The Committee for Ethnic Affairs advises the Montgomery County, MD County Executive and County Council on public policy that relates to ethnic affairs; promotes maximum involvement of all ethnic groups in the County in government, business and community affairs.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Montgomery County Recreation Programs

Recreation programs

Summer Camps Registration is Open Now Check the 2012 Summer Camps Guide to register your children in sports camps, swimming, nature, multi-interest camps and more. Summer Fun Centers are the most affordable camps. Register at: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec

HOLA! Summer Camp in Spanish!
For ages 4-8, kids will enjoy a variety of activities including singing, dancing, playing games, making crafts while learning Spanish. Registration is open now under camp # 323111. Visit: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec

Open season for Softball Registration begins January 24 at 8:30 am and ends March 23 or whenever leagues fill. Open to Men, Women, and seniors. Register under softball league at http://go.usa.gov/kAd or call 240-777-6870.

2 D Game Design with Game maker 8 For ages 8 to 11 years.
Wish you could make your own video game? This class will show you how to use easy drop-and-drag actions to create professional looking games. Register under camp#322969 at: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec

Teens! Develop your Leadership Skills
Teen Service Learning Opportunities and the Junior Counselor programs for the summer are now open for registration. Visit: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec

Drop-in Open Gym Volleyball at Good Hope Ages 18+, Saturdays beginning January 28th, 10am – 1pm
Must have or purchases an Open Gym Activity Card: Fee $30 residents; $45 non-residents. Call 240-777-8055 for more information.

MD Sports Multi Sport Camp
For ages 6-14. Learn and play a variety of sports. Camp#324976 at: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec

County Seeks Volunteers to Work With Victims of Sexual Assault

County Seeks Volunteers to Work With Victims of Sexual Assault

Volunteers are needed to assist sexual assault victims and their families through the Victim Assistance and Sexual Assault Program of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services. Interviews are currently being conducted for the March 2012 training session.

Volunteers provide 24-hour crisis counseling and companion services at Montgomery County hospitals and police stations for victims of rape and sexual assault. Bi-lingual volunteers are encouraged to apply. All potential volunteers must attend a training program, which covers crisis intervention skills and the specialized knowledge of the emotional, medical and legal issues that victims face. Volunteers must commit to serve for one year, in an on-call capacity, for one 12-hour shift or two six-hour shifts per week. All volunteers must be at least 21 years of age, have a valid driver’s license and immediate access to transportation.

For more information or to arrange an interview, call the Montgomery County Victim Assistance and Sexual Assault Program at 240-777-1355 or go to www.montgomerycountymd.gov/vasap.

Montgomery County Partners with Industry to Combat Under 21 Alcohol Use

Montgomery County Partners with Industry to Combat Under 21 Alcohol Use
Montgomery County’s Department of Liquor Control (DLC) has partnered with industry leader Diageo to develop and print 2012 identification (ID) checking calendars for distribution to every establishment in the County with a liquor license to help ensure that underage patrons cannot buy alcohol.
The ID checking calendar is part of the award-winning “Keeping It Safe” public education campaign designed to educate businesses and the community on alcohol laws and social host responsibility. The calendars are being distributed at no cost to County businesses and include monthly regulatory tips, important licensing dates and training schedules. Funding was made available through the Crown Royal brand of Diageo.
“The Department of Liquor Control will continue to act as a resource for businesses licensed to serve and/or sell alcohol in the County,” said Kathie Durbin, Chief, Division of Licensure, Regulation and Education. “We will do all we can to prevent the sale of alcohol to youth under the age of 21. These calendars are a great resource for the business owners and staff.”
“We are proud to partner with the Montgomery County Department of Liquor Control on this important initiative,” said Diageo Executive Vice President Guy Smith. “By working together, we can find solution-oriented approaches that will help achieve our mutual goal of combating underage drinking. Initiatives like this can make a real difference and help keep alcohol out of the hands of anyone under 21.”

For more information, call Emily DeTitta in the DLC Office of Community Outreach at 240-777-1904 or email dlc@montgomerycountymd.gov.

