To submit an item for the Civic Calendar, e-mail almanac@connectionnewspapers.com or fax the submission to 703-917-0991. Deadline is Thursday at noon two weeks prior to the event. For questions, call Matthew Razak at 703-917-6476.
<cal1>Wednesday/Sept. 5
<cal2>Brown-bag Daytimers Forum at noon at Congregation Har Shalom, 11510 Falls Road, Potomac. Guest speaker Nadine Epstein, editor and executive publisher of "Moment" magazine, will discuss "Independent Jewish Journalism: Its Role and Challenges." Call 301-299-7087. Free.
The Montgomery County Commission on People with Disabilities (CPWD)is in the process of developing its FY 09 Operating Budget Priorities that will be presented to County Executive Ike Leggett and Council President Marilyn Praisner this fall. The Commission invites the public to share their input on funding for programs and services that impact the lives of people with disabilities. The Commission meeting will be held in the Executive Office Building at 101 Monroe Street, Rockville, lobby level auditorium from 6:30-8 p.m. Call Carly Clem at 240-777-1246 Voice or 240-777-1236 or via email at carly.clem@montgomerycountymd.gov.
<cal1>Thursday/Sept. 6
<cal2>Community Forum on recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities at the Bauer Drive Community Center, 14625 Bauer Drive, Rockville, 7-8:30 p.m. Current recreation programs and services along with future trends, interests, and needs will be discussed in an open format. If you would like an opportunity to express your thoughts and ideas about services and possible future programming call 240-777-4925.
Chronic Pain Support Group, 1:30-3 p.m., Davis Library, 6400 Democracy Blvd.,Bethesda, sponsored by Pain Connection for anyone with chronic pain, their family and friends. Participants are welcome to bring pillows, mats, ice or hot packs to be comfortable. Call 301-309-2444 or see www.pain-connection.org.
<cal1>Tuesday/Sept. 7
<cal2>The Department of Parks is hosting its 2nd annual Fall Women's Outdoor Retreat at Rockwood Manor in Potomac, Sept. 7-9. During the weekend, the ladies will have chances to rock climb at Carderock, kayak on the C & O Canal, hike along the Billy Goat Trail and much more. The cost is $225 for dormitories and $275. Visit www.wehavethewhere.com.
<cal1>Monday/Sept. 10
<cal2>Adoption Workshop. International and domestic adoption information at The Barker Foundation, 7979 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, 1st floor. 6:30-9 p.m. Ages 21 and up. Free. Call 301-664-9664.
<cal1>Saturday/Sept. 15
<cal2>Housing Fair. The Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA) and a host of community partners will present the County’s Seventh Annual Housing Fair from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park located at Summit Hall Farm, 506 S. Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg. Visit http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/News/press/PR_details.asp?PrID=3834.
<cal1>Sunday/Sept. 16
<cal2>Suviving and Healing. When death occurs suddenly survivors are often caught off guard with no time to prepare. The Washington Regional Transplant Consortium invites the public to attend a Learning and Sharing Gathering with Elizabeth Turner Haase,Ph.D. 2-4 p.m., at Holy Cross Hospital, Center for Professional Community Education, 1500 Forest Glen Road, Silver Sprin. R.S.V.P. to Maureen Balderston: Maureen@wrtc.org or Lisa A. Colaianni: Lisa@wrtc.org. Call 703-641-0100.
<cal1>Monday/Sept. 17
<cal2>Effects of Global Warming on Chesapeake Bay Region Explored at Next "Save the Planet Series." The award-winning documentary "We Are All Smith Islanders" will highlight the next program in the Save the Planet series to be held at the Rockville Library from 7-9 p.m. Visit http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/News/press/PR_details.asp?PrID=3815.
ADHD Workplace Support/Discussion Group, 7:30-9:30 p.m. at LaMadeleine café, 11858 Rockville Pike, intersection of Montrose Road and Rockville Pike. A group, sponsored by CHADD of Montgomery County, the group provides adults opportunity to discuss work-related concerns and information dealing with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in the workplace. Free and open to the public. Call 301-251-8722.
Park Police Assessment. Beginning at 7 p.m. that evening, the assessors will hold a public hearing and individual speakers will be invited to comment for five minutes maximum in the Training Room of Park Police Headquarters at 12751 Layhill Road, Silver Spring on the Park Police and their work. Anyone interested is invited to attend.
<cal1>Tuesday/Sept. 18
<cal2>How to Love the Library Web site. Join the Bethesda Library, 7400 Arlington Blvd., Bethesda, for a library web site overview, 9 a.m. They can help with questions about finding a book, reserving materials, using the online databases, and much, much more. Call 240-777-0970.
<cal1>Wednesday/Sept. 19
<cal2>Choosing, Making and Keeping Friends. The beginning of the school year is a great time to talk to your kids about friends. Parents will learn how to help their child assess social situations, strategize ways to have more positive interactions, recognize and read social cues, and feel better about him or herself. Donations appreciated. 7-9 p.m. Free. At the Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Dr., Potomac.
<cal1>Thursday/Sept. 20
<cal2>The Montgomery County Board of Education invites parents, staff, students, and other community members to give their input on important issues affecting Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) at a community forum at Quince Orchard High School, 15800 Quince Orchard Road, North Potomac, 7-9:30 p.m. To sign up to speak at a forum, call the Board of Education office at 301-279-3617. Participants will have an opportunity to share their thoughts about aspects of MCPS that are working well and those areas needing improvement.