Naomi Bloch, representing Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, joined many elected officials, members of the Cryor family and several officials from the Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commission on Monday, July 12, 2010, to honor, remember and dedicate Glen Hills Local Park to Jean B. Cryor in Potomac, Maryland. In the course of her life, Jean Cryor served the community she loved in so many ways. She was a journalist, a District 15 Delegate, and at the time of her death, she was a Commissioner on the Montgomery County Planning Board.
There were many heartfelt remarks and stories shared by all of the many speakers who came to honor a dear friend and colleague. Among those making remarks during the ceremony were former Planning Boad Chair Royce Hanson, County Council President Nancy Floreen, District 15 Delegates Brian Feldman and Kathleen Dumais, both of whom served with Jean in Annapolis for many years, and State Senators Jeannie Forehand and Richard Mandaleno. Glen Hills Park had special meaning to the Cryor family and was a place Jean spent many happy hours with her children and grandchildren.
Showing posts with label Naomi Bloch. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Naomi Bloch. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
Organization of Chinese Americans’ Picnic in Gaithersburg
Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg was represented by Naomi Bloch at the annual OCA (Organization of Chinese Americans) National picnic that took place on Saturday, July 10th at Boher Park in Gaithersburg. The picnic, which was very well-attended, included County Executive Ike Leggett and Councilmembers George Leventhal and Phil Andrews as special guests.
Located in Washington, D.C., the mission of OCA is to advance the social, political and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans and it has chapters all across the United States. To fulfill its mission, OCA has established the following goals:
Located in Washington, D.C., the mission of OCA is to advance the social, political and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans and it has chapters all across the United States. To fulfill its mission, OCA has established the following goals:
- to advocate for social justice, equal opportunity and fair treatment;
- to promote civic participation, education and leadership;
- to advance coalitions and community building;
- to foster cultural heritage.
Aunt Hattie’s Place: Trachtenberg Office Attends Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening.
The Trachtenberg Office was represented at the Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening of Aunt Hattie’s Place in Sandy Spring. Sandy Spring is the third foster home created by Dr. Hattie N. Washington, the founder and president of the facilities and a full-time professor at Coppin State University in Baltimore. Dr. Washington, known as “Aunt Hattie,” established the first Aunt Hattie’s Place in Baltimore City in 1997 when she was assistant school superintendent and witnessed the need for good homes for foster children. The second home was opened in Baltimore County in 2003, and this third location is on Norwood Road in Sandy Spring.
Aunt Hattie’s Place, Inc. is dedicated to providing a safe, stable, nurturing, and long-term home, if needed, for abused, abandoned, and neglected children in foster car. Though started in Dr. Washington’s own home in 1994, AHP strives to rear these deserving children to become productive, responsible, successful adult citizens who will live fulfilling lives and benefit our communities and our nation.
County Executive Ike Leggett, members of the State legislative, the County Council, and many friends for the business and civic community were on hand for the ribbon cutting. Alan Bowser and Naomi Bloch represented Councilmember Trachtenberg at the inspirational program.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Heritage Days Celebration Part 1
The Trachtenberg staff visited some of the many Heritage Montgomery locations and events that were featured this past weekend (June 26-27) throughout Montgomery County.
Each year, on this last weekend of June, Heritage Montgomery hosts its signature event – the annual Heritage Days Celebration. This two-day, free-of-charge, county-wide event festival offers visitors an opportunity to sample over 40 sites representing the history, culture, and natural beauty of Montgomery County. In addition to the participation of larger, well-supported sites such as Glen Echo Park and the Sandy Spring Museum, Heritage Days offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy many small sites that are not regularly open to the public.
Naomi and her husband visited historic Clarksburg and the Button Farm with a restful stop at Black Hill Park in between.
In Clarksburg they enjoyed live music, good food and friendly people all while touring the featured sites via the free trolley! The highlights of their visit were stops at the 100 year old Clarksburg Elementary School and the Clarksburg United Methodist Church. At each stop their passport-style booklet was stamped and at the end of the visit, having collected all the stamps they collected a small gift which was a great way to end their wonderful visit to historic Clarksburg!
For more information about The Clarksburg Historical Society: P.O. Box 496. Clarksburg, MD 20871. Phone: 301-428-0190 email: JoannClarksburg@aol.com.
At the Button Farm Naomi and her husband walked through the heirloom vegetable garden and visited with Tony Cohen, director of the Menare Foundation and chatted with him about this living history farm. For more information about the Button Farm and the Menare Foundation: http://www.menare.org/buttonfarm.html and/or http://www.menare.org/menare.html.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Councilmember Trachtenberg Speaks to the Western Montgomery Citizens Advisory Board
Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, as Chair of the Management and Fiscal Policy Committee (MFP) spoke before the Western Montgomery Citizens Advisory Board on Monday, June 21 and briefed the Board and the residents present about the next steps regarding the ongoing economic challenges facing Montgomery County now that the budget for FY11 has been voted on.