DC, MD, VA Caribbean Students’Association Leadership and Legacy Conference 2012

DC, MD, VA Caribbean Students’Association Leadership and Legacy Conference 2012

The DMV CSA Conference 2012 – March 2 to March 4, will be held at the Hilton,downtown Silver Spring, Maryland, featuring 3 days of activities for our Caribbean-American, African and African-American College Students and young professionals [DMVCSA.org]. The Conference will attract 200 students, young adults, young professionals and their families from all over the DC, Maryland and Virginia college towns to the Hilton Hotel, featuring: Keynote Speaker and panel discussions on leadership, past, present and future; the economy and how these top-level students and young professionals will be able to hone their leadership skills to support advancements; opportunities to network with Ambassadors; learn about Graduate School options, speak with recruiters at the Career Fair, enjoy complimentary refreshments and entertainment, as well as the DMV CSA Pageant, which will highlight the Caribbean-American Royalty Tour [CART 2012] featuring, Leaders of our communities who are Caribbean Queens and Title-holders from the DMV areas and New York – the Tour is sponsored by the National Caribbean-American Heritage Steering Committee The DMV CSA, Inc. is a nonprofit organization whose sole effort is to unite the young leaders of tomorrow, encouraging students in the DC, MD and VA areas to make their views known, support development in the Americas and create enlightenment through understanding diversity.
The Caribbean-American Chamber of Commerce for this Greater Washington Area Network (CACCI-GWAN) is a major supporter of the Conference and encourages the business community to come along-side the DMV CSA as sponsors of the Conference, to vend, to recruit and make job listings available, to sponsor Conference activities and mentorship opportunities. To Schedule Interviews, Reserve Media attendance, or to receive a Press Kit please contact Althea Grey-McKenzie at 240.515.6757 or althea@CACCI-GWAN.com

Local Man is Subject of Black History Month ExhibitOn Display through February at Rockville Memorial Library

Local Man is Subject of Black History Month ExhibitOn Display through February at Rockville Memorial Library

Lorenzo Dow Turner, the first African American linguist and a founder of the field of African American Studies, is featured in an exhibit celebrating Black History Month that is on display in the Rockville Memorial Library through February 29.
His research demonstrated how African Americans retained linguistic ties with their African past through centuries of slavery and segregation.Dr. Turner (1890-1972) was educated in the Montgomery County segregated public schools where his father had a long career as a teacher and principal. The Turner family lived in the Lincoln Park community of Rockville.
“Lorenzo Dow Turner: From Lincoln Park to Leading Scholar” is hosted by Montgomery County Public Libraries and the Friends of the Library, Rockville Memorial Chapter in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, Anacostia Community Museum.
The exhibit is located on the first floor of the library at 21 Maryland Ave. Rockville Memorial Library is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m.
For more information about the exhibit, including links to resources about Dr. Turner, visit http://montgomerycountymd.libguides.com/blackhistorymonth. Information about the library’s Lincoln Park History Project can be found at:http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/libraries/lpark/lpproject.asp.

Montgomery County Offers Early Voting in Five Locations

Montgomery County Offers Early Voting in Five Locations Around County from March 24 – 29; Presidential Primary Election is Tuesday, April 3

The Montgomery County Board of Elections will operate five early voting centers around the County on March 24 and March 26 – 29 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Early voting will also be held on Sunday, March 25 from noon to 6 p.m. Primary Election Day in the State of Maryland is Tuesday, April 3.
Early voting centers will be located at the following sites: Bauer Drive Community Recreation Center, 14625 Bauer Drive, Rockville. Onsite parking is free. Germantown Recreation Center, 18905 Kingsview Road, Germantown. Onsite parking is free. Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center, 14906 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville. Onsite parking is free. Executive Office Building, 101 Monroe Street, Rockville. One hour of free parking is available at the garage located at the corner of Jefferson and Monroe streets. On-street metered parking spaces are also available. Silver Spring Civic Building, One Veterans Place. Parking is available in public parking garages or on-street metered parking spaces are also available. The 2012 Primary Election ballot in Montgomery County includes candidates for President, U.S. Senate, Congressional representatives, Circuit Court and Court of Appeals judges, Democratic National Committee and Republican National Committee delegates and members of the Montgomery County Board of Education. Registered voters may also request an absentee ballot to vote in Montgomery County. The deadline for submitting an application for an absentee ballot is Tuesday, March 27. Go to www.777vote.org for more information and to download an application.
For more information, call the Montgomery County Board of Elections at 240-777-VOTE (8683).

Volunteers Needed to Lead Free Bone Builders Classes in Silver Spring, North Potomac and Germantown

Volunteers Needed to Lead Free Bone Builders Classes in Silver Spring, North Potomac and Germantown

Volunteers are needed to teach free Bone Builders classes at locations in Silver Spring, North Potomac and Germantown. The daytime classes are designed to prevent and slow development of osteoporosis and help regular participants increase bone density naturally, an effective option for those who may not wish to use anti-osteoporosis medicines. Osteoporosis causes bones to become thin and easily broken. Although osteoporosis can strike at any age, it affects one in three women and one in eight men over the age of 60. One out of every two women and one in four men over 50 will have an osteoporosis related-fracture in their lifetime.

Bone Builders is sponsored by Montgomery County’s Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and the Department of Health and Human Services’ Aging and Disability Services and is based on research conducted at Tuft’s University.

