A Second Opportunity to Join the Conversation About Germantown’s Future Thursday, March 13

On February 19, more than 60 people joined a community conversation about the future of the Germantown town center, hosted by the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce with support from a grant from Montgomery County.

The event will run from 6-8 p.m. at the arts center located at 12901 Town Commons Drive. If you can’t attend, you are invited to complete a brief survey to share your input.

Free E-Scooter Training and Safety Class for Those 18 and over Available on Sunday, Oct. 27

Residents 18 and older interested in e-scooter lessons can attend the last free scooter clinic for the season from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 27, at Westfield Montgomery Mall.

Westfield Montgomery is located at 7101 Democracy Blvd. in Bethesda. The class will be held in the former Sears parking lot.

Those interested in e-scooters can stop in at any time during the two-hour clinic. Scooters will be available.

Participants can take a test ride, learn safety tips and get details on basic scooter laws. A valid driver’s license or ID is required to participate. The clinics are drop-in, and no registration is required.

The rain date will be from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 10.

Visit the MCDOT website for more information about the e-scooter clinics or call 240-777-8380.

‘Cold Process Soap Workshop’ That Will Teach How to Make Soap to Be Offered by Rockville Science Center on Friday, Oct. 25

The Rockville Science Center will be presenting a workshop to teach attendees how soap is made through the process of “saponification.” The workshop, for ages 13-adults, will be at the Rockville Science Center storefront in Downtown Rockville from 5:30-7:30 p.m., on Friday, Oct. 25.

The Rockville Science Center storefront is located at 36C Maryland Ave., in Rockville. The fee to attend is $41 per person. To register for the workshop, click here.

Those participating will have the opportunity to make about 150 grams of fragrant and colorful soap to take it home. They will learn about the ingredients tools needed to make more soap at home.

‘From Hollywood to Hospitals: How 3D Motion Capture is Transforming Pediatric Orthopedic Care’ Will Be Rockville Science Cafe Online Lecture on Oct. 15

Biomechanics and physics have a long history in the scientific discovery and investigation of human movement. The Rockville Science Café at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 15, will present the lecture “From Hollywood to Hospitals: How 3D Motion Capture is Transforming Pediatric Orthopedic Care” exploring the technology and study of human biomechanics: past, present and future.

Kirsten Tulchin-Francis will lead the lecture, which will specifically address current clinical and research applications and illustrate how 3D motion capture is used in the treatment of pediatric and adolescent movement disorders and sports medicine injuries.

Dr. Tulchin-Francis studies how surgery and other treatment options improve the function and lives of young patients. She holds Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in biomedical engineering and a PhD in Kinesiology- Biomechanics.

Register to join the lecture by going to Meeting Registration - Zoom.

New Episode of CCM Show ‘Make a Difference’ Focuses on MCPS Student Service Learning Hours

 

The newest episode of the County Cable Montgomery (CCM) show “Make a Difference” focuses on many aspects of “Student Service Learning Hours” that Montgomery County Public Schools students need to complete as a graduation requirement. The show is available on the County cable station and via several other formats.

Sandy Smith hosts Make A Difference, the show about how volunteers are making a difference every day in Montgomery County. On this episode, Donna Kleffman, the coordinator for Student Service Learning at MCPS, talks about the Student Service Learning hours program.

To view the show online from the CCM website, go to https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ccm/makeadifference.html.

For more information about Montgomery Serves, go to http://www.montgomeryserves.org

Cable viewers in Montgomery to see CCM on Comcast Channels 6 and HD 996; RCN Channels 6 and HD 1056; and Verizon Channel 30. To view the cable schedule and when the show is available at various times throughout the week, go to https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ccm/schedule.html.

To view the program on YouTube, go to https://youtu.be/QGoToes3ymA

Commission for Women to Host Free Hybrid Event on Navigating Fraud, Scams and AI Risks on Wednesday, Sept. 18

The Montgomery County Commission for Women will host a free community event from 6:30-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 18, on navigating fraud, scams and AI risks. It will be a hybrid event, with the in-person component at the Executive Office Building in Rockville.

The event is free, but registration is required.

The Executive Office Building is located at 101 Monroe St. in Rockville. Directions and parking information can be found here.

