Your Annual Community Celebrations (and more!) Planning Tool (a start)

If you are ready to celebrate all that is Silver Spring, mark your calendar*!

*BUT: Make sure you confirm all dates with sponsoring organizations. We are simply passing through this information. (Did we say confirm all dates?)

Here is a list of major events* we are aware are happening in the Silver Spring Regional Area.

*These are events that are open to the public and welcome everyone. Their common element is that they celebrate community. (Note that some are ticketed.)

IF YOU HAVE OTHERS (or have corrections to what is listed here) PLEASE LEAVE A POST (or e-mail Reemberto.Rodriguez@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov )

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE EVENTS, do NOT e-mail us.  Get to the folks doing the event. If it is not clear below, Google them.

NOTE: TO SEE HISTORICAL LISTING FOR THE WHOLE YEAR:
http://silverspringspeaks.blogspot.com/2014/05/community-celebrations-festivals-and.html


==========================================

SAMPLE OF

COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS, FESTIVALS, and MAJOR FUNDRAISERS GOING ON IN THE SILVER SPRING REGIONAL AREA

For the balance of this year (a growing list!)

Please Note:

• Events listed below are larger COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS, FESTIVALS, AND MAJOR FUND-RAISERS events only.
• This is NOT intended to be a comprehensive list – it is constantly changing.
• The Silver Spring Regional Center assumes absolutely NO RESPONSIBILITY for the accuracy of this information. This is provided only as a service to indicate the level of activity in the Area.
• You are encouraged to contact the event directly for any information or question. (The Regional Center has no further information on these events.)

(Series and On-Going events appear at the end. Scroll all the way down to see them.)

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AUGUST 31 – Sunday

World Music Festival

3-9 pm – Veterans Plaza

More info:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10202364759789579&set=gm.252805944930611&type=1&theater

SEPTEMBER 6 – Saturday

Montgomery County’s Official Jazz Festival

3-10 pm – Veterans Plaza

More info:

https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec/resources/files/flyers/jazzfest2014-web.pdf

SEPTEMBER 13 - Saturday

Flower Fiesta - A Celebration of Art and Place

11:30 - 2pm - Flower Ave Park

http://www.discoverlongbranch.com/#!events/c7wf

SEPTEMBER 13 - Saturday

Salvadoran Sister Cities Fundraiser

Evening / Night – Civic Building

More Info:
http://montgomerysistercities.org/images_sc/Fiesta2014.jpg

SEPTEMBER 14 – Sunday

Silver Spring Mini Maker–Fair

All Day – Veterans Plaza

For info on last year’s event:

http://makerfairesilverspring.com/tag/kid-museum/

SEPTEMBER 18 – Thursday

Executive Hispanic Gala

7-11 pm  -  The Fillmore

More info:

http://www.montgomeryhispanicgala.org/

SEPTEMBER 21 – Sunday

Celebracion de Maria, Virgen de Urkupina

1-4pm - Veterans Plaza

More info to follow

SEPTEMBER 27 - Saturday

Pan African Cultural Festival

Info on last year’s event and more:

http://panafestusa.net/

SEPTEMBER 27 - Saturday

South Silver Spring Street Fest

All Day – TBD

More info on last year’s event:

http://streetfest.southsilverspring.org/

OCTOBER 5 – Sunday

SSTCi’s* Harvest Moon Festival

All Day – Veterans Plaza

*Silver Spring Town Center, Inc.

More info at SSTCi’s newsletters

OCTOBER 5 – Sunday

Takoma Park Street Festival

All Day – Downtown Takoma Park

More info:

http://www.takomafestival.com/

OCTOBER 18 – Saturday

Senior Connection Annual Gala

6-10pm  – Silver Spring Civic Building

More info:

http://www.seniorconnectionmc.org/

OCTOBER 12 – Sunday

International Rett Syndrome Foundation

All Day – Veterans Plaza

For more info on sponsor:

https://www.rettsyndrome.org/

OCTOBER 16 or 23 (tbd) – Thursday

Class Acts FIESTA!

