Charm City Talent: Chasing Dreams

Each night after dinner, Angelique Fuller’s family knew what to expect as the then 9-year-old girl with the big voice began to push her chair from the table and stand with her fork inches from her mouth.

Seconds later, with some of her relatives still clearing their plates, Angelique would break into a soulful song. And no one, she would declare, was allowed to leave the table until after she had finished her ballad.

Charm City Talent finalist Angelique Fuller

As Angelique, currently a 16-year-old rising senior at Dunbar High School, prepares to compete on Thursday, July 14, in City Council President Bernard C. “Jack” Young’s Charm City Talent (CCT) competition, those memories from years gone by remain fresh in her mind.

“I feel empowered when I’m singing,” said Angelique, who will be one of seven young people to take the stage at Baltimore City Community College’s Fine Arts Building at 7 p.m. on July 14 to compete in Council President Young’s CCT showcase, which is being produced by the Citizens Planning and Housing Association, Inc.

Angelique, who lives in Northeast Baltimore, said she is hoping that the performances in next week’s CCT contest serve as a positive example to those who only expect negativity from Baltimore’s youth.

“There is a lot of negative stuff for children to get involved in but there are many of us who instead focus our energy into positive things,” Angelique said. “My dream of becoming a great singer is what keeps me away from trouble."

Leah Reid, a 17-year-old senior at Baltimore Talent Development High School, said her mother was the driving force behind her audition for Council President Young’s CCT contest.

Unsure if she would be good enough to qualify, Leah initially decided against trying out. Her mother, however, insisted that she at least give it a shot.

Much to Leah’s surprise her rendition of Priscilla Renea’s “Hello My Apple” impressed a panel of celebrity judges and earned her a spot at next Thursday’s finale.

“Never underestimate yourself and limit your talents. If you don’t put your talents to use then what good is having them in the first place?” Leah said.

As the youngest person to compete in Council President Young’s CCT showcase, 12-year-old Immanuel Payne had good reason to be nervous.

Charm City Talent finalist Immanuel Payne

But the Thomas Johnson Elementary/Middle School seventh-grader, who played the drums during his audition, instead displayed the coolness of a seasoned performer.

Immanuel, who began playing the drums at 2, said he enjoys offering musical advice to younger children. His involvement in CCT, he said, would help him reach other students who may be searching for positive activities.

“When I’m in church and there are younger kids around me I make sure I give them advice on how to better themselves,” Immanuel said. “I have younger students who look up to me. It makes me feel good to contribute to somebody’s life in a positive way.”

Please mark your calendars for July 14 at 7 p.m. Join us in the auditorium at BCCC’s Liberty Campus to encourage Baltimore’s youth. They need your support.

Join the Fight Against Illegal Dumping

Just like you, City Council President Bernard C. "Jack" Young is tired of seeing the city's neighborhoods scattered with trash and debris. Come to City Hall on Wednesday, July 6 at 5 p.m. to support Council President Young's bill that would increase penalties for illegal dumping in Baltimore City.

Illegally dumped trash plagues neighborhoods across Baltimore.

Several months ago Council President Young introduced legislation (Council Bill 11-0671) that would increase the fines associated with illegal dumping. The Council President’s legislation would increase the fines associated with illegally dumping materials that weigh less than 25 pounds and measure less than 10 cubic feet from $150 to $500. The bill would also increase the fines associated with illegally dumping materials that weigh more than 25 pounds or measure more than 10 cubic feet from $250 to $1,000. The legislation would also allow the City to pursue restitution from individuals who use a leased or rented vehicle to illegally dump materials.

"For too long residents have had to battle individuals who carelessly dump garbage throughout city neighborhoods," Council President Young said. "Our residents deserve to be protected from these scofflaws. My legislation will allow for tougher penalties that will hit these law-breakers where it hurts the most: in their wallets."

This bill is another tool that enforcement agencies can use to make sure people who violate city law, risk public safety and tarnish Baltimore's image will be rightly punished.

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.

Druid Hill Farmers Market
Every Wednesday, June 1 through September 28 from 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Druid Hill Park near the Howard P. Rawlings Conservatory and Botanical Garden
For more information, call 410-396-7012 or visit www.druidhillpark.org.

