NEWS & EVENTS AROUND THE REGION
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DiverseCity Showcase
In partnership with Lakeforest Mall, the City of Gaithersburg and its Multicultural Affairs Committee (MAC) presents the 3rd annual DiverseCity Showcase, a community celebration of music, dance, storytelling, and fashion, representing some of the many world cultures that enrich our lives. The showcase takes place on Saturday, May 11 from noon to 4:30 p.m. at Lakeforest Mall, Center Court, 701 Russell Avenue. This event is free and is suitable for all ages. READ MORE>>>
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Senior Housing and Aging in Place Resource Fair
All the information you need to decide whether to stay in your current home or to downsize to your next one.
Wednesday, May 15th,
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Holiday Park Senior Center. Click here for more information.
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Gaithersburg Book Festival
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0:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Gaithersburg City Hall. FREE to attend, FREE to park!
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Capital Improvements Program Budget Forums
The County's Citizen Advisory Boards (CABs) will be hosting forums during the month of May to receive public comments and recommendations on the capital facility needs within their region and throughout the County. READ MORE>>>
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Heritage Days 2019
Join Heritage Montgomery in celebrating the 22nd annual Heritage Days with a weekend packed with fun, family-friendly, FREE events all across the county on June 29 and 30 from 12 noon to 4:00 p.m.
READ MORE>>>
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Census Jobs - Apply Online
Check out
flyer for more information.
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Community Ministries Changes Name
CMR (Community Ministries of Rockville) has changed its name to Community Reach of Montgomery County. The organization's mission, programs, etc. all remain the same.
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READY, SET, SPELL! MCAEL GROWN UP SPELLING BEE
MCAEL hosts its Annual Grown-Up Spelling Bee fundraiser on May 8, 2019 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center in Takoma Park. See flyer.
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Nominations Being Accepted for 2019 Governor's Service Awards
The awards recognize Marylanders who have provided significant volunteer contributions to communities around the state and have worked to change Maryland for the better.
Learn more. Applications are also being accepted for the
inaugural Youth Awards.
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Fight Acts of Hate and Bias
Communities United Against Hate (CUAH) is launching a year-long training series to engage the public around the issue of hate crimes and bias related incidents. The series is free and will feature quarterly themed modules addressing different aspects of hate and bias. Each module will culminate in a town hall, bringing together attendees, policy-makers, and other stakeholders to discuss key takeaways. For more information, click
here.
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Pre-K/Head Start Applications
Montgomery County Public Schools Prekindergarten/Head Start Programs are now accepting applications for next school year for low-income children who will be 4 years old by September 1. Applications are taken Monday through Friday at Rocking Horse Road Center, 4910 Macon Road, Rockville, MD 20852 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
More information is available at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org or call 240-740-4530. |
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WSSC Open Houses
WSSC will host three open houses in Montgomery and Prince George's counties this spring. They will highlight several new WSSC initiatives, as well as resources available to customers through community partners. Click here to learn more.
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Montgomery County Care for the Caregiver Event
On Saturday June 15, 2019 Montgomery County will host a major Caregiver Outreach Community Event in partnership with the County's Minority Health Initiatives and County public-private stakeholders.
This event will increase caregivers' awareness of supports available in Montgomery County. In addition, the listening session will allow caregivers opportunities to share their needs with stakeholders.
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Upcoming Small Business Training and Workshops
Wherever you are with your business, taking it to the next level requires you to think differently and leverage a new set of resources. Learn more
here
about a wide variety of offerings and opportunities.
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Entrepreneur Training For Success Program
Empowered Women International offers sessions in Rockville every Monday and Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., from March 27 through June 26. See the details here. |
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May Workshops and Information Sessions
> Free Legal Services Provided by Pro Bono Program
The Pro Bono Program provides
FREE LEGAL SERVICES to low-income county residents in civil cases. The Pro Bono Program provides two means for residents to receive free services: at a legal advice clinic or through the client intake line for referral to an attorney volunteer for direct representation. Information is available in
English and
Spanish.
- The Montgomery County Maryland Bar Foundation Pro Bono Program Legal Clinics meet twice a month throughout Montgomery County (Eastern Montgomery Regional Services Center & Germantown meet only once a month). Each clinic is staffed by attorneys versed in different areas of practice including immigration. Click here for schedules.
