TO OUR SILVER SPRING COMMUNITY LEADERS:
As you may have heard, there was a serious incident last Friday night in the area of Piney Branch and University Blvd. of Silver Spring. Unfortunately, a Silver Spring community member died in the incident and rumors are rampant about how the death occurred.
A vigil was held on site on Monday night. Over 100 community members attended to mourn the death, better understand what happened, and begin a healing process. Our Police, our Crisis Unit, and the Regional Center - and the Guatemalan Consulate - were there at the vigil, answering questions and talking with the community.
The individual that died left three children and his wife back in Guatemala, his homeland. The community has already begun to see how the body can be returned to Guatemala; you may hear more about this effort soon.
It is critically important in moments like this to come together as one community. A first step is a better, thorough understanding of what happened. Below is a statement from our Police Department with a level of detail that hopefully will clarify much.
I ASK A FAVOR OF YOU: Rather than simply 'forwarding this on' to listservs and blast e-mails, I ask you take the time to read this carefully so you can succinctly inform others that may not take the time to do read it as carefully.
=======================
POLICE STATEMENT
1) Once the identity of Mr. Simone is confirmed (that has still not been completed), the body may be released immediately to a family member or person representing the family who has the power of attorney. The autopsy is complete and their staff has completed the task of examining the body itself. There will be another 3-6 weeks until the laboratory results are completed and that includes toxicology and other tests that will assist the medical examiner’s office reach a final conclusion as to the actual cause of death.
2) A senior supervisor in our major crimes investigation office, who is available to assist in connecting the family member or representative with the medical examiner’s office and help in navigating release of the body, is Sergeant John Sheridan at cell number 240-876-7153. He is familiar with the system, has some contacts in the examiner’s office and is familiar with this case enough to help with getting the body released to an authorized person.
3) Facts that are now available to share regarding the medical examiner’s initial findings upon review of the body are as follows:
a) There is no sign of trauma to the body which is recognized as a cause of death
b) There were no gunshot wounds to the body, either self-inflicted or by the police
The police genuinely wanted to help in securing and keeping the neighborhood safe and any persons who may have been in the apartment at the time of this event. Patrol Officers responded to complaints from citizens about the erratic and scary behavior of a person throwing objects out of his apartment (i.e. furniture, clothes, CD’s, anything he could get his hands on), in an agitated manner. Initial responding patrol officers arrived at this emergency and tried to make contact with the person responsible for this event (later determined we believe to be Mr. Simone). The door to the apartment was locked and they tried to gain entry and talk to the person inside but he had barricaded the front door from the inside and they smelled a strong odor of gas and felt that he may be attempting to blow up the building. At that point, they evacuated some of the neighbors and our emergency response team responded that includes incident command, negotiators, tactical members, logistical support, and a strong corps of medical support. We brought with us a medical doctor and an advanced paramedic, an ambulance and a fire command person who was able to assist in getting the gas line to this building shut off.
We had many assets on the scene of this event. At the command level we discuss options and make decisions as to our best means to deal with these difficult situations. In this case, although the suspect had been seen at that front window acting in an agitated state and throwing objects outside, he had not been seen for some time since the beginning. Following hours of trying to contact the suspect via telephone, loudspeaker and calling out to him (in both Spanish and English) and not having seen him for a couple hours, a decision to enter was made – for his benefit and others who may be affected by his actions. A gas meter was utilized to determine if there was still gas fumes in the air and it was determined they were not (there was an open window and the gas had been cut off for some time). After multiple attempts were made to reach him, a decision was made to enter. The apartment front door was a heavy wood door with metal frame and the roomate said he thought it was barricaded cause he could not get in with his key. When we breach a heavy duty door such as this, there is a lot of noise and commotion that is scary to those not familiar with what we do and why we do certain things.
Immediately upon entering the residence it was noted there were other interior doors that required securing and checking on and that led to more loud noises. We had a responsibility to check all persons inside the apartment that could have caused him or others harm. Mr. Simone, who had been throwing the objects out the window, was the only person located in the residence and he was laying under the window where he had last been seen by the initial police and complaining citizens. He was deceased and it appeared that he had been for a period of time. Despite that fact, our medical doctor and advanced paramedic responded inside and immediately upon our initial entry assessed the body and did an EKG on his heart to determine if any life-saving efforts could be initiated. There were no signs of life and no such efforts were appropriate.