To join online stream the event on the Commission for Women’s Facebook page or its YouTube channel.

The idea for the event originated from the Commission’s 2024 Women’s Legislative Briefing. Sponsors who participated in the Chair’s Networking Reception had the opportunity to assist in planning a community event and determined that online fraud and scams were significantly increasing.

According to a report released by the Federal Trade Commission, consumers reported losing $10 billion to scams and fraud in 2023. Scams and fraud have been steadily increasing since the pandemic. In 2020, Americans reported losing $3.5 billion to fraud. These numbers potentially only represent a fraction of the real effect of fraud, which is a notoriously underreported crime, since many victims do not come forward because they are ashamed.

“The Commission for Women and their partners continue to educate the community on topics of great importance,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “In fact, this a wonderful follow up to my press conference in mid-August about gold bar scams that affected residents here and across the nation.”

The event will have a panel of professionals from several County departments and local organizations. Scheduled to be on the panel are:

• Kelly Davis, program manager/ investigator, Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office
• Eric Friedman, director, Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection
• Karen Morgan, executive councilmember, AARP
• Keith Young, chief information security officer, Montgomery County Office of Enterprise Information Security

For more information about the event, call 240-777-8300 or email cfwinfo@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Rockville Science Center Offering STEM Summer Camps

The Rockville Science Center is offering a full schedule of summer camps for students ages 7-13, with each week having two different topics (one in the morning and one in the afternoon) for budding scientists and engineers to explore.

Camps run from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. each day, but have limited space. More information about the camps and how to sign up is available at the Rockville Science Center website.

The Rockville Science Center is located at 36C Maryland Ave. in Rockville.

A new camp added this summer from Aug. 12-16 will feature “Decoding Your DNA and Robotics Challenge.” Campers will explore the world of microorganisms and cell structure in the morning and then have fun building, programming and operating a LEGO Mindstorms robot with different sensors.

The camp weeks still available:

• REGISTER: July 8-12. Geology/Game Coding in Python
• REGISTER: July 15-19. Robotics Challenge/Weather & Climate
• REGISTER: July 22-26. Life Science/Tech Wizards
• REGISTER: July 29-Aug. 2. Science Explorers/Marvelous Makers
• REGISTER: Aug. 5-9. Coding and Robotics/STEM Makers
• REGISTER: Aug. 12-16. Decode Your DNA/Robotics Challenge
• REGISTER: Aug. 19-23. Marvelous Makers/Game Coding in Python

Free Electric Scooter Clinic Rescheduled for Saturday, May 25

Residents 18-and-older interested in electric scooter lessons will have the opportunity to attend free clinics on Saturday, May 25, and Saturday, June 23, sponsored by the Montgomery County Department of Transportation.

A clinic scheduled for Saturday, May 18, was postponed due to weather and rescheduled for May 25.

Participants can take a test ride, learn safety tips and get information on basic scooter laws.

Participants must have a valid driver’s license or ID. No registration is required to attend. Residents can stop in any time during the two-hour clinic. Electric scooters will be provided at each site.

The schedule of training clinics:

• Saturday, May 25. 1-3 p.m. Montgomery College. 850 Hungerford Dr., Rockville. (Parking Lot 13). (Rescheduled after May 18 clinic was postponed).
• Saturday, June 23. Noon-2 p.m. Wheaton Ice Arena Parking Lot. 11717 Orebaugh Dr., Wheaton. (Rain date: June 30).

For more information about the e-scooter clinics, visit https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dot-dir/commuter/index.html or call 240-777-8380.

Free Financial Health and Wellness Seminars Will Be Offered Virtually by Commission for Women and County Libraries in May

The Montgomery County Commission for Women and Montgomery County Public Libraries will offer a series of free financial seminars in May on the ins and outs of "all things money." They will take place via Zoom from 7-8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, with the next seminar on May 14 focusing on retirement planning.

 
The seminars, which are open to all, will be led by financial and investment advisors Jamie Lapin and Thiago Glieger.

To register for the seminars, visit the links below. The Zoom link will be provided after registering.

