mclogo
June 2017 - Issue 110
NEWS & EVENTS AROUND THE REGION
Healthy Montgomery Seeks Community Comment on Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP)
The Healthy Montgomery Steering Committee invites residents to review and make comments on the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). The CHIP provides a summary of priorities that will guide the work of Healthy Montgomery for the next three years. Residents are requested to provide comments by Friday, June 30, 2017. A copy of the report and the feedback survey can be found online.

Registration Open for Montgomery County Recreation and Montgomery Parks Summer Programs and Activities
Hundreds of programs and classes are now available to promote active and healthy lifestyles this summer. Registration is open via ActiveMONTGOMERY.org
Customers can search for activities by interest, date, age, location, cost etc. In addition, customers can also check facility availability and reserve available facilities including athletic fields, meeting and party rooms, park picnic shelters, camping sites, social halls, activity buildings and more through this website. Contact Recreation Specialist at 240-777-6870 or email. to register for a Montgomery County Recreation program.

Montgomery County Holiday Giving Project
Holiday Giving Project (HGP) of Montgomery County provides Thanksgiving and December holiday assistance to low-income households. A network of social workers and other human service professionals refer families and individuals in need of holiday assistance. Local non-profit agencies, faith-based organizations and government agencies come together each year to form the Holiday Giving Project (HGP) Coalition. Do you wish to help? Become a Zip Code Coordinating (ZCC) agency! Referrals made to the HGP are assigned on a first come basis to a ZCC, as capacity allows.  For additional information or to discuss participating, contact:The Holiday Giving Coordinator - 240-777-1098 or via email .

MCPL, Technology Services and ultraMontgomery Offer Summer Digital Learning Program for Seniors

The courses which will run from June to August are designed specifically for older adults by NYC-based Older Adults Technology Services, which operates the Senior Planet technology center in Manhattan. 

Courses will be offered at three MCPL locations:

Marilyn J. Praisner, 14910 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville.
  • iPad Basics for Older Adults: June 5 - Aug 9 Mondays and Wed 12:30 to 1:45 p.m.
  • Social Media for Older Adults: June 5 - July 5 Mondays and Wedn 10:30 to 11:45 a.m.
Long Branch, 8800 Garland Ave.,Silver Spring.
  • iPad Basics for Older Adults: June 6 - Aug 15 Tuesdays and Thur 1:30 to 2:45 p.m.
Germantown, 19840 Century Boulevard, Germantown.
  • Computer Basics for Older Adults: June 5 - Aug 9. Mondays and Wed from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m.
To register for any program, call 240-753-0676. For additional information about these programs, please contact Mary Ellen Icaza at 240-777-0006. 

Literacy Council of Montgomery County (LCMC) Seeks a Skilled Leader
LCMC is a private non-profit organization that provides basic literacy and English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction to adults in Montgomery County.  LCMC seeks an Executive Director to lead the staff and operations while working in partnership with the Board to set the strategic direction and implement strategic priorities.  To apply, send resume, cover letter, and salary requirements here. Questions? please email Ginna Goodenow.

Crossroads Farmers Market
May 31 - December 27 every Wednesday, 11a.m-3pm. Crossroads Farmers Market is on Anne St. between University Blvd. & Hammond Ave. (across from the Rite Aid) in Takoma Park. Upcoming event on June 7 - Live world music from professional flute/guitar duo, Yana Hristova & Cristian Perez will grace the marketplace. Food demos and free samples by Juju Harris and Crossroads' new Kitchen Manager, Jennifer Underwood. Visit website to learn more.

Strathmore Launches Online Community for Art-Lovers
Facebook group - East County Arts Facebook Group is your destination to share and learn more about arts events and programs happening in East County. The group will list events and programs from both Strathmore and members of the community. Click here to learn more and join.

Mark Your Calendar!
Nominations Open for Governor's Service Awards to Recognize Top Maryland Volunteers:
Deadline 5 p.m. Friday, June 2. Click here to submit a nomination or to learn more. In its 34th year, the Governor's Service Awards will honor individuals and groups for exemplary service and contributions to Maryland's communities. Each recipient will be notified of selection near the end of summer and invited to an awards ceremony in the fall.

