Submit civic/community announcements at ConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos and artwork welcome. Deadline is Thursday at noon, at least two weeks before event.
COVID-19 Closures/Cancellations
Montgomery County is working to help protect the health and safety of our residents, employees, program participants, and patrons. While schools and public facilities will be closed, Montgomery County offices remain open for business and operations are continuing. However, everyone should expect changes to public services.
The following closures and cancellations are in effect:
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) – Closed March 16 – March 27
Community Use of MCPS Facilities:
Indoor community use of MCPS facilities - closed March 14 - March 31. All SAT testing scheduled for middle and high schools will continue as scheduled.
All outdoor community use of MCPS facilities - closed March 16 - March 31.
Childcare use of MCPS facilities - Decision to open or close will be made by the individual childcare providers.
Libraries – Closed March 16 – March 27.
Senior Centers - closed until further notice.
Recreation Centers and Aquatic Centers – Closed March 16 - March 27.
Montgomery Parks - March 16 - March 31.
County Buildings – Public activities cancelled March 14 – 31.
Effective immediately, Montgomery County will be following the state’s guidelines of a limit of no more than 250 people for public gatherings. To help further slow the spread of the virus, they encourage the public to:
Avoid non-essential travel.
Stay away from others when you are sick.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid crowded areas or places where you might interact with people who are sick.
Keep distance between yourself and other people.
Residents should visit Montgomery County Health and Human Services (See FAQ tab) for the most up-to-date information about coronavirus, including what to do if you are experiencing symptoms. Updates will be made on the County’s website at: www.montgomerycountymd.gov and on Facebook and Twitter @MontgomeryCoMD.
Check the Mail for Your Census Invitation
Invitations to respond to the 2020 Census will arrive by mail through Friday, March 20. Census Day is Wednesday, April 1. By then, every home will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. Once the invitation arrives, you should respond for your home in one of three ways: online, by phone, or by mail.
City community centers are opening their computer labs for community members who choose to complete their census questionnaire online. Trained staff are on hand to help from Monday, March 9-Sunday, April 5 and from Tuesday, April 14-Sunday, April 26 as follows:
Lincoln Park, Thomas Farm and Twinbrook community centers: 7-8 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-noon Saturdays and 1-4 p.m. Sundays.
Rockville Senior Center: noon-1 p.m. and 4-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
A limited number of coupons for discounted taxi rides to and from the senior center, will be available for city residents age 60 and older through the Rockville Call N Ride program. For more information about Call N Ride, call 240-314-8810 or visit the Rockville Senior Center, 1150 Carnation Drive.
How to Help: Meanwhile, preparations are ongoing to ensure a complete count for our community. The U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting to fill temporary positions to assist with the count. Learn more and apply at 2020census.gov/jobs. Montgomery County will hold training sessions for volunteer ambassadors from 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, March 30 and Wednesday, April 15, in the second-floor meeting room of Rockville Memorial Library, 21 Maryland Ave. (Volunteers need attend only one training.) Once trained, ambassadors will host information tables, distribute promotional materials and engage with county residents. Learn more and sign up at https://montgomerycountymd.gov/census/ambassadors.html.
Learn more about efforts to ensure a complete count at www.rockvillemd.gov/RockvilleCounts.
Vote by Mail Applications Now Available
The Maryland State Board of Elections (SBE) is communicating regularly with federal and state health agencies to monitor developments related to COVID-19. We are committed to providing the safest environment possible for Maryland voters and election workers.
Election Day is moved to Tuesday, June 2, 2020. As the election approaches, SBE will continue coordinating with federal and state health officials and will institute any appropriate safeguards to minimize the risk for voters and election workers.
Voters who prefer to vote from home can request an absentee ballot. Voters who wish to vote this way can submit a request online by visiting https://www.elections.maryland.gov and clicking the “Request a Ballot” box or obtaining a request form fromelections.maryland.gov/voting/absentee.html. Marylanders are encouraged to visithealth.maryland.gov/coronavirus for the most up-to-date information, and to dial 2-1-1 to talk to experts about any questions or concerns.
