Partnerships: The Building Blocks of Progress

The 71st Baltimore City Council

President Bernard C. “Jack” Young and members of the 71st Baltimore City Council were sworn-in on Thursday, Dec. 8, before an overflowing crowd of family, friends, community and business leaders, and fellow elected officials.

The day’s theme, “Partnerships: the Building Blocks of Progress,” touched on the notion that the relationships between residents, the business community, the nonprofit sector and the government will serve a vital role as Baltimore continues to emerge from the Great Recession.

The Council President’s address focused on the fact that we all must roll up our sleeves and work together to help improve the lives of average Baltimoreans.

The full text of Council President Young’s address as prepared:

Thank you all for being here. Please be seated.

Let’s please give a round of applause to members of ORCHKids and Singing Sensations. I’m happy to have such talented young people here with us today.

To my wife Darlene, and our daughters Teaira and Kendra, to my granddaughter Madysin and my son-in-law Brandon; to my mother Ida Mae Rather, and to my father Sandy E. Young, who is here in spirit, and to my brothers and sisters; to my pastor Rev. Carl J. Solomon, to Rev. Gilliard, Iman Mulazim and Rabbi Oberstein; to Lt. Gov. Brown, Mayor Rawlings-Blake, County Executive Ulman, Council Chairman Johnny O and Sen. McFadden; and to the men and women of the 71st Baltimore City Council; to our Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Stovall; to the memory of my trusted friend and aide, Rev. Beverly Simpson, who passed away last year far too soon, to the citizens of Baltimore, thank you for trusting me to serve. I am extremely honored to stand before you as the newly sworn-in President of the 71st Baltimore City Council.
           
You have in part placed our city’s future in my hands and those of my Council colleagues, and I promise you that we plan to exceed your expectations.

Four years ago, as we gathered in this very building, many among us were unaware of the life-altering economic storm brewing in Baltimore’s and our nation’s backyards. The past four years have presented a number of challenges that have caused us to re-examine how we approach and solve problems. These difficult times have also called on the citizens of Baltimore to shoulder increased burdens. We’ve faced seemingly never-ending budget deficits and stretched thin the safety net protecting the most vulnerable among us.

I don’t think there’s a person here today who would agree that the economic hardships endured by our friends, family, neighbors, and even by some of us in this room, drastically improved in June 2009 when experts reported that the recession came to an official end.

The pain associated with unemployment and underemployment was and is real. The sacrifices endured by citizens who had to adjust to a downsizing government are all too real.

Council President Young is officially sworn into office on Thursday, December 8.

           
But throughout our hardship and sacrifice, the people of Baltimore have not stopped moving forward. Through partnerships as varied as the vibrant neighborhoods that give life to our great city, we’ve been able to provide school-based healthcare services to students, employment to the jobless and improve the educational opportunities for the bright minds of tomorrow. Working together with residents, the private sector and our partners from neighboring jurisdictions, we’ve helped set Baltimore on a path to recovery.
           
But let’s be honest: we’ve only just begun. Ahead of us lies some extremely difficult work still to be done.          

Former President Kennedy once famously said that “Things do not happen. Things are made to happen.”
           
Well Baltimore, as members of the 71st Baltimore City Council prepare to begin a new term, we are focused like a laser on the areas where government action will help to grow small businesses (the economic engines of our communities); help to make our neighborhoods safer places for us to walk and our children to play; and help to further improve an educational system recognized nationally for improvements in graduation rates and test scores. 
           
The partnerships between residents, the business community, nonprofit sector and government are proof of the fact that we are ONE Baltimore, and ONE Maryland working together to help improve the lives of our citizens.
           
Let us remember that working together allows us to conquer any challenge before us, no matter how daunting.

Thank you very much, and may God bless Baltimore and her neighbors.

Congratulations to Mayor Rawlings-Blake

Dear Baltimoreans,

Please join me in congratulating Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake on being sworn into office as the 49th Mayor of Baltimore City on Tuesday, December 6. I will work with her to make sure Baltimore continues to be a great place to grow!

