Greetings from the Montgomery County Recreation Communications & Public Outreach Team

We promote Recreation activities, facilities and programs through strategic marketing and media outreach in an effort to actively engage our publics, including our diverse populations.

We produce The RECord newsletter, enhance our social media, produce Department special events, and work directly with Department staff to keep our community informed about everything that Montgomery County Recreation has to offer. 

Please feel free to contact us with any ideas, questions or help you may need:

Susan Hoffmann – 240-777-6962

Judy Stiles – 240-777-6875

Elizabeth Ortega-Lohmeyer – 240-777-6973

Visit our Website at:
www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec

Activities, Programs, Classes and more…

Saturday, 9/24 – 11/19      10:00 am to 11:30 am

Hola Learn To Speak Spanish

Spanish 101 Fun for Everyone

MidCounty Regional Services Center

Monday, September 26 
Recreation is attending SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY UNITED IN PARTNERSHIP (SCUP)

Tuesday, September 27

Recreation initiates a partnership with the Latino Health Initiative

Wednesday, September 28

Recreation is attending Limited English Proficiency (LEP) training

Thursday, September 29

Recreation initiates a partnership with the African American Health program

Saturday, October 1

Recreation attends Oktoberfest in Germantown

Thursday, October 6

Recreation attends planning meeting of World of Montgomery Festival

Tuesday, October 11

Recreation attends planning meeting of “Ama Tu Vida” Health fair

Sunday, October 16

Recreation attends the World of Montgomery Festival and the Ama Tu Vida Health Fair in Wheaton

Friday, October 14

Family Gym & Board

Long Branch Community Center

Friday, November 4

Elementary Soccer Night

Long Branch Community Center

Friday, November 18

High School Youth Open Gym and Fall Crafts

Long Branch Community Center

Saturday, November 19

Recreation co-hosts the Thanksgiving Parade in Silver Spring

For more info, visit our website at:
www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec

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 Social Services Upcounty Citizens Advisory Board The deadline for application is October 14, 2011. 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 those selected for appointment are made public as part of the confirmation process.

County Executive Isiah Leggett is seeking applicants to fill one public vacancy on the Montgomery County Board of Social Services. The thirteen member Board advises the Department of Health and Human Services, the County Executive and County Council, as well as the Social Services Officer on the local application of state policies and procedures, receives briefings on local department activities, and communicates to the residents broad and comprehensive information as to the objectives, policies, programs and problems of local social services and public assistance administration in the County. Members of the Board of Social Services serve three year terms without compensation, but are eligible for reimbursement for travel and dependent care for meetings attended. Meetings are held the first Monday of each month at 7:00 PM in Rockville.

(New immigrants) English Classes at the Muslim Community Center, Silver Spring

Fall  English classes to be held at the Muslim Community Center (15200 New Hampshire Rd, Silver Spring 20905). 

Please encourage community members to access this low cost English course at the MCC in Silver Spring. They are also being offered free for those who cannot pay. There is also the opportunity for community members/groups to support the program by funding a $45 student scholarship.

Classes start on the 30th of September 2011,  and will take place every Friday 6.30-8pm and Sunday 4.30-7pm till the 2nd December. People can register in person  at the MCC between 10-4.30pm Tuesdays to Saturdays.   They can also phone/ email me directly.

Our paid teachers are all certified ESL instructors with a minimum of 5 years of teaching experience. We do also have volunteer teaching opportunities and offer our volunteers excellent training. Prospective volunteer teachers are welcome to contact me.

Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.

Rummana Habib, ESL Instructor, 240 938 3400

The International Cultural Center Cordially Invites You to Participate in…“An Open Forum Discussion with the Department of Homeland Security”

The International Cultural Center Cordially Invites You to Participate in…“An Open Forum Discussion with the Department of Homeland Security”

 Saturday October 8, 2011, from 5-6:30PM

 International Cultural Center (ICC) – Suite 205

19650 Club House Rd, Montgomery Village, MD, 20886

 *Tea and refreshments will be provided*

RSVP by Wednesday October 5, 2011 to:

 ICC President Rabia Zaman (RZaman@theicc.net) or 240-396-5350On October 8, George Selim, Policy Advisor with the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties at the DHS will lead a community discussion about DHS, and how they are working with Muslim Americans to protect our communities

Volunteer Center Launches New Website;Sign Up for 2011 Community Service Week Activities

Montgomery County’s Volunteer Center has launched a redesigned website with new and improved features that not only make it easier for individuals to search for and find volunteer opportunities around the County, but also share their volunteer experiences with online visitors.  The new site, www.montgomeryserves.org focuses on how volunteers can make an impact in our community.           

