Keep Warm By Volunteering

First some good news! 5,000 volunteers took part in the Martin Luther Luther King, Jr. Day of Service in Montgomery County. Here are some encouraging stats for this “Day On”:

• 43,000 pounds (21.5 tons!) of food collected at all 28 Montgomery County Giant locations led by volunteers and Giant employees.
• 3,000 volunteers completed service projects and learned ways to get involved throughout the year at the Bethesda North Marriott Conference Center.
• 13 service project locations outside the Marriott engaged over 1,000 volunteers on Monday January 17th.
• 1,500 bag lunches made for area shelters!

If you’re stuck inside this winter looking for something meaningful, there are always opportunities to help in Rockville. Here are some of this month’s highlights from the Montgomery County Volunteer Center:

Make a Meal for the Homeless (MCPS SSL Approved)
The Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless needs your help! They serve 3 meals a day everyday almost entirely with volunteer donations. They do not have a kitchen at the shelter so they rely on volunteers to provide food, make it at their own site, and then deliver it to the shelter. Don’t feel obligated to contribute the entire meal for 200 as any donation is greatly appreciated! During the winter they are especially in need of hot dinners but also accept both hot and bagged lunches and breakfasts. They do allow for serving if the meal is made for the entire shelter. This is a great opportunity for families and children of all ages can help! Contact Jacqueline Havens at 301-917-6658 [email protected].

Visarts-Metro Center For The Visual Arts
The mission of VISARTS is to serve residents and artists of the City of Rockville, Montgomery County, metropolitan Washington by making the visual arts accessible to all. There are many volunteer opportunities for adults and students. Camp Assistants are needed for spring and summer art camps. Help with Art Parties, Office Work, Customer Service and more. Opportunities are on the website or contact Kate Kregloh, 301-315-8200, [email protected]

Pets on Wheels
The Mental Health Association seeks volunteers (minimum age 18) and their family pets to bring friendship, socialization and tactile stimulation to people living in nursing homes, hospitals, group homes, assisted living facilities and adult day care programs. Volunteers also visit hospice clients on a case-by-case basis. Volunteers visit regularly at a location near their homes. Pets are screened for suitability and volunteers attend an orientation. Volunteers are required to commit to one year of service. Contact Doris Greene at 301-424-0656, Ext. 540 or send email to [email protected].

Do You Know What You’ve Been Missing?

January ended and if you haven’t purchased your Rockville Rewards Card, you’ve missed out on another month of specials:

January 3-9: Free appetizer at Gordon Biersch
January 10-16: 20% off at Timpano’s
January 17-23 save $25-$90 with specials at Aveda
January 24-29 50% off platter order at Bean Bag Catering

By contributing $25 to one of 15 area non-profits, you can join this community effort and have your very own Rockville Rewards Card. These local organizations need your help and this is a fun way to give it. Along the way, you can also discover Rockville businesses and receive a discount.

With the purchase of a card, you’ll continue to have access to Everyday Rewards and Weekly Hot Deals through June 30, 2011. The sooner you make the contribution, the more you can save and experience in Rockville. There are almost 70 Everyday Rewards and you won’t believe the restaurants, services, retail, health & beauty, activities, and events offering specials!

If you hurry, this week has a double duo of savings with a Rockville Rewards Card:

• 40% off entire purchase at Color Me Mine: “This week only, head into Color Me Mine, and get 40% off your entire purchase. Head in to create a memorable piece perfect for a Valentine’s Gift. Just pick your piece, paint, and the folks at Color Me Mine, will fire it and have it back to you in a week’s time. Cannot be combined with any other coupons, promotions, offers, specials and cannot be used for parties.” Color Me Mine Location, 33 F Maryland Avenue, (301)-251-2010
• Three Scoops for $3.00: “3 full scoops of Ice Cream, Yogurt or Sorbet, scooped in a cone or cup. Enjoy the latest scoop on all the yummy treats, and the fun events we are concocting for you. We are here to give you a great little vacation, a bit of self-indulgence, and joy for the belly and soul. Fresh baked waffle cones have an additional cost.” Ben & Jerry’s Location, 199-F East Montgomery Avenue, (301)-610-0560

Go to the Rockville Rewards site and click on the organization you want to help to find out how to purchase a card directly.