To conclude, Mr. Simone was deceased prior to the entry of police into the apartment and once the laboratory results are returned there will be more information to discuss regarding the cause(s) of his death. We know that his death is unrelated to any actions taken by the police.
In terms of trust with the community it is important to note that all the units involved in this investigation are independent and impartial. For example, the medical examiner’s officer is a separate state agency from Montgomery County and our police department. By law, their findings are independent and not subject to our rules or influence. Our major crimes investigators are not related to our emergency response team and investigate cases like this independent of the ERT actions. They received statements from all involved, took pictures, collected evidence and continue their interviews of involved entities, internal and external to our agency. Their mission is to conduct an independent and neutral investigation.
As you can see, we brought a significant amount of expertise and resources to this challenging problem and situation, in an attempt to insure the safety of all occupants and persons affected by this event. We are saddened by the death of any community member and also, by the mistrust this event has caused among some community members. We care foremost about the truth of what occurred and will continue to work with those affected by this event. We hope to continue to meet to build the bond and trust between our department and the communities we serve. Perhaps we can build a positive and lasting bond through this tragedy and how we are handling this among our agencies and the communities so affected by this event.
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As always, you are invited to join this blog by simply becoming a 'follower'... You may also want to leave your comments below.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Common Values for Sharing Veterans Plaza
(An Evolving Conversation)
as of July 28th, 2010 Moderated by Reemberto Rodriguez, Director
This simple list of ‘common values’ is intended to be positive, constructive, and self regulated rather than negative, restrictive or enforced. This carries no legal weight or implication… It is simply a community statement of our desires, expectations, and commitment for public behavior… This is simply an attempt to reach consensus on shared values to facilitate us sharing this beautiful new community asset for the enjoyment of all - today and for a long time to come.
[1] Be welcoming: Engage others. Start conversations. Share your talents.
[2] Be inviting: Bring family, friends, neighbors, and visitors.
[3] Be respectful: Treat others as you would like to be treated.
[4] Be playful: Without being disruptive or destructive.
[5] Be aware: Look around. Enjoy the scenery. Stay alert.
[6] Be safe: Safety first. Use common sense.
[7] Keep it clean: Pick up after yourself – and others.
[8] Share what you see: Let us know* about incidents and what can be improved.
[9] Share ideas: Be inventive! Think without inhibitions. Let us know.*
[10] Be appreciative: It belongs to all of you.
-------------------------------------
*e-mail CBatVP@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov
Please join this blog to get future posting – and leave your comments here so others can see them.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
A Call to Volunteer at the Civic Building at Veterans Plaza
HEADLINE (or, “Twitter Post”)
Our Welcome Desk needs volunteers. The qualifications are simple: Be welcoming of our community as they enter the building. That is it. Really.
THE LONGER STORY
Our Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza had its Grand Opening Thursday July 8th . It was a success beyond expectations. The Portico came alive in the early afternoon with entertainment provided by the community. By the time of the official ribbon cutting (6:30 p.m.) there were hundreds of people mingling around Veterans Plaza. And then the big moment came: All were invited into the building. Onlookers and passerbys found the building beaming with art and activities and were greeted by community stakeholders exemplifying our vibrant and diverse Silver Spring. It felt very good indeed… As I heard someone said, it felt “comfortably crowded; welcoming; and chaotically constructive.”
The first day of official operation (Friday, July 9th) was simply incredible. There was not a single moment of ‘quiet’ at the Welcome Desk. People were coming inside in a constant flow simply wanting to see the building, check out the spaces, inquire about access, or just ‘walk around’. Later at night the Veterans Plaza became an ‘instant success’. It felt like it should have always been there; it felt so natural. I was full of folks sitting around the benches and enjoying the open air pavilion for all sorts of impromptu activities. I was amazed at the range of people there. Walking around and talking to some of the people, it was very neat to hear comments from “I’ve been waiting for this a long time” to “What is this place? Whatever it is, it is cool!”
Now reality sinks in. We now must deliver. And, we need your help.
Our Welcome Desk needs volunteers. The qualifications are simple: Be welcoming of our community as they enter the building. That is it. Really.
We want to try to have our Welcome Desk functioning 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. weekdays and Saturday morning at least through noon… But, we simply can not do that without a strong volunteer corp… So, we need your help. Now.