“The new website is a powerful tool that will allow individuals, businesses and community and faith organizations to find meaningful projects that will make a real impact in meeting the County’s most important needs,” said County Executive Isiah Leggett.  “I would also like to acknowledge and thank Ed Woods, president and CEO of TerpSys, who partnered with Montgomery County to create this engaging new website.”           

Two new features of the website include “Share Your Story” and “Create a Toolkit.”  Volunteers can share a photo and story about their service experiences or share step-by-step instructions for others about how to plan and initiate a service project based on their experiences.             

Also included in the new site is information about this year’s Community Service Week, which kicks off on Saturday, October 16 at the World of Montgomery Festival and concludes on Saturday, October 22 with the 25th Anniversary Celebration of Community Service Day in downtown Silver Spring.  Individuals can find information on how to sign up for existing service projects looking for additional volunteers or register a project of their own.

The new website was developed and built by TerpSys, a customer service company focused on technology with headquarters in Rockville.             

“We are proud to partner with Montgomery County to help encourage volunteerism and community service,” said TerpSys’s Woods.           

“The generous support of TerpSys is another extraordinary example of Montgomery County’s long tradition of corporate responsibility,” said Montgomery County’s Office of Community Partnerships Director Bruce Adams.           

For more information about Community Service Week, or volunteer opportunities throughout the year, visit www.montgomeryserves.org. 

County and City of Gaithersburg Co-Sponsor Homeless Resource Day October 19

Montgomery County residents experiencing homelessness are invited to participate in Homeless Resource Day on Wednesday, October 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bohrer Park Activity Center in Gaithersburg.  Sponsored by Montgomery County and the City of Gaithersburg, this one-day event will offer a wide range of resources for homeless residents in one location.  More than 30 organizations will be on-site to provide information and resources for individuals and families such as free medical screening, legal services, financial counseling, employment services, tax assistance, substance abuse and mental health counseling and social services.           

 Free transportation will be provided from seven locations throughout the county.  Registration is not required and the event is free.  The Bohrer Activity Center is located at 506 South Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg, next to Gaithersburg High School           

For more information, go to www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HRD or call Tanya Jones at 240-777-4151.

Photography, Digital Painting Exhibit at Arts Barn Gallery Gaithersburg, MD

The City of Gaithersburg presents a photography and digital painting exhibit featuring Nikhil Bahl, Angelique Raptakis and Susan Spangler at the Arts Barn September 30 through October 27, 2011.  The Arts Barn Gallery is located at 311 Kent Square Road , Gaithersburg, Maryland.  Viewing hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.  An artists’ reception, open to the public, will introduce the collections on Tuesday, October 11, 2011 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.  Nikhil Bahl is a professional nature photographer, author, lecturer and workshop instructor. His fine art prints have been exhibited in galleries in the Washington metropolitan area, published in a number of print and electronic media, and included in many private collections. While his primary aim is to create art with his photographs, Bahl also strives to document the natural world with an eye toward conservation and education. This has led him to volunteer his time and photography skills with the National Park Service and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Bahl has a strong passion for guiding nature photography workshops and tours, with instruction focused on in-camera interpretation and developing personal vision, rather than simply following the traditional rules of photography. His goal is to inspire people to appreciate the splendor of nature by becoming more aware, and by transforming the mundane into the exciting through contemplative and artistic interpretation.Angelique Raptakis is a photographer who reveals the details and elements of beauty in common places that are easily overlooked. Her pictures have been present in many art exhibits, private collections and published in various professional publications. Raptakis is a Maryland-based nature photographer, a committed volunteer photographer for the National Park Service, and has won several honors for her remarkable images of our natural world. She believes beauty is everywhere once we fully open our eyes to it. Her prints are created using RAW format, digitally optimized, and printed using archival materials. Raptakis’ photos capture the exquisiteness of the earth around us, from the colors of the setting sun, to the intricate patterns in the eye of a butterfly, to the grace of a withering floral bloom.  Susan Spangler is an award-winning graphic designer, illustrator, digital painter and poet. Many selections of her artwork have shown at Georgetown University, Montgomery College and local galleries. She has designed and illustrated publications for the National Institutes of Health and has two books for the general market, with the most recent being, "Old Age and Three Virtual Remissions," written by Raymond Day Watts. Spangler is drawn to stories and snapshots – the moment captured and the feeling and portrayal of the details of that time. A draw-er and painter by means of whatever is handy, she uses pencils, pens, chalk, brushes as well as computer drawing with a mouse on a Mac to create vibrant pieces of art. Her pictures are about identifying with daily life, and the memorable essence of family that illuminates home and dreams in and beyond words.  Please note that all images are copyrighted by the artists.  For more information please contact Andi Rosati at 301-258-6394 or email at arosati@gaithersburgmd.gov.  Visit the Arts Barn online at www.gaithersburgmd.gov/artsbarn.