Contemporary Conversations at MCPL by Hena Khan 
Sunday, June 4 at 4 PM at Silver Spring Library, 900 Wayne Avenue, Silver Spring. 
Registration required. Visit website to sign-up online. The event is a great opportunity to hear author Hena Khan speak on her experiences as a Muslim American writer who writes about her culture and religion.
Empowered Women International's (EWI) 15 Year Anniversary Celebration
Sunday, June 4,1:00 PM - 5:00 PM at Denizens Brewing Co., 1115 East West Highway, Silver Spring. Join for an interactive showcase of female entrepreneurs with EWI alumni, panel discussions, and special guests from the entrepreneurial community. This will be a fun-filled day for the whole family with  a mini-market showcasing EWI women entrepreneurs and Patron's Pick raffle. Click here to buy tickets and know more.

Committee for Montgomery's Annual Meeting
Monday, June 5, 8am - 10am at The Universities at Shady Grove, Conference Center, Building II. Join the discussion for The Changing Federal Agenda and Its Impact on State and Local Government with Maryland 8th District Congressman, Jamie Raskin (D). Registration is free and open to the public, however, you must register.

Get Tickets for "2017 Celebration of Leadership" Leadership Montgomery : Tuesday, June 6, Program 5:30 - 7:00 pm at AFI Silver Theater and Cultural Center followed by dinner reception from 7:00 - 10:00 PM - The Fillmore Silver Spring. The meet the newest Members of the community, interact with the honored Award recipients and network with key influencers in the region. Book tickets here. Leadership Montgomery will present the 2017 graduating Core, Senior and Emerging Leaders classes. In addition to honoring Sanjay Rai as 2017 Outstanding Leader of the year, Leadership Montgomery will present the 2017 graduating Core, Senior and Emerging Leaders classes.

MCP LGBTQ Pride Celebration
Wednesday June 7, 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.at Hollywood East Café, Westfield Wheaton, 11160 Veirs Mill Road Wheaton. Hors d'oeuvres will be provided courtesy of Hollywood East Cafe and Westfield Wheaton. Please RSVP to allow for appropriate seating for this event.

2017 Epic Awards by Montgomery Community Media & Television:
Thursday, June 8 at The Fillmore Music Center, Silver Spring. The "EPIC Awards" (Excellence in Programming and Innovative Content) are the premier regional awards of merit that recognize the creators of outstanding and innovative multimedia content distributed on television or through the internet. Click here for sponsorship details and tickets.

Capital Bikeshare "Start of Summer Event"
Friday, June 09, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm EDT at Capital Bikeshare Station, EOB Traffic Circle (Corner of Monroe Street & Monroe Place). Learn how to use the kiosk, operate the bike safely, unlock your bike from the station, return your bike to the station and obtain information on how to receive a discounted membership. Click here to read more.

8th Annual Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League's Feed the Hungry Challenge
Saturday June 10, 10am-2pm. Players from the Bethesda Big Train, Gaithersburg Giants, Rockville Express, and Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts will be collecting food for the Manna Food Center at the 5 Whole Foods Market and 8 Giant stores in Montgomery County. Join the drive and meet college stars, make a donation, and collect a family pass to a Ripken League game this June or July. Click here for details.

2017 "Councilmember for a Day" Challenge
Deadline is Thursday, June 15. Montgomery County Council member Craig Rice, again this year will show one Montgomery County high school student what it is like to be a County Council member. Current eighth grade students and high school students (currently freshman, sophomores or juniors) can submit YouTube videos (of two minutes or less) or written essays (500 words or less). Click to submit your entry addressing the following: 
  • What is the most important public policy issue facing young people today? 
  • What are your ideas for dealing with this issue? 
  • What suggestions do you have for national, state and/or local leaders to address this issue? 
2017 Annual Gala Honoring Sheldon Grosberg
Thursday, June 15,6:00 PM - 9:00 PM at Beth Sholom Congregation and Talmud Torah, 11825 Seven Locks Road, Potomac. Join the JCRC of Greater Washington as they honor Sheldon Grosberg with this year's Community Leadership Award. Click here to register.

