M.C. Citizenship Preparation Program Encourages Students to Think Beyond the Interview

http://insidemc.montgomerycollege.edu/showStory.php?id=27405

An aspect that was written into the grant was the need for students in the program to think beyond the naturalization interview and look at what it truly means to become a citizen of the United States. As a result, Enhanced Integration Tasks (EIT) were created. The E.I.Ts are a series of tasks that the student completes in their own time, with friends, family members or alone. A couple of examples of an E.I.T. include becoming a volunteer in the local community, attending a Town Hall meeting, and visiting a museum.

The student reaction to the E.I.T. requirement has been extremely positive. The program has seen students volunteer in area soup kitchens, volunteer in a stream cleanup, attend P.T.A. meetings, and visit many of the museums in the Washington metro area, including the American History museum, the Native American museum and the Holocaust museum.

Inclusion of the Enhanced Integration Tasks into the Citizenship Preparation Program has made the students look at their future role as a new citizen in a different light. Feedback has shown that whilst becoming a naturalized citizen of the United States is a truly remarkable feat and a lifelong dream of many of the students in the program, requiring them to look at the future and how they will give back is of even greater significance. The Citizenship Preparation Program is happy to open the door for the future citizens of the United States and encourages them to step through and open a door for someone else.

For more information on the Citizenship Preparation Program or Enhanced Integration Tasks, please contact Citizenship Program Director Nancy Newton at nancy.newton@montgomerycollege.edu or 240-567-8169

 In early 2010, the Adult ESOL & Literacy-GED program (AELG) of W.D.C.E. was awarded a grant from the Department of Homeland Security to provide Citizenship Education to Legal Permanent Residents (LPR) of Montgomery County.

Fundraiser for the Homeless at California Pizza Kitchen

Enjoy good food for a good cause when you have lunch or dinner at the Gaithersburg California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) on Thursday, May 19, 2011. Twenty percent of your check will be donated to the Friends of Wells/Robertson House, Inc. (FWRH), a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping break the cycle of homelessness and addiction within our community while bringing hope, dignity, and purpose to the lives of vulnerable individuals. 

 No reservations are necessary, but a flyer must be shown to have your purchases count towards the donation.  The flyer can be downloaded online at www.gaithersburgmd.gov/communityservices.  The promotion applies to dine-in, take-out catering orders, or curbside service.  CPK is located at 136 Boardwalk Place in the Washingtonian Center, just off I-270 at Sam Eig Highway.

 FWRH supports, independently and collaboratively, a continuum of prevention and intervention programs to reduce chronic addiction and homeless in the Gaithersburg community.  Its primary beneficiary is Wells/Robertson House, a transitional program for up to 14 homeless men and women in recovery, operated by the City of Gaithersburg. 

 For additional information please visit the FWRH website at www.friendsofwells.org or contact Board President J Persensky at 301-919-2780.

Three Seasonal Outdoor Markets Opening Soon in Gaithersburg

Buy Local and Buy Fresh at Gaithersburg Outdoor Markets

Gaithersburg residents can enjoy a lively atmosphere and quality products at three outdoor markets opening soon. 

At the new Market in Olde Towne, held the fourth Saturday of each month from May to October, you’ll find a unique bazaar-like setting with handmade crafts, flea market items, food vendors, and much, much more. 

Locally-grown produce will be available at two weekly markets held throughout the growing season in Olde Towne and Kentlands, with the variety of fruits and vegetables changing weekly as crops reach maturity. 

The Market in Olde Towne

New this year, the lively Market in Olde Towne features crafts, foods, flea market items, and information from nonprofit organizations.  It will be held the fourth Saturday of each month, May through October, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Vendors will line Wells Avenue, adjacent to the Gaithersburg City Hall parking lot, near the train station in Olde Towne.  Mark your calendar for May 28, June 25, July 23, August 27, September 24 and October 22.

Tailgate Farmer’s Markets

Gaithersburg’s Main Street Tailgate Farmers Market will be open Saturdays, May 7 through November 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  You’ll find it in the Main Street Pavilion at 301 Main Street, one block off of Kentlands Boulevard in the Kentlands.  Local artists and craftspeople will join the farmers at this location each Saturday with unique handcrafted items.  WIC and Senior FMNP checks are accepted.

