NOTEWORTHY NOTES

WWII Veterans Tribute Viewing Schedule

Montgomery County�s public cable television stations are re-broadcasting the complete ceremonies at which the County honored more than 175 veterans of World War II on Sept. 19 at the Silver Spring Civic Building. The ceremonies were originally broadcast live over the channels of the PEG (public /education / government) stations.

Veterans ranging in age from 86 to 105 and having experiences from some of the most historic events of the past century were among the 500 people who attended Montgomery County Honors World War II Veterans. The event is believed to have been the largest Washington-area tribute to World War II veterans since the National World War II Memorial opened in Washington, DC in 2004.
The one-hour and 45-minute program can be seen in October as follows:

• Wednesday, Oct. 3 at 2 p.m. Montgomery Community Media
  (Channel 21 on Comcast, Verizon and RCN)

On Veterans Day, many of the channels that compose the PEG organization (including County Cable Montgomery, Montgomery Community Media, Montgomery College Television, Montgomery County Public Schools TV and Rockville 11) will show continuous extended interviews with many of the veterans who attended the event and interviews with other veterans who could not attend. On Memorial Day 2013, a one-hour documentary on the County�s World War II veterans will debut.

International Walk to School Day

Looking for a healthy way to start the day? Join thousands of students, parents and community members throughout Montgomery County in celebrating the simple act of walking and bicycling to school on International Walk to School Day, Wednesday, October 3.

The program provides a way to bring community leaders and children together to promote more walkable communities, safer streets, healthier habits and cleaner air.

For more information about Walk to School Day, contact Nadji Kirby at 240-777-7169; email nadji.kirby@montgomerycountymd.gov.
 Or, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/saferoutestoschool.

30th Annual Germantown Oktoberfest: Same Fun, New Location

The 30th Annual Germantown Oktoberfest, Upcounty�s longest running event, will be held Saturday, October 6 at High Point Farm, 23730 Frederick Rd. (across from Little Bennett Park.). There will music, rides, games, activities and food for the whole family from 9:45 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Proceeds this year will benefit the Wounded Warriors project.

See more details.

Health Festival Marks Hispanic Heritage Month

In commemoration of Hispanic Heritage Month -- September 15 to October 15 -- Montgomery County will host the �Ama Tu Vida� (Love Your Life) Health Festival on Sunday, October 7 from noon to 5 p.m.  The festival will be held at Veteran�s Plaza, located at the corner of Ellsworth Dr. and Fenton St. in Downtown Silver Spring.

The fair will include free blood pressure, cholesterol and vision screenings by local hospitals, community clinics and health organizations. Entertainment will be provided by various area cultural groups. 

Event sponsors include the Latino Health Initiative, the Office of Community Partnerships, the Montgomery County Department of Recreation, Suburban Hospital and Radio America.

For information about the health festival, call 240-777-4173.

Family Justice Center Foundation Benefit

The Montgomery County Family Justice Center Foundation�s Third Annual Benefit will be held on Sunday, October 14 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Bethesda, One Bethesda Metro Center.  The event will be hosted by Board Member, Benefit Chair and Montgomery County�s First Lady Catherine Leggett with award-winning ABC7/WJLA-TV anchor Greta Kreuz as emcee.

The foundation supports the Montgomery County Family Justice Center that opened in 2009 at 600 Jefferson Plaza, Suite 500, in Rockville.  The center provides services ranging from safety planning, help with obtaining protective orders and pro bono legal support to law enforcement intervention, emergency services, and counseling. 

Each year, the benefit recognizes outstanding individuals and companies whose work has been invaluable in bringing awareness and aid to victims of domestic violence. This year�s honorees are: Sen. Barbara Mikulski (Forerunner Award); Dorothy Lennig, Esq., director, Legal Clinic, House of Ruth Maryland (Marilyn J. Praisner Award); Laura Chase, Esq., Deputy State�s Attorney for Montgomery County (Inspiring Leader Award); and Kaiser Permanente (Corporate Legacy Award).

Individual tickets are $125 for the benefit that will feature a silent and live auction, dinner, and awards presentations.  To learn more about the Foundation and the honorees or to register online to attend, go to http://www.mcfjcfoundation.org

One Stop Fair Housing Shop

Housing professionals and providers will have an opportunity to meet fair housing regulators in Montgomery County at the free Fair Housing Educational Forum on Tuesday, October 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Silver Spring Civic Center, One Veterans Plaza (corner of Ellsworth Dr. and Fenton St.).

The �One Stop Fair Housing Shop� is sponsored by the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights.
Advance registration is required.

To register/RSVP, request TTD or receive additional information, contact: Anis Ahmed, Office of Human Rights, 240-777-8454 or email fairhousing@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Sign language interpreters and accommodations must be requested by October 2. All others must RSVP by October 12.

Your Chance to Serve: Openings on Boards, Committees and Commissions

Public participation contributes to the work of County government and provides an important service to the community when a variety of issues, concerns and viewpoints are presented.

Currently, there is an opportunity to serve on any one of the following County boards, committees and commissions:

• Domestic Violence Coordinating Council -- Apply by October 5, 2012
• Library Board � Apply by October 10, 2012

See more details about vacancies.

An application, consisting of a brief cover letter and resume, should be mailed to County Executive Isiah Leggett, 101 Monroe St., 2nd Floor, Rockville, MD  20850, or emailed to countyexecutive.boards@montgomerycountymd.gov.  Home and employment addresses, as well as contact phone numbers and email addresses, should be included. If appropriate, applicants should indicate the position for which they are applying.

Consumer Protection Wants You to Know about�Travel Scams

Whether you�re off to see the sights, sunbathe on the sand or ski the slopes, it pays to be an informed travel shopper.  To help avoid vacation frustration, follow these tips:

• Use a credit card to make your purchase.
• Won a �free� vacation? Not so fast; read the fine print and remember, if a promotion is legitimate, you never need to pay for a prize.
• Purchase vacation packages only from legitimate travel agencies.

For more information, visit OCP�s A-Z Consumer Advice: Travel Agencies.

The Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) is the County agency responsible for enforcing consumer protection laws that prohibit unfair and deceptive business acts to ensure a fair marketplace for consumers and businesses.