Chamber of Commerce 2401 Blueridge Avenue, Suite 101 Wheaton, Maryland phone:

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1 Wheaton&Kensington 2401 Blueridge Avenue, Suite 101 Wheaton, Maryland phone: the voice Photos courtesy of Vicky Surles March April 2011 Health Insurance Coverage for Small Businesses: An overview of the health insurance marketplace and the impact it is having on small businesses Health care isn t just a benefit for employees. It s a company investment because a healthy business relies on healthy employees. At the January 26 Chamber lunch mixer, the presentation showed what changes to expect from the new Health Care Law, and some advice to lower insurance costs at a business. Our presenter was Pat Durbin, Manager of Broker Sales at Kaiser Permanente Health Plan of the Mid-Atlantic States. Pat is Past-President of NAIFA-MD, the Maryland Insurance & Financial Advisors, and can be reached at / patrick.s.durbin@kp.org. Even with a snowstorm going on outside, the lunch was comfortably held at China Gourmet Restaurant in Kensington. A Small Group Plan for employees in Maryland is for 2 to 20 employees. Guarantee Issue reform started in The Health Partnership program is for 2 to 9 employees, and has been since The Maryland State Legislature passes bills and the MD Healthcare Commission regulates the laws. Continued on page 4 Westfield Wheaton 20-Year Vision & the Wheaton Sector Plan On February 23rd Westfield Wheaton hosted a breakfast mixer to present their 20-year vision for the mall, as it relates to the current planning process for the Wheaton Downtown Master Plan rework. Westfield had hired a local architectural and planning group, Ehrenkrantz Eckstut & Kuhn, to study how the eastern edge of the Wheaton mall could be altered to integrate with the Wheaton Central Business District and the proposed B.F. Saul project across Veirs Mill Road at the Wheaton Metro Station. In the study, three major connection points were indentified: 1) The Reedie Road entrance would be transformed into the mall s front door by creating a multi-level atrium space capped off with a state of the art theater. 2) The entrance to the south near Wendy s Restaurant would be reworked to create an arrival point for a new residential complex on the SE corner of the property. 3) The office node was contained on the northern edge where CVS sits Continued on page 4 Photos courtesy of Vicky Surles

2 Wheaton&Kensington Executive Committee P RESIDENT Kathleen Guinan, Crossway Community V ICE-PRESIDENT Sean Chrysostom, CapitalOne Bank S ECRETARY Kristen Wright, St. Luke s House, Inc T R EASURER Larry White, First Baptist Church of Wheaton S ERGEANT- AT-ARMS Kenneth Nelson, Mont. Coll. Workforce Development & Cont. Ed I MMEDIATE PAST-PRESIDENT Moshe Briel, Moshe Briel Associates LLC Directors Matt Barry, Westfield Wheaton Manuel Hidalgo, LEDC Michael Kelley, Kensington Volunteer Fire Department Kalimah Matthews, Signal Financial FCU x287 James Onder, Onder Communication Group Laura-Leigh Palmer, a.s.a.p. graphics Ellen Riger, EllenOriginals Kathleen Thompson, Jerry Thompson Associates Harold Weinberg, Miles Realty Co Tim Wiens, Jubilee Association of Maryland x105 Ex-Officio Directors Natalie Cantor, Mid-County Services Center Cmdr John Damskey, Mont. County Police 4th Dist Cmdr Russell Hamill, Mont. County Police 2nd Dist Rob Klein, Wheaton Redevelopment Program, Mont. County Dept of General Services Pete McGinnity, Wheaton Redevelopment Program Administrator & Newsletter Editor Vicky Surles The Senior Connection needs volunteers to help their neighbors 62 and older live as independently as possible by: - Providing escorted transportation to scheduled medical appointments - Helping with grocery shopping and running errands - Paying a friendly visit or making a phone call to share companionship Generally a volunteer driver will provide one trip a week for one person. The typical trip is during non-rush hour, is less than 5 miles from home and takes 2-3 hours at a date and time convenient to the volunteer. Volunteers have expressed gratitude for the emotional lift they feel while serving to make a senior s life a little happier. Volunteering strengthens community and rewards with making new friends. Time commitment and schedule are flexible. Life skills training provided. Volunteer liability insurance coverage provided. Please call x14 or Marcia.Custer@seniorconnectionmc.org. 2

