El Salvador: An Experience of Gifts, Doctors, and Mother Teresas

One week in one place an expert does not make you. That is how long I spent in El Salvador July 25-29, 2011 as part of the delegation from Montgomery County. MD. I was there with a group of residents and dignitaries that signed a “Sister Cities Agreement” with Morazán (one of the poorest areas in El Salvador.) (NO County funds were used for any portion of the trip!) Only a brief week there, so I am certainly no expert. Yet there were certain experiences that were truly magnificent and made me feel much closer to the people of El Salvador.

Obviously, first and foremost is the pride of having being there with fellow folks from Montgomery County government and community members in what was an emotional, impactful, and meaningful trip. There’s also the new-found appreciation for the Salvadorian people, particularly those from Morazán, where many of our Silver Spring Salvadorians come from.

The experience will remain with me forever, mostly in the faces and spirit of the people I met… And, what people I did meet! Some of the people I met are ‘people in power’; most were regular folks – proud folks – that shared beautiful stories with us.

I could talk about the details of the trip, get into the philosophical, or discuss where we are going with this adventure… Others are much more capable to do this than I… I would simply like to share three simple stories that hopefully capture the spirit of the people of Morazán.

THE GIFT

I did not know I was staying with a host family until I got to El Salvador. I was to stay at a hotel. Frankly, I was thrilled to learn that I would be staying with a family instead… This would make the experience more ‘authentic’.

When we arrived at the host family’s house, I was somewhat surprised to find a very comfortable home. I had my own bedroom and access to a full bath. Very comfortable indeed!

The owners of the house were a young couple with two beautiful children. They owned a small farm and operated two convenience stores. They made sure we saw their pictures of when they visited New York and Niagara Falls.

It was extremely easy to strike a high comfort level with them. The children were adorable; and the young couple soon adjusted to our different versions of Spanish (Cuban vs. Salvadorian.)

By the time we left, we had established an excellent relationship. They showed us where the children go to school and where their Assembly of God congregation is building a new church. It was evidently clear that their faith was central to their lives. Yet, what happened when it was time to part was totally unexpected.

After me offering them a simple parting gift, they tell me “wait, we have something special for you.” I was ready for some small artifact from an artesian shop or a token from their farm.

I was totally moved when they presented to me their family bible that had gotten them through a very serious personal crisis earlier this year. They gave me the ultimate gift: Their faith.

THE DOCTOR

She looked not a day older than 16. Yet she assured me she was a doctor – a full fledged M.D. In this small town of only a handful of people, she shared they had four cases of HIV/AIDS last year.

There is no hospital here. The nearest hospital – the only hospital in all of Morazán – is an hour away. That hospital has all of 77 beds serving a population of over 177,000. That equals .43 beds for 1000 people, 1/5 of the U.S. figure of 2.6 beds per 1000 people.

I ask her how she is doing; how busy is she; and what’s been her biggest accomplishment. The tells me in a gentle voice that it is not about all they do, or how much medication they dispense… She tells me that her highest fulfillment as a doctor is to provide comfort to the sick, regardless of illness, stage in life, or human condition – one patient (or as she put it “one neighbor”) – at a time.

She so beautifully reaffirmed the notion that “it is not how you are doing”; it is “how you are taking it.”…

“Medical care without loving care is for naught, senseless, and meaningless”, she tells me… This young doctor surely has a wonderful future in front of her!

MOTHER TERESAS

They looked like beggars, the three short little old ladies that hung around the church during one of the many celebrations we attended. (And they were short – barely over 4 feet tall; if that!)

Old, missing teeth, probably indigenous. They would come up to you not to ask for money, but to shake your hand – and hug you if you’d let them.

The parish priest was asked “Who are these ladies?” He simply answered: “They are my Mother Teresas.” He went on to state how “they routinely come to mass, help with the sick and poor, and bring their smiling faces to church events.”

I am glad I hugged them.

