Grant gets B-CC Rescue Squad new protective gear

‘‘Unfortunately, we don’t have enough protective clothing to outfit all our squad’s EMS personnel,” B-CC Rescue Squad Chief Ned Sherburne said in a statement. ‘‘This grant, which will substantially close that gap, will provide our first responders with top-of-the-line protective gear, allowing them to do their jobs more efficiently and effectively. Ultimately, this will make the community safer.”

Running marathonfor cancer research

Bethesda resident Molly Connors is getting ready to run in the 111th Boston Marathon next month. But in addition to the challenge of running 26.2 miles, Connors is running to save lives through the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge.

Participants in the DFMC must raise a minimum of $3,000 to receive an invitational entry to the race. The money goes toward funding the Claudia Adams Barr Program in Basic Cancer Research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Mass.

Since the DFMC began in 1989, the runners have raised more than $30 million for the Barr Program.

The program was founded in 1987 by Dana-Farber trustees and Jacksonville Jaguars principal owners Wayne and Delores Weaver to honor Delores Weaver’s mother who lost her battle with cancer 30 years earlier.

To contribute to the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge, go online to dfmarathon.kintera.org or contact the DFMC office at 617-632-1970 or dfmc@dfci.harvard.edu.

Soldier sings opera at Emmanuel Lutheran Church

Army Sgt. 1st Class Antonio Giuliano, a member of the United States Army Chorus, will sing opera at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 7730 Bradley Blvd.

The talented tenor recorded his latest double CD, ‘‘A Musical Soldier’s Classical Journey, Homage to the Legacies of Mario Lanza and Luciano Pavarotti”, in the church’s sanctuary.

While the concert is free, donations to the church will be accepted. Call 301-365-5733 for more information.

Bethesda congregationto hold forum

Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bethesda this year began a series of monthly forums focusing on environmental issues and solutions called Creation Care.

The next forum at 7 p.m. March 22, will focus on ‘‘Building Green.” Experts from the government, private sector and other congregations will be on hand to lead a discussion on sustainable planning, design, maintenance and operational practices that help buildings to be more environmentally friendly.

Last month, the forum’s theme was ‘‘The ABC’s of Global Warming,” and it featured speakers Lise Van Susteren, a forensic psychologist and local advocate, who discussed Al Gore’s Oscar winning documentary ‘‘An Inconvenient Truth,” and Janet Ranganathan, director of World Resources Institute.

Contributing speakers were Allison Fisher, coordinator for Greater Washington Interfaith Power and Light; Tom Ralph, who serves on Executive Committee for the Montgomery County Group of Maryland for the Sierra Club; and Amanda Hass, vice president of the Montgomery County Student Environmental Activists.

All are welcome and encouraged to join in the discussions. Forums are held from 7-9 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, 8011 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda.

For more information, please contact 301-652-5160, ext. 8, or www.heartmindsoul.com.

A rock and rollPurim exchange

Congregation Beth El of Bethesda had some special guests at the Rock and Roll Purim show on March 3.

Three exchange students — Mas Liza Maslan from Malaysia, Mazuin Quiachon from the Philippines and Doris Yu Pui Ting from Hong Kong — took part in the holiday celebrations. Maslan and Quiachon are Muslim high school students who are in the country through the U.S. State Department to promote peace in the aftermath of Sept. 11.

As junior ambassadors, they each make presentations to the community about their countries and the practice of Islam. Purim provided their first glimpse into American Jewish life and their first opportunity to meet Jewish religious leaders.

More than 130 members of the congregation performed in the show and more than 1,000 people attended.

After the show, the exchange students met Rabbis Bill Rudolph and Greg Harris and Hazzan Abe Lubin, as well as many members of the cast.

‘‘Purim was very awesome and wonderful,” Quiachon said. ‘‘I like the way people portrayed their history with their magnificent costumes and terrific music. It was a thrilling night.”

This column is for you. Share your good news! Feel free to send press releases and news tips. Contact Stephanie Siegel via e-mail at ssiegel@gazette.net, phone at 301-280-3006, fax at 301-670-7183, or snail mail at 1200 Quince Orchard Blvd., Gaithersburg, MD 20878.