To have an item listed mail to 10220 River Road, Suite 303, Potomac, MD 20854, e-mail to almanac@connectionnewspapers.com, or fax to 703-917-0991. Deadline is Thursday at noon for the following week’s paper. Photos and artwork encouraged. Unless otherwise noted, all events are in Potomac. If you have any questions, call Matthew Razak at 703-917-6457.
The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad seeks men and women age 16 years and older to become volunteer emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and firefighters. Applicants need no prior experience and receive free professional training, as well as annual physicals. Volunteers are required to stand duty one night a week at the station, 5020 Battery Lane, Bethesda. Call 301-657-5557 or visit www.bccrs.org.
The Montgomery County Volunteer Center is seeking nominations from the community for two annual awards that recognize outstanding county residents. Visit http://montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/News/press/PR_details.asp?PrID=3131.
The Naomi Project, a free, confidential, interfaith program sponsored by the Virginia Council of Churches, needs volunteers who will be trained to serve as mentors to disadvantaged pregnant women and new mothers.
Mentors are matched with a client in a one-on-one relationship. They provide positive reinforcement and encouragement, help clients learn about good health during pregnancy and for the newborn, locate needed services and equipment, model sound parenting skills, and support their clients as they plan for healthy, stable futures.
The next training session for volunteers is Saturday, March 10, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Falls Church Presbyterian Church, 225 E. Broad St., Falls Church. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.
Contact Pilar Jones at 703 860-2633 or naomiproject@hotmail.com, or visit www.naomiproject.org.
The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad seeks men and women age 16 years and older to become volunteer emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and firefighters. Applicants need no prior experience and receive free training at the Montgomery County Public Safety Training Academy, as well as annual physicals. Volunteers are required to stand duty one night a week at the station, 5020 Battery Lane, Bethesda. Call 301-657-5557 or visit www.bccrs.org.
Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) Montgomery County is looking for proactive citizens who are interested in becoming Community Safety Advocates and front-line assistants during large emergencies. Participants will attend 7 classes over a 3-week period, meeting two nights a week with one all day Saturday or Sunday practical and test day. Visit http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/firtmpl.asp?url=/content/firerescue/sion/cert/index.asp#cpdates
The Abused Persons Program of Montgomery County’s Department of Health and Human Services is recruiting volunteers to assist victims of domestic violence who seek legal protection. Volunteers attend mandatory training sessions to learn about the court system and domestic violence laws. There is a special need for bilingual individuals. Volunteers are needed to fulfill any of the following duties including, but not limited to, staff an office in Rockville District Court and accompany clients to civil and criminal court proceedings. To apply, or for more information, call the Abused Persons Program at 240-777-4210.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Mid-Atlantic, a non-profit organization that fulfills the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions, is seeking wish-granting volunteers and has a critical need for bilingual (Spanish-English) volunteers. The Foundation has had an increase in the number of Spanish-speaking children who are eligible for a wish and needs bilingual volunteers to help make these children's wishes come true. Bilingual volunteers are specifically needed to serve as wish granters, interview interpreters and document translators. The time commitment is ongoing but flexible. For more information, contact the Make-A-Wish Foundation at 301-962-9474.
Montgomery County Victim Assistance and Sexual Assault Program is recruiting volunteers to staff offices in Rockville and Silver Spring District Courts and to work with crime victims seeking legal remedies for protection. Volunteers needed between 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. weekdays. Applicants must be at least 21 years, should be supportive, assertive and flexible, and are asked to serve at least eight hours a month for one year. To apply or receive information 240-777-1355.
The Volunteer Mentoring Project for the Montgomery County Housing Opportunities Commission Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS) is seeking volunteer mentors. Mentors give four hours a month to help low-income adult housing residents achieve their goals towards economic self-sufficiency. Mentors play an important role in guiding and motivating residents as they work toward developing job skills through education and job training. Mentors need to be at least 25-years-old and able to make a commitment to the program for at least one year. Program staff provide mentor training and ongoing supervision. Call 301-929-5660, if interested in other volunteer opportunities in the Montgomery County area, contact the Montgomery County Volunteer Center at 240-777-2600.
