(Pictured the Honorable Isiah Leggett and the first lady Catherine Leggett)
UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE EASTERN MONTGOMERYREGIONALSERVICESCENTER!!!
Project "CLEAN” community improvement grants now available
The EasternMontgomeryRegionalServicesCenter is pleased to announce the initiation of Project CLEAN, County LivingEquals Attractive Neighborhoods. This program will be accepting applications for its community improvement grants starting on December 11, 2006. Guidelines as well as application criteria is available on our web site: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/eastco
Get Energy Assistance
East County Energy Assistance Day will be held on December 7th, 2006 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Eastern Montgomery Regional Services Center. Applicants must be Baltimore Gas and Electric customers living in Montgomery County and have a turn-off notice or no service for their electricity. Applicants must also bring with them proof of residence, Social Security cards for all household members, photo identification, proof of household incomes for the last 30 days and their most recent BGE and heating bills. For more information and questions about eligibility for the program, call # (240) 777-4450
East County Apartment Managers Luncheon - December 12, 2006
The EasternMontgomeryRegionalServicesCenter is hosting a luncheon for area Apartment Managers to learn more about what we do and how we may better serve them.The event is part of the Center’s East County Apartment Managers Partnership (ECAMP), a program designed to allow MontgomeryCounty the opportunity to network regarding issues of concern to managers and residents of apartment communities.The luncheon will be held on December 12th.If your are an Apartment Manager in the Fairland, White Oak, or Cloverly area and would like to receive an invitation, please call the Center at # 240-777-8400 before December 11, 2006
Angel Tree 2006 at the EMRSC
Join the EasternMontgomeryRegionalServicesCenter in giving new clothes or toys to needy children this Holiday Season. SALVATION ARMY and EMRSC is giving you honor and opportunity to make a BIG difference in the lives of needy children this Christmas.So what are you waiting for ? Lets do this together and make an angel smile again this year! For further information, please contact Eastern Montgomery Regional Services Center at # 240-777-8400 before December 13, 2006.
SAD NEWS ON THE PASSING OF BARBARA MEDINA (BOARD MEMBER)
The East County Citizens Advisory Board and The Eastern Montgomery Regional Services Center Staff express their deepest condolences to the family of Board Member Ms. Barbara Medina. Her presence will be sorely missed and remembered.
In the honor of Barbara Medina, her family will hold a memorial service at:
Location: The UnitarianUniversalistChurch of Silver Spring
10309 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD20903
Date: Sunday, December 10th at 3:00 pm
Reception to follow Memorial Service. For further information, please call #(301) 434-4050
CURRENT ON-GOING AND PREVIOUSLY HELD EVENTS AT THE CENTER
The MontgomeryCounty Office of Human Rights
On November 13th 2006, the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights successfully initiated their community outreach program at the Eastern Montgomery Regional Services Center as well as the other 4 Regional Service Centers. The Investigator provides information, brochures, publications and intake services for anyone with human rights law enforcement concerns. The Office of Human Rights enforces Chapter 27, Article I of the Montgomery County Code which prohibits discrimination in employment, commercial and residential real estate transactions, public accommodations and intimidation on the bases of race, color, sex, religious creed, ancestry, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, family responsibilities, source of income and presence of children (housing only), genetic status (employment only) and age (housing and employment only). The Human Rights Investigator will be available every Monday from 10:00am to 2:00pm at the EasternMontgomeryRegionalServicesCenter for walk-ins and by appointment. Appointments for the EasternMontgomeryCenter can be made at # (240) 777-8450 (Voice) or #(240)777-8480 (TDD).
The Human Rights Investigator will be available at EMRSC on:
December, 2006-4th, 11th and 18th
January, 2007- 8th , 22nd and 29th
WOW (Women's Wining Wardrobe) Event - A BIG Success !!!
