OUR "CIVIC SPARK" CELEBRATION featured many highlights, including inspiring comments from a robust array of community and civic leaders. Michele Waxman Johnson shared her plans to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary throughout Maryland as head of the Maryland 250 Commission. (We all got to practice saying “Semiquincentennial!”)
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich spoke of his own years as a teacher, and of the importance of starting lessons in civility and respect at a young age. State Senator Cheryl Kagan talked about her advocacy for the arts, including through house concerts in her own home, and about her work in the legislature to advance civic learning.
THE TERRIFIC PERFORMANCE of civic songs by Nick Newlin and Munit Mesfin was so infectious that attendees started singing and clapping along, just like the students in our workshops. It was wonderful to see so many civic, arts, and community leaders in the audience, including Ike and Catherine Leggett, and Carpe Diem Arts Executive Director Busy Graham, among others.
BIG GRATITUDE GOES OUT to all those who made this event possible, including co-hosts Jeffrey Slavin and Margo Reid, who have been such stalwart supporters of The Civic Circle since its inception. We also thank our event sponsors, Montgomery College, Black Dog Philanthropic Consulting, and Arts on the Block, which kindly shared its headquarters with us for this event. Special thanks to executive director, Christopher Barclay, for helping make Arts on the Block a creative gathering place for the whole community.
WITH SO MANY ENGAGING SPEAKERS to hear from, we chose to forego our planned Generosity Auction to give guests some time to mingle and enjoy the evening. We would love to invite you to join that auction virtually today, at whatever level feels right for you! Your contributions go directly to arts workshops that empower students to take seven “steps to democracy” and become compassionate, informed, engaged civic leaders. Please consider making a year-end gift to The Civic Circle by using THIS LINK. Our programs are simply not possible without the support of donors like you!