She talked about the critical need to restructure the way the county operates because “business as usual” is no longer an option. Councilmember Trachtenberg explained, for one example that 80% of the county’s economic responsibilities are for county staff and the overly generous benefits and retirement obligations to county employees.
She added that this critical work of restructuring county government will be ongoing in the months and years ahead and that it is critical that the County Council receive input from the residents of the county as all the various options are considered.
District 1 Councilmember Roger Berliner also spoke at the meeting and talked about specific issues facing the Bethesda, Chevy Chase and Potomac areas of the county. He updated everyone on BRAC and the White Flint Sector Plan and also commented on the seriousness of the budget work ahead for the County Council.
Everyone joined together to honor Bill Bronrott as he was presented with a certificate of appreciation for his long years of service to the community. Mr. Bronrott recently resigned as Delegate to accept a position in the Obama Administration.
The Western Montgomery Citizens Advisory Group (WMCAB) meets monthly and their meetings are open to the public. For more information and a schedule of their meetings, click here.
She added that this critical work of restructuring county government will be ongoing in the months and years ahead and that it is critical that the County Council receive input from the residents of the county as all the various options are considered.
District 1 Councilmember Roger Berliner also spoke at the meeting and talked about specific issues facing the Bethesda, Chevy Chase and Potomac areas of the county. He updated everyone on BRAC and the White Flint Sector Plan and also commented on the seriousness of the budget work ahead for the County Council.
Everyone joined together to honor Bill Bronrott as he was presented with a certificate of appreciation for his long years of service to the community. Mr. Bronrott recently resigned as Delegate to accept a position in the Obama Administration.
The Western Montgomery Citizens Advisory Group (WMCAB) meets monthly and their meetings are open to the public. For more information and a schedule of their meetings, click here.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Middle Eastern American Advisory Group Meeting
The Trachtenberg office was represented by Naomi Bloch at the monthly meeting of the Middle Eastern American Advisory Group (MEAAG) that took place on Monday evening, June 14th from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. The meeting is typically held in the Office of Community Partnerships, located at 255 Rockville Pike, Suite 102 Rockville, MD 20850. The meeting agenda touched on the matter of how international events in the news may be impacting our local communities of residents who come from the various countries where these incidents are and have been taking place. The Group discussed what actions the MEAAG might be able to take to help with outreach to the community members affected by these volatile international crises.
The purpose of the Advisory group is to ensure that the County Executive is well informed of and able to act effectively to respond to the needs and concerns of Middle Eastern Americans living and or working here in Montgomery County. For more information about the MEAAG meetings, which are open to the public, click here.
The purpose of the Advisory group is to ensure that the County Executive is well informed of and able to act effectively to respond to the needs and concerns of Middle Eastern Americans living and or working here in Montgomery County. For more information about the MEAAG meetings, which are open to the public, click here.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
District 18 Breakfast Club
Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg was the guest speaker at the District 18 Breakfast Club that met at the Tastee Diner on Cameron Street in Silver Spring at 7:30 am on Monday, June 14th.
The Councilmember spoke with the group about the formidable work ahead regarding the county’s budget and the need for Montgomery County to significantly re-structure how the county does business moving forward. She talked about the various reasons for the challenging budget conditions facing the county; from the historic downturn in the over all economy to the unsustainable growth in government that was taking place in previous years when the county’s revenue situation was not the concern it is today.
Councilmember Trachtenberg also talked about the challenge of increasing the county’s reserves to 10% from the previous levels of 6% which is the recommendation from the Bond Rating Agencies and must be accomplished in order for our county to maintain its AAA Bond Rating in the years ahead.
She took several questions from the audience that touched on a range of topics from economic development to the huge portion of the county’s budget for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) to the future of some of the county’s non-profits and the future of the Costco development proposal for Westfield Mall in Wheaton.
Naomi Bloch and Alan Bowser of the Tracthenberg staff attended the breakfast with Councilmember Trachtenberg.
The Councilmember spoke with the group about the formidable work ahead regarding the county’s budget and the need for Montgomery County to significantly re-structure how the county does business moving forward. She talked about the various reasons for the challenging budget conditions facing the county; from the historic downturn in the over all economy to the unsustainable growth in government that was taking place in previous years when the county’s revenue situation was not the concern it is today.
Councilmember Trachtenberg also talked about the challenge of increasing the county’s reserves to 10% from the previous levels of 6% which is the recommendation from the Bond Rating Agencies and must be accomplished in order for our county to maintain its AAA Bond Rating in the years ahead.
She took several questions from the audience that touched on a range of topics from economic development to the huge portion of the county’s budget for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) to the future of some of the county’s non-profits and the future of the Costco development proposal for Westfield Mall in Wheaton.
Naomi Bloch and Alan Bowser of the Tracthenberg staff attended the breakfast with Councilmember Trachtenberg.
