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September 2017 - Issue 113
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NEWS & EVENTS AROUND THE REGION
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Friendship Picnic to Celebrate Diverse Cultures and Faiths
As part of the Annual Welcoming Week, Montgomery County will be hosting the friendship picnic on Sunday, September 17 from 1 - 5 pm at the Wheaton Regional Park, 2000 Shorefield Road, Wheaton. Bring your friends and family to the picnic to help build a better community.
Kosher, halal, vegetarian and traditional cuisines and drinks will be provided. Kindly bring one non-perishable food item for donation to the Manna Food Center. The event is free, however, registration is strongly encouraged by clicking here. For more information call 240-777-8450.
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Montgomery County Executive Hispanic Gala
The Gala brings together stakeholders and organizations that are committed to assist Hispanic youth to achieve a high level of education while building strong, diverse and united communities in Montgomery County and throughout the State of Maryland. Bring your family, friends, and co-workers to celebrate the success of these young scholars and to enjoy a night full of delicious food, music, dancing & networking opportunities.
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Chief of Police J. Thomas Manger to Accept "Public Service Award" at the Hispanic Gala
J. Thomas Manger, Chief of Police, Montgomery County Police Department, will be the recipient of the "Public Service Award" to be presented during the gala celebration on September 7 to take place at The Fillmore Silver Spring. Chief Manger has been the Chief of Police in Montgomery County, Maryland, since February 2004. His commitment to the highest ethical standards for policing and his enactment of new policies to increase departmental accountability has earned significant recognition from the community.
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Montgomery County 2017 Labor Day Parades
Gaithersburg Parade:
Monday, September 4 at 1:00 pm at Olde Towne Gaithersburg. This year's parade is dedicated to the law enforcement community in honor and celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Gaithersburg Police Department. Click here for details.
Kensington Parade:
Monday, September 4 at 10 am (Festival 10 am - 2 pm) by traveling down Connecticut Avenue from St. Paul Park toward Town Hall, which features local marching bands from area schools; equestrian show groups; dance groups; floats and much more The Kensington Parade begins at St. Paul's St and Plyers Mill. Festival located along Howard and Armory Avenues. Read more here.
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County Seeks Public Input on 2018 Early Voting Sites
In 2018, the county will have 11 early voting sites, as required by law. In the 2016 elections, the county operated 10 early voting locations.
The board plans to take public comment on where to locate the sites at 10 a.m. on Sept. 23 in the lobby auditorium of the Montgomery County Executive Office Building at 101 Monroe St. in Rockville.
The board also will take public comments at its 2:30 p.m. meetings on Sept. 18 and Oct. 16 at the Board of Elections offices at 18753 N. Frederick Ave., #210, in Gaithersburg.
Speakers are encouraged to sign up in advance by calling the board at 240-777-8525. Written comments can be submitted by emailing before Oct. 14.
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Montgomery County Council Seeks Applicants for Council Administrator
The Council Administrator, the principal adviser to the Council, helps develop and implement the Council's policies and work program, oversees the Council staff, and represents the Council on several County boards, including the investment boards of the County's retirement plans. Applications will close on September 12. Details on the application process can be viewed here.
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Latin American Youth Center Seeks New President and CEO
LAYC is seeking a visionary leader with a demonstrated passion for the organization's mission and values. Potential candidates may view the complete job description and submit their application here. All inquiries should be directed to Shaina Amaya or 202-827-2165.
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Greater Washington Community Foundation Seek Ideas on Immigration Policy
The Resilience Fund steering committee of Community Foundation would like to hear from stakeholders about how federal policy shifts in international travel, immigration, and deportation are affecting the community. Input are welcome from nonprofit and for-profit organizations, government officials, and the wider community. Click here to read more.
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Nonprofit Montgomery's MORE Program Registration Now Open
Nonprofit Montgomery's MORE (Metrics, Outcomes and Responsible Evaluation) training helps nonprofits learn about evaluation, and offer a deep dive into measuring impact and gauging program effectiveness. Nonprofits attend MORE as a team of up to four people, including the executive director or a senior leader, program directors, and development staff. Click here to register and learn more.