Evening – Civic Building

More info on sponsoring organization:

http://www.classactsarts.org/

NOVEMBER 1 - Saturday

Cameroon Economic and Cultural Forum

6pm – Civic Building

More info:
http://camroyals.org/content/upcoming-event

NOVEMBER 12 – Wednesday

Mu Nu Foundation Ceremony

Evening – Civic Building

No more info available at this time

NOVEMBER 22 – Saturday

Thanksgiving Parade

10 a.m. – Throughout Silver Spring’s Downtown

Stay tuned for more info

SERIES and ON-GOING

YEAR ROUND - Saturdays

FreshFarm Farmers Market

9 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Ellsworth Dr. (Downtown Silver Spring)

More info:

http://freshfarmmarkets.org/farmers_markets/markets/silver_spring.php

YEAR ROUND – Sundays

Takoma Park Farmers Market

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Laurel Ave. (Takoma Park)

More info:

http://www.takomaparkmarket.com/

YEAR ROUND – Select dates throughout the year

AFI Film Festivals

American Film Institute

More info at:

http://www.afi.com/silver/

YEAR ROUND - Every Last Friday of each Month

Ethiopian Poetry Reading

7pm – Civic Building

More info on sponsoring organization:

http://tayituculturalcenter.org/

THROUGH FALL
Twilight Tuesdays
7-9 pm - Veterans Plaza
Coordinated by:
Silver Spring Town Center, Inc.


THROUGH SUMMER - Every 2^nd Thursday

Contra Dancing

7-9 pm – Civic Building

More info on sponsoring organization:

http://www.carpediemarts.org/CarpeDiemArts/Welcome.html

THROUGH SUMMER - Every 1st Monday

Salsa Dancing

7-9 pm – Civic Building
More info on newsletters

  

APRIL 26 – OCTOBER – Saturdays

Fenton Street Market

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Veterans Plaza

More info:

http://www.fentonstreetmarket.com/

MAY - NOVEMBER  – 3 locations

MarVa Harvest Farmers Market

More info:

http://www.marvaharvest.com/ 

• The Essex House  Saturdays, NOON to 3:00pm (starting May 10, ending November 22, 2014) 7777 Maple Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912
• St Camillus Catholic Church  Sundays, 10:00am to 5:00pm (starting May 11, ending November 23, 2014) Silver Spring, MD 20903
• Holy Cross Hospital  Thursdays, 11:00am to 2:00pm (starting May 15, ending November 20, 2014) 1500 Forest Glen Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910

MAY 6 - AUGUST 26  – Tuesdays

ZUMBA by Washington Sports Club

7:00 – 8:00 p.m. – Downtown Silver Spring (Ellsworth Dr)

See more at:

http://downtownsilverspring.com/

MAY 12 - JULY 28  – Mondays

Lunchtime Lounge

Noon – Downtown Silver Spring (Ellsworth Dr)

See more at:

http://downtownsilverspring.com/

JUNE 6 - JUNE 30 – Fridays &Saturdays

Live Music on Plaza Fountain Stage

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – Downtown Silver Spring (Ellsworth Dr)

See more at:

http://downtownsilverspring.com/

JUNE 26 – AUGUST 14 – Thursdays

Silver Spring Summer Swing Concert Series

7-9 pm – Veterans Plaza

Stay tuned for more info

JUNE 4th – OCTOBER – Wednesdays (11-3)

Crossroads Market

Anne St. at (1021) University Blvd. in Takoma/Langley Park, directly across from the Rite Aid

http://www.crossroadscommunityfoodnetwork.org/


JUNE through OCTOBER - 3RD Saturday
Mid Summer Wine Festival
Silver Spring B & O Railroad Station
More info:
http://milkladyevents.org/

MAY 11, JUNE 8, SEPTEMBER 14, OCTOBER 12 - Sundays
Grant Avenue Market (Takoma Park)
10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Grant Ave (Takoma Park)
http://grantavenuemarket.com/

Getting Around Silver Spring - Options Abound!

This 'guest' posting comes from

Sandra L. Brecher

Chief, Commuter Services Section

Div. of Transit Services, MCDOT

101 Monroe Street, 10th Floor

Rockville, MD   20850

(240) 777-8383

sandra.brecher@montgomerycountymd.gov

www.montgomerycountymd.gov/commute

GETTING AROUND SILVER SPRING - OPTIONS ABOUND!