Each one-hour session includes balance and weight training. Because teams of volunteers staff the program, there is no charge for instruction or equipment. Volunteer leaders receive eight hours of free training and ongoing supervision by a master trainer. The next training is scheduled for March. Space is limited. For more information or to register for the training, contact Shawn Brennan, program manager for Senior Health Promotion, at 240-777-1350 or shawn.brennan@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Montgomery County’s Office of Human Rights Co-Sponsors Civil Rights Historic Bus Tour; Deadline for Deposit Extended to March 2

Montgomery County’s Office of Human Rights Co-Sponsors Civil Rights Historic Bus Tour; Deadline for Deposit Extended to March 2

The Montgomery County Office of Human Rights, in collaboration with Montgomery County Public Libraries, the African American Employees Association, the Lincoln Park Historical Foundation and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, is again this year hosting a civil rights historic bus tour that retraces the steps of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and other civil rights heroes. The tour will travel to Greensboro, NC; Atlanta, GA; Birmingham, Montgomery, Selma, and Tuskegee, AL; Cincinnati, OH and Memphis, TN. The bus tour leaves Rockville on April 2 and returns on April 7.

Highlights on the tour include the birth home museum of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; the George Washington Carver Museum; the Rosa Parks Museum; the National Voting Rights Museum; the famed Sixteenth Street Baptist Church; the historic Edmund Pettus Bridge; and the Lorraine Hotel National Civil Rights Museum.

The cost of the six-day bus tour for a group of four is $445 per person including hotel, transportation, some meals and snacks and all museum/tour fees. For smaller groups, the fee is slightly higher. All tour costs are paid for by participants’ fees.

A pre-tour meeting will be held on Thursday, March 22 at 6:30 p.m. in the Human Rights Conference and Mediation Center, Suite 330, 21 Maryland Ave., Rockville. At least one member of each group is required to attend this meeting. A deposit for half the fee is due on March 2.
Interested individuals and groups should contact Beverly Marshall in the Office of Human Rights at Beverly.marshall@montgomerycountymd.gov.

For more information about the tour, go to www.montgomerycountymd.gov/humanrights.

Party Affiliation Change Deadline for Registered Voters Registered voters in Montgomery County

Party Affiliation Change Deadline for Registered Voters Registered voters in Montgomery County who wish to change their affiliation from one party to another before the 2012 Presidential Elections must do so no later than 9 p.m. on Tuesday, March 13.
Voters who want to change their affiliation should send a written request to the Board of Elections, P. O. Box 4333, Rockville, MD 20849-4333, or fax their request to 240-777-8600. Requests should include the voter’s full name, address, date of birth, old and new party affiliation, date, and signature.
The Elections Office, located at 18753 N. Frederick Avenue, Suite 210, Gaithersburg, will be open to the public until 9 p.m. on March 13 to accommodate voters who wish to deliver their affiliation change in person. For more information, call 240-777-8500.

Public Testing of Electronic Vote Tabulation System for Early Voting

Public Testing of Electronic Vote Tabulation System for Early Voting

The Montgomery County Board of Elections will conduct a public parallel testing of the voting system to be used during Early Voting on Thursday, March 15, at 10:00 a.m. This testing will take place at the Elections Office, 18753 N. Frederick Avenue, Suite 107, Gaithersburg. Anyone planning to attend the testing is asked to call 240-777-8562.

New Parking Garage in Silver Spring Will Open February 21st

New Parking Garage in Silver Spring Will Open February 21; Parking Free Until February 27

A parking garage, located below the new Galaxy Apartments in Silver Spring at 8025 13th Street, will open to the public on February 21. Parking will be free until February 27 when payment at Silver Spring parking rates will be required. The garage is part of a public-private partnership that created a 195-unit, five-story apartment building with 82 affordable units and an underground parking garage on the site of a former County surface parking lot. The garage has a total of 368 parking spaces, of which 160 are available for public parking and 208 are set aside for Galaxy residents.
The Galaxy was developed by RST Development in partnership with the Montgomery County Department of Transportation, Division of Parking. Other agencies participated in the financing of the project, including a tax-exempt bond mortgage of $38.5 million from the Montgomery County Housing Opportunities Commission and a $5 million loan from the Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs Housing Initiative Fund. The County also provided a Payment in Lieu of Taxes agreement and the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development provided low-income housing tax credits.
Parking rates at the new garage, known as Garage 16, will be 75 cents an hour for short-term parking of four hours or less and 60 cents an hour for long-term parking of more than four hours. Parkers also have the option of using a Parking Convenience Sticker (allowing unlimited parking on any all day meter in Silver Spring), which costs $113 a month, or a Daily Parking Permit for $7.20 a day.
To view all the public parking options available in Silver Spring, go to the County’s website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/parking.