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Free 50+Expo Returns to Silver Spring
Sunday, Sept. 10 from Noon - 4 p.m. at the Silver Spring Civic Center. Free admission and free parking. The expo will feature informative government, nonprofit and business exhibitors, health screenings, flu shots (free with Medicare card), entertainment, giveaways and door prizes.
For more info, or to exhibit or volunteer, call the Beacon at (301) 949-9766 or visit website.
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Registration Open for the Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade
The County is accepting applications to participate in the televised Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade. The County is looking for colorful and talented community groups and other organizations to march in the parade. Applications to participate are due on September 18. The parade will be held in downtown Silver Spring on Saturday, November 18 beginning at 10 a.m. For more information about call 240-777-0311 or click here.
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GGSF Free Annual Health Fair
Health Fair - Sat Oct. 7, from 2 - 6 PM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 20020 Montgomery Village Avenue, Gaithersburg. Click here to register. Flu shots/Blood Test and many other services at no cost will be given. This free, large health fair is open to all, and is especially geared towards serving the uninsured and the underinsured. Medical specialists from several fields, state and county health agencies, and a diverse array of voluntary charitable organizations are participating.
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Fall 2017 Lecture: the Kahlil Gibran Chair for Values and Peace
Wednesday, September 27 at 4:30 - 7:00 pm, The George and Lisa Kahlil Gibran Chair for Values and Peace at the University of Maryland, College Park, Adele. H. Stamp Student Union, Jiménez Room (room 2208), 3972 Campus Drive, College Park, MD. "In Search of a Prophet: Kahlil Gibran - An Unparalleled Guide for Our Times" - Lecture, Q&A, Book Signing, and Reception. Contact the Chair office at 301.405.3711 or gibranchair@umd.edu for more information. Register here.
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55+ Travel Fair Coming Soon
Thursday, October 5 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Holiday Park Senior Center. The travel fair will be an one stop shop for all travel needs with exhibitors, informational presentations, raffles prizes and more.
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Unity Walk of Montgomery County
Sunday, October 8, from 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm from Chinmaya Mission (46 Norwood Rd, Silver Spring) to Cambodian Buddhist Temple (13800 New Hampshire Av, Silver Spring)
Stay tuned for more information.
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CRCMC's 8th Annual Peacemaker Gala
Monday, October 9 from 6:00-8:30 pm at VisArt, 155 Gibbs Street, Rockville. CRCMC's Peacemaker Gala recognizes individuals for their creative and effective collaborations and solutions to crises and conflict. This year the following outstanding individuals will be honored for their commitment to building peace in the community.
Peacemaker of the Year
Bruce Adams,
Director, Office of Community Partnerships
Executive Director's Award
Kenneth B. J. Hartman
Director, Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center
Volunteer of the Year
Ann Goodman
Conflict Resolution Center of Montgomery County Mediator
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2017 World of Montgomery Festival
Sunday, October 15 from noon to 4 pm. The World of Montgomery Festival is held each year in October to celebrate the rich diversity of the DC Area through international music, food, dance, culturally authentic arts demos, hands-on activities, and more. The event is free for all and will be held at Montgomery College Rockville, 51 Mannakee Street. Read more here.
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Save the Date for Bethesda's Comedy Night
Thursday, October 19, 7:00 p.m. at the Bethesda Ballroom, 5221 Landy Lane, Bethesda. Reserve your seats for Comedy Night featuring Robert Mac. The proceeds will benefit CMR's Mansfield Kaseman Health Clinic. Details here.
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Get Involved: Join a Board or Commission
County Executive Ike Leggett seeks applicants of diverse backgrounds, professions, gender, geography, disability, and ethnicity to serve on the county's boards and commissions. Members of County boards, committees and commissions may not serve on more than one such group at a time. Applications of individuals selected for appointment are made public as part of the confirmation process.