Montgomery Parks to present Energized Public Spaces Functional Master Plan Draft to Planning Board
Thursday, June 15 at Montgomery Regional Office Building Auditorium, 8787 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring. Public is welcome to attend the meeting. Park planners will present a draft to the Planning Board. This new countywide plan will determine where there is a need for more usable open space in dense parts of the county. To provide input visit ParkPlanning.org or email Cristina Sassaki, Project Manager or by phone at (301) 650-4382.

11th Annual National Caribbean American Heritage Month
Tuesday, June 20 from 6:00PM to 8:30PM at the Silver Spring Civic Building, One Veterans Place, Silver Spring  the County Executive's Caribbean American Advisory Group will host the annual Caribbean American Heritage Month Proclamation. The event is FREE and open to the public. For more information about the Caribbean American Advisory Group, please visit website.

Heritage Days 2017 by Heritage Montgomery
Saturday, June 24 & Sunday, June 25 - noon to 4pm at 40 sites all around Montgomery County. Visit 40 parks, museums, and historic sites all across Montgomery County open with FREE Admission highlighting local history, culture, and outdoor recreation with live music, children's games & crafts, exhibits and demonstrations, food, and fun. For details on Heritage Days visit website or call 301-515-0753. 

Nominate a Bethesda Magazine 2017 Green Award Winner
Deadline for nominations is Friday, June 30 at 5 p.m. Winners will be profiled in the November/December issue of Bethesda Magazine and recognized at the Bethesda Green Gala on October 12 at the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club. Click here to read nominations category, criteria and to access the nomination form.

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 .

Democracy is Not a Spectator Sport
Support the Resilience Fund

Many of you are asking how you might help in these challenging times: How can we provide the legal support to our neighbors facing deportation? What about the children fleeing violence in Central America? How about our friends terrorized by the Muslim travel ban? What will happen to our neighbors in need if even a fraction of the proposed federal budget cuts are adopted by Congress?

Not one of our neighbors should go unrepresented in what are often life and death court proceedings. We know that having a lawyer or not can make all the difference. We need pro-bono lawyers. Our nonprofit partners need contributions to enable them to hire additional staff attorneys. Click here for a guide we have prepared to identify organizations that are providing legal resources for immigrants.

One very direct way to help is to support the Resilience Fund recently established by The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region and the Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer Foundation. The goal of the Resilience Fund is "to fund the critical needs of nonprofits working to support our region's vulnerable communities as a result of changes in federal policy." The first round of grants to community nonprofits will focus on serving the needs of immigrant and refugee populations.

For more information about the Resilience Fund or to make a contribution, please click here. Please designate that you would like your contribution spent to help residents of Montgomery County. You will also be able to provide feedback to the foundation on pressing needs you feel the fund should address (e.g. legal services for immigrants, women's health care).

Democracy is not a spectator sport. There are lots of wonderful organizations working hard at the national, state, and local levels that provide opportunities to give your time, talent, and treasure. However you decide to get involved, step up -- roll up your sleeves and get to work, support your favorite nonprofit community group, make a financial contribution, organize your faith congregation, recruit a neighbor. Our Volunteer Center website -- www.montgomeryserves.org -- is a great resource for finding opportunities to get involved.


signature
Bruce Adams
Director, Office of Community Partnerships


OCP Dream Team Visits Leveling the Playing Field

On Friday May 19, the Office of Community Partnerships took our weekly staff meeting on the road to Leveling the Playing Field (LPF) in Silver Spring to discuss how we might help LPF get sports equipment to youth organizations. LPF founder Max Levitt explained his inspiration for the organization and gave us a tour of his warehouse. LPF's donations have impacted almost 90,000 youth in over 16 countries. Click here to learn more about Leveling the Playing Field or to get involved by hosting an equipment donation drive.


Understanding Diversity through the Arts

The opening reception for the 13th Annual Understanding Diversity Through the Arts was held on May 19 at the Rockville Memorial Library. This middle school arts project gives MCPS students an opportunity to deepen their understanding of our community's rich cultural diversity. It is organized each year by MCPS in partnership with the Department of Public Libraries and our Office of Community Partnerships. The exhibit will be on display at the Rockville Memorial Library through August 30. Check it out. You'll be impressed.