The Gaithersburg Tailgate Farmers Market in Olde Towne at Fulks Corner Avenue and Rt. 355 will be open Thursdays, June 2 until late October, from 2 to 6 p.m.   This market also accepts WIC and Senior FMNP checks, but there are no crafters. 

Vendors are sought for each of the markets.  Registration is taking place now.  For more information visit www.gaithersburgmd.gov/events or call 301-258-6350.

Planning Board Draft Wheaton Central Business District (CBD) and Vicinity Sector Plan

On Thursday, March 31, 2011, the Montgomery County Planning Board approved the Planning Board Draft of the Wheaton Central Business District (CBD) and Vicinity Sector Plan for transmittal to the County Executive and the County Council.

It is anticipated that a Public Hearing will be set by the County Council in summer 2011 followed by work session in the fall. The final adopted Plan will amend the Approved and Adopted 1990 Wheaton Central Business District and Vicinity Sector Plan.

The proposed Plan is primarily focused on Wheaton’s Central Business District and surrounding commercially zoned properties. It includes revitalization strategies; extending mixed-use zoning beyond the CBD to surrounding commercial areas; removal of the Wheaton Retail Preservation Overlay Zone; rezoning all commercially zoned, and some multifamily and single-family properties to Commercial/Residential (C/R and CRN) Zones; new public use spaces including a major civic space in Wheaton’s Core; and a recommendation to retain a County-owned property (currently used by Crossways Community Center) for an additional elementary school. The Plan also accommodates the future Bus Rapid Transit System currently under study by the County.

Please use the following link to access the Planning Board Draft Wheaton Central Business District and Vicinity Sector Plan: http://www.montgomeryplanning.org/community/wheaton.

A copy of the Plan will be available for you to review in the Wheaton Regional Library. If you have any questions, I can be reached at 301-495-1329 or by e-mail at sandra.tallant@mncppc-mc.org. You can also contact Khalid Afzal at 301-495-4650 or by e-mail at khalid.afzal@mncppc-mc.org.

Sandy Tallant

Planner Coordinator

New Code Enforcement Laws Aimed at Protecting Quality of Life Take Effect April 24

New code enforcement laws designed to help protect and maintain the residential character of neighborhoods will go into effect on Sunday, April 24, 2011.  These new laws deal with home-based businesses, off-street parking and paving of front yards.  Two other laws to protect residential areas went into effect in July 2009 and April 2010.

The new laws were proposed by County Executive Isiah Leggett two years ago based on recommendations from a Code Enforcement Work Group that he appointed.  The work group reviewed a number of police, housing and zoning code issues that were causing adverse impacts and public safety issues in residential neighborhoods.

“Preserving the quality of life in our neighborhoods requires cooperation from all of us,” said Leggett.  “These new laws will result in a better quality of life for our residents and safer streets and neighborhoods.”

Zoning Text Amendment 09-03 makes changes to the County Zoning Ordinance that limits the impact of home occupations on residential neighborhoods, the paving of front yards and off-street parking for light commercial vehicles.

One of the measures proposed by Leggett, Bill 23-09, limits the storage of inoperable, unused and unregistered vehicles on residential properties to 30 days.  This measure was enacted by the Council in October 2009 and went into effect on April 15, 2010.

Bill 27-08, the County Executive’s initiative limiting heavy commercial and recreational vehicles in residential areas, was enacted by the County Council in January 2009 and went into effect on July 1, 2009.  This bill improves safety and addresses the proliferation over the past decade of these types of vehicles on neighborhood streets.  Parking large, commercial or recreational vehicles in residential neighborhoods limits the line of sight on roads, making it difficult to turn on narrow streets.  Additionally, large vehicles endanger pedestrians because oncoming traffic cannot see them.

Most of the provisions of Zoning Text Amendment 09-03 go into effect on April 24, 2011.  Surfaced areas paved before October 26, 2010 do not have to be removed if the paved area is not increased.  The occupants must comply with the law’s parking limitations effective October 24, 2011.

 A website to educate residents about these new zoning laws is available at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/goodneighbors

Montgomery County's MC311 Receives Prestigious International Award for Customer Analytics

Montgomery County’s MC311 online and telephone information system has been named the silver winner in the category of Customer Analytics in the 2011 Gartner & 1to1 Media CRM Excellence Awards.