• May 14: Retirement Planning. This session will focus on retirement planning. Not running out of money before running out of time is most people’s biggest concern. The seminar’s goal is to maximize your resources and autonomy.
• May 21: Social Security and Medicare. Learn how to utilize and maximize the government programs you have invested in for your working lifetime.
• May 28: Divorce and Money. Divorce is a strain on finances as well as nerves. This seminar will address financial health when it is over and what role people must play to make sure of that.

For more information on the seminars, call 240-777-8300 or email cfwinfo@montgomerycountymd.gov

Long-Awaited Montgomery College East County Education Center Opens in Silver Spring

Montgomery College on April 20 dedicated its East County Education Center in Silver Spring. It will be an important part of the County's commitment to providing accessible education and career opportunities to all residents.

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and County Council President Andrew Friedson, Montgomery College President Jermaine Williams, chair of the Montgomery College Board of Trustees Michael Brintnall were key speakers at the ceremonies, which were attended by State and County elected officials, community leaders and residents. Among those attending were County Councilmembers Will Jawando and Kristin Mink and Maryland State Delegates Bernice Mireku-North, Pamela Queen and Jheanelle Wilkins.

The ceenter is located at Westech Corner (2221 Broadbirch Drive) in Silver Spring, near U.S. Rt. 29 in an area that is an economic anchor for East County and it will assist the County’s workforce development efforts, provide easier access to education and training to East County residents and help spur more economic development throughout this region.

"The East County Education Center is evidence of our unwavering dedication to uplift our community," said County Executive Elrich. “Since taking office, I have been pushing this effort, and I am happy we are now able to expand East County's educational opportunities. I would like to thank Montgomery College and our dedicated partnerships for their commitment to improving East County.”

The East County Center will serve about 1,000 students in its first year. The three other campuses are in Germantown, Rockville and Takoma Park/Silver Spring. The college also has Workforce Development and Continuing Education Centers in Gaithersburg and Wheaton.

“The new East County Educational Center enables greater access to higher education and career-readiness training for talented students in the area," said Council President Friedson. "This strategic investment represents an important step toward enhanced economic mobility and expanded opportunities to live, learn, work and raise a family in East County and across Montgomery County."

County Executive Elrich has included more than $60 million in recommended funding in the County’s Fiscal Years 2025-30 Capital Improvement Program to begin planning a full-service East County campus. The Council has tentatively approved these funds.

“Montgomery College is thrilled to be opening this new center, filled with expanded opportunities for education and training in the East County," said College President Williams. "Residents can now study and train closer to home, for skilled jobs in the region. This innovative partnership is the result of tireless efforts by County Executive Marc Elrich, the County Council, the State of Maryland and local employers to create an ecosystem of equitable opportunity and success for residents in this region. Creating pathways to jobs with family-sustaining wages is part Montgomery College’s focus and this new center is just the beginning.”

The East County Education Center is a 55,000-square-foot building that consists of:

• 11 classrooms
• 10 labs (six allied health labs, three computer labs and one career training education lab)
• Raptor Center (a one-stop shop for admissions, enrollment and visitor services)
• Community Engagement Center
• Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Center
• Learning Center
• Library
• Event spaces
• Worksource Montgomery
• Student Wellness Center
• Study rooms and lounges

“The new East County Education Center is a significant milestone that shows our commitment to providing the high quality, affordable education our residents deserve,” said Councilmember Jawando. “This expansion is an investment not only in our students, but also in the economic development and overall well-being of the entire East County. I firmly believe in the potential of every individual, and I know that this expansion will provide the necessary tools and support for our students to achieve that potential. Today, let's celebrate this big step toward building a stronger, more inclusive and more prosperous Montgomery County.”

In addition to the East County Education Center, the County recently celebrated other investments including the opening of Sprouts Farmers Market in the newly renovated Burtonsville Crossing Shopping Center.

"East County residents have long advocated for expanded access to higher education and workforce training on our side of the County,” said Councilmember Mink. "I'm grateful that Montgomery College, as well as my colleagues on the Council and in the State Legislature, recognize that need, and we are taking action. Thanks to this beautiful new facility, populated with top-tier instructors and programming, residents of East County are already registering for classes and entering the pipeline into careers in nursing, cybersecurity, criminal justice, and other in-demand fields."

