DPW HEAD TO SPEAK AT WEST MONTGOMERY
The West Montgomery Citizens Association will hold its next general meeting Wednesday, Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Potomac Library.
Arthur Holmes, director of the Montgomery County Department of Public Works and Transportation will be the speaker.
THANKSGIVING QUIET FOR FIRE AND RESCUE
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue and Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire and Rescue reported no major incidents over the holiday weekend.
Units responded to the report of a struck pedestrian on River Road in Potomac Village Monday evening at about 6:15, however the "pedestrian" turned out to be a shopping cart, according to police.
TOY DRIVE
The Potomac Village office of Weichert Realtors, 10230 River Road, Potomac Village, is sponsoring a toy drive from now through Dec. 7 to benefit the Betty Ann Krancke Shelter for Children and Women, in Rockville. The office is collecting new, unwrapped toys that are non-violent. Also being collected are socks, scarves, hats, gloves, sweat shirts, sweat pants and toiletries for the women at the shelter. For further information, contact Gordon Harris, Weichert, Realtors, manager, at 301-718-4080, Ext. 123.
SCHOOL BUDGET PRESENTATION DEC. 15
Dr. Jerry D. Weast, superintendent of schools, will present the proposed FY ‘06 operating budget to staff, parents and community members on Wednesday, Dec. 15, at 7:30 p.m. The presentation will take place in the auditorium of Rockville High School, 2100 Baltimore Road in Rockville.
Key initiatives are reduced class size, more full-day kindergarten classes, expanded support for special education, and additional administrative and secretarial staffing in elementary schools.
The budget is aligned with the school system's strategic plan and was developed with community input, including three strategic planning and budget forums.
CHILDREN'S ALMANAC
It’s time to send in artwork and other material for the Children’s Almanac. The deadline for artwork and writing is Dec. 3.
The last week of the year, The Potomac Almanac turns its pages over to the children and students of the community. The entire publication will be filled with artwork, poetry, short stories, commentary and photographs produced by local students.
We’ll receive many submissions from teachers who will include artwork from many students. We are also delighted to get submissions from individual students, from students who are home schooled, from nursery schools, from high school students.
We prefer to receive submissions via e-mail or on CD. Send digital photos, scanned artwork or text to PhotoP@connectionnewspapers.com or mail or hand deliver hard-copy material to 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102. Questions? Call 301-983-2600.
VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT
The Victim Assistance and Sexual Assault Program is recruiting volunteers to staff its offices in the Rockville and Silver Spring district courts and to work with crime victims seeking legal remedies for protection. At this time, volunteers are needed for daytime, especially Monday-Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. There is a special need for Spanish-speaking volunteers.
Applicants must be at least 21. Candidates should be supportive, assertive and flexible. Training is provided by VASAP staff and begins in December. Volunteers are asked to provide a minimum of eight hours per month and to commit to the program for at least one year.
To apply for more information, call 240-777-1355.
NOMINATIONS NEEDED FOR GREENBLATT AWARDS
Nominations are being sought for the 17th annual Marian Greenblatt Education Awards. Three veteran teachers in Montgomery County will be given a $1,000 check for excellent performance in motivating students to achieve. One of these teachers will be designated Montgomery County Teacher of the Year and provided use of a new car for one year. That teacher will represent Montgomery County in the competition for Maryland Teacher of the Year. One first-year teacher will also be honored with a $500 award. All winners will be honored at the Montgomery County Business Roundtable for Education Gala Dinner on April 20, 2005.
The committee selecting the winners is composed of current and former teachers who seek to recognize those teachers who make a significant difference in the lives of their students and who mentor new teachers. They give public credit to those teachers who exemplify Marian Greenblatt's view that the classroom teacher is the centerpiece of the education system and that a master teacher needs appropriate recognition and encouragement.
Dr. Greenblatt was a member of the Montgomery County Board of Education, 1976-84, and its president, 1978-79. She served as director of the President's Academic Fitness Award Program from 1984 until her death in 1988.
Those interested in nominating a teacher should visit www.greenblatteducationfund.org for all of the pertinent information and due dates.
RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY
* 14700 block of Waterway Drive, Rockville, between 8:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Nov. 18. Broke through rear window, phones taken.
* 5000 block of Norbeck Road, Rockville, between 8:20 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Nov. 18. Broke through rear window, DVD player and surround sound taken.
* 9900 block of New London Drive in Potomac, between 7:45 and 8 p.m. on Nov. 21. Pried frame on rear door, unknown items taken.