3 W ELCOME T O T HESE N EW M EMBERS! Introducing: Health Insurance Kaiser Permanente Patrick S. Durbin Connecticut Avenue Kensington, MD patrick.s.durbin@kp.org THANK Y OU TO THESE M EMBER RENEWALS! Accountants Mendoza & Company, Inc. Alejandro Mendoza mendoza@mcaccountants.com Banks/Financial Institutions Wachovia Bank Oscar Artola Oscar.Artola@Wachovia.com Barber School Academy of Professional Barbers/Stylists Trudie Shaver trudie1956@yahoo.com Credit Union Signal Financial Federal Credit Union Kalimah Matthews kmatthews@sfonline.org Signage, Advertising Solutions Sign-A-Rama-Silver Spring Stacey Brown Triangle Lane Silver Spring, MD info@signarama-silverspring.com Fire Department/Emergency Medical Kensington Volunteer Fire Department First Deputy Chief Michael Kelley amkelley@kvfd.org Martial Arts Instruction Black Belt Martial Arts Center Robert & Sheeba Lee info@bbmac.com Storage Extra Space Storage, Inc. Michael Saxton fac0273@extraspace.com Womens Clothing /Accessories Marian s Connections Marian Fryer mafryer@comcast.net Personal Services Huff-N-Puff Cleaning Services has launched a new division called Personal Services. Huff-N-Puff has been serving Montgomery County and neighboring portions of Washington, D.C. for 30 years by providing home cleaning services. The new division reflects a commitment to the community providing personal services with an emphasis on: Helping seniors remain independent; Reaching out to families or friends that have a convalescing loved one; Helping clients focus on more important things while the service takes care of some of their daily tasks. Their purpose is to offer an alternative option to families that are part of the sandwich generation, but also to any individuals that require non-medical assistance with their everyday needs. Personal Services can do their laundry, ironing, make their beds, help with light meal preparation, visit with them, and more while the client runs their own errands. For more information, please call Elizabeth Lewallen at or info@huffnpuffcleans.com. The Montgomery Art Association MAA Gallery at Westfield Wheaton Mall Veirs Mill Road, Wheaton, MD Upper Level across from the Hallmark Store Located near the Wheaton Red Line Metro Station Explore the works of local artists in their new gallery inside Westfield Wheaton Mall MAA Gallery information: Gallery Hours: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday: 12-8 pm Sunday: 1-5 pm 3

4 January Lunch Mixer Health Insurance Continued from page 1 Organizations lobby legislatures and this can increase costs. There is a standard platform for all carriers, and carriers distribute products through brokers and direct, with standardized commissions. Groups need an advocate, or Brokers/Consultants. They can help with shopping coverage and understanding plans, since sometimes groups only see what is perceived in the market. Efforts to lower costs include: increased wellness coverage, increased company contributions, and spousal coverage, since there is no need for double spousal coverage. Also subsidy plans and Tax Credit Plans. The various types of plans include: HMO, DHMO, POS, PPO and HDHP/HAS, and voluntary plans can fill-in the gaps. To research rates, people can go directly to companies, GA s, brokers, or websites. Some of the immediate changes to the Healthcare Reform Federal Law that passed last year in the Patient Protection and Affordable Act are: no more annual CAPS; GI for children under 19 on individual plans (started 9/23/10); age 26 dependents; grandfathering; and exchanges. 48 of 50 states have received grants of 1 million to start HIE Exchanges. Starting in 2014, the idea has been to give consumers more choice and transparency. Also, increasingly require EHRs Electronic Health records. Controlling costs aims to provide affordable coverage for all. The more people in the system EMRs aims to reduce errors and increase efficiency, which increases transparency. Hospitals write off millions of dollars each year. GWU, Holy Cross and John Hopkins are starting these models. Increased company contributions saves dollars. February Breakfast Mixer Westfield Continued from page 1 today. The densification along Veirs Mill Road and the introduction of mixed uses corresponds to the vision being created by the County planning staff in the Wheaton Sector Plan. The presentation by Jim Agliata, VP of Development ( ) was held at the Westfield North Office Building. Matt Barry, General Manager of Westfield, and Sidney Woods, Marketing Director ( ) were also on hand to answer questions. Photos courtesy of Vicky Surles China Gourmet Restaurant 3739 University Blvd, West Kensington, MD Kensington Arts Theatre - KAT presents THE LAST 5 YEARS at The Kensington Town Center 3710 Mitchell Street, Kensington, MD SHOW DATES: Last 2 days! Friday, March 18 and Saturday, March 19 at 8 pm TICKET INFO: call or katonline. @gmailcom

