Help protect yourself and your employees from serious diseases including flu, COVID-19, RSV, and pneumonia Like eating healthy and exercising regularly, getting vaccinated is an important part of staying healthy and preventing serious complications from preventable diseases. This is especially true during the fall and winter when respiratory diseases become more common as people spend time indoors for school, work, and holiday gatherings. In the US, illnesses like influenza (flu), COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and pneumonia affect many people each year and also impact employers and businesses. Flu alone costs an estimated $11.2 billion in direct and indirect costs in the US annually. Despite how serious these diseases can be, a recent survey by the Bethesda-based National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID), found that less than 1 in 5 US adults expressed concern about themselves or someone in their family getting a respiratory infection this fall and winter. For the current season, nearly half (45%) indicated that they do not plan to or are unsure if they will get vaccinated against flu, and the majority (61%) do not plan to or are unsure if they will get an updated COVID-19 vaccine. This is a concerning trend, since getting vaccinated can help you stay healthy, avoid missing work or school, and help prevent you from spreading a potentially serious disease to friends, family, or co-workers who may be at greater risk. Those at higher risk include pregnant women, young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions like diabetes, asthma, or heart disease. Vaccines can help make symptoms milder, reduce the amount of sick time, and help prevent the need for medical care or hospitalization. NFID has developed a checklist to help make sure that you and your employees are up to date on recommended respiratory vaccines: Flu (Everyone age 6 months and older) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone age 6 months and older get a flu vaccine every year. Flu is not just a common cold. While the numbers vary, each year in the US, millions of people get sick, hundreds of thousands are hospitalized, and tens of thousands die from flu-related complications. COVID-19 (Everyone age 6 months and older) CDC recommends that everyone age 6 months and older get an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine this season to help protect against new variants that are circulating. COVID-19 and flu vaccines can be given at the same time. Like flu vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines are safe and strongly recommended for pregnant women, older adults, and those with chronic health conditions. If you recently had COVID-19, you can delay getting an updated vaccine by about 3 months, but you should get vaccinated then. RSV (Older adults, pregnant women/infants) Although symptoms may be mild, RSV is the most common cause of pneumonia in young children and can cause hospitalization and death in older adults as well. RSV vaccination is currently recommended as a one-time dose for all adults age 75 years and older, adults age 60-74 years who have certain risk factors, and pregnant women to help protect their infants. For infants born to mothers who did not get an RSV vaccine while pregnant, a monoclonal antibody is recommended. Pneumococcal disease (Young children, older adults, those with certain medical conditions) Pneumococcal vaccines (sometimes called pneumonia vaccines) are recommended for all children younger than age 5 years, adults age 50 years and older, and people with certain chronic health conditions, including heart disease, lung disease (asthma or COPD), kidney or liver disease, diabetes, sickle cell disease, or other conditions and treatments that weaken the immune system Vaccines can help prevent the spread of disease and keep symptoms milder for those who do get sick. Employers play a key role in protecting their workforce and the community by encouraging vaccination as part of a healthy workplace culture. Learn more at www.nfid.org. Founded in 1973, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to educating and engaging the public, communities, and healthcare professionals about infectious diseases across the lifespan.
