Sports Hall of Fame Seeks Nominations for Next Class of Inductees

The Montgomery County Sports Hall of Fame, which already has inducted some of the most notable people in sports history—from the County and in the sports world overall—has been overwhelmed in recent weeks with nominations for its next class of inductees. Seeking to consider all worthy individuals who have contributed to the County’s incredible sports history, the organization has extended its nomination deadline to Sunday, Sept. 15.

Since the County Sports Hall of Fame invited residents to submit nominations just a few weeks ago, it has received more than four dozen detailed nominations.

Anyone can submit a nomination. In addition to individuals who have excelled in their respective sports, the County Sports Hall of Fame is seeking nominations of people who have contributed to sports in other ways.

The County Sports Hall of Fame, which was founded in 2019, recently named high school football coaching legend Bob Milloy as the new chair of its board of directors. Earlier this year, the Sports Hall of Fame found a physical home as part of the new Silver Spring Recreation and Aquatic Center in Downtown Silver Spring. On July 23, a new sculpture of former gold medal-winning gymnast, and County Sports Hall of Fame inductee, Dominque Dawes was dedicated outside of the recreation center with County Executive Marc Elrich and County Councilmember Gabe Albornoz leading the ceremonies.

“Just a few weeks ago, we invited the public to submit nominations,” said Milloy, who won 405 games in 47 years of coaching at Whitman, Springbrook, Sherwood and Good Counsel high schools. “We quickly were reminded about how much people in Montgomery County care about sports—and about the people who have made sports so great in this County. We received many nominations, and the achievements of these people is extraordinary. This led us to make sure there is more opportunity to nominate people who have made Montgomery sports special. That is why we are extending the nomination deadline to Sept. 15.”

Nominations can be submitted for athletes, coaches, journalists, officials and others who have made significant contributions or brought notoriety to sports in Montgomery County. This could include people who have had an impact on many lives and were not necessarily in the spotlight, such as longtime administrators, assistant coaches, youth coaches or those who have made a difference in aspects of the sports world.

The nomination form, along with nomination criteria and rules, can be found on the organization’s website at www.mcshf.org. The list of past inductees and their achievements also are on the website.

The next class of inductees will be chosen by the Sports Hall of Fame’s board of directors. The inductees will be honored at a ceremony in May.

“We have already inducted an incredible list of people from many generations and many sports,” said Milloy. “We know that there are lots of fantastic people that need to be honored from the past and that there are current and upcoming athletes that will earn their place on the list. As the Hall of Fame evolves, we will continue to honor the stars of sports, but we also want to make sure that people who have contributed in ways not necessarily reflected on the scoreboard are considered. We are working on furthering the Sports Hall of Fame into an institution that will honor achievements of many types and make sure the appropriate people are always remembered and recognized.”

Nominees Sought for Second Annual Early Care and Education Excellence Awards

The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS) Child Care Support Services (CCSS) is seeking nominees for the second annual Montgomery County Early Care and Education Excellence Awards. Nominations are due by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 21. Self-nominations are encouraged.

“The Early Care and Education Excellence Awards are a way for us to recognize the dedicated professionals who play a crucial role in shaping the future of our youngest residents,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “These educators work tirelessly to provide high-quality early care and education, ensuring our children have the best possible start in life. I encourage everyone to participate in this opportunity to celebrate their hard work by submitting nominations. It is important to highlight these professionals' incredible impact on our community.”

The County established the Early Care and Education Excellence Awards in partnership with early care and education associations to recognize and honor dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to ensure that the community’s youngest children (birth to age 5) receive the highest quality early care and education. A panel of child care organization representatives will make award selections. Awardees will be honored at the Montgomery County Early Care and Education Fall Conference on Oct. 18.

• English-language nomination form.
• Spanish-language nomination form.

There are five nomination categories:

• Infant and Toddler Educator Award. Honors a center-based or family child care teacher or assistant teacher who cares for children from birth to age 3.
• Preschool Educator Award. Honors a center-based or family child care preschool teacher or assistant teacher who cares for children ages 3-5.
• Before and After School Educator Award. Honors a center-based or family child care teacher or assistant teacher who cares for children before and after the school day.
• Educator Support Professional Award. Honors a center-based or family child care teacher’s aide or supportive professional who cares for children birth to age 5.
• Innovative Leadership Award. Honors an innovative leader or organization in the early care and education system. This leader/organization works to champion inclusive, equitable and quality policies and practices in early care and education and considers the needs of the child, family and provider in their scope of leadership.

Parents, caregivers, colleagues, directors/administrators, community leaders and others are encouraged to submit nominations for early care and education professionals. Educators can self-nominate or recommend a fellow educator.

In October 2023, the County’s CCSS presented the first Early Care and Education Excellence Awards to eight selected individuals from more than 250 nominations.

Visit the DHHS CCSS website for more information. The Montgomery County Early Care and Education Initiative Action Plan for Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025 is available here.

Individuals and Organizations for Exceptional Volunteer Service at 13th ‘Montgomery Serves Awards’

Montgomery County Executive Mark Elrich and the Montgomery County Volunteer Center on June 25 recognized individuals and organizations with the County’s highest honor for service and volunteerism at the 13th “Montgomery Serves Awards”. The awards were presented at a ceremony at the Rosborough Theater in Gaithersburg.  

This year’s honorees represent volunteers dedicated to programs such as social justice and educational advocacy, safety-net healthcare services and outreach to vulnerable populations. 

“The Montgomery Serves Awards are the County’s highest honor for service and volunteerism,” said County Executive Elrich. “I congratulate this year’s winners and thank them for their dedication to volunteerism and the County. Their selfless work not only inspires others but exemplifies the true spirit of community and highlights the profound impact individuals can have when they give of themselves. These remarkable individuals and organizations prove that one person or one group can make a difference. I thank them for their commitment to helping make Montgomery County a better place for all." 

This 2024 Montgomery Serves Awards recognized volunteers in the following categories: 

Designated by the County Executive, the Roscoe R. Nix Distinguished Community Leadership Awards honor community leaders, change agents and role models who have made extraordinary contributions to the County throughout the course of their lives.  

This year’s awards were presented to:  

• Catherine Leggett, an attorney and former first lady of the County has dedicated her career and volunteer work to supporting several causes. Ms. Leggett has been instrumental in promoting the arts and humanities and helping organizations actualize their mission to serve underrepresented communities. 
• Joyce Seigel, a community leader and activist, has made a commitment to volunteer service in the County with a focus on equal rights and fair housing. She founded the West Fernwood Civic Association and played a significant role in revitalizing the County's Scotland Community. Ms. Seigel worked to improve living conditions and access to affordable housing for the historically poor Scotland community.  
• Greg Wims is a current member of the Maryland House of Delegates. He is the former Upcounty Regional Services Center director and a sixth-generation County resident. Mr. Wims has served as a voice for the community through his work and volunteer service. He founded the Victims' Rights Foundation, an organization focused on providing volunteer support services for victims of violent crimes. 