Customer analytics is a process whereby data is collected from the customer then used to help make key business decisions.  The data is used first to understand demand for services, then provide improved services to constituents.  Since Montgomery County’s 311 system was launched in June 2010, customer analytics have been useful in showing what services residents find most valuable.  For example, Ride On bus trip planning and bulk trash pick-up has consistently remained at the top of the list.  Having this information is crucial to helping Montgomery County best serve its residents.

Montgomery County is the first jurisdiction in the nation to launch its 311 telephone answering system simultaneously with its online 311 website and institute customer analytics at the same time.

“I am extremely proud that our new MC311 system is the first government agency to receive this prestigious award in the category of Customer Analytics,” said County Executive Isiah Leggett.  “The valuable information that is provided through customer analytics will present us with an opportunity to fine-tune our operations and decision-making, ultimately helping us to serve the needs of our residents better and more efficiently.”

Gartner, Inc. is an information technology research and advisory company that delivers technology-related insight.  Headquartered in Stamford, CT, Gartner targets CIOs and senior IT leaders in industries that include government agencies, high-tech and telecom enterprises, professional services firms, and technology investors.  1to1 Media is dedicated to providing resources that deliver current and relevant information on the latest thought leadership regarding customer strategy and marketplace trends.

 For more information about the awards, and a complete listing of award winners, go to www.1to1media.com.

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:

 Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Advisory Council

Commission on Landlord-Tenant Affairs

Silver Spring Transportation Management District Advisory Committee

Silver Spring Urban District Advisory Committee

Wheaton Redevelopment Advisory Committee

Wheaton Urban District Advisory Committee

Bethesda Transportation Management District Advisory Committee

Adult Public Guardianship Review Board

Alcoholic Beverages Advisory Board

Energy and Air Quality Advisory Committee

Commission on Health

Advisory Board for Montgomery Cares Program

Commission for Women

Commission on Child Care

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 those selected for appointment are made public as part of the confirmation process.

You may access vacancy announcements for boards, committees, and commissions through the following link.  

http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/exec/vacancies/pr_list.asp

Silver Spring Citizens' Advisory Board Sponsors First Taste the World in Fenton Village

The first Taste the World in Fenton Village will take place on Sunday, May 15 from 2 to 5 p.m.  Fenton Village is located in south Silver Spring between Wayne, Georgia and Burlington avenues and Fenton Street.

More than 15 participating restaurants will offer appetizers or small tasting plates for $5 or less, in the restaurants.  Among those participating are Jackie’s, Addis Ababa Ethiopian and Ghar-E-Kabob. Hosted by the Silver Spring Citizens’ Advisory Board and Downtown Silver Spring, the free event will feature musical entertainment, street vendors and an outdoor market featuring local businesses.  Taste the World passports that can be picked up at the parking lot on Fenton St. at Silver Spring and Thayer avenues will be stamped at each restaurant visited and turned in at the end of the day for a special drawing.

Portions of Wayne Avenue and Fenton Street will be closed during the afternoon event.  Free parking will be available at the Wayne-Ellsworth parking garage and the Fenton Street Village Garage located at Fenton and Silver Spring avenues.  The Silver Spring Metro Station is located a couple of blocks north of the event.

For more information, call 240-832-3078

Tony Award Nominee “Once On This Island” Comes to Arts Barn Stage

Once On This Island is an enchanting musical fable that tells the story of forbidden love between a peasant girl and a rich city boy whom she saves from death. The show runs May 6 through 22, 2011, with performances on Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Admission is $18, $16 for City residents, $9 for children and students (through grade 12). This show is recommended for audiences aged 10 and older. Parental guidance is suggested.

The New York Times calls it “A sugar-and-cartoon-free answer to The Little Mermaid. A 90-minute Caribbean fairy tale told in rousing song and dance, this show is a joyous marriage of the slick and the folkloric, of the hard-nosed sophistication of Broadway musical theater and the indigenous culture of a tropical isle.”

The Arts Barn, Gaithersburg’s premier cultural arts facility, is located at 311 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg.  In addition to theatrical productions staged in partnership with local community groups in its 99-seat theater, the Arts Barn also features an art gallery, two artist-in-residence studios, art classes, camps, workshops, and unique retail from local artisans. For more information and tickets call 301-258-6394 or visit online at www.gaithersburgmd.gov/artsbarn.