1.  Transit:  Downtown Silver Spring is a major transportation hub.  There is a wide variety of transportation options to enable non-driving access.  In addition to Metrorail, nearly 40 different Metrobus and Ride On routes converge downtown, plus two MTA Commuter Bus routes operated by the State. We very actively promote the use of these transit options for people traveling into the downtown area which, in turn, helps to free up parking for those who do not use these options.  An overview and links to more information are available at our website:  http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DOT-Transit/commuter/pubtrans/index.html.  Let us know if you would like further information on any of these services. 

2.  VanGo Circulator:  The free VanGo shuttle offers convenient transportation from 7 am to 7 pm and circulates continuously throughout the downtown area during weekdays. The VanGo augments our outreach efforts by providing a convenient way for residents and employees to get around town for dining, shopping and other errands, and offering an incentive to take transit instead of driving. This too helps to free up parking by providing those who live or work downtown the option of leaving their cars at home.  Here is a copy of the route map and schedule:  http://www6.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/DOT/transit/pdffiles/route_028.pdf

3.  Carsharing:  People who usually use transit or other non-auto modes to get around, but want to use an auto if they need one for a trip best served that way, can use carshare – e.g., Zipcar http://www.zipcar.com/dc/find-cars or Hertz on Demand  http://www.hertz247.com/Washington/en-US/Home .  There are several carshare vehicles parked in convenient locations around downtown Silver Spring.  This might be a good option for you to consider for those grocery trips you mentioned in your email.  More information on carsharing is available on our website:  http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dot-transit/commuter/carshare/index.html

4.  Bikesharing & Personal bikes:  Capital Bikeshare is a short-term bike rental program available to the public.  Montgomery County has provided a number of CaBi bikeshare stations around downtown Silver Spring, as well as in many other locations around the County.  http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/bikeshare/

We are also working to improve the biking infrastructure in and around downtown Silver Spring, with a number of bike trails available in that area.  Bikesharing – or a personal bike – can be used for short errands and point to point transportation, and could be a good solution for your transportation needs, especially since bikes are easily parked.  Here is a link to a map of bikeways in downtown Silver Spring:  http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DOT-transit/resources/files/ssbikemap.pdf.  You can also contact us for paper copies of bike maps.

For more information on biking in the County and many other links please visit our website:  http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DOT-Transit/commuter/bikewalk/index.html

5.  Taxis:  Taxicabs are an integral component of the transportation infrastructure in downtown areas such as Silver Spring.  For trips best made by car when you don’t want to worry about parking, need door-to-door service, or when the weather is inclement, taxis provide a valuable service.  There are a number of taxicab companies operating in downtown Silver Spring.  You can hail a taxi on the street, or go to a taxi stand such as the one located along Ramsey Avenue or at hotels and other locations.  Here is more information on taxis in Montgomery County, including a list of phone numbers:  http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DOT-Transit/taxi_reg/taxi_user.html

6.  Pedestrian Safety Audits & Improvements:  The County, together with the State and other interested parties, has conducted several major safety audits targeted at providing safer conditions for pedestrians in downtown Silver Spring. Among the improvements resulting from these audits are more visible crosswalks, better driver advisory signs, pedestrian crosswalk timing improvements, and better enforcement.  For more information go to:  http://montgomerycountymd.gov/DOT-PedSafety/prsa/home.html

7.  Transportation Management District efforts:  Downtown Silver Spring is designated as a Transportation Management District (TMD).  Commuter Services works with the business and residential communities in the TMD, conducting outreach to inform them about transportation alternatives and providing programs and services to promote use of those options.  We also coordinate with a variety of other public and private entities to increase transportation capacity and make transit and other alternatives to solo driving easier and more pleasant to use.  For more information see:  http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dot-transit/commuter/tmd/index.html#DSS

8.  TRiPS Commuter Stores:  Personalized assistance for all your transportation needs is available at our TRiPS Commuter Stores, one of which is located in downtown Silver Spring.  Residents, commuters, and visitors to our area find the friendly services available at the store helpful in answering transportation questions.  The store also sells and re-loads value on SmarTrip cards, provides transit timetables, and has many other types of information available about ways to get around, events in downtown Silver Spring, and destinations throughout the County.  Visit us at 8413 Ramsey Avenue (corner of Wayne & Ramsey) or call (240) 773-TRiPS (8747), Option 1.  http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dot-transit/commuter/trips/index.html.