November 17th, what a wonderful day we had! There were 61 “Shoppers” who attended our Winning Wardrobe “Shopping Spree” and we saw a lot of real happy faces as they left. This was the EasternMontgomeryRegionalServicesCenter’s second Winning Wardrobe Shopping event, as a part of its Wonderful Opportunities for Women (WOW) Program.The day started at 12:00 PM when women began to arrive to shop for professional attire to wear to job interviews, the beginning of their transition into the workforce.They chose from a vast selection of suits, shoes, purses, jewelry, and coats generously donated by members of the community.Each was assisted by a volunteer who gave tips on dressing professionally, helped to coordinate outfits, and made them feel welcome.
As the last of the ladies left, we were able to look over the day and know that it was effort well spent.Their smiles and their gratitude told us that the event was needed and very much appreciated.Many thanks go to our committee and volunteers for their thoughtfulness, valuable time, and tremendous attitudes in producing such an awesome event!
Driver training class draws a crowd on November 18, 2006
The AARP driver training Class drew over 25 people to its class on Saturday, November 18th. The class, traditionally known as “55 Alive” is designed to enhance the skills of senior drivers, aged 50 and over. The 8 hour course was taught by John Nash, an AARP volunteer and East County resident, and is always a lively session full of very useful driver information. The additional benefit of taking the course is the 10% discount possible from your vehicle insurance carrier.For more information about Senior Driver Training classes, please go the AARP web site: www.aarp.org
Grant Writing Workshop
Thirty one people attended the grant writing workshop at the EasternMontgomeryRegionalCenter. The 2 day workshop, on November 30th and December 1st, attracted registrants from as far away as South Carolina, Delaware and New Yorkas well as a good mix of people from the Washington Metro area. The course, which was conducted by Grant Writing USA in partnership with the RegionalCenter, received very good evaluations for content, materials and knowledge of the instructor Ms. Jennene Colky.
For future course information including registration fees, venue locations and online enrollment please visit http://GrantWritingUSA.com.
Eagle Scout Community Service Project
Kenneth Malloy and the Boy Scouts from troop 96, from the Peoples Community Baptist Church, have been doing a fantastic job improving the landscaping around the EasternMontgomeryRegionalCenter and the StatuaryPark at the BriggsChaneyPark and Ride lot. Scout Malloy chose this as his eagle scout community service project, which entailed weeding and mulching all of the trees and shrubs at the Regional Services center building and at the adjacent Statuary park. Along with spreading the 25 cubic yards of mulch, the scouts also planted azaleas and trimmed all the trees and hedges. The work was conducted on each of the Saturdays in the month of November,2006.
BEFORE AFTER
BEFORE AFTER
Update on The PeoplesCommunity Wellness Center (TPWC)
A COOPERATIVE Venture between the People's Community and Wellness Center (TPWC), Eastern Montgomery Regional Services Center (EMRSC) and Mobile Med.
Location:
Eastern Regional Service Center (EMRSC), 3300 Briggs Chaney Road, Silver Spring, MD 20904
Effective July 1, 2006, the new hours of operation for The People's Community Wellness Center (TPCWC) are as follows:
TPCWC
Monday,Tuesday-- Wednesday, Thursday -- Friday--
8:30am to 4:30pm. 2:00pm to 10:00pm. 8:30am to 4:30pm.
**Note: All patients are seen by appointment only, No Walk-Ins will be taken.
First Thursday Night of Every Month: Women's Clinic (Appointment Required) Second Thursday Night of Every Month: Men's Clinic(No Appointment Required)
TPCWC/Mobile Medical Van, Walk-In Clinic (Parking Lot at EMRSC)
Every Thursday--8:30am to 12:00pm (noon) **Note: No appointment required.
TPCWC and Mobile Medical cannot provide Emergency Care. Patients requiring Emergency Care should dial 911 or report to the nearest hospital emergency room.
We hope that you will find the above information helpful, as TPCWC attempts to expand access to healthcare for residents of Eastern Montgomery County. If you have additional questions, you can contact TPCWC at (301) 847-1172 or www.pcw.onehealthylife.org
COUNTYNEWS !!!
