For those of us that are into this kind of stuff, you might find this listing of "what is going on in the worlds of deliberative democracy" interesting... The author - and keeper - of the list is Matt Leighninger, Executive Director of the Deliberative Democracy Consortium (Washington, DC) http://www.deliberative-democracy.net/
Using Online Tools to Engage the Public – How can online tools help you engage citizens in public decision-making and problem-solving? What are the most common mistakes being made by public managers and other leaders as they try to work with the public online? In a given scenario, which tools and tactics seem most appropriate and effective? Using Online Tools to Engage – and be Engaged by – the Public, Matt Leighninger’s report for the IBM Center for the Business of Government, delves into these questions, describes a range of scenarios and tactics, and gives real-world examples of online engagement. It highlights over 40 different technologies in use today to support various kinds of public participation. It is available free of charge at http://www.businessofgovernment.org/report/using-online-tools-engage-public
Citizenship DRC concludes its work – The Citizenship Development Research Centre in the UK, which has worked on issues of democracy and development for ten years, is closing its doors. But not without releasing a huge volume of helpful materials: their new website that contains all of the written outputs produced over the last ten years. You can search by keyword or browse the thematic areas, including a section on "Overarching lessons" where you can find their most definitive articles, including that last round of synthesis papers, which look at overarching and cross-cutting themes in the work. "DRC Worldwide" also features their research by country, easily accessible via an interactive map. http://www.drc-citizenship.org/
New LogoLink newsletter – LogoLink, the Learning Initiative on Citizen Participation and Local Governance, is a global network of practitioners from civil society organizations, research institutions and governments created to deepen democracy and social justice through greater citizen participation and engagement in local governance. Read the latest news from the LogoLink network on their newsletter, available in English and Spanish. http://www.logolink.org/index.php/news/logolinks-newsletter-march-2011-issue-online
American Speaks launches American Square – AmericaSpeaks has just launched The American Square, an experiment designed to bridge the online political gap and provide a safe space for civil, multi-partisan conversations about public policy and politics. The huge disparity between left and right in our current political environment is magnified on the web. This new effort is a deliberate, idealistic attempt to build a community of people who, while believing passionately in their ideals, also believe that our democracy requires respectful discourse and willingness to compromise. http://americaspeaks.org/blog/the-american-square-is-here-2/
Citizens’ Initiative Review passes in Oregon – The Oregon Senate passed legislation to establish the Citizens’ Initiative Review Commission, a new agency inspired by a successful deliberative democracy pilot project. In 2010, CIR citizen’s juries were organized to discuss two key ballot measures and generate nonpartisan statements for the Oregon’s voter guide. http://www.leg.state.or.us/press_releases/sdo_060111.html
NLC has new site – The National League of Cities has completely revamped its web-site. It is easier than ever to find the many resources and publications they offer on democratic governance at http://www.nlc.org/find-city-solutions/research-innovation/governance-civic-engagement. www.nlc.org
Video from Springfield Participatory Budgeting event – A recent event in Springfield, MA brought together Participatory Budgeting practitioners and researchers to talk about how it could be improved and implemented. A short video provides highlights of the presentations. http://www.springfieldinstitute.org/?p=4602
“Democracy Exchange” conference calls – The Campaign for Stronger Democracy will host a series of conversations this summer, called Democracy Exchanges, in order to explore important issues that impact the democracy reform community. Each month, they'll spotlight a different topic and ask key leaders to share their experiences working on it during a one hour conference call. Additionally, 10 minutes will be set aside in order to give a few other organizations a chance to provide a quick briefing on an important new project or campaign that the community should know about. Here are the topics and dates:
- How Can We More Effectively Appeal to New Audiences? – June 7 at 2pm Eastern
- How Can We Better Involve New Immigrants in our Civic Life? – July 7 at 2pm Eastern
- How Can We Fight Budget Cuts that Threaten Our Democracy? – August 2 at 1pm Eastern
More info at: http://strongerdemocracy.org/2011/05/09/dont-miss-this-summers-democracy-exchanges/
{TO GET FUTURE POSTINGS AUTOMATICALLY, CLICK THE 'FOLLOW' BUTTON}
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
What is going on in the world of deliberative democracy?