Several businesses are also selling the Cards on behalf of the organizations: The Bean Bag Deli & Catering Company, Decorating Den, Oro Pomodoro, Rockville REDI, Upscale Resale Thrift Shop, Wagging Tails Thrift Store, and VisArts, Too.

Join me in purchasing a Card!

Learn How To Advocate For Wind Power In Maryland

Photo from the CCAN website

“The wind blowing off Maryland’s Atlantic coast is a vast, untapped energy source.” - CCAN

On Sunday, January 16, 2011 the Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockville’s Environmental Action Group will host Keith Harrington from the Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) from 11:45 AM till 12:30 PM.

Keith’s will talk about CCAN’s activities to advocate for Wind Power in Maryland, as well as the role Maryland’s religious communities can play in this effort.

Maryland has set a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) pledge stating that 20 percent of the state’s electricity needs will be met by renewable energy sources including both wind and solar power by year 2022. CCAN believes the state is in danger of failing to meet this goal without harnessing offshore wind.

On December 4th a coalition of environment, business, and labor groups came together to talk about how to make offshore wind a reality in Maryland. Below are some video highlights:

Light refreshments will be served after the talk. The Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockville is located at 100 Welsh Park Drive, off Mannakee Street.

You may also want to participate in Maryland: Got Wind? campaign by submitting a photo of you with the slogan somewhere in the state.

The Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) is the first grassroots, non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to fighting global warming in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Our mission is to amass undeniable grassroots power in this unique region surrounding our nation’s capital to call for state, national, and international policies that will put us on a path to climate stability.

They envision a country where clean energy sources, such as solar and wind power, are prioritized and dirty fossil fuels are phased out; where our world is on a path to 350 ppm CO2 in the atmosphere, creating a stable, sustainable climate.

Special Debut Event For A New Youth Arts Organization On Jan. 4

Local youth founded and organized a nonprofit organization, Eyes Closed Hearts Open, Inc. (E.C.H.O.), to provide students with the opportunity to perform and express themselves in the arts. Now they need your help to raise enough funds to have a theatrical production this coming summer.

Their debut fundraiser, New Voices, Fresh Expressions, will be held this Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at 7:30 PM at the Auditorium at the Universities at Shady Grove. Tickets are only $5 and they are available at the door. Advanced tickets can be purchased at echo.ticketleap.com or by calling 240.464.5626.

The impressive list of performances includes:
Wootton High School’s CHAOS, Supertonics and Acabellas
UMD’s Terrapin Theatre Troupe
UMD’s Ballroom Dancing
Original short films by Mark Schoonmaker and John Liu
Violinist Alex Yin
Dancer Emma Lou Hebert
Original theater scene by Rocky Nunzio
Josh Eflin, musician
Soprano, Josi Suslov
plus other Visual Artists, original music compositions, and more!

Readers may remember that I was extremely impressed with Mattia D’Affuso’s performance as Lumiere the candlestick, in Beauty and the Beast, while he was a student at Wootton High School. So impressed that I covered his production of the West Bank Story which he created with Salah Czapary. Then, in the summer of 2009, they founded this nonprofit organization together as co-Executive Directors along with Anna Pham, and Joanna Dong and I’m astounded by their drive and dedication!

Mattia explains:

After we put together the stage adaptation of West Bank Story we started a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization called Eyes Closed Hearts Open, Inc. Our organization’s mission is to provide youth the opportunity to perform and express themselves in the arts. ECHO advocates youth initiative and originality. We use the arts as a healthy form of communication to unite the community and beyond. Our organization is completely youth founded, run and organized as of now but we hope to expand to all age categories eventually.

