Letting Baltimore's Kids Be All-Stars
Dear Baltimoreans,
I teamed up with the Washington Capitals to transform an East Baltimore basketball court that is nationally renowned in street basketball circles into a place where nearly 100 Baltimore kids competed in the 2011 NHL Street Hockey Tournament on Tuesday.
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| Council President Young and former Washington Capital player Errol Rausse celebrate with the winning team from Mary E. Rodman Recreation Center. |
For three decades, The Dome has been home to some of the world’s best basketball players, like Carmelo Anthony, Muggsy Bogues, Sam Cassell and Juan Dixon, while also serving as a place where Baltimoreans come together to watch basketball at its best.
But on Tuesday, August 2, 2011, The Dome switched gears to host hundreds of children from local recreation centers who descended on the hallowed court to compete in my 2011 NHL Street Hockey Tournament.
About 60 students from six city recreation centers traveled to The Dome to square off in the tournament, which culminates a summer full of street hockey for the youth at these centers. In June, the Capitals donated six complete sets of brand new street hockey equipment to each center and trained staff on rules and coaching technique. In July, the Caps hosted street hockey clinics at three centers – complete with giveaways and visits from the team’s mascot, Slapshot. The kids in Tuesday's tournament were coached by former Capital player Errol Rausse.
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| Council President Young and former Washington Capital player Errol Rausse start a street hockey game by dropping the opening faceoff. |
“Street hockey is the perfect way to introduce the basic fundamentals and core principles of our game: dedication, commitment and perseverance,” said Willie O’Ree, NHL Director of Youth Development, and a former player who broke the sport’s color barrier in 1958. “I commend the City of Baltimore for its work, and for creating opportunities for boys and girls to play our great game.”
The partnership that I’ve built with the Washington Capitals and NHL has produced a number of positive experiences for our city’s youth. We’re offering our children a new and exciting sport that many of them would not have had the opportunity to play otherwise. We’re teaching them the importance of teamwork, patience and perseverance – three qualities that will serve them well into adulthood.
The street hockey tournament serves as a continuation of my P.L.A.Y. (Productive Lives, Active Youth) campaign. P.L.A.Y. provides Baltimore’s youth with a wide range of opportunities to strengthen their self-confidence, develop leadership skills, learn from positive role models, and be rewarded athletically for their academic achievements.
Congratulations to Mary E. Rodman Recreation Center, which won the championship, and to the other five teams that worked so hard and enjoyed a sunny day of street hockey!

Bernard C. “Jack” Young
President, Baltimore City Council

Stay Safe During the Hot Baltimore Summer
As the hot summer months bear down on Baltimore, it's important to know that outdoor fun has its risks. Parents and kids all over the city should be aware of the risks so they can make the best summer.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can occur rapidly in enclosed vehicles. Never leave
your child unattended in a car. Children’s bodies warm three to five times faster than an adult’s. Always check to make sure all children leave the vehicle when you reach your destination. Don’t overlook sleeping infants. (TIP: Keep your child’s toy or diaper bag in the front passenger seat to help remind you the child is on board).
On a 93-degree day, the inside of a car can exceed 125° degrees Fahrenheit in as little as 20 minutes. The temperature inside of a car is hotter than outside temperatures, and can climb rapidly.
Heat stroke can occur in a matter of minutes for young children and infants. Keep children sufficiently hydrated and cool during the day. Seniors are also more likely to suffer from heat exhaustion.
If you feel you are suffering from heat exhaustion, it is important to get out of the sun and into a cool place; loosen clothing; drink water/fluids (be sure to avoid caffeine and alcoholic beverages); take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath; and rest.
Cracking the windows enough to let in air is not an effective way to avoid the heat risks involved with leaving a child alone in a car on a hot day.
An open or screened window in homes can be a danger to children. Falls from upper story windows related to the heat have been responsible for fatal child injuries in our state. (TIP: Keeping furniture away from windows, opening windows from the top down if possible, and installing child-safety window guards all help to prevent injury).