SPARK, Single Parents Raising Kids, is a non-profit, all volunteer organization designed to support single parent families through social, family, and educational activities. Any parent who is single, separated, divorced, widowed, or never married and has at least one child under the age of 18 is eligible to join. There is no time commitment required. Members can choose the month of the activities that suit their interests and schedules. Dues are $25 per year. Prospective members can join after attending a one-hour session — children are welcome. Call 301-598-6395 or visit www.sparkinc.org.
Services for the Visually Impaired (SVI) is looking for volunteers to work either in its Silver Spring office or in the community at large, to provide assistance to blind and visually impaired adults in Suburban Maryland, Northern Virginia and the District of Columbia. SVI volunteer opportunities range from reading, shopping or visiting to demonstrating adaptive products and providing clerical support to SVI staff.
Volunteers are matched with someone who needs what they enjoy doing — reading, shopping, walking, etc. Volunteers who work in the SVI office use their existing knowledge and skills while learning how to help a customer select the right magnifier, talking watch or other adaptive product. SVI provides a two-hour basic volunteer orientation. Volunteers who work in the White Cane Center receive additional training. The volunteer's time commitment also varies depending on the nature of the service the volunteer provides and the needs of the person with whom they are matched. Visit www.servicesvi.org/getinvolved or call Gail Snider at 301-589-0894 Ext. 23, or email gsnider@servicesvi.org.
The Jewish Social Service Agency (JSSA) in Rockville is seeking adult volunteers for its "Transitions" program; a volunteer service designed to provide support to patients and their families living with serious illness. The specially trained "Transitions" volunteers will visit with patients and their families, providing friendship, helping with errands, chores and food preparation, providing transportation, and offering short-term respite care. The program is nonsectarian. For more information about training and responsibilities, contact the "Transitions" coordinator, Amy Goott at 301-816-2681.
Young people who would like to make a difference in the lives of a homeless child are invited to join the County’s Youth Advisory Committee’s “Big Buddy, Little Buddy” program.
Mentors must attend Montgomery County public or private high schools, provide their own transportation and commit to three hours a week for six months. One sessions is planned — January through June — and will be held at the Greentree Shelter in Bethesda.
Mentors will assist their “buddies” with homework and arts and crafts projects, plus play games and sports activities with them. Group activities are planned once a month off the premises. Students will qualify for student service learning credits.
The mentoring program is sponsored by the Montgomery County Youth Advisory Committee, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Recreation.
Call Stephanie White at 240-777-6985.
Affiliated Sante Group is interviewing seniors who are interested in becoming peer counselors. Peer counselors provide counseling support to homebound seniors on weekday mornings and afternoons. Participants will be required to attend a three-day training, conducted by a mental health professional. There is no charge for the training. Participants must also agree to serve as volunteer counselors for one year after they complete the training. This commitment includes one-on-one sessions with clients, session documentation, and biweekly supervision, held on the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 1-3 p.m.
Sante Senior Services is a multifaceted county-wide initiative to provide services to seniors with unmet mental health needs. Contact Donna Chavers, director of senior services, at 301-589-2303.
The Abused Persons Program of Montgomery County’s Department of Health and Human Services is recruiting volunteers to assist victims of domestic violence who seek legal protection. Volunteers attend mandatory training sessions to learn about the court system and domestic violence laws. There is a special need for bilingual individuals.
Volunteers are needed to fulfill any of the following duties:
* Staff an office in Rockville or Silver Spring District Court;
* Accompany clients to civil and criminal court proceedings, offering support and information throughout the process of obtaining legal protection;
* Staff an office evenings and weekends at the Commissioners in Rockville and Silver Spring to assist victims while the courts are closed;
* Answer hotline calls during work hours.
To apply or for more information, call the Abused Persons Program at 240-777-4210.
JSSA is seeking adult volunteers for two programs that help provide an enhanced quality of life to individuals with life-threatening or terminal illness and their families.
JSSA's hospice program provides supportive care for terminally ill individuals and their families; the Transitions program provides similar volunteer services to patients and their families living with life-limiting illness and the effects of treatment.
JSSA offers highly specialized training for prospective volunteers in both programs. The next training session, which begins in January, will include information about death and dying, active listening, spiritual needs of the patient and family, and more. Volunteers are assigned one patient at a time, providing continuity of care until death. Volunteers may also attend monthly meetings for support and additional training. Transitions and hospice volunteers visit with patients and their families in their homes and in residential facilities, providing emotional, spiritual and social support; practical assistance; and comfort and companionship. The programs are nonsectarian. For more information about training and responsibilities, contact Amy Kaufman Goott, transitions and hospice volunteer coordinator, at 301-816-2650.