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Guest Blog by Rayetta Michael, Help in the Home We love to see others grow in every area of their lives, and we can’t wait to see you succeed too. Lessons are best learned when shared, so we are going to reveal our top 15 tips that got us to where we are today. It’s time to realize your value! 1. Servant leadership is the only way. Our organizational chart places our clients at the top, staff below clients, leadership below staff and co-founders at the bottom. We don’t see how we could do what we do with excellence any other way. 2. Hire people who are smarter than you. We are constantly patting ourselves on the back for hiring highly-skilled individuals. We learn something everyday from the amazing people who work at Help in the Home. 3. Foster collaboration instead of competition. The metro DC area can be a breeding ground for competition. We have found that we thrive better on collaboration both internally and externally. 4. Hire people with heart. Working with individuals and families struggling with complex mental illness is really hard work. You have to love it to be good at it. 5. Running a business is a marathon, not a sprint. Pacing yourself and remaining flexible in how you approach each new season of business is a lesson that takes time to learn but is key to avoiding burn out ! 6. Have a growth mindset. In order to maintain standards of excellence, you have to be willing to change and learn. That never stops and we instill this mindset with every person that joins our team. 7. Start with gratitude. We start our days focused on gratitude. We’ve found it’s the best way to stay grounded throughout the entire day and especially important on the hard days. 8. Self-care is essential. You can’t fill anyone else’s cup unless you’ve filled your own first. Take good care of yourself and it will reflect in how you show up for your clients and staff. 9. Vulnerability is strength. It is common in our society for vulnerability to be viewed as weakness. However, we’ve found that incredible strength and growth comes from exposing and sharing our vulnerabilities with others. 10. Trust, but verify. It’s important to hire people that you trust, while maintaining a system of checks and balances that holds everyone accountable. This helps with ensuring the standard of excellence we strive for. 11. Don’t manage, lead. When you hire the right people, they don’t need you to micro-manage their time. Lead by giving people the tools and support they need to be successful. 12. Diversity, equality and inclusion improves everything. Full stop. 13. Presence is a best practice. Be present. Truly showing up for yourself, with your clients and staff is where the magic happens. It takes practice! 14. Strive for excellence, not perfection. Perfection is unattainable. Know that there are opportunities lying within mistakes. Embrace the struggle and see it as a gift. 15. Infuse joy. This is at the very core of Help in the Home’s mission. Take every opportunity you can to celebrate victories, no matter how small they may seem. Even in the most difficult times. We wouldn’t be where we are today if we had worried about every little thing that was thrown our way. This is your reminder to not sweat the small stuff! You will find joy when you surround yourself with growth-minded people who are willing to have your back while stretching you to be your best. We hope you have gleaned some of the wisdom we have acquired throughout this journey to make your own path a little smoother. About Help in the Home: Help in the Home strives to be known for their passionate approach and guiding motivation to add value to the communities we’re in. They believe in the importance of creating an inclusive community that provides housing and therapeutic support for people with severe mental illness– one where warmth, care, and support are present – is priceless. Co-founders Stacy or Rayetta would love to connect with you - e-mail [email protected] to learn more about their business model and how you can work together.
Guest Blog by Lloyd Malech Divorce, whether amicable or bitter, is no easy transition for anyone. It involves significant changes and upheaval to routines, expectations, and living arrangements. Business owners' source of income is more than a paycheck – it is an important asset with many moving parts that the divorce process may directly impact. When a business owner contemplates divorce, the process can become particularly complex. Here are five critical considerations to bear in mind:
1. Preserve Key Documents A business owner is responsible for preserving key documents in the ordinary course of business. However, it is particularly urgent to maintain clear, thorough, and up-to-date records of all business operations, financials, contracts, and ownership documents in the context of a potential divorce. These documents may play a crucial role in determining business value and ownership rights during divorce proceedings. Some key documents to include are:
2. Prove Separate Property If the business was started before the marriage or inherited, it may be classified as separate property, which means the other spouse is not interested in the business. Clear documentation is crucial to prove that the business began as separate property and was not commingled with marital assets, such as shared bank accounts or using marital funds to grow the business. Creating and maintaining a paper trail to demonstrate that the business has always been kept separate from the marital property will prevent successful claims by the other spouse. 3. Notify Business Partners Divorce can significantly impact business operations, especially if the spouse has a stake in the business or if the divorce could lead to asset division that affects the company’s liquidity. It is not just good practice, but essential to notify business partners (if any) and discuss how the business will be handled. This open communication is crucial to ensure continuity and protect the company’s stability. Many business entities place a fiduciary duty on co-owners to disclose events that might cause major impact on the business operations. 4. Valuing the Business for Marital Estate If a business is not separate property, the other spouse has a right to include the value of the business in the marital estate for purposes of fair division. An accurate and fair business valuation can be conducted by business valuation experts who can assess the business’s worth, considering factors like revenue, assets, liabilities, and market conditions. The valuation is often a point of contention in divorce, and this process can help determine if the business will be sold, divided, or retained by one spouse. 5. Planning for Post-Divorce Business Structure The divorce trial or settlement may impact the business structure. If the business is shared, partners may need to renegotiate roles, buy out the other spouse, or prepare for changes in ownership and control. Planning ahead for this transition ensures the business can continue functioning smoothly. Depending on a business's type, size, and structure, when an owner contemplates divorce, it can have significant consequences. Confer with an attorney with experience in family law and an understanding of property interests to ensure that the business is as protected as possible to maintain value and minimize disruption. With over 25 years of experience, we are committed to providing excellent service to our clients. Our accolades include the 2024 Family Law American Association of Attorney Advocates recognition, being a finalist in the 2024 Best of Bethesda Readers’ Pick for Best Family Law Practitioner, and winning the same award in 2022. We’ve also been honored with the Lawyers of Distinction Award for Excellence in Divorce and Family Law for the past five consecutive years. At Malech Law, we approach every case with respect, empathy, and a dedication to excellence. Contact us today for professional legal assistance. Visit Malechlaw.com or call (202) 441-2107. Guest Blog by Julie Schumacher, sasse agency In today’s digital landscape, a strong online presence is more important than ever. As a proud member of the Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce, it’s likely you’re aware of the importance of networking. Have you considered the impact that a well-crafted blog can have on your business?
