NEWS & EVENTS AROUND THE REGION
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Leggett Discusses FY18 Operating Budget with County Council
Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett met with the County Council to discuss the key elements of his recommended Fiscal Year 2018 operating budget that boosts investment in public schools, public safety, business and job-creation, affordable housing, and transit, while holding property taxes at the charter limit. County Executive Leggett released his budget on March 14; however the meeting that usually accompanies the release was delayed due to a winter storm. During the next two months, the Council will review all aspects of the recommended budget and make changes if it believes they are needed. The Council is scheduled to adopt the FY18 operating budget in late May. Watch the video of the meeting.
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County Council to hold 5 Public Hearings on FY18 Operating Budget -Residents Can Sign Up to Speak at Afternoon & Evening Hearings on April 4, 5 and 6
The public hearings on County Executive Leggett's budget will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 4; at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 5; and at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 6. All hearings will be held in the Third Floor Hearing Room of the Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Ave. in Rockville.
The hearings will be televised live by County Cable Montgomery (CCM-Cable Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN, Channel 30 on Verizon) and also will be available via streaming through the Council web site.
The number of speaker spots available for the public hearings is limited. Those interested in testifying can sign up online or by calling 240-777-7803.
Comments and suggestions are welcome online, via email or via regular mail to: County Council, 100 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, MD 20850; or by calling the Council budget hotline at 240-777-7802.
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Montgomery Parks and Montgomery County Recreation Want Your Input!
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Office of Consumer Protection Launches "Language Friendly Hours" to Enhance Outreach Efforts
Montgomery County's Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) is initiating a program to make it easier for non-English speaking individuals to contact OCP if they have a consumer protection question or problem or if they have questions regarding the licensing and registration programs administered by the OCP. OCP has recruited volunteers who are fluent in Korean, Chinese and French to be in the OCP each week. For more information, call 240-777-3636 or visit OCP's website.
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Tuck Sleep took on sleep and aging as a part of their initiative to increase sleep awareness worldwide. Their aim is to provide the most comprehensive sleep portal available online that covers everything from sleep disorders to sleep product information and most recently published the senior citizen's guide to sleep which covers insomnia, sleep hygiene and health specifically for the aging population. Visit Tuck Sleep for more information.
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Big Train Baseball Nonprofits of the Night
Again this summer, thanks to the generous support of the Jim and Carol Trawick Foundation, Bethesda Big Train Baseball will showcase the extraordinary nonprofits that make Montgomery County special. Big Train Baseball (a program of BCC Baseball) will honor two nonprofits at each of the 24 home baseball games of the Bethesda Big Train to be played at Shirley Povich Field this June and July. Click here for more information including the schedule and directions to the field. Povich Field is located in Cabin John Regional Park near Westfield Montgomery. Each nonprofit will receive 100 free tickets to the game, be included in the game night program, get a table to display information, and have a representative throw out a ceremonial first pitch. If your favorite nonprofit is interested in participating, please email Bruce Adams at bruce@greaterwash.org to request additional information about the program.
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Celebrate a "Day in the Life of Montgomery County"
Montgomery Community Media is gearing up for the 5th annual, "Day in the Life of Montgomery County," event on April 20th. This 24-hour photo project highlights the people and places that make Montgomery County such a great place to live, work and play. Click here to watch video and know more.
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Register your child today in MCPS Head Start/PreK
Register at Rocking Horse Road Center, 4910 Macon Road, Rockville, Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4 pm. Walk-ins are welcome; for appointments, call 301-230-0676. Please click here to learn more.
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Sign Up for WorkSource Montgomery's Summer R.I.S.E. Program
Through Summer R.I.S.E., students will participate in a three-week career exploration that will introduce them to the structures of businesses, technical skills for a wide range of industries, the role of technology, and the importance of customer service in every profession. A $300 stipend will be awarded to students who successfully complete the program. For more information please click here.
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Celebrate Earth Month with Events Throughout April; Activities Culminate at the Annual County GreenFest on May 6
Click for Earth Month events details or registration information. Earth Month will close with the 3rd Annual Montgomery County GreenFest on Saturday, May 6 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Bohrer Park and Activity Center located at 506 South Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg. The festival is free and open to the public.
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County to Co-Host Annual Montgomery County Energy Summit:
For the fourth year, Montgomery County will host the Montgomery County Energy Summit. This year's event is on Wednesday, April 5, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Silver Spring Civic Building located at 1 Veterans Plaza.
