Events

Hello – I wanted to let everyone know that SSSNA will be hosting its next social gathering at Taste of Jerusalem on Wednesday, August 15th. Taste of Jerusalem has generously offered to take off 20% from the group’s tab and will also offer an appetizer special just for us. The SSSNA group will be meeting at the restaurant from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and we’ll have a table sign that clearly marks our group so it’s easy to find us. The menu is middle-eastern fare and includes a variety of appetizers, entrees and deserts with or without meat and a standard children's menu with items that kids tend to enjoy (chicken strips, etc.)

I also wanted to share the great news that SSSNA held its first monthly social at Mayorga a few weeks back and it was a huge success!! We had 22 people show up who enjoyed meeting new neighbors, listening to music and eating good food.

Come and meet new friends while enjoying delicious food and supporting our local business!!

Taste of Jerusalem
8123 Georgia Ave (At Sligo Ave)
Silver Spring MD 20910

Tel: 301-495-3067

Menu link

Don’t miss out on other upcoming social events:

• Tuesday, September 18 (Pirates Tavern)
• Monday, October 15 (Tiramisu Café)
• Tuesday, November 20 (Jackie’s)
• Wednesday, December 19 (Quarry House)

We’ll be sending out a reminder on the Yahoo! Group as we get closer to the date. Please use the "Share This" link below to send an email along to your friends and neighbors.

Please contact me with any questions or suggestions,
Jason

Last night's neighborhood social gathering at Mayorga was a hit! It was really great to meet more of our neighbors over some excellent sandwiches and drinks. Work, families, school, and of course development were all topics of the evening. I'm looking forward to our next event on August 15 at Taste of Jerusalem.

Swing by the Heliport tomorrow night, for a fun event that will shape our neighborhood's visual landscape for years to come.

What: Kennett Street Art Wall Community Involvement Event

When: Friday, July 20, 4-8 pm.

Where: Gateway's Heliport Gallery – 8001 Kennett St. Suite 3, Silver Spring MD 20910; 301-562-1400

What: Community involvement event for Tom Block's "Cousins" public art project for the Kennett St. Art Wall in South Silver Spring.

Background:
On June 21st, Tom Block's "Cousins" public art project was selected as the winner for the Kennett St. Art Wall in South Silver Spring, to be installed along the entrance wall to the Kennett Street Parking lot, off of Eastern Ave. in South Silver Spring.

The "Cousins" public art project was conceived to echo the highest aspects of the Silver Spring community by combining an elegant, Eastern-inspired visual with sayings from wisdom masters from a variety of ethnicities, religions, geographic regions and time periods. Fusing words representing the highest aspirations of humankind (taken from great humanists such as Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, the Buddha, etc.) with specially created paintings, Cousins will place a series of large, 6' x 4' art and text panels along the Kennett Street Art Wall, transforming that alley space into a huge art gallery. This project uses South Silver Spring's diversity as an asset by emphasizing not only the different cultures in the community, but also how they positively interrelate. Going far beyond simply adding an attractive facet to the local urban culture, "Cousins" represents the highest aspirations of our community's collective soul.

At the event:
For the event, community members will be issued a ballot, to choose 13 winners from among the 78 final images created by Tom. Each saying to be included on the Art Wall will be represented by 6 different text/image panels, which will be exhibited flat, in clear plastic sleeves, on tables around the outside of the gallery. Votes will be tallied immediately at 8 pm.

At the event, there will be one of the final 6' x 4' panels exhibited, to give the community a sense of how the small pieces will be enlarged to cover the Art Wall.

If you have any questions about the event, please contact David Fogel: david@gatewaycdc.com or 301.562.1400.

Come participate and help shape the visual landscape in South Silver Spring!

David Fogel

Hello - In an effort to get know our neighbors and have some fun in the process, the SSSNA’s Social Committee is kicking off its social calendar with a series of monthly gatherings. These informal events will take place at a different local venue every month and are a great opportunity to come out and meet new people while supporting our local businesses.

Our first social gathering will be at Mayorga from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. this Thursday, July 19th. If you haven’t been to Mayorga yet, they have a great selection of coffees, alcoholic beverages and food – with something for everyone! We’ll make sure to have a table sign that clearly marks our group so it’s easy to find us.

Tentative Dates/Locations:

• Thursday, July 19 (Mayorga)
• Wednesday, August 15 (Taste of Jerusalem)
• Tuesday, September 18 (Pirates Tavern)
• Monday, October 15 (Tiramisu Café)
• Tuesday, November 20 (Jackie's)
• Wednesday, December 19 (Quarry House)

We hope to see you all on Thursday between 7:00 and 9:00 p.m.!!!