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
A (short) history of developemnt in downtown Silver Spring
The Silver Spring War and Rebirth: The Fall and Rise of an American Downtown
“Location is destiny”
By Gus Bauman
(An edited version of what was presented at the Makeover Montgomery Conference, April 14-16, 2011, Silver Spring Civic Building)
THE PRELUDE
1956 (June) The National Interstate Highway System Act signed – I-495, etc., looms large in the future
1960 (February) Wheaton Plaza (now Westfield Plaza) opens, ushering in a new era of mall shopping
1964 (August) Capital Beltway final segment opens
Mid-60’s Civil unrest accelerates, culminating in the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, III (1968)
1970’s “White flight” and business abandonment of cities becomes a flood
1978 (February) First Metrorail Station in Maryland opens in downtown Silver Spring
THE WAR
1984 (Friday, August 24) Demolition of the 1938 Silver Theatre and Shopping Center art deco elements begins - as historic designation hearing scheduled for September 5 of the same year
1984 (August 27) County issues demolition Stop-Work Order for demolition
1985 Silver Theatre closes, leaving downtown with a movie house
1986 (December) Regional mall, office towers, and hotel project proposed for CBD’s core (Silver Triangle) by local developer
1987 (September) Hech’t Department store leaves downtown Silver Spring for Wheaton Plaza
1988 (September 29) Planning Board approves Silver Triangle project after contentious hearing
1988 (November 8) County voters defeat referendum that would prevent funding of County garage necessary for Silver Triangle project
1988 (December) Group opposing Silver Triangle approval files lawsuit to overturn Silver Triangle approval
1989 (June) Nordstrom backs out of Silver Triangle project – but, Macy’s remains
1989 (July 5) Circuit court overturns Planning Board’s approval of Silver Triangle project
1989 (September) JCPenney, last remaining major retailer in downtown Silver Spring, closes its doors
1989 (December 14) Planning Board approves new Silver Triangle with revisions and conditions
1980’s Several office towers built near Metro Station – NOAA’s headquarter was not to complete consolidation until later (1993)
1990 (September 11) County Executive election process debates Silver Triangle project; supporter wins
1991 (January 7) Maryland high court reverses Circuit Court decision,
reinstating 1988 Silver Triangle project approval
1991 (March) Planning Board holds hearing on Draft Silver Spring Central Business District (CBD) Sector Plan
1991 (June) JC Penney sings on with Macy’s at Silver Triangle project
THE TRUCE
1991 (December) County-initiated mediation leads to compromise plan for radically revised project (Silver Spring II)
1992 (January) Macy’s files for bankruptcy protection
1992 (February) Urban Land Institute (ULI) submits its Downtown Silver Spring Report evaluating the Silver Triangle site, to County
1992 (April) City Place opens at Hecht’s site
1992 (August) County adopts Urban Renewal Plan for CBD core, 29 acres of downtown’s 360 acres
1993 (April) County adopts CBD Sector Plan for the Revival of Downtown Silver Spring
1994 (February) Per the Sector Plan, County places Silver Theatre and Shopping Center on Historic Preservation Master Plan as JCPenney, in financial turmoil, withdraws from Silver Triangle II project
1994 (December) Silver Spring Alternatives Working Group - 21 members – issues Report to the County Executive on retail development alternatives for east side of urban renewal area (as Macy’s emerges from bankruptcy protection)
1995 (January) Greater Silver Spring Committee- 19 members – issues Report to new County Executive recommending termination of County’s development agreement with Silver Triangle developer
1995 (January 9) County and Silver Triangle developer terminate relationship
1995 (May) County issues Request for Expressions of Interest for portion of the east side of the urban renewal area – 14 acres
1996 (February) Silver Spring Redevelopment Advisory Board – 48 members – recommends County negotiate with Canadian development Company for American Dream retail/entertainment proposal
1996 (November) County terminates development agreement with American Dream developer for inability to secure required private financing
1996 (December) State designates Silver Spring Enterprise Zone – to be administered by Cunty - offering employment and property tax credits
1996 Report indicates that over 220 businesses have left the area in the last decade; office vacancy reaches 39%; storefront vacancy exceeds 25%
THE RECONSTRUCTION