The Summit is a must-attend event for County building owners, property managers, energy contractors working in the County, and young professionals in the energy field or anyone interested in sustainable commercial buildings. Click here to register. Email for more questions.
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Freedom Seder registration:
Christian and Muslim friends are welcome to join the annual celebration of interfaith unity and freedom, a traditional Passover Seder dinner. Wednesday, April 5 at 6:00 pm. at Washington Hebrew Congregation, 3935 Macomb St NW, Washington DC. Register here. For more info contact Layne Weiss at 202-895-6307.
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Montgomery County Food Security Plan Public Launch:
Thursday, April 6th 10:30am-12:00pm at Red Brick Courthouse, 29 Courthouse Square, 2nd Floor, Rockville. Register here. For more information, contact info@mocofoodcouncil.org
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Tapestory Inter-Community Cohesion & Wellbeing through Dialogue & Art:
Saturday, April 8 from 12-2 PM at the Sandy Spring Museum, 17901 Bentley Rd, Sandy Spring. Join people from diverse backgrounds to explore your differences and find common ground by creating oral and artistic tapestory(s) during guided interactive sessions. Click here for free tickets.
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Montgomery Council seeks applicants for County Planning Board:
Deadline is Wednesday, April 12 at 5 pm. Members serve four-year terms and are limited to two full terms.
Letters of application expressing interest, including a resume listing professional and civic experience, political party affiliation, home and office telephone numbers and an email address, should be addressed to: Council President Roger Berliner, County Council Office, Stella B. Werner Council Office Building, 100 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, Maryland 20850. Applications can also be submitted via
email
.
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Twinbrook Cultures Open Mic:
April 13, 4 - 6 pm at Twinbrook Library, 202 Meadow Hall Drive, Rockville. Twinbrook customers are invited to participate in this cultural fest and come sing, say or dance for us a song, poem, or reading from your culture that is meaningful to you. All ages and abilities are welcome to perform. Content should be family friendly and limited to 5 minutes per "act".Cultural attire is also highly encouraged! If you want to perform, please call Eric Carzon, Library Services Manager, at 240-777-0249, or send an email.
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African American Health Program Community Day
Saturday, April 15; 10 a.m. at East County Community Center, 3310 Gateshead Manor Way, Silver Spring. Please confirm the information beforehand with the Office of Public Information at 240-777-6507.
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Montgomery County Council RESCHEDULES Silver Spring Town Hall:
Wednesday, April 19, 8 p.m. at Long Branch Community Center. Residents will be able to express views, ask questions of Council members on schools, public safety, County immigration policy, lessons learned from 2016 apartment building fire and much more. For more information regarding the Town Hall Meeting, call 240-777-7931.
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Registration for A Wider Circle's Race to End Poverty now open
Sunday, April 23 at 7901 Meadowbrook Lane, Chevy Chase. Run, walk, or sponsor. The Race to End Poverty advances the mission of helping children and adults to rise out of poverty. If you are interested in volunteering or sponsoring the event, please email. Click here to register no later than April 21.
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10th anniversary of Canal Pride Program:
Great Falls on Saturday, April 22nd, from 9am until noon.
T
ake pride in your neighborhood National Park, the C&O Canal. Show it off by volunteering for a day of restoration, revitalization, and fun during one of the Canal Trust's Canal Pride days. Canal Pride Days will be in April and May.
If you would like to schedule a Canal Pride volunteer clean-up event with your corporation or private group,
email
Director of Programs and Partnerships Becky Curtis or call 301-745-8888. Click here for
volunteer registration
.
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Panel discussion with the League of Women Voters:
Monday, April 24 from 6:45pm-8:30pm at the Silver Spring Library. Join the discussion with the League of Women Voters regarding the 2017 legislative session. Guest Speakers include Senator Brian Feldman.
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Community Roundtable for Organizing Dilemmas, Strategies & Action Plans
April 26, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Universities at Shady Grove. Register to attend this conversation with nonprofit and community leaders to strategize about how to effectively serve the community in a new political landscape.
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CMR's 50th Anniversary Gala: Co-Chairs County Executive Isiah & First Lady Catherine Leggett:
Saturday, April 29, 6 pm - 11 pm at Lakewood Country Club, 13901 Glen Mill Road, Rockville. Reception and Silent Auction 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Dinner 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m., Dancing 9:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Click for more information about Community Ministries of Rockville (CMR).
