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August 2016 - Issue 100
NEWS & EVENTS AROUND THE REGION
Ripken Collegiate Baseball Players Collect Four Tons of Food for Manna Food Center

On Saturday, July 9, nearly 100 college baseball players who have come from across the country to play summer baseball in Montgomery County collected 8,083 pounds of food -- more than four tons -- for the Manna Food Center. 

Jackie DeCarlo, Manna Executive Director, attended the Ripken League game that day between the Rockville Express and Bethesda Big Train to thank all the players who volunteered their time and present the Challenge Trophy to the Rockville Express. DeCarlo said "Once again the Cal Ripken League teams came together for the local community in an impressive effort. The Manna team thanks all who made the collection of more than 8,000 pounds of food possible so Manna can feed 40,000 people year round." 

Ripken League Co-Founder Bruce Adams, who initiated the Feed the Hungry Challenge in 2010, pointed out that this year's food drive had special meaning. "This has been a tough week for America with the tragedies in Saint Paul, Baton Rogue, and Dallas. What these college ballplayers who have come here from all across the country did today to serve our neighbors in need in Montgomery County reminds us of the good there is in the world when we all work together."
 
Tech Connect Benefiting Seniors and Students Alike

Tech Connect, is a collaborative new program between JCA Heyman Interages Center and Montgomery County Recreation. This program provides an opportunity for older adults to increase their digital literacy skills by learning from teenagers. 

Based on the astounding success of the program, the program became a part of Montgomery County Recreation summer TeenWorks program, and this summer, 9 teens are employed and working at 6 different senior centers teaching technology.  Seniors and students alike are benefiting immensely from the opportunity to connect and learn from one another
If you have any questions about Tech Connect, please contact Leah Bradley
 
ACC African-Buddhist dance video performance at Walter Johnson High School

Watch the unique dance video produced this week by Crystal Park, the Council's Asian bilingual communications specialist. Crystal covered the first U.S. performance of the ACC performing troupe of orphaned African children who were placed in orphanage run by Buddhists. The performance was held at Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda. The troupe performed traditional Chinese-inspired dance.

Avoiding Scams: Information for Recent Immigrants & Refugees 

Unscrupulous merchants often prey on immigrants due to language barriers, lack of access to dependable legal advice, and inexperience with local and federal law.  In fact, often-times the scammers are members of the immigrants' community.  Unfortunately, these very communities also suffer from a lack of reporting due to language barriers, a distrust or fear of government agencies, or unfamiliarity with how an agency like the Office of Consumer Protection can assist them. 

Click to learn more about Immigration Scams in this publication. For more information, please contact the Office of Consumer Protection at 240-777-3636 
 
Xi'An "Root-Seeking" Summer Camp 

For the fifth consecutive year, Northwestern Chinese American Association of the Greater Washington (NCAAGW) assisted Xi'An "Root-Seeking" Summer Camp in recruiting campers from the Washington metropolitan area. 
The Camp is sponsored by the Office of Overseas Chinese Affairs of the State Council in Beijing and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of Xi'An, running from July 16 to July 27, 2016. This year, 28 Chinese American youths aged 12-18 years from the Montgomery County and Fairfax County were sent to China to revisit their roots in Chinese culture and tradition. 
  
Career Path Scholarship Registration    

The Career Path Scholarship registration for workforce development non-credit classes for the fall closes Aug. 12. See the Scholarship webpage for more information. 
 
Outcomes For Nonprofits Workshop Series  

Fall 2016 - Spring 2017, Silver Spring Civic Building: Register now for this free series which will train you to measure and identify objectives, goals, success, and results. Facilitated by Barry Seltser, free consultation help will be provided for Non-profit organizations who attend. Registration is free, but you must RSVP
  
A Warning About Phony Invoices  

Invoice or bill scams are a classic form of fraud where a scammer sends out fake but real-looking bills or invoices in hopes that the victim will pay. Such scams usually target businesses and non-profit organizations.  Every year businesses pay out millions of dollars to phony invoice schemes.  These invoices may arrive by mail or by email. 
 