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 October 2011 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.

Conference to Celebrate Disability History and Disability Employment Month

The public is invited to attend “Snapshot: Capture…Connect…Create,” a free event celebrating Maryland Disability History and Awareness Month and National Disability Employment Awareness Month, on Tuesday, October 11 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Silver Spring Civic Building. The event will include remarks by Cathy Raggio, Secretary of Maryland’s Department of Disabilities; as well as presentations on Maryland’s Senior Health Insurance Program and a hot topics panel discussion. A resource area will be featured where attendees can gather information on employment, housing and transportation options. To register for the event, go to http://www.innow.org/assets/uploads/docs/Flyer_for_October_11_event.pdf or call Independence Now at 301-277-2839. The Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza is located at One Veterans Place in Silver Spring. The event is co-sponsored by Independence Now; the County’s Department of Health and Human Services, Commission on People with Disabilities; the Prince George’s County Department of Family Services, Commission for Individuals with Disabilities; and the Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services

Pinky & Pepe’s Grape Escape Hosts Fundraiser for Gaithersburg Police Foundation Gaithersburg, MD

The Gaithersburg Police Foundation will hold a fundraising event at Pinky & Pepe’s Grape Escape, 223 Kentlands Boulevard in Gaithersburg, Maryland on Saturday, October 1, 2011 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.   A silent auction with items donated by merchants of The Kentlands Center and others will be held, along with a complimentary wine tasting.  Items include gift cards from local merchants, a book collection from Random House, and art work. 100% of the money raised through the silent auction will be donated to the Foundation.  Items are still being accepted for the silent auction.  If you would like to make a donation please contact Pinky Rodgers at the number below.  The public is encouraged to drop by for a fun time, great atmosphere and an opportunity to meet the members of the Gaithersburg Police Department and the Gaithersburg Police Foundation, who will be on hand throughout the day.   Formed as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in January, 2008, the Gaithersburg Police Foundation seeks to support the Gaithersburg Police Department with its mission to provide quality services to the residents of Gaithersburg.  The Foundation raises funds to offer educational opportunities for the police department staff, enhances recruitment and retention of officers, provides logistical support to officers, provides technology assistance, and helps to finance community outreach initiatives. For more information contact Pinky Rodgers, Foundation Member, at 301-869-9463.

Project to Improve Intersection of MD 355 and MD 118 to Begin Soon

Project to Improve Intersection of MD 355 and MD 118 to Begin Soon;County’s Participation Accelerates 10 State Projects to Reduce Traffic Congestion The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA), in partnership with Montgomery County’s Department of Transportation (MCDOT), recently began a series of intersection improvements on state roads.  .  MCDOT is helping to fund these enhancements to reduce traffic congestion at selected bottlenecks and improve vehicular and pedestrian safety because state roads carry the heaviest traffic volumes in the County.  The County’s 50 percent contribution of $3.2 million for the design, right of way acquisition and construction costs of these projects has allowed the improvements to move forward more quickly.  “As Maryland’s economic engine and its most populous county, it is critical that Montgomery County continues to partner with the State on infrastructure projects,” said County Council President Valerie Ervin.  “It is essential that we expedite road and sidewalk improvements to keep pace with transportation demands.” “These important transportation projects, along with our efforts to improve transit options that are also underway, should relieve traffic in some of the most congested parts of our County,” said Councilmember Roger Berliner, chair of the Council’s Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee.  “They will also make these busy intersections safer.”The intersection improvements are part of a list of priority transportation projects developed by Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett and the County Council.  Funding for the projects was approved by the County Council as part of the County’s project for State Transportation Participation that began in fiscal year 2007.“With nearly the longest commute times in the nation, our area’s gridlock is rapidly eroding not only our quality of life but also the health of our economy,” said Leggett.  “Even small changes can have a tremendous impact, and that is why we are moving forward, in partnership with SHA, to make the improvements that will keep our County moving.”  The Maryland State Highway Administration is designing and constructing the improvements.“The Department of Transportation appreciates the County’s funding support for the 10 intersection improvements,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary Beverley K. Swaim-Staley.  “Partnership is key as the State looks to address congestion and improve safety along main corridors in Montgomery County.  By working together, Maryland is able to continue addressing critical infrastructure needs that support economic development, address congestion and improve safety.”The 10 intersection projects and their status are:1.      Maryland routes 355 and 118, which will extend the existing left-turn lane along southbound Route 355.  Under construction. 2.      Maryland Route 27 at Sweepstakes Road.  Installation of an exclusive right turn lane on northbound Route 27.  Under construction.3.      Maryland Route 650 at Adelphi Road.  Widen southbound Route 650 to accommodate additional through lane, widen Adelphi Road to accommodate double left turn lanes.  Under construction.4.      Maryland Route 355 at East Middle Lane.  Extend southbound Route 355 left turn lane.  Under construction.5.      Maryland Route 198 at Dino Road.  Widen westbound Route 198 at Dino Road to provide a truck apron to accommodate U-Turns.  Under construction.6.      Maryland Route 107 at Partnership Road.  Widen spur to accommodate two lanes.  Widen eastbound Route 107 to provide a 10-foot shoulder/bypass lane.  Under construction.7.      Maryland Route 118 at Wisteria Drive and at Middlebrook Road.  Extension of northbound left turn lanes.  Under construction.8.      Maryland Route 182 and Norwood Road.  Install signal and exclusive left and right turn lanes onto Norwood Road.  Construction bids opened.  Construction to start October 2011.9.      Maryland 108 at Bowie Mill Road.  Install full signal extension of hiker/biker trail along northbound Route 108.  Construction bids opened. Construction to start December 2011.10.  Maryland Route 185, Washington Street to Saul Road.  Construct new sidewalk on southbound Maryland Route 185.  Right–of-way acquisition underway.  Construction to start March 2012.