Any registered voter who wants to vote by mail may now request an application for the Presidential Primary Election. If you request a vote by mail ballot, it will be your official ballot and you will not be able to vote on the paper based, digital image scan voting system at the polls on Election Day, Tuesday, June 2.
For more information on voting by mail call 240-777-VOTE, visit www.777vote.org, our mobile app at m.montgomerycountymd.gov/elections, the Maryland State Board of Elections’ website at https://elections.maryland.gov, or follow the Montgomery County Board of Elections on Facebook or Twitter.
Libraries Introduce Independent Overdrive eBook Collection
To better serve County residents, Montgomery County Public Libraries now has its own independent Overdrive ebook collection. Customers can expect an electronic collection that reflects the interests of County residents and a system that is more responsive to their requests and needs. This includes greater functionality within the OverDrive application, shorter hold times, and a greater flexibility to provide service features that will increase usability and satisfaction.
MCPL has exited the Maryland’s Digital eLibrary Consortium for Overdrive, in which it participated for collective ebook/eaudiobook purchasing and lending. Other large library systems, such as Prince George's County Memorial Library system found that moving from consortial participation has added benefits for their cardholders. Baltimore County Public Library announced that they intend to withdraw from the consortium this year.
For information, contact James Donaldson, assistant director, Technology and Collections at 240-777-0030.
Election Workers Needed
Montgomery County’s Board of Elections is seeking registered voters to serve as election workers at polling places for the Presidential Primary Election to be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2020.
Individuals are needed to serve throughout the county; particularly in the areas of Bethesda, Cabin John, Chevy Chase, Darnestown, Potomac, and Rockville.
Due to the diversity within the county, voters who speak multiple languages are needed. Voters who are fluent in both English and Spanish are especially needed in each polling place to meet the requirements of Section 203 of the 1975 Voting Rights Act which stipulates that bilingual Spanish speakers be available at the polling places.
Students 16 years old or older are eligible to register to vote and serve as election workers. Each 16 or 17-year-old applicant must submit a signed permission slip from a parent or guardian. Students serving as election workers may choose to earn up to 25 Student Service Learning (SSL) credits or up to a $210 stipend.
To serve in this paid volunteer position you must be registered to vote in the State of Maryland, able to speak, read, and write the English language, and cannot hold, or be a candidate for, public or party office. In addition, election workers may not serve as a campaign manager for a candidate or as treasurer for any campaign finance entity.
Training is required and will be provided to all election workers. Training includes an online quiz and classroom training. Volunteers will be paid for completing training and working the election. Information on several different positions, including full day and part day assignments, is advertised at 777vote.org. To apply, text SERVE to 77788 or for more information, visit 777vote.org and select the Election Workers link.
For other election information, call 240-777-VOTE (8683), visit 777vote.org or the Maryland State Board of Elections’ website at elections.maryland.gov, or follow the Montgomery County Board of Elections on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @777vote.
Dementia Consultations
Caring for a person with Alzheimer's disease or other dementia is a life-encompassing experience that spans generations. Everyone has a role: spouses, siblings, children of all ages, and friends each play a part on the care team. It requires thought, strategy and, most importantly, a plan. Care consultations with the Alzheimer’s Association are a free Chapter service that offers in-depth, personalized care planning, education and support. A consultation is more than just a meeting with a dementia expert. Highly trained staff help to develop a road map to navigate through the thoughts, emotions and questions that family members, care partners and the diagnosed person may have, including:
· Assessment of the functional status of the person with dementia;
· Navigating difficult caregiving decisions and role changes in the family;
· Information and resources to assist with legal and financial matters;
· Available community resources;
· Partnering with the physician and/or health care provider;
· Safety concerns.
To schedule a consultation, call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.
St. Andrew’s and CTTL Awarded Grant
St. Andrew’s Episcopal School and the Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning (CTTL) have been awarded a $250,000 EE Ford Educational Leadership Grant, becoming the first school to ever receive two such grants from the EE Ford Foundation. St. Andrew’s previously was awarded the leadership grant, the largest one the EE Ford Foundation annually hands out, in 2015.