To read more about these scams and how to avoid becoming a victim, read "Invoice Scams: A Warning to Business and Organizations" distributed by the Office of Consumer Protection ("OCP"). If you have questions about the contents of the Newsletter, please contact the OCP at (240) 777-3636.  If you suspect that the invoice you received is fraudulent, file a complaint.
 
Education Alert! 

Know the 10 Signs: Early Detection Matters Thursday, Aug. 4, 1-2 pm, Congregation Har Tzeon-Agudath Achim, 1840 University Blvd W, Silver Spring

Understanding & Responding to Dementia-Related Behavior Saturday, Aug. 13 10-11 am, River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 6301 River Rd, Bethesda

The Basics: Memory Loss, Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease Saturday, Aug. 27, 2-3 pm, Marilyn J. Praisner Library, 14910 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville
 
Montgomery College Nonprofit Leadership Boot Camp 2016-2017 

This signature program invites
you to apply or to nominate an emerging nonprofit leader to join the Class of 2017. This boot camp program provides a comprehensive look at the operations and issues facing nonprofit organizations. It is an opportunity to embark on an eight month, eight session journey. 
Application deadline is Wednesday, August 17, 2016. approximately 30  professionals from various sized nonprofits will be selected.The entire 2016-2017 program cost $975;
$500 payable by September and $475 by December.
Click here for more information. Download application form here.
 
Understanding the Effects of Trauma on the Lives of Those We Serve 

Tuesday, Aug. 23, 5:30-8:30 pm , Johns Hopkins University at Shady Grove, Rockville
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration presents free training on the widespread impact of trauma in our society, the potential paths for healing, and techniques for reducing the likelihood of re-traumatization. Click for more details and to register.
  
Get Involved: Join a Board or Commission

County Executive Ike Leggett seeks applicants of diverse backgrounds, professions, gender, geography, disability, and ethnicity to serve on the county's boards and commissions. 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. County Executive Leggett's appointments are generally subject to confirmation by the County Council. Applications of individuals selected for appointment are made public as part of the confirmation process. 

Access complete list of vacancy announcements for boards, committees, and commissions here.

Unity Walk Registration Now Open!

Sunday, September 11: Join people of all faiths and cultures from around the Washington, DC area as we walk down Massachusetts Avenue and visit houses of worship and other religious centers in a public celebration of unity and support for everyone within our diverse community. Click here to register.
 
Hispanic Heritage Month Festival

Friday, September 16, 6pm-9pm, Veterans Plaza (1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD 20910): You are cordially invited to join County Executive Leggett and celebrate the Hispanic Heritage Month in Montgomery County! It will be a fun community night that will include; cultural exhibits, music and performances from the Americas.

8th Annual World of Montgomery Festival

Sunday, October 16 from noon to 4 p.m at the Rockville campus of Montgomery College.Join us at the The 8th Annual World of Montgomery Festival to celebrate this free family-friendly event and explore cultural diversity with international music, food, dance, exhibits and hands-on arts and crafts activities.Click here to booth application

Immigration Film Festival  

October 20-23: Enjoy first-rate films and post-film discussions and a gala reception celebrating the human side of immigration issues. For more information email [email protected].

New Americans Expo 2016 

Sunday, October 23 - Silver Spring Civic Building from 12 noon-6 pm. Register yourself for this free informative fair to learn what it takes to succeed in this country.Discussion panels of more than 65 organizations will be setup. Live entertainment and freebies for kids as well.
Please e-mail for further details and registration. 
 
Paying It Forward Can Lead to Some Surprising Senior Connections

Silver Spring, Maryland - July 6, 2016: A Senior Connection volunteer driver gets matched to help an 84-year old woman who actually used to help the volunteer's mother in years past.  It's a surprising senior connection!

In 2012 Ken Campbell contacted the Senior Connection looking for an opportunity to help seniors with grocery shopping.  His own elderly mother, who passed away in 2009, had turned to friends and neighbors over the years for rides, and Ken wanted to offer his time and friendship to someone as a "thank you" to those who had helped his mother.