Here’s how he describes the event:

On January 4th, 2011 we will be hosting our debut event at the Universities of Shady Grove in Rockville. The event will introduce the organization to the community and celebrate the talent of young, up-and-coming local guest artists from the Washington Metropolitan Area who represent different branches of the arts such as music, theatre, dance, film, the visual arts, and many more. This event will be a great way to support local artists and to learn more about E.C.H.O.’s goals and future plans.

Take the time to experience, New Voices, Fresh Expressions, their kick-off event, a great way to support them and learn more about E.C.H.O.’s goals and future plans.

Visit E.C.H.O.’s website, eyesclosedheartsopen.org to learn more about the creation of the organization, their projects, and how you can help support them in addition to attending their debut event.

Weekend to Weekend Pick: Save Lives With Amnesty International

Amnesty International Group 82’s Holiday Card Writing and Celebration

When I was in college, I was a member of Amnesty International. All these years living in Rockville, I didn’t know we had a local group. One of the main activities of Amnesty is to mail cards and letters to prisoners of conscience, those who have been imprisoned solely for the non-violent exercise of internationally recognized human rights. These correspondences give the prisoner hope and also let officials know that people are aware of the prisoner’s situation and are taking action. I can’t think of better cards to send out during this holiday season.

Date and Time: Sunday, December 19, 2010 at 12:00 noon
Location: At the Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockville, Room 52 (in the basement - take elevator at end of entrance hall of the new Sanctuary Building at 100 Welsh Park Drive.

From Group 82:

Amnesty International U.S.A.is a local community based group of the U.S. section of Amnesty International. We are one of hundreds of other such groups which are the heart of the worldwide human rights organization. Group 82 was created in 1976 by members of the Unitarian Church of Rockville. Although we enjoy some financial support and the facilities of the church there is no formal connection to the church and most members of the group have no connection with the church. The group meets the third Sunday of each month at noon.

The primary focus of our group is to work for the release of prisoners of conscience. We are assigned such a person with available information on the case, and we work for his or her release.

There are a variety of ways to get involved:

• Help work on behalf of our prisoner of conscience
• Work on anti-death penalty campaigns
• Participate in special short term campaigns (about 3 months average) emphasizing human rights abuses in specific countries or targeting certain groups such as women, children, conscientious objectors, refugees, and indigenous peoples.
• Join the Urgent Action letter writing network. Our coordinator sends out one case a month for prompt action. This is a good way to get involved for those unable to attend monthly meetings.

There are no membership dues.

How to get to the Amnesty Meeting:
If you are approaching Rockville on Route 270, take exit 6 heading East. Mannakee Street is the first street on your left. Follow Mannakee around the circle and then watch for the sign to turn right to the church as you come to Welsh park. If you are approaching from the East, continue on West Jefferson and then West Montgomery to Mannakee on your right.

Help And Save With A Rockville Rewards Card

Yesterday I purchased my Rockville Rewards card from Community Ministries of Rockville. This new program designed by the Rockville Chamber of Commerce as part of the Buy Rockville campaign “combats the increased needs in our community”.

Simply put, you can purchase a card for $25 from one of the nonprofit organizations (or local businesses selling them on behalf of the organizations), then use the card for discounts and deals. The cards are currently valid until June 30, 2011 so the sooner you purchase one the longer you can enjoy the benefits.

Everyday Rewards categories include Business to Business, Events, Health & Beauty, Food & Drink, Retail, Services, and Activities. All you have to do is present your card. Here are some examples of the savings:

• Talk of the Town – 10% off any party rental, excluding entertainers & performers.
• Acqua Nails – 10% off any service, until 02/15/11.
• VisArts at Rockville – VisArts Too – 10% off any item
• Bark! Pawsitive Petfood – Bark! Pawsitive Petfood in Congressional Plaza. $5.00 off your first purchase of $25.00 or more!