5 The 27 th Annual Wheaton &Kensington Community Awards Banquet Wednesday, April 13, 2011 From 6 to 9 pm Celebrate the connection and goodwill between citizens, businesses, schools, and public safety workers in the area community. Help us give thanks to those receiving these well-deserved annual awards. The Chamber will honor the Chuck Levin Family this year: The Levins have contributed to Wheaton for so many years and have given us Chuck Levin s Washington Music Center. at Hollywood East Café Veirs Mill Road, #136 Wheaton, MD (in Westfield Wheaton s Restaurant Row) Dressy Business /Cocktail Attire See reverse for Sponsorship Opportunities and Benefits. ~ The Award Categories ~ The Mid-County Citizen s Advisory Board Civic Association and Citizen of the Year The Police, Rescue Squad, and Fire Department Public Safety Awards Einstein, Kennedy, and Wheaton High School Teacher, ESOL Student, and Community Service Awards Chamber Member of the Year, and Outstanding Chamber Service Award $35 in advance (by April 12) or $45 at the door For Sponsorship Opportunities and Benefits, contact Vicky Surles at the Chamber office call: wkchamber@wkchamber.org fax: Wheaton&Kensington the voice for YOUR business! For registration information call: fax: The 27th Annual Community Awards Banquet Wednesday, April 13, 2011 Reservations are valid when accompanied by payment Cancellations must be made in writing by April 12 (Company Name) (Phone Number) ( address) wkchamber@wkchamber.org Payment by: Check Total Amount $ for Reservations Payment by: Visa MasterCard AmericanExpress Account #: Expiration Date: Name on Card: Signature: Address Card is Issued to: 5 (Attendee) (Attendee) (Attendee) Return reservations and payment to: Wheaton& Kensington 2401 Blueridge Avenue, Suite 101 Wheaton, MD $35 in advance (by April 12) $45 at the door

6 Wheaton&Kensington is proud to host our 27th Annual Awards Banquet Wednesday, April 13, 2011, from 6-9 pm, at Hollywood East Café at Veirs Mill Road #136, Wheaton, MD This annual awards dinner is a hallmark event of the Wheaton & Kensington Chamber. Business leaders, community activists, residents and elected officials come together to recognize the achievements of our honorees. This Gala honors businesses, students, teachers, Chamber members, and Public Safety Workers for their enthusiastic contributions to the richness of the Wheaton & Kensington Community. The Chamber will honor the Chuck Levin Family this year. The family of Chuck and Marge Levin has contributed greatly to Wheaton for so many years and has given us Chuck Levin s Washington Music Center. For over 16 years, the Chamber has recognized our area high school students and also included monetary gifts provided by our various sponsors. The Chamber has been committed to encouraging local businesses to mentor the students destined to become our future leaders. You are invited to be a Sponsor of this event Name of Sponsor (as it will appear in program): Enclosed is my payment of $ made payable to Wheaton & Kensington. company logo / and or full-page ad to: wkchamber@wkchamber.org / Name & Title: Address: _ Phone: Credit Card Acct #: Exp Date: / Name on Card: Signature: Address Card Issued to: Please mail (or fax credit card) payment to: Wheaton & Kensington, 2401 Blueridge Avenue, Suite 101, Wheaton, MD For more information, contact Vicky Surles at or wkchamber@wkchamber.org ~ Sponsorship Opportunities ~ Community Champion $1000 Full page ad in the event program Company logo and name in the program Reserved table for 8 Community Hero $500 sponsor of Public Safety Award Company logo and name in the event program Will present the Public Safety Award at event (one of 4) 4 complimentary tickets Community Partner $275 Company logo in the event program Company name listed in program 2 complimentary tickets Community Supporter $150 Company logo in the program Company name listed in program 1 complimentary ticket 6 Community Advocate $90 Company name listed in program 1 complimentary ticket

7 Wheaton&Kensington Evening Mixer Come for an introduction to the new Irish Pub in town! An Irish Tradition The Irish appreciate the good things in life friends, food, music and drink. These are at the heart of Ireland s cultural tradition. Neil Foley, co-founder of The Limerick Pub and a native of Limerick Ireland, is an award-winning Irish fiddle and tin whistle player, and one of the best in Maryland. Come meet Neil in person and enjoy a little bit of Ireland. The Limerick Pub Featuring lively Irish folk music, a 20 foot long bar, a cozy fireplace and a great darts area. No entrance fee ~ Cash Bar Authentic Pub appetizers will be served. Wednesday, March 23, 2011 from 5:30 7:00 PM at The Limerick Pub Elkin Street, Wheaton, MD ~ ~ Mix & Network with Other Businesses ~ Please RSVP to: Vicky Surles or wkchamber@wkchamber.org Our Mixers are on the fourth Wednesday of the month.

8 WBO & Chamber Networking Happy Hour February 10 It was another successful collaboration between the Women Business Owners of Montgomery County and the Wheaton & Kensington for networking on February 10, at Hollywood East Café in Westfield Wheaton Mall. The group of over 70 business owners and community residents met for an evening of networking and delightful conversation. Janet Yu of Hollywood East hosted a wonderful evening armed with vegetarian spring rolls and chicken dumplings. Special thanks to Chip and Ellen of Just Right Handyman Services, and Angie Segal of Action Coach for the fantastic door prizes. Naomi Abrams of Worksite Health and Safety Consultants (Program Director for WBO) and Wendy Howard of WH Consulting chaired and planned the event. Photos courtesy of Wendy Howard Wheaton&Kensington the voice for 2401 Blueridge Ave, Suite 101 YOUR business! Wheaton, Maryland Postage wkchamber@wkchamber.org website: