RECENT TID-BITS WORTH KEEPING AROUND

NOTE: THIS POSTING WAS LAST UPDATED December 1 2014

If you are a regular recipient of our e-blast, you've seen these 'news u can use' tid-bits... But, we figured it'd be useful to post them to the blog so we can have them more readily available for reference, to share with friends and family, etc.  They appear here in no particular order of importance... Happy browsing!

NEWSLETTERS WORTH CHECKING OUT

• Medical Musuem (yes, in Silver Spring!) HERE

• Silver Spring Town Center, Inc. HERE

• Village Vibe (Silver Spring Senior Village) HERE

• Impact Silver Spring HERE

• Long Branch Business League HERE

• This Week in Old Takoma HERE. 

• Halloween Events in Takoma HERE

• Takoma Langley CDA HERE

• Creative Colony HERE

• InfoShare (Park & Planning) HERE  

• InfoShare (Park & Planning) HERE  

• Downtown Silver Spring HERE

• IMPACT Silver Spring HERE

• Safe Silver Sping HERE

• Gandhi Brigade HERE

• PaperLess Airplane HERE (Countywide news of note)

• This Week in Old Takoma HERE

QUICK TAKES

Crossroad Farmers Market featured on NPR "All Things Considered"

See full story HERE. 

Blessed Coffee featured on the Kojo Namdi Show

Hear full story HERE. 

The Ethiopian Community Center in MD is now open!

See full story HERE.

A NEW great source for some samples of what's happening in Silver Spring: Silver Sping Inc.

• Have you visited SilverSpringInc.? Wonderful new source for some of the best 'happenings' in and around downtown Silver Spring. See HERE. 

Somos Montgomery Highlights Hispanic Heritage Month

• Featuring various Latinos, including Councilmember Nancy Navarro... See full vidoe HERE. 

Long Branch businesses on YouTube

• Cool video clip on Long Branch businesses HERE. 

The Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission InfoShare

• The most focused source for planning news, including info for the Greater Lyttonsville Master Plan and the White Oaks Master Plan... Plus links to Planning Board agendas. See latest newsletter - and subscribe - HERE. 

Takoma's reCYCLE Please Sit on the Art Seats are available for sale!  

• Place your bid between now and October 31st, 2014 and you may be the owner of a one-of-a-kind piece of art! More HERE

Countywide Transit Corridors Functional Master Plan now on-line

• From Lawrence Cole, P.E. Master Planner/Highway Coordinator, Functional Planning & Policy Division, Multi-Modal Networks Unit. Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission: "Please note that the final version of the Countywide Transit Corridors Functional Master Plan has been posted on our website HERE."

Wonderful events all throughout the Fall at the Long Branch Recreations Center!

• See flyer HERE.

Takoma Langley has lots going on!

• Update on the bus transit center at the intersection of New Hampshire and Univeristy... and more. See latest TLCDA NewsletterHERE. And more info, including new Hispanic programming at Takoma Park TV HERE. 

Want to know more about the folks that have volunteered their time to serve on the Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board?

• See bios HERE. For more on the Board, link from HERE. 

If you live in zip-code 20910 and are not a member of the Silver Spring Village, see what you are missing!

• For more info and to see what the Silver Spring Village is up to, see their latest Newsletter HERE. Join today!

What's going on at the Medical Museum?

• GREAT place to take visiting friends and family - right here in Silver Spring!... More HERE

New boutique on New Hampshire and more

• Takoma Langley Crossroads Development Authority latest newsletter HERE. ... Also: Check out "The New Ave" latest newsletterHERE. 

Did you know that there are over 10 grocery stores in Long Branch?

• For complete list, plus restaurants and more, see this handy-dandy listing HERE. For latest issue of Long Branch Business News, see HERE. 

News & Views from the Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County

• Full of info for the arts world... See HERE. 

Heard about the DC Streetcar proposed for Georgia Avenue?

• See latest update, including videos HERE. 

Please sit on the art!

• eCYCLE Please Sit on the Art public art project returns to Old Takoma –Takoma Park, MD to the Takoma neighborhood of Washington, DC – from June through October 2014.  More HERE. 

