Holiday Schedule for Presidents� Day

Montgomery County government will observe the following holiday schedule for Presidents� Day on Monday, February 18:

• County Offices � closed
• Public Libraries � closed
• County liquor stores � closed
• Recreation � aquatics programs open, aquatic facilities and community centers open; all other classes and programs canceled; administrative office and senior centers closed
• Montgomery Parks � for holiday operating schedule on Parks� facilities, including Brookside Gardens, ice rinks, tennis centers, trains and carousels, visit www.MontgomeryParks.org.
• Ride On � Special modified holiday schedule
• Metrobus � Saturday schedule with supplemental service
• Metrorail � Saturday Holiday schedule
• TRiPS Commuter Stores (Silver Spring and Friendship Heights) � closed
• Refuse/recycling pickup � no collection*
• Transfer Station � open
• Parking at public garages, lots, curbside meters � free 
• MCPS Administrative Offices � closed
• State offices & courts � closed

*Collection provided one day later for remainder of week (last collection day is Saturday).

Check County's Calendar for more information.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Saturday, March 2 -- Public hearing on Legislative Redistricting and Proposed Precinct Modifications. Board of Elections, 18753 N. Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg. 10 a.m. � noon..  Persons interested in speaking should visit  http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/Elections/BoardInformation/PublicParticipation.html - for information and preparation guidelines.  A detailed matrix of the proposed modifications will be posted at www.777vote.org  approximately five days prior to the public hearing. If unable to attend the hearing, public comments will be received by the Montgomery County Board of Elections through 5 p.m. on March 6.  Persons interested in providing a response related to the proposed modifications should submit their comments to elections@montgomerycountymd.gov.


Thursday, March 7 -- Seminar on the Legal Process of Separation and Divorce in Montgomery County.  Rockville Memorial Library, 21 Maryland Ave., Suite 330. 7-9 p.m. Presented by attorney Chandra Walker Holloway. The seminar will also be offered in Spanish at the same time, presented by attorney Nelson Garcia. Topics will include financial, property and practical issues both wife and husband must consider.  Pre-registration for either session is $10 at  http://divorcelawseminar3.eventbrite.com/; admission at the door is $15, cash or check, only.  Call 240-777-8300.

March 25 - March 30. Civil Rights Historic Bus Tour.  Retrace the steps of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights heroes. Tour stops will be: Greensboro, NC; Atlanta, GA; Birmingham, Montgomery, Selma, and Tuskegee, AL; Cincinnati, OH and Memphis, TN. Hosted by the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights, in collaboration with Montgomery County Public Libraries, the African American Employees Association, the Lincoln Park Historical Foundation and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. $495 per person for the six-day tour for a group of four, including hotel, transportation, some meals and snacks and all museum/tour fees. Slightly higher for smaller groups. A deposit for half the tour fee is due as soon as possible. Contact Beverly Marshall in the Office of Human Rights at Beverly.marshall@montgomerycountymd.gov. More information at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/humanrights.

Check County Calendar for information on other County events/programs.

County�s Priorities for 2013 General Assembly Session

Montgomery County�s Priorities for the 2013 General Assembly Session were presented at the Montgomery County Delegation�s Joint Priorities Hearing on November 14.

Transportation topped other issues for the municipal, business and community officials and representatives present, while education supporters requested continued funding for schools and projects.

• Transportation Priorities (pdf)
• Montgomery County�s Priorities for the 2013 Session �Invest in Montgomery� (pdf)

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Thursday November 15 -- 10th Annual Federal Employees Health Benefits Forum.  9 - 11 a.m. (panel at 9:30 a.m.)  Holiday Park Senior Center, 3950 Ferrara Dr., Wheaton. Congressman Chris Van Hollen will hold the forum in cooperation with National Active and Retired Federal Employees. Experts on federal health insurance plans and representatives of health insurance carriers will discuss various health plan options and the impact of new health care reforms, plus answer individual questions. See more details.