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Strathmore's First Annual Festival of Voices:
April 29 at Blake High School, located in Eastern Montgomery County. The festival will feature concert stage and outdoor stage performances, workshops with leading choral professionals, masterclasses, food trucks, and community events. Choirs of any age group, size, background, genre, or religious affiliation are invited to attend and participate in this unique opportunities designed by Strathmore's artistic team.
For more information and to register a choir, please visit webpage.
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Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless Gala:
Thursday May 4, 6 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. at the North Bethesda Marriott Hotel & Conference Center. Click here to buy tickets and help raise over $200,000 to support a community where everyone has a safe, stable and affordable place to call home.
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26th Annual Affordable Housing Summit:
Thursday Friday, May 5, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Bethesda North Marriot Conference Center, 5701 Marinelli Road, North Bethesda. Stay tuned for registration, speaker, and panelist updates. For more information please call 301.520.1587 or email.
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Calling all Artists to Design 2017 Silver Spring Blues Festival T-Shirt!
Deadline Wednesday, May 24th at 5pm. Design should reflect the Blues and Silver Spring with the following text: "Silver Spring Town Center Inc. or Silver Spring Town Center Inc. presents The 9th Annual Silver Spring Blues Festival 2017". Send your submissions and any questions beforehand to SSTCi Executive Director Lisa Martin.
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Nominate a Maryland Educator for the MCEHG "Educator of the Year" Award:
Nominate an outstanding Maryland educator today and share what makes him or her so extraordinary! Click here to nominate an educator or simply share this email with your peers who would like to nominate a Maryland educator. All nominations are due by May 30, 2017. For more information visit website.
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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. Members of these boards are eligible for reimbursement for travel and dependent care for meetings attended. County Executive Leggett's appointments are generally subject to confirmation by the County Council. 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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Roscoe R. Nix Distinguished Community Leadership Award
Celebrating Montgomery's Change Agents
Each year since 2012, the County Executive Ike Leggett has presented the Roscoe R. Nix Distinguished Community Leadership Award to three individuals who as community leaders, change agents, and role models have made extraordinary contributions to Montgomery County over the course of their lives. The Nix Award is the county's equivalent of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the local version of the nation's highest civilian award. Roscoe Nix was one of the major architects of the modern Montgomery County. For four decades, including service as president of the county's chapter of the NAACP in the 1980s, Roscoe Nix was a fearless and tireless advocate for educational excellence and social, economic, and political justice.
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Roscoe R. Nix
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The Nix awards are presented as part of our annual Montgomery Serves Awards event at Imagination Stage in Bethesda. Again this year, the event is organized by our Volunteer Center and sponsored by the Fund for Montgomery and the Carl M. Freeman Foundation. This is one of the most inspiring nights of the year. The event is a great opportunity to network with many of the people who make Montgomery County special. I hope you will join us at 6:30 p.m. on Monday April 24. The event is free, but demand for tickets is high so you need to register in advance. Please register here.
This year's Nix honorees are:
Mark Bergel, the founder of A Wider Circle, is a champion for those of our neighbors most in need, working night and day seven days each week to rid our region of the scourge of poverty and provide respect and dignity for all. A Wider Circle has served 180,000 children and adults with basic need items, workforce readiness, and long-term wraparound support.
Sol Graham, the founder of Quality Biological, Inc., has blazed a path for minority business leaders and served as a role model who gives back to the community by supporting the development of our youth through mentoring and scholarships. Sol and his wife Dorothy have established scholarships at Montgomery College to assist students studying business, science, and technology.
Vivien Hsueh, the founder of Chinese American Senior Services Association, has worked to combat isolation of immigrant Chinese seniors by providing them with a social environment where they can socialize and volunteer, where they can learn and get informed, and where they can stay healthy by exercising and eating nutritious meals.
I look forward to celebrating community service in Montgomery County with you on April 24.
Bruce Adams
Director, Office of Community Partnerships
P.S. Jordan Cooper's Public Interest Podcast is a series of 25 minute "conversations with politicians, activists, advocates, and others who seek to improve the world." Click here if you would be interested in my recent conversation with Jordan that was one of a number of interviews of present and former County Councilmembers. Click here to subscribe to Public Interest Podcast.
