Everyday Heroes: Walks of Art

Dear Baltimoreans,

When Shawn Burnett was growing up in a single-parent home in West Baltimore, he didn't fit the mold. He enjoyed fashion and went to art school, and while his friends listened to rap music, he preferred R&B and soul.

Shawn Burnett and Council President Young speak to city youth at the Black Male Identity Project's barbershop series.

"Even though I stood out, I was never antagonized for it, and I wanted to provide that same opportunity to kids now," he said.

That desire led Burnett to found Walks of Art, a nonprofit organization that aims to fill the void between youth and the arts. The group launched in February of 2011 and is gearing up for its second summer of workshops that expose children to visual arts, performing arts, and fashion design. The 10-week summer program, which meets three times per week, will expose 40 to 60 youth to innovative events that let them explore and expand their interests.

Shawn Burnett speaks about the programs run by his organization, Walks of Art.

"My goal is to expose kids to possibilities they they never thought were available to them and allow them to build on those talents," Burnett, now 24, said. "The kids love it, and we’re giving them the opportunity to expand when they want to do art, dance theatre or other interests. Now they have an outlet, and by helping them, they can excel in anything they want to, no matter what their situation is."

Burnett partnered with other local organizations last year, including the Black Male Identity Project, Art on Purpose, the Baltimore Freedom Academy, and the Contemporary Museum of Art, to hold various shows and workshops. Now studying nonprofit leadership to grow his knowledge of how to run Walks of Art, Burnett is exploring other options, such as partnering with the Baltimore City Public Schools system or Department of Recreation & Parks to offer the programs year-round.

Burnett is an inspiring young man with a wonderful dream that he is making a reality. He is truly one of Baltimore's Everyday Heroes.

To learn more about Walks of Art, visit walksofart.org or email shawn@walksofart.org.

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

Baltimore City Presidents Day Service Changes

The Department of Public Works announced City service changes for Monday, February 20, 2012 – Presidents Day.

• Monday is not a scheduled curbside waste or recycling collection day.
• There will be NO BULK TRASH collection scheduled.
• All Citizen Convenience Centers WILL BE CLOSED including Quarantine Road Landfill.
• All City buildings WILL BE CLOSED with the exception of Police Headquarters.
• Citizens will be unable to access city offices for bill payments or permits. Some bills can be paid online. Please visit www.baltimorecity.gov.
• Parking meters WILL be in effect.

Free Tax Preparation Sites Now Open City-Wide

Now in its 11th year offering free tax services, the Baltimore CASH – Creating Assets, Savings, and Hope – Campaign is operating 20 tax preparation sites (18 sites in Baltimore City, two sites in Baltimore County) this tax season where highly trained IRS certified volunteers will prepare and electronically file (e-file) taxes for FREE for eligible taxpayers.  People are urged to go on-line at www.bmorefreetaxes.org or call 410-234-8008 now to set up appointments.

Impact on the Community: Over the past two years alone, the Baltimore CASH Campaign prepared more than 16,000 tax returns for FREE for hard-working Baltimore taxpayers.  Since 2001, the Baltimore CASH Campaign free tax preparation assistance has saved over $9 million in tax preparation fees: more than 70,000 people have received free tax preparation services, bringing $110+ million back to low-income residents in Baltimore City.  This year’s goal is to prepare 9,000 tax returns for eligible Baltimore working families.

Spanish-Language Services: Spanish-speakers have two sites they may visit this year: Those with Social Security numbers may access services at Southeast Community Development Corporation while CASA de Maryland has expanded their hours of operation and their ITIN (Immigrant Taxpayer Identification Number) services for immigrant taxpayers without Social Security numbers.  Southeast CDC also serves English speakers. 

Who is eligible for free tax preparation from Baltimore CASH partners?

• Families who made less than $50,000
• Single people who made less than $25,000 in 2011 may be eligible for free tax preparation services that may qualify them for tax refunds worth thousands of dollars in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC), as well as other tax refunds. 

