mclogo
June 2015 - Issue: 85
NEWS & EVENTS AROUND THE REGION
Get a Taste of What Wheaton Has to Offer 

Sample the delicious diversity of downtown Wheaton at the 20th annual Taste of Wheaton, set for Sunday, June 7, 11 am-5 pm, in the Wheaton Triangle (corner of Grandview Avenue and Reedie Drive).

Taste of Wheaton will include food samples from some of downtown Wheaton's best restaurants at prices ranging from $1 to $5 per "taste," cooking demonstrations by local chefs, wine tastings, a craft beer garden, live music, and activities for kids, such as rides and face painting. All proceeds will benefit the Mid-County United Ministries.


Visit Taste of Wheaton for more information.
 
 

WorldRefugeeDayFestival Celebrates World Refugee Day

World Refugee Day Montgomery County will honor its local refugees with a celebration of World Refugee Day on Tuesday, June 9, 3-8 pm, at the Silver Spring Civic Building. This community event--sponsored by the Office of Community Partnerships, the Ethiopian Community Development Council, Lutheran Social Services, and the American Red Cross--pays homage to the journey of the refugee while simultaneously connecting local refugees to the county.

 

The World Refugee Day celebration will feature live entertainment, kids' arts and crafts, a refugee art gallery, mini marketplace and food vendors, a photo booth, a silent auction, and more. It will include recognition of three organizations that have served the county's refugee population: Parkview Gardens apartment complex, Young Professionals in Foreign Policy, and Golden Krust Bakery.

 

Email Amanda Pourciau or call 301 562 8633 x328 for more information.

 
 

Vacancies on County Hate/Violence Committee


County Executive Ike Leggett is seeking applicants to fill six vacancies on the Committee on Hate/Violence. The committee develops and distributes information about hate/violence in the county, advises the county leadership about local hate/violence, and recommends policies, programs, legislation, and regulations to help reduce the incidence of such acts.


Applicants must be county residents and committee members will be chosen to reflect the geographic, economic, and social diversity of the county. Members serve three-year terms without compensation, but are eligible for reimbursement for travel and dependent care for meetings attended. Meetings are held in Rockville the second Wednesday evening of every month.


Deadline to apply is Friday, June 5. Click for more information and online application.
 
 

Trip Participants to Build Houses in El Salvador

 

Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland is leading a group service trip to El Salvador July 25-Aug. 2 to build and renovates homes for the El Barrial community, a resettlement community for refugees from the El Salvador civil war. The building project is part of a three-year commitment to build 24 new earthquake-resistant homes and rehab 18 existing homes. The trip also includes some free time to explore the region.

 

Contact Sarah Reddinger for details, including itinerary and trip costs.

 
 
Maryland Youth Council Invites Applicants 

The Maryland Youth Advisory Council (MYAC) is now accepting applications for the 2015-2016 term. MYAC provides Maryland youth with an opportunity to take a leadership role in providing feedback and recommendations on public policies and programs that affect their future. MYAC members not only meet as a council, but also testify in Annapolis and share their experiences with the governor, state legislature, state agencies, and other youth.

The deadline to apply is Wednesday, July 1. The application and eligibility criteria are available online. Email Christina Drushel Williams or call 410-767-2547 for more information.
 
 

Governor's Service Award Nominations Open


The Governor's Service Awards honor Maryland citizens for their volunteer contributions. There are a dozen categories of award recognition, including National Service participants, AmeriCorps alum, and nonprofit volunteer program.


Nominations are due Monday, June 15, and can be submitted online. For more information, visit the 32nd Annual Governor's Service Awards website.
 
 
Down County Providers Prepare for World Refugee Day

  

The Down County Providers--a network of nonprofit organizations, schools, faith-based groups, and other community-based organizations dedicated to working with county residents--will hold its next quarterly meeting on Tuesday, June 9, 3:30-5:30 pm, at the Silver Spring Civic Building.

 

The session will focus on Montgomery County's celebration of World Refugee Day (featured aboveand will feature panelists Kimberly Brown of Montgomery County's Refugee Center at Montgomery College; Sarah Zullo, managing director of the Ethiopian Community Development Council; and Aerlande Wontamo, program manager of the Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area.

  

Contact Daniel Koroma for more information.
 