If you’re into dining out, these are deals:

• The Bean Bag Deli & Catering Company – Come in to The Bean Bag deli & Catering Co for Breakfast or Lunch Mon-Sat. and receive 10% off your in-store order. Excludes delivery orders.
• Ben & Jerry’s of Rockville – 15% off of any scooped cone, sundae, shake, mash, smoothie or coffee ‘Joe’ drink. Also $3.00 off any ice cream or yogurt, handpacked cake.
• Cake Dreams – 10% discount on cupcake and basic cake purchases. Excludes custom cakes and cupcakes.
• Gordon Biersch – 10% off total check, excluding alcohol.
• Il Pinito – 20% off total check. Dine in only. Not valid with any other offers. One card per table.
• Jackie’s Wine Club – From 4-7 p.m. daily, enjoy 15% off!
• Lola’s Cafe & Bakery - From 3-7 p.m. daily, enjoy 15% off!
• Oro Pomodoro Pizzeria Ristorante – Get 10% off entire check excluding alcohol. Valid for Lunch & Dinner Dine-In only. Not valid on Fridays & Saturdays. Cannot be combined with other offers.
• The Potomac Grill – 25% of total check up to $20 dollar maximum discount. Valid 1 card per table, not valid on holidays or New Year’s Eve.
• Potomac Pizza – 10% off dine-in or carry-out purchase. Expires 5/31/11
• Robeks Fruit Smoothies – Buy One Get One Free Smoothie or Frozen Yogurt!
• Timpano Chophouse and Martini Bar – 10% off your total bill when you dine. Offer is valid in our dining room only for lunch or dinner. Offer not valid in the bar & lounge, on holidays, banquets.
• Phillips Seafood: Receive a complimentary appetizer, order two (2) full-priced entrees and present your Rockville Rewards card. All offers subject to black-out dates & availability.

When you register your card online by providing your name, email, and zipcode, you will receive notification of Weekly Hot Deals. Quite frankly, anything hot sounds good to me right now.

The organizations can make up to $25,000 each if they sell all their cards so join me in purchasing one!

Here are the organizations you can help:

The Arc of Montgomery County
Bikes for the World
Child Center and Adult Services
Community Ministries of Rockville
Jobs Unlimited/Upscale Resale Thrift Shop
Literacy Council of Montgomery County
Manna Food Center
Montgomery County Humane Society
Montgomery County Stroke Association
Musical Theater Center
Pain Connection-Chronic Pain Outreach Center
Premier Homecare
Rockville Community Nursery School
Rockville Concert Band
VisArts of Rockville

“Give a little, get a lot.”

Contributor Review by Michele Nguyen: Rock for Robert Full of SPIRIT

Mercury in Summer Photo by Georgia Yang

Last week the Rock for Robert concert kicked off the fundraising for the SPIRIT Foundation in honor of Robert Yin and a $50,000 contribution was announced. Thanks to Michele Nguyen for sharing this special occasion with us and describing why everyone loved Robert so much.

On November 24, 2010, the “Rock for Robert” benefit concert was held at Thomas S. Wootton High School. The concert was held in honor of Robert Yin, a beloved Wootton Class of 2008 alumnus attending Grinnell College, who passed away on May 17, 2010 following a fatal pole vaulting accident at the NCAA 2010 Midwest Track and Field Championships held at Illinois College. The benefit concert was organized by Georgia Yang and Brad Harlan, friends and classmates of Robert to raise funds for the new annual SPIRIT Scholarship to be given in Robert’s memory.

Crowd Photo by Georgia Yang

The concert featured an eclectic mix of music from seven ensemble and solo artists who each held a personal connection to Robert, and performed as a tribute to him. “Robert was one of the first people there in my musical career when I first started, he was like my musical buddy,” says guitarist/songwriter CJ Uy, “ I thought that by playing music, I could really help remember him.”

