Silver Spring Green is here!

THE FOLLOWING IS A 'GUEST BLOG' BY DOUG WEISBURGER, THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY STAFF THAT HAS CHAMPIONED THE IDEA OF SILVER SPRING GREEN.

Silver Spring Green (SSG) is a new grassroots environmental organization that was just incorporated in the State of Maryland and intends to become a full-fledged 501(c)(3) by the end of the year.

So what’s the buzz?

In a nutshell, SSG is bringing together businesses, civic organizations, residents and government to identify those win-win-win opportunities that simultaneously enhance our environment, economy and shared sense of community.

We had a kick off event in December after which a group of about 30 individuals volunteered to serve on a steering committee which has been meeting regularly ever since. We were inspired by the Bethesda Green and Poolesville Green models although SSG will have its own unique Silver Spring flavor.

For its first major event, SSG is collaborating with the County’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) on an electronic recycling collection Sunday, June 5th at Blair High School, Noon to 4:00 PM. See details, including flyers in English, Spanish, French and Amharic HERE.

SSG is discussing its next programs and events, but we’re likely to pursue “low hanging fruit” opportunities to gain some traction. For example, there are currently no recycling bins in the downtown area, so getting bins there through a sponsorship program seems like a reasonable next project. (This has worked marvelously well in Bethesda, thanks to Bethesda Green, as these bins serve as a valuable marketing vehicle for corporate sponsors.)

One of the things most significant about SSG’s overall effort will be its emphasis on the community engagement process. We are very interested in finding out what our neighbors are thinking, hoping and worrying about and making sure that our sustainability efforts provide benefits to people and businesses in all circumstances.

Hence, we’re seeking to identify those “sweet spots” where community assets can be matched with community needs.

So, for example:

- Some community members might want to learn about sustainable lawn and garden care. Well, there are clearly a bunch of experts in this community who could provide pro bono training on this important subject.

- Others might be unemployed and looking for a niche green job. I’m sure there are some economists and business experts among us that could help identify market opportunities, develop business plans, and help mentor budding eco-entrepreneurs. Can’t you envision a myriad of environmentally beneficial businesses popping up? I like to dream about rickshaws in downtown …and why not?

- And what about businesses that might be looking to promote their environmental product or service? Maybe we organize an “eco-scavenger hunt” in which contestants have to identify local businesses that sell organic t-shirts, or source organic food locally, or are certified through the County’s Green Business Certification Program.

These are just a few ideas which, of course, would have to be analyzed and discussed. The point is amazing things can happen through collaboration, trust and a shared mission. There are loads of great ideas out there and we need to hear from all corners of Silver Spring to bring those to the fore. Thanks to the expertise of Impact Silver Spring, one of the many SSG partners, we will be pursuing a community engagement process to elicit that input and engender a mutual accountability and support network.

We’re also soliciting feedback through traditional surveys for both businesses/organizations and residents. These will be housed in our initial website www.silverspringgreen.org which will be ready on or around June 4th. (Thanks to Discovery Communications for developing this beautiful site!) In short, we want YOU ALL to help shape and spearhead this initiative, so please take a few minutes to learn more about SSG, take the survey, and get involved!

Many thanks,

Doug Weisburger
Senior Planning Specialist, Sustainability Programs
Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection
E-mail: douglas.weisburger@montgomerycountymd.gov
Phone: (240) 777-7775

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Beyond Volunteering: Engaging our community in our backyard, down the street, and in the marketplace

“Beyond Volunteering: Engaging our community in our backyard, down the street, and in the marketplace”
A Conversation with Reemberto Rodríguez, Director
Montgomery County’s Silver Spring Regional Center
Saturday, May 28th at Noon
Fenton Street Market Community Roundtable
Veterans Plaza – in front of the Civic Building, downtown Silver Spring

If you live, work, shop, dine, play or pray in Silver Spring’s Regional Center Area*, you are invited to join in a conversation with Reemberto Rodríguez, Director of Montgomery County’s Silver Spring Regional Center.

(*The Center’s area is all of Silver Spring south of the Beltway; west of Prince George County; east of Rock Creek Park. The area also includes Four Corners, north of the Beltway.)

The focus of the conversation will be how we can maximize opportunities for personal, community, professional, and institutional efforts to continue building a stronger community. We’ll be exploring how to go beyond traditional volunteerism and engage our community in a more worthwhile, practical way.

Silver Spring is blessed with incredibly active and vibrant choices for civic involvement. The Regional Center, as a key County conduit to the community, is an integral part of the fabric that brings people together for dialogue and action. We are directly and intensely involved in issues that affect our daily lives today; policy discussions for tomorrow; and everything in-between.

The Silver Spring Regional Center is seeking committed volunteers to work with us in various capacities starting July 1st. Opportunities abound. If you are passionate about “doing community”, want to know more about what is going on, and/or are simply intrigued by this idea, come join the conversation!