Author Matt Logelin to Deliver Keynote Address at Gaithersburg Book Festival

The Gaithersburg Book Festival is an annual all-day celebration of books, writers, and literary excellence. In just its second year, the Festival is already becoming one of the premier literary events in the Washington region. The 2011 Festival will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2011, on the grounds of Gaithersburg City Hall, with shuttle buses running from nearby Lakeforest Mall.  Activities include appearances, discussions and book signings by more than 50 national bestselling and award-winning authors as well as local up-and-comers; writing workshops; a Children’s Village; a Coffee House with poets and singers/songwriters; onsite book sales, both new and used; exhibitors and, of course, food, drink, ice cream, and more. Admission, parking, and shuttle bus rides are free. For more information please visit www.gaithersburgbookfestival.org.

Matt Logelin will share his tragic yet uplifting story as the keynote speaker at the second annual Gaithersburg Book Festival. During his presentation, he will discuss his memoir, "Two Kisses for Maddy: A Memoir of Loss & Love,” which was released today. You can read more about Logelin and his book at http://www.mattlogelin.com/. For additional details on Logelin’s keynote address at the Gaithersburg Book Festival and the more than 50 other best-selling and national award-winning authors participating in the event, visit www.gaithersburgbookfestival.org.

Girls Worldwide Say (English Version)- Online Video

This has been found to be a wonderful online video. It features girls from all over the world and what Girl Guides and Girl Scouts does for them!

Please click on the following link to watch the video: http://dai.ly/flxNjd

Post contributed by Naomi Bloch

Arts and Humanties Council

Are you interested in Arts and Humanities? Well, the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County is celebrating their 35th year of providing excellent services in our community! Follow the link below to find out how you can join the celebration!

http://creativemoco.com/

Deadline Extension for Festival Submissions

The deadline for the JustUs Youth! Media Festival for Change has been extended to Wednesday April 27.

If you've been thinking about submitting, this is your chance! Don't procrastinate!

Gandhi Brigade presents the fourth annual youth media festival – with a focus on social change! Featuring official screenings of winning work, live youth performances, hands-on media workshops, a youth art gallery, and a four-hour film competition, the festival draws in a diverse crowd and is a fun time for all.

Saturday, May 21st, 2011, 11 am – 9pm
Silver Spring Civic Building & Plaza
One Veterans Plaza, Silver Spring MD 20910

For more information follow this link: http://www.gandhibrigade.org/festival

Attend COLORES Gallery Night to benefit HBF Youth Program

Ten Artists, Five Musicians, One Noble Cause.

Friday, May 6, 2011

7:00-10:00 PM

John Hopkins University - Montgomery County Campus

9605 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850

The Hispanic Business Foundation invites you to COLORES Gallery Night, an Art Exhibit and Concert to benefit our Partnership Youth Initiative (PYI). The PYI is an after school mentored internship program for high school juniors and seniors from economically disadvantaged families.

Artwork Exhibit includes the works of: Carlos Barrera, Fausto Bayonet, Martha Campos, Marcela Dorantes, Dolores Gomez-Bustillo, Claudia Marticorena, Susanna Nemes, Maria del Pila Ortiz, Rene Pedraza, and Sara Sittig.

 

Live performances from: Billy Castillo, Jaime Paredes, Osiris Siurano, Pamela Duran, and a ' Perico Ripiao'

The Hispanic Business Foundation is supported by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, an agency of the Department of Business & Economic Development, The MSAC provides financial support and technical assistance to non-profit organizations, units of government, colleges and universities for arts activities.

Tickets are for sale now at $25. Buy your ticket before Friday, April 22 and pay $20.  Tickets also available at www.ticketlatino.com

Getting It Right: Bridging the Cultural Divide through Knowledge and Engagement

On Wednesday, April 6, Senator Jim Rosapepe and Dr. James Zogby spoke at Montgomery College’s Arab American Heritage Month opening “kickoff” event about “Getting It Right:  Bridging the Cultural Divide through Knowledge and Engagement.” 
Sen. Rosapepe, emphasized embracing our cultural differences…and noted Montgomery College’s success in doing this.  Sen. Rosapepe said cultural differences should not serve as dividers amongst our citizens, but as a way we can learn about each others’ rich cultural heritage and a way we can come together under one rich mosaic.  In doing this, we can successfully bridge the differences between each of us.  Once again he pointed to Montgomery College successfully doing this, i.e., bridging cultural differences and bringing people together.  Sen. Rosapepe noted that there was a $250 million dollar fund for elementary schools to tap into to teach foreign languages, such as Arabic.  However, thus far, NO MPCS School has asked for these funds.  The deadline for doing so is May 1^st.

