Emergency Shelter Mobilization team and Karen Yaffe Lottes Recognized by City of Gaithersburg

Per the City of Gaithersburg: At the Mayor & City Council meeting on Monday, March 20, 2023, Program Coordinator Karen Yaffe Lottes and the Emergency Shelter Mobilization Team were recognized with Employee Recognition Awards for the fourth quarter of calendar year 2022. Made up of peers from each department, Gaithersburg’s Employee Recognition Committee (ERC) reviews nominations for individuals and teams on a quarterly basis. These winners are then eligible for the annual Employee & Team of the Year Awards.

Karen Yaffe Lottes, Community Museum Program Coordinator within the Department of Parks, Recreation & Culture, was named Employee of the Fourth Quarter for her efforts to promote the Gaithersburg Latitude Observatory and highlight its history through Skywatching and other programs. The Observatory is now open five to six times each year and, at one point, tripled its visitor count.

Karen has taken steps to enhance the Community Museum Facebook Page and enrich programming through STEM Kids from the National Informal STEM Educator Network as well as others. She also promotes other City departments through museum programming, including the Gaithersburg Police K-9 Unit, Environmental Services, and Youth Services. Karen promotes the Museum & Observatory at City events, including the Book Festival & National Night Out Against Crime. She is currently working to find support & funding for the Gaithersburg History Project, a five year study that explores the history & culture of the major racial & ethnic groups that make Gaithersburg so diverse.

The Emergency Shelter Mobilization Team, comprised of Terrilyn Lahs, Gardner Torrence, April Outman, Tam Castillo, Precious Johnson, Gabrielle Mathews, Jake Hersom, Keegan Aragon, Ana Bonilla, Cristen Steele, Juanita Reed, Ty’Riek Henry, Llana Boyce, Jhunceaa Gooden, Asya Davis, and Berkye “Ohene” Nyanin of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Culture, was named the Team of the Fourth Quarter.

The team was nominated for mobilizing & establishing the Activity Center as an emergency shelter following the November 16, 2022 explosion and fire that caused the partial collapse of the Potomac Oaks condominium complex. Within a few short hours, the team coordinated overnight coverage at the Activity Center, relocated and rescheduled programs, and prepared a place for the American Red Cross and Montgomery County Department of Health & Human Services to offer emergency assistance. Additionally, several staff members assisted in using the Robertson Park Youth Center (located about a block away from the explosion) as a satellite dismissal location when Brown Station Elementary School was evacuated due to the explosion and loss of power & heat. The team rose to the occasion to assist City residents in an emergency situation & support recovery work thereafter.

For more information about the Employee Recognition Awards please contact the Office of the City Manager.

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FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival

Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.

Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.

Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.

Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.

As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.

Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.

LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!

MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME

2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES

KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!

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