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Montgomery's Change Agents: MoCo Dream Team
Congressman Jamie Raskin's Rockville Office staff met with the Montgomery County Office of Community Partnerships staff at the Rockville Library on March 17 to share resources and discuss collaboration to meet the needs of residents. Residents living in the 8th district can contact Congressman Jamie Raskin's Rockville Office at 301-354-1000 or visit https://raskin.house.gov/
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Gala Honors Service to the Community
Celebrate the accomplishments and hear the inspiring stories of some of our county's most amazing volunteers and community leaders at the Montgomery Serves Awards ceremony, Monday, April 24, 6:30 pm, at Imagination Stage in Bethesda. The event is free, but reservations are required as seating is limited. Register here.
Congratulations to this year's honorees, who represent just a fraction of the many ways Montgomery County residents serve the community. In addition to the County Executive's Roscoe R. Nix Community Leadership Awardees described by Bruce above, the evening will also recognize:
Miriam Kelty (Neal Potter Path of Achievement Award for lifetime service by residents age 60 and up), who has dedicated decades of service toward the advancement of healthy aging, ethics in science, and the advancement of sciences
- Marilyn Simonds (Neal Potter Path of Achievement Award for lifetime service by residents age 60 and up), a long-term volunteer leader with several organizations, particularly Olney Help, which is dedicated to distributing food to needy families (and where she served for nearly 30 years)* Jeremy Lichtenstein (Volunteer of the Year), who established Kids In Need Distributors to deliver food items to needy children to sustain them on days when they are not in school
- Anjali Kalra (Youth Volunteer of the Year), a Poolesville High School junior who created a summer camp for children residing at the Stepping Stones Shelter
- Court Watch Montgomery (Volunteer Group of the Year), who serve as the "public eye" in local domestic violence cases in an aim to help improve services and protection for victims
- Deloitte (Business Volunteer of the Year), whose local employees mentor at-risk boys and young men in YMCA Youth & Family Services' Youth Links program
See more about their accomplishments, the event, and past honorees at montgomeryserves.org
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Quick Start Guide for Immigrants now available in 6 languages
In a quick glance, the "Quick Start Guide for Immigrants in Montgomery County, MD" offers the top resources immigrants and newcomers may need when getting started in Montgomery County. The guide is available in
English,
Spanish,
French,
Korean,
Chinese and
Vietnamese. An Amharic version is coming soon. If you are a service provider and need copies for distribution at your organization, please contact OCP Language Access Coordinator Diane Vu at
diane.vu@montgomerycountymd.gov.
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Free Legal Clinic now Available at Wheaton Gilchrist Center
The Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center is expanding its legal services at its Wheaton site through partnership with two legal service providers.
The Montgomery County Bar Foundation recently moved its Pro Bono Legal Clinic to Mid-County Regional Services Center (2424 Reedie Drive, Wheaton), where the Gilchrist Center's Wheaton site is located. The clinic offers free legal advice to low-income county residents in civil cases on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays with registration at 5:30 -6:00 pm. For more information about the clinic and eligibility,
please visit website.
The Asian Pacific American Legal Resource Center (APALRC) will be offering free legal clinics every Wednesday, 3-5 pm, at Mid-County Regional Services Center, starting March 29. The drop-in clinic provides free legal advice, resources, or referrals to income-eligible county residents and may take cases depending on legal issue, residency and income level. For more information, call 202-393-3572 (Chinese Ext. 18, South Asian Ext. 19, Vietnamese Ext. 20, Korean Ext. 21, English Ext. 22).
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Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center Spring Schedule
The Charles W. Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center is pleased to announce its Spring Session of classes. We will be offering English for Speakers of Other Languages, Basic Computer Instruction, and a Job Search Workshop in Wheaton, Gaithersburg, Germantown, and in the East County.
Click here to see 2017 spring schedule and flyers. Sign up here to receive regular updates about the Center's classes or to receive updates. Please call (240) 777-4940 for more information on programs and activities.
Community Engagement at Montgomery College
Take a look at the
new video
describing our Gilchrist Center partners at Montgomery College.
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Community and Legal Resources Available on Website
The Gilchrist Center's website has added a new section called "
Community Resources." This page highlights current local and national resources, including information about "Know Your Rights," "Family Preparedness," and "Legal Resources". Many of the resources are available in multiple languages, and are regularly updated. This page was created to provide the community with up-to-date information, to supplement the
Montgomery County Immigration FAQ released on 3/2/2017.
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IMMIGRATION SERVICES & INFORMATION
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Free Citizenship Application Workshop
The
Asian Pacific American Legal Resource Center (APALRC) and
Advancing Justice | AAJC in partnership with the
Korean American Outreach Group is hosting a Citizenship Application Workshop. The workshop will be held at the Seoul Presbyterian Church in Fairfax Station, Virginia on April 1st. The APALRC legal team and trained volunteers will assist participants with completing their naturalization applications (Form N-400) from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. There is no charge for assistance available through the workshop, which is open to all. For an appointment and additional information, please call the APALRC at (202) 393-3572 or
register online.