Saturday, Sunday, November 17-18 -- Holiday Gifts & Decor Workshop (2-days).  10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Glen Echo Park, Art Glass Center, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo.   Instead of looking for that special gift, make it yourself. Choose any two of the following items -- business card or napkin holders, small 5�x5� candy dishes, votive candle holders or a small 5�x7� mirror. Supplies included. $250. To register or receive more details for this class and others, visit www.glenechopark.org. Also, http://www.artglasscenteratglenecho.org.

Wednesday, November 28 -- 10th Annual Federal Employees Health Benefits Forum.
7 - 9 p.m. (panel at 7:30 p.m.) Executive Office Building, 101 Monroe St., Rockville. Congressman Chris Van Hollen will hold the forum in cooperation with National Active and Retired Federal Employees. Experts on federal health insurance plans and representatives of health insurance carriers will discuss various health plan options and the impact of new health care reforms, plus answer individual questions. See more details.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Saturday, November 3 � Maryland Emancipation Day. Oakley Cabin African American Museum & Park, 3610 Brookeville Rd., Olney. Noon to 4 p.m. From 1 to 3 p.m., performances by the Washington Revels Jubilee Voices, the Sherwood High School Chamber Singers and �Music on the Rise.�  Maryland�s Emancipation Day marks the historic November 1, 1864 new state constitution freeing enslaved persons living in Maryland.  Activities: guided hikes allowing visitors to experience the Underground Railroad at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park; tours of the cultural history afforded by Oakley Cabin; and tours of the Josiah Henson Park. Free.  RSVP to mcp-parks-event@montgomeryparks.org or call Melissa Chotiner at 301-650-2866.

Wednesday, November 7 -- County Council Town Hall Meeting -- Potomac area. Pre-reception, 7:30 p.m.; meeting at 8 p.m. Potomac Community Recreation Center, 11315 Falls Rd.  Major topics of the evening are expected to include potential growth and development in the area, schools, budget issues, taxes, traffic and the performance of power utilities, including Pepco, following storms. The meeting will be taped for later broadcast on County Cable Montgomery (CCM - cable Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN, Channel 30 on Verizon). Susan Kenedy, a CCM producer, will moderate the meeting. For more information, call 240-777-7931.

Tuesday, November 13 -- Issues of interest to the immigrant community, panel discussion. 7 to 9 p.m.  Silver Spring Civic Building, One Veterans Place. The Montgomery County Office of Human Rights (OHR) and the Human Rights Commission (HRC) will co-host the discussion that is a follow-up to a �listening session� held by the commission in June with various members of the County Executive�s advisory groups. A question-and-answer session will follow the panel�s presentations. For information, call James Stowe, director of the Office of Human Rights, 240-777-8450.


Thursday, November 15 -- The Legal Process of Separation and Divorce in Montgomery County. 7  to  9 p.m. Rockville Memorial Library, 21 Maryland Ave. Suite 330. Two seminars -- one in English and one in Spanish -- will be offered.  Discussions will present information on financial, property and practical issues that both wife and husband must consider. Pre-Registration is $10. Visit    http://divorcelawseminar2.eventbrite.com/. Cost at the door is $15 (cash or check only).  More information, call 240-777-8300.

Thursday, November 15 -- Public meeting on Potomac Community Center Roller Rink Modification Proposal.  7 p.m. Potomac Community Center (Social Hall), 11315 Falls Rd. The meeting will include a short narrative presentation of the project background and concept, followed by an open question/discussion session. The Recreation Department will use public input to continue a preliminary review and evaluation of the community proposal. Sign language interpreter services or other accommodations provided upon request, preferably at least three business days in advance. E-mail Rec.Mainstream@montgomerycountymd.gov , or call 240-777-6870 (voice); 240-777-6974 (TTY). For additional information about the meeting, contact Jeffrey A. Bourne, 240-777-6800.