For more info on the Regional Center, visit:
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgtmpl.asp?url=/content/rsc/silsprng/welcome.asp

You can also check out our Facebook Page at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Silver-Spring-Regional-Center/168298959874

Or, chime in with your comments on the Director’s Blog, found at:
http://silverspringspeaks.blogspot.com/

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Taste the World in Fenton Village

Wow. It is almost here!

This SUNDAY MAY 15 2-5 “Taste the World in Fenton Village”.

WHERE is this happening, you may ask? Right in our own back yard! (South of the downtown core; all the way South to Sligo Avenue; east of Georgia Avenue; west of Fenton Street.)

AMAZING number of restaurants (25, at last count!) are participating in this all-volunteer driven - and social entrepreneur initiated - first ever collective culinary experience in Silver Spring.

Want background? See our recent blog posting at:
http://silverspringspeaks.blogspot.com/2011/04/taste-of-world-in-fenton-village-sunday.html

Want to see the first 21 restaurants to sign up? See our interactive map at:
http://www.silverspringdowntown.com/dining/taste-of-fenton

Want to see the official press release? See our County government release at:
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/News/press/PR_details.asp?PrID=7510

Love Tweeter? Check out the tweets at:
http://twitter.com/#!/TasteOfFenton

Love FaceBook? Check the event’s page at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fenton-Village/149583641775966

Want to see how our local Patch is saying? Visit their story at:
http://silverspring.patch.com/articles/taste-the-world-in-fenton-village

Or, rather read one of our local bloggers? See:
http://www.thayeravenue.com/2011/04/28/taste-of-fenton-village-and-more/

Want to see more blogging about it? Check out:
http://socoeats.blogspot.com/2011/04/taste-world-in-fenton-village.html

Lastly, if you want to see how the “mainstream” media is playing it, check out:
http://silverspring.wusa9.com/news/events/silver-spring-citizens-advisory-board-sponsors-first-taste-world-fenton-village/56629

WHATEVER &/OR HOWEVER YOU HEAR ABOUT IT, READ ABOUT IT, OR BLOG ABOUT IT, SEE YOU SUNDAY!

Reemberto Rodriguez, Director
Silver Spring Regional Center

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Our County Web Site: You May Be Surprised At What You'll Find There!

Have you visited your County web-site recently:
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/

The site is well laid out and easy to navigate.

Among its many ‘not-so-hidden’ jewels are all the press releases from our Office of Public information.
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/News/press/pr_list.asp

A great example of something specifically relevant to Silver Spring is the announcement of the “Taste of Fenton Village” set for May 15th:
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/News/press/PR_details.asp?PrID=7510

A cool hidden gem is the “Know Your County” guide. While we now have MC311 for immediate response, it is interesting to see – and understand – the layout of all County functions. Viewing it on-line also facilitates ‘searching’ for a key word (with your browser’s tools).
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/EXEC/kyc/kycenglish070307finwithcover.pdf

Or you can go to the services on-line list found at:
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/opi/service/services.asp

You can follow our County Council business at:
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/csltmpl.asp?url=/content/council/index.asp
(Note that from there you can watch Council Sessions – and even visit the YouTube Channel.)

You will also find valuable links to informative Council Packets (the information Council members get to prepare them for meetings):
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/csltmpl.asp?url=/content/council/packet/index.asp

Want to report a pothole? Streetlight outage? … Or, most anything else? Dial 311 and/or go to:
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/opi/service/wants.asp?id=8

If it is videos you like, County Cable Montgomery has an array of programs ‘on-demand’:
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ccmtmpl.asp?url=/content/cableoffice/ccm/index.asp

All “Departments” can be reached from the main link:
http://montgomerycountymd.gov/
“Education” and “Libraries” have their direct link from the main site. These two links provide an incredible wealth of information, including upcoming events at each library location.

And, of course: Our own Silver Spring Regional Center has its own link:
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgtmpl.asp?url=/content/rsc/silsprng/welcome.asp

There is a lot more on this web-site… Browse around; spend time there… You will be amazed at what you will find!

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SILVER SPRING LIST OF LISTS: Web Sites, Calendars, Blogs, and Face Book Pages

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Please join us in continuing to grow our “List of Lists” that provide meaningful information for “all things Silver Spring”. I invite you to ‘visit’ the following links, spend time browsing around; and, either leave a post or contact me about how to continue improving these lists.

Also: I encourage you to “bookmark” (or provide a link on your desktop to) the blog posting that has this “List of Lists” - that is, the "Index to List of Lists". I will try to maintain it as up-to-date as possible.

INDEX TO LIST OF LISTS:
http://silverspringspeaks.blogspot.com/2011/04/silver-spring-list-of-lists-web-sites.html

INDEX TO WEB SITES:
http://silverspringspeaks.blogspot.com/2010/05/surfing-in-silver-spring-key-web-links.html

INDEX TO CALENDARS:
http://silverspringspeaks.blogspot.com/2011/02/so-you-want-to-know-what-is-going-on-in.html

INDEX TO BLOGS:
http://silverspringspeaks.blogspot.com/2010/04/blogging-away-in-silver-spring.html

INDEX TO FACEBOOK PAGES:
http://silverspringspeaks.blogspot.com/2011/02/facebook-pages-in-silver-spring.html

Why are we doing this? This is not some esoterical or academic exercise. We are doing this “Lists of Lists” in hopes of encouraging civic engagement across all segments of our community. Hopefully, this “List of Lists” can help spark connections, conversations, and collaboration among various groups in Silver Spring and thus further our joint efforts to make Silver Spring “the place to be”.

