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January 7, 2020 - Issue 141
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NEWS & EVENTS AROUND THE REGION
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Job Opportunity
Montgomery County is hiring 9-1-1 Call Specialists in the County's Emergency Communication Center (ECC). Applications may be
submitted online from now through Feb. 3, 2020. Click
here for more information.
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FY21 Montgomery County Community Grants Application
Montgomery County is pleased to announce the FY21 Community Grants Application Process. There are a number of changes to the grants process for FY21. Please click here for details and for application training workshop dates. The application portal for FY21 grants opened for submissions on January 2, 2020 and will close on January 29, 2020.
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MLK Events in Gaithersburg
To honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman will issue an official proclamation at the Mayor and City Council meeting on Monday, January 6 at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall.
On Monday, January 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Gaithersburg is joining with Seneca Creek Community Church and Montgomery County government to host a morning of service projects that will benefit the most vulnerable in our community. Volunteers can engage in more than 20 activities suitable for a variety of ages and skill levels. READ MORE>>>
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Discussion on Central American Migration to the United States
The League of Women Voters of Montgomery County is hosting a free event, open to the public, on January 27 from 6:15 p.m. to 8;30 p.m. at the Rockville Memorial Library. READ MORE>>
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Ethnic Commissions Release Impact 2019 Report
The Governor's Office of Community Initiatives has released its Impact 2019 Report, after a year of community outreach through the GO SEE Initiative (GO, Serve, and Educate Ethnic communities). Governor Larry Hogan launched GO SEE earlier this year to help raise public awareness of important resources available for Marylanders that address the unique needs of our diverse communities through meaningful outreach to Maryland's international community and youth, as well as identifying policy priorities. READ MORE>>>
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Spring Semester Registration Open for Lifelong Learning Institute Non-Credit Courses
Montgomery College Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI) is committed to creating a variety of intellectually stimulating opportunities for Montgomery County residents. Over 40 new courses are available, including Chinese Tea Appreciation, Caravaggio and Bernini: Baroque Geniuses, Emancipation: Jews in the Modern World, and How the Office of the President Has Changed. Click here for registration information.
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Career Coach from MC
Montgomery College's Career Coach is a free online resource which is available to the public to explore careers, build a resume, see who is hiring in various sectors, and more. To learn more about Career Coach, click here.
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Matching Grant Program
The City of Rockville's matching grant program seeks to fund projects that help neighbors work together to accomplish common goals supporting the health, vitality and inclusivity of the place they call home. Applications are due on January 30. For application and additional information, please click here.
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Heritage Montgomery
The winter newsletter of the Heritage Tourism Alliance of Montgomery County is available here.
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Procurement Guide
The Montgomery County Office of Procurement now has a Procurement Pocket Guide available for download in Spanish and Chinese (Mandarin). Click here to view.
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Library Advisory Committee Seeks Members
Do you want to help make the Rockville Memorial Library better? The Library Advisory Committee (LAC) is looking for volunteers to join and help contribute to its efforts. The LAC is looking to broaden its membership in order to reflect the diverse range of customers that use the library and find out how we can better meet your needs
. Lend your voice today and help create a better library!
Apply here.
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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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Transitional Living Scholarship
The Montgomery College Foundation announces the Transitional Living Scholarship for women with dependent children who are currently experiencing housing insecurity or have been in transition/homeless over the last two years. To apply, email
or call 240-567-4365.
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CentroNia Zumbathon
CentroNía is hosting its 4th annual Zumbathon with instructor Eric Ruiz Dance DC. Get a jump start on your New Year's fitness goals on Tuesday, January 21 at CentroNía headquarters. All proceeds will support CentroNia's high-quality, affordable, bilingual early learning programs and family support services for low-income, working families. Sign up here.
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Online Conferences for Nonprofits
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COUNTY EXECUTIVE SIGNS FIRST RACIAL EQUITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE ACT
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Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich signed the Racial Equity and Social Justice Act on Tuesday, December 3. Montgomery County is the first jurisdiction in Maryland to sign racial equity legislation, which ensures all residents are welcome, treated with respect and have opportunities to succeed. Elrich was joined by newly elected County Council President Sidney Katz and Vice President Tom Hucker, councilmembers and community leaders.