 

Residents Invited to Share Views on Making County Healthier Place to Live


Montgomery County is hosting a series of community-based conversations with all interested residents, which will be used to complete a community health needs assessment. Attendees will have the opportunity to share their views about how Montgomery County can be a healthier place to live.


 

The sessions are set for the following dates and locations (additional sessions will be announced at a later date):

 

* Tuesday, June 2, 7-9 pm, Upcounty Regional Services Center (12900 Middlebrook Road, Germantown)

 

* Wednesday, June 10, 6-7:30 pm, Executive Office Building (101 Monroe Street, Rockville)

 

* Wednesday, June 17, 7-9 pm, Mid-County Regional Services Center (2424 Reedie Drive, Wheaton); note that this session will be conducted in Spanish

 

* Monday, July 13, 1-3 pm, Holiday Park Senior Center (3950 Ferrara Drive, Wheaton)

 

Email Yvonne Bailey or call 240-777-4527 to register.

 
 
Register Now for Summer Recreation Programs 

 

Registration is now open for the wide variety of summer classes and programs offered by the county Recreation Department. Sessions include aquatics, sports, therapeutic recreation services, and active adult senior programming.

 

To see listings of available programs and register online, go to the Recreation program site. Registration forms can also be downloaded and mailed or faxed in or submitted in person as shown on the form. Paper copies of the summer program bulletin are available at public libraries, recreation centers, park facilities, and senior centers.

 

For more information, call 240-777-6840.

 

County Providing Shade Trees for Private Property


Tree Montgomery, a new program of the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection, provides and plants free shade trees at single-family homes, multi-family properties, and business parking lots as part of an effort to reverse the loss of tree canopy due to development, storm damage, and aging trees. Shade trees have a broad crown and grow to at least 50 feet in height (though they will be 10 to 12 feet tall when installed).


Plantings will take place fall through early spring, and the program will provide after-care for up to two years to ensure the trees' long-term survival.


To start planning for a fall planting, visit Tree Montgomery. For information about street trees, call 311.
 

Montgomery College News Roundup

 
Learn about the new Montgomery College Community Engagement Center at East County at a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Monday, June 22, 4:30-6:30 pm, at the East County Regional Service Center (3300 Briggs Chaney Road, Silver Spring). 
  
Montgomery College Summer Dinner Theatre will present two musical productions over five weekends this summer: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (June 19-21 and 26-28) and Legally Blonde (July 17-18, 24-26, and July 31-Aug. 1). Visit the ticket site for more details.

The college will offer the following summer career-oriented programs at the Gaithersburg Library:

* Computers for the Workplace: Tuesdays, July 7-Aug. 4, 6:30-8:30 pm. On-site registration Tuesday, June 30, 6:30 pm.

* Food Certification Program: Saturdays, July 11-Aug. 1, 10:30 am-2:30 pm. On-site registration: Saturday, June 27, 10:30 am-12:30 pm.


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. 
 
Further details and applications are available at local libraries, on the state's website, or by calling 410-767-4433 or 800-944-7403.The deadline to file is September 1.  


Mark Your Calendar!

AALEAD 16th Annual Dinner: Wednesday, June 3, 6:30 pm, Silver Spring Civic Building. Support Asian American youth programs while networking and celebrating AALEAD's accomplishments. AALEAD

 

Baltimore Peace Fest: Saturday, June 6, 10 am-5 pm, 500 Block Islamic Way, Baltimore. This family-friendly community event will bring together citizens of Baltimore and the city's police for a day of fun, including games, food, and live entertainment. Muslim Social Services Agency.

 

Recycling, Composting, and Rainscaping: Monday, June 8, 6:30-7:30 pm, Aspen Hill Library. Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection reps will discuss best practices and rewards for these "green" methods, plus have a limited supply of free recycling and compost bins. 240-773-9410 or Library Events

 

Citizenship Assistance: Thursday, June 18, 3 pm, Asbury Methodist Village, Gaithersburg. The National Immigration Forum's New American Workforce presents a free and confidential information session on the process of becoming a U.S. citizen, featuring a group presentation plus opportunities to answer specific questions on the application process. Call Sharon Bennett, Asbury's volunteer manager, at 301-216-4223 to attend.

  

 

Heritage Days Montgomery County Heritage Days Weekend: Saturday and Sunday, June 27-28, noon-4 pm, at locations throughout the county. Features special activities and free admission to more than 35 sites of historical and cultural significance, including the Underground Railroad Experience Trail in Silver Spring, the Stonestreet Museum of 19th Century Medicine in Rockville, and the Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard in Dickerson. Heritage Montgomery.