Dr. Zogby, Founder and President of the Arab American Institute (AAI), Senior Advisor for the Polling Firm Zogby International, and Author of “Arab Voices: What They Are Saying to Us, and Why it Matters” (October 2010), outlined how all people are the same…they have the same aspirations and dreams for their children; they have the same desires for good health care and self governance.  Unfortunately, Dr. Zogby said our misperceptions about others (and specifically to this discussion, Middle Easterners) are developed because of media’s overuse of stereotypical representations, which reinforce our misperceptions of people from that region.  Moreover, we fail to recognize the differences between countries in the region, which is largely shaped by each countries unique historical events.  And it is these misperceptions that impact our public and foreign policy.  And it is such wrongly influenced policies that lead to a divergence between how the United States would like to be perceived and how the region perceives the U.S.  Thus, American’s misperceptions bred by Western media, feeds misconceived U.S. policies, and this, in turn, leads to Middle Eastern misperceptions of U.S. intentions…it is a vicious cycle of wrong-mindedness that draws wrong conclusions on both sides of the world.  

At the close of the well attended event was a book signing of Dr. Zogby’s new book “Arab Voices”.   In attendance were a number of the Committee for Ethnic Affairs current and former members, elected officials and representatives, and members from the community at-large.  Everyone seemed to enjoy the event and the discussion. (see photo- photo credit to Arwa Elbeshbishi).

If you want to get a sense of what leading authors and commentators are already saying about Dr. Zogby 's book, follow the link:   http://www.aaiusa.org/dr-zogby/entry/arab-voices-what-they-are-saying-to-us-and-why-it-matters/

 For more information about the event and about Montgomery College’s Arab American Heritage Month Calendar of upcoming Events in April 2011, follow the link: www.montgomerycollege.edu/aahm , or contact Program Coordinator, Enas Elhanafi at 240-567-1759 or enas.elhanafi@montgomerycollege.edu  

Post contributed by Jeff Lynch, Member At-Large, Committee for Ethnic Affairs

Gilchrist Center Spring 2011 Programs

The Gilchrist Center for Cultural Diversity’s Spring Program roster features programs that you have come to expect such as ESOL and computer courses but also new programs such as French conversation, citizenship preparations, and Spanish 101.

For more information, please contact the Gilchrist Center staff at the numbers below.

Headquarters:

Mid-County Regional Services Center

2424 Reedie Drive, Suite 220, Wheaton, MD 20902

tel: 240.777.4940/gilchrist.center@montgomerycountymd.gov

Wheaton Library Site

11701 Georgia Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902

tel: 240.777.4950/susan.ucanay@montgomerycountymd.gov

Upcounty Site

12900 Middlebrook Road Germantown, MD 20874

tel: 240.777.6950/patricia.larson@montgomerycountymd.gov

Silver Spring Civic Building Site

One Veterans' Plaza, Silver Spring, MD 20910

tel: 240.777.5303/hindeke.ammanuel@montgomerycountymd.gov

Links for Services and Information Montgomery County Offers

Do you have questions about services and information that Montgomery County offers? Follow these links below to search departments and categories.

http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/opi/service/wants.asp?id=1

http://montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/opi/service/services.asp?type=OnlineService

World of Montgomery Festival Planning Meeting

On April 7, 2011 four representatives from the CEA, Gayathri Aluviharre, Naomi Bloch, Rayness Mayne, and Harry Iceland, attended the first full-scale planning meeting for the October 16 World of Montgomery Festival in Wheaton.  The meeting took place at the Midcounty Regional Services Center (which now houses the Gilchrist Center for Cultural Diversity offices) on Reedie Drive in downtown Wheaton, overlooking the principal location of the Festival.  

The meeting, chaired by Bruce Adams of the County Office of Community Partnerships, was attended by about 30 representatives from a variety of civic organizations and County offices that brought considerable enthusiasm, experience, and creative thinking to the discussion about how to design a bigger and better Festival with limited resources. 

The CEA contribution to the Festival will involve working with international voluntary organizations, Sister Cities participants, and children’s activities with cultural diversity themes. The planning committee is encouraged to think big and thus CEA representatives are working on a number of ideas that will be discussed and presented in future blogs.