Upcoming MCPS Parent Academy Workshops

**Upcoming MCPS Parent Academy Workshops**

Understanding the Maryland School Assessment (MSA)
Thursday, February 23 7:00-8:30pm
The MSA is a test of reading, math, and science achievement required by the state of Maryland taken by all students in Grades 3-8. Learn more about this test and why it matters for your child.
Benjamin Banneker MS, 14800 Perrywood Dr., Burtonsville 20866


Curriculum 2.0
Thursday, February 23 7:00-8:30pm
Curriculum 2.0 has been developed to create a more exciting learning environment for our students in Grades K-2. Built upon the existing MCPS curriculum, Curriculum 2.0 blends reading/language arts and mathematics instruction with lessons in science, social studies, music, art, and physical education in a way that spurs creativity and critical thinking skills. Come learn about the new curriculum at this session.
New Hampshire Estates ES, 8720 Carroll Ave., Silver Spring 20903


Computer Smart (part 4 of 5)
Monday, February 27 6:30-8:30pm
Explore the MCPS website and online resources, set up an Edline account, and learn about Microsoft Office programs in this beginning-level workshop. Facilitated by an MCPS technology teacher.
Earle B. Wood MS, 14615 Bauer Dr., Rockville 20853


Help! My Child is Disorganized!
Monday, February 27 7:00-8:30pm
Are your kids always up late the night before a school project is due? Do they consistently turn in poor quality assignments overdue? Does he lose his homework? Does she put off her research project until the last minute? An expert from Your Life Simplified, Inc. will discuss the factors that may contribute to your child’s disorganization. You also will learn skills that you can teach your child to be organized for success in school.
Rosa M. Parks MS, 19200 Olney Mill Rd., Olney 20832


Understanding Your Child’s Personality Type
Thursday, March 1 7:00-8:30pm
What motivates your children? A certified Myers- Briggs Type Indicator practitioner will help you improve your effectiveness as a parent by understanding your child’s learning styles, ways of working with others, ability to build relationships, and responses to discipline.
Gaithersburg ES, 35 North Summit Ave., Gaithersburg 20877



Childcare and interpretation are provided at all workshops. To register and see other upcoming workshops, please visit http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/parentacademy/
Thank you for supporting the MCPS Parent Academy!

Register now for the 21st Affordable Housing Conference Summit May 7, 2012

Breaking News! HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan to be the Luncheon Keynote Speaker at the 21st Affordable Housing Conference Summit May 7, 2012 Register Now - Spaces Limited!www.affordablehousingconference.org

Dear Housing Friends: The Affordable Housing Conference of Montgomery County is pleased to announce that HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan will be the luncheon keynote speaker at our 21st Affordable Housing Summit on Monday, May 7, 2012 at the Bethesda North Marriott Conference Center. Register today! at www.affordablehousingconference.org $75 Early Bird Registration until April 1, 2012 Questions? Contact Lise Tracey at 301-520-1587

Montgomery County Is Seeking Community Input Regarding The Future of Comcast Cable Television Services

Montgomery County is seeking community input via a series of focus groups that are planned for the week of March 19-24 to help determine what kinds of cable services the public is interested in receiving as part of a new cable television franchise agreement with Comcast. The company’s current 15-year franchise agreement with the County expires on July 1, 2013, and the County will begin negotiations with Comcast this summer for a new franchise agreement which will address past performance, customer service and new technologies. Montgomery County is already in the process of reviewing the cable services provided by Comcast and determining what the community’s future cable-related needs and interests are in preparation for renegotiating the cable franchise agreement with Comcast. The cable franchise renewal process examines the past performance of Comcast and future services that residents, schools, community groups, businesses and local government would like to include in a new cable franchise agreement.
The County will be hosting 11 focus groups to discuss the future of cable service, community media and technology. The focus groups are organized to encourage people with like interests to attend the same meeting to facilitate brainstorming, but everyone may attend any focus group. The same presentation and same questions will be asked at each focus group. There is no fee to attend and light refreshments will be served. Input is being sought from residents, businesses, non-profit organizations, community groups, school teachers and staff, parent/teacher/student associations, media organizations, technology users, public safety service providers and other local governments. Your participation is invaluable… The focus groups will provide a chance for interested community members to learn about franchise renewal and provide their opinions regarding future services that could be available through the Comcast cable system that serves the County.
• Learn about how the cable system works – and opportunities for the future.
• Hear more about community media and public, educational and government access television in Montgomery County.
• See examples of how schools, community organizations, local government and businesses throughout the country are using modern media technology to communicate, educate and distribute information in this digital age.
• Provide your ideas through brainstorming and completing a questionnaire.

For more information and to RSVP to attend a focus group go to www.MontgomeryCountyMD.gov/Cable and click on the Comcast renewal logo or contact Marjorie Williams at 240-777-3762 or by e-mail at Marjorie.Williams@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov .

Montgomery County Public Libraries to Host Black History Month Author Event

Montgomery County Public Libraries to Host Black History Month Author Event History of American Media in Racial Discrimination to be Discussed Joe Torres, co-author of “News for All the People: The Epic Story of Race and the American Media,” will be the guest speaker at a special event presented by Montgomery County Public Libraries in observance of Black History Month on February 29, beginning at 7 p.m. in the Rockville Memorial Library, 21 Maryland Ave. The free event is sponsored by the Friends of the Library, Rockville Memorial Chapter. Registration is not required. “News for All the People,” written by Juan González and Torres, traces the fight for fair and just treatment for people of color in the news media from the earliest days of Colonial America to the present. The authors are both journalists and activists for African American, Hispanic, Native American and Asian peoples. Their book discusses the role of racism in inaccurate and distorted reporting and in contributing to violence. Included are profiles of significant people of color in the battle for journalistic recognition. More than seven years in the making, this is a comprehensive and powerful statement of the history of American media and its role in racial discrimination. Torres is Senior Advisor of Government and External Affairs for Free Press, a media reform organization and former Director of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. He serves on the board at both the National Association of Latino Independent Producers and the Center for Media Justice. Gonzalez, an award winning journalist, is the co-host of “Democracy Now!,” former President of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and a columnist for the “New York Daily News.”

To request ADA program accommodations, at least five work days in advance, or to receive more information about programs, call the library hosting the program; log on to www.montgomerycountymd.gov/library; or call Ask-a-Librarian Language Line/Línea en otros idiomas: 240-777-0001. TTY users call Maryland Relay at 7-1-1.

Community Invited to Celebrate Start of Olney Library Renovation

Community Invited to Celebrate Start of Olney Library Renovation

Residents are invited to a ceremony to mark the start of construction for the Olney Library renovation project on Sunday, February 26 at 1 p.m. at 3500 Olney-Laytonsville Rd. The event will take place rain or shine. Montgomery County Public Libraries Director Parker Hamilton and Department of General Services Director David Dise will greet attendees and offer brief remarks.

The library renovation is expected to take about 18 months and will expand the 16,825 square-foot structure by 4,260 square feet, replace the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system; bring all building systems up to building and energy codes; replace the windows and doors; install a new roof and new interior finishes; improve pedestrian safety and walkways; and improve exterior lighting and stormwater management. The renovation will provide an expanded children’s room, new teen space, group study rooms and a children’s program room. The number of tables and chairs will be increased and all seating upgraded to include access to electric outlets for use of electronic devices. During the renovation, a “kiosk library” will be located at the Longwood Recreation Center, 19300 Georgia Avenue, Brookeville. The kiosk will open in March and its hours of operation will be 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and it will be closed on Friday and Sundays. The contract for the project has been awarded to Milestone Construction Services Inc. of Sterling, VA. The company recently completed construction of the Takoma Park Fire Station for Montgomery County. Project updates will be available on the Department of General Services website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/neighborhoodprojects and the Library Department’s website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/library (click on the Building Projects link). Comments and questions may also be sent to Ask-a-Librarian at askalibrarian@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Montgomery County Marks Two Year Anniversary of Green Business Certification Program

Montgomery County Marks Two Year Anniversary of Green Business Certification Program

Montgomery County is celebrating the two year anniversary of the Green Business Certification Program, launched through a partnership between the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection, the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) and Montgomery College. Thirty-five diverse organizations have been certified so far, including a bank, IT consultant, religious institution, beverage company, orthodontist, furniture company, international hotel chain, law firm, accounting firms, non-profit organizations, an architect, engineering firm and defense contractor.The Green Business Certification Program helps County businesses by providing them with a “greenprint” for introducing sustainability into their day-to-day operations and supply chain decisions. Organizations that embrace green practices enhance environmental quality while promoting economic development. “Montgomery County is doing its part to spark the transition to a sustainable and green future through the Green Business Certification Program,” said Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett. “Businesses are doing their part by pursuing the Green Business Certification -- and I thank these leaders for their vision. They recognize that from an economic standpoint, environmental stewardship and innovation are becoming key drivers of financial success. I hope their example will inspire many other organizations in the County to become certified green businesses.”To be a certified green business, an organization must demonstrate its commitment to environmental stewardship, conservation of energy and water, carbon footprint reduction, waste reduction and recycling and environmentally responsible purchasing. “We embrace sustainable business practices because they provide our members a competitive advantage,” said Gigi Godwin, President and CEO of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce. “Moreover, companies recognize that aligning values, such as environmental stewardship, with business operations helps to reduce risk and attract and retain the best and the brightest. We are delighted to be a partner in the Green Business Certification Program.” Montgomery College provides on-going courses to assist businesses in “going green” so they can get certified. While not required for certification, many businesses have found the courses to be extremely helpful in getting started.“We understand that businesses are investing significant time in going green,” said Dr. DeRionne Pollard, President of Montgomery College. “Green Business Certification can also open up new business opportunities. The College helps to empower businesses by providing them with a clear path forward so that businesses taking our courses can pursue certification with confidence.”Certified green businesses are recognized for their environmental stewardship, are listed in the County’s online Green Business Directory and the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce website, have use of the program logo, benefit from various MCCC outreach efforts, and may be profiled on the County’s cable television programming. Previous programs have highlighted the efforts of Marriott International, Honest Tea, MCCC, Hallman Orthodontics, Reznick Group and Clean Currents.Businesses and organizations can benefit from the Green Business Certification Program regardless of their size, sector or where they are in their sustainability journey. The reasons organizations have given for becoming certified include enhancing their marketing opportunities, distinguishing themselves from competitors, cutting waste, saving money or responding to employee and consumer demands.