Please 'cut-&-paste' and e-mail Gwen.Haney@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov indicating the hours you might be available and for further information. It is that simple. Thanks!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
SILVER SPRING REGIONAL CENTER ACCOMPLISHMENTS for FY2010
Reemberto RodrÃguez, July 1st 2010
July 2010 represents a major milestone for our community – and for the Silver Spring Regional Center. On July 8th, 2010 we’ll be having our grand opening for the Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza. We’ll continue celebrating this new community asset throughout the summer with our concert series every Thursday night through August 12th.
July is also the start of our fiscal year; a fiscal year that promises to be one of the most challenging in our County’s recent memory. The budget cuts and constraints are real. They will impact the way we operate. Our challenge remains to connect to community and build on our assets even in these trying times… Indeed, sometimes it is “trying times” that spark innovation and discoveries. I am confident we will face our challenge ahead practical and pragmatic ways, building on relationships that have been instrumental in helping us get here; and, embarking on new paths that we have yet to uncover.
This July also represents the one year mark of my tenure as Regional Center Director. It has been quite a ride, to say the least. I am honored to have been able to meet so many people from all walks of life in our community. I am honored to have learned so much – and, the more I learn, the more I realize I remains to be learned. The work has been exhilarating and challenging. And, we are just getting started!
Thus, a brief reflection of where we are at seems in order… I hope you enJoy reading it… (And, if you have additions, corrections – whatever! – please leave us a “comment”.)
Since its inception, the Silver Spring Regional Center was instrumental in providing the indispensible local county government link to the successful redevelopment of Downtown Silver Spring.
Through much of the last decade, the Regional Center focused with a laser-sharp tenacity on ensuring that Downtown Silver Spring became the area’s economic engine and one of Montgomery County’s premier commercial core. This required extensive engagement in the redevelopment process. The Regional Center worked in true partnership with the major development interests to create an exemplary, award winning, urban space that has become the pride of the County.
Today’s vibrant Downtown Silver Spring owes much of its success to the many vibrant community members that have relentlessly remained engaged in civic discourse; exemplary private sector business partners; the visionary leadership of Montgomery County elected officials; and, the technical expertise of the staff at the Regional Center during the challenging redevelopment process.
In the last year, the Silver Spring Regional Center has gone through extensive transitions. The Director responsible for much of the redevelopment success moved on in early 2009. An interim Director was in place for a few months. The current Director was appointed in late July 2009.
During the on-going transition, the County has experienced a budget shortfall of historic proportion. Even in this difficult environment the Silver Spring Regional Center accomplished much in FY2010. The “Top Ten” accomplishments include:
1. Reconnected and reestablished strong, sustainable relations with the broader Silver Spring community well beyond the downtown area, reaffirming the County’s commitment to all of Silver Spring.
(i.e.: highlighting the successful Weed & Seed Program; working with the Long Branch Sector Plan and the Langley Park area; facilitating youth engagement; and reaching out to other segments of our community not customarily engaged in the traditional civic process.)
2. Worked in partnership with businesses in downtown Silver Spring, from large corporations to small entrepreneurs in a variety of initiatives, programs, and events.
(i.e.: working in close partnership with Peterson Co. as they bring ‘feet to the streets’ in downtown with their 150+ events per year; convening regularly with the Chamber of Commerce; involved with the smaller entrepreneurs in Fenton Village and the buy-local effort as they come together to ensure local businesses thrive; and, facilitating countless development presentations to ensure appropriate input; and, staying in close contact with all major stakeholders.)
3. Emphasized the ‘community connection’ opportunities of local, County-wide and National efforts to ‘connect community assets to community opportunities’ by establishing sustainable, results oriented relationships that will serve the County – and the Regional Center – well into the future.
(The Census; Community Services Day; MLK Service Day; National Nights Out; Neighbors Campaign; and others.)
4. Continued front-line, local engagement, and provided policy guidance for the major public investment in the area.
(i.e.: the Civic Building and Veterans Plaza; the new library; the Fillmore/Live Nation; and the new Transit Station.)
5. Began managing the ‘move-in’ phase for the Civic Building and Veterans Plaza.
(i.e.: Involvement in the details of the physical completion of the facility; defining the protocol for use with CUPF; and, working with the various community members, organizations, businesses and institutions to ensure the facility meets expectations and is publicly embraced as a true value added asset for all community members.)