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

Christmas Tree Pickup and Mulching

The Department of Public Works will provide Christmas tree mulching Monday through Saturday during the entire month of January 2012. Mulching services will be offered from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Reedbird Avenue Citizen Drop-off Center (701 Reedbird Avenue).  Residents may bring their own bags or containers if they wish to collect mulch for their own use. Community groups are also encouraged to bring bags or containers and collect free mulch for neighborhood gardens while supplies last.

For residents who cannot bring their trees for mulching, the Bureau of Solid Waste will offer curbside tree collection from Tuesday, January 3, 2012 through Tuesday, January 31, 2012.  Residents should set out trees on their regularly scheduled trash collection day at the same location where their trash is collected.  All tinsel and ornaments must be removed from trees before they are set out for curbside collection or mulching.

For additional information, please call 311.

Information courtesy of the Department of Public Works.

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.

The newly sworn-in Baltimore City Council conducts its first legislative lunch together on Thursday, December 8.

Council President Young talks with residents at the East Monument Merchant's Association's 16th Annual Jingle Bell Parade on Saturday, December 10.

Dorothy Powell helps to beautify her neighborhood by cleaning up the Community Garden in the 1100 block of Rutland Avenue on Tuesday, December 13.

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.

Holiday Festival of Trains
Friday November 25 through Saturday, December 31 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (11:00 AM on Sundays)
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum, 901 W. Pratt Street
Celebrate the holiday season at Baltimore’s largest holiday display of toy and model train layouts. Santa arrives by locomotive to the Roundhouse at 10:30 am on November 25. Weekend train rides and photo opportunities take place with Santa through December 21, and with Frosty the Snowman through December 31. It’s a train load of fun that's become an annual holiday tradition!
For more information, visit www.borail.org.

First-Ever Downtown Holiday Market
Wednesday, December 14 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Center Plaza
Discover unique holiday gifts created by local artists, and take care of your holiday shopping during lunch!  More than 30 craft and artist vendors will showcase crafts and gifts what will range from hand-crafted ornaments, jewelry and gift cards to warm winter outerwear, gifts for the home & more! Free hot drinks will be handed out to shoppers as they browse. The market will also feature local food vendors, who will be selling warms snacks & lunch specials. Also, be ready for a special visit from Santa from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m.
For more information, visit godowntownbaltimore.com.

Operation: UPlift Charity & Donation Drive
Wednesday, December 14 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Baltimore, 635 West Lexington Street
This event is the kick off to building the empire for Operation: UPlift, which focuses on mentoring and motivating youth and young adults as well as helping them to create a better tomorrow for themselves. Will you join us in helping families in our community and providing a home away from home for seriously ill children? You may donate items needed at Ronald McDonald House or adopt a family for a night for $15. This covers the cost of a visit for a family who may be financially unstable.
Please R.S.V.P by Friday, December 9 via email to operationuplift1@gmail.com or 443-825-6900.

OrchKids Holiday Celebration
Thursday, December 15
Lockerman Bundy Elementary School, 301 N. Pulaski Street
Enjoy a variety of classical, pop and holiday selections from our talented students. There will be a light reception following the performance.
Please RSVP your attendance at cgoodman@bsomusic.org by Wednesday, December 14th.

Sustainability and Healthy Foods Grants
Applications due by Thursday, December 15
The Office of Sustainability is offering $1,000 grants to Baltimore City public schools for projects focusing on Sustainability and/or Healthy Foods.
For more information, call 410-396-1670 or email abby.cocke@baltimorecity.gov. The application can be found at http://cleanergreener.highrockhosting2.com/uploads/files/Challenges2012.docx