The White Oak area in East County also will be seeing improvements. The County announced revitalization efforts for storefront facades and sidewalk improvements in the commercial area along Lockwood Drive.

A facade improvement project was recently completed in Hillandale, near the Hillandale Gateway currently under development. The County operates a Flash Bus Rapid Transit line on U.S. Rt. 29 (Colesville Road/Columbia Pike). Plans are also underway to increase the availability of affordable senior and mixed-income housing in East County.

"I am happy to celebrate the opening of the East County Education Center,” said Jewru Bandeh, East County regional director. “This is a testament to our collective efforts to bring positive change to the area.”

Subscribe to the East County Regional Services Center newsletter to stay updated on what’s happening in the area.

Adult Bike and E-Scooter Classes Offered in April, May and June

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will be offering low-cost adult bike classes in April, May and June. The classes will include Learn to Ride and Basic Skills classes. MCDOT also will offer four free, walk-up electric scooter classes following select bike classes.

Advance registration is required to participate in the bicycle classes, with a cost of $10 for Montgomery County residents. There is no charge for Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) or Capital Bikeshare For All members. However, registration is still required.

Bicycles and helmets will be provided at no charge for the adult Learn to Ride class participants and can be rented from WABA, if needed, for the Basic Skills class participants. E-scooter classes are free of charge.

“More people are riding bikes for recreation, exercise, or as a form of transportation,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Biking is a lot of fun, a great family activity and good for the environment as an alternative to using a motor vehicle. However, it is important to learn how to bike safely and responsibly. I encourage residents to take advantage of these low-cost bike classes and appreciate MCDOT’s efforts to offer them.”

Participants in the Learn to Ride bicycle classes will learn how to start and stop, balance, glide, pedal and steer a bike. Each student will progress at their own pace. Students in the Basic Skills class should be able to ride a bicycle and will continue to practice basic biking skills. The classes will be led by experienced WABA instructors.

The classes are open to residents 18 and over, are limited to 25 people and fill up quickly.

Online registration is currently open for April classes on the WABA website under the Classes tab. Registration for May classes will open at 9 a.m. on Monday, March. 25, and June class registration will open at 9 a.m. on Monday, April 29.

Adult Learn to Ride Bike class schedule:

• Sunday, April 21. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Upper County Recreation Center, 8201 Emory Grove Rd., Gaithersburg. (NOTE: Class filled.) *Free e-scooter class to follow.
• Saturday, May 11. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Takoma Park Silver Spring Co-Op, 201 Ethan Allen Ave., Takoma Park. (NOTE: Class filled.)
• Saturday, May 18. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Montgomery College (parking lot 13), 850 Hungerford Dr., Rockville. (NOTE: Class filled.) *Free e-scooter class to follow.
• Sunday, June 9. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Davis Construction at the Twinbrook Metro Center I, 12530 Parklawn Dr., Rockville.
• Saturday, June 15. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. GEICO Chevy Chase Building, 5260 Western Ave., Chevy Chase.

Adult Basic Skills Bike Class schedule:

• Sunday, May 5. 10 a.m.-noon, Westfield Montgomery Mall (former Sears parking lot), 7101 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda. *Free scooter class to follow.
• Saturday, June 1. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Bethesda Rescue Squad parking lot, 5020 Battery Ln., Bethesda.
• Sunday, June 23.10 a.m.-noon. Wheaton Ice Arena (back parking lot), 11711 Orebaugh Dr., Wheaton. *Free scooter class to follow.

Rain dates for all the adult bike and e-scooter classes will be one week after the original class date and time, except for the April 6 class (that rain date will be April 20).

Free two-hour adult e-scooter classes are being offered on a drop-in basis on four select days immediately following the bike classes on April 21, May 5, May 18 and June 23. E-scooter classes do not require pre-registration. Anyone 18 or over with a valid driver’s license or ID can join. E-scooters are provided.

Montgomery County features a total of 112 miles of bike lanes, bike-friendly road shoulders and separated bike lanes, also known as cycle tracks, for bike riders to enjoy countywide. MCDOT installed the first eight miles of the County’s separated bike lanes in 2014 and is continuing to build more throughout the County. Multiple protected bike lane projects are currently in the planning and construction phases.