County Council recently approved the act, which aims to establish the formal process to address racial equity and social justice issues in the County.
READ MORE>>>
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2020 CENSUS IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY
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Get Involved!
Join our team of 2020 Census Ambassadors! Are you a resident who'd like to volunteer? The Office of Community Partnerships is recruiting 2020 Census Ambassadors to help ensure that everyone in Montgomery County is counted on April 1, 2020 (Census Day). Census Ambassadors are volunteers trained by the Office of Community Partnerships and the U.S. Census Bureau who conduct education outreach by hosting information tables and distributing promotional materials; engaging residents at various locations across the county. Visit our 2020 Census home page to apply and register for a training now!
Become a 2020 Census Partner! Does your non-profit, faith/faith-based, corporate, community, or civic organization want to help? Join us as a Census partner and become part of a powerful network of government, faith, nonprofit, corporate, and community organizations working to develop solutions to effectively reach everyone and encourage them to respond to the 2020 Census.
Santa and Census Outreach at the Crossroads Holiday Market
The guest of honor at the Crossroads Holiday Market at the Takoma Park Recreation Center on Sunday, December 15 was very excited about making a list (and checking it twice!) of all the ways he could help ensure that everyone in the North Pole and Montgomery County will be counted in the spring of 2020.
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Celebrating Volunteers, Students, and Teachers
 On December 7, the Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center celebrated its volunteers and welcomed its new citizenship preparation program with a lively party attended by Gilchrist Center volunteers and citizenship class teachers and students. Volunteers were commended for their hard work and dedication to our community by County Executive Marc Elrich, County Council President Sidney Katz, and Office of Community Partnerships Director Diane Vu. In 2019, 134 county residents dedicated many hours to make the Gilchrist Center's classes and programs possible. Many contributed more than 100 hours in 2019! Long-time volunteer English instructor Mike Frenkel and Spanish language computer instructors Lida Monroy and Gerardo Paucar shared their experiences as volunteers, their appreciation for the dedication and hard work of their students, and the impact of the Gilchrist Center's on the community. Gerardo's experience with the Gilchrist Center began as a student in Mike's English class, and then he returned to volunteer as an computer teacher!
The Center was also pleased to celebrate its Citizenship Preparation program which includes classes across the county. The citizenship teachers introduced their students, as well as former students who now return to assist others in preparing for their exams. Several students spoke about the extensive support they received from the program.
Interested in joining the Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center's efforts to support the Montgomery County community? Fill out the application form here!
Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center Receives Public Citizen Award
The Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center received the Herbert S. Garten Public Citizen Award by the Maryland Legal Services Corporation on December 8.
This award is presented to an organization that is not regularly engaged in the delivery of civil legal services to low-income Marylanders, but has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to increase access to justice. The Gilchrist Center has been partnering with and hosting legal clinics offered by the Montgomery County Bar Foundation and the Asian Pacific American Legal Resource Center at the Center to increase access of legal services for Montgomery County residents. The MLSC recognized the Center's long standing commitment and partnerships with these organizations.
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Citizenship and Other Immigration Application Fees Likely to Increase Drastically
Those who are eligible to apply for citizenship are encouraged to apply right away, as United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued a proposed rule greatly increasing the application fee (from $640 to $1,170).
The proposed rule would also increase fees for DACA renewals, applications for lawful permanent residency, and would create for the first time a filing fee for affirmative asylum applicants. In addition, the proposed rule would eliminate the fee waiver and reduced fee options for low-income individuals. It is unclear when any changes might take effect, but the comment period on the proposed rule ends on December 30, 2019. Click
here to learn more about the proposed rule and how to submit comments.
Those who are eligible for any of the benefits mentioned above should consider applying as soon as possible, before any changes take place. Be sure to avoid fraud and seek help from reputable immigration attorneys. Visit the Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center's
website to find reputable legal service providers.
