Council Supports Communities, Entrepreneurs

Dear Baltimoreans,

It is an unfortunate fact of life that residents of our city periodically encounter nuisance properties that drag down home values and place a drain on precious resources, like our police and fire departments.

I have been focused on combating nuisance properties for some time and over the past couple years I have successfully raised fines for disorderly conduct, like public drunkenness, and raised the fines associated with illegal dumping.

These tools have been helpful, but law-abiding citizens remain vulnerable to the small percentage of negligent property owners who cause headaches for the overwhelming majority of Baltimore’s good neighbors.

On Monday, during the regularly scheduled City Council meeting, I was proud to introduce a resolution in support of legislation working through the Maryland General Assembly that will amend the Real Property Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, which is commonly referred to as the “Community Bill of Rights.”

The proposed state legislation (H.B. 365 and S.B. 130) is designed to allow community associations to more easily take legal action against owners of buildings with code violations. The law offers communities an opportunity to address nuisance properties through private legal action, and these amendments remove language that has created roadblocks for communities seeking to take legal action against nuisance properties.

The proposed changes to the Real Property Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland include:

• Repealing a requirement that a community association must file a bond with the courts before seeking abatement.
• Amending the definition of community association, which would make it easier for organizations to file suit against negligent property owners.
• Allowing a community association to seek legal remedies when a nuisance is present within the association’s boundaries.

On Monday I also introduced a resolution in support of National Entrepreneurship Week, which takes place the week of February 18, 2012.

National Entrepreneurship Week offers us an opportunity to focus on innovative ways that entrepreneurship education can be used to help our children unlock their dreams. Baltimore’s public schools have been huge supporters of entrepreneurship training and currently have sizeable programs in 20 schools. I have for years supported a wide variety of programs and activities that are designed to help Baltimore’s young people grow academically, socially and athletically. Through my P.L.A.Y. (Productive Lives, Active Youth) campaign, I’ve worked to increase and improve recreational activities offered to young people. My resolution in support of National Entrepreneurship Week is a way for my colleagues on the City Council and me to show support for this important initiative. We all need to applaud these students for preparing themselves to serve as the next generation of business leaders.

And finally, I also introduced a resolution during Monday’s City Council meeting in support of legislation in the Maryland General Assembly (H.B. 250) that would boost voter participation by aligning city elections with the presidential election cycle, beginning in 2016.
This past November, after a record low number of registered voters cast ballots in the Baltimore City general election, most people agreed that work needed to be done in future elections to improve voter turnout. Aligning city elections with the presidential election cycle would save Baltimore millions of dollars and drastically improve voter participation.

Thank you for contacting your legislator to ask for support of these important bills. To find you elected officials, enter your home address at http://mdelect.net/.

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

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.marylabnd.gov.

Maryland Homsetead 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, vist dat.state.md.us.

YouthWorks Summer Job Applications Available

Baltimore City’s YouthWorks summer jobs program will match young people between the ages of 14 and 21 to six-week work experiences with private sector, nonprofit, and city and state government employers. The program will operate from June 25, 2012 to August 3, 2012. The YouthWorks slogan – summer jobs launch careers – describes the lasting effect that a productive summer job can have on a young person. Through targeted matching of jobs to older teens’ career interests and an emphasis on effective work behaviors and financial literacy for all participants, YouthWorks is sure to be a success this summer and beyond as it helps prepare our future workforce. For more information about YouthWorks, please contact the YouthWorks office at 410-396-JOBS (5627) or summerjobs@oedworks.com.

Employers can sign up now to hire youth for this summer by completing this form.

Worksite Applications

Organizations interested in becoming a YouthWorks worksite must complete the application and return it no later than Thursday, February 16, 2012.