Robert’s former a cappella group at Wootton, The Supertonics kicked off the concert with harmonized ballads. Former track teammate Henry Nam followed with an original composition titled Yin Elegy on acoustic guitar. Also featured in the concert were: Landon classmate CJ Uy (Sidwell ’08), Landon ’08 classmate Derek Defensor, Wootton ’08 classmate and drummer Brendan McCusker with his band Mercury in Summer, Wootton ’08 classmate Peter Tran, and Wootton ’03 alumnus Zia Hassan. Together, these up and coming musicians treated the audience to an unforgettable concert that celebrated Robert’s life.

Robert’s wide-ranging influence on the community was evident in the diversity of the attendees at the concert, where his former teammates from his cross country and track and field days were present alongside his fellow chambers chorus members.

Robert's Mom, Sandra Giger on left, Brother Alex Yin on Right. Photo by Georgia Yang

For many attendees, including myself, this was our first time returning to Wootton High School since our graduation in 2008. “I saw so many people who I haven’t seen since I graduated,” noted Robert’s younger brother Alex Yin, “it was such a good event for people to come together and hang out.” The concert’s venue not only represented where we went to high school, but it was the place where most of us came to know and love Robert. It was in these halls that we would hear Robert’s contagious maniacal laugh, or run into his comforting surprise bear hugs. Coming back to Wootton High School for the concert was symbolic of our days in high school with Robert.

As concert-goers entered the event, there were only smiles and hugs as old friends reunited, and former classmates reacquainted. A sense of intimacy and nostalgia filled the air with the realization that the 200+ guests in attendance were connected to each other with the common link that is Robert. This is only a small measure of Robert’s greatness, that even after he is no longer with us, his ability to bring people together still remains. “That’s probably what he would have been doing anyway,” says Georgia Yang co-coordinator of the event, “just hanging out with all of us for Thanksgiving.”

The concert’s timing is significant in that it was held the night before Thanksgiving- a time when we celebrate the good in our lives and show appreciation for the things we are thankful for- something Robert never had any trouble demonstrating. Robert always openly cared for those he loved, and this was echoed by the number of people who attended the concert to support him

All smiles while volunteering. Photo by Georgia Yang.

The theme for giving was donations in the amount of $21 in honor of what would have been Robert’s 21st birthday on December 12, 2010. Bracelets etched with “Yeaaa Boi” a popular catch phrase that Robert informally coined and W.W.R.D (What Would Robert Do) were sold for $5 to serve as a reminder of Robert’s legacy. The concert raised $1,364.12, along with a pledge for $50,000 from an anonymous donor towards the SPIRIT Scholarship. “It was very touching to see such a tremendous outpour of affection for Robert,” says Ian Akisoglu, emcee for the event and classmate of Robert.

The SPIRIT Scholarship is a reflection of how Robert is remembered by those who love him and the traits that made Robert, Robert. Beginning with the graduating class of 2011, one Wootton High School senior will be chosen to receive $5,000, through the SPIRIT Scholarship. This student will demonstrate SPIRIT, an acronym for the ability to Show Potential, Integrity, Responsibility, and Inspire Thousands, as Robert did.

Robert’s family and friends formed the Robert Yin SPIRIT Foundation Inc. in order to support charitable projects that embody SPIRIT. In addition to the scholarship, the foundation will support education-oriented projects such as music and performing arts, track and field sports, and sports safety. To donate to any of these projects, please visit RememberRobert.org to donate securely online, or mail a check payable to the Robert Yin SPIRIT Foundation Inc c/o Suntrust Bank, 2433 Wootton Parkway, Rockville, MD 20850.

Michele Nguyen

This is a contributor review. We welcome submissions on all sorts of things — shopping, restaurants, performances, art, cultural events, and more. Rules: it should be in Rockville, and you should try to be nice. Get in touch with us, [email protected], if you would like to submit something!