RSVP/AARP Tax-Aide Volunteers Appreciation Event

More than 140 RSVP/AARP Tax-Aide Program volunteers (part of a program coordinated through the Volunteer Center) recently wrapped up another successful tax season, preparing nearly 5,000 federal and state tax returns for low- to moderate-income county residents, many of them seniors. These efforts generated $4,464,585 in refunds. 

To celebrate the work of the Tax-Aide volunteers, Brighton Gardens of Tuckerman Lane hosted an appreciation event at which County Executive Ike Leggett presented the group's volunteer management team with a proclamation in honor of Senior Corps Week. 

Interested in joining this incredibly hard-working and congenial team next tax season? Visit our website to learn how to volunteer as a tax counselor, client facilitator (greeter), or scheduler, or email the Tax-Aide Program. Volunteer information is distributed in the fall.

(LtoR): Kathleen Meaney Stobie, RSVP director; Lynn Kinch, RSVP/AARP Tax-Aide district coordinator; Gretchen Zekiel, RSVP manager; Ike Leggett, County Executive; and James Eulau, RSVP/AARP Tax-Aide scheduling office supervisor

Get Timely Volunteer Opportunities Straight to Your Inbox

Keep up with the latest community service news and get volunteer opportunities delivered right to your inbox when you subscribe to the Montgomery County Volunteer Center's monthly e-newsletter. The June issue, for instance, features a spotlight on the Montgomery County Therapeutic Recreation & Inclusion Services team, a look at summer internships, and lots of new and timely volunteer openings for this month and beyond.

Subscribe here, and check out past issues online.

IMMIGRATION SERVICES & INFORMATION 
New Citizenship Initiative!   

Montgomery County Executive Leggett and community nonprofit partners launched an initiative to promote U.S. Citizenship to the over 60,0000 eligible residents in the County as we are getting ready to celebrate nationally Immigrant Heritage month in June. The campaign will include ongoing collaboration and citizenship workshops around the county, developing 'citizenship corners' at various public/county facilities that are also community hubs, and hosting Naturalization Ceremonies around the County.

Montgomery County has joined Cities for Citizenship, a national initiative to promote and encourage eligible permanent residents to become U.S. Citizens. For more information visit Cities for Citizenship and the Naturalize Now! Summer campaign.

 

Free Legal Advice at the Gilchrist Center in Wheaton Wednesdays  

Questions regarding a legal issue? The Asian Pacific American Legal Resource Center (APALRC) hosts free legal clinics on Wednesdays from 3-5 p.m. at the Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center, Mid-County Regional Services Center, 2424 Reedie Drive, # 223 Wheaton (near Wheaton Metro Stop on Red Line).
  • Does my immigration status matter? NO
  • Do I have to speak English? NO
  • What should I bring? All documents pertaining to your issue(s)
  • Will I be able to speak with a lawyer? Yes
  • Will I get a lawyer to represent me? Depends on your legal issue, residence, and income level
Questions? Call the APALRC at 202-393-3572 Chinese Ext. 18, South Asian Ext. 19, Vietnamese Ext. 20, Korean Ext. 21, English Ext. 22.

Free Citizenship and Naturalization Workshop June 3 

The Asian Pacific American Legal Resource Center (APALRC) and Advancing Justice | AAJC in partnership with the Montgomery County Office of Community Partnerships is hosting a Citizenship Application Workshop. The workshop will be held at the Rockville Library, 2nd floor meeting room, 21 Maryland Ave, on June 3rd. Two free hours of parking is available with validation. The APALRC legal team and trained volunteers will assist participants with completing their naturalization applications (Form N-400) from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. There is no charge for assistance available through the workshop, which is open to all. Please call the APALRC at (202) 393-3572 to make an appointment and receive instructions.

Immigration 101: DACA & Detention Centers 

Wednesday, June 14, 7:00 PM at Silver Spring Civic Center- Great Hall, Silver Spring. This event seeks to update activists on key immigration topics. Two short documentaries "Immigrants for Sale" and "Pursuing the Dream: A DACAmentary" will be screened followed by a panel discussion with local DACA students. Click here to sign up for the event.