1997 (February) Silver Spring Redevelopment Steering Committee – 31 members – appointed by County Executive to advise County and developers on concepts for urban renewal area
1997 (May) County Executive enters into exclusive negotiation with joint venture development team to craft “town center” project plan
1998 (April) County sings development agreement with joint venture developers for town center concept – “Downtown Silver Spring” – on urban renewal area’s east side; and agrees to purchase, restore and expand Silver Theater into film complex, securing agreement with the American Film Institute (AFI) to operate it
1998 (October) Discovery Communications agrees to move to Silver Spring on urban renewal’s west side
2000 (February) County adopts Silver Spring CBD Sector Plan, a refinement of
the 1993 Plan
2000 (August – October) Phase I of Downtown Silver Spring project opens with several retail stores
2002 (January) State designates the Silver Spring Arts & Entertainment District, offering financial assistance and certain tax benefits
2003 (March – April) Discover Communications; AFI Silver Theater and Cultural Center opens; and, Round House Theatre have their grand openings
2006 (June) Typifying new development in the area, Phase I of United Therapeutics headquarters and labs opens
2007 Typifying arts-centric growth, the Maryland Youth Ballet moves to Downtown Silver Spring
2011 (Fall) Fillmore Silver Spring (music hall) set to open at vacant JCPenney building under public –private partnership agreement
Latter part of 00’s & early 10’s Public investment intensifies with the construction of the Silver Spring Innovations Center (2004); County Court House; Fire Station; various facilities at Montgomery College (Health and Sciences Center, Cafritz Foundation Arts Center, Cultural Arts Center); Silver Spring Civic Building and Veterans Plaza; Transit Center set to open in 2012; and Library in 2013
THE OUTCOMES SO FAR
Over the last decade, over $450 million in public investments leveraged to support some $2 billion in private investments; approximately 2,500 new residential units built – and over 1,500 approved and underway; dozens of new restaurants; 3 hotels open; more planned
CBD tax base grows 62%
Zip code 20910 becomes highest median home price area in Greater Silver Spring’s eight zip codes
Office vacancy rate second lowest in county
…others?
NOTE: FOR A 'CONTEXTUAL' FULL BOOK ABOUT DOWNTOWN SILVER SPRING, CHECK OUT JERRY McCOY'S "DOWNTOWN SILVER SPRING (THEN AND NOW)"... GREAT PICTURES!
Updated December 2011: Also see a 'video tour' of downtown from the historical preservation perspective HERE.
{PLEASE 'FOLLOW' THIS BLOG SO YOU CAN GET FUTURE POSTINGS AUTOMATICALLY}
“Location is destiny”
By Gus Bauman
(An edited version of what was presented at the Makeover Montgomery Conference, April 14-16, 2011, Silver Spring Civic Building)
THE PRELUDE
1956 (June) The National Interstate Highway System Act signed – I-495, etc., looms large in the future
1960 (February) Wheaton Plaza (now Westfield Plaza) opens, ushering in a new era of mall shopping
1964 (August) Capital Beltway final segment opens
Mid-60’s Civil unrest accelerates, culminating in the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, III (1968)
1970’s “White flight” and business abandonment of cities becomes a flood
1978 (February) First Metrorail Station in Maryland opens in downtown Silver Spring
THE WAR
1984 (Friday, August 24) Demolition of the 1938 Silver Theatre and Shopping Center art deco elements begins - as historic designation hearing scheduled for September 5 of the same year
1984 (August 27) County issues demolition Stop-Work Order for demolition
1985 Silver Theatre closes, leaving downtown with a movie house
1986 (December) Regional mall, office towers, and hotel project proposed for CBD’s core (Silver Triangle) by local developer
1987 (September) Hech’t Department store leaves downtown Silver Spring for Wheaton Plaza
1988 (September 29) Planning Board approves Silver Triangle project after contentious hearing
1988 (November 8) County voters defeat referendum that would prevent funding of County garage necessary for Silver Triangle project
1988 (December) Group opposing Silver Triangle approval files lawsuit to overturn Silver Triangle approval
1989 (June) Nordstrom backs out of Silver Triangle project – but, Macy’s remains
1989 (July 5) Circuit court overturns Planning Board’s approval of Silver Triangle project
1989 (September) JCPenney, last remaining major retailer in downtown Silver Spring, closes its doors
1989 (December 14) Planning Board approves new Silver Triangle with revisions and conditions
1980’s Several office towers built near Metro Station – NOAA’s headquarter was not to complete consolidation until later (1993)
