310 Gateshead Manor Way, Silver Spring
* Saturday, April 18, 10 am-noon, stormwater pond cleanup, Bethesda
* Sunday, April 19, 10 am-noon, stormwater pond cleanup, Dennis Ave., Silver Spring
To register to volunteer for any of these cleanups, email Ana Arriaza or call 240-777-7778. Other local April cleanups, conducted by area environmental organizations, include:
* Patuxent River Trash Cleanups: Saturdays, April 4, 11, and 18. WSSC events calendar. * Potomac River Watershed Cleanup: Saturday, April 11. Alice Ferguson Foundation. * Anacostia Watershed Society Earth Day Cleanup and Celebration: Saturday, April 25. AWS website. |
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Pepco Offers Free Trees to Customers
Pepco is providing 1,500 free trees to customers in Maryland and D.C. through its Energy-Saving Trees program, a partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation. The program is designed to help customers conserve energy and reduce household electricity bills through strategic tree planting.
To reserve up to two free trees (while supplies last) and determine best tree type and placement for energy savings, visit the foundation website or call 855-670-2771. Trees offered include Eastern redbud, Crape myrtle, Northern red oak, red maple and river birch, which will be delivered directly to customers at an ideal time for planting.
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Kefa Raising Funds for Silver Spring Library Cafe
Kefa Cafe, which has been selected to operate the coffee shop in the new Silver Spring Library (set to open in early summer 2015), aims to raise $50,000 in just one month in order to build the space and be open for business in time for the library's grand opening.
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Program Seeks Minority Students Interested in Government
The Student Emerging Leaders Program, a partnership of MCPS and the Montgomery County Business Roundtable for Education, is accepting applications for its 2015-16 class from African American and Latino student interest in national, state and local government.
Open to rising sophomores, the program engages students through a mentoring relationship, peer-to-peer meetings, and student debate. Click for more details and an application. The application deadline is Friday, May 1.
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Montgomery College News Roundup
The Art Institute at Montgomery College invites the community to experience a range of upcoming arts programs. Click for the college's full schedule of remaining arts events.
Montgomery College will hold several enrollment events for potential new students this month, including sessions aimed at homeschooled students, those with interest in STEM careers, and adult learners. Click for a full list of open houses and special events, including dates and locations.
The college is offering a Food Service Certification Course for those interested in obtaining a nationally recognized certificate in food safety. The class will be held Saturdays, April 25, May 2, May 9, and May 16, 1-4 pm. Space is limited, and registration will be available in person at the Gaithersburg Library, Saturday, April 11, 10 am-noon. Fee is $15 (check or money order only). Click for more information.
This year's Montgomery County College Preparation and Scholarship Fair will be held Saturday, May 2, 1-4 pm, at the Universities at Shady Grove, 9630 Gudelsky Dr., Rockville. Click for registration.
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Mark Your Calendar!
Homebuyer Education: Saturday, April 4, 10 am-4 pm, JCA/Nonprofit Village, Rockville. Fulfills certification requirement for mortgage/ downpayment assistance programs. RSVP required. Additional classes offered monthly. Asian-American Homeownership Counseling.
State Budget Impact on Seniors: Tuesday, April 14, 1-3 pm, Twinbrook Community Center, Rockville. Hear from county and state officials how the new administration and new budget will affect Montgomery seniors. Leadership Montgomery.
Rockville Sister City Wine Tasting Fundraiser: Friday, April 17, 7-9:30 pm, Glenview Mansion, Rockville. Taste six different wines and help support youth, educational,
cultural, and commercial exchanges with Sister Cities in Europe and Asia. Rockville Sister City Corporation.
Fenton Street Market Opens: Saturday, April 25, 10 am-4 pm, Fenton St. & Ellsworth Dr., Silver Spring. Features 60+ vendors of cultural crafts and more, plus community activities, most Saturdays through Oct. 31. Vendor application.
International Festival of Language and Culture: Tuesday, April 28, 6-9 pm, Warner Theater, Washington. 13th annual event, organized by the Turkic American Alliance and Rumi Forum, features music and dance by students from 22 countries. Event website.
Summit to Elevate Women's Leadership: Friday-Sunday, May 1-3, Baltimore Convention Center. "It's Time 2015" features speakers and workshops on empowering women and gender equality in Maryland. Event website.
Impact Now! & Momentum Awards: Thursday, May 7, 6-8:30 pm, The Fillmore, Silver Spring. Impact Silver Spring's annual fundraiser and award ceremony. Event registration and sponsorship.