6. Working with the leadership offered by the new Urban District Manager, improved the internal systems operations of the Silver Spring Urban District to more efficiently focus on its core mission to keep downtown ‘clean and safe’.
(i.e.: established new personnel protoco; delivery of services; and effective scheduling.)
7. Continued successfully delivering marquee, traditional events and marketing to ensure we sustain economic viability while supporting new innovative ventures.
(i.e.: Thanksgiving Parade; Jazz Festival; Summer Concerts; ‘community celebrations’; Amnesty International Human Rights Art Festival; Fenton Street Market; and others.)
8. Provided countless resolution to specific constituency problems.
(i.e.: Responding to requests for ‘green tape’ support; providing access to the appropriate government offices to resolve simple issues; collaborating with other County, State and Federal agencies to ‘make things happen’ in public – and private - projects; etc.)
9. Provided support and policy guidance to the various advisory groups, bringing them together to work on common issues.
(i.e.: The Advisory Board and its three standing committees, Neighborhood, Commercial Economic Development, Transportation and Pedestrian Safety; the Urban District Committee; Arts and Entertainment Committee; and Transportation Management District Committee.)
10. Began the restructuring of the Regional Center to respond to four major factors:
(a) the changing economic climate and its impact on municipal finances and governance, including substantial budget cuts;
(b) the operational requirements of our new town center (Civic Building and Veterans Plaza) and maximizing the community building potential of this facility;
(c) the reality that development in downtown Silver Spring – as successful as it has been - “is not done yet”, and continues to require intensive partnership building efforts; and,
(d) the need to continue – and expand - the major relationship initiatives started over the last year to connect to the neighborhoods, commercial centers, and communities throughout the greater Silver Spring Regional Center area.
Meeting the challenges ahead will require continuing strengthening the relationship with our advisory groups; development, business and entrepreneur community; traditional civic networks as well as the many non-traditional civic activities; and, our robust community serving non-profits, youth, faith, and arts communities. Over the course of the next year, we should expect more aggressive community engagement “calls to action” promoting volunteer opportunities to “serve local”. We will also continue working relentlessly – and indeed enhance our efforts - to ensure quality commercial activity continues to serve as the base of our economic vitality, and that Silver Spring shines as ‘the place to do business’.
We look forward to working with all of you as we seek to more effectively and efficiently meet our County’s mission.
Please leave your comments below - and become a 'follower' of this blog so you get future postings!
July 2010 represents a major milestone for our community – and for the Silver Spring Regional Center. On July 8th, 2010 we’ll be having our grand opening for the Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza. We’ll continue celebrating this new community asset throughout the summer with our concert series every Thursday night through August 12th.
July is also the start of our fiscal year; a fiscal year that promises to be one of the most challenging in our County’s recent memory. The budget cuts and constraints are real. They will impact the way we operate. Our challenge remains to connect to community and build on our assets even in these trying times… Indeed, sometimes it is “trying times” that spark innovation and discoveries. I am confident we will face our challenge ahead practical and pragmatic ways, building on relationships that have been instrumental in helping us get here; and, embarking on new paths that we have yet to uncover.
This July also represents the one year mark of my tenure as Regional Center Director. It has been quite a ride, to say the least. I am honored to have been able to meet so many people from all walks of life in our community. I am honored to have learned so much – and, the more I learn, the more I realize I remains to be learned. The work has been exhilarating and challenging. And, we are just getting started!
Thus, a brief reflection of where we are at seems in order… I hope you enJoy reading it… (And, if you have additions, corrections – whatever! – please leave us a “comment”.)
Since its inception, the Silver Spring Regional Center was instrumental in providing the indispensible local county government link to the successful redevelopment of Downtown Silver Spring.
Through much of the last decade, the Regional Center focused with a laser-sharp tenacity on ensuring that Downtown Silver Spring became the area’s economic engine and one of Montgomery County’s premier commercial core. This required extensive engagement in the redevelopment process. The Regional Center worked in true partnership with the major development interests to create an exemplary, award winning, urban space that has become the pride of the County.
Today’s vibrant Downtown Silver Spring owes much of its success to the many vibrant community members that have relentlessly remained engaged in civic discourse; exemplary private sector business partners; the visionary leadership of Montgomery County elected officials; and, the technical expertise of the staff at the Regional Center during the challenging redevelopment process.
