Neighborhood News - August 4, 2011

[Howard Hartman]

Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center Bethesda - Chevy Chase - North Bethesda - Potomac - Rockville Neighborhood News  August 4, 2011  In this issue Ribbon cut on new Bethesda Circulator Letter from the Director In the mail... Quick links  Organizations   Citizens Advisory Board    Bethesda Urban Partnership   Bethesda Green   Glen Echo Park  Greater B-CC Chamber of Commerce Potomac Chamber of Commerce Rockville Chamber of Commerce Services    Crime reports Meeting room rentals   Volunteer opportunities   Call 311, get it done Ken Hartman is working on: Preparations for the October closure of Bethesda Lot 31 and Woodmont, s. of Bethesda Ave. Developing a business directory for White Flint. An MOU with Rockville for motor vehicle enforcement on Darnestown Rd. Recruiting volunteers to support the board, White Flint, and special events.   Did you know - Many communities send the Regional Services Centers copies of their newsletters? Ribbon cut on new Bethesda Circulator      On Tuesday, County Executive Leggett (pictured with B-CC Chamber Chair Leslie Ford Weber, BUP Chair Christopher Bruch, RSC Director Ken Hartman, and BUP Executive Director David Dabney) cut the ribbon on Bethesda's new Circulator fleet. Letter from the Director   Dear Neighbor:   The budget picture has caused many of us to re-think our priorities.  Accordingly, the B-CC Regional Services Center, founded in the 1980s to improve local problem solving and communications, has eliminated many direct services while preserving our core mission. While there challenges remain the Center is poised to make progress on behalf of residents in our area with the help of volunteers, board members, and partners.    Much of this is due to new energy brought to the Center by volunteers who are pitching in to help make a difference: Lynn Barclay is editing Neighborhood News; Randy Blaustein has been a consultant on better utilization of social media as a means of communication; thanks to Nicole Glassman, I can now see my desk; Peter Vaslow is helping to sketch out a new initiative to help civic associations better manage conflict; and Kayvan Vakili has helped me with everything from the advisory board annual report to analysis on the proposed curfew.       The Regional Services Center will come alive this Fall with new programs and partnerships.  Oasis is expanding classes and programs; Suburban Hospital is building upon the success of its community health and wellness offerings; and the Conflict Resolution Center of Montgomery County will relocate their offices and programs here.     The citizens advisory board has added six new faces - all very talented with deep ties in the community. Through a streamlined committees, the board hopes to efficiently tackle emerging issues and accurately represent diverse community views to County leaders.     Finally, a talented group of business and civic leaders are working with me and former center director Gail Nachman to create the County's next downtown district in White Flint.   Stay turned for more information about these and other activities in coming editions of Neighborhood News.  As always - your opinions, feedback, and readership is deeply appreciated.     Sincerely,   Ken Hartman, Director   In the mail...   Falls Chapel Way to be resurfaced.   The Puppet Co. 2011-2012 season.    Glen Echo Park Fall programs guide. (online registration begins August 8)   Yellow Barn Studio Fall newsletter. Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center Serving the communities of Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Garrett Park, Glen Echo, North Bethesda, Potomac, Rockville, and White Flint www.montgomerycountymd.gov/bcc bethesda.citizen@montgomerycountymd.gov

Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center | 4805 Edgemoor Lane | Bethesda | MD | 20814