Everyday Heroes: Meals on Wheels

Dear Baltimoreans,

Meals on Wheels volunteer Dale Johnson prepares to make a delivery.

Volunteers are an essential part of any community. In Baltimore, we are fortunate to benefit from a network of dedicated volunteers, whose selfless acts are often unrecognized by the majority of Baltimoreans.

Meet Dale Johnson.

The 60-year-old Baltimore native and bicycle enthusiast has devoted his retirement to helping others. After raising money for Bike the US for MS, a national organization that builds awareness for Multiple Sclerosis research, Johnson turned his attention toward his hometown. He teaches a free computer class in Waverly at the New Waverly Methodist Church and last fall, took up a new volunteering opportunity: Meals on Wheels.

By providing nutritious meals to people who are homebound due to age or disability, Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland supports independent living and quality of life for individuals who wish to remain in their own homes. While most volunteers deliver meals by car, Johnson makes do with only two wheels.

The program was looking to recruit bicyclists to deliver more meals and Johnson was the right person for the job.

"I just wanted to volunteer," said Johnson, who has biked since the 70s.

Johnson set out delivering meals in Hampden, where he was able to complete 16 to 18 deliveries in a single ride. Now, he's turning his attention to expanding the bike delivery program.

"Over the winter I’ve been doing research, meeting with Meals on Wheels, and contacting big names in bike groups in Baltimore, Johnson said. "So now as soon as it starts warming up a bit, I’m going to start recruiting. One of the nice things about it is that it shows people using bikes for a serious application. Between the bike advocates and what the city is doing, it’s phenomenal. The number over the last eight or nine years of commuters on bikes has gone way up."

Johnson is known for bringing more than a hot meal to the door. He often stops to chat, knowing that his conversation is the only outside contact homebound seniors may have.

"It’s been fun going back into the neighborhoods I grew up in," he said. "It’s something I just enjoy. I just appreciate what I’ve got out of life and at this point want to help other people. The seniors and other people are so appreciative. I grew up not that well off, and my life has turned out great. I was the first in my family to go to college, and I realize that I’ve been so fortunate. And so a lot of it is giving back for me."

The entire City of Baltimore appreciates Johnson's hard work and urges anyone who wants to combine the healthy hobby of cycling with a great volunteer project to call him at 443-841-4372 or email dale.johnson99@gmail.com.

For more information on Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland, call 410-558-0827 or visit mealsonwheelsmd.org.

Bernard C. “Jack” Young
President
Baltimore City Council

City Seeks Nonprofits to Serve as 2013 YouthWorks Worksites

YouthWorks, Baltimore City’s summer jobs program, is seeking nonprofit organizations and community groups to serve as worksites in 2013. Eligible worksites are not responsible for paying YouthWorks participants who work at their locations, but they must provide close supervision and mentoring, and ensure that workers are fully engaged throughout the program. Youth are scheduled to work five hours each day (excluding lunch), five days a week, for a total of 25 hours per week for six weeks, beginning Monday, June 24, and running through Friday, August 2.

An organization can apply to become a YouthWorks 2013 worksite through Friday, March 15, by visiting http://youthworks.oedworks.com and using a current, active email address to create an account. All worksite eligibility requirements are outlined on the site.

Each year, YouthWorks connects approximately 5,000 young people between the ages of 14 and 21 to six-week summer work experiences with private sector, nonprofit, and city and state government employers throughout Baltimore. Participants work in a variety of industries, gaining basic workforce readiness and career-specific skills.

YouthWorks Pre-Registration Goes Digital

YouthWorks is Baltimore City's summer jobs program, which places young people age 14-21 in six-week summer work experiences throughout Baltimore. In 2013, YouthWorks will run June 24 through August 2. Pre-registration is open through March 15.

Follow these three easy steps for getting connected ONLINE to a job this summer:

1. Use your current, active email address to create an account at http://youthworks.oedworks.com/.

2. Log in to your account to complete and submit the online pre-registration form.

3. Receive a confirmation email containing the date, time and location of your certification interview, which you will attend in person.