Post contributed by Harry Iceland

Job Seeker Resources

Job Club Members Community Partners & Agency Representatives:

To be included on future updates of the Job Club Member group list please send your email address to the contact below.

Joe Heiney-Gonzalez, Special Assistant to the Director 

Phone:  240-777-5070 

Email:  joe.heiney-gonzalez@montgomerycountymd.gov

Montgomery County Office of Human Resources, 101 Monroe Street, 7th Floor -- Rockville, MD 20850

County Careers Website: http://montgomerycountymd.gov/careers

Montgomery County Commercial and Multi-Family Energy Efficiency Rebate Program Workshop

Montgomery County has scheduled workshops to inform potential applicants and vendors about the Commercial and Multi-Family Energy Efficiency Rebate Program and to provide assistance on the application process. 

April 14, 2011

7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

UpCounty Regional Services Center, 12900 Middlebrook Rd, Germantown, MD 20874

The Program, funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, helps businesses, non-profits, faith-based organizations and multi-family communities overcome the barriers to improvements that can save energy and reduce operating costs.  Organizations can apply for up to 50% of project costs or $75,000, whichever is less.  Funding will be awarded competitively based on the merits of the proposed project.  The Department of Environmental Protection is also partnering with the Pepco Commercial and Industrial Energy-Efficiency Program to ensure that potential applicants are aware of additional incentive opportunities available for many projects. 

 For more information on the Commercial and Multi-Family Rebate Program visit www.mcenergyfunding.com

For more information on the Pepco Commercial and Industrial Program visit https://cienergyefficiency.pepco.com/

The deadlines for applications are April 15th for Multi-Family Rebate Program and May 15th for Pepco Commercial and Industrial Program. 

 Please RSVP to eric.coffman@montgomerycountymd.gov with Energy-Efficiency Workshop in the subject line.

"A Community of Gardeners" April News

Documentary Premiere Draws Large Audiences

An enthusiastic audience filled the auditorium of the National Museum of Women in the Arts on March 24 for the world premiere of A Community of Gardeners at the Environmental Film Festival in the Nation's Capital.  Filmgoers had an opportunity to catch a second screening on March 25 at the Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus, run by the non-profit organization Building Bridges Across the River.  Audience members learned more about the issues addressed in the film and local community gardening projects during post-film discussions with filmmaker Cintia Cabib and staff members from the Washington Youth Garden, Common Good City Farm, and City Blossoms.  Many gardeners featured in the documentary attended the premiere, including Jean Paul Dionou and Corinia Prince of the Fort Stevens Community Garden, pictured above with Cintia Cabib.  Thank you to the Environmental Film Festival staff and to everyone who made the world premiere a big success!

Press Covers Film Premiere Several media outlets covered the world premiere of A Community of Gardeners.  Producer Cintia Cabib was interviewed about her documentary by Voice of America, NBC News Washington, the Gazette and the Chevy Chase Patch.

Film Screening on April 11

A Community of Gardeners will be screened at the Maryland Ensemble Theater in Frederick, Maryland, on April 11 at 7 p.m., as part of the Imagine! Frederick Sustainability Film Series.  The screening is free and open to the public.  It will be followed by a discussion about Frederick's local gardening movement.

Visit the film's Web site and follow us on Twitter and Facebook to stay informed about upcoming screenings.

Leggett to Release Report of the Latino Youth Collaborative Steering Committee

Monday, April 4, 2011

Noon

County Executive’s Conference Room, 101 Monroe Street, 2nd floor, Rockville

  

County Executive Isiah Leggett will release the report of the Latino Youth Collaborative Steering Committee.  In August 2009 he appointed the committee to develop recommended strategies and action steps for addressing the educational, violence prevention and well-being needs of County Latino youth and their families Leggett will also name his representatives to serve on an Oversight Work Group that will monitor progress in the implementation of the report’s recommendations.

Leggett will be joined by County Council Member Nancy Navarro and Board of Education President Christopher Barclay.  Diego Uriburu, Identity, Inc. and members of the community will also be on hand.