9.  County Parking Facilities:  Finally, for those times when it is necessary to drive and park in downtown Silver Spring, there are over 11,000 parking spaces available in downtown Silver Spring.  The County provides 17 different parking facilities -- here is a link to help you find them:  http://www.silverspringdowntown.com/transportation/parking

In addition to these County-provided parking facilities, there are a number of privately-owned parking facilities open to the public.

We genuinely appreciate hearing from residents and welcome the opportunity to work with them to resolve issues. For further information about non-driving options for your particular needs, or about the Silver Spring TMD and efforts to address traffic congestion, please call our TRiPS store at (240) 773-TRiPS (8747), Option 1, or visit our web site at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/commute.

Operating Budget 101 (and getting ready for the Forum)

[NOTE: This posting paraphrases freely a similar posting from a couple of years ago.]

On MONDAY, JANUARY 13th the Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board will hold its regularly scheduled meeting at the Civic Building, starting at 7pm. As part of that meeting, they will discuss how to prepare for the upcoming County Executive Budget Forum, scheduled for WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29TH. Subsequently, they will draft a letter of advice (at their February meeting) to the County Executive for his consideration prior to him submitting his proposed budget to County Council on March 15th.

This conversation is intended 'newbies' as well as 'old-timers'. This will be the type of conversation that is best attended with someone else you know - you'll want to make sure you talk about it afterwards! So bring a friend, family member, or that young person that is intrigued by our civic process.

SPECIAL NOTE: County Executive Ike Leggett wanted me to share with you the PowerPoint presentation accompanying his series of five budget forums to get public feedback on what you want in the upcoming County operating budget. This is a great, simple way to get an overview of the content and process. You can find it HERE  

-------------

Budgeting for our personal, business, or public purposes sometimes can seem daunting. To some of us, life has never been the same since the dawn of spreadsheets – we live by them! They make our capacity to layout and understand budgets a near science – though we know budgeting remains an art… To other of us, even the thought of dealing with budgets makes us shiver… Most of us are somewhere in the middle.

In Montgomery County, budgeting is essentially a year round process with a clear beginning and end. “The 12-month period to account for revenues and expenditures in Montgomery County commences on July 1 of each year and ends on June 30 of the following year.” Simple enough, right? Well, lots of things happen in-between… For a graphic display of the process, go to page 12 and 13 of the document “Operating Budget Process”, found at:
http://www6.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/omb/FY13/psprec/pdf/psp-process.pdf

After you glance at the chart, you may want to go back to page 1 and read the document carefully… It includes a wealth of useful information regarding how the process works; it has numbers galore; and it even explains some of the terminology that sometimes makes a glaze go over our eyes.

The approved FY14 budget can be found at:
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/OMB/FY14/appr/index.html
The links (in Vol. 1: Operating Budget) to 'how to read the budget' and 'budget highlights' might be particularly helpful.

Viewing these documents can answer many of the questions anyone might have about our County’s budget process… But, there’s nothing like having the opportunity to talk through some of the intricacies and details to better understand the process and some of its nuances…And, begin generating questions and comments for the upcoming Forum.

(Remember that at the February SSCAB meeting the Board will deliberate the contents of the letter that will provide advice the County Executive prior to his submission of his proposed budget to County Council March 15.)

If you would like to join us in such a conversation, please come to the SSCAB meeting MONDAY, JANUARY 13th, 7PM. We’ll have with us a staff from the Office of Management and Budget to lead us on this conversation.

Note that the Budget Conversation is at the beginning of the monthly meeting of the Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board, which begins promptly at 7pm. We hope you’ll stay for the rest of meeting as well.

Guest Blog: Author Judy M. Ford hosts book launch at Kefa (Fri Dec 6)