Homebuyer Education Workshop: Saturday, May 16, 10 am-3 pm, Springbrook High School, Silver Spring. Free event covers down payment assistance, mortgage programs, fair housing, and more. Asian-American Homeownership Counseling.
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New Wheaton Cultural Grants Available
The Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County (AHCMC) has launched a new grant type to fund artists and cultural nonprofits in Wheaton. The Wheaton Cultural Grants provide nonprofit arts and humanities organizations and individual artists and scholars up to $10,000 for Wheaton-based cultural projects.
Applicants must be based in Montgomery County and proposed projects must take place in Wheaton between May 15, 2015, and June 30, 2016. The application deadline is Thursday, April 9, 2015.
Click for grant guidelines.
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Renters Eligible for $750 Tax Credit
The state of Maryland offers a renters' tax credit, which provides property tax credits of up to $750 for renters who meet certain requirements.The concept of the program rests on the reasoning that renters indirectly pay property taxes as part of their rent and thus should have some protection, as do homeowners.
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Rec Department Summer Camp Registration Open
Montgomery County Recreation Department offers hundreds of affordable summer activities for tots to teens, including creative arts, nature, science, sports and more at locations throughout the county. Learn more from this YouTube video.
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Have News to Share?
To submit your news and events of interest to those in and serving Montgomery County's emerging communities and neighbors in need, email complete details and/or a press release to the OCP Newsletter.
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County Executive's FY16 Budget
Nonprofits Key to Maintaining a Just and Caring Community
On March 16, County Executive Ike Leggett announced his proposed FY2016 budget for the budget year that begins on July 1, 2015. The County Executive pointed out that despite significant remaining budget challenges, he was able to maintain the fiscal responsibility that got us through the recession while making strategic advances on priority programs for affordable housing, public safety, job creation, positive youth development, and programs for seniors.
As he did throughout the recession, the Executive made support for our neighbors in need a top priority. While there is funding for our nonprofit partners throughout the budget, the Executive's commitment to maintaining and even increasing his support for the nonprofit sector is best reflected by his community grants. Click to see a list of the County Executive's community grants.
 Bruce Adams Director, Office of Community Partnerships |
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Montgomery Serves Awards Ceremony to Honor Individuals and Groups for Service to Community
The Montgomery Serves Awards ceremony honors those who have made an extraordinary impact on Montgomery County through community service and volunteerism.
Join us in celebrating these amazing people on Monday, April 27, 6:30 pm, at Imagination Stage in Bethesda. The event is free, but reservations are required as seating is limited. Click to register.
Honorees are listed below. Read more about them on our website.
Roscoe R. Nix Distinguished Community Leadership Award
Every year, the County Executive presents this award to three individuals who--as community leaders, change agents, and role models--have made extraordinary contributions to Montgomery County over the course of their lives. This year's honorees are:
Jennie Forehand was a relentless advocate for public health and the rights of women and children during her 36 years of service to the people of Montgomery County as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates and Maryland Senate.
Inez Zeigler McAbee was a homemaker, caretaker, gardener, singer, and mover and shaker who used her personal grace and extraordinary skills and perseverance to help tear down the walls of segregation here in her native Montgomery County. She receives the award posthumously. As the son of immigrants, Tom Perez stands as the personification of the American story and of the story of the modern Montgomery County. A champion of access and opportunity, Secretary of Labor Perez is the very model of a servant leader. Neal Potter Path of Achievement Award
This award honors two recipients 60 years of age or better whose lifelong commitment to volunteer service make them outstanding roles models for young and old alike:
Jean Brady has been a volunteer and civic activist in Montgomery County for over 40 years, devoting her time to issues including affordable senior housing, homelessness, mental health, disability rights, prison ministry, poverty, and violence prevention.
At the age of 80, Karin Wilson shows no sign of slowing down after 18 years and more than 20,000 hours of volunteering at the Support Center Adult Day Program. Karin brings a special sensitivity to working with the elderly, and inspires many people.
Montgomery Serves Awards
These awards recognize those who have given extraordinary community service or volunteerism during 2014 in one of four categories--youth, business, individual, or group:
As a middle school student Yidong Hu (youth award), took a leadership role in developing multiple service projects to benefit the Children's Inn at NIH. She is also an active Key Club member, with a focus on international and local service projects, and encourages others to volunteer as well.
Employee-led volunteer teams from Washington Gas (business award) participated in 47 projects in 2014, including weatherizing 150 homes for low-income and elderly residents and educating them on energy efficiency. Other programs they support through volunteerism include A Wider Circle, Shepherd's Table, and Interfaith Works.