Yoga For A Cause [UPDATED]

Thrive Yoga, one of our advertisers, provides support to local charities through their Yoga For A Cause program. This month on Sunday, December 5, 2010, a Hatha Yoga class lead by Alicia Patterson will raise funds for The Dwelling Place to help them provide for the homeless during the holiday season. The timeframe for the donation class is 2–3:30 PM 2:30-4 PM which includes one-hour of yoga and time for socializing.

The class is open to all levels of practitioners and beginners are welcome. Alicia is a certified Hatha Yoga Instructor and began her yoga journey in the Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga. Alicia “teaches a fluid class and cues students to be curious and look inward.”

The Dwelling Place was founded in 1988 by a group of activists and volunteers concerned about the growing number of homeless families in our community. The organization provides transitional housing and supports families to get them back on their feet and achieve self-sufficiency.

You might notice no fee amount is set for this yoga class. Those attending are asked to make a donation and the entire amount will go to The Dwelling Place.

Thrive Yoga has been my studio for the last few years and I highly recommend the classes. As you can tell, they regularly reach out to help the community and are a true community partner.

Thrive Yoga is located at 1321 Rockville Pike in the Woodmont Shopping Center just south of the country club.

Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast Is A Community Affair

Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

This Saturday, December 4, 2010, you know exactly where to have breakfast. The Kiwanis Club of Rockville will be dishing up their traditional pancakes from 7 until 11 AM at the Campus Center Cafeteria, Montgomery College Rockville.

Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

While you are enjoying the pancakes and sausage, a nonstop lineup of entertainment, singing, and music will fill the stage.

Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

You can also win gifts and prizes donated by many in the community. The kids always enjoy the opportunity to speak with Santa in a low-key setting.

The Annual Pancake Breakfast never fails to be the community’s gathering place at the start of the holiday season and it’s all for a good cause, the kids.

Town Square Tree Lighting And Open House

Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

The tree went up in Rockville Town Square before Thanksgiving but this Thursday, December 2, 2010 the lights will officially be illuminated during the annual Holiday Open House from 6:30 – 9 PM. Although it’s not Rockefeller Center or the White House, we have our own little tradition emerging here in Rockville.

Sue Richards Photo from her website.

In addition to a photo op with Santa from 7-9 PM and light refreshments, live entertainment will liven up the ceremony including a holiday dance performance by Dawn Crofton Dance Center. But if you venture over to The Waygoose (on Maryland Avenue) from 6 – 8 PM, you’ll find an extra special treat. Sue Richards, a Rockville resident and internationally known performer, teacher, composer and author, who has recorded dozens of CDs and toured throughout the U.S. and Europe, will be playing Celtic music in the Irish and Scottish tradition of her heritage on her harp. She’s a regular customer and has performed in the shop during the holidays for the past six years.

If you donate an unwrapped toy or gift to benefit the Montgomery County Housing Opportunities Commission residents, you can also enjoy a free Horse and Carriage Ride from 7-9 PM. From December 3rd -20th donations for the Toy And Gift Drive can also be brought to the Fenestra Apartments Leasing Office, located at the corner of Beall and Maryland Avenue next to Taste of Saigon during these hours: Monday-Friday 10 AM – 10 PM, Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM, Sunday Noon – 5 PM - OR - at The Waygoose during these hours: Monday-Thursday 10 AM -7 PM, Friday-Sat 10 AM - 8 PM, Sunday 12–5 PM.

If you spend $150 at a combination of two or more Town Center stores from December 1st -12th you will receive a free Artichoke Pesto Balsawood gift by Bella Cucina (a 6 oz. jar of artichoke lemon pesto nestled in an elegant balsawood baking dish with olivewood spreader and easy-to-make recipe for artichoke dip valued at $35.) Receipts dated December 1-12 and totaling $150 or more can be presented at The Cottage Monet (located on Maryland Ave) or Ten Thousand Villages (located on Gibbs Street) to receive the gift. The Merchants tell us: “Limit one per customer, per day, regardless of purchase amount. Quantities are limited, while supplies last. No rainchecks.”