Assistance will be available in Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese, as well as English. Individuals who require assistance in other languages should call in advance to request language support. To access our flyers in Chinese, English, Korean, and Vietnamese, click here.
Free Immigration Legal Consultations
Sunday, April 2 from 2pm - 4pm at St. Martin of Tours 115 S. Frederick Avenue (located in the Gym), Gaithersburg. DMV Immigration Alliance brings to you the opportunity to talk with a lawyer about your immigration status and what options might be available to you.
Concert By and For Refugees at The Fillmore
Refugee Orchestra Project & Gourmet Symphony will showcase Refugees' Impact Through Music on Monday, April 10, 7:30pm at The Fillmore Silver Spring, 8656 Colesville Road Silver Spring.
Admission to the concert is free, donations are suggested. Guests who make a donation of at least $50 will receive premium seating and a gourmet gift box including snack bites from Gourmet Symphony's culinary partners at Beuchert's Saloon and Mike Isabella Concepts, among others-this will be capped at 100. Proceeds from donations will benefit the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS). Musicians and staff from both organizations are also donating their services in support of these causes.
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County Safety Agencies vs Students Basketball Tournament as Part of MBK Initiative
There is an ongoing effort for county public safety
personnel
to build relationships with county youth as part of
My Brother's Keeper (MBK) Initiative. On March 23rd, the Montgomery County public safety agencies (MCPD and MCFRS) participated in a 10 round basketball tournament with students from Montgomery Blair High School. 93.9 KYS FM radio facilitated the event and the MCPS Superintendent Jack Smith presided over the event as well.
2017 AAHP Community Day- Building Bridges
Saturday April 15,from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm at East County Community Center, 3310 Gateshead Manor Way, Silver Spring. This "Free" community health and fitness event will feature health information, screenings, fitness demonstrations for all ages, fun activities and much more. For more details on AAHP please visit
website. For more information, email
Anthony Morrison or
Terrence Dupree or click here to
register for the event.
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Asian-American Homeownership Counseling (AAHC) Providing Free Tax Preparation Service
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to people who need tax help but can't afford it. People with low-to-moderate incomes (generally, $54,000 and below), seniors, people with disabilities and those with limited English skills usually qualify for this free service. Clients will be seen by appointment only, no walk-ins. Services are available to MD residents. For more info visit website. Call (301) 760-7636 or email to reserve a spot.
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6th Taiji Festival and the 5th Taiji Forum on April 29th
Saturday, April 29 from 10am-5pm at the Tai Chi Court in Cabin John Regional Park, Bethesda. Led by TFCGW in coordination with other tai chi groups in the metro DC area, the last Saturday of April is the world's Tai Chi and Qigong Day that dates back to its start in 1999. On this day, tai chi and qigong enthusiasts organize various activities around the world. This is the first time that we are holding our Tai Chi Festival on the World Tai Chi Day.
Individuals and clubs are encouraged to contact us with ideas and interests, and to join future teleconferences of the festival planning. Click here for registration. Registration are open until April 23. $10 per person on pre-registering while on the spot fee will be $12. For questions, email Lian wu or call 301-538-3398. For questions about the performance program, call Mr. Xiaojian Qiu at 202-253-3897, Quanlian Liu at 703-538 -0971, Dongqing Luo at 571-215-7400.
The festival planning committee wishes to encourage active sponsorship and support from organizations and individuals. If you have interests in setting up a booth or wish to become an organizer/co-organizer of the festival, or have any other interests in sponsoring the festival, please contact Dr. Aiguo Li (240-731-1625) to discuss details. Both English and Chinese media is invited to cover the festival. If you have suggestions on the media channels, please contact Lian Wu - 301-538-3398 and Hui Li 240-643-1634
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Civility in Action: Dialogues across Difference
The County Executive's Latin American Advisory Group co-hosted a community forum as part of the ongoing community series with Montgomery College President Dr. Pollard on dialogue and building civility across differences. The dialogue was held at the Rockville campus and the speaker of the evening was Chief Manger, Montgomery County Police Department. The community conversation included various public safety issues from community policing, tension and trust within our diverse communities and immigration.