Duncan Opens New Rockville Library, State-of-the-artFacilityAnchorsTownCenter Redevelopment - Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan today joined other public officials and community members in opening the Countys new $26 million, state-of-the-art library in downtown Rockville. The three-story, nearly 100,000-square- foot facility is the first to open as part of the RockvilleTownCenter project and will serve as an anchor for the new development. To read more: http://montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/News/press/PR_details.asp?PrID=2920
County Health Officials Urge Residents to Get Flu Shots; Clinics Planned for December 7- County health officials are urging County residents of all ages to receive a flu vaccination before flu season peaks and will hold two flu vaccination clinics in Silver Spring and Germantown on Thursday, December 7 from 9 a.m. to noon. In Silver Spring, the clinic will be held at the EastCountyCommunityRecreationCenter, located at 3310 Gateshead Manor Way, Silver Spring, MD. In Germantown, the clinic will be held at the GermantownCommunityRecreationCenter, located at 18905 Kingsview Road. For more information click here : http://montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/News/press/PR_details.asp?PrID=2916
Clean Energy Rewards - Help make history by joining the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection's ground-breaking Clean Energy Rewards program - there's no other program like this out there. County residents will receive 1 cent and non-residential groups, such as business and congregations, will receive 1.5 cents for each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of eligible clean energy consumed. www.montgomerycountymd.gov/cleanenergyrewards
Seeks Change in Maryland Delivery Rates- Pepco asked the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) to authorizean increase in electricity distribution rates in Maryland, the first delivery rate increase in nearly a decade.If approved, the change would add about 3.9 percent to monthly residential electric bills. The typical bill for a Standard Offer Service residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours a month would increase $5.33 from $135.94 to $141.27. To review the Immediate News Release dated November 17, 2006, click here.
Energy INFOWIRE is a new Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Energy Programs service to the community. Their esubscription newsletter serves DEP Energy Programs electronic information portal for energy-efficiency, renewable energy, energy security information and more. Plug-in to Energy InfoWIRE today to receive regular updates on energy issues, events, policies, and tips!
Maryland Disability Law Center (MDLC) - If you are a Marylander with a disability and have experienced problems during voting or know someone who had a problem voting, please contact MDLC, the states protection and advocacy system, and report about the problem. MDLC will take your concerns to the State and local boards of elections. To report a voting problem contact Maryland Disability Law Center at (410) 727-6352, ext. 239; (800) 233-7201, ext. 239 or TTY (410) 727-6387. Email: kimb@mdlcbalto.org
Montgomery Rx Discount Prescription Drug Cards Available throughout the CountyMontgomeryCounty residents who do not have prescription drug coverage- are encouraged to use the Montgomery Rx prescription drug discount cards when filling prescriptions. The Montgomery Rx program, launched in December 2004, provides FREE prescription discount cards to County residents, through a program sponsored by the National Association of Counties. To learn more go to: http://montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/News/press/PR_details.asp?PrID=2811
MontgomeryCounty Recreation Guide The Montgomery County Recreation and Park Programs Winter 2006-2007 Guide is now available. To download Guide go to: http://montgomerycountymd.gov/rectmpl.asp?url=/content/rec/index.asp Guides are available at all CommunityRecreationCenters and all RegionalServicesCenters.
MontgomeryCounty Division of Solid Waste Services -Christmas Trees Recycling -This year's collection will run from December 26, 2006 through February 2, 2007. Christmas tree recycling details
Information on Aging and Disability Service on Montgomery Channel # 6 - Michael Bruen of the Montgomery County Office of Public Information has produced a 15 minute segment on Aging and Disability Services. It is being aired on Montgomery County Cable 6. The times it is airing:
Mondays - 10:30 am and 8:45pm Tuesdays - 2:30pm and 12:45am Wednesdays - 7:45pm Thursdays - 1:30pm and 11:45pm Fridays - 6:45pm Saturdays - 12:30pm and 9:45pm
LEGISLATIVE NEWS !
To view the Council Agenda; click on the following links:
Council Approves Verizon Franchise to Offer Cable TV - The Montgomery County Council today unanimously approved a franchise agreement with Verizon Communications that will permit Verizon to enter the market to offer cable television service in the County. To read more: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/Apps/Council/PressRelease/PR_details.asp?PrID=2919
CouncilApprovesCountyGreenBuilding Requirements - The Montgomery County Council today unanimously enacted GreenBuilding requirements for future public and private construction in MontgomeryCounty, the strongest GreenBuilding requirements in the region. To learn more go to:
Counseling and CareerCenter for Women - CounselingAvailable!