In the last year, the Silver Spring Regional Center has gone through extensive transitions. The Director responsible for much of the redevelopment success moved on in early 2009. An interim Director was in place for a few months. The current Director was appointed in late July 2009.
During the on-going transition, the County has experienced a budget shortfall of historic proportion. Even in this difficult environment the Silver Spring Regional Center accomplished much in FY2010. The “Top Ten” accomplishments include:
1. Reconnected and reestablished strong, sustainable relations with the broader Silver Spring community well beyond the downtown area, reaffirming the County’s commitment to all of Silver Spring.
(i.e.: highlighting the successful Weed & Seed Program; working with the Long Branch Sector Plan and the Langley Park area; facilitating youth engagement; and reaching out to other segments of our community not customarily engaged in the traditional civic process.)
2. Worked in partnership with businesses in downtown Silver Spring, from large corporations to small entrepreneurs in a variety of initiatives, programs, and events.
(i.e.: working in close partnership with Peterson Co. as they bring ‘feet to the streets’ in downtown with their 150+ events per year; convening regularly with the Chamber of Commerce; involved with the smaller entrepreneurs in Fenton Village and the buy-local effort as they come together to ensure local businesses thrive; and, facilitating countless development presentations to ensure appropriate input; and, staying in close contact with all major stakeholders.)
3. Emphasized the ‘community connection’ opportunities of local, County-wide and National efforts to ‘connect community assets to community opportunities’ by establishing sustainable, results oriented relationships that will serve the County – and the Regional Center – well into the future.
(The Census; Community Services Day; MLK Service Day; National Nights Out; Neighbors Campaign; and others.)
4. Continued front-line, local engagement, and provided policy guidance for the major public investment in the area.
(i.e.: the Civic Building and Veterans Plaza; the new library; the Fillmore/Live Nation; and the new Transit Station.)
5. Began managing the ‘move-in’ phase for the Civic Building and Veterans Plaza.
(i.e.: Involvement in the details of the physical completion of the facility; defining the protocol for use with CUPF; and, working with the various community members, organizations, businesses and institutions to ensure the facility meets expectations and is publicly embraced as a true value added asset for all community members.)
6. Working with the leadership offered by the new Urban District Manager, improved the internal systems operations of the Silver Spring Urban District to more efficiently focus on its core mission to keep downtown ‘clean and safe’.
(i.e.: established new personnel protoco; delivery of services; and effective scheduling.)
7. Continued successfully delivering marquee, traditional events and marketing to ensure we sustain economic viability while supporting new innovative ventures.
(i.e.: Thanksgiving Parade; Jazz Festival; Summer Concerts; ‘community celebrations’; Amnesty International Human Rights Art Festival; Fenton Street Market; and others.)
8. Provided countless resolution to specific constituency problems.
(i.e.: Responding to requests for ‘green tape’ support; providing access to the appropriate government offices to resolve simple issues; collaborating with other County, State and Federal agencies to ‘make things happen’ in public – and private - projects; etc.)
9. Provided support and policy guidance to the various advisory groups, bringing them together to work on common issues.
(i.e.: The Advisory Board and its three standing committees, Neighborhood, Commercial Economic Development, Transportation and Pedestrian Safety; the Urban District Committee; Arts and Entertainment Committee; and Transportation Management District Committee.)
10. Began the restructuring of the Regional Center to respond to four major factors:
(a) the changing economic climate and its impact on municipal finances and governance, including substantial budget cuts;
(b) the operational requirements of our new town center (Civic Building and Veterans Plaza) and maximizing the community building potential of this facility;
(c) the reality that development in downtown Silver Spring – as successful as it has been - “is not done yet”, and continues to require intensive partnership building efforts; and,
(d) the need to continue – and expand - the major relationship initiatives started over the last year to connect to the neighborhoods, commercial centers, and communities throughout the greater Silver Spring Regional Center area.
Meeting the challenges ahead will require continuing strengthening the relationship with our advisory groups; development, business and entrepreneur community; traditional civic networks as well as the many non-traditional civic activities; and, our robust community serving non-profits, youth, faith, and arts communities. Over the course of the next year, we should expect more aggressive community engagement “calls to action” promoting volunteer opportunities to “serve local”. We will also continue working relentlessly – and indeed enhance our efforts - to ensure quality commercial activity continues to serve as the base of our economic vitality, and that Silver Spring shines as ‘the place to do business’.