Residents Encouraged to Participate in International Walk to School Day October 5

Residents Encouraged to Participate in International Walk to School Day October 5; Organize an Event or Take Part in one at a Neighborhood School Looking for a healthy way to start the day?  Join thousands of students, parents and community members throughout Montgomery County in celebrating the simple act of walking and bicycling to school on International Walk to School Day, Wednesday, October 5. Last year, about 30 schools participated in events designed to promote health, identify safer routes for walking, and improve air quality.  International Walk to School Day was founded in 1997 as a way to bring community leaders and children together to promote more walkable communities, safer streets, healthier habits and cleaner air.  For those who live too far from school to walk, drive part of the distance, park and then walk the rest of the way.  This year, the focus school in the County will be Captain James Daly Elementary School in Germantown.  For more information about Walk to School Day or organizing an event at your child’s school,, contact Nadji Kirby, 240-777-7169 or nadji.kirby@montgomerycountymd.gov.   Or, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/saferoutestoschool.

Gaithersburg Celebrates CHARACTER COUNTS! Week with Poster, Essay Contests Gaithersburg, MD

Gaithersburg celebrates 15 years of involvement with the CHARACTER COUNTS! ethics program by encouraging local students to express their thoughts in words and pictures.  In the past few weeks hundreds of students have been creating posters and essays around specific themes related to good character, which will be judged by members of the City’s Educational Enrichment Committee.  A reception celebrating winners, honorable mentions, adult heroes, families, principals, and teachers will be held on Thursday, October 20 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Casey Community Center, 810 South Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg.  Reservations are requested by Thursday, October 13.  Please e-mail ssrinivasachar@gaithersburgmd.gov or call 301-258-6395 x3. This year’s poster contest, “CHARACTER COUNTS! How Will You Serve?” is open to students in Gaithersburg area elementary and middle schools with CHARACTER COUNTS! programs.  The contest is sponsored by the City of Gaithersburg and the Gazette Newspapers.   Poster contest participants will also be eligible for the Ruth Minette Helz award, sponsored by Maryland 20878®.  This award recognizes the one poster that best represents the concept of caring.  Ms. Helz (August 14, 1903 - October 23, 1983) was a woman of the highest character whose most notable trait was love – love of family, friends, neighbors, of community and homeland, of justice, honor, and integrity – but above all, love of children. Elementary and middle school students are also participating in an “Adult Heroes in Our Community” essay contest.  Participants write about someone who has had a positive, personal influence on their lives related to one or more of the Six Pillars of Character:  trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.  This contest is sponsored by the City of Gaithersburg and the Gaithersburg Rotary Club. High school students participate in the Foundations for Life essay contest, in which students select a meaningful quote, reflect on its meaning, and commit to life strategies incorporating the spirit of the quote.  This contest, administered by the National CHARACTER COUNTS! organization, is sponsored locally by the City of Gaithersburg and the Montgomery Village Rotary Club.   Posters and winning essays will be on display at Lakeforest Shopping Center October 11 – 28.  The posters will also be featured at various City facilities throughout the school year.    For more information on Gaithersburg’s CHARACTER COUNTS! programs please contact the Community Services Division at 301-258-6395 or visit the City’s website at www.gaithersburgmd.gov.

Oktoberfest Features German Music & Food, Wine Tasting Gaithersburg, MD

The City of Gaithersburg and the Kentlands Citizens Assembly present the 20th Anniversary Celebration of Oktoberfest

At the Kentlands Village Green

Sunday, October 9, 2011

From noon to 4 p.m.