The Montgomery County Commission for WomenCounseling & CareerCenter provides three types of counseling services for adults: Personal, Couples, and Career. We offer Personal Counseling for people who are experiencing a wide variety of issues and concerns. Our Career Counseling can help with career planning and work-related issues. Couples Counseling focuses on helping couples improve their communication and problem-solving skills.Counseling sessions are 50 minutes with a fee for MontgomeryCounty residents of $40. A sliding scale discount may be available for MontgomeryCounty residents. To schedule an appointment, call (240) 777 - 8300.
To also enroll for training sessions in Business and Professional Development for Women, Anger Management Skills for Women, Separation and Divorce Support Group for Women, etc. and programs designed for Counselors, Social Workers and other Human Service Professionals, please click www.montgomerycountymd.gov/cfw or call 240-777-8300 (Voice) /301-279-1034 (TTY)
OTHER SIGNIFICANT EVENTS/NEWS
Linkages to Learning - is a social and educational group for mothers at Greencastle ES and Banneker MS.The group will meet on the 2nd Wednesday of each month beginning in October and ending in June.They offer refreshments, childcare, guest speakers, activities, and time to network and socialize with other mothers.Join them for a lively discussions and presentations.Pre-registration and attendance at all sessions are not required!
Topic -Managing Your Family’s Finances
Presenter -Rosemary Hill, Center for Financial Education
Date -Wednesday, December 13, 3006 Time : 9:15am-10:30am Location -Linkages to Learning Office @ GreencastleElementary School
To RSVP click here or call at the numbers captioned below
For more information, contact Nicki Sanders, Site Coordinator at GreencastleElementary School ,13611 Robey Road, Silver Spring, MD20904 [Ph] 301-572-7001[Fax] 301-572-7002 OR at BannekerMiddle School, 14800 Perrywood Drive, Burtonsville, MD20866 [Ph] 301-476-7672[Fax] 301-476-7660
Nominees Sought for Montgomery County's 2007 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Awards and Children of the Dream Awards; Annual Event Set for January 15, 2007 -- Montgomery Countys Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Committee is seeking nominations for its annual Humanitarian and Children of the Dream awards. To read more go to:http://montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/News/press/PR_details.asp?PrID=2907
Critical Blood Shortage Hits NIH and Other AreaHospitals - The NIH Blood Bank is in urgent need of type O blood donors .Both local and regional inventories of this blood type are dangerously low. We have patients in the hospital now who need your help. If you are a donor with blood type O, please donate today by visiting the NIH Blood Bank located on the first floor of the ClinicalCenter. We are open from 7:30 AM until 5:30 PM. Please call for an appointment or directions at (301)496-1048. Convenient, free parking is available for blood donors.If you have not donated blood before and are not sure if you are eligible, please check our website http://www.cc.nih.gov/dtm/html/donrinfo.htm to learn more about being a donor at NIH. THANK YOU FOR HELPING SAVE A LIFE TODAY!
Living the Green Life Lecture Series Fall 2006-Winter 2007 – The Maryland-NationalCapitalPark and Planning Commission will be hosting Fall 2006/Winter 2007 Lecture Series on Home Weatherization, Tax Credits for Green Updates, Green Remodels and Additions, Raingardens. For information on Lecture scheduled click here or visit :
Drive with Deer in Mind Deer mating season has begun (October through December), which means increased deer activity on and near roads. Take caution. To learn more go to: http://www.mc-mncppc.org/environment/deer/index.shtm
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES!!!