He was matched with Nancy Brill, an 84-year old woman who was looking for a volunteer to escort her to the grocery twice a month. Over the next 2 � years, Ken and Nancy shared stories about family and friends, and then one day they realized they had a surprising connection.  It turns out that Ken's mother and Nancy had gone to the same church, and Nancy used to drive Ken's mother home from Sunday services. On their rides, Ken's mother would share details about her son doing this and that. Nancy couldn't believe that she was now getting a ride from that very same son! As Ken concludes, "Clearly, I was destined to help Ms. Brill!
 
Ken and Nancy have been grocery shopping each month now for nearly four years. Nancy, now 88, is thrilled to have Ken, as she recently declared, "He's the best thing that's happened to me.  I couldn't do without him!"

Consider paying it forward by volunteering as a driver with the Senior Connection. Training and liability coverage are provided.  Upcoming new volunteer trainings at 3950 Ferrara Drive in Silver Spring include: 
Wednesday, August 10 at 10am, and 
Wednesday, August 17 at 7pm.

To learn more, email Senior Connection, call 301-962-0820 or visit website.

Save This Date
World of Montgomery Festival: Sunday, Oct. 16

The 8th Annual World of Montgomery Festival will be held at the Rockville campus of Montgomery College on Sunday afternoon Oct. 16 from noon to 4 p.m. This is a wonderful celebration of multicultural Montgomery. This is the one major event of the year where we celebrate all the various cultures that make up the modern Montgomery County at the same time and same place. This is a chance for young and old alike to be inspired by what it means to be a 21st century global citizen.

In recent years, the international village has featured the countries of our four Sister Cities -- China, El Salvador, Ethiopia, and India. Many festival participants have asked: "Hey, what about us? We want to showcase our country." The festival leadership committee members have listened, and we will be offering additional cultures an opportunity to participate this year.



We are looking for cultural organizations that are seeking to promote their country of origin and cultural traditions. Country tents offer a glimpse into a specific culture through decor, displays of daily life, traditional arts demos, tent performances, traditional children's games, etc. The organizations hosting these tents will be representing a home country and presenting an overview of the culture, daily life, and geographical traditions of their people. Booth participation at World of Montgomery is free for accepted organizations. If accepted, the organization will be provided with a tent space of 10x10' and possibly a small stipend to underwrite the activity costs. The cultural activities can be a craft, game, or anything fun that illuminates a particular culture or tradition or promotes cross cultural understanding. Click here to submit a Country Tent Application.

We are also looking for community and cultural groups to participate in our parade. It isn't a traditional parade, but an informal promenade around the festival site, culminating in our welcome ceremony. It is the highlight of the festival. Individuals and organizations in ethnic dress representing countries from around the world are invited to join in the parade. Colorful non-ethnic community groups are also welcome. The parade will begin at 1:30 p.m. To recommend a group from your community to participate, please ask them register here.
  
signature
Bruce Adams
Director, Office of Community Partnerships
Volunteer Center Makes Connections

As the Montgomery County Volunteer Center gathers information from our annual survey of nonprofits and government agencies registered with us, we thought we'd share some of the great feedback we're receiving, and some of the impressive data on connections made between volunteers and organizations on our website. In the last year, June 2015 to July 2016, 882 agencies received 41,173 referrals from 10,380 volunteers through the Volunteer Center website. 

The organizations these volunteers are matched with express similar appreciation--for the residents who serve as well as the Volunteer Center's resources. Here are some quotes from nonprofit and government agency reps who responded to our survey: "The Volunteer Center has been a critical component in our volunteer recruitment. The majority of our volunteers come through your website." ... "I love the resources provided by the Volunteer Center. Thank you for helping to build a community of volunteer managers in Montgomery County." ..."The volunteer center and its staff have been a very large part of my job success. I have an easy way to recruit volunteers, offer choices of activities, and I know there are people at the center willing to help me. The workshops are a great source of information and they allow me to meet other people in my field." 

The Volunteer Center thanks the thousands who are reaching out to make a difference in our community!


