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November 2016 - Issue 103
NEWS & EVENTS AROUND THE REGION
Community Action Agency's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Partnership Recognized at Maryland's 33rd Governor's Service Award

The Community Action Agency's VITA Partnership, part of the County's Department of Health & Human Services, was recognized for engaging 122 volunteers who served 2,543 households in the last year, including 1,881 households during tax season. Taxpayers received more than $4.9 million in refunds or credits, including approximately $2 million in federal Child Tax Credits (CTC) and Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC), the Maryland EITC, and Montgomery's Working Families Income Supplement.

The VITA Program is now recruiting volunteers for the upcoming 2016 tax season. To volunteer, call 240-777-1123, or visit website.

Open Enrollment for Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Offerings begins November 1

The fourth year of Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment will begin on Tuesday, November 1 and will run through Tuesday, January 31, 2017.

The website lists hours and locations for in-person enrollment assistance, a listing of the documents needed to renew coverage or enroll for the first time, next steps once the enrollment process is complete as well as a direct link to the MHC website if the user is able to independently enroll themselves online. During the next 90 days, Montgomery Health Connection will assist residents with the renewal process for existing coverage as well as assist uninsured residents gain access to health insurance coverage through MHC. Check website for further details.

New Mobile App: Enroll MHC is the state's new App that enables users to complete the enrollment process, upload required documents, receive updates regarding their application and much more. Enroll MHC is available for download in both the iTunes and Google Play stores.

RSVP/AARP Tax-Aide Program Seeks Volunteers for Tax Season

The Montgomery County Volunteer Center is recruiting volunteers for the RSVP/AARP Tax-Aide Program. From February through April, the program offers free tax preparation assistance to approximately 5,000 low-to-moderate-income Montgomery County residents, with a focus on those age 60 or older Interested individuals are invited to attend one of three upcoming information sessions (no registration needed):
  • Tuesday, November 15, 1 to 3 p.m., at Chevy Chase Library, 8005 Connecticut Ave.
     
  • Friday, November 18, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at Mid County Community Recreation Center, 2004 Queensguard Rd., Silver Spring
     
  • Thursday, December 1, 2 to 4 p.m., at Gaithersburg Library, 18330 Montgomery Village Ave.

Learn more or sign up to volunteer for the RSVP/Tax-Aide Program online
 

Mark Your Calendar!

NonProfit Montgomery Introduces MORE Program
November 2, 8:30am-5:00pm,
November 3, 8:30am-12pm at the Universities at Shady Grove Nonprofit Montgomery MORE (Metrics, Outcomes and Responsible Evaluation) Training will help nonprofits learn about evaluation, and offer a deep dive into measuring impact and gauging program effectiveness.Register here.

Now Accepting Applications for the FY17 Under 21 Mini-Grants
applications are due November 4, 2016, 4:00 p.m.
The Collaboration Council announces the availability of mini-grant funding to help community-based organizations deliver activities to middle and high school youth and those under age 21 that will help prevent their illegal use and abuse of alcohol, marijuana, over-the-counter, prescription and/or other drugs. Grants can range from $500 to $1,000.
 
Celebrate Businesses and Community Involvement
Friday, November 4, 11am-4pm,Bloger Center, Franklin Hall, 9600, Newbridge Drive, Potomac, MD 20854.
The Corporate Volunteer Council of Montgomery County will host our annual celebration of Montgomery County's caring business community at The Bolger Center. Save the date to honor businesses that are supporting the community through service! Learn more about the awards.

Montgomery County Council Seeks Applicants for Grants Advisory Group
Application Deadline is 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 9. The County Council is seeking applicants for positions on its Fiscal Year 2018 Grants Advisory Group. Interested applicants living or working in the County should submit their letter of interest with a resume to: Council President Nancy Floreen, Montgomery County Council, 100 Maryland Avenue, Rockville or via email.
 
County's Office of Human Rights Seeks Nominations for Hall of Fame
Nominations close on November 4. Montgomery County Office of Human Rights will host its ninth biennial Human Rights Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown, Maryland. Send in your nominations for either living or deceased - whose ongoing work, service and contributions have positively impacted human and civil rights in the county. Click here for nomination form.
 
