Legislative
Calendar
Wednesday, February 9
11:15 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).
Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
Thursday, February 10
10:00 AM – Taxation, Finance, and Economic Development Committee Hearings (Sale of Property-Quarantine Road Interchange/Truck Check Weigh Station; Sale of Property-2 Parcels of Land Known As "Canal Parcel" and "Lot 3" Located in Ward 03, Section 7, Block 1816; Sale of Property-1301, 1303, 1305, 1307 and 1309 East Lombard Street).
4:00 PM – Urban Affairs and Aging Committee Hearing (Waterfront Management District and Waterfront Management Authority - Renewal Through April 23, 2015; Urban Renewal-Oldtown).
All hearings in Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
Tuesday, February 15
3:00 PM – Judiciary and Legislative Investigations Committee Hearing (In Support of Proposed State Legislation-Restrictions Against the Use and Possession of Firearms)
*Rescheduled from January 19, 2011
Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
Wednesday, February 16
3:30 PM – Land Use and Transportation Committee Hearing (Inclusionary Housing Requirements-Repeal of "Sunset")
*Rescheduled from February 15, 2011
5:00 PM – Committee As a Whole Hearing (Mayor's Redistricting Plan)
*BROADCAST LIVE ON TV25
All hearings in Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
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Addressing the State of Baltimore City
Dear Baltimoreans,
On Monday, February 7, 2011, I had the honor of welcoming Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake to the City Council chambers to deliver her State of the City address. Prior to the Mayor's address, I also had the privledge of making the following remarks:
"One year ago, we gathered here to honor Baltimore’s resurgence. We endured a pair of crippling blizzards; we recognized historic decreases in crime and we celebrated vast improvements to our public education system. But woven into those tales of accomplishment were threads of caution. On the horizon stood a historic budget deficit that would require tough decisions and painful sacrifices for everyone.
Together, we rolled up our sleeves and continued to improve a city that is no stranger to adversity.
During the American Revolution, our city served as a staging ground for the defense of our country’s fledging government. And after burning to the ground a century ago, Baltimore rose from the ashes anew. Resilience is in the fabric of our communities, in the DNA of every Baltimorean.
More than any other American city, we know what it means when President Obama says “Yes we can!”
Under my leadership, and in partnership with Mayor Rawlings-Blake, this City Council has navigated stormy seas. We have tackled many challenges by working together. Together, we strengthened the city’s ethics laws. Together, we have made our government more open, accessible and accountable.
Faced with a historic budget deficit that threatened to bankrupt our city, we worked together. We made wise, but painful choices that ensured our city’s fiscal solvency and protected future generations of Baltimoreans.
We know that we’re not out of the woods yet. In the coming months the City Council and Mayor Rawlings-Blake will begin to address a smaller, but equally challenging, $81 million budget deficit. We will again put Baltimore’s fiscal house in order by working together.
During the past year this Council has enacted a number of groundbreaking pieces of legislation that collectively strengthened Baltimore’s communities.
Through Planned Unit Developments for projects like the 25th Street Station and Union Mill, we’ve invested in hundreds of jobs that will strengthen Baltimore’s communities.
We have met the nutritional needs of our youth and provided safe environments in which our children can learn without being bullied. We have introduced legislation calling for a change to the City’s charter to allow the council to dedicate funds toward fixing our school facilities and modernizing educational equipment. It is our responsibility to make sure that each child who enters a Baltimore City school finds the support and resources they need.
We can’t always look to the state or federal government: It is also up to us to provide educators with tools to properly educate our children. Education is vital to our future and it will continue to be a priority for this council.
We’ve also taken great strides toward creating a more open and transparent government. This council passed a resolution calling for the proceedings of the BMZA, the Board of Liquor License Commissioners and the Board of Estimates to be televised so that residents have the ability to know how decisions that impact their lives are made.
We are also joining Mayor Rawlings-Blake’s ongoing push to keep our neighborhoods safer by fighting back against the use and possession of illegal guns. I don’t want to hear another mother cry because her child was gunned down on our streets. That’s why we support state legislation that would create tougher penalties for the use and possession of illegal guns.