 

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.

Understanding Diversity Through the Arts 

Art & Books Help Build Our Welcoming Community 

 

I know I'm repeating myself, but what a thrill it is for me, someone who grew up here in what was a largely homogeneous suburban Montgomery County, to see our community blossom as people from across the globe have brought their talents and cultures here. I'm reminded of how lucky I am on a regular basis but seldom as clearly as on a recent Friday night and Saturday morning. On Friday, May 15, our 11th annual "Understanding Diversity Through the Arts"show and reception was held at the Rockville Memorial Library. The next morning, I attended the "We Need Diverse Books" panel at the Sixth Annual Gaithersburg Book Festival, held on the grounds of the Gaithersburg City Hall.

 

Understanding Diversity 2015-1

Benjamin Banneker Middle School artist Hiwot Yeshewalul explains

how her painting reflects her Ethiopian American upbringing to

First Lady Catherine Leggett and County Executive Ike Leggett.

 

County Executive Ike Leggett and First Lady Catherine Leggett had the opportunity to talk with three of the artists who won top prizes in the "Understanding Diversity" show. The parents of Yulia Lim of Kingsview Middle School are from Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Mikaela Chin, also of Kingsview, explained to our First Couple that her family is from Vietnam. The County Executive told Mikaela that he had fought in the war and that he and his wife had recently traveled there. The family of Hiwot Yeshewalul of Banneker Middle School is from Ethiopia, and the County Executive told them of his Sister City trip to Gondar, Ethiopia.

 

#WeNeedDiverseBooks
Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman (standing) with authors Ellen Oh, Aisha Saeed, Tracey Baptiste, and Gene Luen Yang

At the Gaithersburg Book Festival, Ellen Oh, the founder of #WeNeedDiverseBooks, noted that children need to see themselves in books. She cited a study showing that people of color are only represented in 7% of books for children, and pointed out that there are more books on the market about talking animals. So she wrote a book about a teenage supergirl demon slayer set in ancient Korea. Fellow panelist Aisha Saeed explained that her book explores what it is like for a Pakistani American teenager to be thrust into an unwanted marriage. Trinidad native Tracey Baptiste and American-born Chinese graphic novelist Gene Luen Yang rounded out the excellent program.

 

Understanding Diversity 2015-2
   County Executive Leggett with the founders of "Understanding Diversity Through the Arts," Siham Eldadah and Irene Coleman.

As readers of this newsletter know well, great events like these don't just happen. Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman founded the Book Festival six years ago, and he introduced the authors at the "We Need Diverse Books" panel. Mayor Ashman pointed out that as a typical white male sports junkie, he always found plenty of books he could relate to while growing up. To his credit, he came to realize that wasn't so for everyone. A dozen years ago, Siham Eldadah and Irene Coleman initiated what became the "Understanding Diversity Through the Arts" event now organized by Montgomery County Public Schools. Hats off to Mayor Ashman, Siham Eldadah, Irene Coleman, and all the others who have worked so hard to bring us these enriching events.

 

The middle school artwork will remain on display on the second floor of the Rockville Memorial Library (21 Maryland Ave.) through Aug.29. 

 

signature

Bruce Adams

Director, Office of Community Partnerships

 

P.S. When you read this, I'll already be out on the road following my baseball obsession. Baseball for me and my family has been a great way to see America. I'm planning on writing a daily blog and posting on social media. If you would like to join me on the ride, check out my blog or follow me on Twitter @bruceadams1 or Instagram @brucebaseballadventure. Enjoy the summer.

Interfaith Bridge Builder Award Presented to Montgomery County Executive

 

2015 Bridge Builder
Ike Leggett accepts the Bridge Builders Award from Rev. Carol Flett and Rabbi Batya Steinlauf, current chair of the Interfaith Conference as well as co-chair of the county's Faith Community Working Group.
The Interfaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington honored County Executive Ike Leggett with one of its 2015 Bridge Builders Awards, which recognize local leaders who exemplify the best in bridging differences and amplifying the unity found in diversity. The awards, which also went to Hindu-American Leader Mythili Lee Bachu and Social Entrepreneur Andy Shallal, were presented at a ceremony on May 17 at the LDS Temple Visitors' Center in Kensington. 

