Legislative
Calendar
Thursday, February 3
1:00 PM – Taxation, Finance, and Economic Development Committee Hearing (Informational Hearing-Convention Center Hotel Performance).
Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
Monday, February 7
2:30 PM – The 12th Annual State of the City Address (The Honorable Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, 49th Mayor of Baltimore City)
5:00 PM – City Council Meeting
All events in Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
Tuesday, February 8
3:15 PM – Judiciary and Legislative Investigations Committee Hearing (City Property-Naming an Unnamed Driveway in Leakin Park to Sloman Drive)
*Rescheduled from February 15, 2011
4:00 PM – Redistricting Committee Hearing (Informational Hearing-John Willis, consulting attorney for redistricting, will address the Committee on issues related to the redistricting process.)
All hearings in Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
Wednesday, February 9
10:30 AM – Executive Appointments Committee Hearing (Caroline Griffin-Member, Anti-Animal Abuse Commission; Randall Lockwood-Member, Anti-Animal Abuse Commission; Judith Kundst-Member, Anti-Animal Abuse Commission; Karen Reese-Member, Anti-Animal Abuse Commission; Christine Schoppert-Member, Anti-Animal Abuse Commission).
All hearings in Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
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A Celebration of History
Dear Baltimoreans,
Tuesday might have marked the official start to Black History Month, but here in Baltimore and around the nation we take time out all year-long to honor the contributions African Americans have made to the fields of science and technology, academia and public service – just to name a few.
Locally, there are a number of exciting and educational events planned during the coming weeks.
The Walters Art Museum (600 North Charles Street) is hosting a "lunch and learn" session about African American art on Thursday, Feb. 3 at 12:15 p.m. Jacqueline Copeland, Director of Education & Public Programs at the Walters, will reflect on the region’s current exhibitions that feature African American art, artists and collectors. The exhibit will examine the importance and relevance of the dialogue that these exhibitions and artists engage. Admission is free. For more information, visit thewalters.org.
Similarly, the Baltimore Museum of Art (10 Art Museum Drive) will host its African American History Month Family Day 2011 on Sunday, Feb. 6. Admission is free, and guests will be treated o live musical groups and storytellers. Visitors will be inspired by stories of community leaders and social justice heroes who paved the way for the advancement of all Marylanders. For more information, visit artbma.org.
Another great jewel that Baltimore City has to offer is the world-class Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African-American History and Culture. With permanent exhibitions and special visiting exhibits and collections, the museum offers a rich collection of African-American history. The Reginald F. Lewis Museum will be hosting several temporary exhibitions throughout February. Please visit africanamericanculture.org for more information.
The Baltimore National Heritage Area, in conjunction with the Office of Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, will be hosting a lecture series titled “It’s More Than History.” The lecture series, which will run on February 4, 11, 18 and 25 from noon to 1 p.m., will take place at City Hall (100 North Holliday Street) in the Hyman Aaron Pressman Board Room on the second floor. The series will include four lectures that will explore Baltimore’s history through its musical legacy, its famous mothers, the 1814 defense against the British army, and Harriet Tubman’s freedom quest. For additional information please visit baltimorecity.gov.
I encourage everyone to take advantage of these culturally-rich events.
Bernard C. “Jack” Young
President, Baltimore City Council
Council Redistricting Planning Underway
Baltimore City is currently in the process of dividing the City into districts of approximately equal population for the election of members to serve on the City Council. The Mayor and City Council are responsible for redrawing city council districts. Baltimore redistricts every 10 years after the decennial census is completed.
On Monday, January 31, 2011, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake introduced her redistricting plan to the City Council.
Click HERE for an overview of the Mayor's plan.
Click HERE to view a PDF file of the Mayor's proposed plan in a map layout.
The City Council will hold public hearings to discuss the redistricting plan.
The first meeting is a briefing session in which John Willis, consulting attorney for redistricting, will address the Council's Redistricting Committee on issues related to the redistricting process. It will take place:
Tuesday, February 8,
4 p.m.
Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th Floor, City Hall, 100 North Holliday Street
The
full City Council will hold a hearing to discuss the Mayor's plan on:
Wednesday, February 16, 5 p.m.
Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th Floor, City Hall, 100 North Holliday Street
Check the City Council's 2011 redistricting website at baltimorecitycouncil.com/redistricting.html for updates.
Tax Preparation Season Quickly Approaching
With April right around the corner, it's a great time to start preparing to file your taxes. There are events beginning over the next few weeks around Baltimore that provide helpful tax services.
Eligible Baltimore taxpayers don’t have to pay expensive tax or “rapid refund” fees – they can get their taxes electronically filed for FREE at the Baltimore CASH Campaign’s free tax prep sites. The majority of taxpayers utilizing the “rapid refund” services are eligible to receive the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), if they file properly. 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 $1,700 refund.
Below are a few of the free tax preparation events coming up in Baltimore.
Free Tax Preparation
Starting Saturday, January 15
Locations across Baltimore
Various organizations are providing free tax preparation services to single tax filers who made less than $25,000 in 2010 or families who made less than $49,000. Electronic filing will be provided, which will result in faster refunds. All appointments are free. Sponsored by the Baltimore CASH Campaign and the United Way of Central Maryland.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 410-234-8008 or visit bmorefreetaxes.org.
Disability Income Tax Day
Saturday, February 12 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Various Locations
If you have a disability and make less than $49,000 a year, you may be eligible to participate. Get your income taxes completed for free and learn about disability services, asset planning, and other government-funded assistance programs.
For more information or to register, call the Division of Rehabilitation Services at 410-333-6119.
Information provided by the Baltimore CASH Campaign.
Visit Baltimore Town Hall Meeting
Thursday, February 3 from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM
American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Highway
Visit Baltimore invites you to the 2011 Town Hall Meeting & Networking Event. Hear from special guest speakers Jeff Buchheit of Baltimore National Heritage Area and Jay Davidson of Baltimore Racing Development. Visit Baltimore leadership will also present an update on convention sales and services activities, marketing campaigns, and other organizational particulars.
For more information, visit http://baltimore.org/blog/?p=400.
The Chocolate Affair
Thursday, February 3 from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM
M&T Bank Stadium, 1101 Russell Street
Come celebrate "the sweetest night in town" at the 20th Chocolate Affair, to benefit Health Care for the Homeless. Join honorary chairs, Chet Burrell, President & CEO of CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Elizabeth Burrell, and Charles "Choo" Smith, former Harlem Globetrotter as you sample sweet and savory treats from over 50 of Baltimore's best restaurants, caterers, and chocolatiers. Enjoy auctions, dancing, live music, spa treatments, and more. Tickets are $85 in advance, $95 at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit chocolateaffair.org.
"It's More Than History!" Brown Bag Lecture Series
Friday, February 4, 11 and 18 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
City Hall, Board of Estimates Room, 100 North Holliday Street
Bring your favorite brown bag lunch and enjoy this series of lectures about Maryland's history. February 4 will focus on Harriet Tubman's "Freedom Quest" as an underground railroad conductor and civil rights activist, February 11 will explore Baltimore's musical legacy through film and jazz, and February 18 will concentrate on the 1814 defense of Baltimore against the British army. A photo ID is required.
For more information, call 443-984-2369.
State of the Harbor Conference
Saturday, February 5 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Legg Mason Building, 100 International Drive 4th Floor
Join the Waterfront Partnership as they present the very first State of the Harbor conference looking at the current state of Baltimore Harbor, what it will take to make it fishable and swimmable, and how we can get there.
For more information, email laurie@waterfrontpartnership.org.
So You Think You Can Charleston?
Monday, February 7 at 10:30 AM
Enoch Pratt Free Library Central Branch, 400 Cathedral Street
Children ages 6-12 can learn about the Harlem Renaissance, one of the most exciting periods in American music, literature, art, and dance. Afterward, they will participate in a jazz era dance contest.
For more information or to register groups of 5 or more, call 410-396-5402.