[Note: Those who receive a means-tested public benefit can still qualify for a fee waiver on this basis, irrespective of the proposed rule mentioned above. Although USCIS sought to eliminate this criteria for fee waiver eligibility, a preliminary injunction was issued on December 9, stopping the change while litigation is pending. Therefore, USCIS must currently continue to accept fee waiver applications based on receipt of a means-tested public benefit. Click
here for additional information and updates on the fee waiver litigation, which is separate from the proposed fee increases that are discussed above.]
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January Workshops and Information Sessions
> Free Citizenship Application Consultations by APALRC
Interested in applying for naturalization/U.S. citizenship, but not sure about the process or cannot afford the fee? Stop by the "Citizenship Corner" at the Gaithersburg Regional Library, January 7th and January 21st from 6:00 p.m to 9:00 p.m. for a free consultation with an immigration lawyer from the APALRC. The APALRC is a non-profit, legal services organization providing free legal services to low-income families in Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia. For more information about the APALRC's citizenship application assistance, please see www.apalrc.org/citizenship-guide/ or call (202) 393-3572.
> The Pro Bono Program provides FREE LEGAL SERVICES to low-income county residents in civil
cases. The 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. Click for brochures in
English
and
Spanish
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The Pro Bono Program is committed to helping the residents of Montgomery County,
MD. Individual circumstances may vary and in some cases the program may not be able to assist
everyone.
The Montgomery County Maryland Bar Foundation Pro Bono Program Legal Clinics continue to meet twice a month throughout Montgomery County. Each clinic is staffed by attorneys versed in different areas of practice including Immigration.
For further information, please make sure to read the brochure or call the Pro Bono Program at 301-424-7651 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Monday - Thursday.
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Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) Baltimore offers these training sessions in January:
- Court Observation - Baltimore Immigration Court Master Calendar Hearing, Tuesday, January 7, 2020, 8:00 a.m.
- Introductory Training - Representing Children in Immigration Matters Thursday, January 23, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
- Quick Topics Training- EOIR Motions Practice (Motions to Continue, Terminate, & for Administrative Closure) Wednesday, January 8, 2020, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Click here for details.
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> 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! See the
website for more information.
>Free Citizenship Preparation Classes in Montgomery County
Montgomery College (MC) provides FREE citizenship preparation classes throughout Montgomery
County, including locations in Rockville, Silver Spring, and Wheaton. Multi-level classes are funded
through a grant from the United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) at various schedules
to meet the needs of learners. Please check the
MC Citizenship Website for more information or call
240-567-8839.
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Language Services and Financial Assistance
> Language Access 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).
Please email
interpreterbank@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 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, January 9, 2020 from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at the Silver Spring Civic Building, 1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD. For more information, call 240-672-1788.
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Asian Pacific American Advisory Group (APAAG) will meet on Tuesday, January 21, 2020 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Rockville Memorial Library, 21 Maryland Avenue, Suite 330, Rockville, MD 20850. Please contact Mr. Yi Shen at yi.shen@montgomerycountymd.gov if you would like to be added to the agenda.
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Caribbean American Advisory Group (CAAG) will meet on Tuesday, January 7, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Silver Spring Civic Center Building at Veterans Plaza, Silver Spring. The meeting agenda will include strategic and tactical planning for the year, including the work-teams' priorities, the 2020 Census and efforts
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Latin American Advisory Group (LAAG) will meet on on January 14, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. at the Rockville Memorial Library, Third Floor, Suite 330 (Office of Community Partnerships).
The group will focus on Census outreach for Latinos countywide. A presentation on the next phase of the Census outreach plan will be provided, along with identifying assets and opportunities in high-concentration Latino neighborhoods.
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Middle Eastern American Advisory Group (MEAAG) will hold its annual retreat on Sunday, January 12th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Rockville Memorial Library, 21 Maryland Avenue, 3d floor mediation room #331. County Councilmember and Immediate Past President Nancy Navarro will be the special guest. This is a public meeting and all are welcome. Please email dtrent@civilstrategies.net to RSVP or for more information..