The Baby Bazaar and Outdoor Flea Markets are back for Spring Find Great Deals on Quality Items

Vendor registration opens soon for those interested in selling gently used or new items at the City of Gaithersburg Spring Baby Bazaar and the Spring Outdoor Flea Market, both held at the Montgomery County Agricultural Center. The Baby Bazaar will take place on Saturday, May 14, 2011 and the Outdoor Flea Market will take place on Saturday, June 11, 2011, both from 8 a.m. to Noon.  The Agricultural Center is located at 16 Chestnut Street in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

Resident registration opens April 4 and nonresident registration opens April 11 for vendors interested in selling gently-used or new baby and children's merchandise for the Bazaar and gently used or new clothing, household items, collectibles and more for the Flea Market.  The resident cost is $20 for those selling used merchandise and $30 for those selling new merchandise. The nonresident cost is $25 for those selling used merchandise and $35 for those selling new merchandise.

Application forms are available online at www.gaithersburgmd.gov/events.  For more information please call 301-258-6350.

English Literacy Fundraiser: Dine at Austin Grill on Monday April 11th

EAT!   Bring your family and friends – 20% of the proceeds (20% will be based on the amount of sales generated above average. Alcohol is not included) will be donated to MCAEL to support adult English literacy programs in your community!  If you cannot join us, your tax-deductible contribution is also always welcome.

  

CELEBRATE!   Stop by the bar area for a nosh as early as 5:00 to celebrate with Rachel Glass and say farewell with fun and friends! 

JOIN US! Monday, April 11th

Anytime between 5:00-9:00pm

Austin Grill, Rockville Town Center, 36 Maryland Avenue, Unit A, Rockville, MD 20850

www.austingrill.com/rockville

Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards to Host Nonprofit Forum

 Please Join Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards for her 2nd Annual Nonprofit Forum

“Your Nonprofit:  Build It! Grow It! Fund It! SUSTAIN IT!”

Monday, May 16, 2011

8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Silver Spring Civic Building One Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD 20910

FREE!

Please RSVP 4MDDISTRICT@MAIL.HOUSE.GOV

April Jefferson Cafes at Takoma Park/Silver Spring(TP/SS) Will Celebrate Arab-American Heritage Month

Montgomery College's Paul Peck Institute for American Culture and Civic Engagement is pleased to announce the April Jefferson Cafe discussion topic for the Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus. In recognition of Arab-American Heritage Month, the Cafes, scheduled for Wednesday, April 6, in Commons 202K, will focus on aspects of Arab culture and the World.

In the hope of accommodating everyone who would like to participate, there are two scheduled each month:

* SESSION 1: 1 p.m. gathering time, with the discussion beginning promptly at 1:15 p.m. and ending at 2:30 p.m. * SESSION 2: 2:45 p.m. gathering time, with the discussion beginning promptly at 3 p.m. and ending at 4:15 p.m. Preregistration is essential. To sign up and receive the pre-Cafe readings, please contact Dr. Francine Jamin at begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              240-567-1385      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or francine.jamin@montgomerycollege.edu. PLEASE INDICATE FOR WHICH SESSION YOU WISH TO REGISTER. For more information visit about the discussion, visit: http://insidemc.montgomerycollege.edu /showStory.php?id=26132 To view Montgomery College’s Arab American Heritage Month Calendar of Events– April 2011, and for printable flier, follow the link:www.montgomerycollege.edu/aahm 240-567-1385

					240-567-1385

   

A Talk & Book Signing by Dr. James Zogby at Montgomery College's Arab American Heritage Month Kickoff Event (April 6th @ 7:00p.m.)

Mark your calendars and share this information with your students and the community.

Senator Jim Rosapepe and  Dr. James "Jim" Zogby, Founder and President of the Arab American Institute (AAI), Senior Advisor for the Polling Firm Zogby International, and Author of “Arab Voices: What They Are Saying to Us, and Why it Matters” (October 2010). The book is based on the latest Zogby polls. His talk will be followed by a book signing. The event will include a musical performance and a reception will follow.

Event Information:
Getting It Right: Bridging the Divide through Knowledge and Engagement...”

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Montgomery College, Rockville Campus, Theatre Arts Arena

For more information, read the InsideMC story about this year's event.http://insidemc.montgomerycollege.edu/showStory.php?id=26235

To view Montgomery College’s Arab American Heritage Month Calendar of Events– April 2011, and for printable flier, follow the link:www.montgomerycollege.edu/aahm

Questions? call 240-567-1759 or email enas.elhanafi@montgomerycollege.edu  

Montgomery College’s Arab American Heritage Month Calendar of Events– April 2011

                                          April is Arab American Heritage Month

…and you are cordially invited to join Montgomery College in celebrating this occasion with a dynamic calendar of events. The celebration's theme for this year is:  “Let’s Give Peace a Chance: Voices of Courage, Willpower for Change, Unified Visions of A World Transformed”, in promoting a better understanding in a diverse community and in honor of the Arabs, Arab Americans in our community and the 22 Arab countries. We welcome this opportunity to honor the Arab Americans; students, staff and faculty and their contributions to our community.

 
Montgomery College’s Arab American Heritage Month

Calendar of Events– April 2011

To view the Calendar of Events– April 2011, and for printable flier, follow the 

www.montgomerycollege.edu/aahm<http://www.montgomerycollege.edu/aahm>

Opening Event Kick-Off   البرنامج الإفتتاحي

 April 6 at 7:00p.m.        Theatre Arts Arena, Rockville Campus
“Getting It Right: Bridging the Divide through Knowledge and Engagement...”
Speakers: Senator Jim Rosapepe and  Dr. James "Jim" Zogby, Founder and President of the Arab American Institute (AAI), Senior Advisor for the Polling Firm Zogby International, and Author of “Arab Voices: What They Are Saying to Us, and Why it Matters” (October 2010). The book is based on the latest Zogby polls. His talk will be followed by a book signing. The event will include a musical performance and a reception will follow.

Book & Poetry Reading and Discussion  كتب وأشعار ومناقشات

Wednesday, April 6

Jefferson Café—Book Reading and Discussion

Arab Culture and the Modern World

1st Session: 1 p.m. gathering time, with the discussion beginning promptly at 1:15 p.m. and ending at 2:30 p.m.
 2nd Session : 2:45 p.m. gathering time, with the discussion beginning promptly at 3 p.m. and ending at 4:15 p.m.
   Room 202K,  Commons Building,  Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus
Pre-registration is essential.Contact Dr. Francine Jamin at 240-567-1385 or  francine.jamin@montgomerycollege.edu  specifying for which session they wish to register.

Tuesday,  April 19

Poetry at One: An Open Reading

Arab and Arab American Voices

1:00p.m.– 2:00p.m.
Room 224,   Science East Building, Rockville Campus

Community Dialogue حوارات

Tuesday, April 12

 Interfaith Dialogue

11:00a.m.-12:45p.m.

Globe Hall, High Technology and Science Center (HT) Building, Germantown Campus

Film Screening and Discussion عروض أفلام ومناقشات

Thursday, April 21
“Budrus”
Budrus is an award-winning feature documentary film about a Palestinian community organizer, Ayed Morrar, who unites local Fatah and Hamas members along with Israeli supporters in an unarmed movement to save his village of Budrus from destruction by Israel’s Separation Barrier. The movie is directed by award-winning filmmaker Julia Bacha (co-writer and editor of Control Room and co-director Encounter Point), and produced by Bacha, Palestinian journalist Rula Salameh, and filmmaker and human rights advocate Ronit Avni (formerly of WITNESS, Director of Encounter Point). http://www.justvision.org/budrus

6:00p.m.-8:30p.m.  Room 216, High Technology and Science Center (HT) Building, Germantown Campus

 Thursday, April 28

“Veiled Voices”

Is a film filled with loud, bright stories that enlighten an audience in need of authenticity about Islam in general and the lives of Muslim women in particular.  Brigid Maher, director, cinematographer and editor, shows sensitivity and skill in bringing these critical-yet-simple stories to light. Simple?  Yes.  They are stories of the woman next door: a neighbor who is a mother and wife; a professional who teaches and travels; an individual facing challenges and disappointments who does not yield to inaction but rather overcomes and inspires.  These stories unfold gradually as they weave together across borders.http://www.veiledvoices.com/
 2:00p.m.-4:00p.m. Room 211, The Commons (CM) Building, Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus


Exhibits During the Month of April معارض
(HU) Display Case, Lower Level, Rockville Campus
Collegewide Libraries Exhibits:
“I Pledge for Peace” Poster  -  Arts and Crafts

MCTV Channel 10 Programs برامج تليفزيونية

To view the program schedule during April, visit:
www.montgomerycollege.edu/aahm

Questions? Please contact Enas Elhanafi, Program Coordinator at 240-567-1759 or enas.elhanafi@montgomerycollege.edu

The events are free and open to the public. Join us and share this information with your network and the community.