 

In introducing Leggett, Rev. Carol Flett--a past chair of the board of the Interfaith Conference and current co-chair of the Montgomery County Faith Community Working Group--noted the County Executive's commitment to making Montgomery County the most welcoming and inclusive county in America, pointing out that Montgomery is now composed of a dazzling array of ethnic communities and religious faiths. She also drew attention to Leggett's personal support of initiatives that connect the faith community to issues of public welfare in every area of the county.
 

Faith Community Advisory Council Meets With Leggett to Talk Hunger, Hate, Healthcare & More
FCAC

The Faith Community Advisory Council met in May at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rockville to discuss progress on a variety of fronts and to hear from County Executive Ike Leggett. 

Among the highlights of activities reviewed at the meeting were these:
  • 32 faith-based organizations recently engaged in outreach that resulted in 22,065 contacts and in excess of 80,000 individuals being enrolled in the Affordable Care Act,
  • 30,000 pounds of food were collected as part of a campaign to make Montgomery County a hunger-free zone, and
  • the interfaith community has been working with the Montgomery County Public Schools interim superintendent and Board of Education on initiatives to be announced at a community forum on June 10.
The group also focused on the continuing effectiveness and national and  international interest in the Montgomery County Model for dealing with hate and violence, which has been recognized by the White House as well as diplomats, security officers, academics, and faith leaders from 15 countries. The Montgomery County Model is rooted in educating the faith community about potential precursors to violent extremism, building awareness of identifying at-risk individuals, and developing intervention strategies to prevent violence through a broad collaboration among schools, the County Executive's office, law enforcement officials, faith leaders, health and human services officials, and the emergency management team.

The meeting was also an opportunity to receive counsel from the County Executive and engage in dialogue related to the role of faith communities in healthy aging, community policing, responding to the earthquake in Nepal, and supporting our neighbors in Baltimore. In addition, Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal expressed appreciation for the rapid response of an interfaith delegation following the desecration of the Shaare Torah Synagogue in Gaithersburg.

Symposium Celebrates 50 Years of Dialogue Among Catholics, Jews, and Muslims 

 

NOSTRA AETATE
Kaseman with his fellow panelists Dr. Zainab Alwani, assistant professor of Islamic Studies at Howard University School of Divinity; Rabbi Gerry Serotta, executive director of the Interfaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington; and Dr. Larry Goleman, executive director, Washington Theological Union

"Nostra Aetate," a three-day national symposium presented in honor of the Catholic Church's 50 years of dialogue with Muslims and Jews, was held at Catholic University of America in late May and included a panel discussion on "The Art of Dialogue: Local Trends and Initiatives" featuring Rev. Mansfield Kaseman, Montgomery County Executive's interfaith community liaison.
 
Kaseman spoke on the Montgomery County interfaith initiative for creating the beloved community, comparing the difference between interfaith dialogue and relationships 50 years ago--which were based on the Papal encyclical Nostra Aetate and theologically oriented dialogues--and today in Montgomery County, where Eastern and Western faith traditions are engaged in a variety of programs based on a common sense of mission. Dialogue in Montgomery County is happening in the process of creating the beloved community, he noted, pointing out that in the process of working together, we naturally want to become better acquainted with colleagues and their faith traditions.


Read more of his remarks in his full presentation

 

Celebrate Iftar With the County Executive  

 

The Montgomery County Muslim Foundation will host an Iftar dinner on Wednesday, June 24, 7:30 pm, in the cafeteria of the Executive Office Building (101 Monroe Street, Rockville). 

 

RSVP (required) at [email protected]. For more information about MCMF, visit the organization's website.

 

Volunteer Opportunities Help Refugees

 

image of world refugee day and the word welcome World Refugee Day was established by the United Nations to honor the courage, strength, and determination of women, men, and children who have been forced to flee their homes under threat of persecution, conflict, and violence. It's officially observed on June 20 every year and Montgomery County will hold a special festival in honor of the day on June 9--making this the perfect month to help welcome refugees to our community as they begin their lives here. 

 

Several of our county's nonprofits focus on assisting refugees here and are looking for volunteers to help with their efforts. Volunteer opportunities range from mentoring individuals to hosting a collection drive. 

 

Check out these Volunteer Center listings to see how you can help!