Montgomery County Council's Town Hall Meeting
Wednesday, Nov. 9 , 8 p.m. onwards at Sligo Middle School, 1401 Dennis Ave. Silver Spring. Residents will be able to express views, ask questions of Council members on schools, transportation, public safety. The pre-meeting reception will begin at 7:30 p.m. For more information regarding the Town Hall Meeting, call 240-777-7931.
 
Nominations now open for Nonprofit Village Awards Breakfast
Nominations close on November 10, 2016.Please take a moment to nominate a business or nonprofit that makes a difference in our community. Award recipients will be announced January 2017 and will be honored at the "Making a Difference" Awards in May 2017. Click here to nominate.
 
Speakers Needed for Gaithersburg High School Career Day
Wednesday, November 16, 7.30 am- noon at Gaithersburg High School, 101 Education Boulevard,Gaithersburg. GHS invites speakers specifically but not limited to Finance, IT, Medicine, Engineering, Biotech, the Arts and Accounting fields to motivate and stimulate interest of our teenagers and help build tomorrow's workforce. Click to register.
 
"Duck Pond" for Potential New Nonprofits
Wednesday, November 16 at Kaplan University, 1390 Piccard Drive #100, Rockville. This "Shark Tank" like event sponsored by Nonprofit Village offers those interested in establishing a new nonprofit the opportunity to connect with a panel of program development experts, nonprofit leaders, accountants, marketers, fundraising professionals and lawyers on the next steps in nonprofit startup. Complete application form by Friday, Nov. 4, 5 pm. 
 
Join the Montgomery Moving Forward Symposium on Early Care and Education
Thursday, November 17, 2016, 8-10:30am at Discovery Communications, Silver Spring.
Join business, philanthropy, nonprofit, government, education and community leaders for a discussion of the future of Early Care and Education in Montgomery County.RSVP today.

5th Annual Nadim Khan Memorial Homeless Resource Day
Thursday, November 17, 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. at Activity Center at Bohrer Park
506 South Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg. For all homeless or at-risk of homelessness County residents - a One-Day One-Stop opportunity to access the resources, services like 
employment information, free credit counseling, free legal advice, health benefits, 
housing assistance, medication and prescription assistance, 
shelter resources etc. Free lunch and free RideOn Bus transportation will be provided.
Visit website for more details.

Job & Career Assistance Workshop for Skilled Immigrants
Thursday, November 17,from 12:00 to 1:30p.m. at
Silver Spring Library, 900 Wayne Ave.Silver Spring. Upwardly Global will join this session to discuss resources available to help internationally educated and trained professionals improve their job search skills so they can continue their careers in the U.S. Register to participate in this free event.

ECHO Workshop on Aging in Montgomery County
Tuesday, December 6, 5:30 pm-8:00 pm at Silver Spring Civic Building, Great Hall
One Veterans Place, Silver Spring. This free workshop is the first in a three-part series on the health and social needs of seniors and their families. 
Register by Friday November 18 to secure your spot.

End of Year Meeting Focussing on Down County Domestic Violence Victims & Key Challenges 
Wednesday, December 14th, 3:30PM - 5PM at Holiday Park Senior Center - 3950 Ferrara Drive Wheaton.The meeting will be moderated by Laurie Duker, Executive Director, Court Watch Montgomery.

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.

New Quick Start Guide for Immigrants Available
Gilchrist Center Celebrates 15th Anniversary

The Charles W. Gilchrist Center, the county's immigrant resource center, celebrated its 15th anniversary at the World of Montgomery Festival on Sunday, October 16, 2016 at the Rockville Campus of Montgomery College. Center staff and volunteers were joined by County Executive Ike Leggett, members of the Gilchrist Family, County Council President Nancy Floreen, County Councilmember Sidney Katz, former County Executive Sid Kramer, former Member of Congress and Ambassador Connie Morella, and other former elected officials and community leaders for the celebration.


From left: Phoebe Gilchrist, Maya Gilchrist, Delegate Jim Gilchrist, County Executive Ike Leggett, Councilmember Sidney Katz, and Council President Nancy Floreen

The Gilchrist Center opened its doors on September 8, 2001 as the Charles W. Gilchrist Center for Cultural Diversity in a Wheaton storefront. The Center was established by former County Executive Doug Duncan and named in honor of Montgomery's second County Executive whose welcoming spirit is carried on by the Center's work to support immigrant residents.