As we grow this “List of Lists”, here are a few that we would like to add in the future:
[] List of major businesses, corporations, and institutions
[] List of civic organizations
[] List of community-serving non-profits
[] List of regional and national associations and non-profits
[] List of schools
[] List of parks
[] Others? (Let us know!)

enJoy surfing in Silver Spring!

Reemberto Rodriguez, Director
Silver Spring Regional Center

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Taste of the World in Fenton Village - SUNDAY MAY 15th

Have you heard about the Taste of the World in Fenton Village?... If you have, GREAT!... If not, here's a 'teaser' (much more info to follow soon.)

The Taste of the World in Fenton Village is the brainchild of the folks serving on the Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board's Commercial and Economic Development Committee - The CED, for short.

The idea is simple: Get the word out that the culinary experiences to be found in Fenton Village are literally out of this world. Those of us that live near by have known of this 'secret' for quite sometime. But for others, the realization that there are tens of excellent restaurants just south of the downtown Silver Spring core is quite a revelation.

ON SUNDAY MAY 15th 3-5 p.m. over 20 area restaurants will open their doors for this fascinating 'experiment' in multi-ethnic eating experience... You'll be able to hop from eatery to eatery, taste a bit here and a bit there, mingle with friends and strangers, have fun at it, and walk away truly 'full-filled'.

Watch this - and other virtual and real places - for more info... For now,

Tell your neighbors, tell your friends, from near and far:

COME (re?)DISCOVER THE WORLD AT FENTON VILLAGE ON SUNDAY MAY 15th!

In the words of Jessica Fusillo, the Chair of the CED:

In tough economic times, need is definitely the mother of invention. As local services and supports are slashed due to large budget deficits – how do residents keep their communities vital? Several committees for the Silver Spring Citizen’s Advisory Board have done just that. The neighborhoods committee led by Casey Anderson has begun a tour of various neighborhoods to get to know their local history and the issues they still face. Tours of Lytonsville the historic black community in Silver Spring – had to fight to get running water and paved streets. As issues come up for neighborhoods committee members will have a better understanding of these communities

The Commercial Economic Development Committee has taken their mission to heart and created an event to help this lesser known area south of downtown Silver Spring. The first Taste the World in Fenton Village hopes to bring residents and visitors down to explore this eclectic area. Participants have the opportunity to move around Fenton Village and sample foods from over twenty restaurants. In hard economic times the event supports businesses through community events.

By taking an active role in these community events, the SSCAB is taking a more active role in shaping their community. Taste the World hopes to have participants get to know their community and create economic opportunities for their local businesses. It all leads creating a wider network of support. Engagement.


For more info and/or to volunteer, contact Jessica at
Jessica.Fusillo@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov

c/u there!

Reemberto Rodriguez, Director
Silver Spring Regional Center

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Indicators for Success of the Civic Building and Vetrerans Plaza

[THIS IS ANOTHER GUEST BLOG. THIS ONE IS FROM OUR INTERN DAVID ZUCKERMAN]

Hi everyone,

My name is David Zuckerman and I’m a graduate student at the University of Maryland. Reemberto asked me to jump in with a guest blog post about what I’ve been working on at the Silver Spring Civic Center and Veterans Plaza for the past two months. For my capstone project for my Masters in Public Policy, I am working hard to make a contribution to this great new public space.

Having only been opened almost nine months, the Civic Center has already allowed significant community engagement opportunities through many private and public events. People can stop by to view local art on display, sit and chat with friends inside or outside, or celebrate important occasions like weddings and birthdays. These are all important to helping build Silver Spring’s community and encourage economic development in the downtown area. It is my job to help show these important impacts through indicators.

If we all recognize the value of this public asset, why do we need these indicators? These measures help us connect the activities that the Regional Service Center staff does each day and the long-term impacts the Center hopes to achieve, such as building community and increasing economic development, in the broader community. And although some of these indicators may seem too basic or narrow at first to be useful, such as observing how many people walk through the door, recording the increase in sales at surrounding restaurants, or even noting the number of hits on this blog, together, these measures begin to let us see what impact this new public space is having in the community.

A more in-depth look at what success measures are can be found on the website for NeighborWorks America - a prominent, national community development organization. The description of indicators here helps demonstrate how varied and extensive these measures can be. These measures help us more accurately evaluate how we are doing by piecing together the big picture, so we can better achieve the impacts we want. They help us ensure that we are on the right path.

For info, more insight, or a conversation, please {cut and paste and} e-mail me at dhz4488@umd.edu

--
David Zuckerman
University of Maryland, College Park
B.A. Government and Politics, Class of 2010
Master of Public Policy Candidate, Class of 2011

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