Admission and parking are free. 

Free wheelchair-accessible shuttle service will be available from a new location this year.  Shuttles will run regularly during festival hours to and from satellite parking at 101 and 200 Orchard Ridge Drive, just off of Quince Orchard Road.  Amidst horse-drawn wagon rides and pumpkin painting, festival goers can enjoy authentic Bavarian food and beer and lively performances by the Alte Kameraden German Band and Alt-Washingtonia Bavarian dancers on the Main Stage.  Lederhosen and dirndls are optional as Alt-Washingtonia instructs and encourages participation in some of their dances.  Free performances on the outdoor Community Stage will include a variety of local dance and singing groups. New to the festival this year will be an outdoor wine tasting and a children’s puppet show, held indoors at Kentlands Mansion.  Kids will also enjoy a full day of pony rides, moon bounce, face painting, art projects, and many other activities. Please note that there will be a fee for some activities. Oktoberfest at the Kentlands is sponsored in part Herson’s Honda/Kia, Elaine Koch & Associates/Mike Aubrey & Associates, Embrace Home Loans, and Village Settlements. 

For parking instructions and more information call 301-258-6350 or visit the City’s website at www.gaithersburgmd.gov/oktoberfest.        

Fall Authors for 24th Literary Luncheon Lecture Series

Friends of the Library, Montgomery County Announces Fall Authors for 24th Literary Luncheon Lecture Series:

Eleanor Clift, a political commentator and regular panelist on the “McLaughlin Group,” will kick off the 24th season of the Friends of the Library, Montgomery County’s (FOLMC) annual Literary Luncheon Lecture Series at Strathmore Hall Mansion on Thursday, October 20.  The mansion is located at 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda.Clift will discuss her most recent book, “Two Weeks of Life: A Memoir of Love, Death and Politics.” The book parallels the lives and deaths of her husband, Tom Brazaitis, and of Terri Schiavo.  Clift uses the two stories to analyze the political and cultural implications of death in America.On Thursday, November 17, noted journalist and author Michelle Bernard will discuss women and politics and the 2012 election. Bernard is the founder and CEO of the Bernard Center for Women, Politics and Public Policy. She is a panelist on “Hardball with Chris Matthews” and guest commentator on NPR’s “All Things Considered.”Lectures begin at 11:30 a.m. and are followed by a book signing and luncheon at 12:30 p.m.  Books will be available for purchase.  Tickets start at $25 for non-members and vary according to membership status.The series will continue in the spring with two additional authors. Proceeds benefit FOLMC whose mission is to support and enhance Montgomery County Public Libraries. The Literary Luncheon Series is funded in part by a grant from the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County.  Friends of the Library, Montgomery County is a 29-year-old non-profit membership organization with 16 chapters dedicated to enhancing and promoting public libraries through fundraising and advocacy efforts.  FOLMC operates three used book stores in Gaithersburg, Rockville and Wheaton and supports various literary projects that promote the work of local authors, encourage reading among children and enhance adult life-long learning. For more information on this series or other Friends’ programs, call 240-777-0020 or visit www.folmc.org.

Hispanic Heritage Month 2011

Events in Montgomery County:

September 17, 2 PM – Wheaton Library – Cantaré, Songs and rhythms of Latin America

September 22^nd –October 12^th. AFI Latin American Film Festival. Check website for featured films.  http://www.afi.com/silver/new/nowplaying/2011/v8i4/latin11.aspx

September 24, 2 PM – Quince Orchard Library – Cantaré, Songs and rhythms of Latin America

September 24, 1 PM – Aspen Hill Library – Brazilian Jazz performed by Origem

October 1, 4-7PM, Rockville Hispanic Heritage celebration - Rockville Town Square- Free

October 3,  6pm-7:30PM Gaithersburg City Hall. Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration in Gaithersburg Highlights Individuals Making a Difference. For more information:

http://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/poi/default.asp?POI_ID=309&TOC=307;309;&id=5219

October 5, 7pm- A Night of Argentinean Tango Stars - Historic Stage of the Olney Theater. $32 before the show /$42 at the door

October 16, 12-5pm. “Ama Tu Vida/Love Your Life” Health Fair at the World of Montgomery Festival. Wheaton triangle (across from 2424 Reedie Drive Wheaton MD)

www.worldofmontgomery.com/

Events in surrounding areas:

September 17, 10-12noon. Family workshop: Barriletes: kites from Guatemala. Art Museum of the Americas. Organization of American States. 201 18^th Street NW Washington DC 20006

September 18 12-6pm. The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Prince George’s Department of Parks and Recreation 30th Annual Hispanic Festival. Lane Manor Park (7601 West Park Dr., Adelphi  20783

September Smithsonian’s Hispanic Heritage Month Calendar of Events:

http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/heritage_month/hhm/

Financial Issues Affecting Seniors

Join Councilmember Phil Andrews, Office of Consumer Protection Director Eric Friedman, and our expert panelists who will discuss the financial exploitation of seniors, differences among long term care facilities, identity theft, consumer scams, and elder care legal issues.