“We have seen a great demand for adult bike classes,” said Chris Conklin, director of MCDOT. “Over the past year, we have added four additional bike classes at two new locations. Since 2021, more than 680 residents have registered for these trainings. We expect this interest to continue to grow. We are actively expanding our protected bike lanes in Bethesda and Downtown Silver Spring that seamlessly connect these two locations. We are also working to expand the separated bike lane network in North Bethesda, with projects that will improve access to Metro and other destinations.”

To register for the bike classes, visit waba.org/classes. For more information, and to view any future inclement weather cancellations, visit MCDOT’s website here or call 240-777-8380.

33rd Annual Rockville Science Day on Sunday, April 21, Will Feature Rockets, Robotics, Astronomy and Electric Vehicles

The 33rd Annual Rockville Science Day on Sunday, April 21, will continue its tradition of mixing the forefront of scientific advancements and historical looks on scientific developments. The free event, noon-5 p.m. at the Rockville campus of Montgomery College, will include demonstrations and the ability to talk with experts in fields including rockets, robotics, astronomy and electric vehicles.

The Rockville campus of Montgomery College is located at 51 Mannakee St. in Rockville. Parking is free. Exhibitors and volunteers are still being sought for the event. Science Day has exhibits that will fascinate all ages.

The 2023 Rockville Science Day was attended by more than 3,500 visitors and featured about 100 exhibitors. More are expected for the 2024 event.

Among the exhibitors for this year’s show will be National Capital Astronomers, NARHAMS Model Rocket Club, NASA, Croyden Creek Nature Center, the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection, the National Capital Radio & Television Museum, MoCo Makers, Electric Vehicle Association of Greater Washington, Echoes of Nature, Montgomery Amateur Radio Club, US Pharmacopeia, Chemical Society of Washington, National Human Genome Research Institute, the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, Maryland Science Center, the Button Farm Living History Center, Maryland Bluebird Society, the Robotics Clubs & Teams and Pepco.

After more than three decades of growth and evolution, Rockville Science Day continues to pursue its original missions to:

• Increase science literacy in the general public.
• Encourage young people to develop and maintain their natural interest in science.
• Help people understand the scientific principles underlying environmental concerns, technological development and global systems.

The creators of Science Day also were determined to establish a science center on the Montgomery College campus. The center serves as an educational resource for the public.

To learn more about Rockville Science Day, go to https://www.rockvillesciencecenter.org/.

WSSC Water Commissioners Now Accepting Applications for College Engineering Scholarship Program

The 2024 WSSC Water Commissioners’ Engineering Scholarship application is now available. Winners receive $2,000 per year and up to $8,000 over four consecutive years. In addition, scholarship winners are given priority for paid summer internships.

The scholarship is open to undergraduate or graduate engineering students and graduating high school seniors accepted into a college engineering program. Completed applications must be submitted online or received at WSSC Water by Thursday, Feb. 15.

“These scholarships are an investment in our future, enabling the next generation to obtain the engineering education needed to serve in critical water-sector roles,” said WSSC Water General Manager and CEO Kishia L. Powell. “With a large percentage of our workforce eligible to retire in the next five years, attracting the best and brightest to help us fulfill our one water mission is vital to our continued success.”

Named in honor of former Commissioners Joyce Starks and Gene W. Counihan, the goal of the scholarship program is to provide financial assistance to students from WSSC Water’s service district to further their engineering studies and encourage them to consider careers in the water and water resource recovery industry—preferably at WSSC Water.

Two scholarships for $2,000 each may be awarded: one to a Montgomery County resident and one to a Prince George’s County resident. Winners are eligible for additional awards of $2,000 each year for up to four consecutive years as long as they meet residency and grade-point average requirements. Winners also receive priority consideration for paid summer internship opportunities at WSSC Water.

Applicants must reside in WSSC Water’s service district in Montgomery or Prince George’s counties and be enrolled fulltime in a degree program at an accredited college or university that leads to a degree in one of the following areas: Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Material Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Computer Science/Engineering.

Applicants must include an introductory video and essay, two reference letters, an official transcript and proof of residency in WSSC Water’s service district. Get complete details and application requirements at wsscwater.com/scholarship.