1990 (September 11) County Executive election process debates Silver Triangle project; supporter wins
1991 (January 7) Maryland high court reverses Circuit Court decision,
reinstating 1988 Silver Triangle project approval
1991 (March) Planning Board holds hearing on Draft Silver Spring Central Business District (CBD) Sector Plan
1991 (June) JC Penney sings on with Macy’s at Silver Triangle project
THE TRUCE
1991 (December) County-initiated mediation leads to compromise plan for radically revised project (Silver Spring II)
1992 (January) Macy’s files for bankruptcy protection
1992 (February) Urban Land Institute (ULI) submits its Downtown Silver Spring Report evaluating the Silver Triangle site, to County
1992 (April) City Place opens at Hecht’s site
1992 (August) County adopts Urban Renewal Plan for CBD core, 29 acres of downtown’s 360 acres
1993 (April) County adopts CBD Sector Plan for the Revival of Downtown Silver Spring
1994 (February) Per the Sector Plan, County places Silver Theatre and Shopping Center on Historic Preservation Master Plan as JCPenney, in financial turmoil, withdraws from Silver Triangle II project
1994 (December) Silver Spring Alternatives Working Group - 21 members – issues Report to the County Executive on retail development alternatives for east side of urban renewal area (as Macy’s emerges from bankruptcy protection)
1995 (January) Greater Silver Spring Committee- 19 members – issues Report to new County Executive recommending termination of County’s development agreement with Silver Triangle developer
1995 (January 9) County and Silver Triangle developer terminate relationship
1995 (May) County issues Request for Expressions of Interest for portion of the east side of the urban renewal area – 14 acres
1996 (February) Silver Spring Redevelopment Advisory Board – 48 members – recommends County negotiate with Canadian development Company for American Dream retail/entertainment proposal
1996 (November) County terminates development agreement with American Dream developer for inability to secure required private financing
1996 (December) State designates Silver Spring Enterprise Zone – to be administered by Cunty - offering employment and property tax credits
1996 Report indicates that over 220 businesses have left the area in the last decade; office vacancy reaches 39%; storefront vacancy exceeds 25%
THE RECONSTRUCTION
1997 (February) Silver Spring Redevelopment Steering Committee – 31 members – appointed by County Executive to advise County and developers on concepts for urban renewal area
1997 (May) County Executive enters into exclusive negotiation with joint venture development team to craft “town center” project plan
1998 (April) County sings development agreement with joint venture developers for town center concept – “Downtown Silver Spring” – on urban renewal area’s east side; and agrees to purchase, restore and expand Silver Theater into film complex, securing agreement with the American Film Institute (AFI) to operate it
1998 (October) Discovery Communications agrees to move to Silver Spring on urban renewal’s west side
2000 (February) County adopts Silver Spring CBD Sector Plan, a refinement of
the 1993 Plan
2000 (August – October) Phase I of Downtown Silver Spring project opens with several retail stores
2002 (January) State designates the Silver Spring Arts & Entertainment District, offering financial assistance and certain tax benefits
2003 (March – April) Discover Communications; AFI Silver Theater and Cultural Center opens; and, Round House Theatre have their grand openings
2006 (June) Typifying new development in the area, Phase I of United Therapeutics headquarters and labs opens
2007 Typifying arts-centric growth, the Maryland Youth Ballet moves to Downtown Silver Spring
2011 (Fall) Fillmore Silver Spring (music hall) set to open at vacant JCPenney building under public –private partnership agreement
Latter part of 00’s & early 10’s Public investment intensifies with the construction of the Silver Spring Innovations Center (2004); County Court House; Fire Station; various facilities at Montgomery College (Health and Sciences Center, Cafritz Foundation Arts Center, Cultural Arts Center); Silver Spring Civic Building and Veterans Plaza; Transit Center set to open in 2012; and Library in 2013
THE OUTCOMES SO FAR
Over the last decade, over $450 million in public investments leveraged to support some $2 billion in private investments; approximately 2,500 new residential units built – and over 1,500 approved and underway; dozens of new restaurants; 3 hotels open; more planned
CBD tax base grows 62%
Zip code 20910 becomes highest median home price area in Greater Silver Spring’s eight zip codes
Office vacancy rate second lowest in county
…others?