Registration Information

YouthWorks registration forms are available now and can be obtained at the following locations:

All Baltimore City High Schools

Cherry Hill Home Tenant Council
2700 Spellman Road
Baltimore, Maryland 21225
Registration Forms Available:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 3:00pm - 6:30pm

Eastside One-Stop Career Center
3001 E. Madison Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21205
Registration Forms Available:
Monday - Friday 9:00am - 4:00pm

Mayor’s Office of Employment Development 
YouthWorks Office
101 W. 24th Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21218
Registration Forms Available:
Monday - Friday 9:00am - 4:00pm

Northwest District Community Action Center
3939 Reisterstown Road  
Baltimore, Maryland 21215
Registration Forms Available Monday - Friday 9:00am - 4:00pm

Enoch Pratt Free Library (all locations)
(click here for location and hours of operation)

Mayor's Office of Employment Development home page

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 Councilmembers Mary Pat Clarke (14th District) and Carl Stokes (12th District) and the Women Entrepreneurs of Baltimore at the City Council Meeting on Monday, February 6.

Council President Young converses with Akeda Stenbar, co-owner of the new Laundry City at 4623 Bowley's Lane at the laundromat's grand opening on Saturday, February 4.

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.

Employer Recruitment Fair
Friday, February 10
Eastside Career Center, 3001 E. Madison Street
Employ Baltimore and the Mayor's Office of Employment Development bring local employers together to recruit for positions as scanners, cashiers, medical technicians, residential assistants, mailroom sorters, janitors, certified nursing assistants, food service workers, forklift operators, geriatric nursing assistants, and behavioral techs. Qualified applicants must have a high school diplomas or GED. Most positions require a clean criminal background. All applicants must be registered at a Career Center prior to recruitment date. Bring your resumes and dress professionally.
For more information or to sign up, call 410-396-9030.

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.

Women’s Heritage Center Open House
Thursday, February 9 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
MD Women's Heritage Center, 39 W. Lexington Street
Come learn about the Maryland Commission for Women's programs, including the Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame, the Women of Tomorrow Award, Maryland Women’s History Month, and Unsung Heroines. The Maryland Commission for Women was established by the Maryland Legislature in 1971 with the mission of promoting the social, political, and economic equality of Maryland women.
For more information, visit www.mdwomensheritagecenter.org.

August Wilson's JITNEY
Thursday February 9 through Sunday, February 12
Morgan State Murphy Fine Arts Center, 2201 Argonne Drive
This landmark production, presented by Theatre Morgan and directed by Shirley Basfield Dunlap, examines father-son relationships and cab service culture during the Jim Crow era. Starring Roscoe Orman as Becker the cab company boss, and featuring a cast of Morgan State University alumnae and theatre majors, join seven Jitneys, who are ready to share the reality of their lives, hopes, and dreams in America during the year 1977.
For more information or to purchase tickets, call 443-885-4440.

Jazz Legends: Satchmo and Baby Dolly
Friday, February 10 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
City Hall, Board of Estimates, 100 N. Holliday Street
This theatrical reading set to music captures scenes from the play Satchmo and Baby Dolly by Camay Calloway Murphy and Randolph Smith. The play recognizes the accomplishments of Baltimore’s own Blanche “Baby Dolly” Calloway. Under the tutelage of jazz icon Louis Armstrong, Baby Dolly became the first black woman to front an all-male orchestra. 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.

Patterson Park Public Charter School Community Flea Market
Saturday, February 11 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
PPPCS Cafeteria, 2726 E. Baltimore Street
Come browse twenty vendors' housewares, clothes, books, toys, jewelry, small appliances, electronics, and furniture--even the school principal’s favorite chair! Kids can make crafts and get faces painted for a small fee. Breakfast and lunch items will also be sold. Proceeds from the event will support the 4th grade trip to Medieval Times, part of their unit on the medieval period.

Disability Income Tax Day
Saturday, February 11 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Northern Community Action Center, 5225 York Road
Goodwill Industries, 222 E. Redwood Street
Office of Employment Development: One Stop Center, Mondawmin Mall, 3rd Floor, 21215
Persons with disabilities living in Baltimore Metro Area whose income is less than $50,000 are eligible to get their income taxes completed for free and get other disability services and asset planning. Bring a social security card for each family member, all W-2 forms, child care provider's name, address and tax ID number, all banking account information, a copy of your 2010 tax return, any document about money received from the IRS or the state of Maryland, all 1099 forms, and any other tax documents you have received.
To register, call 410-333-6119 or visit baltimorecashcampaign.org. Call 443-984-3170 if you need special accommodations.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Maryland Summer Youth Connection Grant
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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