 

Volunteer Tax-Aide Program Serves Thousands

 

Tax Aide 2015
Office of Community Partnership's Bruce Adams presents a proclamation recognizing RSVP volunteers Lynn Kinch, Bob Bridgeman, Kathleen Meaney Stobie, and Bob Stearns.
Congratulations to the amazing volunteers in the RSVP/AARP Tax-Aide Program, who wrapped up another very successful tax season--despite snow, snow and more snow--filing 4,541 tax returns!

 

This program--a partnership of Montgomery County's Retired Senior Volunteer Program, the American Association of Retired Persons, and the IRS--provides free income tax preparation by trained volunteers for low-to-moderate income Montgomery County taxpayers, with special attention to seniors. This year's 120 volunteers served more than 16,000 hours at 25 locations throughout Montgomery County, filing for more than $4.3 million in refunds. 

   

State Education Conference Offers Gilchrist Staff Ideas and Resources for ESOL and Other Programs 

Gilchrist Center staff attended the Maryland Association for Adult, Community and Continuing Education (MAACCE) Conference in May to learn the latest about how organizations across the state and beyond are providing critical educational support. The conference provided valuable information on a variety of programs, including those related to English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and adult literacy. Gilchrist staff also came away with a variety of useful referral materials, including easy-to-read brochures from the state about how to sort through insurance issues and more.
 
Particularly relevant were presentations by teachers from the Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School in Washington, D.C. The teachers have designed a program that incorporates computer literacy into their ESOL classes, enabling students to confidently use the Internet and computer software both for communication and for research in a safe, informed, and meaningful way. Gilchrist Center staff are now working with the center's volunteer computer instructors and are scheduling observations at the charter school to explore ways to replicate some of these innovations in Montgomery County.
  
Juneteenth Celebration Includes Awards & Film 

Montgomery County will celebrate Juneteenth--Emancipation Day--with a special program on Friday, June 19, 6:30-9:30 pm, at the BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown. The event will feature welcome remarks by County Executive Ike Leggett and presentation of the first annual Community Legends honors. A viewing of the award-winning film Selma caps the evening. 

Hosts of the 2015 Juneteenth program include the county Office of Human Rights, the Office of Community Partnerships, and the African American Advisory Group.
 
Health Freedom Walk Combines Wellness With Underground Railroad History

The African American Health Program is sponsoring the Health Freedom Walk on Saturday, June 13, at Matthew Henson Park in Silver Spring. The 3-mile walk will take participants through areas that played significant roles in the Underground Railroad in Maryland, providing them with a history exercise to go with the physical exercise. 

Registration begins at 8 am, with a welcome and warm-up starting at 8:30 am and the walk at 9 am. In addition to the walk, the event will feature musical entertainment, snacks, and free health information.

Visit the African American Health Program or call 240-773-0397 to register or obtain more information.
  

County Celebrates Asian Pacific Heritage Month

Asian Pacific Heritage 1
Traditional Indian dances were showcased by students from the Natananjali School of Dance during Montgomery County's Asian Pacific American Heritage month celebration at the Rockville Library on May 14. Pictured: Nisha Ramamurthy, Medha Swaminathan, Councilmember Roger Berliner, County Executive Ike Leggett, Anita Tharmarajah, and Director of the Natananjali School of Dance Lakshmi Swaminathan.
 

County Executive Ike Leggett hosted an Asian Pacific American Heritage Month celebration on May 14 at the Rockville Library. The networking event and celebration was sponsored by members of the Asian Pacific American Advisory Group and the Office of Community Partnerships. 


Asian Pacific Heritage 2
County Executive Ike Leggett proclaims May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month at a  May celebration. Pictured with the County Executive and Councilmember Roger Berliner are members of the Asian Pacific American Advisory Group.



Attendees had a chance to meet Asian Pacific American community leaders in Montgomery County and enjoyed traditional Indian dances performed by students from the Natananjali School of Dance. Tea, food and refreshments were provided by the Sri Lankan Embassy and Seven Seas Restaurant in Rockville. 

 

White House Hosts Historic Convening of National Asian American and Pacific Islander Leaders 

 

On May 12, 2,000 community members from across the nation and Pacific Islands convened in Washington, D.C., for the first-ever White House Summit on Asian American and Pacific Islanders. The event included performances, 25 panel discussions with government and nonprofit leaders, and progress reports from agencies. 

 

For more information on the summit, visit the White House's Initiative for Asian American and Pacific Islander Affairs website.