Let's Get Going… Blogging is “good for business” – it is an important part of a successful marketing strategy. Here are some reasons:
Let's Get Blogging A blog does not have to be stressful. Here are a few steps to help you begin:
Let's Get Social Have fun getting social with your blog. Each channel has its own personality, for example, LinkedIn is the boardroom discussion, Facebook is the water cooler convo and X is the newsroom… understand the best channel to reach your audience. Let's Get Optimized To ensure your blog is well-optimized, it's important to focus on both technical SEO and content strategy. On the technical side, you’ll need to implement key elements like title tags, meta descriptions, H1 headers, and Alt tags for images. Don’t forget to resubmit XML sitemap for indexing. For your content strategy, start with a primary keyword phrase and use it at least twice throughout the article. Be sure to include internal links to other relevant content on your site and add an image with alt text that includes your keyword. Let’s Get Resources There are numerous tools available to ensure your content is well-written including accurate spelling, proper grammar, and punctuation. AI can support you as a tool to explore trends and topics, research keywords, create outlines and more. Remember, when generating content, AI can lack creativity, emotion, uniqueness, and accuracy --- fact check those stats! Let's Get Connected! Learn more about being a guest blogger for The Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce. To discuss a blog or your marketing strategy, contact Julie Schumacher, founder of sasse agency Guest blog by GBCC Member Dr. Gonzalo Laje The surge in attention and acceptance of mental health issues has been helped by the courageous outspokenness of public figures like Olympians (and GOATs of their sport) Simone Biles and Michael Phelps. The Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce is a proud contributor to this change, including its third annual Health & Wellness Expo on September 5th, 4:30-7:00 PM, at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center. Understanding that physical and mental health are essential for raising awareness and encouraging treatment. Mental health and awareness are crucial in today’s fast-paced work environment. Employees who feel mentally supported are more engaged, productive, and innovative. Prioritizing mental well-being reduces absenteeism and fosters a workplace culture where individuals can thrive personally and professionally. By integrating mental health initiatives, companies can build a resilient workforce better equipped to handle challenges and contribute to long-term success. The Body-Mind Connection Our physical state can impact our mental well-being, just as our mental state can affect our physical health. This connection is evident in numerous ways: 1. Exercise and Mental Health: Regular physical activity is one of the most powerful tools for enhancing mental health. Exercise releases endorphins, often called "feel-good" hormones, which help reduce stress and anxiety while improving mood. Studies have shown that people who exercise regularly are less likely to experience depression and anxiety. 2. Nutrition and Mental Clarity: Our foods are crucial to physical and mental health. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins provides the necessary nutrients for optimal brain function. Poor nutrition, such as diets high in processed foods and sugars, can contribute to feelings of lethargy, irritability, and even depression. 3. Sleep and Emotional Stability: Quality sleep is essential for physical recovery and mental clarity. Lack of sleep can lead to cognitive impairments, mood swings, and increased stress levels. Chronic sleep deprivation has also been linked to more severe mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety disorders. 4. Chronic Illness and Mental Health: Living with a chronic physical illness can take a significant toll on mental health. Feelings of sadness, frustration, and anxiety often accompany conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or chronic pain. These emotions can, in turn, exacerbate the physical symptoms of the illness, creating a vicious cycle. Mental Health's Impact on Physical Well-being Just as physical health affects mental well-being, the reverse is also true: 1. Stress and Physical Health: Chronic stress can have serious consequences for physical health, contributing to conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, and weakened immune function. Stress often leads to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as overeating or substance abuse, which further deteriorate physical health. 2. Depression and Physical Symptoms: Depression doesn't only manifest as emotional pain; it often includes physical symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and digestive problems. These symptoms can be debilitating, making it difficult for individuals to maintain their physical health through regular exercise and proper nutrition. 