We look forward to working with all of you as we seek to more effectively and efficiently meet our County’s mission.
Please leave your comments below - and become a 'follower' of this blog so you get future postings!
Monday, June 21, 2010
3 Things You Really Ought To Know (about Silver Spring)
As some of you know, the Silver Spring Regional Center is going through some major restructuring. Part of this restructuring is welcoming two new staff to our team.
Gwen Haney will be managing the Civic Building and Veterans Plaza; and, Jewru Bandeh will be the Program Manager for the Regional Center. We will soon introduce these two wonderful individuals to the community and invite all to give them a warm welcome.
I would like to use this opportunity to begin a new list of “Things You Ought To Know About Silver Spring”.
Help us with this, please: If you had a few minutes with either of these two new staff and you were asked to share with them what they ought to know about Silver Spring as they begin their new job here in our mist, what would you say? What would be the ‘top three’ things that you would want to make sure Gwen and/or Jewru know about our community?
Be bold! Be daring! But please, most of all, be brief :-)
Please enter your ‘top three’ things as a ‘comment’ on this blog… (I also encourage you to become a follower of the blog so you get notices of others’ responses and re-enter the conversation.)
Gwen Haney will be managing the Civic Building and Veterans Plaza; and, Jewru Bandeh will be the Program Manager for the Regional Center. We will soon introduce these two wonderful individuals to the community and invite all to give them a warm welcome.
I would like to use this opportunity to begin a new list of “Things You Ought To Know About Silver Spring”.
Help us with this, please: If you had a few minutes with either of these two new staff and you were asked to share with them what they ought to know about Silver Spring as they begin their new job here in our mist, what would you say? What would be the ‘top three’ things that you would want to make sure Gwen and/or Jewru know about our community?
Be bold! Be daring! But please, most of all, be brief :-)
Please enter your ‘top three’ things as a ‘comment’ on this blog… (I also encourage you to become a follower of the blog so you get notices of others’ responses and re-enter the conversation.)
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
See Click Fix – Yet another cool tool
Have you checked out this amazing web-site?
www.seeclickfix.com
It is a ‘user-driven’ tool to identify community stuff that needs fixing… Pot holes, broken lights, missing signs… whatever!
{Needless to say, this tool is but another tool in our community’s tool box… It is not intended to replace – but rather augment – existing systems to get things fixed.}
SeeClickFix is NOT a County – or government – initiative. It is a national social entrepreneur initiative. (Think along the lines of Face Book for activists.)
Check it out!... The Silver Spring Regional Center area has already been ‘mapped’. You can find it under:
http://seeclickfix.com/silver-spring
Folks have already begun inputting requests – and getting things resolved. (You may want to check out the site’s FAQ to get a better sense of the details.)
I invite you to register on the site and begin using it… Let’s see where this takes us!
[Also: Don't forget to become a 'follower' of this blog so you automatically get future postings!]
www.seeclickfix.com
It is a ‘user-driven’ tool to identify community stuff that needs fixing… Pot holes, broken lights, missing signs… whatever!
{Needless to say, this tool is but another tool in our community’s tool box… It is not intended to replace – but rather augment – existing systems to get things fixed.}
SeeClickFix is NOT a County – or government – initiative. It is a national social entrepreneur initiative. (Think along the lines of Face Book for activists.)
Check it out!... The Silver Spring Regional Center area has already been ‘mapped’. You can find it under:
http://seeclickfix.com/silver-spring
Folks have already begun inputting requests – and getting things resolved. (You may want to check out the site’s FAQ to get a better sense of the details.)
I invite you to register on the site and begin using it… Let’s see where this takes us!
[Also: Don't forget to become a 'follower' of this blog so you automatically get future postings!]
Monday, June 7, 2010
A Call To Participate! – Join us in celebrating our new Civic Building at Veterans Plaza
GRAND OPENING JULY 8th
The Grand Opening for the Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza is Thursday, July 8th. Together with Silver Spring Town Center, Inc., we’ve planned for a joyous, wonderful community celebration starting in the late afternoon, followed by the opening ceremony led by our County Executive at 6:30 p.m., and capped by our first Silver Spring Swings Summer Concert with the Fabulous Bel Airs from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m…. Please join us!