Friday, June 4, 2010
"The Best Public Spaces, are Public Places"
I enjoyed attending the fourth presentation in the White Flint Partnership Speaker Series: “The Best Public Spaces, Are Public Places” on Wednesday, June 2nd that took place at Dave & Buster’s in the White Flint Mall from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Mr. Rollin Stanley, Planning Director, Montgomery County Planning Department, gave an entertaining and informative slide presentation on what makes public spaces great and places where people want to be. He presented examples of some of the best public spaces throughout the world and talked about the fundamental elements these spaces share: these spaces should engage all five senses; not be overly programmed spaces and work for people of all ages and abilities.
Mr. Stanley also talked about how important it is to think of how these public spaces will look and feel through out any given day, in any season of the year. He said that the public spaces planned for White Flint should offer interesting, fun and unexpected features so that the public will be excited to spend time there to relax and socialize.
I am very enthused about the future of White Flint and look forward to seeing its potential come into focus in the years ahead!
To learn more:
http://www.friendsofwhiteflint.org/ ; http://www.whiteflintplanning.org/ and http://www.montgomeryplanning.org/
Mr. Rollin Stanley, Planning Director, Montgomery County Planning Department, gave an entertaining and informative slide presentation on what makes public spaces great and places where people want to be. He presented examples of some of the best public spaces throughout the world and talked about the fundamental elements these spaces share: these spaces should engage all five senses; not be overly programmed spaces and work for people of all ages and abilities.
Mr. Stanley also talked about how important it is to think of how these public spaces will look and feel through out any given day, in any season of the year. He said that the public spaces planned for White Flint should offer interesting, fun and unexpected features so that the public will be excited to spend time there to relax and socialize.
I am very enthused about the future of White Flint and look forward to seeing its potential come into focus in the years ahead!
To learn more:
http://www.friendsofwhiteflint.org/ ; http://www.whiteflintplanning.org/ and http://www.montgomeryplanning.org/
Thursday, May 27, 2010
The Trachtenberg Office Attends the Up-County Latino Network Monthly Meeting
The Trachtenberg office was represented by Naomi Bloch at the Wednesday, May 26th meeting of the Up-County Latino Network, a bi-monthly meeting that takes place at the Bohrer Park Activity Center – 506 South Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg, Maryland.
A presentation was made to the group by Officer Diane Tillery and Internal Affairs to alert the community members to ongoing scams that take advantage of residents seeking to become citizens. Officer Tillery wanted to urge everyone to reach out to their various community members to alert them to this serious and ongoing fraud.
The upcoming Hispanic Heritage Month Planning was also discussed and everyone was invited to help contribute their ideas and suggestions in order to help make this year’s celebration the best ever. The Hispanic Heritage Month takes place from September 13 to October 13th.
There were several other updates and announcements made by those in attendance and very good networking and exchange of information took place. There will be no meeting in July.
For more information about the Up-County Latino Network and how to participate, click here.
A presentation was made to the group by Officer Diane Tillery and Internal Affairs to alert the community members to ongoing scams that take advantage of residents seeking to become citizens. Officer Tillery wanted to urge everyone to reach out to their various community members to alert them to this serious and ongoing fraud.
The upcoming Hispanic Heritage Month Planning was also discussed and everyone was invited to help contribute their ideas and suggestions in order to help make this year’s celebration the best ever. The Hispanic Heritage Month takes place from September 13 to October 13th.
There were several other updates and announcements made by those in attendance and very good networking and exchange of information took place. There will be no meeting in July.
For more information about the Up-County Latino Network and how to participate, click here.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Trachtenberg Office Attends Talk on Immigrant Families in America by Best Selling Author Steven V. Roberts
Naomi Bloch attended Monday evening’s talk by Steven V. Roberts, best selling author, professor, TV and Radio Analyst that was hosted by the Montgomery County Committee for Ethnic Affairs (CEA) that took place at the Rockville Library from 7:00 to 9:00.
Mr. Roberts spoke about his recent book: “From Every End of This Earth: 13 Families and the New Lives They Made in America”, that profiles 13 families who immigrated to America. Mr. Roberts shared his own family’s immigrant experiences and discussed that even though the immigrant experience is different for each family, the one common thread is what Mr. Roberts described as the sacrifice generation, the ones that face "the pain of dislocation, of missing home, of living in two worlds and never feeling completely comfortable in either one." For many immigrants, this sacrifice is made for the sake of their children.
After Mr. Roberts’ remarks, he opened up the discussion and asked people in the audience to share their own stories concerning their personal immigrant experiences. The issue of intolerance toward new immigrants was discussed extensively and Mr. Roberts pointed out the long history of intolerance in America and how each of the various groups that were at first opposed have gone on to make invaluable contributions to this country and have also ultimately accepted into the society.
Mr. Roberts' talk is the first in a series under a pilot program developed by the Committee on Ethnic Affairs (CEA) to encourage communication among the diverse ethnic communities of Montgomery County. The CEA is under the umbrella of the Office of the County Executive, Office of Community Partnerships. Its purpose is to bridge the cultural diversity of all ethnic groups in Montgomery County and its mission is to advise the County Executive and the County Council on public policy that relates to ethnic affairs and to promote maximum involvement of all ethnic groups in the County government and other County services and programs.