For more information about this opportunity, visit http://youthworks.oedworks.com/ or call the Mayor's Office of Employment Development at 410-545-1820.

Baltimore Celebrates Black History Month

Please join City Council President Young in taking time to reflect on the many leaders, difference-makers and innovators who helped to improve our imperfect union by insisting on equal treatment under the law for all mankind. The fabric of our city was woven by the myriad contributions of countless African Americans. Let's use the month of February, and everyday thereafter, as an opportunity to learn about the generations of freedom fighters who came before us. In addition to celebrating the herculean efforts of well-known icons, let's study the contributions of lesser-known African Americans who helped to improve our future through their selfless acts of civil disobedience.

For example, many people might not realize that George W.F. McMechen is a prominent figure in the history of what was known as Morgan College. McMechen was the first graduate of Morgan College when he received his degree in 1895. He also served as a trustee of Morgan College from 1921 to 1939 and as a member of the board of the Morgan Corporation. In 1944 McMechen was appointed to the Board of School Commissioners, where he served for six years as its first African American member. The Advisory Committee to the Baltimore Charter Revision Committee counted McMechen a member as well.

And how about George M. Lane? Born in Virginia in 1866, he was one of the first African Americans permitted to practice law in Maryland. Lane was also a founding member of Lexington Savings Bank, an 1890s financial institution in Baltimore that catered to African Americans, who were routinely the targets of unfair lending practices. Lane also was the first African American mayoral candidate in Baltimore City.

We all owe a debt of gratitude to the many unsung heroes who served as trailblazers during perilous times.

Check out these events around Baltimore that are celebrating Black History Month:

African American Family Festival
Saturday, February 23 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The Walters Art Museum, 600 North Charles Street
Join The Walters Art Museum to celebrate the music and culture of Africa. Explore the rhythm, harmony, and movement of a people, and travel Africa in search of mystical masks, jangling jewelry, and colorful costumes. At this annual festival, enjoy amazing performances, innovative art activities, and much more. For more information, visit thewalters.org.

2013 Black History Month Celebration Free Open House
Saturday, February 23 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture, 830 E. Pratt Street
Verizon presents this celebration, which will include free admission, food fun, gifts and door prizes.

February is American Heart Awareness Month

Heart disease is the number-one killer of women in Baltimore City and nationwide. As the leading cause of death in Baltimore City overall, heart disease is a key contributor to the 20-year life expectancy gap that persists among city neighborhoods.

All Baltimoreans should know and practice the ABC’S of Heart Health:

*A — Appropriate Aspirin Therapy
*B — Blood Pressure Control
*C — Cholesterol Management
*S — Smoking Cessation.

To reduce the burden of heart disease locally, Baltimore City is partnering with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for the Million Hearts initiative to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes over the next five years. Also, this month, the Million Hearts Risk Check Challenge will present a mobile app to help consumers in Baltimore, and four other cities reduce their risk for heart disease by controlling their blood pressure and managing their cholesterol.

“While heart disease strikes women regardless of race or ethnicity, it is the number-one killer of African American and Latina women in this country— causing more deaths each year than breast cancer, stroke, and lung cancer combined,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot. “That’s why we believe it is important to educate women in Baltimore—especially our African American and Latina residents—about the benefits of making healthier food choices, exercising more often, quitting smoking, and scheduling regular blood pressure and cholesterol screenings.”

According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease kills approximately 450,000 women each year— about one every minute. Mayor Rawlings-Blake asked residents to know their blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as their overall risk for developing cardiovascular disease.

Throughout February, the Baltimore City Health Department is helping to increase awareness about heart disease among women and their families by partnering with Saint Agnes Hospital and the American Heart Association (Mid-Atlantic Chapter) and encouraging women to “Go Red” by wearing the color red.

For more information about American Heart Awareness Month in Baltimore, visit baltimorehealth.org.

Information courtesy of the Baltimore City Health Department.

CityLIFT Homeownership Incentive Program

The Neighbor Works Home Ownership Center of Baltimore is proud to be part of the CityLIFT program in partnership with Wells Fargo Bank and NeighborWorks® America. Discover the possibilities of homeownership and find out if it’s right for you!