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Interfaith Community Advisory Group Meetings:
- Education Committee, Monday, January 13, 6:15 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Rockville Memorial Library
- Executive Committee, Tuesday, January 14, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Rockville Memorial Library
- Religious Land Use Working Group, Wednesday, January 22, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., Upcounty Regional Services Center, Germantown, MD
- FCAC Executive Committee Brown Bag Lunch Meeting with County Council, Tuesday, January 28, 12:15 p.m. - 1:30 p.m., County Executive Office Building
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Register Today to Serve Our Community on MLK Day
On Monday, Jan. 20, join thousands of other area residents to celebrate the life and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by participating in the Montgomery County Volunteer Center's
MLK Day of Service event, set for 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center. This popular annual volunteer event features a wide variety of service projects suitable for all ages, including packaging food for the needy, crafting scarves for hospice patients, and making Valentine's cards for seniors. In addition, the event will include a volunteer fair for learning about local organizations' missions and volunteer opportunities and a coat drive for donating warm outerwear for those in need.
There will be additional multi-project service events at partner sites in
Gaithersburg (9-11 am),
Silver Spring (10 am-1 pm),
Rockville (10 am-12 noon),
Olney (11 am-1 pm), and
Germantown (1-3 pm). All sites, including the main site in North Bethesda, require advance registration. Follow the location links to sign up.
Visit the Volunteer Center's MLK Day of Service
information site for further details and additional opportunities to volunteer throughout the MLK Day weekend.
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African Affairs Advisory Group Updates
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich attended the African Affairs Advisory Group meeting in mid-November to address the African community, share his priorities, and answer questions.
READ MORE>>>
In December, Captain Sonia Pruitt of the Montgomery County Police Department Community Engagement Division addressed the members of the African Affairs Advisory Group (AAAG). She emphasized the need for partnerships between community members and the County police.
READ MORE>>>
The Montgomery County African Affairs Advisory Group (AAAG) held its "Inception" Happy Hour on December 19, 2019 at the Society Lounge on Georgia Avenue in Downtown Silver Spring. This event aimed to reach out to a broader community, share information about AAAG, and invite community members to attend its monthly meetings.
READ MORE>>>
Community Events
Montgomery County Sister City Fundraiser --
On December 13, 2019, The Ethiopian Student Association of Montgomery College, in collaboration with the Gondar, Ethiopia Sister Cities Committee, held a fundraiser at Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center Theater. Funds raised will help rebuild Fasiledes High School in Gondar, Ethiopia.
Raising Children in America -- On December 21, 2019, Immigrant Community Services and The Barrie Law Center hosted a workshop that explored the parenting challenges faced by immigrant families in the United States. READ MORE>>>
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AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY
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Montgomery County Employees Celebrate Black History Month
"African Americans and the Vote," February 5, 2020 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Fitzgerald Theater at the Rockville Civic Center. Click
here for flyer.
The Legacy of Barbara Flack-Darko
On December 11th, County Council President Sidney Katz and Anita Neal Powell
of the Lincoln Park Historical
Foundation hosted "An Evening To Celebrate the Legacy of Barbara Flack-Darko" at the Rockville Memorial Library.
Ms. Flack-Darko served as founder and editor of The Montgomery Times, a one-woman publication connecting Montgomery County's growing black population. She also served as executive editor of The Afro, contributed to Huffington Post and AOL, served as a political aide to former County Councilmember Tom Perez, and was one of the first African American producers for CBS and CNN.
Tom Perez, current Democratic National Committee Chairman, was the guest speaker. To watch the full story, click here.
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ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN COMMUNITY
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The Asian Pacific American Advisory Group met with County Executive Marc Elrich on Thursday, December 12, 2019. Mr. Elrich spoke about the county's initiatives in affordable housing, increasing economic development, foreign investments, and the new grants process. The County Executive also heard feedback regarding the needs of the Asian community in Montgomery County.
Upcoming Events
> On Wednesday, January 8, 2020, Vietnamese American Services will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony for the grand opening of their Adult Daycare Center located at 12621 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP by calling (301) 646-5852. Click here for flyer.