Rec & Parks Outdoor Summer Concert Season
All summer long
Concerts will be held throughout the season. Jazz Wednesday evenings at Druid Hill Park from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. run on the first Wednesday of every month from June 1 to Sept. 7. First Thursdays at Mount Vernon Park from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. run on the first Thursday of every month from May 5 to Oct. 6.
For more information and the complete schedule, call 410-396-7459 or visit baltimorecity.gov.

Thursdays at the Lewis
Thursdays from June to August from 5:00 PM to 8 PM
Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt Street
Do you wish that you could tour the museum after work? Every Thursday this summer, the museum offers extended hours from 5 p.m. 8 p.m. for a reduced admission price of $5. On the Third Thursday of every month, visitors can enjoy live music and free appetizers.
For more information, visit www.africanamericanculture.org.

JustAdvice Legal Services
Tuesdays, July 12 and 19 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
University of Maryland School of Law, 500 W. Baltimore Street
Thursdays, July 7 and 21 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Center for Urban Families, 2201 N. Monroe Street
Thursday July 14 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
University Hospital, 22 S. Green Street
Sit down with a lawyer at JustAdvice to discuss any of your legal questions and get brief advice. The cost is $10 – cash only. The lawyers can also help with expungement of court records for only the cost of the court filings.
For more information, call 410-929-4809 or email justadvice@law.umaryland.edu.

Second Sundays in the Park
Second Sunday of each month from May to November from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park, 1920 Eagle Drive
Come spend an enjoyable afternoon in the park with activities for many interests and ages, including miniature steam train rides, guided tours of the historic orianda house, a labrynth, hikes and live music.

Studio Artist Biennial
Saturday, June 25 through Saturday, August 20
School 33 Art Center, 1427 Light Street
Experience an exhibition highlighting the original works of current School 33 Art Center studio artists. An opening reception will be held Saturday, June 25 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The gallery is open Wednesdays through Saturdays from noon to 6:00 p.m.
For more information, visit www.school33.org.

Youth Bmore Summer Block Parties 2011
July 8 (CHM 1900 E. 32nd Street), July 21 (Perkins Public Housing), July 29 (C.C. Jackson), August 5 (Central Rosemont Recreation Center), August 11 (Gilmore Public Housing Complex), August 18 (Westport Public Housing Complex) and August 25 (Patapsco Recreation Center ) from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Come enjoy performances by Smash, Jessica Greene, Caddy Da Don, Lano Shire, Bossman, Baltimore Ray and more! Get there early for 92Q free giveaways and prizes.

JumpStart Pre-Apprenticeship Program
Recruitment sessions held Fridays July 8 and July 15 at 11:30 AM
EBDI, 1731 E. Chase Street
This FREE, three-month program provides interactive, hands-on and in-class training that will prepare
you for a career in construction and qualify you to enter a state-approved apprenticeship program.
For more information or to register, call 410-234-0660 x205.

Base Camp Discovery
Every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, June 22 through August 31 from 10:15 AM to 11:15 AM
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, Druid Hill Park
Participate with your family this summer in a “Walk on the Wild Side.” Join a Zoo educator for a fun and informative walk through a featured area of the Zoo, exploring a new topic or zone each week. Limit of 20 people. Please gather at Base Camp Discovery by 10:15 a.m. First come, first served! Free with regular Zoo admission. Ages (recommended): 5 and up
For information about this and other zoo events, visit www.marylandzoo.org.

Caribbean Carnival Festival
Friday, July 8 through Sunday, July 10
Clifton Park
Celebrate Caribbean culture and heritage with soca, reggae, and steel drum bands, a traditional island costumed parade, live international entertainment, and authentic Caribbean cuisine.

BlueWater Berry Festival 2011
Sunday, July 10 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Herring Run Park, Belair Road @ Shannon Drive
Eat finger-lickin' BBQ, enjoy live music and take part in the famous native berry desert competition at this celebration of volunteers. Admission is FREE, and the festival will have cool exhibitors and artists with crafts, greening ideas and games for kids. Food beer and wine will be on sale, too.
For more information, visit bluewaterbaltimore.org.