Department of Transportation Programs Trained 500 Adults How to Ride Bikes and Scooters in 2023

 

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) recently completed its fall series of adult bike and e-scooter safety training classes. More than 250 residents learned basic skills to safely ride a bicycle or an electric scooter in the fall classes, bringing the total to more than 500 adults who learned riding skills in MCDOT clinics in 2023.

 

MCDOT contracted with the Washington Area Bicyclists Association to lead the adult bike classes throughout the County. Additionally, MCDOT worked with Bird, Lime and Spin to host five additional free adult e-scooter classes.  

 

One of the five scooter trainings catered to adults with disabilities that participate in the Montgomery County Public School’s Transition Programs. The class gave the students the opportunity to test ride an e-scooter as an alternative mode of transportation. 

 

Nine classes are planned for spring 2024. Information about those classes will be posted on the MCDOT website at tinyurl.com/cycleclss in early February.

 

Registration is required for the bike classes and spaces typically fill up quickly. No registration is required for the e-scooter trainings, which are walk-up only. 

 

‘Culinary Traditions of Europe’ Will Be Online Focus of Diverse Panel on Monday, Dec. 11

What is the secret to your Italian grandmother's spaghetti sauce? What exactly are tapas? How does your family make shashlik or pelmeni? Do they really eat fermented shark, sheep's head and sour ram testicles in Iceland? These long-held cooking traditions will be the focus of a conversation by a diverse panel at 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 11, as Silver Spring Town Center, Inc. presents “Culinary Traditions of Europe.”

The discussion, which will be facilitated by SSTCi Director Lisa Martin, will explore an array of dishes found across the European continent.

Scheduled to participate, and relating to traditions of specific areas, are the following:

• Georgia: Maya Hall, caterer and owner of Georgian Feast.
• Germany: Raymond Fudge, medical imaging technologist, photographer and U.S. Army veteran (Germany 1972-74)
• Germany: Jutta Hennig, journalist and retired chief editor of Inside US Trade.
• Ireland: Jackie Hoysted, artist. www.jackiehoysted.com.
• Italy: Madeline Caliendo, retired civil rights attorney, executive/ life coach and SSTCi board member.
• The Netherlands: Daniel Meijer, small business owner.
• Switzerland: Maya Teitelbaum, retired horticulturist.

The discussion will invite participation from others. Anyone from Europe, who has lived there or grew up with a European culinary tradition can share their stories and views. To be a participant, make arrangements in advance by contacting Ms. Martin via email at lisa@silverspringtowncenter.com.

Register to participate in the event by going to Meeting Registration - Zoom.

Introduction to Self-Defense Course Being Offered by Commission for Women

The Montgomery County Commission for Women will be presenting three classes on “Introduction to Self-Defense: The S.A.F.E. (Self-defense Awareness and Familiarization Exchange) Seminar.” Each class is a single two-hour sampler seminar for women of all ages and abilities taught by Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.)-certified instructors. Classes are available on Thursday, Nov. 16, Tuesday, Nov. 21 and Saturday, Dec. 3.

Classes are $12 per person. 

More information about the classes is available at Introduction to Women's Self-Defense Fall 2023 Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite.

The seminar includes risk and crime awareness and prevention. The classes will provide information that may reduce the risk of exposure to violence and increase options for escaping violence. Participants also practice some physical self-defense techniques.

S.A.F.E. seminar elements include:

• A dynamic 13-piece full-color student folio with safety information every woman should know.
• A 90-minute interactive learning experience with R.A.D. instructors that introduce basic physical self-defense techniques that can be used to escape assaultive situations.

Those interested can choose one of the three dates available. Classes are scheduled for:

• Thursday, Nov. 16. 7-9 p.m. Wheaton Community Recreation Center, 11701 Georgia Avenue, Wheaton.
• Tuesday, Nov.21. 7-9 p.m. Plum Gar Community Recreation Center, 19561 Scenery Drive, Germantown.
• Saturday, Dec. 3. 1-3 p.m. Location TBD

A minimum of 10 people are needed for each class. If less than 10 people sign up, the seminar will be cancelled and participants will be notified via email.