Information from the Council For Children and Families.
Here is a snapshot of the many meetings, events, discussions and visits Council President Young engages in on a daily basis as he works to strengthen Baltimore's communities.
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| Council President Young talks with city residents at the seniors crab feast at Kurtz Beach on Tuesday, August 2. |
Council President Young pays a visit to the Youth Sports Program at Brehms Lane Elementary School on Monday, July 18. |
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| Council President Young and Councilman Robert Curran present a city council resolution to Hamilton Lauraville Main Street President Rich Marsiglia and Director Regina Lansinger at the Hamilton Street Festival and Car Show on Saturday, July 30. |
Resources for Doing Business with Baltimore City
Click HERE for a list of helpful contacts and information that will help companies and individuals do business with the city. City Council President Bernard C. "Jack" Young has a fond appreciation for the importance of small businesses, how they fuel our economy and how they facilitate jobs and a better quality of life for our residents.
Free Job Training for Youth Ages 16-21
Attention all Baltimore City Youth! The Housing Authority of Baltimore City and Office of Resident Services are offering free job training to city residents from ages 16 to 21. If you are a high school graduate or are looking to obtain a GED, this is the perfect opportunity for you. Occupational skills training is offered for the healthcare industry, Microsoft Office certifications and other exciting career fields. Reserve your space today by calling 410-396-3212.

Druid Hill Farmers Market
Every Wednesday, June 1 through September 28 from 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Druid Hill Park near the Howard P. Rawlings Conservatory and Botanical Garden
For more information, call 410-396-7012 or visit www.druidhillpark.org.
Rec & Parks Outdoor Summer Concert Season
All summer long
Concerts will be held throughout the season. Jazz Wednesday evenings at Druid Hill Park from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. run on the first Wednesday of every month from June 1 to Sept. 7. First Thursdays at Mount Vernon Park from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. run on the first Thursday of every month from May 5 to Oct. 6.
For more information and the complete schedule, call 410-396-7459 or visit baltimorecity.gov.
Thursdays at the Lewis
Thursdays from June to August from 5:00 PM to 8 PM
Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt Street
Do you wish that you could tour the museum after work? Every Thursday this summer, the museum offers extended hours from 5 p.m. 8 p.m. for a reduced admission price of $5. On the Third Thursday of every month, visitors can enjoy live music and free appetizers.
For more information, visit www.africanamericanculture.org.
Second Sundays in the Park
Second Sunday of each month from May to November from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park, 1920 Eagle Drive
Come spend an enjoyable afternoon in the park with activities for many interests and ages, including miniature steam train rides, guided tours of the historic orianda house, a labyrinth, hikes and live music.
Fell's Point Farmer's Market
Every Saturday from June 4 through November 12 from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Broadway Square in Fell's Point
After more than 200 years, the farmer's market is returning to historic Fell's Point! Come shop a great selection of local farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers and other homemade items.
Studio Artist Biennial
Saturday, June 25 through Saturday, August 20
School 33 Art Center, 1427 Light Street
Experience an exhibition highlighting the original works of current School 33 Art Center studio artists. An opening reception will be held Saturday, June 25 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The gallery is open Wednesdays through Saturdays from noon to 6:00 p.m.
For more information, visit www.school33.org.
Youth Bmore Summer Block Parties 2011
August 5 (Central Rosemont Recreation Center), August 11 (Gilmore Public Housing Complex), August 18 (Westport Public Housing Complex) and August 25 (Patapsco Recreation Center ) from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Come enjoy performances by Smash, Jessica Greene, Caddy Da Don, Lano Shire, Bossman, Baltimore Ray and more! Get there early for 92Q free giveaways and prizes.
Base Camp Discovery
Every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, June 22 through August 31 from 10:15 AM to 11:15 AM
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, Druid Hill Park
Participate with your family this summer in a “Walk on the Wild Side.” Join a Zoo educator for a fun and informative walk through a featured area of the Zoo, exploring a new topic or zone each week.