NOTE: FOR A 'CONTEXTUAL' FULL BOOK ABOUT DOWNTOWN SILVER SPRING, CHECK OUT JERRY McCOY'S "DOWNTOWN SILVER SPRING (THEN AND NOW)"... GREAT PICTURES!
Updated December 2011: Also see a 'video tour' of downtown from the historical preservation perspective HERE.
{PLEASE 'FOLLOW' THIS BLOG SO YOU CAN GET FUTURE POSTINGS AUTOMATICALLY}
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Community Roundtables & Non-Profit Showcases
This is a CALL TO ACTION for constructive dialogue!
Have you ever wanted to "take your message to the streets"? Have you ever felt constrained by the traditional methods of getting together in "informational meetings" or felt that a room with four walls is not necessarily the best place to be innovative or engaging? What if you could "meet people where they are at" rather than having them have to come to you?
Well, have you heard of these two amazing opportunities for bringing your organization's message to a new population?
[1] COMMUNITY ROUNDTABLE AT THE FENTON STREET MARKET Saturdays mornings (time determined by you) The Fenton Street Market, held every Saturday on Veterans Plaza (downtown Silver Spring) makes available a couple of tables and chairs where you can enter into a dialogue with the folks that happen to be at the market - and, of course, you can also invite folks beforehand to make sure you have a good crowd.
These conversations in the marketplace have already demonstrated to be highly successful. Facilitators have included Senator Jamie Raskin discussing the new "B" Corporations; Regional Center Director Reemberto Rodriguez inviting people to volunteer; and Delegate Tom Hucker talking about Pepco and clean energy.
If you have an enticing topic that you want to bring to this space, please contact Hannah McCann at Hannah@FentonStreetMarket.com
[2] NON-PROFIT SHOWCASE Monday evenings (7-9) on Veterans Plaza (downtown Silver Spring) These experimental dialogues started as "Monday Evening Conversations", but soon it became evident that they are a wonderful opportunity for our robust non-profit community to connect with a population that may not normally know about them. The idea is simple: We have a wonderful 'public square' in Veterans Plaza. People from all walks of life 'happen to come by' at any given moment. Monday evenings at the Plaza provide as good opportunity as any to seize the moment and engage folks that happen to be there... And, of course, it also provides a great opportunity to be intentional about bringing people to join in the dialogue.
Non-profits are welcome to sign up to 'showcase' their organization. The idea is that non-profits would come by, be available to those on the Plaza, walk arond and engage them in substantive dialogue about mission, services, and/or volunteering opportunities. (More than one non-profit can be there at one time - it is a big Plaza!) NOTE: There is no staff support provided for logistics or equipment. While there are small tables on the Plaza, organizations are encouraged to bring their own table if they are going to display material.
If your organization wants to participate, simply e-mail Gwen Haney at Gwen.Haney@MontgomeryCountyMd.Gov
We hope you take advantage of these two opportunities!
{Please consider 'following' this blog so you get future postings automatically... Just click the "FOLLOW" icon on the left.}
Have you ever wanted to "take your message to the streets"? Have you ever felt constrained by the traditional methods of getting together in "informational meetings" or felt that a room with four walls is not necessarily the best place to be innovative or engaging? What if you could "meet people where they are at" rather than having them have to come to you?
Well, have you heard of these two amazing opportunities for bringing your organization's message to a new population?
[1] COMMUNITY ROUNDTABLE AT THE FENTON STREET MARKET Saturdays mornings (time determined by you) The Fenton Street Market, held every Saturday on Veterans Plaza (downtown Silver Spring) makes available a couple of tables and chairs where you can enter into a dialogue with the folks that happen to be at the market - and, of course, you can also invite folks beforehand to make sure you have a good crowd.
These conversations in the marketplace have already demonstrated to be highly successful. Facilitators have included Senator Jamie Raskin discussing the new "B" Corporations; Regional Center Director Reemberto Rodriguez inviting people to volunteer; and Delegate Tom Hucker talking about Pepco and clean energy.