CityLIFT Program Information:

• Provides eligible homebuyers with up to $15,000 of downpayment assistance on qualified properties
• Provides homebuyer education that can prepare you for finding and financing a home and for managing the financial responsibilities of homeownership
• Assistance is not limited to first-time buyers
• Household income must meet guidelines for ALL persons 18 and older living in the home
• Properties qualified for the Program must be:
1. Located within the City of Baltimore
2. The primary, owner-occupied home of the buyer(s)
3. A detached home, townhouse, condominium, 1-4 unit property, or Planned Unit Development

Applicants Must:

• Complete an eight-hour Homebuyer Education Class
  and receive  a certificate from an approved counseling agency
• Have a signed contract on a home
• Have a Mortgage Preapproval from an approved CityLIFT lender

NHS of Baltimore is currently making $1,000,000 in down payment assistance available.  Potential home buyers ready with the necessary qualifications and documents will be able to register on line for first-come, first-served appointments.

Free Tax Preparation Sites Now Open City-Wide

Now in its 12th year offering free tax services, the Baltimore CASH – Creating Assets, Savings, and Hope – Campaign is operating 15 tax preparation sites (13 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: The Baltimore CASH Campaign has prepared and filed more than 85,000 tax returns for FREE putting over $135 million in refunds and tax credits into the pockets of hard-working families and individuals in Baltimore.

Spanish-Language Services: Spanish speakers may access services at Casa de Maryland. 

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 2012 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. 

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.

Interested in Becoming an OSI-Baltimore Fellow?

The Open Society Institute-Baltimore seeks dynamic activists and social entrepreneurs interested in implementing projects that address problems in underserved communities in Baltimore City.

For fellowships beginning the fall of 2013, awards are in the amount of $60,000 over 18 months.

Please note: The application process has changed this year. The first step is now submitting a letter of inquiry. The deadline for letters is March 4 by 5 p.m. To learn more or download the application, visit http://www.audaciousideas.org/2013/01/2013-baltimore-community-fellowships/.

TransForm Baltimore Update

The Baltimore City Department of Planning announced that City Council Bill 12-0152 -TransForm Baltimore, was introduced to the City Council on October 22, 2012.

This bill includes both the text and maps of the new zoning code. Electronic copies of the text and maps, and important background information, can be found at the TransForm Baltimore website, rewritebaltimore.org.

We encourage you to review this bill and/or maps, and invite you to attend one of the following planning commission information sessions or hearings.

PLEASE NOTE, formal hearings will begin one hour after the start time listed below. In the first hour, staff will be on hand to answer general or specific property based questions, regardless of whether or not you decide to give formal testimony. Staff will also be available to answer questions throughout the hearing.

HEARING SCHEDULE
Thursday, February 21, 2013, 5 p.m., Morgan State University
Thursday, March 7, 2013, TBA, Planning Department
* Hearings subject to change; please check website to confirm details.

CITY COUNCIL HEARING

Wednesday, April 3, 2013, 5 p.m., City Hall - 4th Floor

The Department of Planning will also be accepting written testimony at ZoningCode@baltimorecity.gov or by mail to 417 E. Fayette St. 8th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202. If you have any questions or concerns prior to the hearings, please feel free to contact us at (410) 396-5173. Please forward this email to friends, colleagues or neighbors and encourage them to sign-up to receive future information. The department will also provide updates on its new Facebook page.

Information courtesy of the Baltimore City Department of Planning

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.

Texture: The Person and Nature
Friday, January 11 through Saturday, March 9
School 33 Art Center, 1427 Light Street
School 33 Art Center presents “Texture: The Person and Nature,” curated by Jan Hanvik, executive director of the Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural and Educational Center on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. This exhibition features works that merge the nature that is inside the human with the nature that is outside the human – yet not really outside. The gallery is open Wednesdays through Saturdays, 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
For more information, call 443-263-4350 or visit www.school33.org.