Please contact me with any questions or suggestions,

Jason Gedeik
Social Committee
jgedeik@hotmail.com

Greetings all,

I hope you’ll join consider participating in one of our upcoming discussions or workshops. Details below!

If you are interested in participating in any event, please RSVP to: david@gatewaycdc.com or 301.562.1400

Teaching Values

July 19, Thursday, 1- 2:30 pm

In keeping with the education focus of the current exhibit, these summer Jefferson Cafe (R) sessions engage with a current hot topic in education circles: Beyond the teaching of the three R's (or whatever the subject matter of a course might be), can a case be made for teaching values in the classroom? What would it mean to "teach" values? And which values are we talking about? To get us thinking about this topic, we take off from a reading of two contemporary writers who have interesting perspectives on this subject.

Next Week:

Watercolor Classes with Steve Hanks

Basic Techniques
July 23 and July 26, 7:00 - 9:30pm

Mr. Hanks will teach two classes, Basic Watercolor Techniques and Application of Watercolor Techniques in painting. Participants in the first class will get an introduction to watercolor painting and techniques, while the second class will help participants refine and apply said techniques. The instructor, Stephen T. Hanks, has been a professional artist, commercial illustrator, and art teacher for over 30 years, producing both watercolors and drawings for publication, exhibition, and sale. He has exhibited in many different museums, public exhibitions, and galleries nationwide. Much of his work is on display in his private gallery in Silver Spring. He is currently an art teacher at Gonzaga College High School in DC

The cost for each set of classes is $65 and includes all materials.

Artist Trading Card (ATC) Workshop with Brenda Smoak

Tuesday, July 24^th: 6:30 – 9:30 pm – First Session
Tuesday, August 14^th: 6:30 – 9:30 pm – Second Session

Artist Trading Cards are small unique works of art that measure 2-1/2" by 3-1/2". People make ATCs and then trade with one another instead of selling them. The premise behind trading cards is that you create your card in an environment of creating for art’s sake -- making something for the pure joy of it -- not for monetary gain. In this workshop you will learn how to create several types of ATCs by exploring how to transfer images from magazines and other print media, how to use different types of resists, see unique backgrounds, learn how to embed images and incorporate photos, drawings, fabric, etc. into your ATC. You do not have to be an artist to do this nor do you have to have lots of free time. If you are interested in altered books and objects, collage, and paint techniques then come join us! Session I is learning techniques and Session II is a trading session!

Cost: $25 and $25 Materials fee = $50. Fees for teenagers and students at Montgomery College (with valid school ID) are reduced to $10 + $25 materials fee = $35.

Greetings all,

I hope you’ll join Gateway tonight for the opening of 3 Roads Traveled, featuring print making artists Nancy McNamara, Marie Defeche and Maureen Feely-Kohl.

Time: Friday, July 13^th 6-8pm

Place: Gateway’s Heliport Gallery: 8001 Kennett St Suite 3, Silver Spring MD 20910

Gateway’s Heliport Gallery is proud to announce the opening of 3 Roads Traveled. The exhibit features the work of Montgomery College print making faculty Nancy McNamara and Maureen Feely-Kohl and student Marie Defeche. Nancy McNamara’s colagraph prints utilize winter green transfers and silicon intaglio. Nancy‘s work is a part of the Smithsonian collection and she recently won the juror’s choice award at the Mid-Atlantic Print Show. The particular series exhibited at The Heliport is a reaction to the current state and status of the female in our society. Maureen, has been affiliated with the College’s Art Department for over twenty years. After creating an abstract base of layered inks Maureen applies images utilizing the Silicon Intaglio method in her monoprints. Her textured work springs from her background as a potter, while the seasons are reflected in her color palette. Marie Defeche, born and raised in Belgium, receives most of her artistic inspiration in her garden. It is therefore appropriate that her ink of choice for her monoprints is Akua-Kolor, a non-toxic water based ink. Aptly timed with the opening of Montgomery College’s Cafritz Arts Center, this show reflects some of the talent the College has to offer as well as an opportunity for the community to realize what’s ahead.

As with all shows at the Heliport, we have a series of wonderful events related to this exhibit's theme 'art and education'. Please read about the opportunities below and RSVP to participate.

Teaching Values

July 19, Thursday, 1- 2:30 pm
and Aug. 16, Thursday, 6:30 - 8 pm

In keeping with the education focus of the current exhibit, these summer Jefferson Cafe (R) sessions engage with a current hot topic in education circles: Beyond the teaching of the three R's (or whatever the subject matter of a course might be), can a case be made for teaching values in the classroom? What would it mean to "teach" values? And which values are we talking about? To get us thinking about this topic, we take off from a reading of two contemporary writers who have interesting perspectives on this subject.