For more information, click here.
CEA on Facebook.
Mr. Roberts spoke about his recent book: “From Every End of This Earth: 13 Families and the New Lives They Made in America”, that profiles 13 families who immigrated to America. Mr. Roberts shared his own family’s immigrant experiences and discussed that even though the immigrant experience is different for each family, the one common thread is what Mr. Roberts described as the sacrifice generation, the ones that face "the pain of dislocation, of missing home, of living in two worlds and never feeling completely comfortable in either one." For many immigrants, this sacrifice is made for the sake of their children.
After Mr. Roberts’ remarks, he opened up the discussion and asked people in the audience to share their own stories concerning their personal immigrant experiences. The issue of intolerance toward new immigrants was discussed extensively and Mr. Roberts pointed out the long history of intolerance in America and how each of the various groups that were at first opposed have gone on to make invaluable contributions to this country and have also ultimately accepted into the society.
Mr. Roberts' talk is the first in a series under a pilot program developed by the Committee on Ethnic Affairs (CEA) to encourage communication among the diverse ethnic communities of Montgomery County. The CEA is under the umbrella of the Office of the County Executive, Office of Community Partnerships. Its purpose is to bridge the cultural diversity of all ethnic groups in Montgomery County and its mission is to advise the County Executive and the County Council on public policy that relates to ethnic affairs and to promote maximum involvement of all ethnic groups in the County government and other County services and programs.
For more information, click here.
CEA on Facebook.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Trachtenberg Office Attends the May Community Outreach Forum
Naomi Bloch represented Councilmember Trachtenberg’s office at today’s monthly meeting of the Community Outreach Forum, which took place on the 3rd Floor of the Rockville Library in the conference room of the office of Human Rights.
The goals of the Community Outreach Forum include:
We also heard from Sonia Mora – Administrator for the HHS’ Latino Health Initiative (LHI) of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services. Ms. Mora gave us a slide presentation explaining the successful outreach strategies being performed by LHI staff and 37 volunteer community members, in order to improve the quality of life of Latinos living in Montgomery County. This is done by the development and implementation of an integrated, coordinated, culturally and linguistically competent health and wellness system that supports and respects Latino families and communities.
Finally, we heard from Rosalinda Delgado, Editor of a Spanish language bi-monthly magazine that she founded called Buena Gente (“Good People”) covering both Montgomery and Frederick Counties.
For more information:
Office of Community Partnerships
Public Information Office
Latino Health Initiative
Buena Gente
The goals of the Community Outreach Forum include:
- Exchange and coordinate County Government outreach efforts
- Help build relationships among County staff and partners in order to foster collaboration
- Inform ourselves about community issues and best practices
We also heard from Sonia Mora – Administrator for the HHS’ Latino Health Initiative (LHI) of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services. Ms. Mora gave us a slide presentation explaining the successful outreach strategies being performed by LHI staff and 37 volunteer community members, in order to improve the quality of life of Latinos living in Montgomery County. This is done by the development and implementation of an integrated, coordinated, culturally and linguistically competent health and wellness system that supports and respects Latino families and communities.
Finally, we heard from Rosalinda Delgado, Editor of a Spanish language bi-monthly magazine that she founded called Buena Gente (“Good People”) covering both Montgomery and Frederick Counties.
For more information:
Office of Community Partnerships
Public Information Office
Latino Health Initiative
Buena Gente
Trachtenberg Office Attends Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Meeting
Naomi Bloch represented the Trachtenberg office at last week’s Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) meeting which typically takes place the third Tuesday of every month and is held at the Bethesda Chevy Chase Regional Service Center, located at 4805 Edgemoor Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814.
This meeting sought public comment on six possible versions of the proposed crossing project between the National Naval Medical Center and the Medical Center Metro station.
For more information about this project:
- National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
- BRAC FAQ
This meeting sought public comment on six possible versions of the proposed crossing project between the National Naval Medical Center and the Medical Center Metro station.
For more information about this project:
- National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
- BRAC FAQ
Friday, May 7, 2010
The Trachtenberg Office Attends the 2010 Marriott Spirit to Serve Community Service Awards Ceremony
Naomi Bloch represented Councilmember Trachtenberg at last evening’s 2010 Marriott Spirit to Serve Community Service Awards ceremony that took place at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center located at 5701 Marinelli Road in North Bethesda.
Each year, through the prestigious Marriott Spirit to Serve Community Service Awards, the Montgomery County Volunteer Center, under the offices of County Executive Isiah Leggett, honors remarkable individuals, groups, and schools that have significantly contributed to the community.
This year’s honorees are:
Ms. Cathy Henderson, of Silver Spring for creating a model for the Montgomery Blair High School Career Center that is meeting the needs of 30 to 60 students per day.
Mr. Larry Schulman, of Potomac a social entrepreneur for building bridges between the business community and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) to engage thousands of students in vocational training. The foundations Mr. Schulman helped to start include the highly regarded Montgomery County Students Construction Trades Foundations, Inc. (CTF), Montgomery County Students Automotive Trades Foundation, Inc. (ATF) - the first program of its kind in the nation, the Montgomery County Students Information Technology Trades Foundation, Inc. (ITF).