The Inez Zeigler McAbee and William Harvey Zeigler Humanitarian Award honors those who unite and bring about positive change for all people. This year’s award was presented to:  

• Warren Fleming, president of the Damascus Connection Committee, is recognized as a Human Rights champion. He provides a voice for the Upcounty and has led efforts to increase awareness of the resources available to community members in need and preserve the rich history of African American contributions in the County. 

Neal Potter Path of Achievement Awards are presented to residents 60 or older for lifetime volunteer service. This year’s awards were presented to:  

• Bruce Adams, former County Councilmember and former director of the Office of Community Partnerships, has served the community for more than five decades. Inspired by public servants Neal Potter and John Gardener, he has strived to make a difference by volunteering on several government advisory boards and commissions, nonprofit boards and special committees. As an advocate for positive youth development and leadership, Mr. Adams taught leadership to students at County high schools and co-founded the Bethesda Community Base Ball Club to improve youth fields.  
• Mary Canapary has dedicated a lifetime of extraordinary service as the volunteer director of The Lord's Table in Gaithersburg. As the longest-serving volunteer, Ms. Canapary has served more than 500,000 hot meals and led a team of specialized volunteers to provide individualized and targeted resources for housing, addiction counseling and access to health care. She also has recruited and managed approximately 400 volunteers. 

Volunteer of the Year Awards recognize outstanding volunteer service performed during the previous calendar year. The winners in the three categories of the awards: 

• Volunteer of the Year: Wendy Kent has been actively involved with improving access to food and other essential items in the Greater Takoma Park and Silver Spring community for more than 10 years. She co-founded Tommy's Pantry to help alleviate food security by providing shelf-stable food items along with health, hygiene and household cleaning products not covered by SNAP-EBT benefits. Tommy's Pantry initially served an average of 20 families per month and grew to serve more than 400 families a month during the COVID-19 public health crisis.  
• Youth Volunteer of the Year: Tejusvi Vijay is a junior in the Science, Math and Computer Science Magnet Program at Montgomery Blair High School. Tejusvi has committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity in STEM through her volunteer service. She has served as a volunteer coach and a mentor for girls and launched the Lego Club for English Language Learners at Blair High School. Tejusvi also serves on Councilmember Laurie Sayles’s youth advisory council. 

• Volunteer Business of the Year: The Monitor Group, a Rockville-based, family-operated financial services business, maintains a quarterly volunteer campaign supporting local nonprofits such as the Personal Care Foundation, So What Else? and the County Family Justice Center Foundation. The staff at The Monitor Group is dedicated to contributing to a positive and transformative impact. Their volunteer service has provided support to survivors of domestic abuse, backpacks for students and encouraged collaborative partnerships to strengthen nonprofits' community reach and impact. 
• Volunteer Group of the Year: The AARP Tax-Aide program of Montgomery County has offered free tax preparation services to County residents for more than five decades. The program is fully volunteer-led and operated. In 2023, volunteers prepared 3,780 returns resulting in a total of $3,530,262 in refunds. 

The Montgomery County Volunteer Center organizes the annual awards and helps individuals and groups find volunteer opportunities year-round.  

Learn more about the Volunteer Center, its annual awards and past award recipients at  www.montgomeryserves.org. 

 

Six African American Community Leaders Will Be Honored with ‘Living Legend Awards’ During 27th Juneteenth Celebration, Friday, June 14, and Saturday, June 15

Montgomery County will present “Living Legend Awards” to six African American community leaders at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 14, at the BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown. County Executive Marc Elrich will host the awards ceremony, part of the County’s 27th Annual Juneteenth celebration, which this year has a theme of “Celebrating Freedom at the Rock: Forever Unshackled.”

The 2024 award recipients, all 75 or older, are being honored for their lifelong dedication to service, advocacy and selfless acts of kindness. The public is invited to the award ceremony. The event is free to attend.

The honorees are Dr. Judith Docca, Eddie Dove, Janice Freeman, Roy Priest, Charles “Charlie Buck” Thomas, Jr., and Henry Williams, Sr.

The Juneteenth celebration, which includes various cultural and community events, continues from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 15, also at the BlackRock Center, which is located at 12901 Town Commons Drive in Germantown.

“Each of the six honorees has made service and advocacy an integral part of their lives, enriching and preserving the cultural heritage of the African American Community in Montgomery County,” said County Executive Elrich. “Their contributions have profoundly benefited our community, leaving an indelible mark on our shared history and future.”

Details about the award recipients:

• Dr. Judith Docca. She has dedicated her career to advocating for education and civil rights, spending 38 years with Montgomery County Public Schools in roles ranging from teacher to principal. Elected to four terms on the Montgomery County Board of Education, she chaired the communications and public engagement committee and served on the special populations committee. Dr. Docca has been active in the Montgomery County NAACP, the Lincoln Park Historical Foundation and numerous educational associations. She was pivotal in saving Montgomery County's Head Start program and has been inducted into the County Human and Civil Rights Hall of Fame. Recently, she was appointed to the Montgomery College Board of Trustees by Maryland Governor Wes Moore.
• Eddie Dove. Born in 1935 in the Scotland Community of Potomac, he has spent his life preserving and advocating for his birthplace. His leadership in the "Save Our Scotland" campaign in the 1960s was crucial in protecting the community from eradication. Beyond activism, he was a celebrated third baseman for the Scotland Eagles, embodying resilience and camaraderie. As a Montgomery County Public School bus driver for over four decades, his dedication to safety and well-being endeared him to the community.
• Janice Freeman. Deeply involved in civil rights, business, housing and community nonprofits, she has worked at the local, State and Federal levels. Growing up in a segregated community in Greensboro, N.C., she participated in pivotal civil rights protests, including the Woolworth sit-ins. In Maryland, she worked with the Black-owned OAO Corporation and co-founded a successful computer engineering company. As a minority business leader, she founded JM Freeman Enterprise, a real estate brokerage, and co-founded Montgomery County’s first African American Chamber of Commerce. She has served on numerous boards and remains an active community advocate.
• Roy Priest. The chair of the Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County, he has dedicated five decades to advocating for affordable housing and enhancing community services. He was executive director and CEO of the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority, leading significant housing redevelopment projects and community programs. His career includes leadership roles at the National Congress for Community Economic Development and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, where he administered critical economic development programs.
• Charles “Charlie Buck” Thomas, Jr. Born June 5, 1945, he is a sixth-generation Sandy Spring resident and the son of one of Montgomery County’s first African American entrepreneurs. Inspired by his father's perseverance, Charlie Buck took over and successfully ran Charles Thomas Refuse for 56 years, employing and mentoring many local residents. He has led the Male Mentoring Program at Hopkins United Methodist Church and actively helps maintain the historic African American Mutual Memorial Cemetery. An avid sports fan and former athlete, he played a significant role in fostering racial relations during the integration of Sherwood High School in Sandy Spring.
• Henry Williams, Sr. An active participant in several community groups, he served as chair and co-chair of the African American Advisory Group to former County Executive Doug Duncan, addressing the needs and concerns of the African American community. He is a past president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference) Montgomery County Chapter (14 years) and the National Pan Hellenic Council of Montgomery County, representing more than 200,000 residents. He is a member of the Montgomery County chapter of the NAACP and a lifetime member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated. For more than 40 years, he has been a dedicated member of the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, where he is currently active in the Usher Board and Seasoned Saints Ministries.