St. Andrew’s was awarded its current grant to help build Neuroteach Global Student (NTGS), a companion to the CTTL’s highly successful Neuroteach Global, a first-of-its-kind digital professional development experience, rooted in MBE Science and currently used by thousands of teachers around the world. When completed, NTGS will help students build academic confidence, resilience, and performance by helping them learn how their own brains work and how to apply that knowledge to their own learning.
The 2015 Leadership Grant helped launch the Science of Teaching and School Leadership Academy, which began in July 2017 and has been held every summer since. St. Andrew’s Upper School students will pilot NTGS in 2021, completion of NTGS is expected to become a St. Andrew’s graduation requirement by 2022, and NTGS is expected to reach at least 10,000 private and public school students by 2024, with subsidized rates for schools that could not otherwise afford to participate.
Crisis Prevention Services
EveryMind Crisis Prevention and Intervention specialists are available by phone, text and chat every hour of every day. The community can also look to EveryMind for mental health professionals who are prepared to talk about warning signs and ways anyone can help to prevent suicide from ending lives far too soon. EveryMind is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Visit Every-Mind.org. More resources include:
Call or Text Montgomery County Hotline: 301-738-2255
Chat: Crisis Prevention Chat: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/
Call: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
www.every-mind.org/services/crisis/
www.every-mind.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Talking-to-Kids-about-Suicide.pdf
suicidepreventionlifeline.org
www.suicidology.org
Support Groups
Cancer Support Groups. Held at Hope Connections for Cancer Support, Beaumont House at FASEB, 9650 Rockville Pike, Bethesda. Free. Weekly support groups for people with all types of cancer, caregivers, people with advanced cancer and a bereavement group. An ovarian/gyn support group and group for young adults with cancer are offered twice a month, as are monthly groups for people with breast cancer, bladder cancer, blood cancers, and gastro-intestinal cancers.Orientation sessions are held every Monday at 11 a.m. and the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. in Bethesda. RSVP at 301-634-7500 or info@hopeconnectionsforcancer.org.
The Alzheimer's Association's Memory Cafes offer a fun and relaxed way for people living with early-stage memory loss to get connected with one another through social events that promote interaction and companionship. The memory cafe in Rockville (4860 Boiling Brook Parkway) operates the third Wednesday of each month from 2:30-4 p.m. Pre-registration is required. Contact Lindsey Vajpeyi at 240-428-1342 or lvajpeyi@alz.org.
Suicide Grief Support Group. At JSSA, 6123 Montrose Road, Rockville. This ongoing bereavement support group is for those who have lost a loved one to suicide. This group meets every first and third Monday. No charge. Pre-registration is required to attend. Call 301-816-2708.
Because I Love You is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting parents of troubled children of any age. The group helps parents deal with drugs, runaways, truancy, verbal abuse, physical abuse, curfew violations and other misbehavior, as well as help parents deal with themselves, to manage and live their own lives without obsessing over their child's behavior. The group meets 7:30-9:30 every Thursday at Bethesda United Methodist Church Room 209, 8300 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda. Visit www.becauseiloveyou.org, email hbrite1@netzero.com or call 301-530-3597.
Adult Bereavement Groups. Dates and times vary depending on group members. Hospice Care, 518 S. Fredrick Ave., Gaithersburg. Peer driven support groups in those in need of support. Free. Contact Penny Gladhill at 301-990-8904, or Pennyg@hospicecaring.org.
Ongoing
Potomac Rotary Gatherings. 7:15-8:30 a.m. at Founding Farmers MoCo, 12505 Park Potomac Ave., Potomac. Rotary Club of Potomac meets for breakfast first and third Wednesday of each month and a Happy Hour at Sugo Pizzeria, 5-7 p.m., on the last Wednesday. Learn how to serve humanity globally. Individuals pay for their own breakfast. No admission fee. Visit www.PotomacRotary.org for more.
24/7 Homeless Information Line. Montgomery County’s Department of Health and Human Services, in partnership with EveryMind, has launched a 24/7 Homeless Information Line, with trained specialists to provide information on County homeless services and shelter resources. Callers can also provide information about the location of individuals in the community experiencing homelessness. The reports will be forwarded to community outreach partners who will attempt to locate the individual and offer support and resources. The information line number is 240-907-2688. Visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/homelessness for more.