- Please note that the East county clinic that meets the 1st Thursday of every month has two Immigration attorneys to address inquiries regarding immigration.
The Pro Bono Program is committed to helping the residents of Montgomery County, MD. Individual circumstances may vary and in some cases we may not be able to assist everyone.
Call the Pro Bono Program at 301-424-7651 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday for additional information.
>Free Citizenship Application Workshop Hosted by APALRC
The APALRC will host a free Citizenship Application Workshop on Saturday, June 15th from
10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Rockville Memorial Library. At this workshop, attendees can expect to
receive free one-on-one assistance in completing the paperwork to apply for naturalization/U.S.
citizenship.
This workshop is free and open to all regardless of country of origin or nationality. Assistance with Fee Waiver, Reduced Fee, and Medical Exception applications will also be provided, as applicable. We encourage everyone who is interested in attending this workshop to register in advance either online at
www.apalrc.org/citizenship-guide or by calling 202-706-7135.
>Citizenship Information Sessions Presented by Montgomery College and Catholic Charities
Are you a legal, permanent resident preparing for the U.S. citizenship test and interview? Come to an
information session and discover how Montgomery College and Catholic Charities may be able to help
you for free! Information session: May 11th at 9:00 a.m.
See website for more
information.
>Free Citizenship Classes in Chevy Chase
Chevy Chase United Methodist Church offers a 10 week session of free citizenship classes beginning on Saturday, May 25. Click here for more information.
>New Issues Brief: Older Immigrants and Medicare provided by Justice in Aging
Justice in Aging's new issue brief,
Older Immigrants and Medicare
, is intended to provide advocates who work with older immigrants a summary of the policies and practices to help immigrants enroll in and pay for Medicare coverage. READ MORE>>>
>Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) Baltimore office is hosting a two-part training in Rockville
- Representing Children in Immigration Matters - Part 2: Asylum, Thursday, May 9th, 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Click here for more information.
- Introductory Training - Representing Children in Immigration Matters - Thursday, May 30th, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Click here for more information. Please RSVP to infobaltimore@supportkind.org by Monday, May 27th.
KIND Baltimore offers advanced trainings on relevant immigration issues, such as accomplishing service in a foreign country, drafting asylum affidavits, and completing immigration applications/petitions. These opportunities are announced via weekly emails. If you're interested in joining the distribution list to receive news of all KIND trainings and available cases, please email
infobaltimore@supportkind.org.
>Free Immigration Clinic hosted by AYUDA
Get a one-on-one meeting with an attorney. Ask your immigration questions. This is a brief advice and referral clinic. If you meet with an attorney, the services you receive will be limited by time, expertise, and the information you provide. You will receive advice that is specific to your situation, but the attorney you meet with will not represent you after the clinic. Flyers are available in
English and
Spanish.
- When: FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2019 10 AM - 12 PM
- Where: CONSULATE OF HONDURAS. 1990 M ST NW, SUITE 104, WASHINGTON, D.C. 20036
Language Access: Please call ahead if you need a sign language interpreter. We serve clients in all languages. Send an email to anastasia.sendoun@ayuda.com or call (202) 243-7315 with any questions
Language Services and Financial Assistance
>Language Services by Ayuda
Do you provide services to Maryland victims of crime? Do you ever need a spoken or sign interpreter to communicate with the victims whom you serve? The Language Access Program at Ayuda can provide you with professionally trained, trauma-informed interpreters at no cost (because of funding from the Maryland Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention). This new program will be launching in February or March of 2019. Please write to
i
nterpreterbank@ayuda.com
with "Maryland Victims" in the subject heading to learn more and to add your organization to the list of those that will receive services.
>Financial Assistance for Citizenship Application Fees offered by CASA
CASA, in partnership with Montgomery County, is offering financial assistance to those who are eligible to apply for citizenship but cannot afford to pay the application fee. Residents of Montgomery County who earn less than 300% of the federal poverty guideline may qualify for a scholarship in the amount of $150 or $300 to help pay the application filing fee. Interested applicants should call (240) 560-2272 for more information. Flyers are available in
English
and
Spanish
. Note: Low-income individuals seeking to apply for citizenship may also be eligible for a
fee waiver
or
reduced fee
through USCIS.