Who Should Attend?

• The seminar fits everyone’s abilities. Do not worry about your age or athleticism.
• Women ages 16-18 may attend. Parental consent form required before first class. Women ages 12-15 may attend if accompanied by an adult female who is also taking the class and a parental consent form submitted before first day of class.

The class is for women only. A R.A.D. for Men seminar is available, but is not currently being offered by the Commission for Women. Those interested should call 240-777-8300.

‘From Monorails to Montezuma: Journeys of a Roving Scholar—In Conversation with Smithsonian Curator James Deutsch’ to be Presented Live in Silver Spring on Wednesday, Sept. 13

“From Monorails to Montezuma: Journeys of a Roving Scholar—In Conversation with Smithsonian Curator and Folklorist James Deutsch” will be presented live from 2-4 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 13, at the Koiner Farm in Silver Spring. In his talk for the SPARKLE series, Mr. Deutsch will share his unique life of adventures around the globe as a folklorist.

The Koiner Farm is located at 737 Easley in Downtown Silver Spring. The event is free to attend. To RSVP to attend, go to Programs@SilverSpringVillage.org.

The event will be presented by Silver Spring Town Center, Inc., in collaboration with the Silver Spring Village. The SPARKLE Program is a monthly community outreach series that enriches the lives of seniors. SPARKLE stands for Senior Programs Aimed at Re-Kindling Lifetime Engagement.

Mr. Deutsch is a curator and editor at the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage in Washington, D.C. He has helped plan and develop the center’s public programs on the Peace Corps, Hungary, China, Circus Arts, Apollo Theater, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Mekong River, U.S. Forest Service, World War II, Silk Road and White House workers.

Mr. Deutsch also serves as an adjunct professor—teaching courses on American film history and folklore—in the American Studies Department at George Washington University. He has taught American Studies classes at universities in Armenia, Belarus, Bulgaria, Germany, Kyrgyzstan, Norway, Poland and Turkey.

The Charles Koiner Conservancy (CKC) emerged out of a need to preserve one particularly iconic urban farm— Koiner Farm—located in downtown Silver Spring. Koiner Farm was operated by Charles Koiner for 40 years until his passing in January 2019 at age 98.

‘Montgomery Can Code’ Summer Camp Enters Fifth Year, Enrolling More Than 800 Students

“Montgomery Can Code,” a unique and innovative public-private partnership formed by Montgomery College, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) in collaboration with Apple, is holding its fifth annual summer camp program. The program offers middle school students in Montgomery County an exciting and educational opportunity to learn computer coding.

Early enrollment exceeded expectations for the classes and all 800 spaces are now filled.

Montgomery Can Code camps provide in-person full-day and virtual half-day options for MCPS middle schoolers. Running July 10-Aug 4, there will be four weeklong camps, accommodating the overwhelming interest of more than 800 students who registered. During the sessions, campers have the opportunity to apply their knowledge tackling real-world problems, fostering their problem-solving abilities. Students receive hands-on experience with Swift, Apple's open-source, user-friendly programming language.

The engaging sessions of Montgomery Can Code are led by expert instructors trained in Swift code at Montgomery College's ignITe Hub. Each student will be provided with a loaner iPad and a Montgomery Can Code T-shirt at the beginning of each session. Upon completion of the camp, participants will be awarded a certificate of completion, recognizing their achievement and commitment to learning.

Students will have the chance to showcase their app solutions in a Student App Showcase event, which will take place after the conclusion of the camps. This event offers a platform for students to present their innovative ideas to local business leaders, fostering interaction and adding a real-world element to their experience.

Learning to code not only equips students with the language of technology but also promotes new ways of thinking and prepares them for future careers. The demand for highly skilled workers in fields such as cybersecurity, app development, gaming, life sciences, and hospitality technology is growing in the local job market. By exposing students to coding at an early stage, the Montgomery Can Code program provides them with a valuable advantage when seeking future employment opportunities.

“Collaboration between our educational entities, and our business communities is key to making the proper investments to create the workforce to fill critical jobs,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “That is why my team and I worked so hard to facilitate this endeavor, and I am excited that this multi-year collaboration with Apple, Montgomery College, MCPS, and MCEDC is serving more students and creating more opportunities for our workforce and businesses throughout our County.”