As part of the anniversary celebration, in order to better reflect the center's work over the last 15 years, the Center changed its name to the
Charles W. Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center. The center also unveiled a new logo inspired by a mural created by students from Arts on the Block, a local nonprofit that provides project-based job and life skills training for underserved high school students through the arts.

The Gilchrist Center released a 15th Anniversary Report to the Community that explains how the center has been a vital contributor to Montgomery
County becoming one of the nation's most welcoming communities. The report tells the personal stories of Gilchrist Center clients, volunteers, and staff.

The Center also released English and Spanish versions of a Quick Start Guide for Immigrants in Montgomery County, MD, a pamphlet that includes the most requested information by newcomers to Montgomery County. The Quick Start Guide contains essential information about English, computer, and citizenship classes, legal services, health and human services, youth programs, and employment opportunities. The Quick Start Guide will be published soon in Amharic, Chinese, French, Korean, and Vietnamese. All publications will be available on the Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center's website.
 
Funding for the 15th Anniversary Report and the Quick Start Guides was provided by private donors in honor of former County Executive Gilchrist through the Fund for Montgomery at the Community Foundation.



 
signature
Bruce Adams
Director, Office of Community Partnerships
Montgomery Community Comes Together at the 30th Annual Community Service Week!

The 30th Annual Community Service Week 2016 was a huge success! Thousands of volunteers worked with non-profit agencies, government organizations and schools to improve the quality of life for all county residents. Fresh food was collected for low-income county residents; support was provided for children in foster care and hospitals; maintenance work and painting was done at shelters and clinics; schools grounds, parks, streams and cemeteries were cleaned up and planted with spring bulbs; and, much much more. Check the Volunteer Center website www.montgomeryserves.org for opportunities to serve all year long.

County Executive Ike Leggett visited volunteers at Beverly Farms Elementary School in Potomac as they built an edible organic garden and cleared hiking trails on their school grounds as well as volunteers giving Community Ministries of Rockville's Kaseman Health Clinic a fresh coat of paint.


Photo includes students, families and community members from Beverly Farms and Principal Spencer Delisle, PTA President Gabriele Massie and County Executive Ike Leggett

Gilchrist Center's Annual Appreciation Event at Montgomery Festival

On October 16, 2016, the Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center held its annual Volunteer Appreciation event at the World of Montgomery Festival.  The intimate event gathered together the Center's volunteers who have given countless hours to support Montgomery County's immigrant populations by teaching English and computer classes, and providing support to the Center's administration.  County Executive Ike Leggett, Council President Nancy Floreen, Councilmember Sidney Katz, and members of the Gilchrist Family all expressed their appreciation to the volunteers for their work.  Volunteer videographer and photographer Joy West was specially recognized for her tireless efforts in producing a documentary video to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Gilchrist Center.  All volunteers enjoyed lunch and received Certificates of Appreciation for their dedication throughout the year.

My Brother's Keeper County Briefing Session

Students from Blair and Magruder High Schools were on the panel on Oct. 24 to provide an update on the "My Brother's Keeper Initiative" to a joint meeting
of the Montgomery County Council's Education Committee and its Health and Human Services Committee. The program, launched by President Obama, encourages a greater sense of responsibility among community leaders and America's youth generation. Those at the briefing included Councilmembers George Leventhal, Craig Rice and Marc Elrich.


Freedom House at the NMAAHC

When you visit the new National Museum of African American History and Culture, make sure you see Montgomery County's Freedom House: Read here about the two-story house symbolizing freedom for former slaves displayed in new museum. 
 



Empowering Youth and Families Gala Hosted by Pride Youth Services

On October 13th, Pride Youth Services (PYS), Inc. held their 2nd Annual "Empowering Youth and Families" Gala where they celebrated 15 years of service to youth and families in Montgomery County, MD. Guests heard from PYS, Inc. program participants who have benefitted from the various youth development programs and services. The guest speaker was Montgomery County Councilmember Craig Rice.
 

From left to right:  Officer Richard Reynolds, Pride Youth Services Executive Director Ludley Howard, MCFRS Manager Russell Hartung, Councilmember Craig Rice, MCFRS Captain Kennedy, MCFRS Lieutenant Smith, Diane Vu, and Julian Norment
County Executive to Host Annual Diwali Celebration to Honor Indian Cultural Heritage

Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett and the County's Office of Community Partnerships will host the County's Diwali celebration Wednesday, November 2, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Executive Office Building, Terrace Level Cafeteria, 101 Monroe St., Rockville. Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is a holiday observed worldwide between mid-October and mid-November by people of Indian and South Asian heritage. The observance marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year and celebrates the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. This free community program will feature remarks, a lamp lighting ceremony, Indian dances and a reception with light refreshments.
For more information call Diane Vu at 240-777-8320 or Email.

