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.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Upcoming MCPS Parent Academy Workshops

Upcoming MCPS Parent Academy Workshop

Wednesday, May 14

7:00-8:30pm

Shady Grove MS, 8100 Midcounty Hwy., Gaithersburg 20877

How can families and schools work together to help students with IEPs make a successful transition to high school and beyond? Learn how to support your children so they can become great people and realize their dreams.

Montgomery County Recreation Presents Japan Fair at BauerDrive Community Center

Montgomery County Recreation Presents Japan Fair at BauerDrive Community Center

Montgomery County Recreation and Sakura Educational Exchange USAwill co-host a student-presented “Japan Fair” on Saturday, March24, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Bauer Drive Community Center, 14625 Bauer Drive, Rockville.

The free annual event is presented by students from Yokohama Hayato High School in Yokohama, Japan who will demonstrate and teach various Japanese arts, games and customs. Adults and children will be able to observe an informal Japanese Tea Ceremony and listen to Japanese songs. There will be a martial arts demonstration, dancing and a performance of a Japanese play. Visitors will also learn how to create origami and calligraphy, play Japanese games and see Anime/Manga (Japanese cartoons).

For more information, call Alex Taylor at 240-777-6922.

Gaithersburg to Host Spring Golf Tournament

Gaithersburg to Host Spring Golf Tournament

Proceeds Benefit Youth Coaches Education Program
The City of Gaithersburg hosts its annual Spring Swing Golf Tournament on Friday, May 4,2012, at the Red Gate Golf Course in Rockville, Maryland. This 4-playerscramble format tournament is limited to the first 30 foursomes.

Proceeds from the Gaithersburg Spring Swing Golf Tournament benefit the Youth Coaches Education Program, providing training and support for the dozens of coaches who work with City of Gaithersburg youth throughout the year.
The $85 per player fee includes green fees, cart, door prizes, souvenirs, and a post tournament luncheon. Advance payment and registration is required by Friday, April 27, 2012. Payment can be made with check or Visa/MasterCard. Sponsorships are also being accepted for the tournament.

For a registration form and more information please visit www.gaithersburgmd.gov or contact Jim McGuire at the Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture, at 301-258-6350.

What Congressional District Do You Live In?

What Congressional District Do You Live In?

Due to recent legislative changes to Congressional District boundary lines, Montgomery County now has three Congressional Districts. The Montgomery County Board of Elections has begun mailing sample ballots to all registered voters. The sample ballot will provide you with information on your Congressional District as well as other information on the voting process. You may also visit our website – www.777vote.org – and select “Polling Place Locator” from the main page to determine your Congressional District.

Early Voting begins this Saturday, March 24th, and Election Day is April3. You may also request a no excuse absentee ballot. Information on all these options is available on our website at www.777vote.org.

Remember– YOUR TIME, YOUR VOICE, YOUR VOTE!

Montgomery County Board Vacancy

Montgomery County Board Vacancy

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:

Ethics Commission


The deadline for application is April 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 mail 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.

“Baby” Arrives at Arts Barn Theatre

“Baby” Arrives at Arts Barn Theatre

In partnership with Rockville Musical Theatre, the Arts Barn presents “Baby,” a pop/rock musical comedy by Sybille Pearson with music by David Shire and lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr. The show runs April 13 through29, 2012, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2p.m. Admission is $18, $16 for City residents. This show is intended for mature audiences and contains anatomical references. Parental guidance is suggested.
Is there anything more exhilarating, terrifying and utterly transformational than impending parenthood?

Musical comedy “Baby” brings together three very different couples at different stages of their lives, all experiencing the painful, rewarding and agonizingly funny consequences of expecting a child. Unmarried college students Lizzie and Danny are just starting their adult lives together. Thirty-somethings Pam and Nick desperately want a child, but are having trouble conceiving. Middle aged parents Arlene and Alan are looking forward to seeing their last child graduate college when a night of unexpected passion brings an astonishing surprise.


The New York Post says, "Pearson's book is agreeably smart...it has style and energy, a rare combination," and the New York Times says, "Shire writes with sophistication over a range that embraces rock, jazz and the best of Broadway schmaltz...Maltby's lyrics are not just smart and funny, but often ingenious."

The Arts Barn, Gaithersburg’s premier cultural arts facility, is located at 311 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg. For more information and tickets call 301-258-6394 or visit online at www.gaithersburgmd.gov/artsbarn.