If you have an enticing topic that you want to bring to this space, please contact Hannah McCann at Hannah@FentonStreetMarket.com
[2] NON-PROFIT SHOWCASE Monday evenings (7-9) on Veterans Plaza (downtown Silver Spring) These experimental dialogues started as "Monday Evening Conversations", but soon it became evident that they are a wonderful opportunity for our robust non-profit community to connect with a population that may not normally know about them. The idea is simple: We have a wonderful 'public square' in Veterans Plaza. People from all walks of life 'happen to come by' at any given moment. Monday evenings at the Plaza provide as good opportunity as any to seize the moment and engage folks that happen to be there... And, of course, it also provides a great opportunity to be intentional about bringing people to join in the dialogue.
Non-profits are welcome to sign up to 'showcase' their organization. The idea is that non-profits would come by, be available to those on the Plaza, walk arond and engage them in substantive dialogue about mission, services, and/or volunteering opportunities. (More than one non-profit can be there at one time - it is a big Plaza!) NOTE: There is no staff support provided for logistics or equipment. While there are small tables on the Plaza, organizations are encouraged to bring their own table if they are going to display material.
If your organization wants to participate, simply e-mail Gwen Haney at Gwen.Haney@MontgomeryCountyMd.Gov
We hope you take advantage of these two opportunities!
{Please consider 'following' this blog so you get future postings automatically... Just click the "FOLLOW" icon on the left.}
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
WHAT A WEEKEND AWAITS US! Silver Spring “To-Do’s”
---------------------
Wow! First weekend after Memorial Day; weather is hot; so much to do – so little time!
The diversity of activities that are available to us in the Silver Spring Regional Center area at any given time is truly amazing… This coming weekend, for example, there are events and activities for every taste.
Stay close to home. Soak in some of these activities. Bump into someone you know; and/or someone you don’t know… Share with them what makes our community great; invite them to that next exciting community meeting, gathering, or dialogue!... You never know when you might run across that next great civic leader, entrepreneur, or business innovator…
You can start on Thursday (June, the 2nd starting at 9 a.m.) at the Montgomery County Planning Board’s meeting for, among other things, an update on “Vision 2030 for Parks & Recreation.” See the results of countless input sessions. “The Planning Board presentation will include highlights of the final plan objectives and staff’s proposed strategies to implement them, as well as an explanation of the financial recommendations for aligning park and recreation services with a cost recovery philosophy.”
Later on that evening, stop by Veterans Plaza (June, the 2nd at 7 p.m.) to listen to the Greater U Street Jazz Collective. There are sure to be lots of community folks around making an evening of it!
Come back to Veterans Plaza on Friday afternoon to partake in the National Center for Children and Families NCCF “Inaugural Youth Art Fair” (Friday, June the 3rd 4-6:30 p.m.) “Come support the youth in our community as they confidently present and share their artistic gifts on the plaza. Free to the public, you can purchase from over 100 original works of art from the area’s most talented youth. This youth-led program also features various dance groups and musical talents.”
Later that evening, starting at 6:00 p.m., join Honorary Chair, Barbara Harrison of NBC4, and over 500 supporters of NCCF, philanthropists, and art enthusiasts, as they bid on fine art, unique items featured in “Gifts from the Soul” silent auction, live music, and a live auction of artwork by artists in NCCF’s Greentree Adolescent Program (GAP) and Greentree Shelter (GTS). (“Art & Soul Charity Auction” - Pre-purchased tickets required!)
For a different take, you can choose to go watch Lesbians and the Men Who Love Them: How Maria Came In at the Takoma Park Community Center (7:30 p.m.)
For another ‘different take’, at about the same time (8 p.m.) you can “pay what u can” at the Bobrauschenbergamerica Show by Forum Theatre, performed at the Roundhouse Black Box on Colesville Road (next to AFI.)
Oh, by the way, as long as you are by the AFI, why not check out the Caribbean Film Festival offerings? Or some of their other excellent films showing there? (You simply can’t go wrong!)