OSCAR ROMERO

If there was ever any doubt that hope, faith, and charity can shine through the darkness of moments of despair in the mist of civil strife – and even war - and in an age of institutional transition and challenges, that doubt is laid to rest by the life of the Salvadorian hero and martyr Monsignor Oscar Romero. While it is impossible to simplify a people or attempt to categorize a culture in the spirit of one person, Monsignor Oscar Romero truly personifies the spirit of the Salvadorian people of good will. The people of El Salvador must feel rightfully proud – if simply humble (as they are in many things) – to have the guidance and spiritual direction of this great man. It is so evidently clear that his spirit lives on in the lives of ordinary Salvadorians – and in the authentic attempts of many of its leaders to form a truly ‘more just society.’

El Salvador taught me quite a bit in those short few days… I hope I left a little bit of me there in return…

It is heartwarming to know that this new connection will grow as we embark on new projects, programs, and initiatives to sustain our Sister City relationship between Montgomery County and Morazán, El Salvador.

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More info can also be found on the County’s web-site at:
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/

The official press release from the US Embassy can be found at:
http://sansalvador.usembassy.gov/news/2011/07/27.html

Here’s how the local press (over there) covered it:
http://mediacenter.laprensagrafica.com/videos/v/convenio-de-hermanamiento-entre-morazan-y-montgomerympg

To see what some of the wonderful folks from Montgomery County are already doing there:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvplEFyKn1w

EXTRA!: The lyrics to a song unveiled while we visited the town of Joateca as they celebrated the opening of their town plaza (written by the town priest):
http://SSRC.homestead.com/Joateca_Song.html
Among the stanzas, one stands out:
“For the crisis that we are experiencing
Many of our brothers have had to leave the homeland
But now that they are so far away
They are always disposed to help us.”

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SILVER SPRING REGIONAL CENTER AREA Celebrations, Gatherings, & Such (through Mid-August)

Reemberto Rodriguez, Director
For more info on each event, try "googling" the full name of event

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JULY 10 - SUNDAY
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Takoma Park Farmers Market
10-2pm Downtown Takoma Park

BETTY MAE KRAMER GALLERY AT THE SILVER SPRING CIVIC BUILDING
Opening Reception for "On the Edge"
2-4pm Civic Building

Disabilities Awareness Experience
2-6pm Downtown Silver Spring (Ellsworth Dr.)

Sunday Performances
Jesus House mid-afternoon Veterans Plaza

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JULY 12 - TUESDAY
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Tuesday Evening Plaza Performances - Time2Go - Joey Barnet
7-9pm Veterans Plaza

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JULY 13 - WEDNESDAY
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Little Tots AM & PM
10:30 & 6:30 Downtown Silver Spring (Ellsworth Dr.)

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JULY 14 - THURSDAY
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SILVER SPRING SWING SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
Elliot Levine R&B Funk
7-9pm Veterans Plaza

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JULY 15 - FRIDAY
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Friday Night! (Music) Series - Yo Momma's BFB Band
7-9pm Downtown Silver Spring (Ellsworth Dr.)

Theater Reading: Sci Fi Fable
6:30 - 8:30pm InterAct Story Theater's brand-new sci-fi fable on bullying
Space 7:10 (Kefa Cafe)

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JULY 16 - SATURDAY
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Fenton Street Market
9-3pm Veterans Plaza

FreshFarm Market (Farmers Market)
9-1pm Downtown Silver Spring (Ellsworth Dr.)


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JULY 17 - SUNDAY
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Takoma Park Farmers Market
10-2pm Downtown Takoma Park

Afro Diaspora Music Festival
11-7pm Downtown Silver Spring (Ellsworth Dr.)

Sunday Performances - The Unruly Blues Band
mid-afternoon Veterans Plaza

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JULY 19 - TUESDAY
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Tuesday Evening Plaza Performances - Banjer Dan
7-9pm Veterans Plaza

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JULY 20 - WEDNESDAY
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Little Tots AM & PM
10:30 & 6:30 Downtown - Ellsworth Dr

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JULY 21 - THURSDAY
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SILVER SPRING SWING SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
Second Wind - R&R covers
7-9pm Veterans Plaza

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JULY 22 - FRIDAY
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Friday Night! (Music) Series – Flo Anito
7-9pm Downtown Silver Spring (Ellsworth Dr.)