Baltimore City Department of Recreation & Parks Presents: The Wiz
Friday, February 22 and Saturday, February 23 at 7:00 PM
Cahill Performing Arts Center, 4001 Clifton Avenue
Tickets are $5 for children, $10 for adults, and $3 for groups of 10 or more.
For more information, call 410-396-0259 or email charles.croxton@baltimorecity.gov.

Youth Dreamers Youth Development Workshops: Exponentially Cultivating Youth Leaders!
Friday, March 8 from 3:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Tuesday, April 2 from 11:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Friday, May 17 from 11:30 AM to 4:30 PM
The Dream House, 1430 Carswell Street
The Youth Dreamers are looking for middle and high school aged people who are interested in being a part of a youth-led organization, participating in youth development and community art workshops, AND earning service learning hours towards graduation! What can you expect? All workshops will include lunch (dinner on March 8), the chance to participate in our book & video and community art creations.
To register, text 410-952-7003 or email youthdreamer@hotmail.com and include your name, your grade/school, your phone number, your email address, and the date you would like to participate.

Baltimore History Evenings The Rejection of Duck and Cover: Baltimore's Revolt Against the Original Federal Homeland Security Program
Thursday, February 21 at 7:00 PM
The Village Learning Place, 2521 St. Paul Street
Baltimore's neighborhood civil defense block captains became more influential than local anti-nuclear activists in Baltimore's 1963 revolt against civil defense. In the same way that neighborhood activists and community associations revolted against freeway plans that would have destroyed their neighborhoods, local civil defense volunteers revolted against the program as it became more militarized in the early 1960s. Presented by Eric Singer, Lecturer, University of Baltimore.
For more information, visit www.historicbaltimore.org.

Baltimore Bike Party: Championship Ravens Edition
Friday, February 22 at 7:00 PM
Meet at the Washington Monument in Mt. Vernon
Come celebrate our Superbowl Champion Baltimore Ravens in Bike Party style! No matter how big or small of football fan you are, we can all hop on the I-love-Baltimore feel-good train! So put on your purple-est hat shirt socks gloves lights horns cowbells and glowsticks and join us. To anyone new, Bike Party is a large, leisurely group bike ride through the streets of Baltimore celebrating bikes, Baltimore, and all things fun! This month we will be ending at Little Havana for the usual festivities.
For more information, visit www.baltimorebikeparty.com.

NAMI Family to Family Education Course
Tuesday, February 26 to Tuesday, May 21 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Epiphany Episcopal Church, 2216 Pot Spring Road, Timonium, MD 21093
Thursday, March 28 to Thursday, June 13 from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Calvary Baptist Church, 3911 Garrison Blvd
Family to Family is a free 12-week course sponsored by NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) for close relatives of individuals with 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 other family members. A rigorous community‐based randomized study provided strong evidence of the effectiveness of the NAMI Family to Family Education Program; the most widely disseminated family support service in the country, and the longevity of its effects. NAMI - Metropolitan Baltimore is sponsoring three classes this fall session. Participants must call to register.
Call today at 410-435-2600.

NAMI Family Support Group Program
Tuesdays from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Baltimore Hebrew Congregation, 7401 Parks Avenue
Thursdays from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Govans Boundary United Methodist Church, 5210 York Road, Rear Annex
Did you know that 1 in 5 families are affected by mental illness? How do they cope? The NAMI Family Support Group Program is a free weekly meeting of caregivers of individuals with a mental illness where family members can talk frankly about their challenges and help one another through their learned wisdom. These meetings are facilitated by trained NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore family members, and participants are encouraged to share actively in the work of the group.
For more information, visit http://www.nami.org/MSTemplate.cfm?MicrositeID=82.

Baltimore City Fire Department CPR Training
First Saturday of every odd month from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Public Safety Training Facility, 3500 W. Northern Parkway
First Saturday of every even month from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Baltimore Fire Training Academy, 6720 Pulaski Highway
The goal of this training is to train as many citizens in hands-only CPR. This training is not certifiable but is designed to prepare individuals in the event that emergency CPR is needed. It will include participants as young as 8 years old. Each training session lasts 40 minutes.
Pre-register by calling 410-396-1005.