3. Anxiety and the Body: Anxiety can trigger the body's "fight or flight" response, leading to increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and muscle tension. Over time, these physiological responses can contribute to chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and gastrointestinal issues. Taking a Holistic Approach Given the strong connection between physical and mental health, it's essential to take a holistic approach to well-being. Here are some strategies to support both aspects of health: Prioritize Regular Exercise: Engage in activities you enjoy, such as walking, swimming, or dancing. The goal is to move your body regularly to boost your physical and mental health. Adopt a Balanced Diet: Focus on whole foods that nourish your body and mind. Consider consulting with a nutritionist to develop a diet plan that supports your mental clarity and physical energy levels. Practice Stress-Reduction Techniques: Incorporate stress-relief practices such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga into your daily routine. These activities can help calm the mind and reduce the physical impact of stress. Seek Professional Support: If you're struggling with a chronic physical illness or mental health issue, don't hesitate to seek help from healthcare professionals. Therapists, counselors, and medical doctors can work together to create a comprehensive care plan that addresses your physical and mental health needs. Achieving a healthy work-life balance is a multifaceted effort that requires attention to exercise, diet, and stress reduction. By consciously prioritizing these aspects, professionals can lead more fulfilling lives. Washington Behavioral Medicine Associates is a proud member of the GBCC. We take the community's mental health needs seriously, and our integrated approach includes psychiatric and psychotherapeutic support. To learn more about our practice, visit our website or contact us today. The Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce, representing over 600 employers, urged the Montgomery County Council to support the MOVE Act proposed by Councilmember Glass. This vital legislation expands the MOVE Program to include grants up to $150,000 for business expansions and relocations within the County. We recommend allowing all commercial property types to qualify and extending application deadlines. This initiative is essential for economic growth, addressing high office vacancies, and fostering a thriving business environment.
We’re working together to ensure Bethesda and Montgomery County remain vibrant economic hubs. Click HERE to see our letter of support. Guest Blog by: Verelyn Gibbs Watson, GBCC Chair Elect Owner, Nothing Bundt Cakes Bethesda Did you know that August is National Black Business Month? The Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce is proud to celebrate and honor the important contributions Black-Owned Businesses make nationally, and locally within our community.
While historically, Black entrepreneurship in America can be traced back centuries to the 1700’s, the origins of the official National Black Business Month designation came about in 2004. John William Templeton and Frederick E. Jordan, two Black entrepreneurs, wanted to help empower minority business owners, who face unique challenges when it comes to starting and growing their businesses. Although throughout our nation’s history, Black entrepreneurship has continued to grow, that growth has been fraught with obstacles along the way. Ironically, systemic racism and the segregation policies of the time, actually served as catalysts for the development and growth of Black owned businesses. Black entrepreneurs realized the need to create access to goods and services they were denied in mainstream marketplaces. Alas, this success was often met with tragic outcomes such as the 1921 massacre that erased the thriving Black business district known as Black Wall Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Even the beginnings of Black American entrepreneurship were unnecessarily hampered by fear and concerns centered around Black freedom and financial independence. As an example, after enslaved people were emancipated, many grew and sold watermelon to earn a living and support their families. However, propaganda aimed at reducing demand for the fruit by creating negative connotations about Blacks and their “love” of watermelon, succeeded in creating a negative stigma about the fruit, which still exists today in some communities of color. The obstacles that Black businesses face today may not be as overt, but make no mistake that hindrances such as lack of access to capital/ higher cost of capital or dealing with bias from vendors and/or customers do come into play and have an impact. Even those that get beyond the basic hurdles, may then have to navigate the “positioning” of their business in the marketplace to avoid confusion that may arise. (Just because the business owner is Black, does not mean the business is only for Black consumers.) Anyone doubting the impact of these issues need look no further than the US Census Bureau whose data helps confirm these disparities. According to their 2021 report, even though Blacks make up approximately 14.2% of the US population – Black businesses are only 2.3% of US businesses. National Black Business Month is a time to increase our awareness of these issues, but more importantly, to use that awareness to help celebrate and promote Black-Owned businesses that are succeeding, despite the odds. So how can you help commemorate and celebrate National Black Business Month? An easy way is to start by visiting or promoting local Bethesda businesses owned by Black entrepreneurs. Here are a few Black-Owned GBCC