November 2010 Update
HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT HEALTH CARE? Congressman Chris van Hollen will host the eighth annual Federal Employees Health Benefits Forum, Thursday, November 18, 7:00-9:00 PM in the Executive Auditorium, Executive Office Building, 101 Monroe Street, Rockville. Experts on federal health insurance plans and representatives of health insurance carriers will discuss various health plan options and the impact of new health care reforms and answer individual questions. This forum, though focused on plans for Federal employees, provides excellent information for all residents of Montgomery County.
WANT TO BUILD YOUR FAMILY THROUGH ADOPTION? Matt Jillings, a West Bradley resident, is the new President of Families for Private Adoption, a non-profit providing support and education for those interested in adoption. Matt will help run the next workshop on Saturday, November 13, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, at the Grace Episcopal School, 9411 Connecticut Avenue in Kensington. We note this event because so many in our community have either built their family through adoption or expressed interest in doing so. For more information on this event and to pre-register, go to the website www.ffpa.org.
NEED ADVICE ON LOCAL SERVICES? Ken Hartman, Director of the Bethesda Chevy-Chase Regional Services Center, is available for “coffee and conversation†the second Friday of every month, 9:30 AM – 12:00 Noon. Next Open House: Friday, November 12. Location: Regional Services Center, 4805 Edgemoor Lane, downtown Bethesda. Ken is the go-to guy for just about any question you might have about programs and services in Montgomery County. For more information, call: 240-777-8200.
WANT TO JOIN COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB? Josefina Bonangelino, new member of the West Bradley Board, has offered to launch a book club for interested residents. She is thinking of starting it in early 2011. Her proposal: meet once a month in different homes and discuss previously agreed book. Her suggestion for the kick-off session: a novel by Mario Vargas Llosa, who won the Nobel Prize for Literature this year. Do contact Josefina if you’re interested in joining! Her email is: mbonangelino@yahoo.com.
ANY NEW AUTHORS? Several residents responded to our call for writers in the community. Among them is Barbara Mujica, who tells us that she is the author of over a hundred books and articles. Among the most recent: Frida: A Novel, about the life of Frida Kahlo (New York: Overlook, 2001, paperback: New York: Plume, 2002) and Sister Teresa, based on the life of Teresa of Avila (New York: Overlook, 2007. Paperback: New York: Penguin, 2008). Jane Ross has just written her sixth full-length historical play and first children’s play (The Redcoats Are Coming!). Look for this production at Imagination Stage in Bethesda next Spring! Do let us know about other writers in our midst! And, to that, we’d add request for local artists to let us know who you are and what kind of creative work you do. Since there is so much talent in our community, several neighbors have expressed interest in organizing a writers/artists event next Spring. Let us know what you think!