Go home and get some sleep, because Saturday you have to get out of bed bright and early to make it to the Fenton Street Market on Veterans Plaza and the adjoining FreshFarm Farmers Market on Ellwsorth Drive (Downtown Silver Spring.) {This Saturday at 11 a.m., Delegate Tom Hucker will be leading a conversation on Pepco and clean energy at the Community Roundtable a the Fenton Street Market.}
Want to venture out of downtown? How about going on a neighborhood walk of our Four Corners Community? Join the Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board’s Neighborhoods Committee for this walking tour Saturday, June 4. We will meet at 10 a.m. at Silver Spring Stage (www.ssstage.org/) in the Woodmoor Shopping Center.{Please RSVP to Casey Anderson, Committee Chair, caseybanderson@aol.com, or Jim Zepp, jzepp@mindspring.com so we know how much space to reserve for lunch.}
Walk over to Pyramid Atlantic at 1 p.m. to catch the opening reception for an exhibit by Max-Karl Winklery at the Washington Printmakers Gallery… Then, go back to downtown to meet Patti Owens, the artists showing some of her work at the ArtSpring store (second floor, above PotBelly’s) at 2-5 p.m…
If you are really adventurous and want to listen to some experimental sounds (music, some might even call it!) go back to Pyramid Atlantic at 7:30 p.m. for “Off the Grid – Sonic Circuits”.
Or, you may want to head out to Blair High School and catch the opening game for the Takoma Park / Silver Spring Thunderbolts Baseball Team – the best up-and-coming team in the wooden bat Carl Ripken League at 7 p.m. (The teams are made up of college players from throughout the country.) If you miss them Saturday, they’ll play again on Sunday at 6 p.m.
Sunday is no “rest day” this weekend!
Takoma Park has its fantastic Jazz Festival over at Old Takoma Park (downtown TP) from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
But, if you go to the Festival, make sure you step out with all your electronic stuff that you want to recycle. Silver Spring Green and Montgomery County are doing an ‘e-recycling event’ from noon till 4 p.m. Bring your old t.v., computer - whatever - to the Blair High School parking lot where they will be collected and disposed of properly.
Or, you can go back to downtown for the amazaing "Taste of Africa" (on Ellsworth Dr.) through the afternoon and evening.
After this exhausting weekend, you can go back home and chill out to your favorite tunes, hang out with your cats and dogs (or family and friends) and share all the stories of the amazing weekend that proves – once again – that this is a wonderful community in which to live!
NOTE: IF YOU WANT MORE INFO IN ANY OF THE ABOVE, GOOGLE THE EVENT, ADD ‘SILVER SPRING’, AND IT SHOULD TAKE YOU TO THE EVENT'S WEB-SITE.
See you around!
{And, don’t forget to click the ‘follow’ button so you can get future blog postings automatically.}
Wow! First weekend after Memorial Day; weather is hot; so much to do – so little time!
The diversity of activities that are available to us in the Silver Spring Regional Center area at any given time is truly amazing… This coming weekend, for example, there are events and activities for every taste.
Stay close to home. Soak in some of these activities. Bump into someone you know; and/or someone you don’t know… Share with them what makes our community great; invite them to that next exciting community meeting, gathering, or dialogue!... You never know when you might run across that next great civic leader, entrepreneur, or business innovator…
You can start on Thursday (June, the 2nd starting at 9 a.m.) at the Montgomery County Planning Board’s meeting for, among other things, an update on “Vision 2030 for Parks & Recreation.” See the results of countless input sessions. “The Planning Board presentation will include highlights of the final plan objectives and staff’s proposed strategies to implement them, as well as an explanation of the financial recommendations for aligning park and recreation services with a cost recovery philosophy.”
Later on that evening, stop by Veterans Plaza (June, the 2nd at 7 p.m.) to listen to the Greater U Street Jazz Collective. There are sure to be lots of community folks around making an evening of it!
Come back to Veterans Plaza on Friday afternoon to partake in the National Center for Children and Families NCCF “Inaugural Youth Art Fair” (Friday, June the 3rd 4-6:30 p.m.) “Come support the youth in our community as they confidently present and share their artistic gifts on the plaza. Free to the public, you can purchase from over 100 original works of art from the area’s most talented youth. This youth-led program also features various dance groups and musical talents.”
Later that evening, starting at 6:00 p.m., join Honorary Chair, Barbara Harrison of NBC4, and over 500 supporters of NCCF, philanthropists, and art enthusiasts, as they bid on fine art, unique items featured in “Gifts from the Soul” silent auction, live music, and a live auction of artwork by artists in NCCF’s Greentree Adolescent Program (GAP) and Greentree Shelter (GTS). (“Art & Soul Charity Auction” - Pre-purchased tickets required!)