Visit the Office of Human Rights website to view the list of past African American Living Legends Award recipients.

The County Executive’s African American Advisory Group and the Office of Human Rights sponsor the Living Legends Awards ceremony.

Westland Middle School in Bethesda Named Winner of ‘Paint the Plow’ Contest

Westland Middle School in Bethesda was selected as the first-place winner of the Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s (MCDOT) “Paint the Plow” snowplow naming contest. The winning design featured the “Squirtle Squad” from the Pokémon franchise and a “Road Runner” theme.

The Paint the Plow contest is held each year as part of “Public Works Week” to honor essential workers. During the special week, MCDOT recognizes the employees of its Division of Highway Services with a social media campaign highlighting public works employees and the vital role they play in the safety and quality of life of County residents.

“I want to thank MCPS and the participating students and teachers for helping us recognize the hard work and dedication of our public works employees,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “From keeping our streets clear of snow and ice, paving our roads and collecting yard debris, to maintaining our vital sanitary and storm sewer systems, their efforts keep our County safe, clean and thriving.”

The decorated snowplows were displayed at MCDOT’s “Truck Day” event on June 1. The free event in Rockville had nearly 2,000 attendees who were invited to vote for their favorite snowplow design.

Teams from 16 county middle schools participated in the contest. Student teams had four days to name and decorate their snowplows. MCDOT provided the snowplows and paint supplies.

The winners selected were:

• First place and awarded $500: Westland Middle School in Bethesda for its decorated snowplow with a Road Runner theme named “Beep Beep.”
• Second place and awarded $300: Redland Middle School in Redland for its decorated snowplow with a Snoopy theme named “Scoopy.”
• Third place and awarded $200: Roberto Clemente Middle School in Germantown for its decorated snowplow with a Zombie theme named “Zombinator.”

Residents will see the decorated plows in action this winter. The plows will be deployed during snow and ice events to help clear roadways.

“The annual Truck Day and Paint the Plow contest lets us showcase the vital role public works employees play in contributing to and enhancing our quality of life,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “Public works employees are on the front lines during emergency conditions, including winter weather events, and these snowplows will serve as a reminder of the valuable work they do.”

“Public Works Week” is a nationally recognized week in May to honor essential workers. The American Public Works Association selected "Advancing Quality of Life for All" as the theme for the 2024 National Public Works Week. “Public Works Week” was observed May 19-25.

Pictures of the painted plows can be viewed on the MCDOT “Paint the Plow” page or on the social media platforms listed below.

Nominations Can Be Submitted for African American Living Legends Awards That Will Be Presented During 27th Annual Juneteenth Two-Day Celebration

Montgomery County is seeking nominations for its African American Living Legends Awards that honor individuals who are 75 or older and have dedicated their lives to service, advocacy and selfless acts of kindness. The awards ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 14, at the BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown. Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich will host the awards presentation.

The awards ceremony will be part of the County’s 27th Annual Juneteenth Celebration, themed “Celebrating Freedom at the Rock: Forever Unshackled.” The community celebration will be from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 15, also at the BlackRock Center, which is located at 12901 Town Commons Drive in Germantown.

“Recognizing living legends within our County is more than just honoring individuals. It is about celebrating the resilience, achievements and contributions of those who have helped shape the cultural heritage of the African American community,” said County Executive Elrich. “These distinguished figures serve as beacons of inspiration, reminding us of our shared history and the ongoing journey toward equity, justice and progress. By acknowledging their impact, we honor their African American legacy and reaffirm our commitment to fostering a community where everyone’s story is valued and uplifted.”

Nominations must be submitted by Saturday, June 1. To nominate an individual, submit a two-page or less narrative explaining why the nominee should be honored. Include a list of their contributions to the community. Nominations will be evaluated, and the County Executive will determine the final selections.

Nominations can be emailed to james.stowe@montgomerycountymd.gov or mailed to Montgomery County Office of Human Rights / African American Living Legend Nomination / 21 Maryland Avenue, Suite 330 / Rockville, MD 20850.

For more information, visit the Office of Human Rights website.

Past honorees of the African American Living Legends Awards include:

• 2023: Henry Hailstock, Theresa Henderson, Pauline Johnson, Shelia Ogilvie, Vernon Ricks, Lt. Colonel Shelton Ware.
• 2022: Ida Pearl Green, Rosalyn Cain King, Anita Neal, Ambassador Curtis Ward, Alma Lewis Williams.
• 2021: Elwood Rafael Gray, Sterling King Jr., Willie Mackey King, John Macklin, Hercules Pinkney.
• 2020: No Event.
• 2019: Winston A. Anderson, Irene Coleman, Warren Crutchfield, Arva M. Jackson, The Reverend Ruby Reese Moone, Arthur L. Williams.
• 2018: Sol Graham, Samuel C. Hamilton. Arthur Holmes, Jr., Harvey Ziegler.
• 2017: Christine Clarke, Wilma K. Holmes, Ruby A. Rubens, Odessa M. Shannon.
• 2016: Delores Lincoln-Willis.
• 2015: Irma Ramsey Cuéllar, Marilyn Hughes Gaston, Lorena Elizabeth Mosby.

Nomination Period Open for 2024 ‘Montgomery Serves Awards’

The nomination period for the 2024 “Montgomery Serves Awards is now open. The awards are the County's highest honors for volunteerism and are awarded annually.

Nominations can be submitted through March 29 for individuals, businesses or groups that went above and beyond to serve the community in 2023, as well as people 60 years and older who have performed a lifetime of volunteer service.

Awards will be given for:

• Volunteer of the Year: for an individual, in recognition of volunteer service performed in 2023.
• Youth Volunteer of the Year: for a volunteer aged 18 or younger for service in 2023.
• Volunteer Group of the Year: for a group or team of two or more people who volunteered together on the same project(s) in 2023.
• Business Volunteer of the Year: for community service by a corporation in 2023.
• Neal Potter Path of Achievement Award: presented to two residents, aged 60 and up, in honor of their lifetime of volunteer service.

For details and guidelines for the awards program and submit a nomination, go to Montgomery Serves Awards - Montgomery County Maryland (montgomerycountymd.gov).

A panel will review the nominations submitted and select the honorees, who will be honored at an awards ceremony on June 25. Click here to check out the honorees from 2023!

For more information about the program, email serviceawards@montgomerycountymd.gov or call the Montgomery County Volunteer Center at 240-777-2600.

Commission on Aging Honors Outstanding Leaders with ‘Community for a Lifetime’

Montgomery County’s Commission on Aging (COA) recently honored Stuart Rosenthal, Mary Jo Deering and The Oasis Lifelong Learning Program as recipients of its “Community for a Lifetime” awards, recognizing individuals or organizations whose exceptional contributions align with the mission of enabling older adults to live quality lives and make the County their community for a lifetime.

The award ceremony took place during the COA’s year-end event at the Holiday Park Senior Center.

“The Community for a Lifetime Award enables the County and the Commission on Aging to recognize and celebrate those who contribute significantly to the well-being of older adults in the community,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “We are fortunate to have such dedicated individuals and organizations who make our community welcoming to older adults.”