KidzCare USA, Montgomery County Chapter a service learning program for kids ages 5-17. KidzCare participants completed 28 different projects contributing 909.5 hours of service in 2009. Some of their projects included boxing food for Manna Food Center; assembling goodie bags for children staying at The Children’s Inn at NIH; gave goats, ducks, seeds, etc. through World Vision’s Holiday Alternative Gift Market.
MoverMoms, of Bethesda, a home grown group of 150-plus dynamic mothers and their kids who are making a positive difference in Montgomery County by bringing service opportunities to the 4-12 age groups. The group began in 2007 and their many projects have included helping working at numerous men’s and women’s shelter; assisting the Manna Food Center, participating in charity events to raise funds for multiple sclerosis, breast cancer and juvenile diabetes.
Westover Elementary School, Silver Spring, where the school principal and student council work hand in hand to create successful outcomes for their many community service projects that have included collecting clothes for Goodwill Industries raising money for the Fannie Mae Walk for the Homeless to support the Stepping Stones Shelter. The school also did a three week penny drive to support The Red Cross Haiti Relief and Development Fund with to the goal of exceeding the $493.29 that they collected for Katrina victims. And with the help of over 300 people they collected over 843,860 pennies – double their goal!
Carderock Springs Elementary, Bethesda, for their community service projects that they plan to coincide with the classroom lesson curriculum that is called “Pillar of the Month” (such as responsibility, cooperation, respect, etc.). The students come to learn how their actions make a real difference. The students have supported numerous local and international organizations including: Walter Reed Army Hospital; A Wider Circle; The Children’s Inn at NIH and Habitat for Humanity.
Rockville High School, Rockville, where a spirit of community service permeates all and their motto of “One School, One World, One Future” inspires them to engage in projects that support both local and global communities. One particularly creative project was “Empty Bowls” and event held for hungry families. Over 100 students made 200 ceramic bowls for a dinner that raised $1,260.00 for the Capital Area Food Bank.
Barrie School, located in northern Silver Spring, honored for their Pre-K through 5th service learning program and projects where the students themselves take personal ownership for the projects they perform. These projects range from volunteering at Great and Small, and organization that provides therapeutic horseback riding for people with disabilities to raising funds for Water for Life, an organization that brings water and hope to those in Niger, Africa.
Mr. Reed Dewey, Director of the Montgomery County Volunteer Center welcomed everyone and made introductions on behalf of this important annual event. Remarks were made Mari Snyder of Marriott International, Montgomery County Executive, Isiah Leggett and County Council President, Nancy Floreen.
For more information about the Montgomery County Volunteer Center: www.MontgomeryCountyMD.gov/Volunteer and how you can find help for a volunteer project or volunteer yourself.
Each year, through the prestigious Marriott Spirit to Serve Community Service Awards, the Montgomery County Volunteer Center, under the offices of County Executive Isiah Leggett, honors remarkable individuals, groups, and schools that have significantly contributed to the community.
This year’s honorees are:
Ms. Cathy Henderson, of Silver Spring for creating a model for the Montgomery Blair High School Career Center that is meeting the needs of 30 to 60 students per day.
Mr. Larry Schulman, of Potomac a social entrepreneur for building bridges between the business community and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) to engage thousands of students in vocational training. The foundations Mr. Schulman helped to start include the highly regarded Montgomery County Students Construction Trades Foundations, Inc. (CTF), Montgomery County Students Automotive Trades Foundation, Inc. (ATF) - the first program of its kind in the nation, the Montgomery County Students Information Technology Trades Foundation, Inc. (ITF).
KidzCare USA, Montgomery County Chapter a service learning program for kids ages 5-17. KidzCare participants completed 28 different projects contributing 909.5 hours of service in 2009. Some of their projects included boxing food for Manna Food Center; assembling goodie bags for children staying at The Children’s Inn at NIH; gave goats, ducks, seeds, etc. through World Vision’s Holiday Alternative Gift Market.
MoverMoms, of Bethesda, a home grown group of 150-plus dynamic mothers and their kids who are making a positive difference in Montgomery County by bringing service opportunities to the 4-12 age groups. The group began in 2007 and their many projects have included helping working at numerous men’s and women’s shelter; assisting the Manna Food Center, participating in charity events to raise funds for multiple sclerosis, breast cancer and juvenile diabetes.
Westover Elementary School, Silver Spring, where the school principal and student council work hand in hand to create successful outcomes for their many community service projects that have included collecting clothes for Goodwill Industries raising money for the Fannie Mae Walk for the Homeless to support the Stepping Stones Shelter. The school also did a three week penny drive to support The Red Cross Haiti Relief and Development Fund with to the goal of exceeding the $493.29 that they collected for Katrina victims. And with the help of over 300 people they collected over 843,860 pennies – double their goal!