Earned Income Tax Credit:  The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is the most effective anti-poverty program in the US – it’s a kind of specialized tax refund that can put thousands of dollars back in the pockets of working Maryland families.   

Benefits of nonprofit Free Tax prep versus commercial paid preparers:  Many people are eligible to receive the Earned Income Tax Credit if they file properly.  When people use commercial paid tax preparers instead of nonprofit FREE tax prep services, much of the EITC refund is eaten up by fees paid to the for-profit “rapid refund” tax services rather than going into the pockets of low-income Marylanders because the services charge interest up to 600% and fees up to $500 out of a $2,300 EITC refund.  ALL of the EITC goes back into people’s pockets when they use the Baltimore CASH Campaign’s free tax prep sites.

Fastest Returns:  No one should waste their money paying someone to prepare and file their taxes. When people e-file their taxes with the Baltimore CASH Campaign, their Maryland state refund check could be direct deposited into their bank account in 1 to 3 days!  NO ONE DOES IT FASTER.  All of the Baltimore CASH Campaign free tax prep sites can help eligible taxpayers open a savings account to take advantage of this quick return. 

High Quality Service: The volunteer and staff tax preparers at the Baltimore CASH Campaign free tax preparation sites are all certified by the IRS, so taxpayers can rest assured that only highly trained people are helping them.  The CASH Campaign partner sites receive oversight from staff attorneys with the Baltimore CASH Campaign.  Quite a few of the volunteers have given their time for many years and are passionate about helping people.  Each volunteer must take 12 hours of specialized comprehensive training from the Baltimore CASH Campaign then must pass the IRS test in order to be certified for free tax prep services.

Volunteers Committed to Community:  Longtime free tax preparation volunteer, Tiffany Yep, spoke at the press event in order to highlight that the Baltimore CASH Campaign volunteers are truly neighbors helping neighbors; they are committed to community.  In these tough economic times, it’s important to remember that many people really do care about helping others. Many volunteers see this as an opportunity to keep their skills sharp as well as learn and develop new skills for the future while helping build their resumes.  In 2011, there were a record number of volunteers – over 200.

Creating Assets, Savings and Hope: Due to the efforts of the Baltimore CASH Campaign and similar organizations across the US, everyone in the US now has the option to buy US Savings Bonds with a portion of their refund – just by marking the box on the IRS tax form.  The Baltimore CASH Campaign sites can help people buy savings bonds for themselves, their children or grandchildren to plan for a better future.  At certain free tax preparation sites, the Baltimore CASH Campaign will help taxpayers open savings accounts in order to grow wealth and save for the future or a rainy day.

Emergency Assistance to Eligible Families with Children

The State of Maryland's Department of Human Resources has a financial program called Emergency Assistance to Families with Children, which allows a once annual grant up to $600 to low-income families who have a financial emergency. As of February 1, 2012, EACF payments in Baltimore City will be limited to families who:

• Have children age 12 and under and/or seniors age 65 and over and/or persons with serious illness or disability as members of their households; and
• Do not have any household member who receives SSI; and
• Have not received an EACF grant in the past 24 months.

For more information and to apply, call 1-800-332-6347 or visit dhr.maryland.gov.

Maryland Homestead Tax Credit Changes

A state law, effective October 1, 2007, enacted by the Maryland General Assembly requires that all homeowners make a one-time application in order to be eligible to receive or continue receiving the Homestead tax Credit. The application is required to insure that all property owners receive the credit on the one property used as their principle residence and not on properties used for other purposes.

We, in Baltimore City, were successful in having the application period extended until December 2012. By calling 410-767-2165, a homeowner can verify or apply for an application. Please be aware that if a homeowner fails to file one by the cut-off date, he or she will lose the credit , and it will not be reinstated.

For more information, visit dat.state.md.us.

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 joins a walkthrough of the Greater Rosemont community on Tuesday, February 7.

Council President Young joins Baltimore City Police Department's Southwestern District and Western District Majors Eric Russell and Clifton McWhite.

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.