Takoma Park Celebrates Immigrant Heritage Month June 21

June is Immigrant Heritage Month, and on June 21st the City of Takoma Park will celebrate immigrants in the community with a Mayoral Proclamation and reception. Now more than ever, we must celebrate our diversity and stand up for the right of everyone to live with dignity and to be treated with fairness and justice. Please join the Takoma Park Mayor and City Council for a reception before its Council meeting at 7pm on June 21. For this evening, the Council meeting will be held at the New Hampshire Recreation Center at 7315 New Hampshire Avenue. 
Join the Health Freedom Walk
 
On June 10, the African American Health Program will host its annual Health Freedom Walk (HFW).  This year's HFW is taking place at the Underground Railroad Experience Trail reportedly used by Harriet Tubman.  The Trail is located at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park, 16501 Norwood Road, Sandy Spring. 

The HFW will feature musical entertainment, free health information and fun for the entire family. Early registration is till June 3. Click here for additional information or call the African American Health Program at 240-777-1833.

Montgomery County's 21st Annual Juneteenth Celebration

Friday, June 16, Montgomery County Executive Leggett invites you to Montgomery County's 21st Annual Juneteenth Celebration at the BlackRock Center for the Arts,12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown. Doors open at 6pm.

The event, hosted by County Executive Leggett and the County Juneteenth Planning Committee, will highlight the contributions of African American women in the quest for freedom. The program will begin with a welcome by County Executive Leggett who will present the African American Living Legend Awards to honorees who have dedicated their lives to service and excellence in their contributions to the African American community.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day Union General Gordon Granger and 2,000 federal troops finally arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation officially ending slavery in every state of the Union. 

Seating is limited so reservations are encouraged and can be made online. For more information, call James Stowe at the Office of Human Rights at 240-777-8490.

Annual Black Youth Academic Awards Ceremony

On May 7th, the Montgomery County Chapter of 
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. hosted its annual Black Youth Academic Awards Ceremony at  Paint Branch High School. The standing room-only crowd witnessed thousands of high achieving youth being recognized and awarded for their  academic, athletic and community service success. A similar ceremony was hosted by the Alphas on May 6th at Seneca Valley High School.

Paint Branch High School Ceremony 

Montgomery County Celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

The many  contributions and achievements  of Asian Americans and residents who trace their  roots to Pacific
Islands were recognized on May 2 by the Montgomery County Council in special ceremonies led by Council President Roger Berliner, designating May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The event included a video of honorees-including Maryland State Senator Susan Lee-looking back on their family histories. There was also a panel discussion on issues that directly impact the Asian community. Click to view the video.


Washington Buddhist Vihara Opens Lion of Wisdom Meditation Center in Gaithersburg

The Washington Buddhist Vihara celebrated the opening of their Lion of Wisdom Meditation Center in Gaithersburg on May 21. The Meditation Center will serve as a center for persons of all faiths & religions to accomplish meditative practices aimed to develop mindfulness, tranquility and insight.  All services are free to the community. 

(L to R): Mr. Sena Basnayke, Vice President of the Washington Buddhist Vihara; Reverend Kasey Kaseman, Interfaith Liaison, Office of Community Partnerships; Ms. Christina Poy, Administrative Director, Governor's Office of Community Initiatives; Bhante Maharagama Dhammasiri, Abbot and President, Washington Buddhist Vihara; Mr. Asoka Ranaweera, Sri Lankan Community Representative

Asian Heritage Night at Asbury Methodist Village

WQER in partnership with the Asian American  Chamber of Commerce, Chinese Culture  Institute and Asbury  Methodist Village  hosted Asia Heritage Night at the Rosborough Cultural Arts Center at Asbury Methodist Village on May 24. The event included traditional tea ceremonies and cultural performances. For video of the event, click here
African Affairs Advisory Group Founding Member Honored as Volunteer of the Year!

Soffie Ceesay is a fearless advocate who goes above and beyond the call of duty to volunteer. She has worked tirelessly for families in need by raising money, bringing resources and support to those in crisis for more than 20 years. For her extraordinary work, the Community Action Agency awarded her with the Marcia Plater Community Action Award for an Adult Volunteer.