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Upcoming Meetings of County Executive's Ethnic & Faith Advisory Groups
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African Affairs Advisory Group (AAAG)
will meet on Thursday, May 9, 2019 at the Silver Spring Civic Building, 1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. These monthly meetings are open to the public. For more information, please contact Diane Vu, diane.vu@montgomerycountymd.gov.
To stay updated on AAAG's latest events and opportunities, please visit
www.facebook.com/Africanaag
, Instagram: @Africanaag, Twitter: @Africanaag
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Caribbean American Advisory Group (CAAG) met on Tuesday, May 7 at 7:00 p.m. at the Silver Spring Civic Building. For more information, please contact Diane Vu,
diane.vu@montgomerycountymd.gov. |
Interfaith Community
- Religious Land Use Working Group will meet at the Upcounty Regional Services Center on May 8 at 2:00 p.m.
- The Interfaith Mobilization Team will meet on May 16 at the Rockville Memorial Library Mediation Room at 2:00 p.m.
- The Education Committee will meet on May 20 in the Rockville Memorial Library Mediation Room at 5:30 p.m.
- The Faith Community Working Group will hold its fourth annual Multicultural Dialogue Series on May 21 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Shaare Tefila Congregation. See details below.
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Latin American Advisory Group will meet on Tuesday, May 14 at 6:30 p.m. in the OCP suite at the Rockville Memorial Library. For more information, please contact Diane Vu at diane.vu@montgomerycountymd.gov.
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Middle Eastern American Advisory Group (MEAAG) will not meet in May due to observance of Ramadan. The next meeting will be on Monday, June 10th, 7:00 p.m. - 9 p.m. at the Rockville Memorial Library in the 3rd floor Mediation Room. Youth and adults are welcome. Please contact Debbie Trent at dtrent@civilstrategies.net for more information.
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County Recognizes Top Volunteers at Montgomery Serves Awards
 Congratulations to the volunteers and community leaders who were recognized for their outstanding service to our county at the 2019 Montgomery Serves Awards ceremony, held on April 29 at Imagination Stage in Bethesda.
The Montgomery County Volunteer Center and County Executive Marc Elrich presented the county's highest honors for service and volunteerism to Karen Bashir and Jacquette Frazier (Neal Potter Path of Achievement Award for lifetime volunteer service), Amy Yontef-McGrath (Volunteer of the Year), Dhruv Pai (Youth Volunteer of the Year), KindWorks (Volunteer Group of the Year), Hugo Salon (Business Volunteer of the Year), and Charlotte Coffield, Ike Leggett, and David Rodich (Roscoe R. Nix Distinguished Community Leadership Awards). Visit the Volunteer Center website to learn more about the honorees and to find photos and videos from the event (coming soon!).
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GILCHRIST IMMIGRANT RESOURCE CENTER
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Save the date
September 6, 2019
African Heritage Month - Proclamation Day, 1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD 20910
September 14, 2019
Cameroonian Doctors Association - Free Community Health Fair, Silver Spring Presbyterian Church (SSPC),
580 University Boulevard East, Silver Spring, MD 20901
September 21, 2019
Pan-African Festival 2019 - 10 YEAR Jubilee, 1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD 20910
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Heath Issues Affecting Asian Americans
As part of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, CAPT. David Wong, MD
will share his wealth of experience in U.S. Public Health Services and speak about topics relating to Asian-American health. Dr. Wong is a medical officer with the Office of Minority Health and Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
This free event will take place on Saturday, May 18 at 2:00 p.m. at the Rockville Memorial Library. READ MORE>>>
Harmonious Art Group Exhibits Calligraphy, Brush Painting
In celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, the City of
Gaithersburg and its Multicultural Affairs Committee (MAC) present an exhibit featuring the artwork of the
Harmonious Art Group, on display April 26 through June 24, 2019, at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park, 506
South Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg, Maryland. Viewing hours are Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to
9 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The public is invited to meet the artists during a free Artists
Reception on Sunday, May 19 from 2 to 4 p.m. A proclamation declaring May as Asian Pacific Heritage Month
will be presented during the Mayor and City Council meeting on May 6 at 7:30 p.m. READ MORE>>>
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May events 
May 11: City of Gaithersburg Multicultural Affairs Committee presents the DiverseCity Showcase at Lake Forest Mall, including a Palestine table and more. 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
April Update
MEAAG members participated in several events marking Arab American Heritage Month:
On April 1st, City of Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman presented a proclamation during his meeting with the City Council.