Volunteerism is Part of Vital Living

Studies show that seniors who volunteer live longer, happier lives. That's one of the guiding forces behind the Vital Living Network, a voluntary group composed of professionals and others with an interest in supporting opportunities that engage and energize Montgomery County's 50-plus populations.

Learn how the group is connecting seniors to volunteer service--as well as other ways to make the most of life as you age in Montgomery County--in this video segment and the downloadable publication The Montgomery County Vital Living NetworkerThe video, produced by Cathy Grubman, is featured on Montgomery County Cable's Did You Know program.

For more information, email or call RSVP Director Kathleen Meaney Stobie at 240-777-2612.

Free English Classes by Literacy Council of Montgomery County

Literacy Council of Montgomery County is offering free English classes in the fall, from August-December 2016.  Classes are located throughout the County, and classes are offered on Saturdays, mornings and evenings.  You must register and take a three and a half hour placement test in person. Click here for registration and test scheduleFor more information, call 301-610-0030.

Please note: The Gilchrist Center will be closed the week of Aug. 15.
 

Financial Education Info Sessions
 
The Gilchrist Center is offering FREE Financial Education Info Sessions at the Gaithersburg Library, and at the East County Regional Service Center.

When and Where:
East County Regional Services Center, 3300 Briggs Chaney Rd., Silver Spring
Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2016, 6pm-7pm
 
For more information, email Daniel Koroma or call 240-777-2584.

AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY 
East County Community National Night Out On August 2nd

Join us for this Annual National Night Out event to enhance the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while creating a true sense of community, raise awareness for crime and drug prevention, and send a message that neighborhoods are fighting back.

When and Where: Tuesday, August 2, 2016, 6-9pm at East County Regional Services Center, 3300 Briggs Chaney Rd., Silver Spring, MD 20904

For more information call 240-876-9640 or 240-777-8414

12th Anniversary Celebrated by Advance Church  

During the weekend of July 15th, Pastor Bruce Clark, Founding Pastor of Advance Church, led the 12th Anniversary Celebration of Advance Church with a Friday evening reception and services on Saturday and Sunday. The Friday reception was held at the University of Maryland-University College Marriott Hotel, and the services were held at the AFI Theater in Silver Spring, where Advance Church holds its regular Sunday services. 

Working Towards Creating a Safe Learning Environment

The Muslim leaders met new MCPS Superintendent Smith and five of his executive team for progress reports on Creating a Safe Learning Environment for Muslim Students, which had been presented several months earlier. It was a cordial and constructive session in which valuable information was exchanged, trust was built and goals were agreed upon for an ongoing partnership. The goals with a timeline will be developed and made available in the near future. 

It is encouraging to have this conversation at the beginning of a new administration and to have resourceful members of mosques and centers throughout Montgomery County stepping forward as advocates for their children and youth. More are invited to join and can click here for details. 


Town Hall Meetings Focus on Violence and Racism

The Faith Community Working Group, Office of Human Rights, NAACP and MC Police Department were the principal conveners of Town Hall meetings, addressing the violence of our culture, at the Civic Building in Silver Spring (drawing over 500) and the Black Rock Theatre in Germantown (drawing over 300) on July 19-20.  

Most of the evenings were spent listening to people grading Montgomery County on how well prepared we are for facing the kind of violence witnessed in Baton Rouge, St. Anthony and Dallas.  African Americans were most outspoken in sharing their experiences including the good but mainly the bad. It was informative and sobering to hear heart-wrenching stories from within our community. Responses were made largely by Chief Manger and follow panelists Linda Plummer and Rev. Kaseman.

It's clear that much work lies ahead of us in identifying common ground and working together on the sources of violence. Within the faith community we are building on a foundation of supportive relationships with MC Elected Officials; working partnerships with Police, Fire and Rescue Services, Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and the Department of Health and Human Services; and increasing solidarity one with another. You may expect to hear about next steps soon.

