Baltimore Displays True Grit

Dear Baltimoreans,

I believe that Baltimore residents possess true grit that enables our best selves to shine through during challenging times. And the natural disasters of the past week certainly proved me right.

Council President Young joins Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Department of Public Works Director Al Foxx to prepare the city for Hurricane Irene on Friday, August 26.

On Tuesday, August 23, Baltimoreans were shocked by a 5.8 magnitude earthquake centered in Mineral, Va., several hours away from Charm City. While no one was hurt, many residents – the majority of whom had never experienced an earthquake – were not able to use their cell phones to call and check on loved ones because the lines were busy from high call volume. But I personally witnessed a number of residents who were able to place outgoing calls kindly share their cell phones with complete strangers. It was small gestures like these during difficult times that make a difference.

Less than a week later, Baltimoreans were tested again when Hurricane Irene began to show signs that it had the potential to be a catastrophic storm. I took the opportunity to travel to neighborhoods and to senior centers to make sure that residents were adequately preparing for the hurricane. Fortunately, Hurricane Irene did not materialize into a historic natural disaster. It did, however, leave tens of thousands of Baltimoreans – many of them seniors and the disabled – without power.

Downed trees caused major power outages in the city, but BGE crews are working quickly to restore power.

I would like to commend first responders and utility crews – some of which have come from as far away as Kentucky to assist with Baltimore’s recovery efforts. These men and women have placed themselves in harm’s way in order to return Baltimore to normal. We all owe them a debt of gratitude and a heartfelt thank you. And I would also like to thank our residents for heeding the city’s calls to adequately prepare for Hurricane Irene and for checking in on your neighbors.

I have contacted utility officials and they have assured me that they are working round-the-clock to restore power. But as of Tuesday night, nearly 33,000 Baltimore households were still without power, according to BGE.

While we have weathered the storm, I continue to ask residents to continue to check on neighbors and share resources.

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

BCCC Scholarships Available

Baltimore City Community College is currently offering scholarship opportunities that can make a world of difference to Baltimore City residents. Thanks to a generous donation from the University of Maryland Baltimore with funds from the U.S. Department of Labor, scores of students with an interest in biotechnology, environmental science or related sciences can receive up to $4,000 per academic year (up to $2,000 per semester) to pursue a degree or certificate at the BCCC Life Science Institute.

The BCCC Life Sciences Institute (LSI) is located at the University of Maryland BioPark in the heart of West Baltimore's Poppleton community. LSI students study in close proximity to researchers with the University of Maryland or the private biotech businesses also housed at the BioPark. Students not only receive excellent instruction from BCCC faculty, but also take advantage of internships and laboratory work experiences with neighboring entities.

LSI training prepares students for work in high-demand biotechnology-related career positions such as laboratory technicians and assistance in academic and research laboratories or biopharmaceutical production facilities. BCCC students have already been hired for full-time laboratory positions right at the BioPark. Attending LSI is also a great way to get started on a bachelor's degree. Students can transfer their LSI credits to local and national four-year colleges and universities. At a time when biotechnology is one of Maryland's fastest-growing industries – and when employer demand is high, especially for minority employees – this scholarship opportunity can have a huge impact on citizens.

To be eligible for the scholarships, residents must have:

• U.S. citizenship and Maryland residency,
• A high school diploma or equivalency,
• Ability to test into college-level courses, and
• Eligibility for financial aid.

For more information about this great opportunity, contact Ms. Vera Brooks in the Office of Financial Aid at Baltimore City Community College at 410-462-8500 or vbrooks@bccc.edu.

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.

Council President Young salutes the American flag alongside the police force of the Baltimore City Public Schools on Wednesday, August 24. President Young spoke to the officers about how important their work is to the safety of Baltimore's youth.

Council President Young talks with East Baltimore residents at a meeting of the Middle East Truth & Reconciliation Community Council on Monday, August 29.

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.

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.

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 Farmers' 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.

West Baltimore Farmers' Market
Saturdays through November from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
West Baltimore MARC, 400 N. Smallwood Street
The West Baltimore Farmers' Market presents its seconds season, bringing locally grown foods to the communities in West Baltimore. Farmers from around the region will have an array of seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, meat, and more.
For more information, visit westbaltimoremarc.blogspot.com.