We’re wondering if they’ll start construction on the temporary ice rink after the Open House.

Two Ways To Help For The Holidays

Every year our community makes sure that those most in need have happy holidays. If you want to help this December, the City of Rockville and Community Ministries of Rockville both have programs to make sure those living in the City limits and surrounding area receive something special for the holidays.

Community Ministries of Rockville

Every year CMR distributes gift cards to children who are served by their programs. Gift cards are also given to adult clients during the holiday season.

Here’s a Wish List

(250) gift cards in denominations of $15 for children at the CMR holiday party
(30) gift cards in denominations of $25 for the residents of Hope Housing
(45) gift cards in denominations of $25 for the residents of Chase Partnership House
(50) Giant, Safeway, CVS gift cards for Rockville Emergency Assistance Program and Elderly Ministries clients

Some specifics:

For gift giving to the children at the holiday party, we prefer gift cards to Target or Wal-Mart in denominations of $15 each by December 7, 2010. For holiday and winter gifts for our adult clients, we are seeking gift cards from major department stores such as Target, Wal-Mart, Kohl’s, and Macy’s. Donations of Visa gift cards are also welcomed. All financial contributions will be greatly appreciated. Monetary donations will be converted to gift cards for easy distribution. All gift cards need to be donated by Monday, December 21, 2010.

Monetary donation information is here. Checks can be mailed to Community Ministries of Rockville, 1010 Grandin Ave., Ste. A1, Rockville, MD 20851

City of Rockville

“Take part, give from the heart!” For over thirty years, the City of Rockville has distributed food baskets and new toys to needy Rockville families. Last year 729 Rockville households received a Thanksgiving dinner and 1,390 children were given for toys and gift cards for the holidays. The annual Rockville Holiday Drive depends on local churches, schools, civic organizations, service clubs, businesses, social service agencies, and individuals to work together to make everyone’s holidays happy.

How You Can Help

The biggest need right now is to sponsor a family. This means buying gifts and food for the December holidays for a specific family’s need (usually valued around $250). Organizations will be matched with one or more families, depending on the size of the organization. This activity is ideal for a business or civic group. Call Cynthia Bangaliu at 240-314-8317 to sign up.

Ways to Donate

Donate $15 gift certificates to local stores, e.g., Target, Sports Authority, Best Buy, Old Navy, Giant, Safeway by December 17, 2010.

Donate new toys for children, ages 11 and under. School age children like action figures, coloring books, building toys, costume jewelry, play phones, purses, toy watches, toy cars, Barbie dolls, and sports gear (basketballs, soccer balls). Infants and toddlers need musical toys, board books, shape sorters and soft dolls (multicultural).

Make a tax-deductible monetary contribution. Checks should be made payable to City of Rockville Holiday Drive Fund and mailed to City of Rockville Community Services, 30 Courthouse Square, Suite 100, Rockville 20850.

Call the City of Rockville Community Services Division 240-314-8310 with questions. The address for deliveries is also 30 Courthouse Square, Suite 100, Rockville 20850.

Pick One Way And Give From The Heart!

Scouts To Collect Food This Saturday

If you received a bag on your doorknob last Saturday from the Boy Scouts, please fill it with food and place it by your front door by 9 AM this Saturday, November 13, 2010. The Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts will be coming around to collect the food donations.

Suggested items include:

• peanut butter
• tuna fish
• canned fruits and vegetables
• shelf-stable milk
• canned tomato sauce
• beans
• macaroni and cheese
• soup
• cereal
• oatmeal
• rice
• pasta
• baby food
• other canned meat and fish and
  canned pasta

Scouting for Food is a national effort. The food collected in Rockville will be taken to the Manna Food Center. Manna serves 3,300 people per month and half are children. Hunger is a hidden problem in Montgomery County where a family of four needs to earn $70,000 to be minimally self-sufficient. All to often when faced with bills for housing, doctors, transportation, and utilities, there isn’t enough money left over for food.