Access complete list of vacancy announcements for boards, committees, and commissions
here
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Get Out Your Calendar and Mark These Dates
Building Community One Event at a Time
I know this has been a difficult few months. The good news is that September and October are jammed with events designed to bring us together as a community. In addition to the Labor Day Parades in Gaithersburg and Kensington, I hope to see you at the Montgomery County Executive Hispanic Gala on Thursday, September 7 at The Fillmore in Silver Spring from 7 to 11 p.m. The event raises money for the Maryland Hispanic Achievement Scholarship Program. Get your tickets now online. The Montgomery County Friendship Picnic on Sunday, September 17 from 1 to 5 p.m. brings together communities of diverse cultures and faiths.This free event is organized by the Human Rights Commission, the County Executive's Faith Community Working Group, and others. Click here to register.
In addition to the gala and the picnic, you might want to add these free events -- all being held at Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring -- to your calendar: Silver Spring Jazz Festival
on Saturday, September 9 from 3 to 10 p.m.;
Panafest Montgomery County USA
on Saturday, September 23; and
KID Museum's KIDfest on Sunday September 24 from noon to 5 p.m.
The
Ninth Annual World of Montgomery Festival will be held on Sunday, October 15 from noon to 4 p.m. on the Rockville campus of Montgomery College. To experience what it means to be a 21st century global citizen, Montgomery College Rockville will be the place to be on October 15.
Community Service Week will run from October 22-29. Organize a project to clean up a stream or a school or a park, collect food or clothes for our neighbors in need, or help your favorite nonprofit organization. You will also want to attend Montgomery County's Thanksgiving Parade on Saturday November 18 in downtown Silver Spring starting at 10 a.m.
Let's celebrate together the commitment to diversity and community service that makes Montgomery County special.
Bruce Adams
Director, Office of Community Partnerships
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Upcoming Meetings of County Executive's Ethnic & Faith Advisory Group
Asian Pacific American Advisory Group will hold their fall retreat on Monday September 18, 6 to 7pm. Location To Be Determined. Contact Diane Vu (
diane.vu@montgomerycountymd.gov) for more information.
Middle Eastern American Advisory Group: Monday September, 11th.
7 to 9 p.m.
, Rockville Library (21 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, Suite 330 Mediation Room). Contact: Debbie Trent at
dtrent@civilstrategies.net
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Plan for Community Service Week!
October 22-29 is Community Service Week in Montgomery County. This is our annual county-wide service event that we have been celebrating for 31 years! Projects for that week are being planned now. Ideas include working with your PTA to clean up the landscaping around your school or planning a collection drive with your co-workers to fight hunger in our community. Go to the Volunteer Center website to find out more and let us know your project ideas.
If you have questions or need help brainstorming project ideas email us or call 240-777-2600.
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Coming Soon: A New Volunteer Website
The Volunteer Center is updating its website and online database of volunteer opportunities to bring you new search features and a more mobile-friendly interface. Watch for it to go live at montgomeryserves.org soon after Labor Day.
From our home page, you'll be able to search for volunteer opportunities by keyword(s), location, date, SSL pre-approval status, and more. You'll also be able sort through volunteer needs based on a slew of other factors, including your interests, your age, how recently they were posted, whether they're outdoor activities, and wheelchair accessibility. Once you find some opportunities that appeal to you, simply click on the links to learn more and respond directly to the opportunity. (You must register as a volunteer in order to sign up from within the system.)
If you'd like to contact the organization directly, click on the link for the sponsoring organization within the opportunity page for telephone number and/or email address. If you choose to register as a volunteer, you'll be able keep track of your volunteer hours and opportunities you've responded to. Plus, you can create a volunteer schedule, become a "fan" of registered organizations, and see a list of suggested opportunities based on your interests. Check it out!
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The Gilchrist Center's Wheaton Site is Moving
The Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center in Wheaton will be moving to a temporary site while it waits for its permanent location to be ready.
The Center's Wheaton site will be located in the Westfield North building at 2730 University Blvd. West, Suite 220, Wheaton, MD 20902, starting on September 5. The building is conveniently located at the intersection of University Blvd and Veirs Mill Road, near the CVS Pharmacy, and is within walking distance of the Wheaton Metro Station and several Metrobus stops.
The Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center will continue to offer classes and information and referral services in our temporary location. Residents can also continue to call us at 240-777-4940 with their questions about public or private services in Montgomery County, and receive friendly assistance in their preferred language.
The Center plans to move to its new permanent Wheaton location in January, 2018. It will be located in the Westfield South building in the same mall (11002 Veirs Mill Road, 5th Floor, Wheaton, MD 20902) near Party City.
The Center will be holding Fall classes at all sites. Information about Fall classes at our Gaithersburg, Germantown and East County sites are already available online. Because of the move, the Wheaton site will hold registration for Fall classes in October. Wheaton registration dates will be available online by September 10.
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New Fall Programs at Upcounty Sites
The Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center has exciting new fall programs at the Gaithersburg Library and Upcounty Regional Services Center in Germantown. At the Gaithersburg Library, we are offering four basic computer classes, with two classes taught in English during weekday mornings, and the other two taught in Spanish on Tuesday evening and Saturday morning.
Continuing throughout the fall are our popular English conversation classes and weekly "open lab" sessions where anyone can drop-in to get tech questions answered. At the Germantown site, after a smashing success in the summer, we will offer the drop-in "Advanced English Conversation and Writing" class again this fall. At both Upcounty locations, our partner organizations will continue to offer a broad array of helpful programs, including English classes by the Literacy Council of Montgomery County, computer classes by Montgomery College and bi-monthly legal clinics by the Montgomery County Bar Foundation. For schedules and more information, please visit the website.
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IMMIGRATION SERVICES & INFORMATION
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AILA Citizenship Day
AILA's 11th Annual Citizenship Day event will take place on Saturday, September 23 from 10am to 2pm at various locations in DC metro area. Receive free or low-cost consultations with immigration attorneys and filing assistance for lawful permanent residents eligible to apply for U.S Citizenship.
Montgomery County Locations:
CASA Citizenship Center: 14645 Rothgeb Drive, Rockville from 9 AM - 12 PM Contact: 240-670-4850, 240-491-5752 (Nominal fee collected by CASA )
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese Washington: 12247 Georgia Avenue Silver Spring. Contact 202-772-4352 for more info Pre-screening/Pre-registration required.
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Citizenship Corners Around Montgomery County
As part of County's Citizenship Initiative,
citizenship corners
will be coming to a neighborhood and county facility near you soon. The first citizenship corner is already on display at the Silver Spring Library. The purpose of the citizenship corners is to have resources available to community members and promote citizenship around Montgomery County. For more information and resources available please visit
website
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Health Literacy: What Black Women Need to Know
Saturday, September 30 from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM at Silver Spring Civic Center, 1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring. The African American Health Program invites all to join this free session which talks about health for Black women. Featuring in depth presentations on mental health, weight management, and diabetes, attendees will gain valuable knowledge on health disparities affecting Black women and ways to combat them.
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Discover Maryland's Heritage Foodways with "African American Heritage Cookbook"
Heritage Montgomery's new cookbook contains authentic Maryland recipes dating from the 1700-1800s as well as those collected from local church communities highlighting foods served at family and community gatherings like Homecoming and Juneteenth. Curated by Larkin Rogers, award-winning Executive Chef for Extraordinary Spaces at the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the cookbook highlights ingredients and preparation methods that will be fascinating to both the casual and more accomplished cook.
The book is available to purchase at HeritageMontgomery.org. Profits from sales will be donated to the participating church communities to help support this important part of Montgomery County history. Click here to order the cookbook.
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Salvadoran American Day Festival
On Sunday, September 6, the Salvadoran and Latino community celebrated the 8th Salvadoran-American Day at Montgomery College Rockville Campus. The successful all-day family-oriented festival with over 8,000 people in attendance included music, folklore musical performances, delicious Salvadoran food and a health and service community fair as well.
