Baltimore Celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Photo courtesy of Mark Dennis, photographer, Mayor's Office of Communications

Photo courtesy of Mark Dennis, photographer, Mayor's Office of Communications

City Council President Bernard C." Jack" Young joins Baltimore residents at the 12th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade on Monday, January 16.

Continued Focus on Grand Prix a Mistake

Op-ed written by City Council President Bernard C. "Jack" Young and published in January 12, 2012 edition of the Baltimore Sun.

Like a lot of individuals, I was hopeful nearly two years ago, when the city inked a five-year deal to bring an IndyCar race to Baltimore's Inner Harbor on an otherwise sleepy Labor Day weekend.

The promise of positive international media attention, coupled with an influx of revenue from visiting racing fans and curious tourists, sounded extremely appealing during a time when city government faced massive budget deficits.

I initially supported the Grand Prix because I thought it would be worthwhile and because from time to time cities need to explore fresh ideas to generate revenue and attract visitors. But to continue to pursue the race, which has incurred a large amount debt, is not the best option at a time when so many other important programs and services lack much-needed support.

Too many of our recreation centers, for example, are outdated and lack the necessary financial commitment to bring them into the 21st century. These facilities serve as community hubs that provide our youths with safe educational and athletic opportunities. I have been extremely disheartened by the administration's plan to hand over operation of some of these facilities to third-party, private groups without any guarantee that these centers will remain open well into the future.

During a recent press conference, the mayor noted that the city has seen a drastic reduction in juvenile homicides by nearly 50 percent and shootings by 70 percent over the past four years. And in the past two years, juvenile violence and the rate of juvenile arrests have continued to decline. Faced with such positive results, now is not the time to retreat from the city's obligation to provide safe havens in the form of public recreation for our youth. Further divestment in our public recreation facilities could have the unintended consequence of reversing the hard work that has contributed to a dip in youth violence.

I voted against putting recreation centers under the control of private groups because I firmly believe that providing recreation opportunities is an important function of city government and should not be farmed out to other organizations. Our recreation centers keep kids safe, healthy and off the streets, and it's our responsibility to protect the interests of our children and our communities. What does it say about our priorities as a city when we will move heaven and Earth to continue a street race but will turn our backs on our most vulnerable citizens?

The city charter grants the Department of Recreation and Parks the duty to "establish, maintain, operate and control recreational facilities and activities for the people of Baltimore City, and to have charge and control of all such property and activities." Giving up control of these centers takes away our power to protect and provide for Baltimore's youths.

A decade ago, Washington, D.C., found itself in a position similar to the one Baltimore currently faces. In 2002, officials there paid more than $5 million to produce the Cadillac Grand Prix of Washington. The event was originally scheduled for a multi-year run, but budget overruns and complaints from residents caused city leaders to quickly reassess the deal and led to the end of major motor sports racing in D.C.

Ultimately, city government needs to dedicate its attention to things like retaining and expanding recreation centers for our children and seniors, and to operating swimming pools during the summer for our youths on a full-time basis. We should focus more of our attention toward our neighborhoods and work to improve the everyday lives of our citizens.

City officials, including myself, supported the Baltimore Grand Prix because we believed the race would have a positive impact on our city. But the time has come for us to instead focus on core issues that impact the quality of life for all Baltimoreans.

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

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

Christmas Tree Pickup and Mulching

The Department of Public Works will provide Christmas tree mulching Monday through Saturday during the entire month of January 2012. Mulching services will be offered from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Reedbird Avenue Citizen Drop-off Center (701 Reedbird Avenue).  Residents may bring their own bags or containers if they wish to collect mulch for their own use. Community groups are also encouraged to bring bags or containers and collect free mulch for neighborhood gardens while supplies last.

For residents who cannot bring their trees for mulching, the Bureau of Solid Waste will offer curbside tree collection from Tuesday, January 3, 2012 through Tuesday, January 31, 2012.  Residents should set out trees on their regularly scheduled trash collection day at the same location where their trash is collected.  All tinsel and ornaments must be removed from trees before they are set out for curbside collection or mulching.