Totally Tremendous Tot Days
Fridays in September from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Port Discovery Children's Museum, 35 Market Place
Join Port Discovery for interactive story times designed for infants and toddlers (ages 5 and younger) in Tot Trails. Play at The Farm, the Royal Farms Convenience Store and Fill'er Up Station, Tiny's Diner, Wonders of Water, and more. School groups are welcome. Group and individual prices run from $3.75 to $7.50 per person.
To register for these special prices call 410-864-2664. For more information, visit www.portdiscovery.org.

Adopt-A-Stream Workshop
Tuesday, September 13 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
BWB Watershed Center, 3545 Belair Road
Calling all citizen watchdogs! We are looking for a few good stewards to participate in our new Adopt-a-Stream program. Workshop participants will learn about Baltimore watersheds, the challenges they face, and how we can help City and County agencies protect and improve our local streams. Topics will include how to properly identify problems such as sewer breaks and illicit discharges, who to contact to report such problems, and how to plan and promote community events such as stream clean-ups and tree plantings. After the training, stream stewards will walk their section of stream at least once per month to keep an eye out for any problems and to identify restoration and cleanup opportunities.
To register, call 410-254-1577 x100 or email volunteer@bluewaterbaltimore.org.

Riverside Park Summer Concert Series
Sunday, September 15 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Riverside Park
Pack a picnic, bring a chair or blanket, and enjoy a relaxing summer evening with music and friends. Bring a few dollars for the bake sale and raffle. September's concert will feature Baltimore School of Rock Show Team.

5th Annual Back to School Jam
Saturday, September 10 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Coppin State University, 2500 W. North Avenue
The West Baltimore Clergy United hosts this massive outreach taking place on the campus of Coppin State University. Food and supply distribution will take place promptly at 9:00 a.m. All families must arrive no later than 9:45 a.m. to ensure that they will receive food and supplies. Since this is a family event, we even have something for the children. The Kid's Cove will be located in the Coppin Center. It will be complete with fun and games and a host of fun activities for children of all ages. Coppin's Tawes Center will host HIV/AIDS testing and other pertinent health screenings. Stage entertainment will include a host of local ministry performances to include comedy, rap, Christian hip hop dance, mime and much more.
For more information, visit unitedclergy.com.

Ukrainian Festival
Saturday and Sunday, September 10 and 11, from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Patterson Park
The Ukrainian Festival is a celebration featuring traditional crafts, a Ukrainian beer garden, children's activities and storytelling, and more.

Financial Fitness Series: Car Buying Tips and Advice
Tuesday, September 13, 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Enoch Pratt Library, 400 Cathedral Street
Join Vehicles for Change for a free and informative workshop about the car-buying process. Vehicles for Change is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to refurbish and provide donated cars to working families for employment purposes. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls.
For more information, visit www.baltimorecashcampaign.org.

Active Your Inner Citizen: University
Saturday, September 17 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Sojourner Douglass College, 500 North Caroline Street
CPHA is holding its semi-annual AYIC: University on September 17th at Sojourner-Douglass College. The AYIC: University courses teach Baltimore City residents the leadership skills they need to advocate on behalf of their community and to organize their neighborhoods for positive change.  
Register for this free series of leadership classes sponsored by Citizens Planning and Housing Association, Inc. (CPHA) at http://tinyurl.com/2011fallayicu. 

Westport Block Party
Saturday, September 17 from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Westport Academy Field on Waterview Avenue
Come for live music, food and drink, a moon bounce and giant slide, contests and prizes, a bake sale, a flea market and more. Enjoy the party, clean out the attic, and earn a little money all at the same time!
For more information, call 410-370-6224 or emaileanes74@aol.com.

10th Annual Pigtown Festival
Saturday, September 17 from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM
700 block of Washington Boulevard
Join us for amazing national, regional and local music, food and artists, plus incredible beer from our friends at Heineken. All the shops in Pigtown will be open, and there will be lots of activities for the kids too. Call for sponsors, artists and vendors. We're still accepting sponsors at all levels and we'd love to have you take part. And if you'd like to have space as an artist or vendor, we want you too!
For more information, call 443-494-9744 or visit pigtownfestival.com.

ManiFESTo: A Declaration of Free Expression
Saturday, September 17, from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Eastern Avenue and Conkling Street
Celebrate the commemoration of Frank Zappa Day with a full day of live music and a wide array of arts and entertainment attractions presented by Clearpath Entertainment and the Southeast Community Development Corporation. The event will celebrate the unique legacy of Frank Zappa, both in his creative genius, and in his staunch defense of the First Amendment and freedoms of expression across all art forms.
For more information, visit www.manifestobaltimore.com.