Baltimore Career Fair
Tuesday, July 12 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Sheraton Baltimore City Center Hotel, 101 West Fayette Street
This FREE career fair is brought to Baltimore by Coast to Coast Career Fairs. Bring 20 copies of your resume, dress professionally and be ready to interview, and come with a positive winning attitude.
For more information, visit coasttocoastcareerfairs.com.

How to Preserve a Neighborhood Green Space
Wednesday, July 13 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Peabody Room of the Cathedral House, Cathedral of the Incarnation, 4 E. University Parkway
Join Baltimore Green Space and The Greater Homewood Community Corporation to learn how to make your community garden, pocket park, or other urban oases last forever! Baltimore Green Space works to protect these green areas and other open spaces created and cared for by city residents. At the request of community groups, Baltimore Green Space acquires community-managed open spaces and provides support to those who care for them. This allows communities to ensure that their urban oases will endure without taking on the responsibilities of acquisition, ownership, and liability. Join us to learn about the processes and benefits for your neighborhood. The evening will also feature a virtual tour of some of the loveliest community green spaces throughout Baltimore.
For more information, visit baltimoregreenspace.org.

Artscape
Friday, July 15 through Sunday, July 17 from 12:00 PM until close
Mount Royal Avenue and North Charles Street
Join in Baltimore's celebration of visual and performing arts! This year marks Artscape's 30th anniversary. The festival offers an assorted selection of live music, cultural exhibitions, visual art, dance and theater performances, fashion, film, children's activities, and more.
For more information, visit www.artscape.org or call 877-BALTIMORE.

Foreclosure Intervention Workshop
Saturday, July 16 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Oliver Economic Development Corporation, 1400 E. Federal Street
It's important to understand your options as early as possible! This workshop will give you insight into basic steps you can take to save your home from foreclosure. Come speak with HUD-certified counselors, learn to create and stick to a budget, know your consumer rights and get out of financial trouble. 
To register for this free workshop, call at 443-388-9809.

Grace Beauty Speed Organization Track Clinic
Saturday, July 23 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM (Registration begins at 9:00 AM)
Mervo High School Art Modell Field, 3500 Hillen Road
This one-day track clinic will cover key running mechanics, breathing techniques, strength building , resistance training, and more! Register at www.active.com.
For more information, visit www.gracebeautyspeed.org or email deborah@gracebeautyspeed.org

Pavement to Prairie Party
Monday, July 25 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Academy for College and Career Exploration, 1300 W. 36th Street
Ever wonder what’s possible with 300+ volunteers, a few Bobcats, and a bunch of shovels and pick axes? Let’s find out! Our goal is to remove 3/4 of an acre of unused parking lot at a local Baltimore City school and transform the area into a vibrant, engaging outdoor classroom and community green space. Not that jazzed about breaking a good sweat while breaking rocks? We’ll also be adorning the school with a beautiful mural (minimal experience needed, think painting by numbers). Just knowing you’re joining in a monumental greening event that will help restore our streams and beautify our neighborhoods might well be motivation enough for you. But just in case a little added incentive is needed, the bands and crews for the 2011 Vans Warped Tour (200 of them!) will be joining the effort. So come on out and bust up some rock with the rock stars! In addition, the ten volunteers (ages 21 and under) who work the most hours with us from now through July 25th will each receive two free tickets to the Vans Warped Tour on July 26th.
For more information, visit bluewaterbaltimore.org.or email volunteer@bluewaterbaltimore.org.

CollegeBound Scholars' Luncheon
Thursday, July 28 at 11:30 AM
Hilton Baltimore Convention Center Hotel, 401 W. Pratt Street
CollegeBound Foundation works with city students to help them achieve a post-secondary education. Tickets for the foundation's annual scholars luncheon are $50 and sponsorship opportunities are available.
For more information, visit www.collegeboundfoundation.org and click "What's New."

International Festival
Saturday, August 6 and Sunday August 7 from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Poly/Western High School near Falls Road and West Coldspring Lane
Come enjoy this celebration of Baltimore's cultural diversity with music, dancing and a variety of free ethnic foods. Vendor space is available. Also, come see the 7th annual Baltimore International Festival Mayor's Cup Soccer Tournament!
For more information, call 410-396-3141 or email alvin.gillard@baltimorecity.gov.

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
Copyright (C) 2011. All rights reserved.
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