Acid to Ink(Pyramid Atlantic Summer Studio Interns)
Opening Reception for Exhibit at Space 7:10 (Kefa Cafe)
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JULY 23 - SATURDAY
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Fenton Street Market
9-3pm Veterans Plaza

FreshFarm Market (Farmers Market)
9-1pm Downtown - Ellsworth Dr

International Night Market
3-9pm Downtown Silver Spring (Ellsworth Dr.)

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JULY 24 - SUNDAY
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Takoma Park Farmers Market
10-2pm Downtown Takoma Park

Sunday Performances - Boomerang
mid-afternoon Veterans Plaza

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JULY 26 - TUESDAY
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Tuesday Evening Plaza Performances - The Eclectics
7-9pm Veterans Plaza

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JULY 27 - WEDNESDAY
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Little Tots AM & PM
10:30 & 6:30 Downtown Silver Spring (Ellsworth Dr.)


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JULY 28 - THURSDAY
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SILVER SPRING SWING SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
David Bach Consort - Jazz
7-9pm Veterans Plaza

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JULY 29 - FRIDAY
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Friday Night! (Music) Series – Julie Dexter
7-9pm Downtown Silver Spring (Ellsworth Dr.)

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JULY 30 - SATURDAY
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Fenton Street Market
9-3pm Veterans Plaza

FreshFarm Market (Farmers Market)
9-1pm Downtown Silver Spring (Ellsworth Dr.)

International Night Market
3-9pm Downtown Silver Spring (Ellsworth Dr.)

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JULY 31 - SUNDAY
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Sunday Performances - The Five One (Garcia Mgmt)
mid-afternoon Veterans Plaza

Takoma Park Farmers Market
10-2pm Downtown Takoma Park

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AUGUST 2 - TUESDAY
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NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
Various Locations (TBD)

Tuesday Performances - Don Muller
7-9pm Veterans Plaza

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AUGUST 3 - WEDNESDAY
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Little Tots AM & PM
10:30 & 6:30 Downtown Silver Spring (Ellsworth Dr.)

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AUGUST 4 - THURSDAY
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Thursday Evening Plaza Performances
Warner Williams & Joyce Ettingoff (Jonny Grave)
7-9pm Veterans Plaza

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AUGUST 5 - FRIDAY
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Friday Night! (Music) Series - Chopteeth
7-9pm Downtown Silver Spring (Ellsworth Dr.)

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AUGUST 6 - SATURDAY
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Fenton Street Market
9-3pm Veterans Plaza

FreshFarm Market (Farmers Market)
9-1pm Downtown Silver Spring (Ellsworth Dr.)

Historic Silver Spring B&O RR Station Open House
(Incl. antique miniature model rr) 10 - 3pm 8100 Georgia Ave

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AUGUST 7 - SUNDAY
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Takoma Park Farmers Market
10-2pm Downtown Takoma Park

Ivorian Community Festival
12-7pm Downtown - Ellsworth Dr

Sunday Performances
Blues Ramblers 5-7 pm Veterans Plaza

DC Blues Society Jams
4-8 pm American Legion Post 905 Sligo Avenue

SILVER SPRING REGIONAL CENTER Civic & Community Engagement Opportunities

(through Mid-August)
Reemberto Rodriguez, Director

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JULY 11 - MONDAY
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Washington Area Women's Foundation and Discovery Communications
Listening Session on the status of women and girls in Montgomery County
(w/ Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards)
9-11am Discovery Communications

Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board Regular Monthly Meeting
CIP PUBLIC DIALOGUE & 4 CORNERS FORUM
7-9pm Civic Building

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JULY 12 - TUESDAY
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East County Science Center Master Plan Community Advisory Committee Mtg
7-9pm National Labor College

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JULY 13 - WEDNESDAY
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Senior Village of Silver Spring Mtg
7-9 pm Springvale Terrace Senior Living Community 8505 Springvale Rd (corner w/Wayne Ave.)

