Placing the Needs of Our Children First

Op-ed written by City Council President Bernard C. "Jack" Young and published in June 1 Baltimore Sun

While many people returned from vacations over Memorial Day weekend to comfortable office buildings, young people across the city sat in sweltering classrooms as the outside heat index hovered around 105 degrees this week.

The danger of overheating classrooms,  fewer than half of which are equipped with air-conditioning, prompted officials to close schools early  Tuesday and Wednesday.

Also on Tuesday, the Baltimore City Council took a first step toward creating a modern, state-of-the-art school system when the council's Judiciary and Legislative Investigations Committee passed a bill I sponsored along with 1st District Councilman James Kraft.  The  charter amendment, "Non-lapsing Funds for Quality Schools," will help address the city's multibillion-dollar deficit for new school construction projects and the renovation of existing school facilities. This bill will also help us properly invest in our most precious resources: our youth.

It sounds cliché, but it's true - our youth are our future. We need to provide them with the tools necessary for their success in today's age of globalization. And it starts in the classroom. Baltimore City, according to a study of alternative financing by the school system, would need about $2.8 billion to adequately improve school facilities.

"High quality school facilities have measurable positive impact on rates of student learning, attendance and graduation," according to the school system's study. "Studies have shown that student achievement is stifled in bad school facilities, while dropout rates and absenteeism increase," the study continues. "Schools in poor condition . indicate to students that they and their education are not valued."

The American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland painted the need for additional funding for school facilities in similarly stark language.

"With many buildings well over 40 years old - including some that date back to the nineteenth century - and other districts growing so quickly that there is rampant overcrowding, Maryland's public schools desperately need additional funding to replace and renovate their existing structures and erect new buildings to relieve overcrowding," according to the ACLU's website.
A number of educational experts and community leaders came to City Hall on Tuesday to testify in support of my education charter amendment, which will be considered by the full City Council on Monday at 5 p.m.

"This bill is a great first step, and once we have this authority, we can start discussing how to improve our schools," said Frank Patinella, an advocate with the ACLU.

Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke, a longtime advocate for improved public education and chairwoman of the council's education committee, said she thought the legislation was definitely a step in the right direction.

"We have an old, aging school system for a young, hopeful generation of children," Councilwoman Clarke said. "We all have to pitch in and change that."

Introduced Dec. 6, City Council Bill 10-0631 is a charter amendment that would provide the Baltimore City Council with the flexibility to meet the needs and demands of our school system. The legislation would provide the council with the authority to allocate funds specifically to support  vital infrastructure for city schools - including air-conditioning. This bill is simply a tool that would allow the council a voice in utilizing city resources to improve our schools.

It would accomplish this in several ways. Money for the non-lapsing fund would come from three sources:

• Appropriations in the annual ordinances of estimates;
• Grants and donations made to the fund;
• Proceeds from fines, fees and programs as dedicated to the fund by ordinance. This represents an important change, as the City Council currently can raise revenue through fines, fees, etc., but has no legal say in how that revenue is appropriated

This bill can complement the efforts of Baltimore City Public Schools CEO Andrés Alonso, who has been a tremendous advocate for our children and our educational system. If approved by the council and signed by the mayor, this bill would be placed on the ballot during the Nov. 8 general election.

If you support educational opportunities for Baltimore's youth, please  ask your City Council representative to support Council Bill 10-0631.

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

Swimming at City Reservoirs is Prohibited

Warm weather means increased outdoor activities, including swimming. Department of Public Works Director Alfred H. Foxx last week issued a reminder to watershed visitors: Do not swim in the City’s reservoirs.

Baltimoreans are reminded not to swim in Loch Raven Reservoir or any other city reservoirs.

Baltimore City has three raw-water reservoirs: Prettyboy, Loch Raven and Liberty. These areas offer beautiful scenery with opportunities for biking, hiking, bird watching, boating and fishing. Reservoirs, however, are not safe for swimming and doing so can lead to tragedy. Temperatures in the deep waters drop quickly and diving into them may lead to hypothermia. In addition, there are very rapid drop-offs, currents, hidden rocks and branches. “No Swimming” warning signs are posted at each of the three reservoirs and at Druid Lake, Lake Montebello and Lake Ashburton.

These man-made lakes are our drinking water. DPW asks that everyone heed this warning: those caught swimming can be charged with trespassing and, if convicted, will have a criminal record. Violators can also be fined up to $1,000 and jailed.  All three reservoirs are patrolled by watershed rangers – full-time police officers with full authority to arrest violators.

Last year three young men were tragically lost in three separate drowning incidents, 2,254 warnings were given, 279 citations were issued and two people were arrested for swimming and related activities. DPW’s goal is zero-tolerance when it comes to swimming in any of the reservoirs. 