Babe's Birthday Bash
Friday, February 11 from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Babe Ruth Museum, 216 Emory Street
Join a lineup of local sports stars from Baltimore's Blast, Bullets, Colts, Orioles, Ravens, Maryland's Terps and Olympic champions to celebrate the 116th birthday of sport's greatest star, Babe Ruth! TIckets are $45 for museum members, $55 for non-members or $60 at the door. Enjoy food and beverages a silent auction and door prizes.
For more information or to purchase tickets, call 410-727-1539 x3033 or visit baberuthmuseum.com.
Macy's Go Red for Women Health Fair & Fashion Show
Saturday, February 12 from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM
Macy's, Towson Town Center, 825 Dulaney Road
The American Heart Association's Go Red for Women (GRFW) campaign celebrates the energy, passion and power of women to band together and wipe out the #1 killer of women, heart disease. Tell your story and you could be Maryland's next GRFW spokesperson. Also, learn about heart disease and stroke prevention, Life's Simple 7, health screenings, nutrition counseling and visit the kids "Art for the Heart" craft station. Hear from women who have made lifestyle changes, meet fitness guru Charles Harris and enjoy a spectacular Macy's fashion show featuring top designers worn by participants of all ages, celebrities and KIS models.
For more information, call 410-637-4569 or visit goredforwomen.org.
1st-Time Homeownership Workshop
Saturday, February 12 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM (Part 1)
Saturday, February 19 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM (Part 2)
Oliver Community Center, 1400 East Federal Street
To register for this free workshop or schedule an appointment, call 443-388-9809.
Baltimore City CERT Training
Saturday and Sunday February 12 and 13 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Baltimore City Fire Academy, 6720 Pulaski Highway
In 95 percent of emergencies, bystanders or victims themselves are the first to provide emergency assistance or rescue. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program trains citizens to prepare for and respond to emergencies in their communities. This quarterly training will give you the tools you need to understand hazards that can affect your community, perform first aid techniques, make an emergency plan for your family or business, and more.
For more information or to reserve a spot by February 4, email cert@baltimorecity.gov.
Red Dress Sunday
Sunday, February 13
Places of worship across the city
Wear your best in red to raise awareness about heart disease. Heart disease is the No.1 killer of African-American women. Ladies, join your sisters across Maryland and learn more about your risk factors for heart disease at this FREE event. Red Dress Sunday is an innovative faith-based health education and outreach program designed to raise awareness of the devastating effects of heart disease. This event easily reaches over 100,000 people every year in an effort to try and stop heart disease among African American Women and to help them live longer, healthier lives.
For more information, call 410-368-2773.
Johns Hopkins Neighborhood Fund
Applications accepted through February 15 at 5:00 PM
The Johns Hopkins Neighborhood Fund was created in 2007 to support nonprofit organizations that serve the communities in close proximity to the institution’s campuses by addressing needs in the areas of: Community Revitalization; Education; Employment; Health; and Public Safety. To be eligible, grantees must deliver their services within designated geographic boundaries (within the Johns Hopkins Live Near Your Work program boundaries and/or a 3/4 mile radius of any Johns Hopkins campus that participates in the annual United Way of Central Maryland campaign), agree to use or return funds by the end of the calendar year in which they are awarded, hold a 501(c)(3) tax code designation or use a 501(c)(3) as a fiscal agent, be associated with Johns Hopkins through institutional involvement or an affiliation with faculty, staff, retirees or students, and comply with other disbursement and reporting requirements as noted in the grant application.
For more information, call 443-997-4765, email estrong@jhu.edu or visit jhu.edu/neighborhoodfund.
Fest-Of-All Gala and Fashion Show
Saturday, February 26 from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Highway
Fest-of-All is a celebration of everything Federal Hill. It features fine food & drink (open bar) from great restaurants and taverns and the newest spring fashions from award-winning boutiques. Music and dancing follow the fashion show, and a silent auction offering bargains galore rounds out the evening. Proceeds go to the national award-winning nonprofit Federal Hill Main Street program for its community revitalization efforts, driven by volunteers. A portion of this year’s proceeds will be set aside for a new small business revolving microloan fund that Federal Hill Main Street is establishing to assist local businesses in gaining access to capital. Tickets are $60 in advance, $75 at the door, and include all the fine food and drink from Federal Hill establishments.