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JULY 14 - THURSDAY
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Silver Spring Transportation Management District Advisory Committee Regular Monthly Meeting
8-10am Discovery Communications

Long Branch Business League Meeting 9:30 - 11am El Golfo Restaurant 8739 Flower Ave

Montgomery County Planning Board Regular twice-a-month meeting
9am - 3pm Planning Department Building 8787 Georgia Ave

Takoma Langley Crossroads Sector Plan
M-NCPPC Staff-led discussion
8:30 pm
Takoma Rec Center
6315 New Hampshire Ave

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JULY 19 - TUESDAY
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East County Science Center Master Plan Community Adviosry Committee Mtg
7-9pm National Labor College

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JULY 20 - WEDNESDAY
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Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board Comm & Eco Dev't Committee
Regular Monthly Meeting
7:30 Civic Building

Safe Silver Spring 7:30 pm Long Branch Community Center 8700 Piney Branch Road

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JULY 21 - THURSDAY
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Silver Spring Urban District Advisory Committee
Regular Monthly Meeting
3:30pm Civic Building

Montgomery County Planning Board Regular twice-a-month meeting
9am - 3pm Planning Department Building 8787 Georgia Ave

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JULY 23 - SATURDAY
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Empowered Women International Women Architects of Change
4-7pm Takoma Park Community Center 7500 Maple Ave Takoma Park

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JULY 25 - MONDAY
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Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board Neighborhood Committee Regular Monthly Meeting
7:30 Civic Building

Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition Film Screening & Dialogue
STEALING TRUST: MARYLANDERS SPEAK OUT ON SCAMS, FRAUDS AND FINANCIAL ABUSE
7pm Civic Building

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JULY 27 - WEDNESDAY
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Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board Transportation & Ped. Safety Comm. Regular Monthly Meeting
7:30 Civic Building

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AUGUST 2 - TUESDAY
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Silver Spring Arts & Entertainment District Advisory Committee Regular Monthly Meeting
Aug 2 (Tue) 7-9pm Civic Building (TENTATIVE: MAY NOT MEET IN AUGUST!)

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AUGUST 8 - MONDAY
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Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board Regular Monthly Meeting
7-9pm Civic Building (TENTATIVE: MAY NOT MEET IN AUGUST!)

SPECIAL CIP (7pm) & FOUR CORNERS FORUM (8pm) Monday, July 11, 2011

Please join us at these two “back-to-back” special agenda items on the regularly scheduled SILVER SPRING CITIZENS ADVISORY BOARD meeting to be held MONDAY JULY 11, 2011 from 7-9pm a the Silver Spring Civic Building. (The Advisory Board meets every second Tuesday of each month, except August.)


SILVER SPRING Citizens Advisory Board to Host Capital Improvements Program Budget Forums MONDAY JULY 11, 2011 7pm at the Civic Building

Individuals and groups are invited to provide input into the County’s next six-year capital construction budget by attending this public forum that will be held by the citizen advisory boards. The forum will help define construction and planning priorities for the various regions in the County as officials develop the Fiscal Years 2013 to 2018 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) budget. The CIP includes costs for new or renovated major projects such as roads; public schools and Montgomery College facilities; water and sewer lines; parks, libraries, health and recreation facilities; and other public buildings and projects. Suggestions and comments from participants will be considered by the Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board for inclusion in the funding priority lists they submit to the County Executive. The lists will also be shared with County departments and agencies.

SILVER SPRING Citizens Advisory Board to Host Forum on Four Corners Neighborhood MONDAY JULY 11, 2011 8pm at the Civic Building

The Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board and various civic organizations from the Four Corner communities did a wonderful “neighborhood tour” Saturday June 4th, 2011. The tour started with a gathering at the Silver Spring Stage where the 20+ participants were treated to a one act of the play playing at the theatre at that time. Afterward, the group walked around the neighborhood with community members highlighting issues and concerns to members of the Advisory Board. The exercise ended with lunch at a local eatery. This was the third such “neighborhood tour” that the Advisory Board conducted last Fiscal Year. (Similar tours were conducted in Long Branch and Lyttonsville.) The participants of the tour – and others from the Four Corner neighborhoods are now invited to share in a dialogue with the broader community as part of the Advisory Board regular meetings on Monday, July 11 at 8pm, immediately following the CIP Forum.

Reemberto Rodríguez, Director
Silver Spring Regional Center
One Veterans Place
Silver Spring, MD 20910
240-777-5300 MAIN
240-777-5307 direct
240-832-8220 mobile

Top Ten Acomplishments of the Silver Spring Regional Center for FY11

TO THE SILVER SPRING REGIONAL CENTER ADVISORY GROUP & STAFF:

Welcome to FY12!