2017 Maryland Hispanic Achievement Scholarship
The Montgomery County Executive Hispanic Gala (MCEHG) is currently accepting applications for 2017! Please submit your
application here.
Application Requirements:
- High school/College/University grade point average of 2.5 or greater Must have graduated from a Maryland High School or obtained a Maryland GED in the last four years.
- Must attend a Maryland College or University in the Spring next year
- Significant contribution of voluntary community service during the last 12 months.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen, Resident or Dreamer, as defined by the Maryland Dream Act.
- Must have proof of financial need to continue higher education The Maryland Hispanic Achievement Scholarship is open to all qualifying students from our diverse community in the State of Maryland.
For more information
visit website.
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African Immigration Town Hall
On Saturday, March 11, the African community
came together to talk about the new immigration executive order and its impacts on
African immigrants. The town hall was organized by the
Young African Professionals - YAP DC Network
,
Africa Action
,
Eritrean Diaspora Network - EDN
,
African Immigrant Caucus
,
African Communities Together
,
Nigerian American Lawyers Association
, and
CASA, Congressional African Staff Association
. The ACLU's Ronald Newman spoke about the legal challenges of the new executive order and the negative impact to African communities. Three of the countries listed in the executive order are in Africa, so Africans with family members in these countries would be denied entry to the United States. For more information, video and pictures, please click
here
.
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Faith Leaders Conference at the Jewish Community Center
Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett engaged the Faith Community Advisory Council (FCAC) that brought over 70 faith leaders to a press conference at the Jewish Community Center responding to bomb threats. Faith leaders from eight faith traditions stood in solidarity with their Jewish sisters and brothers.
The FCAC Executive Committee presented a
Statement of Solidarity with the Jewish Community that was read by Imam Faizul Khan and the Rev. Dr. Abhi Janamanchi. Presentations by Rev. Kaseman, Interfaith Community Liaison, and Rabbi Steinlauf, Director of Social Justice and Interfaith Initiatives for the Jewish Community Relations Council, Co-Chair of the Faith Community Working Group and member of the Executive Committee can be
viewed here.
We condemned the horrific acts, acknowledged that today not only the Jewish community, but the Muslim and Latino communities are being scapegoated and all minority communities live in trauma. We said, "silence and inaction are not options" and expressed our love for our Jewish sisters and brothers and recommitted ourselves to stand in solidarity and work together in creating the more beloved community.
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Washington Interfaith Response and Outreach Coalition (WIROC) Public Meeting
Wednesday April 26th, 6:30pm-8:30pm at 5460 Western Ave. Chevy Chase; LDS Chapel Washington, D.C. 20815. (Open to all congregations and individuals in the DC metro region & a light dinner will be provided). WIROC is a new IFC initiative aimed at providing grassroots, public demonstrations of support by and for individuals and communities throughout the greater DC area.
Any house of worship is welcome to become a Solidarity Congregation. As a SC, you agree to be part of an IFC database of congregations around the DC metro area that would respond in person to acts of targeted vandalism, hateful speech, and other types of emotional and physical attacks on faith communities and individuals throughout the DC metro area. Click here to know more.
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Third Annual Middle Eastern American Heritage Month Celebrated
The Middle Eastern American Advisory Group (MEAAG) held its third heritage event on 22nd March. The event displayed cultural heritage memorabilia from countries in the region and was attended by representatives of elected officials, Montgomery County Executive office and community members across the county. The event had festivities, music and authentic cuisine. Guest speaker Dr. Dr. Nasser Saadat-Lajevardi gave an eloquent speech.
An Interfaith "NOWRUZ" Celebration 2017
On Saturday, March 18th, the Persian New Year or "Nowruz" was celebrated at the Sandy Spring Museum. The program started with a display and explanation of the traditional Persian "Haft-seen table" which included items of natural beauty as well as religious/symbolic objects followed by a short film on the Nowruz. Cultural presentations were accompanied by a delicious vegetarian potluck feast. The afternoon concluded in time for the participants to offer their prayers and thoughts for peace and renewal.
The theme of the day was preciousness of religious freedom here in the U.S. and abroad. This diversity is a world-wide treasure worthy of our careful preservation. Many thanks to the Montgomery County Office of Community Partnerships, the Sandy Spring Museum and the "Omega Interfaith Forum" for working together on this heart-warming Interfaith event.
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NOWRUZ TABLE Right to Left: Zamin (Omega Interfaith Forum), Dr. Bahram Zandi (Zoroastrian) and his mother
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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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