Are you a "Citizen Planner"? (Or do you simply want to stay in tune with planning issues in the County?)

• Then you need to be subscribed to InfoShare, the highly informative Park & Planning newsletter. See latest issue HERE.

Have you taken Do&Go for a spin lately?

• If you are looking for art related summer fun in Montgomery County, check out the Do&Go calendar HERE. 

Have out of town guest and want to see what's going on in Montgomery County?

• Or simply want to do a 'staycation' weekend? Check out Visit Montgomery HERE. 

Need a quick list of downtown Silver Spring restaurants and shopping opportunities?

• Input this mobile site on your hand held device: http://M.SilverSpringDowntown.com 

TIME SENSITIVE POSTINGS

Help Control Deer In Your Neigborhood

Many of our suburban neighborhoods are overrun with deer.  Deer/vehicles collisions are increasing.  Many residents are being treated for Lyme disease.  The managed hunts in our parks cannot begin to make a dent in the large and growing herds.  Residents can help by learning about bow & arrow hunting, contacting skilled and safe hunters who will take out deer at no cost, and organizing this needed activity on your private property. The Montgomery County Civic Federation has worked with state and county officials to get the regulations on this activity liberalized and getting out information about archery hunting.  Please visit the website HERE for a comprehensive list of documents including regulations for the current hunting season,  "A Citizens Guide to Safe Bow and Arrow Hunting in Residential Communities in Montgomery County", Q&As from an experienced archery hunter, and much more.

SILVER SPRING THANKSGIVING PARADE

• Saturday, November 22 on the streets of downtown Silver Spring!

Giving Thanks - The Fillmore Silver Spring & Shepherd's Table

Thanksgiving Day 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. The Fillmore Silver Spring

• "We welcome those in need in our community to come enjoy seasonal treats, live music and a cornucopia of generosity for assembling take-away care packages complete with food, toiletries and more. Want to get involved? Donate! We are collecting donations of non-perishable food items, toiletries and clothing. Drop off your donations from Oct. 20 - Nov. 26, Monday-Friday 12 PM - 6 PM. We will also accept donations during shows! Questions? Call 301.960.9999." See flyer HERE. {NOTE: Interested on being considered to serve on the Board for Shepherd's Table? Contact Board Chair at georgeneighbors@gmail.com }

Pennyworth Shop

• Pennyworth is an attractive thrift shop at 949 Bonifant Street in Fenton Village of Silver Spring. The 1,000 square-foot shop has been a very socially active ministry of Grace Episcopal Church for over 61 years, selling clean, gently used clothing and small household items at low cost to the shoppers of Silver Spring. They donate extra items to Wider Circle, Rescue Workers, Shoes for Africa, Friends of the Library, and othrs. Rotated clothes from the shop are given each month to Progress Place for the Homeless.  Also, Pennyworth gives over 10 % of its net earnings to various local, national, and world missions (nonprofits). The all volunteer staff create a fun place to shop for great bargains. Customers can find new and vintage clothing, collectible home decor, as well as books for adults and children. There are also money saving deals on toys and baby supplies. The shop is open 10 AM to 4 PM on Tuesday though Saturday. (You can also find them on Facebook.) Contact shop manager, Marilyn Seitz, 301- 661-8028 for more information. 

Department of Permitting Services Launches Program to Help Restaurants Navigate Permitting System

{Please help us get this great news to your local entreprenuers looking to open restaurants.}

• Montgomery County is kicking off its new “Recipes for Success” program to help individuals planning to open a new restaurant or expand an existing restaurant navigate the County’s permitting and licensing process quickly and efficiently. “Recipes for Success” includes a free, pre-design consultation at which representatives from all County agencies involved in restaurant approvals will be available to explain the requirements to open or expand a restaurant... More HERE. 

Park & Planning New Video Explains How to Get Zoning Info and much more

• Truly a 'must watch' video for any civic group and/or individual interested in planning: A powerful research tool for finding property information, zoning, allowed uses, related master plans, and more. Easy to print research results makes this a one-stop site for Montgomery County, Maryland property information. See YouTube video HERE. 