Senior SmarTrip Card. There is a SmarTrip card, for those 65 and older, that may be used to ride Metrorail at senior fares, ride free on Ride On buses and some Metrobuses in Montgomery County Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and Saturday, 8:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. or half fare at all other times. The cost of the Senior SmarTrip card is $2. There is no value on the card at the time of purchase. Visit any library in Montgomery County, the Silver Spring TRiPS Store, the Mobile Commuter Store, or the Montgomery County Treasury Office and bring proof of age (state ID, birth certificate or passport). For more information, call 311.
Seeking Applicants. Rebuilding Together Montgomery County is looking to increase their service to the veteran community and all Veterans or spouses if Veteran spouse has died who meet our income limits are encouraged to apply. Applications are accepted year round. The application is at rebuildingtogethermc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/FY18-Homeowner-Application.pdf. Income requirements are listed on the first page.
Tally Ho Toastmaster's Club. 7:30-8:30 p.m. in the Potomac Community Center, 11315 Falls Road. Become a confident public speaker and strong leader with Tally Ho Toastmasters. First and third Mondays each month.
SUPPORT. Two county services can help residents find out more about services for seniors and individuals with disabilities. The Aging & Disability Resource Unit (ADRU), part of the Department of Health and Human Services, provides assistance, referrals to services and specific information to seniors, individuals with disabilities and caregivers by telephone and in-person. The Connect-A-Ride program provides information and referral for older adults and adults with disabilities about transportation options; including public, private and volunteer transportation services. In addition, the program assists callers with applications for programs such as the Escorted Transportation Program, Call-n-Ride and Metro Access. Language interpretation is available for both services. The Aging & Disability Resource Unit is open Monday and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Call the ADRU at 240-777-3000. The Connect-a-Ride program, funded by Montgomery County and operated by the Jewish Council for the Aging, is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call Connect-a-Ride at 301-738-3252.
The Montgomery County Commission on Common Ownership Communities (CCOC) has launched a new online training program for common ownership community board members. Visit www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/CCOC-Training.
Master Gardener Plant Clinics. Montgomery County Master Gardeners are available to answer gardening questions at walk-in plant clinics. Bring plant and insect samples, garden problems and questions. Drop off plant and insect samples, Monday-Friday, year-round, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at 18410 Muncaster Road, lower level, Ballard Phone Room.
English Classes. The Literacy Council of Montgomery County is offering free day and evening English classes (beginning, intermediate and advanced levels) to adult county residents at several locations. Prospective students must attend a 3 1/2 hour orientation in Rockville. The Literacy Council is always looking for volunteers to help in a variety of ways. For more information email info@literacycouncilmd.org or call 301-610-0030.
Shades of Green Program. The Montgomery County Planning Department is offering free trees to qualifying property owners in certain urban districts of Montgomery County. Qualifying property owners are invited to participate in the program by filling out a form at www.montgomeryplanning.org/shadesofgreen.
Catholic Bible Study. Monday evenings and Wednesday mornings at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, 9222 Kentsdale Drive, Potomac. The local chapter of “Walking With Purpose” invites women to personal study, small group discussion and speakers designed to link everyday challenges with biblical teaching. Childcare available. Visit walkingwithpurpose.com or email wwp.olom.details@gmail.com for more.
Youth Basketball Registration. Montgomery County Recreation is now accepting team and individual registrations for youth basketball leagues and programs for all skill levels. Call 240-777-6870 or visit www.mocorec.com for more.
Career Gateway Program. Learn how to write a resume, polish networking, interviewing skills and use internet job search resources more effectively. Each session of the Career Gateway features 30 hours of small group classroom instruction over five days, comprehensive take home materials, practical exercises and a long-term mentors. Cost is $75. Call 301-255-4215 or egreenberg@AccessJCA.org for more.
The county's Department of Permitting Services (DPS) is conducting a "sign sweep" to get rid of signs posted illegally in county right-of-ways. DPS plans to have regular sweeps throughout the year. Call 311 to report signs in the public right-of-way for removal.
Victims of graffiti should file a report with Montgomery County Police by calling 301-279-8000. Make sure to take a photo of the graffiti. Property owners are responsible for removing graffiti on their property. Visit graffitifree.org/contact.html.