Darren Duvall (individual community service award) volunteers with Bethesda Cares' Lunch Program every weekday, serving 650 hours in 2014. Darren does whatever needs to be done to help the program. He shrugs off thanks, simply noting "Hey, people need a hand. I'm happy I can give it."
Members of Potomac Valley Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (group community service award) volunteered over 1,000 hours in 2014. This included running youth projects--such as an award-winning mentoring program for teens and tutoring 3rd graders--as well as activities focused on health, the arts, and more.
Volunteerism is alive and well in Montgomery County!
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Spring Classes Focus on English, Technology, and Job Skills
The Gilchrist Center for Cultural Diversity offers the following spring classes, most of which begin in late April with registration mid-month. For class dates, registration details, and other information, download the course flyers linked here, visit the Gilchrist website, or call the applicable center.
Classes at the Mid-County Regional Services Center
2424 Reedie Dr., Wheaton (240-777-4940):
English as a Second Language (beginning & intermediate)
Class at the Up-County Regional Services Center
12900 Middlebrook Road, Germantown (Call 240-777-4960):
Classes at the Gaithersburg Library
18330 Montgomery Village Ave., Gaithersburg (240-777-4960):
Classes at the East County Regional Services Center
3300 Briggs Chaney Road, Silver Spring (240-777-8406):
English Conversation (advanced beginner & intermediate)
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AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY
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MBEC and Community Partners Team Up to Serve Minority Business
 The Minority Business Economic Council (MBEC) recently co-hosted a well-attended Black History Month Business Reception in Silver Spring. Corporate and community partners for the event included Hilton Hotels, Industrial Bank, NAACP, PNC Bank, State Farm Insurance, and the Washington Informer.
MBEC Founder Herman Taylor established the council as a way to advocate for, educate, and empower Maryland-based Minority Business Enterprise firms. He was recently appointed as chair of the Montgomery County Task Force on Minority Business and Local Small Business, charged with making specific reforms to county-based procurement.
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Community Day Aimed at African American Health
In honor of National Minority Health Month, the African American Health Program (AAHP) and local partner organizations will host the second annual AAHP Community Day on Saturday, April 18, 7 am-2 pm, at the Silver Spring Civic Building.
The event, which is free and open to the public,will feature health screenings, live cooking demonstrations, group fitness activities, and presentations by local and national experts, including officials from the U.S. Office of Minority Health, Montgomery County's Department of Health and Human Services, and the County Council. There will also be activities for children, including science demonstrations and a children's book reading.
The day kicks off with a Men's Health and Wellness Walk at 7 am. Julian Norment and Daniel Koroma of the Office of Community Partnerships will participate along with James L. Stowe, director of the county's Office of Human Rights, and other public officials.
Click the event site to register or obtain more details.
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Critical Community Issues Discussed at State of Black Montgomery Event
 The African American Democratic Club of Montgomery County held its 2nd Annual State of Black Montgomery on March 7, offering participants a wealth of information from thought leaders from around the county and state on the most pressing political, social, and economic issues facing African Americans in Montgomery County. County Executive Ike Leggett addressed the crowd, citing not only the need for increased numbers of African American leaders, but also the need for collective action regardless of race, to solve the problems facing African Americans in the county. |
Events Promote Taiji to the General Public
The Taiji Friends Club of Greater Washington will host the Fourth Annual Washington Taiji Festival on Saturday, April 25, 11 am-5 pm, at the Carderock Recreation Shelter of the C&O Canal National Park in Potomac.
The following day, Sunday, April 26, the organization will present a community Taiji forum 11 am -3 pm at the County Council Office Building Auditorium, 100 Maryland Ave., Rockville.
For more information, call 240-643-1634.
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Upcoming Events Focus on Caribbean Americans
Montgomery County will celebrate National Caribbean American Heritage Month with a special proclamation and other events on Sunday, June 7, 11 am-4 pm, at the Mansion and Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda.
The County Executive's Caribbean American Advisory Group invites all to their monthly meetings every first Tuesday of the month, 7-8 pm, at the Silver Spring Civic Building. All are welcome. For more information, email Daniel Koroma.