The Ethiopian Community Center in Maryland has opened its door!

• The Ethiopian Community Center in Marlyand has opened its door on the 2nd floor of 8120 Fenton Street.  To help celebrate they will be holding a 'walk' Saturday November 8th. See flyer and more info on the Center HERE. 

Care about the Rapid Transit System? 

Deadline for RTS CAC self-nomination submissions is SAT NOV 21!

• Nominate yourself or someone you know to be a representative on one of seven Rapid Transit System Corridor Advisory Committee. There are four corridors: Rockville Pike/Wisconsin Avenue (MD355); Veirs Mill Road (MD586); Georgia Avenue (MD97); and Colesville Road (US29). Some corridors have more than one advisory committee. Visit the MCDOT website HERE  for the nomination form and details on where to submit.

Comment Sought on Two Board of Education Policies

• The Montgomery County Board of Education has requested community comment regarding revisions to two policies—Policy GHC, Salaries and Other Benefits of Professional Personnel, and Policy GIH, Funding Other Post-Employment Benefits. Policy GHC, Salaries and Other Benefits of Professional Personnel, provides guidelines for salary schedules, anniversary dates, and rehiring employees that have resigned....  More info, how to comment, and more HERE. 

Because Everyone Has  a Story to Tell...

• It could be the good work your non profit is doing, the local high school play, your child's Little League Championship or the story of your neighbor, a WWII veteran. The possibilities are endless! Montgomery Community Media can help you get your story told. Online or on TV, we will air your submissions. We are Montgomery County's public access stations 19 and 21, and our website, mymcmedia.org is our county's premier choice for all things MOCO. More HERE. 

Wonderful opportunity for businesses to advertise in the Silver Spring International Middle School directory

• Advertising with SSIMS Student Directory: "We are looking for local businesses that would be interested in advertising their company in the 2014-2015 student directory.  The school has approximately 1000 students and offers both a French and Spanish Immersion program.  Deadline has been extended to October 31, 2014.  More info? Call Brenlee at 301-412-0489"

OTHER POSTINGS

Did you know?

Crittenton Services of Greater Washington is a non-profit organization - active in Silver Spring! - that focuses on empowering teen girls to overcome obstacles, make positive choices, and achieve their goals through programs in schools  in Montgomery County. The PEARL program consist of  giving pregnant and parenting teen support, knowledge, and skills they need to succeed as students and moms... For more info: HERE. 

Long Branch Placemaking

• Not one, not two, but many examples of how a sense of place is being created right in our mist in Long Branch. Visit this amazing site http://artinplace.wix.com/long-branch and make sure you browse the 'projects'.

Celebrating Our Own

• It is good to see local aspiring journalists select local topics to enhance their educational experience... See this heartwarming story for an example: "Being pregnant while running or exercising is no easy feat, but Ana Lincoln seemed to just make it work..." See “Taking ‘Baby’ Steps to run the MCM 10K” by Jean Lee  HERE.  

Politics and Prose will open satellite stores in Busboys and Poets restaurants - including Takoma DC location

• GREAT news for our neighboring community of Takoma DC. See Washington Post article HERE. 

County Seniors Have a Free Ride to Fun, Fellowship, Activity

• Did you know that thanks to our partnership with the Jewish Council for the Aging, Montgomery County Recreation provides free bus transportation to county residents age 55 and above to our five senior centers (including Long Branch!)  See YouTube videoHERE... Much more for seniors HERE. 

Transporte fácil y gratis: Adultos Mayores disfrutan de un viaje gratuito de Diversión, Amistad y Actividades

• Es fácil, es gratis, Es nuestro servicio de buses de esquina a esquina a cinco centros para aquellos que son 55 años o más. Gracias a nuestra alianza con el Concejo Judío para Mayores (JCA) los adultos mayores pueden estar más activos y comprometidos con su salud. Mire nuestro video AQUI, le encantará Luicie, quien dice "y ahora hago Yoga" Pásele la voz a sus amigos y vecinos sobre este programa, que no se lo pierdan. 