Find information for home care, housing, transportation, or senior lifestyle issues by calling the Senior HelpLine at 301-255-4200. This free service, offered by the Jewish Council for the Aging, and open to everyone, provides expert referrals to more than 4,000 resources in the area.
County residents can drop off bulky rigid plastic items such as laundry baskets, kiddie pools, chairs, trash cans and pet carriers at the Shady Grove Solid Waste Processing Facility and Transfer Station. All items should be empty, rinsed and free of loose dirt, soil, etc.
Connect-A-Ride offers low-priced transportation to medical appointments, pharmacies, grocery stores and more for low-income, disabled residents 50 and over. Contact the Jewish Council for the Aging at 301-738-3252.
Alzheimer's Association support groups provide a place for people with Alzheimer's, their caregivers, family members, and/or friends to share information, caregiving tips and concerns throughout the Alzheimer's journey. Groups are facilitated by trained group leaders and are ongoing, free and open to the community. Call the Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900 before attending a group for the first time to verify meeting information. Visit www.alz.org/nca.
Zumba at Village Yoga. A Latin-inspired, calorie-burning dance fitness-party. Classes held on Tuesday and Thursday nights at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 11:30 a.m., and Sundays at 5:15 p.m. at 10154 River Road. Call 301-299-1948 or visit www.villageyogayogi.com.
Beginner’s Yoga Classes at Village Yoga as well as Beginner’s Gentle Flow class throughout the week. 10154 River Road. Call 301-299-1948 or visit www.villageyogayogi.com.
Members Wanted. The Potomac Area Newcomers Club is a group of more than 200 women who have moved to the Potomac area. The club offers bridge, mah jong, book groups, golf, luncheons and museum trips as a way to help newcomers and current residents form new friendships, expand horizons and take advantage of opportunities in the area. Visit www.potomacnewcomers.com
Free Parent-Child Playgroup. Every Friday at 9:30 a.m. at the Har Shalom Early Childhood Education Center. Meet new friends as you and your child play with age appropriate toys. Call 301-299-7087.
Montgomery County Master Gardeners are seeking applicants for their upcoming training class. Class size is limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. To be placed on the application list, or for more information, call 301-590-2836.
Volunteer Opportunities
Delivers meals to house-bound seniors, convalescents and persons with disabilities. It receives minimum government funding and relies instead on contributions. Donations are needed to help with unmet meals costs for clients who cannot afford to pay. If you can help, send a check to Rockville Meals on Wheels at P.O. Box 465, Rockville, MD 20848-0465 or visit the website to contribute through Pay Pal at www.rockvillemealsonwheels.org. For more information, call 301-340-1559, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - noon.
Guiding Eyes for the Blind - Montgomery Region is looking for volunteers to foster and train future guide dogs. Volunteers will foster a specially bred guide dog for 14 months, attend bi-monthly training classes, and teach the pup house manners, people skills and socialization within the community. Dog crates, training equipment and monthly medications are provided. Contact Margie Coccodrilli at 301-869-2216 or gebraiser@comcast.net or visit www.guidingeyes-md.org.
Volunteers are needed to assist sexual assault, domestic violence victims, and their families through the Victim Assistance and Sexual Assault Program (VASAP) of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services. Interviews are currently being conducted for a December 2016 training session. 240-777-1355 or www.montgomerycountymd.gov/vasap.
Help C&O Canal National Historical Park visitors enjoy the towpath safely by offering information, maps, first aid, and field bicycle repairs, then the Bike Patrol is for you. The Park provides training and uniform vests, volunteers provide their own bikes and helmets. Flexible hours and locations. Visit www.chohvip.org for more.
Friends of Clara Barton Community Center is looking for volunteers to serve on its board and to volunteer at events. FCBCC assists the community center staff in designing and implementing the center's programs, promotes the community center's role as a meeting place for teens, adults and senior citizens in the local community, supplements the community center's budget through community-wide fundraising and promotes community-wide awareness of and participation in the center's educational, recreational and social programs. Call FCBCC at 240-777-4910.