> The Lunar New Year will be celebrated on Saturday, January 25, 2020. Here are some of the events in
the community:
- Sunday, January 12 -- Association of Vietnamese Americans (AVA) will hold a Lunar New Year (Tet) Festival at Northwood High School, located at 919 University Blvd. West, Silver Spring, MD 20901. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for children & seniors. Click here for flyer. Questions? Please call 301-588-6862.
- Saturday, January 18 -- The Northwestern Chinese American Association of Greater Washington (NCAAGW) will host the NCAAGW 2020 Spring Festival Celebration at 6:30 p.m. at Shady Grove Middle School, 8100 Midcounty Highway, Gaithersburg, MD 20877. For tickets and more information, please click here. View the flyer here.
- Saturday, January 25 -- The Chinese Culture and Community Service Center (CCACC) will host an opening ceremony of the 2020 CCACC Lunar New Year Celebration at Lake Forest Mall, 701 Russell Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20877. 11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Please RSVP to ccacc.li@ccacc-dc.org if you are interested in attending. Click here for flyer.
- Saturday, February 8 -- The Montgomery County Public Libraries will hold a Chinese New Year Celebration at the Rockville Memorial Library, 21 Maryland Avenue, Meeting Room 1, Rockville, MD 20850. To view flyer, click here.
- Saturday, February 8, 2020 -- The Coordination Council of Chinese American Associations (CCCAA) will host the annual Lantern Festival Fair and Gala from 2:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Gaithersburg High School, 101 Education Blvd., Gaithersburg, MD 20877. For tickets and more information, please click here.
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CARIBBEAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY
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Strategic Planning
CAAG members have participated in several campaign efforts throughout the County to remind Montgomery County residents to "Be Informed, Be Engaged, and Be Counted" in the 2020 Census. CAAG has formed partnerships with local restaurants and businesses to encourage their clients to participate in the Census. On Wednesday, December 18, the Caribbean Flavor restaurant at 11524 Middlebrook Road in Germantown hosted an evening of Census information. CAAG members engaged patrons in discussions and distributed informational materials about the Census. Surrounding restaurants have also expressed interest in partnering with CAAG to inform County residents about the 2020 Census.
Update
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On December 3, 2019, CAAG's members presented a gift to the Civic Center Building evening staff to thank them for their outstanding service throughout the year.
CAAG: Working to Serve the Caribbean Community in Montgomery County.
Mrs. Venice Mundle-Harvey, Chair
Mrs. Derrice Deane, Co-Chair
Mrs. Yvonne Stephens, Liaison
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A Magic Evening on Christmas in Middlebrook Gardens
On December 21st, a Christmas holiday dinner and toy drive for families from Middlebrook Garden Mobile Homes was hosted by the Montgomery County Office of Community Partnerships, the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services; the Latino Health Initiative of Montgomery County; Identity, Inc.; Street Outreach Network; the Rotary Club of Gaithersburg; Mary's Center; Family Services, Inc.; the Hispanic
Heritage Foundation; Black Rock Center for the Arts; and other donors and volunteers. Stakeholders, along with the area's police department and others, have been meeting to address the challenges in that community. The event served to introduce these community groups, and ongoing efforts will include a committee of volunteers, parents, and neighbors from the Middlebrook community.
Mid-Coun
ty Census Outreach
On Wednesday, December 18th, the Mid-County Complete Count subcommittee met at the Wheaton
Library and Recreation Center to review and contribute to a new phase of the outreach plan for a complete count in mid-county. Subcommittee members reviewed undercounted census tracts: Aspen Hill near the Bel Pre
community; Aspen Hill bordering Glenmont; and Wheaton. Members also identified assets and
opportunities for outreach in those communities in order to develop and implement a plan to reach those neighborhoods.
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Upcoming Events
SAVE THE DATE:
Sixth Annual Middle Eastern American Heritage Celebration,
Sunday, March 15, 2020,
3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
, featuring exhibits, proclamation presentation, music, dancing, and light fare. Location and other details to be announced.