 Saturday, Sunday, November 17-18 -- Holiday Gifts & Decor Workshop (2-days).  10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Glen Echo Park, Art Glass Center, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo.   Instead of looking for that special gift, make it yourself. Choose any two of the following items -- business card or napkin holders, small 5�x5� candy dishes, votive candle holders or a small 5�x7� mirror -- to make. Supplies included. $250. To register or receive more details, visit http://www.artglasscenteratglenecho.org or call 703-623-4300.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Friday, November 9; Sunday November 11 � ACC Men�s Soccer Championship Semi-Finals and Final.   Maryland Soccerplex, 18031 Central Park Circle Boyds. For more information on tickets and to order tickets, get directions etc. visit http://www.mdsoccerplex.org/. Call 301-528-1480.

Health and Wellness Fair

Health screenings for all ages and wellness information and activities from more than 50 organizations will highlight the Sixth Annual Health and Wellness Fair at the Silver Spring Civic Building on Friday, October 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Silver Spring Civic Building is at One Veterans Place (at the corner of Fenton St. and Ellsworth Dr.).

Screenings will be available for cholesterol, carbon monoxide, HIV, blood pressure, vision and hearing, dental, diabetes, glaucoma and cancer. The fair also will provide instruction on useful and fun ways for people of all ages to enjoy exercise.

County Executive Ike Leggett and Councilmember George Leventhal will be the guest speakers at the free event.

The fair is sponsored by DB Consulting Group/Lux Consulting Group, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce.

For more information on the Health and Wellness fair, go to www.dbluxwellnessfair.org or call 301-589-4020.

Students Invited to Speak Up and Speak Out at Council�s Town Hall Meeting

Two years ago, the County Council hosted its first Town Hall Meeting for Students to learn what issues most concern younger residents. On Wednesday, October 10, the third such meeting will be held in the Third Floor Hearing Room of the Council Office Building, 100 Maryland Ave. in Rockville. The meeting will start at 7 p.m., preceded at 6:30 p.m. by a reception in the building�s second-floor cafeteria.

The meeting will be broadcast live on County Cable Montgomery (CCM), cable Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN, Channel 30 on Verizon) and rebroadcast at various times in the weeks following the meeting. CCM Producer Susan Kenedy will moderate the meeting.

For the first time, the Council will use Twitter to bring more young people into the discussion. Some questions will be taken during the Town Hall Meeting using the hashtag #mocoyouth.  Students tweeting about the event are encouraged to use the hashtag, as well.

Students who wish to attend the meeting are asked to RSVP by calling 240-777-7931.

Read more about the Town Hall Meeting for Students.

A World of Volunteer Opportunities at the World of Montgomery Festival

There�s more than one way to enjoy the 2012 World of Montgomery Festival coming to Wheaton on October 21, from noon to 5 p.m. � and that�s to volunteer. The opportunities are endless and the rewards are many for both you and the festival.

First, volunteers are needed to help with a variety of duties in the International Village, a centerpiece of this year�s festival that highlights the cultures of four countries with some of the largest immigrant populations residing in Montgomery County: El Salvador, Ethiopia, India and China

In addition to varied opportunities around the festival site, volunteers are also needed prior to the event for publicity and other activities. 

Get more information on specific volunteer opportunities.

Arts and Humanities Award Winners to be Honored; Free Tickets Now Available

Free tickets to the 11th Annual Montgomery County Executive�s Awards for Excellence in the Arts and Humanities, to be held Monday, October 22 at the Cultural Arts Center, Montgomery College Takoma Park/Silver Spring, are now available at www.creativemoco.com/executives-awards.

The 2012 honorees will receive their awards from County Executive Ike Leggett and Mrs. Catherine Leggett at the ceremony that begins at 7 p.m. The center is located at 7995 Georgia Ave.

The program will feature performances from arts and humanities organizations and recognition of individuals and organizations that have received grants for FY12 and FY13 from the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County.

The attire is business casual, and a desert reception will follow the ceremony.

See more about the ceremony.

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.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Month of October � Hispanic Heritage Month events. Held at various times and locations through October 21. Check out the complete list.