Ride Along with Fire and Rescue Service

• Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) is inviting veterans and service members to "ride-along" with its Firefighter/EMTs this Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, 2014. Participants can sign up to ride as an observer in a fire truck or ambulance as well as experience a day in the life of a Firefighter/EMT.  Veterans or service members who would like to sign up for this experience can contact the MCFRS Recruiting Section HERE. Participants will be assigned to a Montgomery County fire station and can  spend 3-6 hours with MCFRS personnel. 

LOCALS RECOGNIZED REGIONALY AND NATIONALY 

• Kevin Beverly, Silver Spring's own Social Scientific Systems executive vice president, was named Philanthropist of the Year by the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington. He received this award at a ceremony in honor of his commitment to nurture the potential of youth, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility. The Gazette covered the story HERE. 

• Musie Betre, owner of Bankers Business Management, Inc., a local company based in downtown Silver Spring (the World Building), was recognized as on of the Top 100 MBE from the Mid-Atlantic Region recently. More HERE

• Jason Amboo, 14 year old resident of one of Montgomery Housing Partnership properites in Long Branch was recognized by NeighborWorks America as a recipient of the prestigious Dorothy Richardson Award for Community Leadership. Read his story and watch inspiring video HERE. 

Leggett Hails News of County’s Triple-A Bond Rating; County Among Best in Nation for Fiscal Responsibility... 

• County Executive Ike Leggett announced that Montgomery County has maintained its Triple-A bond rating from three Wall Street bond rating agencies, just a week after Leggett led a group of County officials, including Council President Craig Rice, to meet with the agencies to brief Wall Street on the County’s fiscal situation and future plans. More HERE. 

Leggett, StonebridgeCarras and Bozzuto Announce Agreement for Redevelopment of Downtown Wheaton; More than One Million Square Feet of Mixed Use Projects Will Reshape Wheaton Triangle and M-NCPPC Site in Silver Spring... 

• Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett announced the signing of a public-private partnership agreement that will remake the downtown Wheaton Triangle. The agreement will also create a new Georgia Avenue gateway to Silver Spring with mixed-use development on the site of the current headquarters of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), which also houses the County’s Planning Board and Planning Department staff. More HERE. 

Visit Montgomery - Name Change!

• The organization formerly known as the Conference and Visitors Bureau (CVB) of Montgomery County, MD Inc. is now Visit Montgomery. The name change follows a nationwide trend of destination marketing organizations using verbs to promote their destination. Similar name changes include the conversion of the Gettysburg Convention and Visitors Bureau to Destination Gettysburg, and nearby Visit Baltimore, Stay Arlington and Extraordinary Alexandria.... More HERE. 

Interactive Map Reveals Current Development Projects Throughout Montgomery County

The Montgomery County Planning Department, part of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, now offers an easy way for the public to find detailed information about development projects throughout the county. The Development Finder website, launched on October 7, offers an interactive map of the county and surrounding areas. Users can search by the address or location of the development or enter a simple term like “Silver Spring”... Try it HERE.... Othere articles on this issue include:

• - Natali Fani-Gonzalez Appointed As New Planning Board Member

• - Montgomery Parks and Planning Present Newest Achievements to County Council

• - Greater Lyttonsville Sector Plan Visioning Workshop Recap and Questionnaire

• - White Oak Science Gateway Plan Approved

• - Approved and Adopted Countywide Transit Corridors Functional Master Plan Available

• - Learn About Existing and Proposed Bikeways in Montgomery County

• - New Montgomery County Zoning Ordinance Takes Effect October 30, 2014

• - Community Organization Lists 

Link to Newsletter HERE

Leggett Announces Increased Hours, Staffing, Materials For Montgomery County Public Libraries; Service Hours to Increase by Nearly 10 Percent

• Beginning Sunday, October 5, Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) will be open longer, with added service hours totaling 106 hours, 9.4 percent more than in fiscal year 2014.  Sixteen branches will have expanded hours, joining the five branches whose hours were increased in FY13.  The expanded hours at the Silver Spring branch will go into effect when the new library opens later in this fiscal year.   In addition, four more branches will be open on Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. bringing the total number with Sunday hours to 13... More HERE. 

Follow trending news in the Silver Spring area! 