Carderock Springs Elementary, Bethesda, for their community service projects that they plan to coincide with the classroom lesson curriculum that is called “Pillar of the Month” (such as responsibility, cooperation, respect, etc.). The students come to learn how their actions make a real difference. The students have supported numerous local and international organizations including: Walter Reed Army Hospital; A Wider Circle; The Children’s Inn at NIH and Habitat for Humanity.
Rockville High School, Rockville, where a spirit of community service permeates all and their motto of “One School, One World, One Future” inspires them to engage in projects that support both local and global communities. One particularly creative project was “Empty Bowls” and event held for hungry families. Over 100 students made 200 ceramic bowls for a dinner that raised $1,260.00 for the Capital Area Food Bank.
Barrie School, located in northern Silver Spring, honored for their Pre-K through 5th service learning program and projects where the students themselves take personal ownership for the projects they perform. These projects range from volunteering at Great and Small, and organization that provides therapeutic horseback riding for people with disabilities to raising funds for Water for Life, an organization that brings water and hope to those in Niger, Africa.
Mr. Reed Dewey, Director of the Montgomery County Volunteer Center welcomed everyone and made introductions on behalf of this important annual event. Remarks were made Mari Snyder of Marriott International, Montgomery County Executive, Isiah Leggett and County Council President, Nancy Floreen.
For more information about the Montgomery County Volunteer Center: www.MontgomeryCountyMD.gov/Volunteer and how you can find help for a volunteer project or volunteer yourself.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Trachtenberg Office Attends Smart Growth Discussion
Naomi Bloch, Community Liaison for Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, attended a presentation last evening at the National Building Museum on “Smart Growth” issues. Jeff Speck, of Speck & Associates, a Washington D.C. based design consultancy serving public officials and the real estate industry, gave a slide presentation and answered questions from the audience on “The Smart Growth Manual” he authored with Andres Duany.
Maryland and Montgomery County were mentioned at least three times during Mr. Speck’s remarks as good examples of a state’s and county’s best practices, favorably noting the requirement that large developments include a significant percentage of affordable housing, and our County’s commitment to the Agricultural Reserve.
San Francisco Mayor, Gavin Newsome says: “The Smart Growth Manual” is an indispensable guide to city planning. This kind of progressive development is the only way to fully restore our economic strength and create new jobs, new industries and a renewed ability to compete in the first rank of world economies.”
Maryland and Montgomery County were mentioned at least three times during Mr. Speck’s remarks as good examples of a state’s and county’s best practices, favorably noting the requirement that large developments include a significant percentage of affordable housing, and our County’s commitment to the Agricultural Reserve.
San Francisco Mayor, Gavin Newsome says: “The Smart Growth Manual” is an indispensable guide to city planning. This kind of progressive development is the only way to fully restore our economic strength and create new jobs, new industries and a renewed ability to compete in the first rank of world economies.”
Friday, April 30, 2010
The Trachtenberg Office Attends a Public Update on the Montgomery County Roads Master Plan
Naomi Bloch represented the Trachtenberg office at last (4/29) evening’s Master Plan of Highways public meeting that took place at the Potomac Community Center on 11315 Falls Road, in Potomac, MD 20854 at 6:30 and was one of four such public meetings that have been taking place throughout April in order to seek input from the community.
This was the first comprehensive update of the roads plan since 1955 and will compile all roadway changes approved in Master Plan areas since then in one document. The presentation was given by Lawrence Cole, Master Planner and Justin Clarke both with the Montgomery County Planning Department, Transportation Planning Division. Staff is also recommending changes to the classifications of some roadways based on the definitions that were revised in the 2007 Road Code.
The current schedule for this update plan is as follows: Community Outreach April 2010; Draft Plan, September 2010; Public Hearing, November 2010; Planning Board draft, February 2011 and Plan Adoption, for the summer of 2011.
For more information about this Master Plan, click here.
This was the first comprehensive update of the roads plan since 1955 and will compile all roadway changes approved in Master Plan areas since then in one document. The presentation was given by Lawrence Cole, Master Planner and Justin Clarke both with the Montgomery County Planning Department, Transportation Planning Division. Staff is also recommending changes to the classifications of some roadways based on the definitions that were revised in the 2007 Road Code.
The current schedule for this update plan is as follows: Community Outreach April 2010; Draft Plan, September 2010; Public Hearing, November 2010; Planning Board draft, February 2011 and Plan Adoption, for the summer of 2011.
For more information about this Master Plan, click here.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Trachtenberg Office Meets with Heritage Montgomery Tourism Alliance
Yesterday morning Naomi Bloch and Emily Hoopes from the Trachtenberg office met with Peggy Erickson, Executive Director for Heritage Montgomery Tourism Alliance to talk about many of the exciting events being planned for this summer's Heritage Tour. They also discussed the role Montgomery County played in the Civil War and the Underground Railroad, both of which are being celebrated in several ways in the months ahead. For more information about all the interesting events being planned to showcase the history of Montgomery County check out the Heritage Montgomery website: http://www.heritagemontgomery.org/.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg Attends the Violence Against Women Conference
Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg attended Saturday’s Violence Against Women panel discussion, one of the many events that took place during the 1st Annual Amnesty International Human Rights Arts Festival this past weekend, April 23-25 throughout the Silver Spring downtown area. This discussion took place at the City Place Theater from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and was attended by people interested in learning from others who have found different and creative ways to move from victim to survivor to thriver.