Community for a Lifetime Award 2023 recipients:

Stuart Rosenthal, publisher, Beacon Newspaper

Publisher of the Beacon Newspaper, he was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the community. Beyond providing crucial information on articles and community events, the Beacon, under Mr. Rosenthal’s leadership, actively engages in educational initiatives for the public. The Beacon's 50+ Expo, an annual event attracting thousands, offers health screenings, valuable information from government agencies, nonprofit organizations, employers and local businesses. He has played pivotal roles in various community programs, including the Path of Achievement Awards, Law Day, the Older Worker Expo and centenarian celebrations. His involvement extends to chairing the Maryland Commission on Aging (2007-15), serving on the Maryland Aging and Disability Resource Center Advisory Board, co-chairing the communications committee of Age Friendly Montgomery and contributing to other State and County commissions.

Stuart Rosenthal receives Community for a Lifetime Award. From left:
Judith Rosenthal, Stuart Rosenthal and COA chair David Engel

Mary Jo Deering, president, Washington Area Village Exchange (WAVE) 

She was recognized for outstanding work in the Village movement and her role as president of the Washington Area Village Exchange (WAVE). Ms. Deering has been a driving force in achieving the COA’s vision through her efforts in the Village movement since 2014. She played a crucial role in creating and leading an intergenerational, no-fee village in her neighborhood. Her leadership on the WAVE board culminated in a successful 2019 conference and eventually led her to become the WAVE president in 2021.

Mary Jo Deering receives Community for a Lifetime Award from COA chair David Engel

 

Oasis – Metro Washington Lifelong Learning Program. 

The program was honored for its long-term service and innovative programming for the older adult community in Montgomery County. Oasis has been a pioneer in healthy aging for 40 years, providing lifelong learning, computer technology education, health promotion and volunteering opportunities, including intergenerational tutoring. Dedicated to equity and access for all older adults, Oasis has become a true asset for the County. Accepting the award for Oasis was Anna Stokes, executive director of Oasis.

Oasis receives Community for a Lifetime Award from COA chair David Engel. From left: Anna Stokes, Janice Pilner, David Engel, Kathleen McDaniel and Leah Russi

The COA is authorized by the Older Americans Act, P.L. 116-131 and was established by Montgomery County in 1974 to advise the County Government on the needs, interests and issues of older adult residents and to advocate on their behalf at the local, State and national levels. The commission identifies issues where its voice on the needs of older adults can make a difference.

For more information about the Community for a Lifetime Awards or the Commission on Aging, visit its website.

Montgomery Sports Hall of Fame Announces New Inductees for 2023

The Montgomery County Sports Hall of Fame (MCSHF) recently announced six inductees for its 2023 class, who will be honored in ceremonies on Sunday, Oct. 29, at the Silver Spring Civic Building in Downtown Silver Spring. The fifth class for the Hall of Fame includes legendary figures in their respective fields in Georgetown Prep football coach Jim Fegan, the late Gaithersburg High School football coach John Harvill, Paint Branch basketball star Tracy Jackson, Springbrook High and U.S. national team soccer player Joanna Lohman, tennis player Harold Solomon and television sportscaster Scott Van Pelt, who attended Sherwood High School.

The ceremonies on Oct. 29 will be free to attend.

The new class was announced in pre-game ceremonies of a Bethesda Big Train baseball game at Shirley Povich Field in Bethesda. The new class features County natives who have achieved at the national and international levels, as well as local figures who are among the best at what they have done in and for Montgomery County.

The Montgomery Sports Hall of Fame was created to honor the men and women that, through sports, have brought pride and honor to the County. The individuals honored are reflections of the dedication and devotion of many people who love sports. Nominations can be offered by any resident for consideration.

More information about the 2023 inductees is available at 2023 Class Announcement (mcshf.org).

More information about the Montgomery Sports Hall of Fame and its previous inductees can be found at Montgomery County Sports Hall of Fame – Building a Better Community Through Sports (mcshf.org).

This year’s class of inductees:

• Jim Fegan was head football coach at Georgetown Prep in Rockville for 36 years. He won 236 games, including 14 league championships, and had nine unbeaten seasons. Fegan played high school football at Gonzaga and started his career as a youth coach at Blessed Sacrament in baseball, basketball and football. In 1961, he took over at Georgetown Prep and built a program that was respected throughout the Washington area. He retired as head coach in 1996, but continued as Georgetown Prep athletic director.
• John Harvill was the head football coach at Gaithersburg High School for 44 years. When he retired in 2000, he was the winningest coach in Maryland history with 312 wins. That included two state titles and four undefeated seasons. Harvill grew up in Washington, D.C., and played football at Mckinley Tech. He joined the Army out of high school. After three years in the military, Harvill enrolled at the University of Maryland, where he played football. Also a standout in baseball, he played professionally for three years in the Red Sox organization. While coaching, he helped develop the statewide playoff system that Maryland implemented in 1974. The Gaithersburg Trojans now play at John Harvill Stadium. Harvill passed away in 2013.
• Tracy Jackson was a high school All-American at Paint Branch High who chose Notre Dame after many college offers came his way. Jackson helped the Irish reach the NCAA Final Four in 1978 and the Elite Eight in 1979. He was drafted by the Celtics in 1981 and played in the NBA with Boston, Chicago and Indiana. After his playing career ended, Jackson was elected to a position on the Notre Dame board of trustees. He returned to Maryland to work as an insurance agent.
• Joanna Lohman was a professional soccer player for 18 years. After starting her youth career with the Bethesda Scorpions, she was an All-Met player at Springbrook High in Silver Spring. At Penn State, she was selected as a first team Big Ten player all four years, the first player ever to achieve that distinction. She was a four-time academic All-American as well. Lohman played professionally in Philadelphia and Boston, as well as internationally in Spain and Sweden, but came back home for two stints with the Washington Freedom. She played her last four years with the Washington Spirit of the NWSL. She also played for the U.S. national team from 2001-07. The Spirit retired her jersey No. 15 in 2019.
• Harold Solomon won 22 singles titles in his professional tennis career. The Springbrook High School graduate was ranked as high as No. 2 in the nation in his juniors career. He was a finalist at the 1976 French Open and was ranked in the top five in singles and doubles during his career. In 1980, Solomon became president of the Association of Tennis Professionals, the governing body of men’s tennis. He began coaching in the 1990s, working with Jim Courier, Monica Seles and Jennifer Capriati. In 2005, he opened the Harold Solomon Tennis Institute in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
• Scott Van Pelt is one of the most recognized sportscasters in the U.S. The Sherwood High School graduate attended the University of Maryland and then started his broadcasting career at Fox 5 in Washington. He was a host and anchor for The Golf Channel for five, then went to ESPN in 2001. At the Worldwide Leader in Sports, he became a Sportscenter anchor, golf correspondent and ESPN Radio host. After living in Bristol, Conn., for most of his career, he moved back to the Washington area and anchors his late night Sportscenter broadcasts from studios here.