This free forum will be held:

Tomorrow, Friday, September 16th

From 2:00 to 5:00 PM

Asbury Methodist Village, Community Room, 409 Russell Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD

For additional information, please call the Montgomery County, Office of Consumer Protection at 240.777.3636.

Montgomery County Council to Host Town Hall Meeting for Students

Montgomery County Council to Host Town Hall Meeting for Students

On Wednesday, Oct. 12, in Rockville

High School, Middle School and Elementary Students From

Across the County Will Be Able to Express Views,

Ask Questions of Councilmembers in Second Meeting of Its Kind

The Montgomery County Council, which for the past several years has held Town Hall Meetings throughout the County in its efforts to find out what issues most concern residents, will learn what is on the mind of younger residents when it hosts its second-ever Town Hall Meeting for Students on Wednesday, Oct. 12, at the Council Office Building in Rockville. The meeting, in the Council’s Third Floor Hearing Room, will start at 7 p.m. A pre-meeting reception will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the building’s second-floor cafeteria. 

The Council Office Building is located at 100 Maryland Ave. in downtown Rockville. It is about a three-block walk from the Rockville Metrorail station, which also is a main stopping point for many RideOn bus lines. For students traveling to the meeting by car, free parking will be available by entering the Council parking garage from the Fleet Street entrance.

 This will be the fourth Town Hall Meeting hosted by the Council in 2011. The Council hosted Town Hall Meetings for all residents of the East County area in Silver Spring in January; for the Bethesda-Chevy Chase area in March; and for the Derwood area in June. The Council is composed of President Valerie Ervin, Vice President Roger Berliner and Councilmembers Phil Andrews, Marc Elrich, Nancy Floreen, George Leventhal, Nancy Navarro, Craig Rice and Hans Riemer. 

The first Town Hall Meeting for Students, held in February 2010, was attended by more than 400 people.  

The October meeting is open to high school, middle school and elementary school public and private students from around the County. The meeting will allow the participants to let Councilmembers know how they feel about specific issues and also will provide the opportunity to ask questions of the Councilmembers in an organized, but informal, setting.

 “When it comes to decisions affecting young people—whether in regard to schools, libraries, recreation, parks or the community in general—the practice too often is to have one set of adults talk to another set adults,” said Council President Ervin, a former member of the County Board of Education and now chair of the Council’s Education Committee. “Recently, the young people of this County made their voices heard about the proposed Youth Curfew. On issues like that, and others, this Council will have many important decisions to make in the coming months—and many of these decisions could have significant impact on people 18 and under. We think the best way to find out what this generation of Montgomery County residents need and want is to hear directly from them.”

 Council President Ervin said that the Council would like to hear about issues relating to the community and how they affect younger residents.

 “Many school-specific issues come under the authority of the Board of Education,” she said. “The Council wants to know more about all of those other issues that affect their lives every day. I think there are many things on which they can offer perspectives that perhaps adults do not consider.”

 The meeting will be broadcast live on County Cable Montgomery (CCM—cable Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN, Channel 30 on Verizon) and rebroadcast at various times in the weeks following the meeting. Susan Kenedy, a producer for the County station, will moderate the meeting.

 Students who wish to attend the meeting are asked to RSVP by calling 240-777-7931.

Upcounty and Downcounty Network Meetings for 2011/2012

2011/2012 Schedule of Meetings

September 26th - SCUP Conference at Universities of Shady Grove (see link above)

October 19th - Down County Network at the Wheaton Library 1st floor 11701 Georgia Ave., Wheaton, MD 20902

December 14th - Upcounty Network at the Upcounty Regional Services Center in Germantown 12900 Middlebrook Road, Germantown, MD  20874

January 18th - Down County Network at the Wheaton Library 1st floor 11701 Georgia Ave., Wheaton, MD 20902

March 21st - Upcounty Network at the Upcounty Regional Services Center in Germantown 12900 Middlebrook Road, Germantown, MD  20874

April 18th - Down County Network at the Wheaton Library 1st floor 11701 Georgia Ave., Wheaton, MD 20902

June 20th- Upcounty Network at the Upcounty Regional Services Center in Germantown 12900 Middlebrook Road, Germantown, MD  20874

July 18th- Down County Network at the Wheaton Library 1st floor 11701 Georgia Ave., Wheaton, MD 20902

Ama Tu Vida Health Fair at the World of Montgomery Festival October 16th 12-5pm

Gaithersburg Joins Maryland Green Registry

With a strong commitment to sustainability and a desire to share best practices and learn from other organizations, the City of Gaithersburg has recently joined the Maryland Green Registry.  A program of the Maryland Department of the Environment, the Green Registry is a free, voluntary program offering tips and resources to help organizations set and meet their sustainability goals.