Thursday, October 18 � Friends of the Library, Montgomery County 25th Literary Luncheon Lecture Series Kickoff. Strathmore Mansion, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda.   Donna Britt, �Washington Post� columnist and Pulitzer Prize-nominated author, will discuss her most recent work, Brothers (& Me): A Memoir of Loving and Giving. In the book, the author uses her experiences with the men in her life to explore universal issues of gender and race. Lecture at 11:30 a.m., followed by book signing and luncheon at 12:30 p.m. Books available for purchase. Tickets from $10 to $21 depending on membership status in FOLMC.  Proceeds benefit FOLMC whose mission is to support and enhance Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL). Call 240-777-0020 or visit www.folmc.org.

Leggett, Councilmembers to Participate in Hearing about On-The-Job Safety And Health Challenges Faced By Immigrant Workers

County Executive Ike Leggett and Councilmembers Nancy Navarro, Valerie Ervin, and George Leventhal will participate in the public hearing on September 21 held by the Montgomery County Worker Safety & Health Commission on �Safety & Health Challenges on the Job Faced by Immigrant Workers.�

The hearing will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Silver Spring Civic Building, at Ellsworth Dr. and Fenton St.  It follows Montgomery County�s adoption of a regulation strengthening worker health and safety on County-funded construction projects.

Among those testifying will be the widow of a worker killed on the job in the County and other workers injured on the job.

See more information.

Ted Koppel to Host Event Saluting Local WWII Veterans; Two Local Congressional Gold Medal Winners, Lifelong Friends Among Attendees

John Henry Chaney of Boyds and Charles Frazier of Germantown, lifelong friends who served together with the Montford Point Marines --the first blacks to serve in the Marine Corps -- and were recently presented with belated Congressional Gold Medals, will be among the attendees at the Silver Spring Civic Building on Wednesday, September 19, as Montgomery County salutes the men and women who served the nation in World War II.

Ted Koppel, who for 25 years hosted the ABC News show �Nightline,� will be the host and one of the speakers. Congressman Chris Van Hollen and Lt. Governor Anthony Brown also will be among the main speakers.

County Executive Ike Leggett, Council President Roger Berliner and the County Council will lead the special ceremonies that will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the Civic Building located at One Veterans Plaza in Downtown Silver Spring.

The event will be simulcast live on many of the County�s public cable television channels that compose the PEG (Public, Education, Government) Network. In addition, the PEG Network will record the stories of many of the veterans for a documentary that will be broadcast on the cable stations.

Learn more about the event.

Have a World of Fun at World of Montgomery

Fun for the whole family is the best way to describe the World of Montgomery Festival coming to downtown Wheaton on Sunday, October 21, from noon to 5 p.m. The free event will be held in the Wheaton Triangle at Grandview Ave. and Reedie Dr., one block from the Wheaton Metro station at 2424 Reedie Dr.  Plenty of nearby free parking is available.

Tour the International Village, produced by the KID Museum, featuring China, El Salvador, Ethiopia and India.  Enjoy music, entertainment and food from around the globe.  There will be a Pupusa Cook-Off organized by LEDC (Latino Economic Development Corporation) and an International Youth Film Festival. Crafts and community service projects will be available for kids, and there will be an array of international crafts from the Fenton Street Market.

See the festival flyer (pdf).

Move and Groove at the Silver Spring Jazz Festival

The Silver Spring Jazz Festival returns to the heart of Downtown Silver Spring on September 8 for its 9^th year of unique sounds and jazz vibes to get you on your feet to move and groove.

The event is free and will run from 4:30-10 p.m. at Veterans Plaza at the Silver Spring Civic Building.

This year�s headliner is Grammy award-winning and Academy Award-nominated artist, Sergio Mendes. Known for his bossa nova/jazz/funk musical style, Mendes has produced several Gold and Platinum hits that have reached the top of Billboard charts throughout his 50-year career.  He has collaborated with artists such as, Stevie Wonder, Erikah Bahdu, Justin Timberlake and countless others.

Also performing at the festival will be Marcus Johnson, the Bruce Swaim Quartet and Elliot Levine.

Attendees are encouraged to use public transportation � the Silver Spring Metro (Red Line) is two blocks away � and to bring a blanket and/or beach chair.  Food vendors will be available onsite. 