The Office of Community Partnerships congratulate Mrs. Soffie Ceesay
Montgomery County Combating Hate through Arts

The Faith Community Advisory Council and the Human Rights Commission co-sponsored the United We Learn program with Montgomery County Public Schools. Over 250 students from the majority of public schools in Montgomery County submitted videos of dance, theater, creative writing, music and beautiful art on the theme "Combating Hate through the Arts". Pictured with two of the winners are Superintendent Jack Smith and Rev. Kasey Kaseman who presented certificates in the presence of hundreds of proud parents and grandparents.  You may view all of their inspiring work here.

(Left to Right): Superintendent Jack Smith and Rev. Kasey Kaseman presenting certificates to the winners

Montgomery County Hosts Iftar Dinner

Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett and the Office of Community Partnerships in partnership with the Montgomery County Muslim Foundation (MCMF) is hosting an Iftar Dinner on the Cafeteria Level of the Executive Office Building, 101 Monroe Street on June 15th at 7pm. Event is free and open to all but RSVP is required. To RSVP, please email [email protected]. MCMF is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides vital services to residents of all backgrounds. For more information on MCMF, please visit their website.

Sikh Open House to Celebrate National Month of Community Outreach

The Sikh Spiritual Center on Travilah Road in Rockville drew several hundred to its Open House for understanding its worship and the fundamental principals of the Sikh faith. Public officials, faith leaders and neighbors shared in the worship, spoke with Sikhs including Rana Singh Sodhi, whose brother was killed the day after 9/11, and enjoyed a delicious meal. Everyone experienced an inner peace as we were united with the divine and one another. 

Sikhs serve on the Faith Community Advisory Board, the Faith Leaders Response Team (responding to acts of hate and violence), Emotional Spiritual Care Volunteers (first responders to emergencies), Education Committee and Neighbors in Need Hunger Reduction Program. Pictured are faith leaders wearing honorary turbans with their hosts in worship, addressing the community and enjoying their cuisine.



2017 Interfaith Bridge Builders Award 

The Interfaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington gathered 
on May 21 to honor local leaders whose work has significantly impacted interfaith  relations in the DC metropolitan area. County Executive  Ike Leggett presented  the 13th  Annual  Interfaith Bridge Builders  Award  to Rabbi Jack Luxemburg who retired after serving thirty-five years at Temple Beth Ami in Rockville. He was extolled for creating a diverse, spiritually grounded and socially engaged congregation. His promotion of inter-group and interfaith relations was acknowledged as reaching beyond Montgomery County to the nation.  

Beginning  of the Holy Month of Ramadan

The Islamic Center of Maryland (ICM) follows the Fiqh council of North America for Ramadan and Eid ul Fitr dates. This year,  Saturday May 27 was observed as the first day of fasting. The Ramadan fundraising dinner will be hosted on Saturday, June 3 at 7:00 pm at Bohrer Park Activity Center, 506 S. Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg. Questions?  Please contact: ICM Administration at 301 840 9440  or email: [email protected]
Montgomery Sister Cities/Habitat for Humanity Delegation Fundraiser held on May 30th

This July 15 to July 23 Montgomery Sister Cities is sending a team to Morazán El Salvador to build a home for a family in need. To help raise funds, a fundraiser was held on May 30 at the El Golfo Restaurant in Long Branch. 20% of the proceeds went to the cause. Donations accepted, checks to Montgomery Sister Cities, memo Morazan, ES Habitat trip 2017. Address to mail the check: Cynthia Morris, Montgomery Sister Cities, 21 Maryland avenue, Suite 330, Rockville, MD 20850.

Montgomery Sister Cities' Presentation to Gondar, Ethiopia Sister City 

On April 29th, Yasin Yimam, member of Montgomery 
Sister Cities, presented the Mayor and people of Gondar, Ethiopia with a painting of the iconic Strathmore Music Center. Yasin was attending the seventh Ethiopian Urban Forum, which was hosted by the City of Gondar from April 29th to May 6th in Ethiopia. Two hundred and thirty-one cities in Ethiopia participated and over 12,000 people attended the weeklong conference. The goal of the conference was to share best practices on ways to develop and expand people to people relationships through Sister Cities.

Montgomery Sister Cities is a nonprofit established to connect Montgomery County to the world by encouraging and fostering friendship, partnership, and mutual cooperation through educational, cultural, social, economic, humanitarian, and charitable exchanges between the people of Montgomery County and people from various nations around the world. For more information and to become a member, please visit website.

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