When enjoying the reservoirs, parents should supervise children at all times and ensure that even your young adults are aware of the dangers and legal consequences. Please heed the signs and make your summer a safe one

To reach reservoir police officers, call 410-545-3651 or dial 911 in case of emergency.

Courtesy of Baltimore Department of Public Works

Let’s Talk: Respond to the 2011 Citizen Survey!

The City of Baltimore is surveying residents to get your perspectives about the satisfaction with City services. City departments use survey results to help them deliver services more effectively. A diverse cross-section of approximately 1,800 randomly selected residents will complete a telephone survey, which is being conducted by the University of Baltimore’s Schaefer Center. If you are contacted to participate in the survey, please take the few minutes necessary to provide your honest opinions about how we’re doing in Baltimore. There’s a separate, online survey available too this year at www.baltimorecity.gov/citizensurvey. Thank you for your help in making our city better!

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 meets with the winners of the Adopt a Block scholarship program, Debbie Johnson and Reachy Renois on Wednesday, May 25.	Council President Young cuts the ribbon to begin the 10th Annual Senior Power Walk in Patterson Park on Wednesday, May 25.
Council President Young talks to residents of Southeast Baltimore at a meet-and-greet event on Thursday, May 26.

I Know You're Looking, But What Do You See?
Friday, May 6 to Friday, June 17
School 33 Art Center, 1427 Light Street
This exhibition features six artists whose drawings, paintings and photographs force the viewer to unfold the narrative within each work. Curated by Lowery Stokes Sims of the Museum of Arts and Design in New York City, the exhibition features artwork with layers of meaning and possibility.
For more information, call 443-263-4350 or visit www.school33.org.

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

Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program Application Clinic
Wednesday, June 1 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Comprehensive Housing Assistance, Inc., 3809 Park Heights Avenue
Help for homeowners facing foreclosure due to involuntary unemployment, underemployment or loss of income due to medical condition.
For more information or to register, call 410-500-5310.

Senior Friendly Neighborhoods' 7th Annual Conference
Wednesday, June 1 from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM
B'nai Jacob Shaarei Zion, 6602 Park Heights Avenue
Live longer and enjoy life! Come to this event to learn how to be safe, healthy, connected and aware.
For more information, reservations or transportation, call 410-318-6600.

Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower Centennial Celebration
Thursday, June 2 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower, 21 S. Eutaw Street
The clock strikes 100! Come celebrate 100 years of the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower. Guests can enjoy an evening of art, refreshments, live music, and tours. Completed in 1911, the historic structure has become one of Baltimore's most notable landmarks. Today, Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower is home to more than a dozen regional visual and performing artists.
For more information, call 443-874-3596 or visit www.bromoseltzerartstower.com.

Celebrate National Trails Day
Saturday, June 4
Go outside and celebrate National Trails Day by participating one of the 26 locally organized events in Baltimore City Parks.  For a full schedule of events visit www.balitmorecity.gov/government/agenciesdepartments/recreationandparks/events.aspx or www.gwynnsfallstrail.org.

Blockenstein 2011: A Monster Community Yard Sale
Saturday, June 4 from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
3100 Block of Bank Street between S. East Avenue and S. Elwood Avenue in Highlandtown
Come find a bargain or meet with community organizations and non-profits. Family fun events include face painting, balloons, music and art projects. Bockenstein's annual charity raffle will benefit the Maryland Food Bank, so bring canned donations.
For more information or to register, email blockensteinyardsale@gmail.com.

Amplify Baltimore
Saturday, June 4 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Maryland Institute College of Art, Brown Center-Falvey Hall, 1300 Mt. Royal Avenue
Amplify Baltimore is a quarterly series of community conversations that explore some of the most challenging issues we face as a city. These thoughtfully produced conversations involve decision-makers, leaders, trailblazers, and everyday citizens. This quarter the sessions will cover neighborhoods and housing, food access and urban farming, and public health.
For more information or to register, call 410-941-9409, email amplifybaltimore@civicframe.org visit civicframe.org.

Walking-Wellness-Wholeness "Because I'm Worth It"
Saturday, June 4 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Hanlon Park, Liberty Heights Avenue and N. Hilton Street
Come experience the spiritual laws and universal principles that support the expression of health and
wholeness in our bodies. When you register for this meditative walk, you and your sponsors are one step closer to healing the world. Prepare to spend the day in the park with activities for the whole family. There will be YOGA, Qigong, and Tai Chi demonstrations, lectures and workshops on alternative medicines, organic foods, drumming circles, dance, music, book signings, and just plain old fun under the sun. This fundraising event will benefit the youth of TuTTie’s Place, a residential wellness center for disconnected youth.
For more information, email campbell.tuttiesplace@yahoo.com.

2nd Annual Community Arts Fair
Saturday, June 4 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Jubilee Arts Center, 1947 Pennsylvania Avenue
This FREE outdoor public event will feature performances and exhibits by Jubilee Arts participants and other local performers and artists. There will be live music, food, arts and crafts, a moon bounce, clowns and other family-friendly entertainment.
For more information, call 410-728-1199 or visit jubileeartsbaltimore.org.