18 Individuals and Organizations Honored with Street Outreach Network’s First Martin Luther King Peacemaker Awards

Eighteen organizations and individuals were recently honored with Martin Luther King (MLK) Peacemaker Awards at a ceremony sponsored by Montgomery County’s Street Outreach Network (SON), which is part of the Department of Health and Human Services' Positive Youth Development (PYD) program. The awards organizations and individuals were honored for their peacemaking work to make Montgomery County a better place to live.   

Those honored at the ceremonies on Jan. 13 were chosen by staff from the SON for their efforts to help prevent violence and bring peace to their neighborhoods. Among the honorees were community leaders, including those from business and education, as well as County Government and elected officials.

Those honored at the ceremonies:

• Ana Castillo, community volunteer, Germantown
• Donald Davis, intervention specialist, Street Outreach Network
• Marcus Dixon, 5th District community policing officer
• Joseph Hooks, Founder/Director of the 480 Club
• Ashleigh Johnson, community volunteer and Clarksburg High School teacher
• Tom Herrera, community volunteer, Montgomery Village La Villa Restaurant, Gaithersburg
• Nyurka Morales, Assistant Principal, Northwood High School
• Rev. Barry Moultrie, Pastor, Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Rockville
• Nancy Navarro, former County Councilmember and Board of Education member
• Carlos Repreza, intervention specialist, Street Outreach Network)
• Aracely Reyes, manager, Ledo’s Restaurant, Montgomery Village
• Rosario Reyes, community volunteer, Gaithersburg
• Sonia Rivera, manager, Texas Parillada restaurant, Gaithersburg
• Kenya Smith, community manager, Germantown Park Homeowner’s Association
• Sulema Middleton Stewart, vice president, Community Life Programs, Montgomery Housing Partnerships
• Greg Wims, Up County Regional Services Center Director
• Yogii, intervention specialist, Street Outreach Network

“In a time where society is seeing so much violence around the nation, it requires all of us to lift up the importance of peace and continue fighting for peace in the spirit of Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.,” said Luis Cardona, PYD administrator. “We are proud to acknowledge and recognize community leaders that have stepped up to bring peace to their neighborhoods in hopes of stopping unnecessary violence. Peacemaking like this lives up to the true teachings of Dr.  King.”

SON works with County youth impacted by violence, with the goal of redirecting that trauma. This includes therapeutic recreation supports in schools and in the community.

In 2022, SON worked with more than 200 adolescents and young adults. During the summer, SON coordinated free Summer of Peace events with food, music, dancing and engaging games for residents with a chance to connect with County staff in a more culturally diverse and relaxed way. More than 1,000 residents attended the events.

To follow future activities of the Street Outreach Network, visit its Facebook page.

Montevideo Road Bridge Rehabilitation in Poolesville Wins ‘Excellence in Preservation’ Award from Montgomery Preservation

 

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s (MCDOT) Montevideo Bridge Rehabilitation Project in Poolesville was selected as the winner of the recently announced 2021 “Michael F. Dwyer Excellence in Preservation Award” by Montgomery Preservation, Inc.

The Montevideo Bridge Project preserved and rehabilitated a historic, one-lane bridge over Dry Seneca Creek that was originally constructed in 1910. When a routine inspection revealed a critical defect in the bottom chord of the bridge truss, MCDOT engineered a plan to rehabilitate the bridge while minimizing disruption to a nearby farm and winery.

Montgomery Preservation Inc. (MPI) is a countywide nonprofit historic preservation organization dedicated to preserving, protecting and promoting the County’s architectural heritage and historic landscapes. Each year, MPI’s board of directors evaluates award nominations. Winners were announced at an event on Oct. 28 at the Kensington Armory.

“We have rehabilitated or replaced about 25 bridges over the past five years, but it is not often we get the chance to preserve a historic bridge like this one,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “This bridge does more than connect places. It also connects us to the past and helps tell the stories of those who came before us. We are thankful to receive this recognition from MPI.”

During the rehabilitation of the Montevideo Bridge, a crane lifted the bridge off its abutments and moved it to a nearby staging area, allowing MCDOT to install a temporary bridge and reopen Montevideo Road to vehicular traffic. Workers cleaned, painted and reused the salvageable parts of the bridge. Deteriorated and undersized structural pieces were replaced and connected with bolts. Stonemasons carefully repaired and repointed the sandstone abutments. After the repairs, a crane lifted the truss bridge back into place.

The Montevideo Road bridge is a one-lane, Warren pony truss bridge on masonry abutments. A Warren pony truss bridge has the travel surface running along the bottom chords of trusses. They stand on either side with the supports not connected at the top. This creates an opening overhead. These trusses are designed for lighter loads. While truss bridges were once standard in Maryland, this is the last remaining bridge of its kind in Montgomery County. It is in the National Register’s Seneca Historic District and is eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Montevideo Road is designated as an Exceptional Rustic Road and the bridge is a significant feature of the road.

MCDOT takes a systematic approach to bridge maintenance and performs routine maintenance on all 513 of the County’s bridges. Biennial bridge inspections allow MCDOT to discover, document, and correct structural vulnerabilities.

View a video on the project here.

Students from Richard Montgomery High School Finish Second in National ‘Envirothon’ Environmental and Natural Resource Conservation Problem-Solving Competition

Pictured from left to right: Lissa Vincent, MBHS Teacher Advisor, Josh Goozeman, Katie Yang,, Lynna Deng, Connor Palansky, Sienna Burns and Barry Burch, MD Envirothon Program Coordinator.

A team of students from Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville finished second in the recent national “Envirothon®,” an environmental and natural resource conservation problem-solving, teambuilding and leadership competition for high school students across the United States, Canada and China. The competition, which was held at Miami University in Oxford, Oh., incorporates STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) principles, experiential learning and hands-on outdoor field experiences.

The Richard Montgomery “Tree Troupe” team of Sienna Burns, Lynna Deng, Josh Goozman, Connor Palansky and Katie Yang, which in June won the Maryland State championship, finished second in the national competition to a team from Lexington, Mass. A team from Pinecrest, Fla., finished third.

Lissa Vincent, Richard Montgomery team’s teacher advisor, and Barry Burch, Maryland Envirothon program coordinator, accompanied the team to Ohio for the competition.

“I want to congratulate the students and advisor of the Richard Montgomery High School ‘Tree Troupe’ team on their Maryland State ‘Envirothon’ championship and recent second-place finish at nationals,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “There are few endeavors our young adults can engage in as important as finding solutions to combat climate change, promote sustainability and encourage conservation efforts. It is rewarding to know that our future environmental leaders are receiving an incredible foundation for their success through ‘Envirothon’ competitions.”

This year’s national competition, which is sponsored by the National Conservation Federation, had 40 teams. Throughout the week-long competition, students demonstrated their knowledge on soils and land use, aquatic ecology, forestry and wildlife management through written tests and interactive stations featuring Ohio’s natural resources. A special category this year was “waste management.”

“I am so proud of our MCPS students receiving this recognition. Your teachers, your parents and the Montgomery County community celebrate alongside you.” said Superintendent of Schools Monifa McKnight. “Learning these complex concepts and applying them to real-world situations is the experiential opportunities our students need for success in their future. Programs such as the Envirothon competition demonstrate clearly that access to engaging learning unleashes potential.”