5th Anniversary Fiesta to Celebrate Salvadoran Culture

Enjoy traditional food and live music from El Salvador at a fiesta on Friday, November 4, 6-11 pm, at the Silver Spring Civic Building. The Montgomery Sister Cities El Salvador Committee in partnership with Montgomery County will celebrate its 5th anniversary promoting the culture of El Salvador and its community. Admission is $30 per person (dinner included) with kids under 12 free.

For more information call Nestor Alvarenga 240-328-7763 or visit website.
 
Join the 2nd Interracial/Interfaith Dialogue on Racism 

On Thursday, November 3 from 6:15-9:00 pm at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rockville, 100 Welsh Park Dr, Rockville. The Faith Community Working Group is organizing an Interracial/Interfaith Dialogue on Racism: Seeing the Divine in Each Other. The event will involve engaging in anti-racism exercises in diverse groups with a trained facilitator.  Each dialogue will begin with reflections on the various sacred texts, our common humanity, and learn to see the divine in each other as children of God. The anti-racism exercises aims to raise awareness of Racism, Islamophobia, Anti-Semitism & Xenophobia in our communities, schools, and within ourselves. This will also draw us closer to one another, deepen our appreciation for diversity and help us create the move beloved community. Register here for this free event which is open to public and also to youth groups.


2016 Montgomery County Healthcare Forum hosted by Neighbors in Need 

The Montgomery County Healthcare Forum hosted by the Neighbor in Need Working Group included state and county officials addressing changes in healthcare policy, enrollment in the Affordable Care Act. Parish nursing and wellness addressed partnerships with faith communities; President & Executive Director of the Primary Care Coalition addressed the Nexus partnership with all 6 hospitals in MC to improve preventative healthcare and Chair of the Black Ministers Conference Healthcare Committee addressed the role of faith leaders in improving healthcare. Today hospitals are incentivized to work collaboratively with faith communities and still more needs to be done towards empowering faith leaders in recognizing and fulfilling their role.  

 

Empowering Places of Worship to Successfully Build and Expand in Montgomery County

Wednesday, November 9 from 9:00 am-2:00 pm at North Potomac Community Center, 13850 Travilah Rd, Rockville. Empowering Places of Worship will feature nine government departments and agencies providing essential information ranging from environmental protection to building permits, taxes to road access, water and sewer to reforestation, life safety codes to emergency response access, and buying property to sharing space and services. The program is designed with small groups and time to answer questions and connect with faith leaders with subject experts for future reference. Faith communities are encouraged to bring a team and return with information and contacts to save time and treasure. Click here to register.

Election Day at the Arab American Institute

The Arab American Institute is conducting its election year "Yalla Vote" campaign and just launched the Hotline number. Folks can call in with their election-related questions and get answers in English/Arabic. As part of AAI's GOTV efforts for Arab Americans, volunteers are needed (remotely) to help answer calls to the bilingual Yalla Vote Hotline and phone bank to ensure Arab Americans across the country are getting to the polls. Interested volunteers can sign up here or e-mail [email protected] if you can provide bilingual support.

2016 New Americans Expo

The New Americans Expo 2016 was a great success! There were about 1,700 people at the expo, which took place at the Civic Building in Silver Spring on Sunday, Oct. 23, and was inaugurated by County Executive Ike Leggett and County Council President Nancy Floreen. About 13 government agencies, 30 nonprofits and 60 businesses came to the expo.

The annual event, organized by the New Americans Organization, brings together government agencies, nonprofits and local businesses to showcase their services and products to the area's immigrants and their families. There were dancers, music and food from around the world.  The target population are immigrants who are trying to make a smooth transition to the system and culture of this country. This year's expo was dedicated to immigrants from Central America-Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador-and to Muslim communities living in this area. Panelists discussed Muslim contributions to the United States. The organization Primaveral talked about the link between the economy of Guatemala and Guatemalan immigrants living in this area and speakers also addressed the challenges of youth of color.

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Beverly Perez Ferrufino singing the national anthem with the girls scouts troop 3480 in attendance
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