Councilmember Trachtenberg was introduced by artist Tom Block, the Founder of this First Annual Amnesty International Human Rights Arts Festival. Councilmember Trachtenberg welcomed everyone to the county and talked about the establishment of the Family Justice Center here in Montgomery County to help families escape domestic violence and how wide-spread this problem is, regardless of where people come from in the society. She said that all of us, at the very least know a woman dealing with this situation.
The panel was made up of women from all over the world who have established various groups and are using their talents and personal experiences to help others dealing with this personal horror through painting, writing, singing and filmmaking. The program was moderated by Robina Niaz, M.S., MSW, Founder and Director of Turning Point.
For more information:
www.montgomerycountymd.gov/FJC
http://www.turningpoint-ny.org/
http://www.couragenetwork.com/
http://www.pavingtheway.net/
http://www.thegoodmother.org/
http://www.beavoicearts.com/
http://www.theredcollaborative.org/.
Councilmember Trachtenberg was introduced by artist Tom Block, the Founder of this First Annual Amnesty International Human Rights Arts Festival. Councilmember Trachtenberg welcomed everyone to the county and talked about the establishment of the Family Justice Center here in Montgomery County to help families escape domestic violence and how wide-spread this problem is, regardless of where people come from in the society. She said that all of us, at the very least know a woman dealing with this situation.
The panel was made up of women from all over the world who have established various groups and are using their talents and personal experiences to help others dealing with this personal horror through painting, writing, singing and filmmaking. The program was moderated by Robina Niaz, M.S., MSW, Founder and Director of Turning Point.
For more information:
www.montgomerycountymd.gov/FJC
http://www.turningpoint-ny.org/
http://www.couragenetwork.com/
http://www.pavingtheway.net/
http://www.thegoodmother.org/
http://www.beavoicearts.com/
http://www.theredcollaborative.org/.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
The Trachtenberg Office Attends the Mid-County Citizens Advisory Board Meeting
Naomi Bloch represented the Trachtenberg office at last night’s meeting of the Mid-County Citizens Advisory Board (MCCAB) that meets the third Tuesday of every month, typically at the Mid-County Regional Services Center, located at 2424 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, MD 20902.
The first guest speaker was Fire Chief Richard Bowers who came by to talk about bill 13-10 (popularly known as the Ambulance Fee) and to urge the support of the Board. A lively discussion resulted when some local volunteer firefighters gave their reasons for why this shouldn’t be supported. A substantive Q&A period followed after which the Board eventually voted to support bill 13-10 with the one amendment that the Board would like to see the fees raised be devoted only to funding fire and rescue operations. The language in the current bill states that these fees would fund the fire & rescue services for only the first year after which they would directed to the County’s general fund.
Council President Nancy Floreen was the second guest speaker and she updated the MCCAB and everyone present about the unprecedented economic challenges facing the county and that even further bad news was expected on Thursday when the County Executive would present the newly revised budget that takes into account the even lower that expected revenues. She praised the MCCAB members for their list of suggestions for the Council on how to cut costs and generate more revenue.
The MCCAB voted on a series of issues, notably, opposition to the ZTA – concerning the subsequent proposal from Costco to have a 16-bay gas station on the Westfield Wheaton Plaza property; support of the 4 million dollar incentive money proposed by the County’s Department of Economic Development; support of a proposal to change the flood plan for the area surrounding the Westfield Wheaton Plaza.
For more information about the Mid-County Citizens Advisory Board and/or the Mid-County Regional Services Center visit: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/midcounty or the MCCAB blog at http://mccabblog.blogspot.com/. Email: midcounty.citizen@montgomerycountymd.gov
The first guest speaker was Fire Chief Richard Bowers who came by to talk about bill 13-10 (popularly known as the Ambulance Fee) and to urge the support of the Board. A lively discussion resulted when some local volunteer firefighters gave their reasons for why this shouldn’t be supported. A substantive Q&A period followed after which the Board eventually voted to support bill 13-10 with the one amendment that the Board would like to see the fees raised be devoted only to funding fire and rescue operations. The language in the current bill states that these fees would fund the fire & rescue services for only the first year after which they would directed to the County’s general fund.
Council President Nancy Floreen was the second guest speaker and she updated the MCCAB and everyone present about the unprecedented economic challenges facing the county and that even further bad news was expected on Thursday when the County Executive would present the newly revised budget that takes into account the even lower that expected revenues. She praised the MCCAB members for their list of suggestions for the Council on how to cut costs and generate more revenue.