SILVER SPRING AUTHOR, JUDY M. FORD, HOSTS BOOK LAUNCH AND READING EVENT WITH KEFA CAFÉ ON 12/6/13

Guest Blogpost by Judy M. Ford

21 November 2013

As a newly published author of The Light in Your Pocket: Illuminate Your Life in 140-Characters or Less, and resident of Silver Spring, MD for nearly 14 years, I can think of no better place to host my upcoming Book Launch and Reading Event (on 12/6/13 at 6:30pm), than at Silver Spring’s own Kefa Café, in partnership with sister-owners, Lene and Abeba Tsegaye.  Writing this book has been an absolute joy born of a lifetime of experiences and a dream come true for this writer of poetry and inspirational prose.  In the process, however, writing can be an isolating and lonely task.  Fortunately for me, I was surrounded in my writing process by encouraging and supportive friends and family members who kept me going.  I include among these friends and family, Lene and Abeba Tsegaye as their Kefa Café became my home-away-from-home during the writing of this book and their encouragement, support and excitement for me and this project lifted my spirits and inspired me along my way.  As I state specifically in the Acknowledgements section in my book, “Lene and Abeba Tsegaye, owners of Kefa Café in Silver Spring, MD, nourished me with their support, encouragement, enthusiasm, food, a home-away-from-home and more cups of great coffee than I can count through many hours of writing, editing and revising.”  As such, it is only fitting, as well as my genuine my honor and deep privilege, to have my book launch and reading event in my Silver Spring community at ‘my’ Kefa Café!

Given Kefa Café’s commitment, involvement and overall support of the Silver Spring community, particularly the Bonifant Street area, this is not only an event for a single author and her supporters, but a community event.  Through its Space 7:10 events, Kefa Café “provides a venue for local artists to exhibit and sell their work at a super-loved local coffee shop with painted yellow walls and a warm community vibe.”  Kefa Café “presents a mix of artistic work by emerging and established artists who represent the diversity and breadth of creative expression within the Silver Spring community.”  With a strong preference for artists who live and/or work in the Silver Spring regional area, particularly those personally connected with Kefa Café, having my event here just makes sense!

Please see event details below, including how/where you can purchase The Light in Your Pocket, and we look forward to seeing you on December 6^th at Kefa Café!

JOIN US FOR A BOOK READING!

Friday, December 6^th, 2013 @ 6:30pm

963 Bonifant Street, Silver Spring, MD

KEFA CAFÉ WELCOMES

Silver Spring Author

Judy M. Ford

For a reading of her newly published book:

The Light in Your Pocket:

Illuminate Your Life in 140-Characters or Less

Not Just Another Manic Monday: A Place Where Community Happens

The evening of Monday, November 18th, 2013 is one of those evenings that could simply pass away just like countless other evenings in downtown Silver Spring... After all, nothing huge happened. No crisis. No single major event... Or, it can be reflected upon as an amazing evening when the stars aligned to cement the area as a unique place where community happens; where we are creating a sense of place that matters. 

I ask: 

• Where else in the United States is there such a critical mass of public spaces where intentional community building happens in a routine, almost daily bases?

By now we have grown accustomed to the major outdoor community celebrations and indoor happenings that bring downtown Silver Spring alive year round. Festivals, markets, fund-raisers, and town hall meetings have gotten to be common and expected occurrences.  How we evolve these events into gatherings, dialogues, and conversations that intentionally build community, create our collective history, and welcome and engage everyone is our clear and distinct next challenge. 

Monday November 18th, 2013 might just have been a historical night that 'turned the corner' on how to do this. By the happenstance of different institutional and civic good will, five (yes, 5!) events took place last night that when taken separately do not mean much. But, when you consider that these events all happened either in the Civic Building or a block and a half away in our main cluster of venues, you realize that this didn't just 'happen by happenstance'. This happened because in this Area there are a critical mass of people, institutions, and businesses that are enthusiastically engaged in their community, volunteer their time and energy, provide resources, and care. And care deeply. Care about this place we call Silver Spring.  

In the Civic Building, two different things went on:

(1) The Citizens Advisory Board (through its Commercial Economic Development Committee) partnered with YELP and brought together small businesses and entrepreneurs interested in diving in to the world of social media to enhance their business strategy. This was all done by resident volunteers. Residents reaching out to small and independent businesses - quite a concept!

(2) The African American Health Program, Asian American Health Initiative, and Latino Health Initiative came together to hold a session to help our community understand the complexities of the new Affordable Care Act - and help people enroll... And - more importantly - empower participants with information to take back to their own networks so they can in turn help others enroll.

A block-and-a-half away from the Civic Building, in our cluster of major venues on Colesville Road, another three events were taking place simultaneously.

(3) At the American Film Institute (AFI), Docs-in-Progress held the screening of nine locally produced mini-documentaries highlighting the spirit of Silver Spring. This was the closure of the highly successful 3rd Annual Community Stories Festival held throughout Takoma Park and Silver Spring.