Limit of 20 people. Please gather at Base Camp Discovery by 10:15 a.m. First come, first served! Free with regular Zoo admission. Ages (recommended): 5 and up
For information about this and other zoo events, visit www.marylandzoo.org.
Safari Express
Saturday, August 6 and Sunday, August 7, all day
Baltimore Visitor Center, 401 Light Street
The destination is FUN when you ride the Safari Express to the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, a free shuttle service to and from downtown. Passengers will be picked up outside the Baltimore Visitor Center at the Inner Harbor starting at 9:30 am. Guests on the Safari Express will ride for free and be dropped off directly in front of the Maryland Zoo's main gate. Return shuttles run until 4:30 p.m.
For more information, call 410-396-7102.
International Festival
Saturday, August 6 and Sunday August 7 from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Poly/Western High School near Falls Road and West Coldspring Lane
Come enjoy this celebration of Baltimore's cultural diversity with music, dancing and a variety of free ethnic foods. Vendor space is available. Also, come see the 7th annual Baltimore International Festival Mayor's Cup Soccer Tournament!
For more information, call 410-396-3141 or email alvin.gillard@baltimorecity.gov.
Walking for Fitness Saturdays through August 13 at 9:00 AM Druid Hill Park Reservoir
This free family program from Baltimore City Recreation & Parks promotes health & fitness. Come enjoy fitness demonstrations, nutritional info, wellness checks, and healthy snacks.
To register or for more information, call 410-396-7900.
Hip Hop: Getting Back to the Heart
Saturday, August 13 at 1:00 PM
Harris-Marcus Center, 1947 Pennsylvania Avenue
Come join an examination and celebration of the power of hip hop to shape views on black masculinity. Enjoy a film screening, panel discussion and free concert.
For more information, call 410-728-1199 or visit jubileeartsbaltimore.org.
Summer Youth Performance Series
Saturday, August 13 from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
PARTY, 333 Font Hill Avenue
Enjoy the Black Male Identity Band with spoken word poetry ready by Baltimore writers and poets.
For more information, visit morethan28days.com.
Baltimore Restaurant Week
Friday, August 5 through Sunday, August 14
Various Locations
Dine your way through Downtown with participating restaurants offering special three-course menus for Restaurant Week. Get a taste of Baltimore with dinners for just $35.11 and lunches for just $20.11. Restaurant Week patrons are also offered discounted parking at City-owned parking garages.
For more information or to get a full list of participating restaurants, visit www.baltimorerestaurantweek.com.
Dundalk Antique Appraisal Day
Saturday, August 27 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
6509 Colgate Avenue
Whether you have a pieced quilt that belonged to your great grandmother, an old wooden trunk in the basement, a treasured dinner service, an old toy you played with as a child, or a rocking chair that belonged to your great aunt, come to the Dundalk Antiques Appraisal Day and discover the value of your family heirlooms. Doors open to the public at 10 a.m. on August 27. The charge is $20 for your first item, $10 for the second and the third item is free. The item limit is 3 per admission. Lunch, snacks, and beverages are available from “This Swine’s for You Catering” and the St. Helena Community Association, Inc.
For more information, email antiqueday@yahoo.com.
Summer 2011 Concerts in Riverside Park
Sunday, August 28 and Sunday, September 4 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Riverside Park
Come for great music and FREE admission to see Mambo Combo (Aug. 28) and Baltimore School of Rock Show Team (Sept. 4). Pack a picnic, a chair and a blanket and bring a few dollars for bake sale goodies and a raffle.
Wide Angle Youth Media: Baltimore Speaks Out
Mondays and Wednesdays from September 12 to December 7 from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Enoch Pratt Free Library, Herring Run Branch, 3801 Erdman Avenue
Tuesdays and Thursdays from September 13 to December 15 from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Enoch Pratt Free Library, Orleans Street Branch, 1303 Orleans Street
This program is a free media production program that trains young people, ages 10-15, to make media about their lives and communities. Youth are eligible to earn service-learning hours through participation.
To register visit the library branch for an application or go to www.wideanglemedia.org. |