Many opportunities for volunteers who would like to either work at Bethesda Big Train baseball games or help out with mailings in the Big Train office. At the games, jobs are available for adults and children age 8 and older. The jobs include playing Homer the Mascot, Homer's son Bunt (another mascot), selling tickets, ushering, announcing, official scoring, retrieving foul balls, serving as a bat-kid and more. Positions open for singing the National Anthem as well. Visit the Big Train Web site at www.bigtrain.org and click on “Become a Volunteer.” For further information, send an e-mail to volunteer@bigtrain.org.
JSSA, a nonsectarian social service agency serving the greater Washington area, is seeking volunteers to deliver Kosher Meals on Wheels to frail, homebound elders. Each JSSA volunteer picks up the meals at the Hebrew Academy in Rockville in the morning, and delivers them to elders in Montgomery County and Northwest Washington. Kosher Meals on Wheels is a great activity for individuals and with local groups such as Sisterhoods, Menís Clubs, PTAs, play groups, neighborhoods and organizational chapters. Groups can get involved by taking on a weekly route, and rotating driving amongst members. There is no minimum time commitment for volunteer drivers and mileage expense reimbursement is available. For further information or to volunteer, call Diane Hays-Earp at JSSA, 301-816-2639 or visit www.jssa.org.
Fundraiser to let children from Washington's poorest neighborhoods in some great seats behind the Nationals' dugout. Each ticket in Section 218 costs $45. Because the children and their coaches don't have much extra cash, $10 in cash are put in the envelope for a child to help with transportation, food, and drink. A contribution of $55 will send a young Dreamer to RFK for a game. $110 sends a child with his or her coach. For $440 send 6 Dreamers, their coach and their teacher to a game. For $1,320, send an entire Fields of Dreams elementary school team to RFK. Make your check payable to "Fields of Dreams/A Greater Washington" and mail it to: Bruce Adams, 7211 Exeter Road, Bethesda, MD 20814.
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is partnering with other local agencies to match children who are involved in the court system with mentors who can provide support, guidance, and friendship to help these children improve their school performance. The program is looking for mentors from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Male and female volunteers are welcome, and bilingual mentors are especially needed. Mentors must be willing to make a one-year commitment and be willing to meet regularly with their students. Contact Ottoniel Perez at 301-585-2120, ext. 2574, or at 202-438-5051.
The Greater Chesapeake and Potomac (GC & P) Region of the American Red Cross asks all eligible whole blood donors to “Be the One We Count On” by calling 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to schedule a donation appointment right away. Blood supply levels are at a critical low. The Greater Chesapeake and Potomac Region of the American Red Cross is offering all blood program participants an exclusive “Be the One We Count On” t-shirt, as well as a chance to win $100 worth of free gas in a weekly drawing. Information about Regional Blood Donor Centers or community blood drive locations and times can be found at www.my-redcross.org.
JSSA (Jewish Social Service Agency) offers a volunteer training opportunity for adults interested in giving their compassion and time to two programs. Training will be during September and October on Wednesdays from 6-9 p.m. at JSSA, 6123 Montrose Road, Rockville. Call Amy Goott 301-816-2650 or e-mail agoott@jssa.org:
* JSSA's In-Home Hospice program offers professional care and volunteer support to terminally ill individuals and their families. Volunteers are trained to visit individuals living with life threatening-illnesses at home or in community facilities. They provide companionship, emotional support, help with errands and shopping, and respite for caregivers.
* JSSA’s Transitions program is a free, nonsectarian, nationally recognized program that links volunteers with people living with serious illness and their families. Volunteers help the patient and family cope with the emotional and logistical challenges of living with and combating their illness.
People interested in helping children who face challenges and difficulties from being involved with the County’s Juvenile Court System can become volunteer mentors with a new program designed to provide assistance and support for those in need. The children participating in the program are in the Child Welfare system due to abuse or neglect or are involved with the Department of Juvenile Services because they have committed delinquent acts. Volunteer mentors must commit to meet regularly with their mentees for a period of one year. Mentors with varied backgrounds are welcome and there is a special need for persons who are bilingual. Contact the program coordinator Ottoniel Perez at 301-585-2120 ext. 2574, 202-438-5051 or e-mail operez@ymcawashdc.org.