Carson Scholars Fund
305 W. Chesapeake Avenue, Suite 310, Towson, MD, 21204
The Ben Carson Reading Project will encourage all children to strive for excellence and give teachers empowerment with a new program to help students learn. Parents will be given a tool to help them spend time with their children and to embrace books and the power of learning. A reading room will be provided where students and their families learn of Dr. Ben Carson’s THINK BIG philosophy and hear his childhood story of struggle and perseverance. The Fund recognizes and rewards outstanding students in grades four to 12 with $1,000.00 scholar awards invest for college. Scholar candidates must have at least a 3.75 grade point average and be strong humanitarians.
To learn more, visit carsonscholars.org.

JustAdvice Legal Counseling
Attorneys at JustAdvice offer help for only $10 in the areas of family, housing, criminal, employment, expungement, insurance, elder, tax, civil, and social security law. JustAdvice can also. Help with expungement of court records for only the cost of court filings also available! This service is a project of the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law.
For more information on dates and locations or to make an appointment, call 410-929-4809, email justadvice@law.maryland.edu or visit justadvice.wordpress.com.

High School Juried Art Show
Through Sunday, February 26
The Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt Street
The Reginald F. Lewis Museum, in partnership with the Maryland State Education Association, proudly displays winners of the fourth annual Maryland Statewide High School Juried Art Show. This year’s theme, Building Community through Civic Engagement, focuses on improving communities through civic or political actions. An opening reception will be held Sunday, January 15, 2:00 pm-4:00 pm.
For more information, call 443-263-1800 or visit www.AfricanAmericanCulture.org.

Free Tax Preparation Services
Various Locations
Did you or a family member work some or all of 2011? If yes, you may be eligible to receive tax credits totaling almost $5,000 this year! Visit the nonprofit Baltimore CASH Campaign for FREE tax preparation services! Families who made under $50,000 or singles who made under $25,000 may be eligible for free tax prep services and qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit worth thousands! The Baltimore CASH Campaign can also help you open savings account, purchase a U.S. Savings Bond, and see if you qualify for public benefits.
To make an appointment, call 410-234-8008 or visit bmorefreetaxes.org.

PNC Transformative Art Project
Applications Due Wednesday, February 15
The PNC Transformative Art Project supports communities in their efforts to improve their surroundings with long-term and lasting projects. This program requires neighborhoods to collaborate with arts organizations and/or artists to permanently reinvent community spaces using art. The Transformative Art Project focuses on bringing the arts community and community development together to create dramatic visual impact that will attract visitors to your neighborhood.
For more information on the PNC Transformative Art Project, call 410-752-863 or visit promationandarts.org.

A Raisin in the Sun
Thursday, February 16 at 4:00 PM, Friday February 17 at 7:00 PM and Saturday, February 18 at 7:00 PM
Cahill Performing Arts Center, 4001 Clifton Avenue
Come see this presentation by the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks. $5 for children and $10 for adults. Light refreshments will be served.

I'm Too Cute to Sweat
Saturday, February 18 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Zeta Center for Healthy and Active Aging, 4501 Reisterstown Road
Come join Charles "Chizelit" Harris for a mega workout, health screenings, free hair products and presentations from hair care professionals.
For more information or to RSVP, call 443-838-1518 or email karen@karenmillerconsulting.com.

Volunteer Trail Maintenance Crew Training
Saturday, February 18 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Herring Run Park
Join Baltimore Recreation and Parks to learn proper maintenance techniques, proper tools to use, and how to identify and fix common trail maintenance issues to help keep our trails in good condition. The training will begin at the Hall Springs Area of Herring Run Park in North East Baltimore.
For more information or to RSVP, contact molly.gallant@baltimorecity.gov or 443-984-4058.

Song and Dance
Saturday, February 18 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles Street
A potpourri of preparatory string ensembles performs treasured lyrical works and dances, including arrangements of the Allegretto from Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony; Massenet’s “Meditation” from Thaïs; and “Czardas,” Vitorrio Monti’s famous Hungarian Dance. The Peabody Cello Choir, Violin Choir, Kreisler Violin Group, and Pre-Conservatory Violin Program will perform.
For more information, visit thewalters.org/eventscalendar.