• From Noah, our summer intern who is entering 10th grade at Blair: "For my summer project, I created an app that grabs many news headlines from the Silver Spring area and compiles them into a list of trending news headlines. If you don't have time to read the news, don't worry! Each news article comes with a custom generated summary so you don't have to read the whole article. The app can also take you to the news article if you wish to read it. Download the Android app HERE. (Sorry i-Phone folks. You'll have to wait!)"

Somos Montgomery Highlights Public Participation - and the Red Shirts!

• "Somos Montgomery" is an informative program highlighting many topics of interest to our community (in Spanish.)  See their web site HERE. The show now running highlights Councilmember Nancy Navarro, Karla Siilvestre (Montgomery College Community Relations), and Reemberto Rodriguez (Silver Spring Regional Center Director.)

• Plus, there is also a special feature on our Red Shirts, found HERE. 

From Vicki Warren, Board Chair: "...And as Gandhi Brigade gears up for the new programs this autumn, we are delighted to bring on a new interim Executive Director...."

• "Community activist and media consultant Evan Glass will take over leadership of the organization as the interim Executive Director. He will serve while a Search Committee, comprised of community leaders and Gandhi Brigade board members, looks for a successor to Richard. Evan brings with him a strong history of issue advocacy that includes youth engagement as well as an exemplary track record of nonprofit leadership.  His background as a former CNN producer will ensure that the quality of Gandhi Brigade's media work remains to the highest standards. Evan first volunteered with Gandhi Brigade back in 2008 and is dedicated to continue Richard's legacy while working within the community to empower our next generation of leaders."

Locavesting Video on YouTube - MUST WATCH for entreprenuers and businesses

(Please share with your networks, particularly entreprenuers and small businesses looking for capital.)

Organized by The Old Takoma Business Association, this panel presents innovative ways that residents can support local businesses while earning interest on their investments. OTBA has worked with partners to develop three loan platforms that will be available to local residents over the next few months. The platforms include: WACIF (a DC based community investment organization) Neighborhood Notes which will target the business community in this area: OTBA Takoma Notes which provide loans to specific businesses; and a crowdfunding option under a new Maryland law, which will allow residents to lend up to $100 directly to Maryland businesses and earn interest on the loan. See full video HERE.

Summer Interns Highlight "Fenton Village Stories"

• We were fortunate to have two excellent summer interns at the Regional Center who did an amazing job starting a blog highlighting "Fenton Village Stories."  See it HERE. Please 'comment' and add your own! (They also started their own, more broad blog, "A Silver Spring Summer". See HERE.)

Unaccompanied Children: How to Help

• The county continues its commitment to the most vulnerable, but there is much work to be done to meet this challenge. Working together may help us improve our systems for empowering all vulnerable youth and families in the county. One of the most meaningful ways you can help would be to contact your favorite local safety net organization and ask what they need. All of these organizations will be feeling the burden of this challenge. Your time, talent, and treasure can make a difference right now and right here. Governor O’Malley has posted a very useful “How to Help” page on the state’s webpage. If you want to learn about becoming a foster parent or helping in other ways, please log onto HERE

"PROPER PLANNING PREVENTS POOR PERFORMANCE":

MONTGOMERY PLANS are full episodes of what is happening in the "planning world". A recent episode focuses on various Silver Spring Regional Center area issues.

REGISTER YOUR ASSOCIATION! Do you want to stay informed about planning and development in Montgomery County? If so, ensure your local organizations are registered accurately with the Planning Department, which maintains a list of homeowners organizations and civic groups countywide. Visit our new webpage to review and update your organization's information.

HOW WE PLAN: The latest episode of Montgomery Plans spotlights the county's new Commercial Residential Zone, which is expected to transform strategic areas. Also featured: a tour of Lyttonsville, a new tool that maps the county's tree canopy and the latest big decisions of the Planning Board.

WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT DEVELOPMENT? Wondering about that sign advertising pending development in your community? Curious about how forest conservation works? Residents and others with questions about development, community plans, zoning, transportation, or environmental issues may find the answers they seek on a new Department HELP page. The page features links, an online employee directory and an online question/comment form.