(4) At the Black Box Theater (next to the AFI), Forum Theater held a one-show event titled "Changing Neighborhoods: Local Artists Respond to Stories of Gentrification".  Local artists were commissioned to create short pieces inspired by stories of gentrification and sifting communities in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.

(5) At The Fillmore (across the street), the monthly "Fillmore Cares" Open Mic Benefit Series was going on, with proceeds benefiting Shepard's Table, the local organization that helps feed our homeless brothers and sisters.

It is critically important to understand that these six events were independently conceptualized, designed, and implemented. No central planning. No major top-down directive that would hinder or limit their innovative civic entrepreneurship. The public sector definitively helped set the table and the private sector certainly helped with resources. And - not but! - it was the individual drive to do good of the various sponsoring organizations - and their amazing leadership and volunteers - that made the events happen. 

These events that happened last night in downtown Silver Spring were not just traditional meetings or services for those in need. These events were gatherings, dialogues, and conversations more so than meetings or info-sessions. They engaged the participants in manners that spark individual and collective action to continue in this journey of creating a thriving and vibrant community in Silver Spring.

... a historic night indeed! 

Choosing the Right Federal Health Benefit Plan

You Are Invited to

Congressman Chris Van Hollen’s

Open Season Health Insurance Forums

“Choosing the Right Federal Health Benefit Plan”

All Retired and Active Federal Employees Are Welcome!

Congressman Van Hollen will hold his 11^th Annual Open Season Federal Employees Health Benefits forums in cooperation with the Maryland Federation of Chapters of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) on November 18, 20, and 22^nd.

Experts in federal health insurance and representatives from the insurance plans will be present at all three sessions to discuss various health plan options, the impact of the new health care reforms, and to answer individual questions.   A Medicare expert will also be at the morning forums. 

Monday, November 18, 2013                  Wednesday, November 20, 2013

9 a.m. – 11 a.m.                                         7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

(Panel discussion: 9:30-10:30 a.m.)           (Panel discussion: 7:30-8:30 p.m.)

Holiday Park Senior Center                        Executive Office Building

3950 Ferrara Drive                                     101 Monroe Street

Wheaton, MD  20906                                  Rockville, MD 20850

Friday, November 22, 2013

10 a.m. – Noon

(Panel discussion: 10:30-11:30 a.m.)

Calvary United Methodist Church

403 South Main Street

Mount Airy, MD 21771

Parking is readily available at Holiday Park.  At the Executive Office Building, parking is available on the streets and in the garage across the street. At Calvary Church, parking is available behind the church.  If you need special accommodations, such as a sign language interpreter, please call 301-424-3501 up to two weeks before the event.  For additional information or directions, call 301-424-3501.

Ann G. Humphrey

Constituent Services

Office of Congressman Chris Van Hollen

51 Monroe Street,  Suite 507

Rockville, MD 20850

301-424-3501

301-424-5992 - fax

ann.humphrey@mail.house.gov

Mini Grant For Food Recovery Projects

Montgomery County Health and Human Services is excited to announce a mini-grant program for food recovery.  Applications for FY14 funding can be requested fromfood.recovery@montgomerycountymd.gov and are due Tuesday, December 3, 2013.  

There are two pre-application workshops available for interested parties.  Please RSVP (to food.recovery@montgomerycountymd.gov ) for the workshop you plan to attend to ensure your spot!

Wednesday, November 13, 2013 
10:30 am at 
Licensure and Regulatory Services 
Montgomery County Dept. of Health and Human Services ? 
255 Rockville Pike, 1st Floor ? 
Rockville, Md.  20850 

OR 

Monday, November 18, 2013 
7:00 pm at 
Silver Spring Civic Building 
and Government Center 
Veterans' Plaza 
One Veteran's Place 
Silver Spring, MD 20910 

We look forward to building on the momentum and recommendations from the Food Recovery Work Group.  More information is below.

Thank you, 
Melanie Coffin 

********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Background 
Food recovery is the practice of safely retrieving edible food that would otherwise go to waste, and distributing it to those in need.

The recovered food is edible, but often not saleable. Products that are at or past their "sell by" dates or are imperfect in any way - a bruised apple or day-old bread - are donated by grocery stores, food vendors, restaurants, and farmers markets.  Other times, the food is unblemished, but restaurants may have made or ordered too much, or may have edible pieces of food that are byproducts of process of preparing foods to cook and serve. In addition, food manufacturers may donate product that marginally fails quality control or that has become short-dated.