As we reflect on In FY11 (July 1, 2010 through yesterday, June 30, 2011) it is clear that the Silver Spring Regional Center saw many changes, including moving its operations to the Civic Building and downsizing staff due to budget constraints - without compromising our core mission.

We proud to say that in the mist of all these changes, we had plenty of 'success stories'... Our "Top Ten" accomplishments included:

(1)
Working with our Citizens Advisory Board's Neighborhood Committee innovatively connected to neighborhoods not recently active with the Board (Lyttonsville, Long Branch, and Four Corners) by doing neighborhood walks and forums.

(2)
Working with the Arts & Entertainment District Advisory Committee developed recommended protocols for the Fillmore's 30 discounted community uses.

(3)
Strengthened collaborative efforts with major private sector partners, including Peterson Co and Discovery Communications.

(4)
Worked with the development community, the Urban District Committee and residents to gain constructive input for various projects, including the Fillmore, and various other major developments throughout Silver Spring.

(5)
In collaboration with other RSCs, began working closer with the apartment owner community; and, worked with others to initiate the Silver Spring Village and Silver Spring Green efforts.

(6)
In collaboration with the Department of Corrections initiated the "Weekender Program", where teams of offenders help us keep downtown Silver Spring clean.

(7)
The Weed & Seed Program (in Northwest Park)- while winding down after 5 years of operations - provided $30K to fund police overtime; did a juvenile reentry program and a gang prevention program; and participated in countless events such as Community Service Day and Earth Day by cleaning up Broad Acres Park.

(8)
Supported the efforts of the Commercial and Economic Development Committee of the Citizens Advisory Board to highlight the assets of the growing cluster of restaurants in "Fenton Village" (south of the downtown core) by holding the first "Taste the World in Fenton Village" event.

(9)
The Urban District's Clean and Safe Team (the "Red Shirts") managed to maintain a high quality level of service even when demand increased as more development comes into downtown Silver Spring.

(10)
Successfully managed the Civic Building and Veterans Plaza for the first year of operation, balancing its mission to spark community engagement and spark economic activity while being fiscally responsible. The facility’s income exceeded expectations; and its many activities were extremely successful. Some key examples: We introduced the ice rink during winter months; brought into the facility the traditional Jazz Festival, Swing Summer Concert Series, and Thanksgiving Parade; as well as over 25 new ‘no cost’ performances, conversations, and game nights; coordinated, facilitated and/or sponsored an array of festivals and special events, including the Fenton Street Market. All of this was accomplished while simultaneously negotiating a series of complex internal and external issues, agreement, and MOUs.

...if you have others to contribute - or if you'd like to expand on some of the above, please let us know!

See you in FY12, beginning TODAY, July 1, 2011!

Reemberto Rodriguez, Director
Silver Spring Regional Center

Our e-blasts and other changes at the Silver Spring Regional Center

NOTICE: Our Silver Spring Regional Center e-blast will be retooled over the next couple of months to better keep you informed. During this time you might experience lapse and/or intermittent delivery. Additionally, you might receive various requests for reply to specific questions to help us design a new more effective and efficient system. Please be on the lookout for these inquires - and reply. We hope to have the new system up and running after Labor Day.

Vicki Lockerman, our Regional Center staff who has so aptly done the e-blasts over the last couple of years will no longer be at the Regional Center as of July 1st , 2011. Due to budget cuts and administrative re-structuring, her position with the Regional Center will not be replaced. (Administrative support for all five Regional Centers, the Office of Community Partnership, and the Commission for Women will be consolidated as one support unit.)

It is critically important that whatever you might have sent Vicki in the past go directly to me until further notice.

SPECIAL NOTE: IT WOULD BE MOST HELPFUL IF INFORMATION YOU WANT US TO SHARE WITH OTHERS IS PROVIDED:

(1) AS A WEB-LINK WITH A SUCCINCT STATEMENT AS TO WHAT THE CONTENTS ARE;

(2) WITH A VERY CLEAR, DESCRIPTIVE, SUBJECT LINE; AND,

(3) AT LEAST ONE WEEK BEFORE YOU EXPECT IT TO BE DISSEMINATED.