It's More Than History Brown Bag Lecture Series
Friday, February 22 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Board of Estimates Room, Second Floor, City Hall, 100 N. Holliday Street
" Torn Asunder" is comprised of three ten-minute original plays focusing on the struggle for emancipation in the border states. Each play is professionally written and based on research by stage design and production students of the Baltimore School for the Arts (BSA) and is read by BSA acting students. The musical accompaniment—performed by BSA music students—is composed by Chevalier de Saint-Georges, a fascinating 18th-century composer of African descent. Bring a bagged lunch and a photo ID.

Commemorative March of the 100th Anniversary of the Suffrage March of 1913
Saturday, February 23 at 9:00 AM
Overlea Fullerton Community Center, 7209 Belair Road
The women, who marched in 1913, walked in the dead of winter from New York City to Washington, D.C.; the Overlea Community was the last stop before the suffragettes entered Baltimore City. The march will end at the Natural History Society of Maryland, which was the location of the original town hall and where the 1913 suffragettes spoke to the community. We encourage women from all walks of life to join this march of remembrance and to form their own circle of women to participate, i.e., mother's clubs, book clubs, civic organizations, sororities, colleagues, families, etc. Let us know if you can march with us by commenting on http://overleasuffragemarch2013.blogspot.com.
For more information, call 410-661-5604.

2013 Black History Month Celebration Free Open House
Saturday, February 23 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture, 830 E. Pratt Street
Verizon presents this celebration, which will include free admission, food fun, gifts and door prizes.

Spaghetti Disco
Saturday, February 23 from 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM
St. John’s Church 2640, Saint Paul Street
It’s time to work up an appetite while practicing your dance moves. This year is the fifteenth annual Spaghetti Disco!
To purchase advance tickets (and save yourself a plate of spaghetti and meatballs and a spot on the hottest dance floor around), visit: http://spaghettidisco15.eventbrite.com/.

AARP Free Walk-In Tax Day
Saturday, February 23 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
St. Helena Community Building, 6509 Colgate Avenue
Please bring the following with you when you come: 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 itemizing deductions; and Social Security cards or other official documentation for yourself and all dependents.
For more information, call 410-635-1150.

6th Annual Fest-of-All Gala and Fashion Show
Saturday, February 23 from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Highway
Fest-of-All is a showcase of all of the best of Federal Hill! Featuring fine food & drink (open bar) from more than 25 of the area’s great restaurants and taverns, a much anticipated runway Fashion Show, live music, and a silent auction, this event is a great community celebration. The Fashion Show, coordinated this year by owners of Brightside Boutique and Pandora’s Box, is a must-see. We’ll be showcasing the latest attire and accessories from these and other local boutiques, including B’more Betty, Lovelace, Posh Retro, Seleh’s Furs, The Bridal Suite, and Vanessa’s Vintage Treasures. Ravens and Orioles gear will be on the runway this year, courtesy of Bobabooi’s Treasure Chest, along with children’s fashions from Cottage Kidz. Live music by The Real Geniuses means lots of good dancing. A silent auction offering bargains galore and exciting trips rounds out the evening. Tickets are $75 in advance, $90 at the door, and include all the fine food & drink from Federal Hill establishments. Don’t miss out on the fun and support a good cause!
Info, tickets, and photos from last year: www.historicfederalhill.org.

Community Concerts at Second: The Amadeus Trio
Sunday, February 24 at 3:30 PM
Second Presbyterian Church 4200, St. Paul Street
Recognized for their brilliant virtuosity and superb musicianship, pianist Hiroko Sasaki, violinist Timothy Baker, and cellist David Teie are acknowledged as one of the foremost piano trios in the world. Proclaimed as “a world class ensemble” and “powerhouse American chamber group,” The Amadeus Trio will perform works byBeethoven, Shostakovic, and Mendelssohn. All concerts are free, with free street parking. No tickets or reservations are required.
For more information, call 443-759-3309, visit www.CommunityConcertsAtSecond.org or email CommunityConcertsAtSecond@yahoo.com.