According to several studies, Americans waste more than 40% of the food produced for consumption, which comes at an annual cost of at least $100 billion.  Meanwhile, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, around 14 percent of American households do not get enough food to live active, healthy lifestyles.

Organizations that encourage food recovery, food rescue, sharing, gleaning, and similar waste-avoidance schemes come under the umbrella of food banks, food pantries, soup kitchens, and the like.

In FY14, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has funding to further the efforts of the Food Recovery Work Group.  The Food Recovery Work Group is attempting to develop a sustainable distribution network of entities with excess food (restaurants, caterers, universities, special events) and connecting them with entities that provide food to those in need.  A portion of the funding has been allocated to assist in creating or advancing the network through small grants to organizations that support and enhance the capabilities of a number of qualified entities currently engaged in food recovery activities.

********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Frequently Asked Questions 
Q: How can I apply?? 
A: An official application can be requested by emailing food.recovery@montgomerycountymd.gov  

Q: What is the application deadline?? 
A: Application deadline is Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at 4 pm.  Applications can be emailed to food.recovery@montgomerycounymd.gov  (email confirmations will verify receipt of application) or submitted in person at 

Licensure and Regulatory Services 
Montgomery County Dept. of Health and Human Services ? 
255 Rockville Pike, 1st Floor ? 
Rockville, Md.  20850 

Q: What are the eligibly requirements?? 
A: Grants will be provided to organizations involved in food recovery within Montgomery County.  It must be very clear how the proposal will start, advance, or enhance food recovery for the community.

Any organization, institution or association that provides services or activities within the county is eligible to apply. Grants will be awarded for projects in Montgomery County only. Organization headquarters can be outside of Montgomery County as long as the organization demonstrates that the activities and services supported by grant funds benefit Montgomery County residents. 

Q: What kinds of expenses are eligible through this grant? 
A:  Any goods and/or services that start, enhance, or advance food recovery or a food recovery network within the County are eligible.  It must be very clear how the purchase or expense relates to food recovery.  

The program will NOT fund: 
1.      Projects that have an existing deficit from a previous year or a previous project. 
2.      Organizations that received previous awards, and did not comply with the terms of the award, including submission of project reports and/or participation in a monitoring visit.

3.      Projects that will require more than a one-time grant award. 
4.      Purchases that occur before the start or after the close of the granting period. 
5.      Replacement of lost and/or reduced Federal, State, United Way or other funding. 
6.      Organizations that have an outstanding contractual obligation with the Department and/or the County. 


Q: How much can an organization request in an application?? 
A: Organizations can apply for grants from $500-$9,999.  Please note that these are one-time awards and must show desired effect to a food recovery network within the granting period.  

Q: Can an organization submit multiple grant requests? 
A: No.  An organization may submit only one application per grant period and per organization.  Only one group or organization may apply per year, including different branches, divisions, locations and/or units of same organization.

Q: How are decisions made? 
A:  All applications will be subject to an initial review, including: 
1.      Completeness of application. 
2.      Legibility and clarity. 
3.      Compliance with applicable guidelines, including the one-time only nature of the project. 
4.      Fiscal accuracy. 
Incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant without consideration. 

A panel consisting of both public and private entities will then review applications for their effect in creating, advancing, and/or enhancing food recovery or a food recovery network within Montgomery County.  Applications will be evaluated based on their level of impact, ability to complete the desired outcomes, and the ratio of investment to impact.  Organizations that show coordination, collaboration, and/or leverage of other resources will be more competitive. 

Q: When are the funds available? 
A: HHS will notify awardees in writing 4-6 weeks after the application deadline.  NOTE: There may be additional requirements post application such as a HACPP plan for food safety or proof of Food Service Manager certification.  Once notified by HHS, an organization may move forward immediately with approved purchases.   All purchases must be completed no later than June 30, 2014.  

Q: What if I need to make changes to the application after I have completed the on-line application?? 
A: Please e-mail changes such as the grant purpose, grant amount requested, or contact information, to food.recovery@montgomerycountymd.gov 

Q: Who can I reach out to if I have questions?? 
A: Please direct all questions to food.recovery@montgomerycountymd.gov