Counseling & Career Center is looking for volunteers to help in the lives of women. Opportunities include information and referrel specialists, general office assistants, internships and externships in couseling and more. Call Alyssa Philipp at 240-777-8300 or e-mail alyssa.philipp@montgomerycountymd.gov. Located at 401 N. Washington St., Suite 100, Rockville.
The Montgomery County Division of Consumer Affairs (DCA) is seeking volunteers who speak Spanish to assist with investigating and resolving consumer complaints. Volunteers will review complaints, draft letters, and contact merchants and consumers in an effort to resolve disputes. Volunteers must have good writing, analytical and listening skills and basic computer operations knowledge. They must also be able to quickly learn and apply laws enforced by DCA. DCA offices are located at 100 Maryland Avenue, Rockville. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Volunteers are needed during any of these hours. To apply to volunteer or for further information, call Nellie Miller at 240-777-3727. For more about DCA, call 240-777-3636 or visit the Web site at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/consumer.
Angels of Mercy Program is asking Scout's, school and church groups to collect new or used CD’s and DVD’s for its program supporting wounded military personnel at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and at hospitals in Iraq. Call Marian at 703-938-8930 or visit the Web site: McLeanPost270.org/oifoef.
Ana's Ark Doggie Depot in Rockville is holding its Third Annual Dog Food Drive to benefit Montgomery County Humane Society. Ana's Ark Doggie Depot, a dog daycare, boarding, training, grooming and retail store, has designated an area in its reception area as a drop off point for pet food donations. In the past Ana's Ark has collected well more than 500 pounds of food to benefit the dogs at the shelter.
Anyone who would like to drop off a food donation to benefit the shelter animals may do so at Ana's Ark Doggie Depot, 7300-1 Westmore Road, Rockville, Mondays to Fridays 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
JSSA, a nonsectarian social service agency serving the greater Washington, D.C., area, needs volunteers to shop for and visit with frail elders who live in their own homes. Each volunteer shopper in this program will receive a list, by phone or in person, from the older adult, purchase the items and then deliver the groceries. In order to meet the client's needs, this service is generously provided on a weekly basis. JSSA volunteer visitors are paired with a frail elders, and meet with the elder at least every other week for about one hour. The frail, homebound elders live in Montgomery County and Northwest, Washington, D.C. Volunteers will be matched with elders as geographically close as possible. Volunteers must have their own transportation. For further information or to volunteer, call Diane Hays-Earp, 301-816-2639.
The Jewish Social Service Agency's Resettlement program needs volunteers to teach English to new immigrants from the former Soviet Union. The ability to understand and speak English is required to pass the U.S. naturalization test and achieve citizenship; it is also critical to the immigrants' ability to find jobs that lead to economic self-sufficiency. Free training and materials are provided to all volunteers who also receive ongoing support from JSSA staff. For further information or to register for training, contact Nina Sznurman at JSSA, 301-770-5120.
Volunteers are being recruited to help clients of Montgomery County's Victim Assistance and Sexual Assault Program providing 24-hour crisis counseling and companion services to victims of rape and sexual assault at Montgomery County hospitals and police stations. Persons interested in serving are currently being interviewed for fall 2006 training program which will be held — at a date to be determined — in September. Volunteers must reside in Montgomery County, have a valid driver's license and immediate access to transportation, and make a 12-month commitment. Contact the Montgomery County Victim Assistance and Sexual Assault Program at 240-777-1355 or visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/vasap.
Volunteers are being recruited to help clients of Montgomery County's Victim Assistance and Sexual Assault Program. This program provides 24-hour crisis counseling and companion services to victims of rape and sexual assault at Montgomery County hospitals and police stations. Volunteers must be residents of Montgomery County, have a valid driver's license and immediate access to transportation, and make a 12-month commitment. Contact the Montgomery County Victim Assistance and Sexual Assault Program at 240-777-1355 1355 or www.montgomerycountymd.gov/vasap.