Volunteers Needed to Work with Crime Victims
- MontgomeryCounty residents interested in assisting sexual assault victims and their families are needed to serve as volunteers with the Victim Assistance and Sexual Assault Program of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services. Volunteers are needed to work in the Rockville and Silver Spring District Court locations and to work with crime victims seeking legal remedies for protection. There is a critical need for Spanish-speaking volunteers at the Silver Spring District Court and volunteers able to work Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. All potential volunteers must attend a training program, which covers crisis intervention skills and the specialized knowledge of the emotional, medical and legal issues that victims face. Volunteers will have the opportunity to shadow professional victim assistants in the courts. Volunteers are asked to make a commitment to serve for one year, for a minimum of three hours per week. To receive more information or to arrange an interview, call the Montgomery County Victim Assistance and Sexual Assault Program at 240-777-1355 or go to www.montgomerycountymd.gov/vasap and click on the link for volunteering/donating
Volunteers Needed to Assist Crime Victims in District Court - MontgomeryCounty residents are needed to serve as volunteers with the Victim Assistance and Sexual Assault Program (VASAP) of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services. Volunteers are needed to work in the Rockville and Silver Spring District Court locations and will be trained to work with crime victims seeking legal remedies for protection. There is a critical need for Spanish-speaking volunteers at the Silver Spring District Court and English-speaking volunteers are needed in both locations. Volunteers should be able to work Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Volunteers must be at least 21 years old and candidates should be supportive, assertive and flexible with good language skills. Thorough training will be provided by VASAP staff and volunteers will have the opportunity to shadow professional victim assistants in the courts. Volunteers are asked to make a commitment to serve for one year, for a minimum of four hours per week. To receive more information or to arrange an interview, call the Montgomery County Victim Assistance and Sexual Assault Program at 240-777-1355 or go to www.montgomerycountymd.gov/vasap and click on the link for volunteering/donating.
The Weekend/Evening (W/E) Volunteer and Weekend/Evening Kids Action Network (W/E KAN) Volunteer Program, in conjunction with Calvert, provides weekend and evening volunteer projects for those who would like to participate in one-time, group community service activities on weekends, evenings, and holidays. To view the web site go to:
Holiday Shopping is starting--are you ready? In order to make sure your money is well spent and that you can rest assured that you are a "Smart Consumer", do some homework before you begin shopping. Research the items you are looking to purchase online at http://www.consumerreports.org/ Consumer Reports also has a Holiday Shopping Guide http://www.consumerreports.org/ with tips and information. Be sure to consider safety when buying items by checking with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission at http://www.cpsc.gov/. Lastly, make a budget of how much you can afford to spend on holiday items and activities. Check it often to make sure you are within your budget--you don't want to end your holiday season with mounds of debt.
Fall Checklist - With temperatures dropping, we as consumers need to work on our fall to-do list to maintain our homes and save money. If you are buying firewood, make sure you select a licensed firewood dealer. A cord of wood is defined as eight feet long by four feet high and four feet wide. Ask specifically for dry, seasoned wood. Have your chimney cleaned by a licensed chimney sweep. Make sure the fireplace damper is in the closed position when the fireplace is not in use. To learn more go to: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ocptmpl.asp?url=/content/ocp/index.asp
Consumer Protection Issues Annual Report on Prepaid Gift Cards - Montgomery County’s Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) has issued its fourth annual gift card study called, Gift Cards 2006: Retail Cards Continue to Improve (With Prodding); Bank Cards Still Have Problems. The report contains valuable information and recommendations regarding gift cards issued by 40 stores and restaurants and 10 banks/financial institutions. To learn more go to: http://montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/News/press/PR_details.asp?PrID=2903
Office of Consumer Protections -With the Holiday Season approaching, are you thinking of giving to a charity? While that is a great thing to do, be sure that your dollars are really going to help. Do your research on charities to ensure that the charity is registered with the Maryland Secretary of State. But don't stop there. Check the Secretary of State's records to see how much of the charity's dollars go to "management and general expenses" and how much go to "charitable program". Never give your personal information to someone who calls you on the phone--ask them to send you written information. Then do your research to make sure you want to give to that charity. For more information, see
Maryland Secretary of State: Charitable Organizations Division
For a complete listing of all Fairland Library events, please click this link
WHITE OAK LIBRARY CALENDAR OF EVENTS
For a complete listing of all Fairland Library events, please click this link
Testing and EducationResourceCenter Now Available
This new resource has been added recently to the MCPL Online Resources collection. With the Testing and EducationResourceCenter, users can search for careers, colleges, graduate schools, and scholarship and financial aid information, as well as take online practice exams and read test preparation eBooks. Access the Testing and EducationResourceCenter from any library branch or from home with a MontgomeryCounty library card. Learn more.
