HONORING A BUFFALO SOLDIER … The Montgomery County Council on Nov. 10 honored James Daugherty of Silver Spring, who at age 19 joined the Army's 92nd World War II Infantry Division, a segregated unit made up of African Americans whose members became known as the “Buffalo Soldiers.” The unit has been recognized for its heroic achievements and Mr. Daugherty was awarded a Bronze Star. Mr. Daugherty went on to a distinguished career in the U.S. Public Health Service and he became the first African American to serve on the Montgomery County Board of Education. Mr. Daugherty’s first-person account of his military experiences are chronicled in his just released book, The Buffalo Saga. At the ceremonies in Rockville recognizing Mr. Daugherty were, left to right: his wife, Dorothy; his son, Derek; Councilmember Mike Knapp, a military veteran; Mr. Daugherty; Councilmember Valerie Ervin and Council President Phil Andrews.

EQUAL BENEFITS FOR CONTRACTORS … Montgomery County District 4 Councilmember Nancy Navarro (at podium) on Nov. 2 gave details of an “equal benefits” bill that she will introduce before the Council. The legislation would extend to employees of many contractors and subcontractors performing work for the County the same benefits already granted to County employees. Since 2000, the County has extended equal benefits to same sex domestic partners of County employees. Among those at the event in Rockville were, left to right: Councilmembers Duchy Trachtenberg, Marc Elrich, Roger Berliner and Valerie Ervin; Dana Beyer of the office of Councilmember Trachtenberg; Councilmember Nancy Floreen; and Morgan Meneses-Sheets of the group Equality Maryland. Councilmembers Phil Andrews and George Leventhal also are cosponsors of the bill.

 
TOP TEACHER … The Montgomery County Council on July 14 recognized Diane Kolata, a fifth grade reading and language arts teacher extraordinaire at Chevy Chase Elementary School, for being named a recipient of The Washington Post’s prestigious ‘Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award.’ Each year, The Post honors teachers who exemplify excellence in their profession. Presenting a proclamation on behalf of the Council were Councilmember Roger Berliner, left, whose district includes the Chevy Chase community, and Councilmember Valerie Ervin, right, who chairs the Council’s Education Committee.

June 23, 2009 - Teacher of the Year

TEACHER OF THE YEAR … Bryan Goehring, a science teacher at Takoma Park Middle School, was honored by the Montgomery County Council on June 23 for being named 2008-09 Montgomery County Public Schools Teacher of the Year by the Montgomery County Business Roundtable for Education. He has been praised by students, parents and fellow teachers for his creative and enthusiastic approach to education and as one who has made a difference in the lives of children. Among those who shared good thoughts about Bryan is Councilmember Valerie Ervin, right, who presented a proclamation on behalf of the Council and is the parent of one of Bryan’s former students.

May 16, 2009 - Community Gardens 

Councilmember Ervin opens the County's first community garden at Sligo Overlook Park in Takoma Park. With Councilmember Ervin are Takoma Park Mayor, Bruce Williams, City Councilmember, Dan Robinson, and residents from the Pinecrest Neighborhood. The garden contains 33 plots, a rain garden, community bulletin board, on-site water, seating, and new fruit trees and blueberry and fig plants. Councilmember Ervin requested that the Parks Department initiate the garden program last fall. Sligo Overlook Park is the Parks Department's first pilot site.

 March 26, 2009 - Pedestrian Safety Improvements

Councilmember Ervin speaks outside of the Elizabeth House in Silver Spring about the pedestrian safety improvements made to 2nd Avenue.  These pedestrian safety improvements were critical because of the high number of senior residents living nearby and for those who participate in Holy Cross Hospital Senior Source programs, which offer an array of health and wellness classes, health screenings and intellectually stimulating programs for active senior adults.

 March 26, 2009 - Councilmember Ervin at Town of Kensington

Kensington:  Councilmember Ervin joins Town of Kensington Mayor Peter Fosselman at a Town Council meeting

Wheaton Ice Skating Academy - March 25, 2009 

Wheaton Ice Skating Academy: Councilmember Ervin joined Wheaton Ice Skating Academy students who glided to the top of the medal ceremonies at the 2009 Junior Nationals Championship in Lake Placid, New York.  Three of Wheaton's dance teams won medals and one team took home the U.S. national championship. These skaters train at the Wheaton Ice Arena, which is located at 11717 Orebaugh Ave in Wheaton, and is operated by Montgomery County Department of Park and Planning’s Parks Department.

 Year of the Ox - January 27, 2009

YEAR OF THE OX … Members of the Montgomery County Council and County Executive Isiah Leggett joined members of Montgomery County’s Chinese community on Jan. 27 in Rockville to help celebrate the Asian Lunar New Year, which will be symbolized by the Year of the Ox.