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CONTINENTAL AFRICAN COMMUNITY
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ADM Business Plan Contest Moves to Next Stage
More than 400 applicants who submitted proposals to the African Diaspora Marketplace (ADM) III business plan competition will be invited to submit their full business plans for the next stage of the contest. Approximately 40 finalists will receive a combination of grant funds and technical assistance based on the final award selection process. The award recipients will be announced at the three-day ADM finale and award ceremony, which is hosted by Montgomery County's African Affairs Advisory Group, and will take place June 22-24 at the Silver Spring Civic Building.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Western Union launched the third round of the African Diaspora Marketplace, an initiative that promotes sustainable economic growth and job creation in Africa by supporting African diaspora entrepreneurs. The George Washington University Business School provided expert review of the business plans.
Click the ADM website for more information about the competition or email Daniel Koroma to participate in the three day finale event.
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Town Hall on Community Policing Draws Large and Diverse Crowd
More than 200 Montgomery County residents from a broad range of ethnic, racial, and faith communities gathered for the Faith Community Working Group's (FCWG) Town Hall on Community Policing, held March 16 at the People's Community Baptist Church in Silver Spring.
The principal speaker was Montgomery County Police Chief Tom Manger, answering questions ranging from racial profiling and mental illness to police training and protecting youth.
In addition, the county's Interfaith Community Liaison Rev. Mansfield "Kasey" Kaseman and FCWG's co-chairs, Rev. Dr. Carol Flett and Dr. Hedieh Mirahmadi, described the "Montgomery County Model" they have developed with the Montgomery County Police Department to certify faith leaders to work with the police and prevent violent extremism. Other partners in this highly successful event were the Human Rights and Community Action Commissions and the Black Minister's Conference.
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Discussion Event Examines Three Faith Traditions
 The Faith Community Working Group, in partnership with the Muslim Community Center and the Institute for Christian and Jewish Studies, held a workshop titled "Jewish, Christian and Muslim Dialogue: Study as a Civic Good" on March 10.
Featuring presentations by Muslim, Jewish and Christian scholars, followed by open discussion, the event examined the children of Abraham, Sarah and Hagar in the texts from the three Abrahamic faith traditions. The study revealed significant differences as well as similarities. Participants left better understanding each other's traditions and realizing we are all children of Abraham.
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Faith Leaders Join Business Community in Honoring Public Safety Work
The 41st Annual Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce Public Safety Awards ceremony in March drew leaders from the county's five public safety agencies and 1,200 grateful county residents, including Dr. Hedieh Mirahmadi and Rev. Mansfield "Kasey" Kaseman, representing the Faith Community Working Group. Mirahmadi was seated with our partners in the Police Department and Kaseman with our partners in the Fire and Rescue Service.
The event was an opportunity to socialize and commend those who put their lives on the line every day and night in security the safety and security of all county residents.
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Sandy Spring Museum Exhibits Migration Stories
Migrating Lives/Vidas Migratorias--an exhibit of handmade books filled with personal stories of migration, many by unaccompanied minors from Central America--is on display at the Sandy Spring Museum through May 31. The books were created by students from Sherwood High School in collaboration with Beatriz del Olmo Fiddleman, the museum's community artist in residence.
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Montgomery County Honors
Middle Eastern American Heritage Month
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Back Row: Mahasty Sharifi, Daud Ahmad, Morvarid Zolghadr, Amjad Chaudhry; Front Row: Mumtaz Jahan, Farshid Moghimi, Mimi Hassanein, Ike Leggett, Masooda Shairzad, Samira Hussein
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Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett presented a proclamation in honor of Middle Eastern American Heritage Month to members of the Middle Eastern community in the Executive Office Building Auditorium on March 18. This is the first time the county has designated March as Middle Eastern American Heritage Month.
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Celebrating Noruz
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Effie Radmanesh, Mahasty Sharifi, Neala Ashaari, andShirin Saberi celebrating Noruz
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On March 20, thousands of Montgomery County families of Iranian decent and roots in several other countries in the Middle East celebrated Noruz--marking the arrival of spring and the beginning of the new solar year.
Noruz is an ancestral festivity that is about the rebirth and renewal of nature that comes with spring. Noruz celebrations begin at the precise moment that the sun crosses the celestial equator and last for thirteen days. Noruz transcends all religions and belief systems and fosters values of peace, camaraderie, and reconciliation.
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Forum Connects Youth and Law Enforcement
The International Cultural Center's upcoming Youth Forum will bring together high school students and law enforcement to discuss youth advocacy, community policing, and strategies for curbing violence and building trust within the community. Set for April 8, 10 am-3 pm, at Bohrer Park Activity Center in Gaithersburg, the forum will include lunch and participants can receive SSL hours.
Space is limited. Click the event registration site for more details or to RSVP.
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