WISHING EVERYONE AND A
EXCITING RECIPES AND QUOTE OF THE YEAR !!!
Recipe for Christmas!
Gingerbread men, eggnog, sugar cookies and more! Find all the recipe favorites that make for a festive Christmas. Find all the recipe favorites that make a festive Christmas at :
Take twelve fine, full-grown months; see that these are thoroughly free from old memories of bitterness, rancor and hate, cleanse them completely from every clinging spite; pick off all specks of pettiness and littleness; in short, see that these months are freed from all the past—have them fresh and clean as when they first came from the great storehouse of Time. Cut these months into thirty or thirty-one equal parts. Do not attempt to make up the whole batch at one time (so many persons spoil the entire lot this way) but prepare one day at a time.
Into each day put equal parts of faith, patience, courage, work (some people omit this ingredient and so spoil the flavor of the rest), hope, fidelity, liberality, kindness, rest (leaving this out is like leaving the oil out of the salad dressing— don’t do it), prayer, meditation, and one well-selected resolution. Put in about one teaspoonful of good spirits, a dash of fun, a pinch of folly, a sprinkling of play, and a heaping cupful of good humor.
Quote of the Year!
"Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us" - Hal Borland
WE WANT YOUR FEEDBACK!!!
Are there County programs or information you would like to hear more about? Concerns that you would like to see addressed? We would like to hear from you so that we can plan events that better meet your needs.
The Eastern Montgomery Regional Services Center was designed to bring direct services to the East County and to bridge the distance between residents and the County government. Your suggestions, ideas, and recommendations are important to us in our planning efforts. Please bring them to our attention by emailing us at eastco.citizen@montgomerycountymd.gov or by calling 240-777-8400.
Our next meeting of the East County Citizens Advisory Board (ECCAB), will be held on Wednesday, December 6th, 2006 at 7:15PM at the Eastern Montgomery Regional Services Center 3300 Briggs Chaney Road Silver Spring, MD 20904.
Guests are invited to attend East County Citizens Advisory Board meetings and encouraged to ask questions and provide comments. If you have questions about an agenda item please contact the office at: For special accommodations please contact our office at least 72 hours in advance.
Seniors
ty Office of Human Rights successfully initiated their community outreach program at the Eastern Montgomery Regional Services Center as well as the other 4 Regional Service Centers. The Investigator provides information, brochures, publications and intake services for anyone with human rights law enforcement concerns. The Office of Human Rights enforces Chapter 27, Article I of the Montgomery County Code which prohibits discrimination in employment, commercial and residential real estate transactions, public accommodations and intimidation on the bases of race, color, sex, religious creed, ancestry, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, family responsibilities, source of income and presence of children (housing only), genetic status (employment only) and age (housing and employment only). The Human Rights Investigator will be available every Monday from 
County Health Officials Urge Residents to Get Flu Shots; Clinics Planned for December 7 - County health officials are urging County residents of all ages to receive a flu vaccination before flu season peaks and will hold two flu vaccination clinics in Silver Spring and Germantown on Thursday, December 7 from 9 a.m. to noon. In 
The Montgomery County Commission for 
Recipe for Christmas!
Are there County programs or information you would like to hear more about? Concerns that you would like to see addressed? We would like to hear from you so that we can plan events that better meet your needs. 
Get Energy Assistance
East County Apartment Managers Luncheon - December 12, 2006 
Angel Tree 2006 at the EMRSC
WOW (Women's Wining Wardrobe) Event - A BIG Success !!! 
Driver training class draws a crowd on November 18, 2006 
Montgomery County
Seeks Change in 
Council Approves Verizon Franchise to Offer Cable TV 
Critical Blood Shortage Hits NIH and Other 
Holiday
FAIRLAND LIBRARY CALENDAR OF EVENTS 