For more information about the Green Business Certification Program, go to the website at http://mcgreenbiz.org/. For information about Montgomery College’s Green Business Certification Crash Course, as well as other sustainability courses, go to “Green Training Programs” in their Schedule of Noncredit Classes at http://www.montgomerycollege.edu/wdce/WDCE_Spring2012_Catalogue/flipviewerxpress.html

Applications & Donations Sought for CHARACTER COUNTS! Scholarship Program

Applications & Donations Sought for CHARACTER COUNTS! Scholarship Program

High school seniors who are residents of the City of Gaithersburg are encouraged to apply for a W. Edward Bohrer, Jr. Memorial CHARACTER COUNTS! Scholarship. Since the program’s inception in 1998, 59 high school seniors have received more than $125,000 to help with their continuing education costs. Scholarships are awarded at the discretion of the City of Gaithersburg’s Educational Enrichment Committee, and are based on the embodiment of the Six Pillars of Character, personal merit, financial need, and the student’s commitment to further education.Previous scholarship awards have ranged from $1,500 to $3,000 each.

Applications are available through school guidance counselors, principals, senior class sponsors, and on the CHARACTER COUNTS! page of the City’s website at www.gaithersburgmd.gov/communityservices. The deadline for application is 4 p.m. on Friday, April 27, 2012.

This program is funded in part by the W. Edward Bohrer Memorial Fund, DRS Signal Solutions and Rodgers Consulting, Inc. Individuals, businesses and organizations within the Gaithersburg community are also invited to acknowledge and support the character development of our young people by making a contribution to this fund.

For information please contact the Gaithersburg Community Services Division at 301-258-6395 ext. 3.

2nd Annual Community Clean Water Summit

Join the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) as they host the 2nd annual Community Clean Water Summit

Saturday, March 3, 2012 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (snow date Saturday, March 11, 2012)

The Summit will take place at the Silver Spring Civic Building located at 1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD, near public transportation.
Meet people just like you working to make Montgomery County a cleaner and healthier place. Interact with community organizations involved in the conservation of local streams. Learn how you can make a difference, make new friends, and have fun! Register for this free event at http:cleanwatersummit.eventbrite.com
Space is limited, a light lunch will be provided and you must be registered to attend. Door prizes include: an REI 3 season tent, rain barrels and more! (must be present to win).
The goal of the summit is to make people aware of their impact on water quality and stream health as well as what is being done to improve it. There will also be plenty of volunteer opportunities for residents to get involved in too. We want people to walk away knowing more about their environment and that by just changing a few habits they can make a big difference in improving the health of our streams and drinking water. This is the second year we are having the clean water summit. It brings together people from the community who may be unfamiliar with their local waterways with the people who study stream health and individuals who have taken upon themselves to complete watershed protection projects, among others. It provides an opportunity for watershed groups to interact more with the public and show firsthand some of the projects and initiatives they are working on and hopefully gain more volunteers/members. Some of the topics for this year’s summit include presentations by residents & professionals who:

• Adopted a pet waste campaign in their local community to get people to stop ignoring the effect pet waste has on water quality.
• Started a watershed group in their neighborhood to protect their local creek and has now empowered their community to think more holistically about stream protection.
• Created a green streets campaign to reduce the amount of pavement in their neighborhood
• Monitor the local streams for trends in aquatic life & habitat
• Created a county rebate program for residents to reduce their watershed footprint by simply planting native plants and products such as rain barrels.

You can register for the event by clicking on this link: http://cleanwatersummit.eventbrite.com. For questions, please contact: Ryan Zerbe, Watershed Outreach Planner Montgomery County
Ryan.Zerbe@montgomerycountymd.gov

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Montgomery County Board Vacancies

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

Currently, there is a valuable opportunity to serve on the following: Forest Conservation Advisory CommitteeLocal Management Board (Collaboration Council)
Sign Review Board

The deadline for application is February 10, 2012. Please share this notice with anyone who may be interested. You may access vacancy announcements for boards, committees, and commissions through the following link. http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/exec/vacancies/pr_list.asp

Applicants of diverse backgrounds, professions, gender, geography, disability and ethnicity are encouraged to apply. An application, consisting of a brief cover letter and resume, should be sent by mail to County Executive Isiah Leggett, 101 Monroe Street, 2nd Floor, Rockville, MD 20850, or by email to countyexecutive.boards@montgomerycountymd.gov. Home and employment addresses, as well as contact phone numbers and email addresses should be included. If appropriate, applicants should indicate the position for which they are applying.