Wrapping Paper and Electronics Recycling

Residents should continue to recycle wrapping paper, which includes tissue and colored paper. You can also recycle cardboard packaging and boxes as well as any unwanted holiday cards and envelopes. We do not recycle ribbons or foil. Styrofoam material can ONLY be recycled at the Northwest Citizen’s Convenience Center. Please put Styrofoam materials in a clear plastic bag.

If you received new electronic devices during the holiday, remember to take the outdated ones to one of DPW’s five Citizen Convenience Centers for ecycling. This service is free and available year-round. Citizens may drop off items for recycling or ecycling at one of the following sanitation yards: 

• Quarantine Road Sanitary Landfill, 6100 Quarantine Road
• Northwest Transfer Station, 5030 Reisterstown Road
• Western Sanitation Yard, 701 Reedbird Avenue
• Eastern Sanitation Yard, 6101 Bowleys Lane
• Northwest Citizens’ Convenience Center at 2840 Sisson Street. 

These drop-off locations are open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; the Northwest Transfer Station is open Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For additional information, please call 311.

Information courtesy of the Department of Public Works.

Health Insurance and Tax Credits for Small Biz

The State of Maryland has a subsidy program to assist small businesses with their health insurance costs – The Maryland Health Insurance Partnership Program.

Under the PARTNERSHIP, a small business that meets the following criteria:

• Has 2 to 9 full-time employees (working 30+ hours weekly)
• Has not offered Group health insurance to its employees during the previous 12 months
• Meets wage and salary requirements established by the Commission (average combined employee wage is $50,000.00 or below)
• Owner(s) eligible utilizing AGI (Adjusted Gross Income)
• Companies incorporated out of state are eligible if more than 75% of employees work in Maryland

Employers are eligible to receive a subsidy of up to 50 percent of the premium of monthly employee health insurance costs immediately. Health insurance costs can be paid by employee, employer or both.

Family coverage can also be subsidized. Once enrolled in the Partnership, the business is likely to continue to be eligible for the subsidy in following years.

To learn more, visit http://mhcc.maryland.gov/partnership/

Also, starting in 2010, up to 4 million small businesses that offer healthcare coverage to their employees may be eligible for a tax credit If your company currently offers employer sponsored health insurance. To learn more , visit http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=223666,00.html (IRS Website).

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 speaks at the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Masonic Family Emancipation Proclamation Observance Program on Sunday, January 8.

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.

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.

Historic Tax Credit Workshop
Wednesday, January 18 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 or to RSVP, call 301-204-3336 or email pousson@baltimoreheritage.org.

Maryland Heritage Areas Program Grant Workshop
Friday, January 20 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Are you interested in learning more about grants that are available for capital, non-capital and programming projects relating to the preservation of historical, archeological, natural and cultural resources and heritage tourism? If so, you may want to attend one of the upcoming grant workshops that are being offered by the Maryland Heritage Areas Program. These sessions are an opportunity to learn more about the FY 2013 grant program and the revised grant application forms and review criteria. You will also have the chance to ask any questions you may have about the program. All are welcome to attend. Please register no later than the day before the session you plan to attend.
To register, visit the Baltimore National Heritage Area workshop registration.

WMWMCA Legislative Night in Annapolis
Thursday, January 19 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Low House Office Building (Rooms 170 and 180), 6 Bladen Street, Annapolis, MD, 21401
Join the Maryland Washington Minority Contractors Association to meet some of our Delegates and Senators who sponsored bills that affect minority- and women-owned businesses. Assess the status of Maryland's MBE Program, determine what we can do to help add to its success, network with businesses, organizations and community groups who have continued interest in the legislative process, and learn of business opportunities.
For more information, email wrf@mwmca.org.