Scouting For Food Starts This Saturday

The Boy and Cub Scouts need your help and it couldn’t be easier. This Saturday you’ll find plastic grocery store bags at your door. All you need to do is keep it for a week. Then early next Saturday, November 13, 2010 place it outside your door with a non-perishable food donation.

Manna reports that last year, the Scouts collected 70,000 pounds of food! The hard work of these boys helped to restock Manna’s shelves and provide food to Montgomery County families in need.

This will be my 8th year of collecting food with my Cub Scouts at New Mark Commons and around Beall Elementary. My boys are so excited to run around and gather the food and know they are helping. I hope that no matter where you live in Rockville, you’ll remember to donate.

Wish list items to donate:

• peanut butter
• tuna fish
• canned fruits and vegetables
• shelf-stable milk
• canned tomato sauce
• beans
• macaroni and cheese
• soup
• cereal
• oatmeal
• rice
• pasta
• baby food
• other canned meat and fish and
  canned pasta

Put these on your shopping list and please donate!

Volunteer For Veterans

Each month we highlight the opportunities from the Volunteer Center and this month in honor of Veterans Day, we have a few ways to serve those who have served our country.

Do you like puppies? Would you be willing to raise a Hero Dog? Hero Dogs, Inc. provides independence and improved quality of life to our nation’s veterans by training and placing service dogs (“Hero Dogs”) with military veterans who became disabled while serving honorably in the United States Armed Forces. Apply to join the Board of Directors, or become a Puppy Raiser. Contact: [email protected]

Can you volunteer to write grants? Thomas Jerome House in Rockville seeks to honor the lives of those veterans who have sustained traumatic brain injuries in the name of freedom and sacrifice to America. It is a community where servicemen and veterans with traumatic brain injuries and their assistants, live together as family, respecting the dignity of the human person. Grant writers are needed now. Contact: [email protected]

Do you like kayaking or other white water sports? Team River Runner in Rockville gives active duty service members and veterans an opportunity to find health, healing, and new challenges through whitewater boating and other paddling sports. Established in 2004 by kayakers in the Washington, DC area to help active duty military personnel who were recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, TRR has expanded with chapters across the country. Contact [email protected] to see how you can volunteer with the local chapter.

Community Service Day Is Full Of Opportunities

What are you planning to do for a few hours on October 23rd or 24th? Although national volunteer days have emerged, Montgomery County’s Community Service Day has been instrumental in helping local nonprofit agencies. Last year more than 2,200 people volunteered at over 70 agencies.

Lake Needwood in Rockville was cleaned-up with the Lucky Clovers 4-H Club and organizers had nothing but good comments about the effort.

Sunday was a perfect, fall day. Our volunteers enjoyed the beautiful park while we picked up trash near the shoreline of the Lake Needwood. We gathered 18 bags of trash. That’s good news — the park was in great shape already. The woodland areas, picnic, trails and parking lots were well maintained. After picking up trash, several youth enjoyed the amenities of the park including fishing.

The wonderful part of Community Service Day is the opportunity to join together with family, friends, neighbors, fellow students, or co-workers to work as a group. Groups can develop their own projects.

Groups or individuals can select a service project from the Volunteer Center’s website.

Manna Food Center is seeking volunteers to collect food at 12 locations on October 22, 23 & 24. The need for food assistance has risen drastically since the start of the recession and they need to restock for what is expected to be a difficult winter. SSL Hours are available. Youth volunteers need to be 16 years of age or accompanied by an adult to participate. Contact Manna to sign up to help with the Feed The Hungrey Food Drives.

If you don’t have time to volunteer, you can also donate food, clothing, bikes, furniture, and treats for troops. Here’s the complete list for donations.

This is a true Community Day!