Community Law Center Workshops: Protesting Liquor Licenses in Your Community
Tuesday, February 26 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Community Law Center 3355 Keswick Road, Suite 200
$25 registration fee includes all materials and must be paid in advance. Advance registration and payment is required; no walk-ins will be accepted. Please ensure arrival by 6:30 p.m. for evening workshops; no access to the building will be available after 6:45 p.m. If a workshop is to be postponed due to inclement weather, you will be notified by 3 p.m. on the scheduled day of the workshop. Free parking on nearby streets and in the lot behind building.
To register, call 410-366-0922 or visit https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=VS5MRVTWEW3AU.

Baltimore Builds Workshop Series: Receivership 101
Wednesday, February 27 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Southeast Anchor Library, 3601 Eastern Avenue
Free Admission. Seating is limited and pre-registration is required! Register Today!
For more information, call 410-396-4111 or email V2V@baltimorecity.gov.

Neighborhood Institute: Love Where You Live
Saturday, March 9 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
The Inn at the Colonnade, 4 W. University Parkway
Join Greater Homewood Community Corporation for the 6th annual Neighborhood Institute: Love Where You Live. Led by some of Baltimore’s best and brightest activists, artists, educators, and leaders, the Neighborhood Institute is a day-long series of free workshops focused on educating city residents about what they can do to help build and strengthen vibrant urban communities. This event attracts over 200 attendees each year, and proceeds benefit GHCC’s work in neighborhoods and public schools.
For more information or to register, click here.

Finding Your Path to Breast Health
Saturday, March 9 from 8:00 AM 12:00 PM (check-in at 7:30 AM)
New Psalmist Baptist Church, 6020 Marian Drive
The Maryland Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure hosts this free symposium. Join master of ceremonies Kelly Swoope, co-anchor and health reporter for abc2news, and a host of expert presenters and panelists. Learn to make healthy choices to reduce your risk of breast cancer, hear from local survivors and breast health experts, and connect with valuable community resources. The event is free, but registration by Friday, March 1 is required.
For more information or to register, visit www.komenmd.org or call 410-938-8990.

Event Open House at Cylburn Arboretum’s Vollmer Center
Sunday, March 10 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Cylburn Arboretum,4915 Greenspring Avenue, across from Sinai Hospital
Learn about our venues at Cylburn Arboretum including the ‘green’ Vollmer Center, the historic Mansion and the enchanting gardens as well as our sister site, The Rawlings Conservatory in Druid Hill Park. Vendors will be on hand to discuss your needs for catering, florals, hotel accommodations, music and equipment rentals. In additional, event coordinators will be on hand to talk to you about making your event unforgettable at Cylburn Arboretum and The Rawlings Conservatory. The event is free and open to the public.
For more information, call 410-396-4860 or email laurie.boswell@baltimorecity.gov.

School 33 Art Classes
Various dates and times
School 33 Art Center, 1427 Light Street
Artists of all skill levels can explore their talents. Instructors are experienced educators and renowned artists who offer one-on-one attention. Beginner to expert, hobbyist to pro, classes stay small to create a fun, low-pressure environment where you can grow as an artist. For more information, or a list of classes and fees, visit www.school33.org or call 443-263-4350.

Unframed: Baltimore Mural Program
Through March 30
Top of the World Observation Level, 401 East Pratt Street
Not all artwork comes in a frame, and sometimes it is larger than life! Eighteen vivid murals from the Baltimore mural program, CityPaint, are highlighted through photography during this exhibition. CityPaint works with regional artists, neighborhood associations, and funding sources to beautify the cityscape, employ artists, increase exposure to the arts, and unite residents with neighborhood improvement projects.
For more information on the Baltimore Mural Program, visit www.promotionandarts.org and click on City Arts.

AARP Free Appointment Only Tax Day
Saturday, March 30 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
St. Helena Community Building, 6509 Colgate Avenue
Please bring the following with you when you come: 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 itemizing deductions; and Social Security cards or other official documentation for yourself and all dependents.
For more information or to make an appointment, call 410-633-6077.

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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