Members of County boards, committees and commissions may not serve on more than one such group at a time. Members of these boards are eligible for reimbursement for travel and dependent care for meetings attended. Leggett’s appointments are subject to confirmation by the County Council. Applications of individuals selected for appointment are made public as part of the confirmation process.

Montgomery County Public Libraries Celebrates Black History Month 2012

Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) celebrates Black History Month in February with free programs highlighting traditional West African culture and dance.

Anansegromma of Ghana, featuring native Ghanaians Kofi Dennis and Kwame Ansah-Brew, will present a program of traditional music, storytelling and dance. The group performs “call and response” songs, games and drum rhythms on authentic instruments giving the audience first-hand exploration of West African cultural traditions.

Programs will be held according to the following schedule:

Saturday, February 4, 2:30 p.m.
Wheaton Library, 11701 Georgia Ave. Call 240-777-0678.

Saturday, February 11, 2:30 p.m.
Marilyn J. Praisner Library, 14910 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville. Call 240-773-9460.

Thursday, February 16, 6:30 p.m.
Long Branch Library, 8800 Garland Ave., Silver Spring. Call 240-777-0910.

To request ADA program accommodations, at least five work days in advance, or to receive more information about programs, call the library hosting the program; log on to www.montgomerycountymd.gov/library; or call Ask-a-Librarian Language Line/Línea en otros idiomas: 240-777-0001. TTY users call Maryland Relay at 7-1-1.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY TO HOLD VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVES AT PUBLIC LIBRARIES

Volunteers from the Future Vote Program of the Montgomery County Board of Elections will conduct voter registration drives on Saturdays, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Sundays, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at local public libraries according to the following schedule:

Saturday, February 4:
Chevy Chase Library, 8005 Connecticut Ave, MD Relay Service (711)
Long Branch Library, 8800 Garland Ave., Silver Spring, 301-565-7662 (TTY)Twinbrook Library, 202 Meadow Hall Dr., Rockville, 240-777-0904 (TTY)

Sunday, February 5:
Rockville Memorial Library, 21 Maryland Ave., 240-777-0140, 240-777-0902 (TTY)
Wheaton Library, 11701 Georgia Ave., 240-777-0678, 301-929-5524 (TTY)Germantown Library, 19840 Century Blvd., 240-777-0001; MD Relay Service (711) (TTY)

Saturday, February 11:
Damascus Library, 9701 Main St., 301-253-0148 (TTY)
White Oak Library, 11701 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, 301-622-6596(TTY)
Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Dr., 301-765-4083 (TTY)

Saturday, February 18:
Davis Library, 6400 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda, 301-897-2203(TTY)Poolesville Library, 19633 Fisher Ave., 301-972-7825 (TTY)
Kensington Park Library, 4201 Knowles Ave., 301-897-2250 (TTY)

For additional information, contact Dr. Gilberto Zelaya at 240-777-8532; or email Gilberto.zelaya@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Webinar: Online Services from Social Security - in Spanish!

Webinar: Online Services from Social Security - in Spanish!

Please mark your calendar for this important webinar:
Thursday, February 23, 2012
2:00 p.m. EST.

Social Security will present information about online services offered in Spanish and give you an opportunity to ask questions during a live interactive broadcast. You can apply online for Social Security retirement benefits, Medicare, and Extra Help with the cost of Medicare prescription drugs. You can also get an estimate of your future retirement benefits using the Retirement Estimator - all in Spanish!

You will find links to all of the applications we will discuss on our Spanish language website, www.socialsecurity.gov/espanol/.

Upcoming MCPS Parent Academy Workshop

Social Bullies: Dealing with Exclusion and Cliques
Thursday, February 2, 2012
7:00-8:30pm
People traditionally think of bullies as the big kid on the playground taking your lunch money. Today’s students are using exclusion, rumors, and teasing to bully others. Come and explore these behaviors and discuss strategies for helping bullies, victims, and bystanders.
Facilitated by YMCA Youth & Family Services.
White Oak MS, 12201 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring 20904
Childcare and interpretation are provided at all workshops.

To register and see other upcoming workshops, please visit http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/parentacademy/

Is Your U.S. Representative a Friend of Adult Literacy?

Is Your U.S. Representative a Friend of Adult Literacy? —Invite Your House Member to Get Involved! Whether your U.S. Representative is a champion of adult literacy or new to adult literacy issues, invite the Member of Congress or his or her education staff to attend the upcoming House Adult Literacy Caucus Briefing!