Membership in the Green Registry includes free technical assistance on environmental best practices and eligibility for Leadership awards.  Profiles of the more than 300 Maryland Green Registry members are posted online to demonstrate the environmental commitment of these organizations and inspire others to take similar steps.  Visit the registry at http://mde.maryland.gov/MarylandGreen/Pages/Home.aspx.

 “The Registry is a great resource for learning what others are doing and what’s possible in the field of environmental sustainability,” said Dyan Backe, Gaithersburg’s Environmental Planner.  “Every day new ideas and new technologies emerge that can help us create a healthier community.  The Registry exposes us to the progress that our partners have made and continue to make with regards to environmental stewardship of our shared resources.”

 To learn more about the City of Gaithersburg’s environmental initiatives, please visit www.gaithersburgmd.gov/environment or contact the Environmental Services Division at 301-258-6330.

Health and Human Services Holds Forum on FY2013 Operating Budget

 The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services is holding a community forum to gather input from the public on the department’s FY2013 operating budget.

The forum will be held on Wednesday, October 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Children’s Resource Center in Rockville.  A representative from the Office of Management and Budget will present an overview of the County’s fiscal forecast for FY2013, followed by HHS Director Uma Ahluwalia, who will review the department’s priorities.  Following the briefing, participants will have an opportunity to help identify services that will help ensure the department’s goal of building a safe, healthy and strong community. 

Commissions and boards will have three minutes to speak and all others will have two minutes to speak.  To sign up to speak, call 240-777-1211 (voice) or 240-777-1295 (TTY) by close of business October 13or email CommunityBudget.Forum@montgomerycountymd.gov by close of business October 13.

The Children’s Resource Center is located at 332 W. Edmonston Drive in Rockville. 

 Those requiring special aids or services to participate in this event should call Shantee Jackson at 240-777-1058 (voice) or 240-773-3556 (TTY).  Sign language interpreter services and language interpreter services are available upon request with at least three business days notice.  All requests should be made by October October 13.

Those unable to attend are encouraged to provide written comments addressed to Director, HHS, 401 Hungerford Drive, Suite 500, Rockville, MD  20850 or email to CommunityBudget.Forum@montgomerycountymd.gov. 

Media Contact:  Mary Anderson, 240-777-6534

County Seeks Volunteers for Long Term Care Ombudsman Program

Montgomery County’s Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is seeking individuals interested in helping to enhance the quality of life for nursing home residents as long-term care advocates with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services.   Volunteers will be assigned to make regular visits to residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities at convenient locations throughout Montgomery County.  Ombudsmen representatives work to promote the highest quality of life for residents in nursing home settings and help to resolve problems. 

This volunteer opportunity demands flexible daytime hours during the work week and creativity in developing problem solving strategies.  It is an advanced level of commitment and requires the ability to work autonomously with support and guidance.   Training and on-going technical assistance are provided by experienced professionals.

The intensive orientation program for volunteer candidates is a comprehensive training focused on promoting resident rights in nursing home and assisted living systems.  Using advocacy skills and applicable laws, volunteers will work to resolve complaints.  The orientation will be held during the week of Monday, October 10 through Friday, October 14 at Holiday Park Senior Center in Wheaton.  The course meets daily from 9a.m. to 3 p.m.  Class size is limited and pre-registration is required.          

Contact Eileen Bennett at eileen.bennett@Montgomerycountymd.gov  or 240-777-1067 to learn more.

Montgomery County Homeowners Invited to One-on-One Foreclosure Prevention Counseling

The Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA), in partnership with the Montgomery County Housing Fair Planning Committee and the City of Gaithersburg, invites all county homeowners who are falling behind in their mortgage payments or are facing foreclosure to attend a free foreclosure prevention counseling event on Saturday, October 1, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Bohrer Park Activity Center, Summit Hall Farm, 506 S. Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg.

Homeowners will receive one-on-one foreclosure prevention counseling offered by trained representatives from the following government-approved housing counseling agencies in Montgomery County: Asian-American Homeownership Counseling, HomeFree USA, Housing Initiative Partnership and the Latino Economic Development Corporation.

Free legal advice on housing-related issues will be available at the event. Attorneys from Civil Justice, Maryland Legal Aid and the Pro Bono Legal Resource Center of Maryland will be on hand to answer questions. Representatives from the Office of Congressman Chris Van Hollen will also be present to help homeowners.