The Town Hall's huge turnout included County Executive Isiah Leggett, and President of the County Council, Nancy Floreen; President of NAACP, Linda Plummer; Chief Manger; Director of the Office of Human Rights, James Stowe; Rev. Ken Nelson and Rev. Dr. Elwood Gray of the Black Ministers Conference; the Co-Chair of the Faith Community Working Group, Rev. Dr. Carol Flett; the MC Interfaith Community Liaison, Rev. Mansfield "Kasey" Kaseman.


Germantown Islamic Society Holds Muslim Leaders Summit

The Third Summit of Muslim Leaders was held at the Islamic Society of Germantown and featured County Executive Isiah Leggett and County Council President Nancy Floreen signing a proclamation declaring solidarity and assuring support for the Muslim community, which is highly valued and appreciated for its significant contributions to Montgomery County.
 
Join Us at the 2016 Salvadoran-American Day Festival 

Join us on for the 7th Annual Salvadoran- American Day Festival on Sunday, August 7, 2016 from 12pm-6pm in the heart of Wheaton. The festival will be held in Wheaton Triangle on the County's open parking lot. The community celebration will include local and international bands from El Salvador, other cultural performances, and a health and service fair with activities for children as well. Come and enjoy the delicious Salvadoran specialties. For more information please visit website.


Save the Date for Montgomery County Executive Hispanic Gala!

Don't forget to buy your ticket for this great event as Maryland students are awarded a scholarship during the night by different members and sectors of our community! Come and celebrate with students, their families and community! Thursday, September 22, 2016!

This volunteer-run event brings together stakeholders and organizations that are committed to assist Hispanic youth to achieve a high level of education while building strong, diverse and united communities in Montgomery County and throughout the State of Maryland.Funds raised will be directed to scholarships for Latino students enrolled in Montgomery County and Maryland higher education institutions.

MIDDLE EASTERN COMMUNITY
Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett Hosts Annual Iftar Dinner

To mark the Eid Celebrations, The local masjids around Montgomery County and surrounding areas held a Eid Prayer for Muslim communities on July 6th.

Following which, t
he 2016 Annual Iftar Dinner was hosted by Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett in partnership with Montgomery County Muslim Foundation and Montgomery County Muslim Council.Representatives from the Montgomery County Office of Partnership were present to support community members.

Pictured at the Islamic Society of Germantown Eid prayer at Hight Point with almost 1500 Muslim
community members.


Sign Up Now for the First Cedar Lane Evening Forum

Arab American Ralph Nader, long-time consumer advocate and political activist, recently held a historic conference for multi-faith, multi-ethnic, multi-party social justice details about which can be read here.

He is now carrying forward the momentum built at that event, and will be the first Super Forum speaker this September 11th from 7:00pm to 8:30pm at Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church, 9601 Cedar Lane, Bethesda, MD

The Super Forum will present speakers monthly on the 2nd Sunday of each month, at 7 PM in the auditorium. This event is free and open to the public. Click here to Register or contact: Dick Kauffunger by email.

SISTER CITIES
Gondar Committee - Delegation Trip Cancelled  

Due to political unrest in the city of Gondar, the delegation trip planned for this fall has been cancelled. The Gondar committee will try to organize another trip sometime in 2017.  In the meantime, the committee will continue to explore fundraising options.


Sister Cities Board Welcomes New Members

The Montgomery sister Cities board met and elected two new members, Mr. Larry Colbert and Mr. Michael Gruenberg. They will join the board at our next meeting 20 October.  The board also reviewed RFP's submitted by citizen interest groups for consideration for a fifth sister city in South Korea.  A decision and announcement will come by September.


Moraz�n Committee Updates

The Moraz�n committee continues its programming discussions, identifying projects and programs they want to support. Decisions will be made at their next meeting 16 August. The committee is also planning their annual Fiesta fundraiser. The committee is planning several smaller events during the summer months to raise awareness about their work and reach out to Salvadoran leaders in the Montgomery County community.


China Committee Updates

The China committee is excitedly looking forward to welcoming the new mayor of Xian 15 August.  They are also sponsoring their annual summer camp opportunities for Montgomery County Students in Xi'an and planning their annual picnic 28 August.

More information about the Sister Cities program can be found here.
 
SHARE YOUR NEWS
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