A SPECIAL CALL TO PARTICIPATE
For the subsequent four Thursdays after the Grand Opening (July 15, 22, 29, and August 5) we will be having a series of Community Celebrations to accompany the Concert Series. Each Celebration will have a different theme highlighting different aspects of our community.
Tables will be made available on Veterans Plaza to organizations, institutions, businesses, and entrepreneurs that want to share information with the community relevant to the Community Theme for the week. (There is no cost for this. We will provide the tables.)
Additionally, the first fifteen (15) groups that sign up for each Celebration will have the opportunity to share their own fun, engaging 60-second “infomercial” with the concert audience at intermission.
So, pick the Celebration Theme that best fits you and let us know your interest by simply e-mailing:
CBatVP@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov
[You must "cut-and-paste" above link to send e-mail.]
COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS THEME & CONCERT ACTS*
July 15
Celebration of our vibrant Youth and Sports communities
Bruce Ewan "The Red Harmonica King" featuring Steve "Baby Jake" Jacobs (blues )
July 22
Celebration of our Neighborhoods, Community Associations, and Civic Organizations
Second Wind (rock & roll covers)
July 29
Appreciation of our Community’s Businesses & Entrepreneurial Spirit
Patrick Alban & Noche Latina (latin/rock)
August 5
Celebration of the Arts, Non-Profits, Charities, and Faith Communities
The David Bach Consort (world jazz)
*Note: Recognizing and encouraging our vast diversity, the Community Celebration Theme and the Concert Act type purposely do not match.
A SPECIAL CLOSURE
Our last Community Celebration, on Thursday, August 12 featuring music by Elliot Levine (R&B, funk) will be a reunion of the Silver Spring Redevelopment Committee & friends… More info to follow soon.
Comments? Ideas?... PLEASE chime in!... And, become a ‘follower’ of this blog so you get future postings.
DON’T FORGET TO e-MAIL
CBatVP@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov
In your e-mail, please indicate for which community celebration you want a table; and, make sure you include your full contact info!
The Grand Opening for the Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza is Thursday, July 8th. Together with Silver Spring Town Center, Inc., we’ve planned for a joyous, wonderful community celebration starting in the late afternoon, followed by the opening ceremony led by our County Executive at 6:30 p.m., and capped by our first Silver Spring Swings Summer Concert with the Fabulous Bel Airs from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m…. Please join us!
A SPECIAL CALL TO PARTICIPATE
For the subsequent four Thursdays after the Grand Opening (July 15, 22, 29, and August 5) we will be having a series of Community Celebrations to accompany the Concert Series. Each Celebration will have a different theme highlighting different aspects of our community.
Tables will be made available on Veterans Plaza to organizations, institutions, businesses, and entrepreneurs that want to share information with the community relevant to the Community Theme for the week. (There is no cost for this. We will provide the tables.)
Additionally, the first fifteen (15) groups that sign up for each Celebration will have the opportunity to share their own fun, engaging 60-second “infomercial” with the concert audience at intermission.
So, pick the Celebration Theme that best fits you and let us know your interest by simply e-mailing:
CBatVP@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov
[You must "cut-and-paste" above link to send e-mail.]
COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS THEME & CONCERT ACTS*
July 15
Celebration of our vibrant Youth and Sports communities
Bruce Ewan "The Red Harmonica King" featuring Steve "Baby Jake" Jacobs (blues )
July 22
Celebration of our Neighborhoods, Community Associations, and Civic Organizations
Second Wind (rock & roll covers)
July 29
Appreciation of our Community’s Businesses & Entrepreneurial Spirit
Patrick Alban & Noche Latina (latin/rock)
August 5
Celebration of the Arts, Non-Profits, Charities, and Faith Communities
The David Bach Consort (world jazz)
*Note: Recognizing and encouraging our vast diversity, the Community Celebration Theme and the Concert Act type purposely do not match.
A SPECIAL CLOSURE
Our last Community Celebration, on Thursday, August 12 featuring music by Elliot Levine (R&B, funk) will be a reunion of the Silver Spring Redevelopment Committee & friends… More info to follow soon.
Comments? Ideas?... PLEASE chime in!... And, become a ‘follower’ of this blog so you get future postings.
DON’T FORGET TO e-MAIL
CBatVP@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov
In your e-mail, please indicate for which community celebration you want a table; and, make sure you include your full contact info!
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