member businesses to help you start the celebration! This is... Community Health Improvement Week, CPR & AED Awareness Week and Men's Health Month6/4/2024 Guest Blog by: Suburban Hospital For 80 years, Suburban Hospital has prioritized community building and promoted health equity. We continue to advance solutions to address unmet needs aiming to keep all individuals well, safe, and empowered to live, work, and play in Montgomery County. Health improvement is often obstructed by systematic structural barriers such as access to quality health care, economic stability, and social context. Our focus remains on developing new strategies to address emerging barriers. The month of June brings attention to a few key health topics. To kick the month off, we recognize CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Awareness Week followed by Community Health Improvement (CHI) Week. Additionally, June is Men’s Health Month. Community Health Improvement (CHI) Week CHI Week 2024 runs from June 10th through June 14th and is a time to highlight partnerships and programs that aim to improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities and advance health equity to build stronger communities. Additionally, it is an opportunity for each of us to reflect and conduct a self-evaluation to see if there are behavioral changes that we can make to improve our health. Conducting the best possible self-care allows us to support our community. Suburban Hospital is committed to community improvement and encourages you to take action to improving your personal health and support activities that improve community health as a whole. Two ways to make an impact are to participate in available training opportunities such as CPR and AED training or to attend the 20th Annual Men’s Health Symposium, both highlighted below. CPR and AED Awareness Every year, the first week of June highlights the importance of CPR and AED awareness by spotlighting how lives can be saved if more Americans are educated on CPR and use of an AED. During cardiac arrest, a person’s heart stops beating, stopping blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. Approximately 70% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the home, making every second of response time count in the person’s survival. You can play an active role in potentially saving a life by getting CPR and AED trained. Suburban Hospital is conducting Heartsaver AED/CPR certification training on June 18th. Please see details here: https://heartsaver-aed-pr.events.suburbanhospital.org/. For a comprehensive list of all available Heartsaver courses offered by the American Heart Association, please click here: https://cpr.heart.org/en/cpr-courses-and-kits/heartsaver. Your emergency preparedness will make a lasting impact on our community. Men’s Health Month In comparison to women, men in the U.S. are less likely to use preventive health services. As a result, they experience multiple health disparities such as poorer cardiovascular health, higher incidence of cancer, and lower life-expectancy by six years (Wippold et al., 2024). However, there are ways that men can take an active role in safeguarding their personal health and lower the risk of chronic disease. A first step is to build a strong relationship with your physician. This can be accomplished by keeping all medical appointments, addressing key concerns, being honest, maintaining open communication, and adhering to your physician’s instructions. Another step to achieve this goal is through health screenings. Both blood pressure and skin cancer screenings are available in Montgomery County to the public for free. Additionally, you are encouraged to attend public health forums such as the 20th Annual Men’s Health Symposium “Empowering Your Cardiovascular Health” occurring virtually on June 11th from 1-2 p.m. This event is a candid and open discussion on the importance of taking care of one’s heart and health with guest speakers Anthony Keller, MD, a cardiologist from Johns Hopkins Heart Care, and Jonah Czerwinski, a heart attack survivor. References
Wippold, G. M., Abshire, D. A., Garcia, K. A., Crichlow, Z., Frary, S. G., Murphy, E. R., Frank, L., Johnson, L., & Woods, T. (2024). Lessons learned from a Community-Based Men’s Health Fair. Journal of Primary Care & Community Health, 15. https://doi.org/10.1177/21501319231222766 May is Mental Health Awareness month, and Mental Wellness will be the theme of GBCC's 2024 Health & Wellness Expo. In the blog below, Expo Co-Chair and Help in the Home Co-Founder Rayetta Michael shares her insights on anosognosia and severe mental illness. Guest Blog by: Rayetta Michael, Help in the Home From the outside looking in, it’s easy to misinterpret the struggles and seeming unwillingness of someone with severe mental illness (SMI) to seek or accept help. In this month’s blog, we’re discussing a condition called “anosognosia” which prevents individuals with SMI from understanding their own diagnosis. Help in the Home has walked alongside family members in these situations through our Family Consultation services and our founders have advocated for Assisted Outpatient Treatment bills (AOT), to help those with SMI and anosognosia be able to access treatment. WHAT EXACTLY IS ANOSOGNOSIA? Anosognosia is a “lack of insight” which removes the ability for an individual to comprehend and understand their own diagnosis. It is