Updates
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MEAAG members Mrs. Mumtaz Jahan and Mr. Subhi Rawi introducing Mr. Daniel Koroma
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Aspiring entrepreneurs attend busnes workshop on
December 2, 2019
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On December 2nd, MEAAG and the County's Business Connect sponsored a free public workshop presented by Daniel Koroma, County Business Liaison Officer. Mr. Koroma provided useful information to attendees from the county's ethnic communities and Montgomery College, highlighting the low cost of obtaining a small business license and the availability of low-interest loans. Visit Montgomery County's
business portal for information about training opportunities.
Expanding MEAAG's leadership network to strengthen the County's cross-cultural ties, MEAAG member Sam Shihadeh became the newly elected president of the Coalition of Palestinian American Organizations, where he has served on the board for several years. Member Sahar Fahmy is participating in the 2020 class of Leadership Montgomery and is a new member of the Baltimore Luxor Alexandria Sister City Committee. She also attended the African Affairs Advisory Group's happy hour event in downtown Silver Spring in December.
Sahar Fahmy (far right) with Mr. Al-Taweel, Cultural Officer with the Embassy of Egypt and Dr. Dina Rady, faculty member at George Washington University, at the Egypt exhibit at the Winternational 8th Annual Embassy Showcase on December 5th at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center .
On December 21st, the Muslim Community Center Social Services and Food Pantry Committee conducted one of their largest food, blanket, and winter clothing distributions of 2019 to 110 needy families in Silver Spring. These MCC neighbors -- including refugees from Syria, Afghanistan and other countries -- received a total of 4400 pounds of essential food, including rice, pasta, sugar, cooking oil, cereal, canned goods, fresh produce, and more. MCC gratefully acknowledges its partnership with the Capital Area Food Bank and the generous donations of MCC members.
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Building the Beloved Community: Interfaith Martin Luther King Jr. Day Services
 Celebrate Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King's life and legacy on Sunday, January 19 at 3:00 p.m. at Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church in Bethesda. Click
here for more information.
Washington Hebrew Congregation will hold its
Interfaith MLK Dinner and Shabbat on Friday, January 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Marian Wright Edelman will be the guest speaker. The congregation will also sponsor a
Day of Service on January 20.
Faith Community Working Groups
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Kenyan delegation and County representatives
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Religious Land Use Working Group
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The Montgomery County Model for Creating Social Cohesion and Public Safety has informed the work of kindred spirits in 66 countries.
The 50th international delegation was from Kenya and included a county executive, nonprofit executives, and directors of human service programs.
Pictured above (left) are the Kenyan representatives and Captain Sonia Pruitt, Montgomery County Police Department Community Engagement Division; Harriet Shangarai, African Liaison in the Office of Community Partnerships; Alyssa Sanders, Linkages to Learning; Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky, Jewish Community Relations Council and Faith Community Working Group Co-Chair; Lubna Ejaz, Chair of the Muslim Community Center Board of Trustees and Co-Chair of the Faith Community Working Group; and Rev. Mansfield Kaseman, Interfaith Community Liaison.
The Religious Land Use Working Group (pictured above right) met with Dale Tibbitts, Special Assistant to the County Executive, and Claire Iseli, Special Assistant to the County Executive, to provide background and highlights of accomplishments over several years. RLUWG exists to develop and maintain respectful and collaborative working relationships between faith communities and County government entities regarding land use. This includes educational workshops and shepherding faith communities through the complicated process of gaining permits for buying, building, and renovating property.
RLUWG currently has a caseload of six faith communities that are dealing with a wide spectrum of issues including taxation, adding a daycare center, constructing a meditation center, authenticating an ancient Buddha relic, meeting new codes on energy conservation and gaining permits for a large sanctuary. The next Empowering Houses of Worship workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3, at 7:00 p.m., which will include seven departments and offices providing resources. Venue and registration information will be forthcoming.
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Morazan, El Salvador Sister City
The Morazan Sister City Committee held a brunch fundraiser on Sunday, January 5th at Chapala Restaurant in Burtonsville, MD. The proceeds will help sponsor college scholarships for students in Morazan, El Salvador.
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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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