Spanish, French and Jazz Music Featured at Musicon the Move Concerts

Spanish, French and Jazz Music Featured at Musicon the Move Concerts

The City of Gaithersburg invites you to enjoy beautiful music in a unique format at its Music on the Move concerts. Experience a blend of Spanish and French music at “The Near Exotic, Spanish and French” concert on Saturday, March 24, then come back for “Jazz in June” on Friday, June 1. Both concerts begin at 8 p.m. Admission is $25, $23 for City of Gaithersburg residents. Please call 301-258-6394 or visit www.gaithersburgmd.gov/artsbarnfor tickets and information.

With concerts occurring simultaneously in the Arts Barnand at Kentlands Mansion, patrons attend the first half of the evening with a concert in one venue, then switch at intermission to enjoy a second concert in the other. Intermission features a variety of delicious, complimentary desserts, with champagne, wine, beer and soft drinks available for purchase.

“The Near Exotic, Spanish and French” concert features Douglas Rogers on guitar at the Arts Barn and Alex Peh on piano at Kentlands Mansion. Rogers’ performance features works by Spanish composers, some of who lived in France. Peh’s piano performance features works by French composers influenced by Spanish guitar music. Ticket holders are invited to attend a free pre-concert lecture at the Arts Barn at 7 p.m., where Rogers and Peh will discuss the program, the featured composers, and how their music and location influenced each other. Seating is limited to the first 99 patrons.
“Jazz in June” returns with two local jazz greats, Bruce Swaim and Rick Whitehead, performing jazz standards and original compositions. The Bruce Swaim Quartet ,playing at the Arts Barn, is recognized as one of Washington, DC’s premier jazz quartets and is one of the area’s most sought after performing jazz groups. The BSQ received the 2010 Washington Area Music Association award for Jazz Group of the Year as well as the award for Jazz Recording of the Year for “Winter’s Waltz.” The highly acclaimed Rick Whitehead Trio, led by master jazz guitarist Rick Whitehead, will play simultaneously at Kentlands Mansion. Performing together since1994, the Rick Whitehead Trio has earned several awards, including the Washington Area Music Association award for best Contemporary Album in 1998.The trio can be found performing at Blues Alley, Bohemian Caverns, the Smithsonian’s Jazz Club, the Kennedy Center, and many other venues in the area.

Gaithersburg Skate Park Opens for 2012 Season, Hours Extended During Spring Break

The Cityof Gaithersburg Skate Park opens for the 2012 season at noon on Friday, March30, 2012.

Regular hours will be weekdays from 3 p.m. to sunset andSaturdays and Sundays from noon to sunset. Special extended hours will be inplace during Spring Break, March 30 through April 9, when the park will opendaily at noon.

The Skate Park is located behind the ActivityCenter at Bohrer Park,510 South Frederick Avenue,and welcomes skateboarders and in-line skaters during all sessions. BMX bikesare also permitted every day except Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Safety equipment regulations require helmets, while elbowand knee pads are optional. However, all safety equipment is highlyrecommended and in-line skaters must wear wrist guards. Protective gear isavailable for rent.

The 12,300 square foot resurfaced park contains a varietyof obstacles including an A-frame ramp and rail, mini-half pipe, 7-6'escalator, stairs, pyramid wedge, fun boxes, wall ride, and several quartersand banks of varying heights. The park’s amenities also include anoutdoor stereo system, vending area and picnic tables. Take advantage ofmoney-saving memberships, lessons, birthday party rentals, skate camps, andother special events.

Daily admission is $3 for residents and $5 fornonresidents. Money-saving Season Memberships are $35 for residents and $50 fornonresidents. Signed liability waivers are required for individuals to skate.For more information call Maura Dinwiddie at 301-258-6350 x168 or visit thewebsite at www.gaithersburgmd.gov/skate.

Please note: the Skate Parkwill be closed in the event of rain, snow or excessive heat.
Wheaton & Kensington Chamber of Commerce invites you to our 28th Annual Community Awards Banquet

Wednesday, April 18
6 to 9 pm
Hollywood East Cafe, 11160 Veirs Mill Road, Wheaton, MD20902
240-290-9988

(Near door #12, in Westfield Wheaton's Restaurant Row)

Cost is $35 in advance, or $45 at the door ~ Download Awards Banquet flyer

Dressy Business/Cocktail Attire

Celebrate the connection and goodwill between citizens, businesses, schools, and public safety workers in the Wheaton & Kensington community. Help us give thanks to those receiving these well-deserved annual awards.

~ The Award Categories ~

- The Mid-CountyCitizen's Advisory Board Civic Association, and Citizen of the Year

- The Police, Rescue Squad, and Fire Department Public Safety Awards

- Einstein, Kennedy, and Wheaton High School Teacher, ESOL Student, and Community Service Awards

- The Member of the Year Award, The Business of the Year Award, The Outstanding Chamber Service Award, and the Non-Profit of the Year

The Chamber is honoring Brookside Gardens this year.