The MCCAB voted on a series of issues, notably, opposition to the ZTA – concerning the subsequent proposal from Costco to have a 16-bay gas station on the Westfield Wheaton Plaza property; support of the 4 million dollar incentive money proposed by the County’s Department of Economic Development; support of a proposal to change the flood plan for the area surrounding the Westfield Wheaton Plaza.
For more information about the Mid-County Citizens Advisory Board and/or the Mid-County Regional Services Center visit: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/midcounty or the MCCAB blog at http://mccabblog.blogspot.com/. Email: midcounty.citizen@montgomerycountymd.gov
Trachtenberg Office Salutes Earth Day and 30th Anniversary of Agricultural Reserve
Representatives of the Trachtenberg Office joined Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett and Montgomery County Council President Nancy Floreen to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day and the 30th Anniversary of the Agricultural Reserve. The event was held at the County’s Agricultural History Farm Park, located at 18400 Muncaster Road, Derwood in the County’s 93,000 acre Agricultural Reserve. The Reserve is celebrating its 30th anniversary, and has been recognized as the country’s most successful farmland and open space preservation program, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council and the American Farmland Trust. Also in attendance were Dr. Royce Hanson, chairman of the Montgomery County Planning Board, who is considered the architect of the Agricultural Reserve; DEP Director Robert Hoyt; Barbara Ashe, executive vice president of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce; and representatives from certified green businesses.
County Executive Leggett announced that eight new businesses were certified under the County’s Green Business Certification Program in response to a challenge to become a ‘green’ business by Earth Day. The newly certified companies joined 11 others already certified as green by demonstrating their commitment to environmental stewardship, conservation of energy and water, carbon footprint reduction, and waste reduction and recycling. The Green Business Program was launched in December by DEP, in partnership with the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce and Montgomery College to recognize voluntary efforts to protect, preserve and improve the environment. The newly certified businesses are: All Eco Center, Wheaton; Greenavise, Silver Spring; Innovative Business Interiors, Inc., Silver Spring; The Maven Group, Bethesda; The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, Rockville; Radius Technology Group, Inc., Silver Spring; Reznick Group, Bethesda; and Solid Waste Association of North America, Silver Spring.
The 11 businesses previously certified are: Bethesda Green, Bethesda; Building Maintenance Systems, Inc., Rockville; Calvert Group, Ltd., Bethesda; The Center for a New American Dream, Takoma Park; Clean Currents, LLC, Rockville; Hallman Orthodontics, Chevy Chase; Honest Tea, Bethesda; Marriott International, Inc., Bethesda; Pepco Customer Service Center, Rockville; Shulman, Rogers, Gandal, Pordy & Ecker, P.A., Potomac; and Social and Scientific Systems, Inc., Silver Spring.
A description of what the certified green businesses have done to earn their certification is available on the County’s website at http://mcgreenbiz.org/directory.
Naomi Bloch and Emily Hoopes represented Councilmember Trachtenberg at the event.
The 11 businesses previously certified are: Bethesda Green, Bethesda; Building Maintenance Systems, Inc., Rockville; Calvert Group, Ltd., Bethesda; The Center for a New American Dream, Takoma Park; Clean Currents, LLC, Rockville; Hallman Orthodontics, Chevy Chase; Honest Tea, Bethesda; Marriott International, Inc., Bethesda; Pepco Customer Service Center, Rockville; Shulman, Rogers, Gandal, Pordy & Ecker, P.A., Potomac; and Social and Scientific Systems, Inc., Silver Spring.
A description of what the certified green businesses have done to earn their certification is available on the County’s website at http://mcgreenbiz.org/directory.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg Meets with Middle East American Advisory Group
Councilmember Trachtenberg met with the members of the Middle East American Advisory Group (MEAAG) at their regular meeting last evening. This is a monthly meeting that takes place on the second Monday of every month in the Office of Community Partnerships located at 255 Rockville Pike, Suite 102.
The Councilmember gave the group a very sober update on the deepening economic crisis and told them that while this is indeed a very challenging time it also presents the Council and County Government with a real opportunity to find more efficient and creative ways to run county government in the years ahead. She said that these challenges are not likely to end until 2014. However, she reassured the group that both the County Executive and the County Council still make Education; Public Safety and Social Services to the most vulnerable their top priority and will do everything possible to protect those areas when considering how and where to make cuts to the budget.
During a Q&A period she was asked to give a sense of where Montgomery County stands in comparison to other jurisdictions to which she responded that while Montgomery County is currently facing the most serious crisis we’ve ever seen that our unemployment numbers and rates of home foreclosures are far below what most other municipalities are dealing with and that because of that our recovery is likely to also happen sooner than in other parts of the country.
For more information about the Middle Eastern American Advisory Group, click here.
During a Q&A period she was asked to give a sense of where Montgomery County stands in comparison to other jurisdictions to which she responded that while Montgomery County is currently facing the most serious crisis we’ve ever seen that our unemployment numbers and rates of home foreclosures are far below what most other municipalities are dealing with and that because of that our recovery is likely to also happen sooner than in other parts of the country.
For more information about the Middle Eastern American Advisory Group, click here.
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