commonplace for people with schizophrenia and/or bipolar disorder to be incapable of acknowledging their own SMI diagnosis because of the SMI itself. According to the Treatment Advocacy Center, approximately half of those with schizophrenia and 40% of those with bipolar disorder have symptoms of anosognosia. This condition inhibits some from consciously realizing they have been diagnosed with a mental illness and it is the main reason why many people diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder refuse medications and other treatments. It is common to see this occur with Alzheimer’s disease and even stroke victims. The good news is that when individuals with SMI start taking medication, insight into their illness can improve. The challenge is helping them access treatment. That is where our passion to advocate for AOT laws comes into play. CONSEQUENCES OF CURRENT LAWS Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT), which is a civil court order for outpatient treatment, was created to help individuals with SMI and anosognosia access treatment. All but three states have laws like this in place to protect those with SMI, but unfortunately Maryland is not one of those states. Many of the laws that protect human rights can also prevent those with SMI from accessing treatment. When dealing with anosognosia, there’s an inability for the person to see the need for help and therefore, be able to make rational decisions to ensure their health and safety. AOT protects the rights of a human being whose brain has been hijacked by their mental illness. When someone with anosognosia doesn’t have laws protecting them, then the mental illness is in charge. This can make providing services extremely difficult, and often impossible. While we do not provide involuntary services at Help in the Home, we do provide support to family members through our Family Consultation services. Family members find comfort and strength through working with our Family Specialists to confirm they’re doing all they can do and that they aren’t in it alone. INTERNAL ADVOCACY POLICY Even before our doors opened in 2008, Help in the Home had been relentlessly and tirelessly advocating for the passing of AOT bills in Maryland. For the last 18 years, this very controversial bill has often been seen as a violation of human rights by the opposition. Many who oppose this bill fail to grasp the impact that anosognosia has on individuals with SMI and how it impacts their ability to make informed decisions for themselves. In addition to providing oral and written testimony in support of AOT for the past 15 years, this year Help in the Home established an internal advocacy policy for our team. We require our employees to participate in some form of mental health policy advocacy at least once per year. Qualifying activities include:
Want to learn more about how you can help? Dig into these resources:
The views expressed in this blog post are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of the Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber is a non-partisan organization dedicated to fostering economic growth and community development in the Bethesda area. Any opinions, analysis, or recommendations presented in this post are those of the author alone and do not represent an endorsement or official stance by the Chamber. We encourage readers to consider multiple perspectives and consult with relevant experts before forming their own opinions on the topics discussed.
Our friends at the historic community of Scotland, the first place that people of color owned land in Potomac, are deep in the midst of an $11 million capital campaign to restore and expand their 100-year-old church that was ruined by flood in 2019. With support from the Marriott Foundation, the Glenstone Foundation, Adventist Health Care and hundreds of other organizations, they just passed $8.1 million!
Participating in two upcoming events can help. On May 18, Scotland will host the Maryland House & Garden Pilgrimage featuring 10 amazing properties in Bethesda and Potomac from 10 a.. to 5 p.m. One of the gardens, Three Fox Pond, is extraordinary, as is the Glenstone Museum, a typically tough Saturday ticket that is open exclusively to Garden Tour Pilgrims on that date. Tickets for entry into all 10 properties are $40 in advance and $45 on the day of the event at www.mhgp.org. Not to be missed: The elders of the Scotland community are hosting a fried chicken luncheon at the Bette Thompson Community Center from 11:30-2:30 p.m. for $20 per meal. The biggest event on the Scotland calendar is the Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival, which runs from June 15-19 at various locations in Bethesda and Potomac. Events, including a Children’s Carnival, Health & Wellness Pavilion, Opening Gala, drew nearly 10,000 people last year. This year promises to be even bigger, kicking off June 15 with the legendary Chuck Brown Band at the Bethesda Theater, and capping off with a huge fireworks display at the Povich Field on June 19th at 9:30 p.m. Other events include a 5K run and family walk at 8 a.m. on the 19th, and a classic car show, also on the 19th, at 9 a.m. For information on sponsoring or attending, visit www.juneteenthscotland.org. Net proceeds from the festival benefit six African American non-profit organizations in Montgomery County. |
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