For more information, call 410-727-4500, email janeseebold@historicfederalhill.org or visit historicfederalhill.org.
Baltimore City Truck Study Public Meetings
Tuesday, February 15 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Enoch Pratt Free Library Orleans Street Branch, 1303 Orleans Street
Wednesday, February 16 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Barclay Elementary Middle School Auditorium, 2900 Barclay Street
Tuesday, February 22 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Enoch Pratt Free Library Cherry Hill Branch, 606 Cherry Hill Road
Thursday, February 24 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
AFYA Center, Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Building, 4151 Park Heights Avenue
The Baltimore City Department of Transportation has conducted a
study intended to better manage truck traffic throughout
Baltimore City. Four public meetings have been scheduled to
present the citywide plan in its entirety. Previous meetings
during 2010 focused on each geographical area of the city. The February 2011 meetings will outline proposed truck movements
from one end of the city to the other. The same presentation will
be given during each meeting.
Small Business Seminar Series
Monday, February 28 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Small Business Resource Center, 1101 E. 33rd Street, Suite C-307, 3rd Floor
This series is designed to provide intense training to small business owners that want to understand the City of Baltimore’s contracting process. The February 28 session is "How to Market to the City of Baltimore" and costs $25.
For more information and to register, call 410-396-3818.
Open Society Institute-Baltimore Community Fellowships
Applications accepted through March 21 at 5:00 PM
The Baltimore Community Fellowships program seeks dynamic activists and social entrepreneurs interested in implementing projects that address problems in undeserved communities in Baltimore City. The fellowship spans a term of 18 months beginning Fall 2011. Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend information sessions on Wednesdays and Thursdays in February.
For more information, call 410-234-1091.
CollegeBound Foundation Scholarship Applications
Applications due March 1
The CollegeBound Foundation is accepting applications for its Last-Dollar Grant award (up to $3,000). To qualify, a student must be a 2011 graduate from a Baltimore City Public High School and demonstrate an economic need. Also available are over 60 scholarships based on academic merit or service learning, ranging from a one-time $400 award to a four-year full tuition award. Applications are due by March 1 and are available online at scholarships.mycbf.net/stars.
For more information, call 410-783-2905 or email dcarr-davis@collegeboundfoundation.org.
Maryland Science Center Scholarships
Applications accepted through March 2
The Maryland Science Center awards the Dr. H. Bentley Glass Scholarship to two Baltimore City high public school students who will enter either a community or 4-year college in the fall. Each scholarship provides $1500 to help defray the considerable costs of post-secondary education. To be eligible for consideration, students must meet the following criteria: Attend a Baltimore City public high school; have a cumulative average of 80 or above; demonstrate financial hardship; and intend to pursue the study of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Late or incomplete applications will NOT be accepted. Full details and the application can be found at http://www.marylandsciencecenter.org/programs/GlassScholar/Main.html.
Fells Point's Harbor Ball
Saturday, March 19 from 7:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Thames Street Wharf
The Fell’s Point Residents Association and Bozzuto Development present this event with proceeds going to repair/replace the windows in 1732 Thames Street, an historically significant building on one of Fell’s Point’s main thoroughfares.
The 4th annual Harbor Ball, with the theme of Party Like a Sailor, promises lots of fun with live entertainment from the band That’s What She Said, DJ Don Koenig, beer, wine, a premium cash bar, great food from Pierpoint, dancing and a huge silent auction. Dress is black tie/festive. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased online at harborball.org or at One Eyed Mike’s, Long and Foster’s Fell’s Point office, BB&T Harbor East/Fell’s Point location and the Fell’s Point Visitors Center.
For more information, call 410-960-7038 or visit harborball.org.
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