The Richard Montgomery team has worked with Montgomery County’s Office of Agricultural Services, which is based in Derwood, and staff members from the Department of Environmental Protection and the Montgomery Soil Conservation District. The Envirothon in Maryland is sponsored by the Maryland State Association of Soil Conservation Districts in partnership with high schools of Montgomery County Public Schools that apply for participation. More information about the local competition is available at https://mdenvirothon.org/events/.

In the national finals, the Richard Montgomery team finished first in three of the five testing categories (Wildlife, Aquatics and Waste Management) and fourth in the other two categories (Forestry and Soils). The second-place finish was the best ever by a Maryland team in the national competition.

The winning NCF-Envirothon teams are awarded scholarships and prizes, with the top three scoring teams receiving $30,000 in total, thanks to the support of Smithfield Foods, Inc.

Envirothon challenges students to develop critical thinking skills to create inventive solutions to complex local and global environmental and natural resource issues. Through the Envirothon, students are empowered to educate others, take action in their local communities, pursue higher academic study in environmental disciplines and work toward careers in the environment, natural resources and conservation.

11th Annual Montgomery Serves Awards Will Recognize Exceptional Service on Wednesday, June 15, in Silver Spring

Montgomery County has named five individuals and organizations as recipients of the 11th annual Montgomery Serves Awards, the County’s highest honor for service and volunteerism. This year’s honorees represent volunteers dedicated to programs including social justice and educational advocacy, safety-net healthcare services and outreach to vulnerable populations.

The awards will be presented at a ceremony at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 15, at the Silver Spring Civic Building. Andrea Roane, the long-time anchor at WUSA-9, will serve as emcee. County Executive Mark Elrich and other County officials and dignitaries will present awards.

The event is free and open to the public, but reservations are required. Seats can be reserved at https://2022montgomeryservesawards.eventbrite.com

“Volunteers make a real difference in Montgomery County,” said Faith McNeill, manager of the Montgomery County Volunteer Center. “Volunteers have stepped up during the COVID-19 pandemic. Likewise, there have long been County residents selflessly serving critical needs throughout our region every day of every year. The Montgomery Serves honorees exemplify that amazing spirit.”

This 2022 Montgomery Serves Awards recognize volunteers in the following categories:

The Roscoe R. Nix Distinguished Community Leadership Awards honor community leaders, change agents and role models who have made extraordinary contributions to Montgomery County over the course of their lives. These awards are designated by the County Executive. This year’s awards will go to:

• Nancy Kopp, who served as treasurer for the State of Maryland from 2002-2021 and as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates representing Bethesda and Chevy Chase from 1975-2002.
• Mona Negm, founder and president of the American Muslim Senior Society, who has advocated at local, state and national levels for meaningful, culturally diverse engagement for the underserved and marginalized.
• Kenneth Nelson, who has contributed to the well-being and improvement of Montgomery County by serving as pastor of Seneca Community Church, director of business and community outreach at Montgomery College and in numerous organizations.

Neal Potter Path of Achievement Awards are presented to residents 60-and-over for lifetime volunteer service. This year’s awards will go to:

• Charlotte Holliday of Germantown. She is a music educator and founder of the Tacy Foundation, which empowers children and teens to share hope with hospital patients, military veterans, senior citizens, and disadvantaged youth through performances, music recording projects and music mentoring programs.
• The Honorable Chung K. Pak, chief administrative law judge of the Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings. The Gaithersburg resident has worked tirelessly to provide a strong voice to some of the most needy and powerless in the community and State.

Volunteer of the Year Awards recognize outstanding volunteer service performed during the previous calendar year. The winners in the three categories of the awards:

• Volunteer of the Year: Schai Schairer. The Silver Spring resident volunteers at the Maryland Correctional Institute for Women (MCIW), working with marginalized, vulnerable women who are often overlooked.
• Youth Volunteer of the Year: Samantha Jayasundera. The Rockville resident, who is a senior at Montgomery Blair High School, is an advocate for education and equity on local, national and international levels.
• Volunteer Group of the Year: Mercy Health Clinic Volunteer Medical Providers. The group of physicians represent the core of the clinic’s operations, providing primary and specialty care at no cost to low-income, uninsured patients in Montgomery County.

The Montgomery County Volunteer Center organizes these prestigious annual awards and helps individuals and groups find volunteer opportunities year-round. Learn more about the Volunteer Center and its annual awards at www.montgomeryserves.org.

For more information, contact serviceawards@montgomerycountymd.gov or 240-777-2600.

Montgomery County Presents 23rd Annual Awards for Recycling Achievement

Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently held its 23rd Annual Recycling Achievement Recognition ceremony honoring 22 recipients for outstanding achievement in recycling, waste reduction and reuse. The online ceremony recognized individuals, multi-family properties, businesses, organizations and government facilities.

The winners were honored for their efforts to help the County toward reaching its goals of reducing waste and recycling more, aiming toward zero waste.

“Montgomery County recycles 58.94 percent of its solid waste—the highest recycling rate in Maryland. It could not be done without the efforts of these awardees,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “In spite of the continuing pandemic, these recycling achievement award recipients continue to do the difficult, but necessary work. We hope that other members of the community will follow their lead.”

County DEP Acting Director Adriana Hochberg said the honorees are influencing others in increasing recycling.

“In Montgomery County, we offer opportunities for all kinds of materials to be recycled, from glass to electronics,” she said. “We greatly appreciate the robust and innovative recycling efforts of our residents, multi-family properties and businesses, as well as the service that our recycling volunteers provide to the community— helping their neighbors navigate the County’s recycling system. These awardees are helping Montgomery County move the needle forward in a major way.”

Many of the award winners were selected based on interactions with DEP Waste Reduction and Recycling staff.

A summary of the 2022 recycling achievement award winners:

Recycling Group of the Year

The “Recycling Group of the Year Award” is presented to volunteers who support DEP’s Recycling and Resource Management Division—Waste Reduction and Recycling Section and make a difference in their community.

The award recognizes a group of residents who work to get others to reuse and recycle. Recognition is based on their efforts to engage others in their community to increase participation in waste reduction and recycling programs and help achieve the County’s goal to reduce waste and recycle more, aiming for zero waste.

The 2022 winner is GO Green Earth throughout Montgomery County. GO Green Earth is a newly formed community group that connects Chinese American residents to resources provided by DEP Waste Reduction and Recycling staff. Over the past year, the group enrolled more than 100 County residents in DEP’s backyard food scraps composting project. Go Green Earth has tested two types of compost bins. GO Green Earth also has translated educational materials into Mandarin, hosted backyard composting training workshops and helped educate and troubleshoot using its WeChat group.

Multifamily Outstanding Efforts in Waste Reduction and Recycling

The “Multifamily Outstanding Efforts in Waste Reduction and Recycling Award” is presented to multi-family properties for their actions in developing, expanding or enhancing their waste reduction and recycling programs.