Watercolor Classes with Steve Hanks

Basic Techniques: July 23 and July 26, 7:00 - 9:30pm

Application/Advanced: August 6 and 8, 7:00 – 9:30pm

Mr. Hanks will teach two classes, Basic Watercolor Techniques and Application of Watercolor Techniques in painting. Participants in the first class will get an introduction to watercolor painting and techniques, while the second class will help participants refine and apply said techniques. The instructor, Stephen T. Hanks, has been a professional artist, commercial illustrator, and art teacher for over 30 years, producing both watercolors and drawings for publication, exhibition, and sale. He has exhibited in many different museums, public exhibitions, and galleries nationwide. Much of his work is on display in his private gallery in Silver Spring. He is currently an art teacher at Gonzaga College High School in DC.

The cost for each set of classes is $65 and includes all materials.

Artist Trading Card (ATC) Workshop with Brenda Smoak

Tuesday, July 24, 6:30 – 9:30pm – First Session;
Tuesday, August 14, 6:30 – 9:30pm – Second Session

Artist Trading Cards are small unique works of art that measure 2-1/2" by 3-1/2". People make ATCs and then trade with one another instead of selling them. The premise behind trading cards is that you create your card in an environment of creating for art's sake--making something for the pure joy of it--not for monetary gain. In this workshop you will learn how to create several types of ATCs by exploring how to transfer images from magazines and other print media, how to use different types of resists, see unique backgrounds, learn how to embed images and incorporate photos, drawings, fabric, etc. into your ATC. You do not have to be an artist to do this nor do you have to have lots of free time. If you are interested in altered books and objects, collage, and paint techniques then come join us! Session I is learning techniques and Session II is a trading session!

Cost: $25 and $25 Materials fee = $50. Fees for teenagers and students at Montgomery College (with valid school ID) are reduced to $10 + $25 materials fee = $35.

Beginner Mosaic Art Class with Christina Schwalm

Wednesday, August 15, 10:00 - 12:00pm and Thursday, August 16, 10:00 - 11:00am
or
Tuesday, August 21, 7:00 - 9:00pm and Thursday, August 23, 7:00 - 8:00pm

Have you ever broken a piece of good china? Recycle your heartache into a dynamic piece of art! Create a 6”x 6” tiled mirror while learning basic mosaic art design using glass tiles. Techniques discussed include selecting a base, application techniques and grouting techniques. Follow a pattern provided by the instructor or create your own pattern with the colored tiles provided. (By the way, if you would rather make a 4’ x 6’ picture frame or a trivet instead of the mirror, please let Christina know.)

Cost: $60 and $45 materials fee, for a total of $105 for 2 class sessions.

I hope to see you Friday night!

David Fogel
Project Manager
Gateway Georgia Avenue Revitalization Corporation
8001 Kennett St Ste 3, Silver Spring, MD 20910

301.562.1400

Gallery Hours: Tue - Fri, 4-7pm

Dear Neighbors: As a part of Gateway's July 21st S.E.E. Gateway Georgia Avenue Day, Gateway is sponsoring a Scrabble Tournament at the Shepherd Park Library. The tournament, co-sponsored by the Shepherd Park Library Scrabble Club, is open to all ages and includes competitive play under tournament rules, as well as more recreational play.

The S.E.E. Gateway event will bring together the business community, upper Georgia neighbors, and all interested persons for an afternoon of shopping, learning, and fun on the Gateway corridor! In addition to the Scrabble Tournament, neighbors can participate in a community mural project under the leadership of local artist Tom Block, get lifted by the sounds of the D.C. Youth Orchestra, sit in on Quilting and Jewelry making demonstrations, sample a wide variety of fine wines and non alcoholic beverages, and take advantage of merchant discounts on dozens of items. The D.C. Office of Planning will also host a workshop at the Shepherd Park library on Retail Strategies for the Upper Georgia corridor. And of course, it would not be summer without the traditional moonbounce, face painting, and balloons!

All events take place on Saturday, July 21st between the 7300-7800 blocks of Georgia Avenue, and the 7800 block of Eastern Avenue. The day kicks-off with a continental breakfast reception at 10:00 am at the Shepherd Park Library (7420 Georgia Avenue). So whether you are interested in Scrabble, Art, Music, Discounts, or learning the strategies for getting more Retail on upper Georgia Avenue, there is Something Enjoyable for Everyone (S.E.E.) along the emerging Gateway Georgia corridor! Please attend, and S.E.E. for yourself!

Please reply mail to gatewaycdc@aol.com to get an application for the Scrabble Tournament. For additional information about S.E.E. Gateway Georgia Avenue, please contact gatewaycdc@aol.com, jchristi@mris.com, or scsprather@aol.com.