Battle of the Sexes Game Night
Sunday, February 19 from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Rawlings Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Druid Hill Park
Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Rawlings Conservatory & Botanical Gardens while networking and having fun. Leave the kids at home; this indoor winter garden date night is for grown-ups only.  The evening will include Wii, board games, couples trivia, and more. Light fare and drinks will be served. You must be at least 21 to attend. The event is free, but space is limited and RSVP is required.
For more information or to RSVP, contact gwendolyn.chambers@baltimorecity.gov or 410-396-6694.

Historic Tax Credit Workshop
Tuesday, February 21 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Baltimore Heritage, 11 1/2 West Chase Street
Thinking about a home renovation project? If you're working on your historic house, you may be eligible for the Maryland Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit program, which offers incentives for home-owners in designated historic districts across the city. Join Baltimore Heritage for this historic tax credit workshop and get an introduction to the State and City tax credit.
For more information, call 301-204-3337 or email pousson@baltimoreheritage.org. Click HERE to RSVP today!

Not In My Neighborhood
Friday, February 24 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
City Hall, Board of Estimates, 100 N. Holliday Street
Reporter and best-selling author Antero Pietila discusses how redlining shaped neighborhoods in Baltimore and other urban cities. In 1910, Baltimore became the first American city to segregate residential blocks by race. Though it was a border city, Baltimore was more segregated than many cities in the Deep South. This event is part of the It’s More Than History brown bag lecture series. Make sure to bring your favorite brown bag lunch and photo ID for entry.
For more information, call 410-878-6411.

3rd Annual Black Male Symposium
Saturday, February 25 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Sweet Prospect Baptist Church, 901 E. Eager Street
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity's Zeta SIgma Chapter presents this discussion of "The new civil rights: Post-Martin Luther King, Jr in the age of Barack Obama." On-site registration is from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., and breakfast and lunch are provided. Admission is $5 for adults, and free for anyone under 18 or college students with a valid student ID.

Free Walk-In Tax Day
Saturday, February 25 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
St. Helena Community Building, 6509 Colgate Avenue
The AARP is hosting this free event, and there is no appointment needed. When you come, bring a copy of last year's income tax return(s), W-2 forms from each employer, unemployment compensation statements, an SSA-1099 form if you were paid Social Security benefits, all 1099 forms (1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-B, etc.) showing interest and / or dividends and documentation showing original purchase price of sold assets, 1099-Misc, showing any miscellaneous income, 1099-R form if you received a pension or annuity, all forms indicating federal income tax paid, dependent care provider information (name, employer ID, Social Security number), all receipts or canceled checks if itemized deductions, and Social Security cards or other official documentation for yourself and all dependents.
For more information, call 410-633-6077.

Fest-of-All Gala & Fashion Show
Saturday, February 25 from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Highway
Fest-of-All is a showcase of the best of Federal Hill! It will feature food & drink from the area’s restaurants and a runway fashion show with attire and accessories from local boutiques. Proceeds go to the Federal Hill Main Street program for its community revitalization efforts. Tickets are $75 in advance, $90 at the door.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.historicfederalhill.org.

Ira Aldridge: African American Theater Pioneer
Sunday, February 26 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles Street
Join Kwame Kwei-Armah, British playwright, actor, director, and new Artistic Director of CENTERSTAGE in Baltimore in this lively discussion about Ira Aldridge, the first American of African descent to achieve fame in the theater. Kwei-Armah will preview recordings from his recent radio documentary on Aldridge, who spent much of his career on the London stage in Shakespearean roles, especially that of Othello. For more information, visit thewalters.org/eventscalendar.

Baltimore Day In Annapolis
Wednesday, February 29 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Lowe House Office Building, Rooms 170 and 180, 6 Bladen Street, Annapolis, Maryland, 21401
You are cordially invited to a reception hosted by Mayor Rawlings-Blake with members of the Baltimore City Delegation of the Maryland General Assembly. Seating is limited. Photo ID is required to enter the House Office Building.
Please RSVP to theresa.hall@baltimorecity.gov or call (410) 396-4735

Family-to-Family Mental Illness Course
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.