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| L to R: councilmember Celina Benitez, City of Mount Rainer; Karla Silvestre, Montgomery College; Bessy and Jorge Granados, COTSA; Alejandro Carrasco, Radio America; Walter Vazquez, COTSA, Delegate Ana Sol Gutierrez, County Executive Leggett and Delegate Marice Morales at Salvadoran-American Day Festival at Montgomery College Rockville Campus. |
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2017 "Know Your Neighbor" Unity Walk
Sunday, September 10 from 12:30-5 pm, Resource Fair 12:30-1:30 pm, Walk begins 1:30 pm and starts at: Washington Hebrew Congregation. The message of friendship and unity is critical, today more than ever. Join Interfaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington as they walk down Massachusetts Avenue, NW and visit houses of worship and other religious centers in a public celebration of solidarity among different faiths and cultures within our community. Register here.
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Prayer Vigil Observed to Honor Victims of Fatal Silver Spring Fire
A Prayer Vigil, on the 1st anniversary of the horrific fire killing seven and displacing hundreds, was held at that site seeking healing and empowerment for the residents of Flower Valley.
After an hour-long ceremony, people walked around the damaged building on Arliss Street holding candles as a band softly played a Spanish language version of Beethoven's "Ode to Joy." Father Erick Lopez of Saint Camillus Church and Pastor Gary Nuss of Saint Luke Lutheran Church read from scripture and conducted prayer in memory of the victims.
Pictures include Sofia Mereydi Reyes, President of the Flower Valley Tenants Association, with Gustavo Torres, CEO of CASA and behind them are Rev. Dr. Carol Flett, and Rabbi Batya Glazer, Co-Chairs of our FCWG and among the first responders to the fire.
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Islamic Education Center Hosts Dialogue on Travel Ban
A panel of religious leaders and an immigration expert addressed the travel ban for predominantly Muslim countries and how we can uphold our values and keep Montgomery County safe. It was hosted by the Islamic Education Center in Rockville.
Panelists included Imam Ahmad Bahraini, Father Jacek Orzechowski, Rev. Kasey Kaseman and Kiyanoush Razaghi. It was moderated by Shane Rock and David Trone addressed the importance of supporting refugees and immigrants.
The Montgomery County Faith Community, mobilized through Welcoming Our New Neighbors program, has over 60 faith communities working primarily within interfaith clusters. Together they have raised in excess of $400,000 and marshaled 330 volunteers in support of 25 refugee families. Housing and employment remain the top priorities with legal assistance, mentoring, teaching English and offering general support being ways others may help.
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"Coffee Cake And True Islam" : A Dialogue On and About Islam
"Coffee Cake And True Islam" (CCTI) is held every Tuesday, 7-8 pm, at Baitur Rehman Mosque, 15000 Good Hope Road, Silver Spring. For further inquiries call Amjad at 301-326-9915.
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Pre-Eid Meena Bazaar held at the Muslim Community Center
Sunday, August 20, the Muslim Community Center held its annual Meena Bazaar. Meena Bazaars, also known as Kuhs Ruz ("Day of Joy"), began during the Mughal era in Iran and has been made a popular shopping opportunity around special events in India and Pakistan.
The MCC continues this tradition by holding Meena Bazaars before Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha (the two major Islamic holidays).This year, MCC welcomed about 26 vendors and over 200 shoppers to help the community prepare for the approaching Eid ul Adha Celebration. The Meena Bazaar has proven to be a great fundraiser for MCC, give vendors a place to sell their goods and provides a marketplace where Muslims can find holiday items specific to their traditions and culture.
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OCP Director Bruce Adams (shown in photo with NCAAGW Board members) attended the annual summer picnic of the Northwestern Chinese American Association of Greater Washington on Sunday August 20 at the Carderock Recreation Area in the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Bruce thanked NCAAGW for its partnership with Montgomery Sister Cities and invited attendees to join the County Executive on his trip to our Sister City Xi'an in October.
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Join Rockville Rockto Bierfest this October
Saturday October 7, from noon - 6pm at the Rockville Town Center. Montgomery County residents are invited to this free festival, which will coincide with the visit of a delegation from Pinneberg, Germany to mark 60 years as Rockville's sister city, will feature local breweries, two stages, a craft and food area, and kids activities.
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Have News to Share?
To submit your news and events of interest to those in and serving Montgomery County's emerging communities and neighbors in need, email complete details and/or a press release to the OCP Newsletter.
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