Free parking is available in public parking garages in downtown Silver Spring. In addition to the Wayne Ave. and Town Center garages, festival goers may want to check other public parking garages in Silver Spring that may be less crowded, including Garage 2 at Spring and Cameron sts.; Garage 4 at Fenton St. and Silver Spring Ave.; Garage 21 at Spring St. and Colesville Rd.; and Garage 5 at Bonifant St. and Dixon Ave.

For more information, call 240-777-6821.

Watch Marcus Johnson�s interview on �Mosaic.�      

Salvadorian Independence Festival Coming to the Fairgrounds

The color and traditions of Salvadorian food, music and culture will come alive for all ages at the 7^th Annual Salvadorian Independence Festival to be held at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds on September 9 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

More than half a dozen well-known Salvadorian artists will perform throughout the day on the live sound stage. A Kid Zone play area will feature clowns and music for the younger set form noon to 6 p.m.

For more details visit www.festivalsalvadoreno.com.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

September 10 -- Nominations deadline for Montgomery County Office of Human Rights� (OHR) Seventh Hall of Fame. Nominations should be for individuals � either living or deceased � whose ongoing work, service and contributions have positively impacted human and civil rights in the county. Read more about the Hall of Fame. Nomination forms are available online, or by calling the Office of Human Rights at 240-777-8456.

September 14 � Talent call for performers in the 2013 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. Auditions for individuals and groups. 5:30 to 9 p.m. Montgomery College, Rockville Campus, Room 124 in the Music Building. Musical and dance performers, as well as instrumental selections, spoken word and skit performances are sought. RSVP to mlkcelebration@hotmail.com in order to receive an audition time. A three-minute audition will be required; all members of the group must be present at the audition. Contact Susan Peevy at mlkcelebration@hotmail.com or Yvonne Stephens at Montgomery College�s Office of Equity and Diversity, 240-567-4203, or Yvonne.stephens@montgomerycollege.edu.

September 21 � Public hearing on �Safety & Health Challenges on the Job Faced by Immigrant Workers.�  9:30 a.m. � 12:30 p.m. Silver Spring Civic Building, Ellsworth Dr. and Fenton St. Free.  Local immigrant workers and occupational safety and health authorities will testify. Opening remarks by County Executive Ike Leggett and Councilmembers Valerie Ervin, Nancy Navarro and George Leventhal. Convened by the Montgomery County Worker Safety & Health Commission. The commission will use the testimony to plan future programs and initiatives with state and federal government officials. More information, call the Office of Public Information, 240-777-6507.

October  27 � Community Service Day. Join thousands of county residents who will volunteer in order to make a difference on the County�s 26^th annual Community Service Day. For more information about serving on CSD or anytime during the week of October 22-28, visit http://www.montgomeryserves.org/community-service-day-2012. 

Never too Late to Go to the Fair

There's still time to enjoy all the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair has to offer -- now through Saturday the 18th. County Executive Ike Leggett did just that earlier in the week at one of his stops that had him scooping ice cream for the Lions Club.  Everyone seems pleased with the result.  Is that mint chocolate chip?

Take a closer look at what�s going on at this year�s Fair.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Thursday, September 6 � Public presentation of renovation plans for Ross Boddy Neighborhood Recreation Center. 7 p.m. In the multi-purpose room of the center, 18529 Brooke Rd., Sandy Spring. The departments of Recreation and General Services and the project architects will present the renovation plans that would modernize the facility and add a gymnasium and other improvements. For additional information on the meeting, contact Wilbert Givens at 240-777-8050. Learn more about the project.

Saturday, September 22 -- Car Free Day. The event is organized and promoted by the Council of Governments� Commuter Connections program to encourage people to use alternative methods of transportation, such as walking, biking, public transportation or going �car lite� by riding in a carpool. The region benefits through improved air quality, reduced traffic congestion and parking demands, and energy conservation.  Car Free Day coincides with International Mobility Week, September 16-22. Pledge to be �car free� or �car lite� at the Council of Governments� website.  Learn about carpooling options at MCDOT's Commuter Services' website or call 240-773-TRIPS (8747).

Check County Calendar for complete list of events.