Work with Victims of Sexual Assault. Volunteers are needed to assist sexual assault victims and their families through the Victim Assistance and Sexual Assault Program (VASAP) of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services. Interviews are currently being conducted for a spring 2016 training session. Volunteers provide 24-hour crisis counseling and companion services at Montgomery County hospitals and police stations for victims of rape, sexual assault, and domestic violence. Bi-lingual volunteers are encouraged to apply. All potential volunteers must attend a training program. Call the Montgomery County Victim Assistance and Sexual Assault Program at 240-777-1355 or go to www.montgomerycountymd.gov/vasap.
Potomac Community Village is seeking volunteer drivers to take Potomac seniors to doctor’s appointments, physical therapy, social activities and other life-enriching engagements. Potomac Community Village’s volunteer drivers use their personal vehicles, receive training, get free supplemental auto insurance coverage, and don’t need to live in Potomac or be PCV members. Flexible volunteer scheduling. Contact Jill Phillips at 703-424-0494 or jill.phillips@ymail.com.
Volunteer services provided by PCV also include assistance with electronic devices, friendly phone calls and visits, occasional pet care and simple household repairs. Potomac Community Village also offers social, educational and wellness activities, enabling members to remain contributing members of the community. Membership is open to those who live in the 20854 zip code, with Associate Membership available for those who live elsewhere but wish to participate in social, educational and wellness programs. For more information about PCV, if you need transportation or other assistance, or want to volunteer to provide services other than driving, contact info@PotomacCommunityVillage.org or 240-221-1370, or see www.PotomacCommunityVillage.org, or www.facebook.com/PotomacCommunityVillage.
Help clean up the C&O Canal for Spring. As the warm weather approaches, the C&O Canal Trust is hitting the towpath for some spring cleaning and they need help. Clear debris, paint shelters, exhibits, and benches, help maintain trails, and more. Gather family and friends and come help out. Choose from one of three Canal Pride events and sign up at canaltrust.org/trust/index.php?page=c-o-canal-pride-days.
Montgomery County Volunteer Center. 12900 Middlebrook Road, #1600, Germantown. The volunteer center is in need of volunteers to help villages grow into organizations. Training and individual assistance will be provided. Email the Volunteer Center’s pro bono consultant program or visit www.montgomeryserves.org/volunteers/pro-bono-consulting-program.
Parks need support from the surrounding communities for volunteers to work at many visitor centers. Volunteers are needed to help visitors, take phone calls, operate the cash register and keep small gift shop stocked, and assist with special events and programming. Hours are flexible and each volunteer will receive an orientation to the Visitor Center and visitor services. Volunteers are needed at Cumberland, Hancock, Williamsport, Ferry Hill, Brunswick, Lander Lockhouse, Great Falls, and Georgetown. For locations between Cumberland and Lander, contact Emily Hewitt at 301-714-2219. For Great Falls or Georgetown, contact Becca Jameson at 301-767-3709 or rebecca_jameson@nps.gov.
The Bethesda Urban Partnership is looking for volunteers to help assist with various local festivals, including Taste of Bethesda in Oct. E-mail info@bethesda.org. BUP is a non-profit organization that handles landscaping and maintenance as well as promotion of the downtown through innovative marketing campaigns and large-scale events to foster an environment in which downtown Bethesda can thrive and prosper. Call 301-215-6660, or email info@bethesda.org.
CANTER-Mid Atlantic to open a racehorse rehabilitation program with donations from Delaware Park and the Delaware Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association earmarked to serve Delaware Park trainers and owners. To find an ex-race horse, volunteer, or make a donation, visit www.canterusa.org/midatlantic.
The C&O Canal National Historical Park is seeking volunteers to participate in its Volunteer Bike Patrol program. Members patrol the canal on bicycle and offer information to visitors, report hazards, and serve as resource protection stewards. The park is also in need of boat crew volunteers to assist in the operation of the replica canal boat at Great Falls Tavern. Volunteers must be physically able to carry out strenuous activity in sometimes adverse weather conditions. Call Emily Hewitt at 301-714-2219.
The Greater Chesapeake and Potomac Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross is seeking volunteers to assist its blood collections staff at blood drives and blood donor centers. Call the American Red Cross Volunteer Office at 1-800-272-0094, ext. 1, or e-mail karlofft@usa.redcross.org for more.