Johns Hopkins Summer Job Program
Applications due Friday, March 2
The Johns Hopkins Summer Jobs Program (JHSJP) is a six-week paid internship program for Baltimore City high school students. The program begins on Monday, June 18, 2012 and runs through Friday, July 27, 2012. Preference will be given to students who are residents of Baltimore City, attend a Baltimore City School, and are at least 15 years old by March 30, 2012, and will be based on the competitiveness of the applicant pool and number of openings. GPA and attendance may be considered in determining who will be invited to the interview session. If invited to apply to the program, students must attend a Saturday Interview session.
Those who are asked to continue as applicants following the Saturday Interview Session must attend an Occupational Health screening for TB testing (and be cleared), an all-day orientation session (if cleared by Occupational Health), and a "Meet and Greet" session.
Interns must commit to work 30 hours a week. The hours are 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. from Monday through Friday, from June 18 through July 27. The pay rate is $7.25 for all participating interns. The dress code is business casual, which means a solid color polo shirt, khaki pants, and closed-toe, comfortable shoes. No shorts, tank tops or flip flops are permitted.
For more information or to apply, visit http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/jhhr/Community/youthprograms.html.

Free Diabetes Education Series
Six Thursdays beginning arch 15 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
201 E. Baltimore Street, 1st Floor
Have you or a loved one recently been diagnosed with Diabetes? Were you diagnosed years ago and are looking for information on how to manage your chronic medical condition with your hectic lifestyle? If so, then join the Baltimore City Department of Human Resources, Towson University Center and Mercy Medical Center to this free series.
For more information or to register, call 443-984-3816 or email Julie.Colucci@baltimorecity.gov.

The Great Seedling Shuffle
Saturday, March 17 and Saturday, April 7 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Herring Run Nursery, 6131 Hillen Road
Join Blue Water Baltimore for an action-packed morning of repotting baby trees and shrubs.
Pleas register by emailing volunteer@bluewaterbaltimore.org.

Spring Community Emergency Response Team Meeting
Friday, March 23 from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM, Saturday, March 24 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Sunday, March 25 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Public Safety Training Center, 3500 W. Northern Parkway
Topics covered include basic preparedness, fire safety, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue, disaster psychology, and CERT organization.
To RSVP, please email cert@baltimorecity.gov. For more information, visit http://www.citizencorps.gov/cert/training_mat.shtm.

Windows Restoration Workshop with "The Old House Doctor"
Saturday, March 24 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Second Chance, 1700 Ridgely Street, 21230
Homeowners, contractors, architects and anyone who loves their old house is invited to join Baltimore Heritage and Duffy Hoffman, "The Old House Doctor," for a one-day wood window rehab workshop. Attendees will learn how to repair and preserve deteriorating and damaged wood building components and how to appropriately restore and weatherize historic wood windows. Registration is $20.
For more information or to register by Saturday, March 17, call 410-332-9992, email hopkins@baltimorehertiage.org or visit baltimoreheritage.org.

Restoration & Renovation Fair
Saturday, April 28
Preservation Maryland, 24 W. Saratoga Street
Looking for help with a home project? Want to learn new tricks for older homes? Come hear from experts in all areas of homeownership and ask your questions. Explore an exhibit hall of contractors and vendors, attend hands-on presentations, and learn new tricks. Admission is $10.
For more information, call 410-685-2886, email jfeldt@preservationmaryland.org or visit preservationmaryland.org.

Art Classes at School 33 Art Center
January through May 2012
School 33 Art Center, 1427 Light Street
A variety of art classes are offered at School 33 Art Center. Let your inner artist shine with drawing, oil painting, mixed media, and watercolor classes. Classes for children are also available.
For more information, visit www.school33.org/index.cfm?page=education&section=1.

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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