Jazz & Blues Wine & Art Festival
Sunday, June 5 from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Around Cross Street Market, 1065 S. Charles Street
This FREE event, now in its 11th year, features live music, arts & crafts, food & drink, and great fun for all ages. Among the 10 bands playing throughout the day are Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes from New Orleans; Chris Duarte Group, based in Austin, Texas; local blues favorite, Old Man Brown, Midnight Samba, DC’s own Cathy Ponton King, and many more. In between the two stages on South Charles Street, arts & crafts vendors will be selling a variety of interesting wares, including jewelry, hats, purses, scarves, and t-shirts. You’ll want to check out the great festival and specialty food items as well.
For more information, visit historicfederalhill.org.

Royal Heirs Youth Basketball Tournament
Saturday and Sunday, June 4 and 5 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Carmelo Anthony Youth Development Center, 1100 E. Fayette Street
The David B. Wright Memorial Foundation, Inc. presents this 1st annual youth basketball tournament. Registration includes two guaranteed games. Teams are limited to 12 players. Proceeds will benefit DBWMF, a non-profit organization that promotes wellness and health through recreation and exercise in sports.
For more information, visit www.davidbwrightmemorialfoundation.org.

Showcase of Nations St. Nicholas Greek Folk Festival
Thursday, June 9 through Sunday, June 12 from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 520 South Ponca Street
The Baltimore Showcase of Nations Ethnic Festival Series features the St. Nicholas Greek Folk Festival, which offers entertainment, food, crafts, cultural information and more.
For more information, visit promotionandarts.com.

Reviving the Avenue Arts Legacy
Thursday, June 9 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Jubilee Arts Center, 1947 Pennsylvania Avenue
This art sale and fundraiser will feature work by Baltimore artists including former NFL player Matthew Rice, community member Rene Lewis and healing art painter Afsaneh Faridi. There will be live jazz, food, art-making and performances by Jubilee Arts participants.
For more information, call 410-728-1199 or visit jubileeartsbaltimore.org.

2nd Annual Community Empowerment Day
Saturday, June 11 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
New Psalmist Baptist Church, 6020 Marian Drive
This event, sponsored by the Urban Financial Services Coalition, serves to empower Baltimore citizens through financial fitness. Come for a financial literacy talent show, financial information sessions, credit check reviews, and a Wii bowling challenge.
For more information or to register as a vendor, email community@ufscnet.org.

1st-Time Homeowner Workshop-Part I Session
Saturday, June 11 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Oliver Community Center, 1400 East Federal Street
This workshop will teach potential homeowners about the process of buying a home. Session II is on Saturday, June 18.
To register for a workshop or to schedule appointments, call 443-388-9809.

A Day to Play
Saturday, June 11 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Roland Park Country School, 5207 Roland Avenue
Greater Homewood Community Corporation will host north central Baltimore's first ever neighborhood softball tournament! Neighborhoods, churches, community associations, businesses, and friends will face off. Come meet and join neighbors for a day of fun and games. The event includes great food, kids activities, music, and more. Admission is $20 per person or $35 per couple. Kids 12 and under are free. All attendees will be entered to win Baltimore Orioles tickets behind home plate. For more information, visit www.greaterhomewood.org.

Tour Dem Parks, Hon!
Sunday, June 12
Ride begins and ends in Carroll Park, 1500 Washington Boulevard
Ride to benefit city parks in the ninth annual Tour Dem Parks, Hon. Choose from 12, 25, 36 or 64-mile rides, routes wind through Baltimore's parks and neighborhoods. A barbecue with live jazz will follow the ride. Registration is $35 for adults ($40 after June 1), and $15 for children 15 and under ($20 after June 1).
For more information or to register, call 410-396-4369, email info@tourdemparks.org, or visit tourdemparks.org. To register groups of 10 or more, call 410-382-0283.

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.

International Family Day
Sunday, June 12 from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles Street
International Family Day highlights the global roots of our community. Join in the celebration and enjoy art activities from around the world, displays of refugee and immigrant youth art, youth-oriented films about refugees and immigrants, performances, and more!
For more information, visit thewalters.org, email landerson@thewalters.org, or call 410-547-9000 ext. 323.

Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program Application Clinic
Wednesday, June 15 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church, 2812 Reisterstown Road
Help for homeowners facing foreclosure due to involuntary unemployment, underemployment or loss of income due to medical condition.
For more information or to register, call 410-366-6091.

1st-Time Homeowner Workshop-Part II Session
Saturday, June 18 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Oliver Community Center, 1400 East Federal Street
This free workshop will teach potential homeowners about the process of buying a home. Session I is on Saturday, June 11
To register for a workshop or to schedule appointments, call 443-388-9809.

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.

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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