February 8, 2012
1539 Longworth House Office Building
2:45 pm — 4:00 pm

Building Our Competitive Edge:How Adult Education Leverages Multi-System Partnerships for Student Success Open to all Members of Congress in the House and Senate, Congressional staff, and advocates, the briefing provides an opportunity to learn how adult education leverages partnerships for student success. Whether or not your U.S. Representative is a member of the House Adult Literacy Caucus, call today and extend a personal invitation to attend. As you may know, Congressional staff change positions frequently. New staff, or staff new to our issues, may have adult education in their portfolio, but they may not have the latest information on the needs, challenges and success stories related to adult education. Congressional staff educate and make recommendations to their bosses about positions and votes that impact many aspects of adult education. That’s why we must make every effort to keep adult education fresh in their minds with the latest information and innovative practices. And we need your help! Request: Call your U.S. Representative’s and Senators’ Washington, DC offices: Contact Info (Act now through NCL's Take Action page on Facebook for greater impact.) Message: Request to speak to the staff person who handles education issues for the Member. Ask them to attend the House Adult Literacy Caucus briefing and bring the Member of Congress if he/she has time. Talking points:This is a great opportunity to learn about the latest solutions in adult education. Panelists will discuss their successes and challenges in leveraging partnerships that maximize student success.

The education staff should RSVP by emailing Stephanie Gregg at sgregg@wpllc.net.

Montgomery County Board Vacancies

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

Currently, there is a valuable opportunity to serve on the following:

Board of Investment Trustees
Board of Trustees for the Consolidated Retiree Health Benefits TrustProperty Tax Assessment Appeal Board

The deadline for application is February 20, 2012. Please share this notice with anyone who may be interested. You may access vacancy announcements for boards, committees, and commissions through the following link. http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/exec/vacancies/pr_list.asp

Applicants of diverse backgrounds, professions, gender, geography, disability and ethnicity are encouraged to apply. An application, consisting of a brief cover letter and resume, should be sent by mail to County Executive Isiah Leggett, 101 Monroe Street, 2nd Floor, Rockville, MD 20850, or by email to countyexecutive.boards@montgomerycountymd.gov. Home and employment addresses, as well as contact phone numbers and email addresses should be included. If appropriate, applicants should indicate the position for which they are applying. Members of County boards, committees and commissions may not serve on more than one such group at a time. Members of these boards are eligible for reimbursement for travel and dependent care for meetings attended. Leggett’s appointments are subject to confirmation by the County Council. Applications of individuals selected for appointment are made public as part of the confirmation process.

Public Invited to County-Sponsored Community Clean Water Summit

The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection invites residents interested in the health of Montgomery County’s streams to attend the second annual Community Clean Water Summit

March 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Silver Spring Civic Building at Veteran’s Plaza, One Veteran’s Place, Great Hall, Room 1.

The goal of the summit is to help residents understand how their commonplace actions may contribute to stormwater pollution where they work, live and play. Tools will be available to help attendees modify their behavior and motivate others to do the same. At the Summit, participants will learn about the challenges of improving water quality; how their habits impact local waters; initiatives happening in their communities to improve stream health and how they can become involved. Participants will have the opportunity to become a part of the growing Clean Streams Movement and meet their local watershed groups, comprised of community members who are improving water quality in their local streams. Additionally, attendees will learn about County-sponsored programs such as RainScapes Rewards that provides financial incentives to stop stormwater pollution at its source.Stormwater pollution can result from ordinary actions by residents who may not be aware that they are affecting the health of streams, such as littering or ignoring trash, over-fertilizing lawns and not picking up after pets. Stormwater is the only source of stream pollution that is increasing in impact in Montgomery County and the Chesapeake Bay. To combat this problem, a Federal program has set stringent limits for stormwater pollution in Montgomery County streams. Changing the behavior of individuals is essential to meeting the program’s goals of reducing pollutants. Protecting watersheds and preventing pollution will reduce cleanup costs for both neighborhoods and Montgomery County. Event partners include the City of Gaithersburg, the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin and the Sea Grant of Maryland. To register for the Summit, visit: http://cleanwatersummit.eventbrite.com. Donated door prizes include an REI tent and a sponsored rain barrel raffle from a local vendor. Attendees must be registered and present to win.

For more information, contact Ryan Zerbe at Ryan.Zerbe@montgomerycountymd.gov or 240-777-7744.

Discover Strathmore Days

February 20, 2012 11:00 AM
Discover Strathmore Day is a free family event at the Music Center at Strathmore with live performances, demonstrations and hands-on activities to educate and entertain children. Enjoy free dance and movement classes at CityDance Center at Strathmore where Hip Hop meets Swing and discover through the creative energy of dance that everyone is "Built to Move!" CityDance also presents a special, free Discover Strathmore Day Family Concert "It Don't Mean a Thing if it Ain't got that Swing" in honor of Duke Ellington.

February 25, 2012 8:00 PM; February 26,2012 2pm & 5pm
Black Box Insider: Unveiling the Magic! CityDance Studio Theater at Strathmore
Join us this February for a special open house performance in our new Studio Theater! The event will unveil the young talents of the CityDance School & Conservatory through an exciting evening of works created by CityDance faculty and guest artists. These special performances are designed to give the public a glimpse of the magic that goes on behind the scenes everyday. Tickets will be available on sale soon at strathmore.org. Seats are limited, so make sure to get your tickets early.

For more information visit strathmore.org