For a different take, you can choose to go watch Lesbians and the Men Who Love Them: How Maria Came In at the Takoma Park Community Center (7:30 p.m.)
For another ‘different take’, at about the same time (8 p.m.) you can “pay what u can” at the Bobrauschenbergamerica Show by Forum Theatre, performed at the Roundhouse Black Box on Colesville Road (next to AFI.)
Oh, by the way, as long as you are by the AFI, why not check out the Caribbean Film Festival offerings? Or some of their other excellent films showing there? (You simply can’t go wrong!)
Go home and get some sleep, because Saturday you have to get out of bed bright and early to make it to the Fenton Street Market on Veterans Plaza and the adjoining FreshFarm Farmers Market on Ellwsorth Drive (Downtown Silver Spring.) {This Saturday at 11 a.m., Delegate Tom Hucker will be leading a conversation on Pepco and clean energy at the Community Roundtable a the Fenton Street Market.}
Want to venture out of downtown? How about going on a neighborhood walk of our Four Corners Community? Join the Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board’s Neighborhoods Committee for this walking tour Saturday, June 4. We will meet at 10 a.m. at Silver Spring Stage (www.ssstage.org/) in the Woodmoor Shopping Center.{Please RSVP to Casey Anderson, Committee Chair, caseybanderson@aol.com, or Jim Zepp, jzepp@mindspring.com so we know how much space to reserve for lunch.}
Walk over to Pyramid Atlantic at 1 p.m. to catch the opening reception for an exhibit by Max-Karl Winklery at the Washington Printmakers Gallery… Then, go back to downtown to meet Patti Owens, the artists showing some of her work at the ArtSpring store (second floor, above PotBelly’s) at 2-5 p.m…
If you are really adventurous and want to listen to some experimental sounds (music, some might even call it!) go back to Pyramid Atlantic at 7:30 p.m. for “Off the Grid – Sonic Circuits”.
Or, you may want to head out to Blair High School and catch the opening game for the Takoma Park / Silver Spring Thunderbolts Baseball Team – the best up-and-coming team in the wooden bat Carl Ripken League at 7 p.m. (The teams are made up of college players from throughout the country.) If you miss them Saturday, they’ll play again on Sunday at 6 p.m.
Sunday is no “rest day” this weekend!
Takoma Park has its fantastic Jazz Festival over at Old Takoma Park (downtown TP) from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
But, if you go to the Festival, make sure you step out with all your electronic stuff that you want to recycle. Silver Spring Green and Montgomery County are doing an ‘e-recycling event’ from noon till 4 p.m. Bring your old t.v., computer - whatever - to the Blair High School parking lot where they will be collected and disposed of properly.
Or, you can go back to downtown for the amazaing "Taste of Africa" (on Ellsworth Dr.) through the afternoon and evening.
After this exhausting weekend, you can go back home and chill out to your favorite tunes, hang out with your cats and dogs (or family and friends) and share all the stories of the amazing weekend that proves – once again – that this is a wonderful community in which to live!
NOTE: IF YOU WANT MORE INFO IN ANY OF THE ABOVE, GOOGLE THE EVENT, ADD ‘SILVER SPRING’, AND IT SHOULD TAKE YOU TO THE EVENT'S WEB-SITE.
See you around!
{And, don’t forget to click the ‘follow’ button so you can get future blog postings automatically.}
Friday, May 27, 2011
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
{AS ALWAYS, PLEASE CONSIDER CLICKING THE 'FOLLOW' BUTTON ON THE LEFT TO GET FUTURE BLOG POSTINGS AUTOMATICALLY.}
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
{AS ALWAYS, PLEASE CONSIDER CLICKING THE 'FOLLOW' BUTTON ON THE LEFT TO GET FUTURE BLOG POSTINGS AUTOMATICALLY.}
Friday, May 20, 2011
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 RodrÃguez, 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 RodrÃguez, 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/
{please don't forget to hit the 'follow' button to your left so you can get future postings!}
A Conversation with Reemberto RodrÃguez, 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 RodrÃguez, 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/
{please don't forget to hit the 'follow' button to your left so you can get future postings!}
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
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
{And, don’t forget to click the ‘follow’ link on the left so you can get future postings!}
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
{And, don’t forget to click the ‘follow’ link on the left so you can get future postings!}
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