Chesapeake Bay Trust's Awards Program
Applications or nominations due by Friday, December 16 at 5:00 PM
Each year, the Trust recognizes outstanding achievements by educators and students who work to engage Marylanders in efforts to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay and local waters. Currently we are accepting applications for the awards outlined below especially for teachers and students.  To apply and for more information, please visit the Trust’s Awards Registration Page.
The Teacher of the Year Award is given annually to a teacher who motivates and inspires students by promoting environmental awareness and stewardship.  The winning applicant will receive a $2,500 award to go toward funding Trust-approved environmental field trips and/or outdoor education work at their school or organization.
The Students of the Year Scholarship award provides a $5,000 scholarship to a Maryland high school or college student who has shown an outstanding commitment to environmental stewardship, Chesapeake Bay restoration and community involvement.
The Honorable Arthur Dorman Scholarship award provides a $5,000 scholarship to a Maryland high school or college student who demonstrates a commitment to improving the health of the environment and the Chesapeake Bay and who, as a student of color, exhibits exemplary leadership in promoting diversity and inclusion in his/her school and broader community.
Do you know someone who fits the bill?  Then we encourage you to nominate teachers for the award and ask you to help identify eligible students and encourage them to apply as well.  APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE AT WWW.CBTRUST.ORG
For more information, call 410-974-2941 ext. 107.

Harbor East Holiday Events
Sunday, December 18 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Harbor East, 800 Block Aliceanna Street
There’s nothing like city sidewalks for the holidays. On December 3, the streets of Harbor East will come alive during “Joy Jingle Jam.” Enjoy live performances, photos with Santa, and more. On Sunday, December 18, browse for holiday gifts and discover the art of ice sculptor Sean Fitzpatrick. Specially made “snow” will thrill visitors throughout the day. Shoppers can receive three hours of free parking with same-day receipts totaling $100 and a voucher from a Harbor East merchant.
For a complete list of shops, restaurants, entertainment, and promotions, visit www.harboreast.com.

Historic Tax Credit Workshop
Monday, December 19, Wednesday, January 18 and Tuesday, February 21 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Baltimore Heritage, 11 1/2 W. Chase Street
Starting to think about a home renovation project for next spring? Or even next month? If you’re doing work on your historic house, you may be eligible for the Maryland Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit program which offers generous incentives for home-owners in designated historic districts. With over seventy historic districts across the city, thousands of Baltimore homeowners are eligible for a 20 percent tax credit on rehab projects from roof repair, wood window restoration, or even a replacement furnace. Baltimore City also offers a historic tax credit that can help control the growth of your property taxes for up to a ten year period. Join Baltimore Heritage for one of our three upcoming historic tax credit workshops for an introduction to the state and city historic rehab tax credit.
For more information, call 301-204-3337 or email pousson@baltimoreheritage.org.

Winter Solstice Celebration
Thursday, December 22 at 7:00 pm
First Unitarian Church, Charles Street and Franklin Street
This annual celebration includes songs, poetry, drama, a symbolic extinguishing of the old year’s fire and lighting of the new, turning the Wheel of the Year, and giving thanks for blessings. Seasonal sweets will be available for tasting. The event will also include blessing of newborn babes.
For more information, email solstice@firstunitarian.net or call 410-252-6074.

Kwanzaa Family Day
Wednesday, December 28 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive
This free celebration of community and family features a special performance by Keur Khaleyi African Dance Company and fascinating stories brought to life by actress Maria Broom. Come and create your own African textiles and hand-held treasures!
For more information, call 443-573-1700 or visit artbma.org.

Family-to-Family Mental Illness Course
Saturday, January 28 from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Govans Boundary United Methodist Church, 5210 York Road
Tuesday, February 21 from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 905 Frederick Road
Wednesday, March 28 from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Kingdom Harvest Christian Center, 12 Gwynns Mill Court
Family to Family is a free 12-week course sponsored by NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) for close relatives of individuals with severe mental illness. The course teaches the clinical treatment of major mental illnesses and the knowledge and skills that family members need to cope more effectively.  Topics include: communication skills, coping techniques, brain biology, medications, advocacy and more and are taught by trained family members. NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore is sponsoring three classes this winter/spring session.  Participants must call to register.
Classes fill quickly, so call today at 410-435-2600.

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
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