Three winners were selected in this category:

• Fairmont Plaza Condominium, Bethesda. Fairmont Plaza Condominium exceeded the County’s recycling requirements and provided opportunities for its residents to recycle additional materials including batteries, cellphones and light bulbs/tubes. Last year, Fairmont Plaza Condominium residents recycled more than 150 batteries and 30 cellphones. The staff circulated flyers throughout the community about its trash and recycling program.
• Grosvenor Park I Condominium, North Bethesda. The community’s commitment to waste reduction can be seen in property management’s use of an electronic listserv to minimize the use of paper and having residents use electronic posts to exchange, resell or donate furniture and appliances. Grosvenor Park I also has an on-site library where residents can donate books and an on-site clothing and a shoe donation box. Last year, the community started a food scraps recycling program.
• Kenwood House Cooperative, Chevy Chase. The Green Committee and management staff at Kenwood House have worked to create a convenient recycling program for residents that includes recycling food scraps. Working appliances are donated to various charitable organizations. Kenwood House recycled 81.2 percent of its solid waste in 2021.

Multifamily Property Green Team Leader of the Year

“Multi-Family Property Green Team Leader of the Year Awards” are presented to individuals who made a positive difference in their multi-family communities. They outpace the efforts of others by working diligently to encourage fellow residents to participate in waste reduction, reuse and recycling programs.

The two winners of these awards in 2022 were:

• Joyce Siegel – The Forum Condominium, North Bethesda. Joyce, a member of the board of directors at the Forum, has been instrumental in putting several green initiatives into effect. For many years she was so committed to recycling food scraps that she took her scraps to a local store where they could be dropped off for composting. Joyce worked with DEP, and the management staff and board members at The Forum, to create a food scraps recycling program there.
• Sandra Sugar – The Promenade, Bethesda. The chair of the Eco-Action club at The Promenade, Sandra has been key to making sure all 36 floors of this high-rise community have updated signage on recycling and environmental issues. Information also is placed on monitors in all common areas. Sandra organizes events to increase awareness and participation in the recycling program. She coordinates Earth Day events for residents of The Promenade and trips to the Montgomery County Recycling Center, where they can see how materials are sorted and prepared for recycling.

Multi-Family Property Manager of The Year

The “Multi-Family Property Manager of The Year Award” is presented to multi-family property management staff that help develop, expand or enhance the property’s waste reduction and recycling programs.

This year’s honoree is Tammie MacLaren, the property manager at Normandie on the Lake I in Montgomery Village. She ensures that items are diverted from the waste stream, repurposed and used again. Tammie gives residents a listing of local organizations where they can donate no longer needed items. Extra paint is donated to local high school theater clubs. Books and clothing are donated to reuse groups. She created a color-coded system for recycling and trash containers to help residents use the right one.

Business Outstanding Efforts in Waste Reduction and Recycling

“Business Outstanding Efforts in Waste Reduction and Recycling Awards” are presented to businesses that have been exemplary in developing, expanding or enhancing their waste reduction and recycling programs.

Six honorees were selected for 2022 awards:

• Leidos, Bethesda, Gaithersburg and Germantown. Leidos has numerous environmental initiatives, including setting up a food scraps recycling program for employees. Their waste reduction program encourages employees to use reusable utensils, coffee mugs and other cups. Due to COVID-19, Leidos had to switch to individually packaged utensils and cups, but it can all be composted in the company’s food scraps recycling program. Leidos centralizes management of printers, copiers, scanners and fax machines with one vendor that specializes in document management. The company has a commitment to reduce waste by 50 percent by 2030.
• Leveling the Playing Field, Silver Spring. The nonprofit organization collects new and gently used sports and playground equipment and redistributes it to schools and community programs. During the COVID-19 health crisis, Leveling the Playing Field prevented a lot of used sports equipment from entering the waste stream by distributing it as “sports kits” to low- and medium-income students and families.
• Phoenix Computers, Rockville. The volunteer nonprofit organization accepts donations of new and used computers, equipment and software for repair, refurbishing and upgrade. It is then sold at a low cost to low-income individuals and families and individuals with disabilities. This keeps old electronics out of the waste stream and on-site volunteers make sure that anything that cannot be repaired, refurbished or resold is properly recycled.
• Radio Communications Services Division of Montgomery County’s Technology and Business Solutions (TEBS) Department. In 2021, the division handled a major upgrade of its 20-year-old communications infrastructure to enhance efficiency during the COVID-19 health crisis. The team donated reusable communications equipment to various local County governments and transit authorities in need. It also recycled more than two tons of scrap metal and electronic equipment and 3,400 pounds of battery equipment.
• sweetgreen, Rockville. sweetgreen has been a leader in sustainability in the food service industry since the company started in 2007. It has a recycling program for food scraps and compostable food service ware. Customers have easy access to compost any remaining food items, along with food service packaging and straws.
• Takoma Park Child Development Center, Takoma Park. The center is dedicated to creating a supportive environment where children can learn to be cooperative and positive members of the community. Despite the challenges of COVID-19, the students and teachers at the center have remained vigilant, working to recycle as many materials as possible, including bulky, rigid plastic toys and equipment.

Business Waste Reduction and Recycling Champion Awards

“Business Waste Reduction and Recycling Champion Awards” go to individuals who have made a positive difference in their workplace to keep and, air and water clean. Honorees have far exceeded the efforts of others to maintain a healthy environment on the job and worked to encourage others to participate in waste reduction and recycling. These individuals serve as examples for others to emulate.

The two 2022 honorees are:

• Amanda Dwyer. Her heart bleeds green and blue. She works for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Silver Spring as a grants management specialist in the Marine Debris Department. Last year, Amanda took on the responsibility of overseeing NOAA’s building renovation disposal, donation and recycling efforts. She coordinated efforts to ensure that office supplies were properly recycled and made sure several NOAA departments had information about recycling.
• Aretha Orton. As the property manager for Washington Property Company, LLC., Aretha works to improve recycling programs for several office buildings in Montgomery County. She provides tenants with new recycling updates, making sure they know how to recycle and recycle right. While constantly monitoring on-site recycling programs at these properties, Aretha provides site-specific suggestions that include posting updated information and signage to make employees aware of recycling and waste reduction programs.

Commercial Recycling Partnerships

“Commercial Recycling Partnerships” honor organizations that work with DEP’s Recycling and Resource Management Division—Waste Reduction and Recycling Section to increase recycling by separating pre-consumer food scraps from the waste stream and recycle them through the commercial food scraps recycling partnership program.

The following seven businesses, organizations and government facilities joined the Commercial Food Scraps Recycling Partnership Program in 2021 and 2022:

• GSK Rockville Center for Vaccines Research
• Howard Hughes Medical Institute
• MCPS Carver Educational Services Center
• MCPS Division of Food and Nutrition Services
• National Institutes of Health
• Our Lady of Good Counsel High School
• Westfield Montgomery Mall

For more information on the 2022 Recycling Achievement Awardees, visit the DEP website at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/SWS/awards/.

31 Recipients of Montgomery’s 2022 ‘Women Making History Award’ Announced

The Montgomery County Commission for Women and Montgomery Women have announced that 31 people will be recognized with the 2022 Women Making History Award. The award is given to outstanding women of the County making significant contributions in their vocation and in the community.