At the April 19th Family Fun Festival at the Rockville Memorial Library, sponsored by the Arab American Heritage Committee, MEAAG members helped engage young library patrons in drawing, dancing, storytelling, and henna hand painting.
On April 23rd, the County Council held a Proclamation Celebration breakfast and reception.
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| County Council Proclamation Celebration |
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 From April 28th to May 3rd at the Prince George's Community Center, MEAAG friend and supporter Ahmed Alkarkhi shared his Iraqi American story through the art exhibition, "Colorful Life." In March, Ahmed participated in the Middle Eastern American Heritage Celebration in Rockville and in 2018, loaned some of his paintings to the Iraq exhibit at the World of Montgomery Festival and the Sandy Spring Museum.
Ahmed Alkarkhi, pictured fourth from the left, with members of the African Affairs Advisory Group, MEAAG, and guests at the opening reception.
Montgomery County has the longest standing record in the nation for recognizing Arab American Heritage Month. On April 25, Reverend Mansfield "Kasey" Kaseman, representing the Office of Community Partnerships and the Faith Community Advisory Council, joined Arab Americans leaders in receiving a proclamation from County Executive Marc Elrich and Council President Nancy Navarro. Click here
to watch the proclamation ceremony.
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AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY
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Know Community Day 2019 Held in April
On April 27th, the Montgomery County African American Health Program (AAHP), along with partnering organizations, hosted its annual
Community Day at the Silver Spring Civic Building. This is part of AAHP's mission to bridge efforts to help eliminate health disparities and build a stronger, healthier Montgomery County.
The focus was on helping Community Day attendees know their numbers (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, body mass, etc.). A panel of experts also discussed genetics and minority health care.
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CARIBBEAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY
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June is Caribbean American Heritage Month - Save the Date!
Join Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and the Caribbean American Advisory Group for a Caribbean American Heritage Month Celebration on June 4, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. at the Silver Spring Civic Building,
1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD. More details to come.
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 The Faith Community Working Group will hold its fourth annual Multicultural Dialogue Series on May 21 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Shaare Tefila Congregation,16620 Georgia Ave, Olney, MD. Participants will engage in anti-bias exercises with a trained facilitator. A $5.00 donation for materials and use of the space will be requested at the door. Register here.
Building a Community Beyond "Us vs. Them"
Montgomery College's Global Nexus Program and the Office of Advancement and Community Engagement will sponsor a community engagement and interfaith conversation on Wednesday, May 22, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. The evening will include a traditional Iftar, the fast-breaking meal eaten after sunset during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
The event is free and open to the public. Space is limited, and registration is strongly recommended by Friday, May 17. Click here to
RSVP.
April Events Update
Every year, the Montgomery County Muslim Foundation (MCMF) organizes a Food CollectionDrive at Giant stores in collaboration with Manna Food and Giant Foods during which MCMF volunteers collect donations of canned and non-perishable food. This food is donated to Manna Foods for distribution to needy residents of Montgomery County.
This year 's drive took place on Saturday, April 27 and Sunday April 28 at 13 Giant stores across the county.
More than 50 volunteers from different schools, several adult volunteers, and many parents participated.
The composition of the volunteers reflected the diversity of Montgomery County, comprising different ethnic and faith groups of the County: Chinese, Pakistani, Latino, Indian, African American, etc. The students who volunteered received SSL hour certificates.
>MoCo GreenFest - On April 28,
The Faith Community Advisory Council partnered with the
Montgomery County Faith Alliance
for Climate Solutions to display, paint and play with Parachutes for the Planet.
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North African Delegation - On April 17, an international delegation from more than 50 countries in Northern Africa and the Near East learned about the Montgomery County Model for Creating Social Cohesion and Public Safety, sharing ideas about how to create a more inclusive, united, and resilient community. The group included a professor doing research for political and strategic studies, a youth director, media production specialist, chief of police, director of communications, news and programs director and an Imam. The Montgomery County model is particularly popular because it is community-centric and interfaith. The leadership team is primarily volunteer, and characteristically includes partners from the MCPD and MCPS to demonstrate the benefits of collaboration.
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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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