Odyssey HealthCare, a national hospice provider, is seeking volunteers, men and women who are dedicated to creating a safe haven for all who are affected by the end of life’s journey. Hospice volunteers need no special skills and will receive specialized training in the care of and communication with the terminally ill and their families. Volunteers needed for about an hour each week, to provide companionship, such as reading, talking, writing letters for the patient, holding hands or watching television. Other tasks might be to run errands, perform light housework or prepare a simple meal. Volunteers can also do clerical work in the office or service on the Bereavement Team. The most important thing a hospice volunteer does is donate his or her time. Call 703-821-9200 and speak to Carol, the volunteer coordinator.
The resettlement program at JSSA (The Jewish Social Service Agency), a nonsectarian social service agency serving the greater Washington, DC area, is seeking volunteers to teach English to new immigrants from the former Soviet Union. The ability to understand and speak English is required to pass the U.S. naturalization test and achieve citizenship; it is also critical to the mmigrants ability to find jobs that lead to economic self-sufficiency.
Free training and materials are provided to all volunteers, who also receive ongoing support from JSSA staff. Contact Nina Sznurman at JSSA, 301-770-5120.
Montgomery County residents are needed to serve as volunteers with the Victim Assistance and Sexual Assault Program (VASAP) of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services. Volunteers are needed to work in the Rockville and Silver Spring District Court locations and will be trained to work with crime victims seeking legal remedies for protection. Volunteers must be at least 21 years old and should be available to work Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Candidates should be supportive, assertive, and flexible with good language skills. Call 240-777-1355 or visit www.montgomerycountmd.gov/vasap.
The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad seeks men and women age 16 years and older to become volunteer Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedics, Firefighters, and Administrative Members. Applicants need no prior experience and receive free, professional training, as well as annual physicals. Volunteers are required to stand duty one night a week at the station, 5020 Battery Lane, Bethesda. Call 301-657-5557 or visit www.bccrs.org.
The Heritage Theatre Company, (a year 'round theatre company) will be presenting the Maryland/Washington, D.C. Premiere stage adaptation of "THE KILLER ANGELS." They need and are currently actively recruiting volunteers in the areas of: Lighting and Sound crew, Stage and Run crew, Assistant Stage Managers, Ticket/Gate Sales, House Management assistants, Publicity. The company also reports that it needs a Light Board Operator for the run of the production, for which it will pay a small stipend. Prospective Volunteers (and Light Board Operators) are urged to phone the company immediately at 301-770-9080
The Weekend/Evening (W/E) Volunteer and Weekend/Evening Kids Action Network (W/E KAN) Volunteer Program, in conjunction with Calvert, provides weekend and evening volunteer projects for those who would like to participate in one-time, group community service activities on weekends, evenings, and holidays. Visit http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgtmpl.asp?url=/content/volunteer/WE_volunteerNews.asp.
The public is invited to bring donation of nonperishable food for Manna Food Center to: Fitness Express in Cabin John Mall (upstairs from McDonald's), 11325 Seven Locks Road, Suite 221, Potomac. Hours are Monday thru Thursday, 7 a.m. - 1 p.m., 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.; Friday, 7 a.m. - 1 p.m., 4-7 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.; Sunday, 9-11 a.m. Visit www.mannafood.org.
Volunteers Needed to Work with Crime Victims - Montgomery County residents interested in assisting sexual assault victims and their families are needed to serve as volunteers with the Victim Assistance and Sexual Assault Program of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services. Volunteers are needed to work in the Rockville and Silver Spring District Court locations and to work with crime victims seeking legal remedies for protection. There is a critical need for Spanish-speaking volunteers at the Silver Spring District Court and volunteers able to work Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1 to 4:30 p.m.
All potential volunteers must attend a training program, which covers crisis intervention skills and the specialized knowledge of the emotional, medical and legal issues that victims face.
Call the Montgomery County Victim Assistance and Sexual Assault Program at 240-777-1355 or go to www.montgomerycountymd.gov/vasap and click on the link for volunteering/donating.
The Grass Roots Organization for the Well-being of Seniors (GROWS), in partnership with the Montgomery County Housing Opportunities Commission (MCHOC), this week opened the 2006 "Scarves for Seniors" drive. GROWS is asking individuals and organizations to give the gift of warmth by donating new, gift-wrapped and labeled winter wear items such as gloves, hat, scarves, mittens, slippers, socks or lap blankets. The Rockville Senior Center at 1150 Carnation Avenue in Rockville is one of the drop-off locations. The Senior Center can be reached at 240-314-8800.