Taken together, these efforts build on the city’s assets and strengthen Baltimore’s communities, propelling us into the future."
Bernard C. “Jack” Young
President, Baltimore City Council
Go Red for Women's Health
In 2004, the American Heart Association (AHA) faced a challenge. Cardiovascular disease claimed the lives of nearly 500,000 American women each year, yet women were not paying attention. In fact, many even dismissed it as an “older man’s disease.” To dispel the myths and raise awareness of heart disease as the number one killer of women, the American  Heart Association created Go Red For Women (GRFW) – a passionate, emotional, social initiative designed to empower women to take charge of their heart health.
This Saturday, February 12, 2011, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Macy's in Towson Town Center (825 Dulaney Road) is hosting the Go Red for Women Health Fair and Fashion Show. 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.
Information provided by the American Heart Association.
Council Redistricting Initiative 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 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
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.
"It's More Than History!" Brown Bag Lecture Series
Fridays in February (February 11, 18 and 25) 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.
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.
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.
Nature in Love
Saturday, February 12 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Carrie Murray Nature Center, 1901 Ridgetop Road
Come to the Nature Center and make unique Valentine's Day cards for your family, friends, and loved ones. All supplies will be provided, including leaves, acorns, and sticks! No pets please. Please pre-register. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children under 5.
For more information, call 410-396-0808.
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.
Mayor's Budget Workshop
Saturday, February 12 at 1:00 pm
Vollmer Center at Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Avenue
Roll up your sleeves and help Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake with the tough decisions she faces in closing an $80 million budget gap. The workshop will begin with a short presentation and Q&A about the City's fiscal situation. Complete a realistic budget-balancing exercise, weighing which services to cut and which ones to protect. Participants will make recommendations to the Mayor about how to craft a budget that keeps the City moving forward at a time of unprecedented fiscal stress. Bring your calculator!
For more information, call 410-396-4735.
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.
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.
Community Greening Resource Network Volunteer and Seed Planting Day
Saturday, February 19 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Real Food Farm, 701 St. Lo Drive
The day will begin at 9:00 a.m. as volunteers will assist the staff at Real Food Farm with preparing the farm. At noon, there is a break for a potluck lunch, and at 1:00 p.m., seed planting begins. The plants will be distributed to community gardens across the city during the CGRN Give-Away Day in March. Join for the entire day or just a few hours – your choice! Water and tools will be provided, but please bring a water bottle and appropriate clothing for outdoor work.
For more information or to RSVP, contact Katie Dix, CGRN Coordinator, at 410-448-5663 ext 128 or community.greening@parksandpeople.org.
Composting in the City
Thursday, February 24 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Parks & People Foundation, 800 Wyman Drive, Suite 010, 21211
Afraid that starting a compost pile will attract rats or other pests? Not sure exactly what you can and can't add to your pile? Join Master Composter Angela Smith to learn how to compost in the city.
Please RSVP to Katie Dix, CGRN Coordinator at 410-448-5663 or community.greening@parksandpeople.org.
Chesapeake Bay Trust Mini-Grant Program
Applications due February 25
The Chesapeake Bay Trust Mini Grant Program awards up to $5,000 to support activities at schools and non-profit organizations that help promote awareness of and participation in the restoration and protection of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary rivers and streams. The Mini Grant Program is supported by a partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association Bay Watershed Education and Training Program.
For more information or to apply, visit cbtrust.org.
Poetry Out Loud
Saturday, February 26 at 1:00 PM
Enoch Pratt Free Library Central Branch, 400 Cathedral Street
Aaron Henkin of WYPR-FM hosts the Maryland State Poetry Out Loud finals, sponsored by the Maryland State Arts Council and featuring nine regional winners who will compete for the championship. The Poetry Out Loud competition awards more than $100,000 in prizes to students and schools at the state and national levels.
For more information, email cstwewart@msac.org.
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.
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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