Restaurant Week
Friday, January 20 to Sunday, January 29
Various Locations
During Baltimore’s Winter Restaurant Week, local diners can enjoy three-course dinners for $30.12 or $20.12. Diners can also chose a two-course lunch from select restaurants for $15.12. In addition to offering special Restaurant Week menus, participating restaurants have committed to support The Journey Home, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake’s 10-year plan to make homelessness rare and brief in Baltimore City. Restaurant Week reservations should be made early for both lunch and dinner. Information is available at www.baltimorerestaurantweek.com.

Mayor's FY2013 Budget Workshop
Saturday, January 21 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Cylburn Arboretum Vollmer Center, 4915 Greenspring Avenue
The Mayor’s Budget Workshops provide an opportunity for citizens to help Mayor Rawlings-Blake with the tough decisions faced in closing a $50 million budget gap. The workshop will begin with a presentation and Q&A. Participants will then complete a realistic budget balancing exercise, deciding which services to cut and which ones to protect. The workshop will conclude with participants making recommendations to the Mayor about how to craft a budget that keeps the City moving forward at a time of unprecedented fiscal stress.
For more information or assistance, call 410-396-4735.

Peabody Academy String Orchestra
Saturday, January 21 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles Street
Comprised of 30 talented and promising musicians, the Peabody Performance Academy String Orchestra performs on The Walters Art Museum Sculpture Court in an exciting program that includes works by Mozart and Tchaikovsky.
For more information, visit thewalters.org/eventscalendar.

The Role of For-Profit Colleges: A Discussion of Quality, Employment and Debt
Monday, January 23 from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Central Enoch Pratt Free Library, Wheeler Auditorium, 400 Cathedral Street
The federal government, in particular the U.S. Department of
Education, is concerned that for-profit institutions are preying on
low-income students, and as recipients of federal grants and loans,
they are doing so at taxpayers' expense. There is both a fiscal and
fiduciary responsibility – a moral obligation – to see that these
students are protected from abuse and that federal funds are being
expended properly.  This forum is hosted by the nonprofit Job Opportunities Task Force with partners the Baltimore CASH Campaign and Maryland CASH Campaign to provide direct service providers with the latest information on the government probe of for-profit trade schools. 
For more information, call 410-243-8040 or email Jason@JOTF.org.

Homebuyers Workshop
Saturday, January 28 from 8:45 AM to 2:00 PM
Wayland Village Senior Center, 3020 Garrison Boulevard
Come and learn about the home buying process from a certified homeownership counselor. You will learn how to qualify for a mortgage, the four "C's" of lending, the difference between FHA, CDA and VA loans, and about assistance programs. You must attend the two-part session which includes the one-on-one counseling session to be eligible for certificate. Please call to pre-register.
For more information, call 410-947-0084 Ext. 2 or email Afelder@go-northwesthrc.org

Greening University
Saturday, January 28 from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Sojourner Douglass College, 500 N. Caroline Street
CPHA, Parks and People’s CGRN and Baltimore Green Space Citizens Planning and Housing Association, Parks and People Foundation's Community Greening Resource Network, and Baltimore Green Space have teamed up to provide Baltimore with a Greening University.  The morning of training is for both new and experienced gardeners and community professionals.  Workshops and resource tables will detail the best practices for gardening and managing open spaces, led by Baltimore’s premier gardening experts!  Learning sessions will cover such topics as “Just Starting? You Need Site Evaluation!” “Soil: What Yours Has and What it Needs” and “Working with Community Associations.” In addition to the three sponsoring organizations, groups that offer assistance to gardeners will also be available to discuss your garden and open space needs. Organizations include: Power in Dirt and the Community Law Center. A donation of $1 to $3 is requested.
To register, visit cphabaltimore.org.

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.

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.

Family-to-Family Mental Illness Course
Saturday, January 28 from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Govans Boundary United Methodist Church, 5210 York Road
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.

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

Office of the City Council President
100 N. Holliday St., Suite 400
Baltimore, MD 21202
410-396-4804 (p) 410-539-0647 (f)
CouncilPresident@baltimorecity.gov
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