Ashman to Receive Award of Excellence for Gaithersburg Book Festival
Posted 9/26/2012

City of Gaithersburg Council Member Jud Ashman has been named recipient of the County Executive’s Community Award for Excellence in the Arts & Humanities.  The award recognizes Ashman for his role in founding and promoting the Gaithersburg Book Festival.  It will be presented as part of a special program at the Cultural Arts Center at Montgomery College Takoma Park/Silver Spring on October 22, 2012 at 7 p.m.  The event is free, but tickets are required.  For information visit www.creativemoco.com/executives-awards. 

A brainchild of Council Member Ashman, the Gaithersburg Book Festival was launched in 2010 as a program of the City of Gaithersburg’s Department of Parks, Recreation & Culture.  It has quickly become one of the largest and most highly-regarded literary events in the D.C. metropolitan area, as well as one of the premier literary events in the United States, last year drawing more than 17,000 book lovers of all ages.  The festival features talks, readings and signings by local and nationally-known authors, many of whom are winners of prestigious national awards.  The festival also offers writing workshops, a children’s village and a venue for literary-related organizations.  For information visit www.gaithersburgbookfestival.org. 

Ashman chairs the Gaithersburg Book Festival Committee, and this award in part recognizes him for leading, inspiring and empowering the many volunteer committee members who contribute over 3,000 man hours to bring the Book Festival to life each year.  He also recruits authors, engages sponsors, develops partnerships, leads the website development team, and creates new initiatives to improve and enhance the event.  The Community Award for Excellence in the Arts & Humanities acknowledges that through his creation and his on-going leadership of the Gaithersburg Book Festival, Council Member Ashman has actively and passionately promoted literacy and culture, thereby strengthening and enriching both Gaithersburg and Montgomery County. 

“I’m extremely honored and flattered to be receiving this award,” said Jud Ashman.  “The Gaithersburg Book Festival represents a model community cultural arts endeavor.  It relies on the support of elected leaders, the talents of staff, the time and dedication of volunteers, the financial commitment of community stakeholders, the buy-in of the literary community, and the appreciation of readers from all over Montgomery County and the greater D.C. region.  When I receive the award, it will be on behalf of everyone who has played a role in building this superb cultural event.” 

Hosted by the Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County, the County Executive’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts & Humanities are annually bestowed upon individuals and organizations that support the arts and inspire the community.  Awards are given for patronage, achievement, education, leadership, volunteerism, and community impact.