Many Montgomery County residents have been affected by the foreclosure crisis and weakened economy. Those who fear they may fall behind in their mortgage payments, as well as those who are already months behind, are encouraged to attend. Information will be available about loan modifications, short sales, bankruptcy, the mediation process, and other housing topics of interest.

“Loan modification scammers are everywhere, taking ruthless advantage of anxious homeowners desperate to modify their loans,” said DHCA Administrator of Community Programs Myriam Torrico. “This event is a wonderful opportunity for county residents to receive free, reliable information from trained foreclosure prevention counselors.”

Montgomery County will be holding its next annual Housing Fair on April 28, 2012. The annual housing fair features practical advice on how to manage money, improve credit, talk to lenders, avoid foreclosures, prepare for the job market, identify housing scams and take advantage of federal, state and local housing programs and resources. The fair is organized by the Montgomery Department of Housing and Community Affair in partnership with the Housing Fair Planning Committee, whose members include: the cities of Gaithersburg, Rockville and Takoma Park; Asian-American Home Ownership Counseling; HomeFree USA; Housing and Community Initiatives; Housing Initiative Partnership; the Latino Economic Development Corporation; the Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County; the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services; the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights and the Office of Congressman Chris Van Hollen.

For more information about the October 1 foreclosure counseling event or the Housing Fair in the spring, call 240-777-3602, or email myriam.torrico@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Apply to volunteer on a County board, committee, or commission

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:

Committee Evaluation and Review Board

Library Board

 The deadline for application is September 30, 2011.

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

 Contact:  Beth Gochrach, 240-777-2528

5th Annual “Restore the Joy” Domestic Violence Empowerment Luncheon Set for October 8

The 5th Annual “Restore the Joy” Domestic Violence Empowerment Luncheon, hosted by Women Who Care Ministries and the Victims’ Rights Foundation, in partnership with the City of Gaithersburg, will be held on Saturday, October 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Gaithersburg, 2 Montgomery Village Avenue.

 “Restore the Joy” features a resource fair, a discussion on various issues related to domestic violence by a panel of experts, inspirational performances, and vendor information. Early registration is recommended as seating is limited and the event is expected to sell out.  A special rate of two tickets for $40 has been established so that guests will be encouraged to bring a friend, or to purchase an extra ticket that can then be donated to someone in need.  Individual tickets are $25 per person.  Children and senior citizen admission is $15 per person.  Tables of ten can be purchased for $200.

 The 2011 event, which offers messages of inspiration and hope along with vital resource information, will also feature a keynote address by Barbara Talley.  Talley is a speaker, poet, author and publisher of many valued-based living products.  She is high-energy, with a special talent for inspiring her listeners as she addresses such topics as goal setting, balancing work and family, empowerment, values, personal leadership, and effective communication.  Talley will be joined by special guest Maryland Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown.

 Guests are encouraged to bring child-friendly nutritious foods for the Women Who Care Ministries Helping Kids Eat Backpack Weekend Food Program.  Donations will support the hundreds of backpacks that go home with area children each Friday to ensure that they don’t go hungry over the weekend.

 To purchase tickets for the luncheon and for more information please contact Judith Clark of Women Who Care Ministries at 301-963-8588, womenwhocare@comcast.net or Greg Wims of the Victims’ Rights Foundation at 301-351-7028, gwims@boldconcepts.com.  Ticket purchase is also available online at www.womenwhocareministries.org.

County Executive’s Town Hall Meeting

County Executive’s Town Hall Meeting

Date/Time:

Wednesday, September 21 at 7:30 p.m.

Location:

Westland Middle School, 5511 Massachusetts Ave., Bethesda

Annual Salvadoran Festival

Annual Salvadoran Festival

Date/Time:

Sunday, September 11, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (County Executive Ike Leggett will greet festival-goers at 5 p.m.)

Location:

Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 16 Chestnut Street, Gaithersburg

Montgomery County Public Libraries Announces Library Card Sign-Up Month 2011; Get the Smartest Card @ your Library®

 September is Library Card Sign-Up Month, and the American Library Association and Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) want to make sure that all children, teens and adults in Montgomery County have the smartest card of all – a library card.

Customers with library cards can access books and magazines, DVDs, electronic books, test preparation materials, job hunting resources and electronic databases, and use the library computers with free Internet access – an especially important resource for families without Internet access at home.

“As the school year begins, we want to remind parents and students that a library card is an essential school supply, and getting one is easy,” said Parker Hamilton, MCPL director. “Today’s libraries provide all types of students with the tools they need to be successful in school.”

For more information on how to sign up for a library card, visit any Montgomery County public library, call Ask-a-Librarian at 240-777-0001 or visit the library online at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/library.