In conjunction with our current exhibit featuring Silver Spring Artists, please join us for a presentation on pending projects in South Silver Spring and discussion on 2 Zoning Text Amendments with:

• Park and Planning’s Silver Spring/Takoma Park team leader, Glenn Kreger and staff member John Marcolin.
• Thursday, June 14th: 6:30 – 8pm. at Gateway's Heliport Gallery: 8001 Kennett St.

This will be an informal briefing and discussion on upcoming developments in South Silver Spring and proposed changes to CBD (Central Business District) Zoning. Zoning, a mechanism used for land-use management, determines how our neighborhoods function and feel. The proposed zoning text amendments would: 1.) Eliminate the disincentive in the Ordinance for including retail in residential buildings. The ZTA proposes to delete the provision that allows density to be calculated in dwelling units/acre (rather than FAR) for buildings that are completely residential. 2.) Encourage more useful public spaces by allowing public use space requirements to a) be satisfied off-site anywhere within the CBD, or b) satisfied through payment-in-lieu to an amenity fund, or c) satisfied through the donation of land for certain Arts and Entertainment uses (e.g., The Birchmere).

Please RSVP to: david@gatewaycdc.com if you plan on joining us for what promises to be an interesting discussion, with one of the leaders of our community.

The next full meeting of the South Silver Spring Neighborhood Association will take place on Monday June 18th at 7:30pm in 8045 Newell Street's social room.

The agenda will include:

• brief review of the block party
• financials / SSSNA membership
• formation of three committees: safety committee, social committee and redevelopment committee
• action items about the Travelodge motel

To briefly explain the three committees we would like to form:

Safety Committee: Some people have discussed the idea of coordinating safety measures among the buildings. This committee could explore what steps the individual buildings are currently taking and see if a coordinated effort can be developed. Also inform residents of police activity in the area.

Social Committee: In an effort to foster more interpersonal relations among neighborhood residents, this committee would work on organizing social activities for everyone: monthly happy hours at local restaurants/bars, summer picnics in the park, events in buildings' social rooms, etc.

Redevelopment Committee: Because we live in a transitional area, we should have a strong voice in how we want our community to be developed. This committee will review and discuss the many ideas for growth in our area and help guide SSSNA's voice in conveying our support or rejection of the development plans to Montgomery County Park and Planning.

Many of us moved into South Silver Spring because we understood the potential it had to be a great neighborhood. The creation of these three committees will further help in our effort to make sure our vision becomes a reality.

Lastly, the board is officially drafting a SSSNA membership which will cost $10 annually (per household). These funds will help pay for our www.southsilverspring.org website, subsidize future social activities and also pay for things that we as an organization choose (beautification projects, etc).You'll be able to officially register at our next meeting.

I want to thank 8045 Newell for hosting the next meeting. And because it is a secure building, please respond to me if you plan on attending.

Your neighbor,
Evan

What an amazing block party South Silver Spring held on Sunday!

We estimate that over 1,500 people walked down Kennett Street to shop, eat delicacies from our local restaurants, listen to the wide range of musical bands and most importantly celebrate our strong community.

The day started out with the ceremonial planting of a pink dogwood tree in Acorn Park to symbolize our neighborhood's growth. Joining David Fogel and I in the ceremony were Montgomery Councilwoman Valerie Ervin and Delegate Heather Mizeur, the South Silver Spring Merchant's Association, the Silver Spring Historical Society and representatives from County Executive Ike Leggett's office and the county's parks services. Later in the day State Senator Jamie Raskin and Councilman Marc Elrich were also seen enjoying the event.

With all the enthusiasm and momentum we now have in our community, the South Silver Spring Neighborhood Association will be holding a meeting in the middle of June to discuss what issues and projects we want to address next. We'll be creating a social committee, a safety committee and also a redevelopment committee--- but more about those later. Stay tuned for the meeting date.

If you walked by the SSSNA table at the block party, you may have noticed that the association is growing an official registry of members. A $10 annual membership (per household) will help pay for our www.southsilverspring.org website, subsidize future social activities and also pay for things that we as an organization choose (beautification projects, etc).You'll be able to register at our next meeting, but if you don't want to wait until then, send me an email.

Lastly, we all need to thank our neighbors who helped make this event possible. If you see any of these amazing South Silver Spring'ers in your building, please say "thank you." The block party's success is the direct result of their hard work over the last few months:

Eastern Village: David Fogel, Suzy Lane, Daniel Barash, Paul Mackie
Aurora: Jason Gedeik, Jimmy Obomsawin
Gramax: Henry Odenarian
Silverton: Dana Beam, John Murphy

I'm already looking forward to next year's block party where our goal is to have more than 2,000 people attend. In the meantime, I invite you to work together with us in continuing to build a diverse, active and safe community to thrive in.

Thank you so much for your continued support!!

Your neighbor,

Evan Glass
President, South Silver Spring Neighborhood Association