This year’s recipients are:

Mary K. Alvord, Dania L. Ayoubi, Eden G. Bekele, Shruti Bhatnager, Brandy H. M. Brooks, Sonya Bruton, Katrele Carroll, Judith Clark, Christina DeFiore, Jennifer Dickens, Teresa A. Doley, Nicole Y. Drew, Yasmeen Faroqi-Shah, Carrie Fox, Sharon Friedman, Fiona Glade, Joan B. Goodman, Elizabeth S. Haile, Madeline Hannington, Sarah Hedlund, Kathleen Henning, Roxie Hill, Neha Kohli, Francesca Pellegrino, Patricia Ritter, Alexandra Robbins, Allison Stearns, Kathy Stevens, Farah Marie Towfic, Drena Valentine and Robin Wiener.

“Congratulations to the 31 outstanding women who are receiving this award for their invaluable contributions and selfless service to others,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “They have all made significant contributions in Montgomery County and shown exceptional leadership, serving as an inspiration. As we honor the women who have made history, we must also continue to build a culture of empowerment and opportunity for the next generation of female leaders.”

Nominees were submitted by their peers based on criteria such as unselfish leadership and hard work in their field, exceptional leadership in civic activities, developing or supporting programs resulting in positive social action and being an inspiration to others as a role model. In addition, nominees had to either reside or work in Montgomery County.

Recipients of the award and their accomplishments will be featured each day in March on the social media platforms of the Montgomery County Commission for Women and Montgomery Women. They also will be recognized at the “Women Making History Panel Discussion” at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 24. This year, the event will be held via Zoom.

For more information about the award and upcoming event, contact Committee Chair Ijeoma Enendu at Ijeoma.Enendu@montgomerycountymd.gov.

For more information about the organizations, visit the Montgomery County Commission for Women website at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/cfw/ or Montgomery Women website at http://www.montgomerywomen.org/.

Byron A. Johns, Blanca Kling, Diego Uriburu and Harvey Zeigler Presented with County’s Top Humanitarian Awards for 2021

 

Byron A. Johns, Blanca Kling, Diego Uriburu and Harvey Zeigler have been honored with Montgomery County’s top humanitarian awards for 2021. County Executive Marc Elrich presented the awards at a recent event that recognized the essential role volunteers play in the success of the County.

The ceremonies introduced the inaugural Inez Zeigler McAbee and William Harvey Zeigler Humanitarian Award, which was presented in addition to the annual Roscoe R. Nix Distinguished Community Leadership Awards. The event was emceed by WUSA9’s Allison Seymour and Marc Clarke.

“These awards are the highest honor our County government can bestow upon residents, and they highlight the tremendous work that people are doing to make this County a better and more equitable and inclusive place,” said County Executive Elrich. “Each of the awardees has had a tremendous positive impact in our community. Their leadership, compassion and perseverance in the face of injustice is inspiring to all of us. This year, I was pleased to announce the inaugural Inez Zeigler McAbee/William Harvey Zeigler Humanitarian Award, in addition to the Roscoe R. Nix awards. I want to congratulate this year’s winners for their amazing work and their dedication to advocating for social justice.”

County Council President Gabe Albornoz also participated in the event.

“Serving others is a noble calling and one that motivates you to look deep within and make a difference in the lives of others,” said Council President Albornoz. “Dedicated public servants, such as Harvey Zeigler, Byron A. Johns, Diego Uriburu and our beloved Blanca Kling, represent the best of Montgomery County. Their commitment to humanity, volunteerism and civic engagement is profoundly inspirational and serves as precedent for all of us to emulate and live a fulfilling life.”

The County Executive’s Humanitarian of the Year Award this year was renamed the Inez Zeigler McAbee and William Harvey Zeigler Humanitarian Award. As pioneers before, during and after the civil rights movement, Inez and Harvey Zeigler’s lifelong commitment to civil rights, community service and local activism provide a fitting resume and list of distinguished accomplishments. This year, the award was presented to Harvey Zeigler.

Mr. Zeigler, who is 101, remains a community and civic activist, mentor and historian. During his lifelong pursuit for equality and justice, his accomplishments have included striking down job discrimination and promoting the hiring of African Americans in government agencies, like Montgomery County Public Schools and in the County Fire and Rescue Service.

“I’m still trying—you don’t give up,” said Mr. Zeigler. “If you give up, then you haven’t accomplished too much. I feel like what my sister and I have done in Damascus, and for the County and the State, if you don’t work together and try to unite together, it's downhill. I’ve tried all these 101 years, and I feel like that’s the only way to do it is to unite and talk from the heart, try and try again. If you fail once, don’t give up—keep trying.”

The Roscoe R. Nix Distinguished Community Leadership Awards honor community leaders, change agents and role models who have made extraordinary contributions to the County over the course of their lives. This year’s awards were presented to:

• Byron A. Johns. He is a longtime advocate for educational equity and currently serves as the Education Chair for the Montgomery County branch of the NAACP. Mr. Johns also is a co-founder, along with fellow awardee Diego Uriburu, of the Black and Brown Coalition for Educational Excellence. During the COVID-19 health crisis, while schools were virtual, he worked with the Children’s Opportunity Fund, Montgomery County Public Schools, private childcare providers and public/private funders to raise nine million dollars to serve 1,500 students with Educational Equity Hubs. The hubs are safe, supervised, technology-enabled, in-person learning facilities that support low-income students for whom virtual learning was ineffective.
  
  "I receive this honor with great humility and the utmost appreciation for the recognition,” said Mr. Johns. “My accomplishments are minor compared to many of the recipients, including Roscoe Nix, for whom this award is named. But I hope it inspires each of us, and all of us, to seek and pursue our better nature in service to our common humanity."
• Blanca Kling. Ms. Kling, who passed away in January 2021, served County residents for four decades as a media spokesperson, community leader and victims’ rights advocate. She had a long track record of public service and a lifetime of dedication to County government, including in her work with the County Police Department.
  
  “It is with such pride for my family and I to witness the recognition of my mother’s incalculable contribution to this County, from her arrival as a Bolivian immigrant to the Latino Liaison for MCPD,” said Ms. Kling’s son, Jason Kling. “For over 34 years she tirelessly advocated for the safety and dignity of all Latinos, touched the lives of clients and colleagues, and lived with joy and a deep faith in God. Her legacy lives on when we continue her example and ask ourselves every day: ‘How can I live my life for others today like Blanca?’”
• Diego Uriburu. He is the co-founder of Identity, an organization that creates opportunities for Latino and other historically underserved youth to help them realize their highest potential and thrive. Identity also works to empower parents to engage in their children’s education and be champions for their success. Mr. Uriburu’s commitment to social change has extended beyond his duties at Identity. In 2019, he joined forces with Byron Johns to form the Black and Brown Coalition for Educational Equity and Excellence. He is a member of Montgomery Moving Forward and the Latino Health Steering Committee and serves on the boards of WorkSource Montgomery, the Montgomery County Positive Youth Development Initiative and the Meyer Foundation.
  
  “It is honestly a privilege to work together with so many people and agencies to create a more just and equitable Montgomery County that nurtures all youth,” said Mr. Uriburu. “Today’s youth are the promise of Montgomery County’s future, and I am honored to accept this award on their behalf."

For more information on the Roscoe R. Nix Distinguished Community Leadership Awards and previous recipients, click here. View videos from the event on YouTube.