This is a celebration of Montgomery County Parks' premier landscaped display garden, serving the public since 1969 in Wheaton Regional Park.

This annual awards dinner is a hallmark event of the Wheaton & Kensington Chamber. Business leaders, community activists, residents and elected officials all come together to recognize the achievements of our honorees.

For over 17 years, the Chamber has also recognized our area high school students and also included monetary gifts provided by our various sponsors. The Chamber has been committed to encouraging local businesses to mentor the students destined to become our future leaders.

GREEN Business Certification Crash Course

GREEN Business Certification Crash Course

April 10
8:30 to 11:30 am
Fee is $15 and includes breakfast at GlenviewMansion, 603 Edmonston Drive, Rockville, MD 20851

- Is your business, organization or congregation interested in going beyond basic green office measures to reduce your ecological footprint?

- Would you like to cut waste, save money, and attract inspired employees, members or environmentally conscious customers?

Start the sustainability journey today and join Montgomery County's growing list of Certified Green Businesses - view directory.

- Hear from Congressional Bank and Clean Currents,two Certified Green Businesses, to understand why certification is compelling. A sustainability expert will walk you through all sections of the Green Business Certification Program application and help you determine how to mobilize your colleagues and strategically embed issues of sustainability into your day-to-day operations.


The event is sponsored by the Green Business Certification Program, the City of Rockville, and the Rockville Chamber of Commerce but is open to all businesses and organizations throughout the County.

For more information, visit website or contact:

Douglas M. Weisburger / 240-777-7775 / e-mail

Manager, Green Business Certification Program

Senior Planning Specialist, Sustainability Programs

Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection

Wheaton & Kensington Chamber of Commerce invites you to a Lunch Mixer

Wheaton & Kensington Chamber of Commerce invites you to a Lunch Mixer

Wednesday, March 28

12:00 noon - 1:30 pm

Dr.DeRionne Pollard, President of Montgomery College will talk about Montgomery College's offerings of business skill development, degree completion, business staffing, and the Student Employment Services program.

Dr. Pollard assumed leadership of Montgomery College on August 2, 2010, following a national search by the College's Board of Trustees. In this role, she oversees the education and student services for 60,000 credit and noncredit students.

Her awards and honors include Washingtonian's 100 Most Powerful Women, 25 CEOs You Need to Know from The Gazette of Politics and Business, the YWCA Woman of Achievement, and she serves on the Presidents' Round Table of the National Council of Black American Affairs.

Dr. Pollard received her Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy studies in higher education from Loyola University Chicago, and her M.A. and B.A. in English from IowaState University.

Location:

Crossway Community Center

3015 Upton Drive, Kensington, MD 20895
301-929-2505

- To get there, turn north on East Ave, off of University Blvd. by the McDonald's, make an immediate left onto Upton Drive.

- Continue on Upton Drive until it ends. Come up the stairs in the middle of the building and enter through the canopied doors.

~ Mix & Network with Other Businesses ~

Sponsored by:
Wheaton Little Caesars Pizza

2567 Ennalls Avenue / 301-933-4590

Cost is $10 ~ includes Little Caesars Pizza Lunch

Return payment to:
Wheaton & Kensington Chamber of Commerce
2401 Blueridge Avenue, Suite 101
Wheaton, Maryland 20902

Contact:

301-949-0080 / e-mail / fax: 301-949-0081

Gaithersburg Collecting Much-Needed Supplies for End of School Year

The City of Gaithersburg Educational Enrichment Committee,in conjunction with the Division of Community Services, announces the kick-offa school supply collection drive. Several years ago the Committee conducted asurvey of educators and found that supplies for teachers and students are muchneeded during the mid- and latter parts of the school year. As part of theGREAT program (Gaithersburg Recognizing Educational Achievement Today), thecommittee is collecting school supplies for distribution to Gaithersburg area schools in the spring.


Items specifically identified by local educators include:

2-and 3-inch binders

Notebooks,notebook dividers and folders

Blueand green construction paper and notebook paper

Pencil pouches

Regularand colored pencils and small sharpeners

Red and blue pens

Crayons,twistable crayons and markers

Dryerase markers and erasers

Glue bottles and glue sticks

Scissors(especially for lefties)

Rulers

Clorox/Lysol wipes

Handsoap/ hand sanitizer

Donations may be brought to the Community Servicesoffice in the Wells/Robertson House facility at 1 Wells Avenue (next to City Hall)between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday from March 16 to April1. Please contact Community Services Division Chief Maureen Herndon at mherndon@gaithersburgmd.gov,301-258-6395 x1 or visit the City’s website at www.gaithersburgmd.gov/communityservicesfor more information.