Street Beat Festival
Sunday, September 18 from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Charles Street and Cross Street, Federal Hill
This FREE event features live music all day on three stages, arts and crafts, food and drink, new carnival games, Kids’ Kross Street with lots of activities for children, and much more! Among the many bands playing will be a Baltimore favorite Nelly's Echo; Psycho Killers, the Talking Heads tribute band back by popular demand, Pietasters, Benny Marchant, Jamie McLean Band, The Congress, Federal Hill's own Jenny Leigh Band, and many more! More than 60 vendors will be on hand with a wide assortment of arts & crafts, and of course, no festival is complete without funnel cake!
For more information, visit historicfederalhill.org.

Abell Community Street Fair
Sunday, September 18 from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
3100 Abell Avenue
Each September, the Abell Improvement Association hosts the Abell Community Street Fair. The AIA's biggest fundraiser, the Street Fair is an annual celebration of what makes this community unique, and what makes urban living great. With Abell Avenue's brightly-painted rowhouses as a backdrop, the Street Fair features live entertainment, great food, local artists and vendors, and Baltimore's Best Silent Auction. At a far more manageable scale than the oversized festivals in neighboring communities, Abell's Street Fair retains the authenticity and intimacy that defines our community. Our annual Street Fair is an opportunity for our community to reconnect, relax and be reminded of what makes Abell one of Charm City's most charming spots.
For more information, visit abellimprovement.org.

Community Gardens for the Community Professional
Wednesday, September 21 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
3355 Keswick Road, Suite 200
Are you interested in helping neighborhood groups and community associations plan a garden?  Do you believe that if you build it, they will come? They might not! Learn how to help residents choose a site, and how to provide the help that is needed while empowering people to take ownership of the project. Community gardening can provide substantial improvements to people and neighborhoods!   Join us to hear from the experts how to build a community garden that is sustainable for years to come.
Register for this free workshop sponsored by Citizens Planning and Housing Association, Inc. (CPHA), and presented by Baltimore Green Space at http://tinyurl.com/2011AYICWSept21.

Fells Prospect Scavenger Hunt
Saturday, September 24 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM (Rain date is Sunday, September 25)
How well do you know your neighborhood? Grab your friends for a fun filled adventure! Tickets will be $6 per person in advance until Sept. 17.
From Sept. 18-24 tickets will be $8 per person. Teams can be two, three or four people.
For tickets, email Laura Irwin at lcirwin@hotmail.com.

Sowebo Landmark 5k
Sunday, October 2 at 9:00 AM
Around Southwest Baltimore
The first annual Sowebo Landmark 5k will be held to encourage our community to become actively involved in tackling childhood obesity. What can we do to tackle childhood obesity? By building on the strengths of Southwest Baltimore, the Sowebo Landmark 5k run/walk aims to unite neighbors, families, schools, and local resources to empower our youth to be active, eat well, and lead healthy lives.
For more information or to register, visit sowebolandmark5k.org.

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.

The Ultimate Block Party
Sunday, October 2 from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Rash Field
Come celebrate the art and science of play with Baltimore City Public Schools. Free admission.
For more information, visit baltimorecityschools.org.

Can You Dig It, Baltimore?
Thursday, October 6 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 pM
Waterfront Hotel, 1710 Thames Street
Join the Parks & People Foundation for a meet & greet happy hour in Fells Point. Tickets are $20, $50 or $100 in advance and include a free drink, appetizers and more. The event is being organized by our new Young Friends group – a terrific group of supporters working to get the word out about Parks & People. Guests will have a chance to mix and mingle and get to know Parks & People plus have chances to win some amazing raffle prizes donated by local businesses.
For more information or to purchase your tickets, visit parksandpeople.org.

Critterpalooza
Saturday, October 15 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
The Maryland Naturalist Center, 6908 Belair Road
Join the Natural History Society of Maryland for this wild event. Activities include hands-on-nature activities, live animal displays, a costume contest, critter crafts and games, a raffle and bake sale, and much more.
For more information, visit https://sites.google.com/site/critterpalooza2011/.

Office of the City Council President
100 N. Holliday St., Suite 400
Baltimore, MD 21202
410-396-4804 (p) 410-539-0647 (f)
CouncilPresident@baltimorecity.gov
Copyright (C) 2011. All rights reserved.
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