“Montgomery Can Code taps the creativity and ingenuity in our students,” said County Councilmember Gabe Albornoz, serving on the Council’s Education and Culture Committee. “I am so proud of the ongoing and committed partnerships with MCPS, Montgomery College, MCEDC, and Apple to provide this opportunity to our youth. Moreso, I am proud of our students who are able to take advantage of this program, utilizing their problem-solving and critical thinking skills to create solutions to community needs. Montgomery Can Code and the ignITe Hub truly are empowering the next generation of IT professionals with in-demand skills for the future.”

Learn more about Montgomery Can Code summer camps and empower young minds to become the tech leaders of tomorrow.at Montgomery Can Code.

‘Heritage Days’ Events Will Be Held Countywide on Saturday-Sunday, June 24-25

Montgomery County “Heritage Days,” an annual free, countywide festival highlighting historic, cultural and outdoor recreation sites that offer special programs including exhibits and demonstrations, return for the 24th year on Saturday-Sunday, June 24-25. More than 30 sites will have live music and activities for all ages. Heritage Days present the opportunity to enjoy many small sites that are not regularly open to the public.

In addition to Civil War and agricultural history, Heritage Days have the stories of local railroads and trolleys, African American communities, life along the C&O Canal and astronomy.

Heritage Days also highlight local arts and culture, as well as outdoor recreation, including biking, hiking and walking tours. Many venues will offer musical entertainment, activities and crafts for children and refreshments.

Among the special sites that will be part of this year’s Heritage Days are the King Farm Dairy MOOseum in Rockville, the Germantown Bank Museum, the Brookeville Academy, the Edwards Ferry Lockhouse 25 in Poolesville, the National Capital Trolley Museum in Colesville, the historic Red Brick Courthouse in Rockville and the Oakley Cabin African American Museum and Park in Olney.

For a complete list of Heritage Days activities, go to Heritage Days.

Free Animation, Graphic Novel and Mini Comic Book Programs Will Be at Wheaton and White Oak Libraries in July and August

The Wheaton and White Oak libraries of Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) will offer several free animation, graphic novel and mini comic book programs for ages 10 to 50-and-over in July and August.

The animation workshops explore the history, science and creative possibilities of animation. Participants will create three optical toys: a thaumatrope, a zoetrope strip and a flip-book.

The graphic novel classes teach participants to create a graphic novel page using all the conventions of graphic novel storytelling: narration, dialogue, character design, dynamic page layouts and cinematic techniques.

The mini comic book workshops teach participants to write and illustrate a brief fictional, factual or a combination of both that will become six-to-eight-page narratives using one folded sheet of paper.

Registration for all programs is limited and required. Arts supplies to be used during the programs will be provided.

The programs will be facilitated by cartoonist, illustrator and animator Leila Cabib.

Programs at the Wheaton Library are:

• Animation (10-15 years old). Tuesday, July 25. 10:30 -11:30 a.m. Register at https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/8672777
• Animation (50-and-over). Thursday, July 25, 1-2 p.m. Register at https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/8672779
• Create a Graphic Novel (10-15 years old). July 31-Aug. 4 (five sessions). 10:30 a.m.-noon. Register at https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/8672780
• Make a Mini Comic Book (10-15 years old). Tuesday, Aug. 15. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Register at https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/8672824
• Make a Mini Comic Book (50-and-over). Tuesday, Aug.15. 1-2 p.m. Register at https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/8672800

Wheaton Library is located at 11701 Georgia Ave. in Silver Spring.

The program at White Oak Library is:

• Create a Graphic Novel (10-15 years old). Bilingüal (English/Spanish). Aug. 7-11 (five sessions); 10:30 a.m.-noon. Register at https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/8656622

The White Oak Library is located at 11701 New Hampshire Ave. in Silver Spring.

The programs at the Wheaton Library are funded in part by a Wheaton Cultural Project Grant from the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County. The program at the White Oak Library is funded in part by an Arts in Education Grant from the Maryland State Arts Council.

For more information about the programs, contact Clotilde Puértolas at Clotilde.puertolas@montgomerycountymd.gov.