 

Asian Youth Produce Anti-Cyber Bullying Video 

 

Asian American Leadership Empowerment and Development for Youth and Families (AALEAD) has partnered again with the Gandhi Brigade to mobilize youth to create film projects around cyber-civility. Last year, youth participants created two videos about stereotypes and identity. This year, middle and high school youth planned, directed, and produced a video about cyber bullying, "Upstanding Upload." 

 

Read more about the project on AALEAD's blog.

 

Montgomery Celebrates Caribbean Heritage Month With All-Day Festival at Strathmore


Caribbean festival On Sunday, June 7, 11 am-4 pm, Strathmore--in association with the Montgomery County Caribbean American Advisory Group--will host its annual family-friendly "Colors of the Caribbean" festival in honor of June's designation as Caribbean American Heritage Month. The free festival will include a variety of performances and activities across the Mansion and Music Center at Strathmore's North Bethesda campus, including music and dance performances, workshops, artistic presentations, food demonstrations, and hands-on art activities celebrating the vibrant diversity and rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean.

The event will conclude with a proclamation of Caribbean American Heritage Month featuring Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett.

Visit the Strathmore website for further details, including a list of performers.
 

More Caribbean American Heritage Events


Montgomery County's Caribbean American community began honoring the 10th anniversary of June being named National Caribbean Heritage month back in February in Silver Spring with an all-day symposium on the steel drum, 
and there have been several events since. But the celebration kicks into high gear this month. Mark your calendar for these activities: 


Caribbean Family Sport and Health Fair: Sunday, June 14, 10:30 am-5:30 pm (tentative), Bethel World Outreach Church-City of Hope, Olney. Bethel Health, Bethel Caribbean Fellowship Mission, and the Caribbean-American Chamber of Commerce will host this day of sports and recreational activities for the whole family. The event will also include screenings for diabetes, Hepatis B & C, HIV-AIDS, and much more.

Jamaican National Association Fundraiser Fashion Show:
Sunday, June 14, Silver Spring Town Center. Proceeds will benefit the Bellevue Hospital in Kingston, Jamaica, as part of the "Bring the Light to Mental Health/Illness" program.

 

Caribbean-American Chamber of Commerce Caribbean-American Heritage Month Celebration: Saturday, June 20, Aspen Hill Library, Rockville.

  

Caribbean Cuisine and Restaurant WeekJune 21-28. The National Caribbean American Foods and Foodways Alliance partners with the Caribbean-American Chamber of Commerce for this special culinary event.


And coming in August: The fourth annual International Youth Arts and Culture Festival, featuring the 
Pan Lara steel band, at Silver Spring Town Center.

 

African Diaspora Marketplace to Present Final Business Plan Awards


Montgomery County's African Affairs Advisory Group will host the three-day finale and award ceremony for the African Diaspora Marketplace (ADM) III business plan competition June 21-23 at the Silver Spring Civic Building. (Note that the dates have shifted from what has previously been announced.) Approximately 40 awardees from among the original 800-plus program applicants will receive a combination of grant funds and technical assistance to help bring their business plans to fruition.

ADM III, launched by the U.S. Agency for International Development and Western Union, promotes sustainable economic growth and job creation in Africa by supporting African diaspora entrepreneurs. More information about the program is at the Diaspora Marketplace. To participate in the finale/award ceremony, email Daniel Koroma.

  

Festival Focuses on Latino Health  
 

The 2015 Ama tu Vida (Love Your Life) Health Festival is set for Sunday, June 7, noon-5 pm, at Veterans Plaza in downtown Silver Spring. The event--to be held rain or shine--will feature a variety of free medical screenings, including blood pressure, cholesterol, vision, and blood sugar. There will also be information on staying healthy, live entertainment, and raffles.


For more information, call 240-777-4173.

   
Hispanic Gala to Raise Scholarship Funds   
 

Mark your calendar for one of the most significant Latino social, political, and philanthropic events of the year--the Montgomery County Executive Hispanic Gala, set for Thursday, Sept. 10, 7-11 pm, at The Fillmore in Silver Spring.

 

The black tie event brings together stakeholders and organizations committed to assisting Latino youth education and building a diverse and unified county. Funds raised will be directed to scholarships for local Hispanic students attending a Maryland institute of higher education.


Visit the
gala website for more information, including ticket and sponsorship details.

    

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