I am confident that working together we can continue - and indeed improve! - ways to stay in touch and learn about all the great things going on in our Silver Spring Regional Center area.

There are additional changed going on in the Silver Spring Regional Center. I want to make sure you are aware of these and understand how they impact our work.

Please know that our intent is to creatively respond to our budget situation and realize fiscal efficiencies while minimizing negative impacts on our effectiveness. Indeed, our challenge is to seize this opportunity to reaffirm our core mission, retool some of what we do, and recognize that there might be some things we will need to do considerably different - and some that we will simply may not be able to continue doing.

The staff changes - and responsibilities - in the Silver Spring Regional Center as of July 1st include the following:

[] The position of Program Manager (held by Jewru Bandeh) will be eliminated. (Jewru has accepted a new position with Community Use of Public Facility (CUPF) as the Facility Operations Manager for the Civic Building and Veterans Plaza.)

[] The position of Special Executive Administrative Assistance (held by Vicki Lockerman) will be eliminated. (Vicki has accepted a position with the County’s Health and Human Services.)

[] The position of Weed & Seed Administrator (held by Victor Salazar) will no longer exist when the Department of Justice grant runs out September 30th. This position was with us for the maximum allowable time period, 5 years. (Victor has begun working with the Silver Spring Regional Center’s Urban District to replace Mark Rockman (the supervisor for the “Red Shirts”); Mark recently moved to the Department of Environmental Protection.)

[] The position of Program Specialist II (currently held by Gwen Haney) will be part of a new, consolidated administrative team. (The role of managing the facility - which Gwen did for this past year - is now shifted to CUPF.)

[] The position of Marketing and Promotions for the Urban District (held by Susan Hoffmann) will be officially transferred to the Recreation Department where it can be provided the extensive ‘back room support’ to continue doing the major events in Silver Spring that have Countywide and regional significance (i.e.: the Jazz Festival, Thanksgiving Parade, and Summer Concert Series.)

The Regional Center will rely on a new structure for its administrative support. This new, consolidated ‘business unit’ will serve all 5 Regional Centers, the Office of Community Partnership and the Commission for Women.

Some of these administrative functions will be housed in the Civic Building. The office of the Silver Spring Regional Center Director will remain in the Civic Building. Additionally, some staff from the Office of Community Partnership, interns, and an AmeriCorp position will be here as well; along with the staff from CUPF (the Facility Operations Manager and the Scheduler.)

The Regional Center will work collaborative with these and other County Departments to accomplish our core mission: To be the local “eyes and ears” of the community to County government; and be the County government “on the ground” to the community. The function, staff, and mission of the Urban District remains unchanged: To keep downtown Silver Spring clean and safe.

How all these changes will be manifested in our operations remains “a work in progress”. With your help, we are confident that our Silver Spring Regional Center area will continue ever-evolving as a stronger, more robust place to live, work, shop, be entertained, enjoy the arts, visit, play, and pray.

Reemberto Rodriguez, Director
Silver Spring Regional Center

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Silver Spring Summer Swings Concert Series is back!

Every Thursday in July Veterans Plaza (downtown Silver Spring, in front of the Civic Building) will come alive with an incredible great line-up of bands for the SILVER SPRING SUMMER SWINGS CONCERT SERIES.
- July 7 Patrick Alban & Noche Latina – Latin/rock
- July 14 Elliot Levine – r&b, funk
- July 21 Second Wind -- rock & roll covers
- July 28 The David Bach Consort – world jazz

These FREE CONCERTS (July Thursdays 7-9 p.m.) will surely showcase our “public square” (Veterans Plaza) as the place to be for highest quality entertainment, finding new friends, and mingling with old acquaintances.

These July Concerts (the Silver Spring Summer Swings Concert Series) are sponsored in part by Discovery Communications.

Come by early so you can pick up something to eat at one of the many establishments in downtown Silver Spring… Bring your lawn chair… enJoy the Concert!

If you've been coming to the many wonderful performances that have been going on at the Plaza the past few weeks, you are sure to enjoy these Concerts in July... If you have not been by this summer yet, come on down(town)!

More info at: http://www.silverspringdowntown.com/event/summer-concert-series

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