A Brighter Future for Baltimore's Youth

On Tuesday, May 31 at 10 a.m., the City Council will hold a hearing on a piece of legislation I authored along with Councilman James B. Kraft (District 1) to help address the City’s multi-billion dollar deficit for school construction projects and the renovation of existing school facilities. City Council bill 10-0631, Charter Amendment – Nonlapsing Funds for Quality Schools – Reinvesting in our Youth, is legislation that will help us properly invest in our most precious resources – our youth. But I need your support to ensure that every young person in Baltimore City has access to quality facilities and a first-rate education. Please plan to come out on Tuesday at 10 a.m. at City Hall and support this bill or email me your letter in support of Council bill 10-0631.

Baltimore's Digital Harbor High School, built in 2002.

Introduced on December 6, 2010, City Council bill 10-0631 is a Charter Amendment that would provide the Baltimore City Council with flexibility to meet the needs and demands of our school system. The legislation would give the CIty Council the authority to allocate funds specifically to support the school system's efforts to create modern, state-of-the-art schools. This bill is simply a tool that would allow the City Council a voice in utilizing city resources to improve our schools.

This bill can be used to complement the efforts of Baltimore City Public Schools CEO Dr. Andres Alonso, who has been a tremendous advocate for our children and our educational system.  If approved by the City Council and signed by the Mayor, this bill would be placed on the ballot during the upcoming November 8, 2011 general election. I’m sure that the parents, grandparents, guardians and others invested in Baltimore’s educational system would appreciate the opportunity to have a say in funding our schools.

I look forward to seeing you at the hearing on Tuesday, May 31 at 10 a.m. at City Hall.

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

Baltimore's Got Talent!

The seven finalists in the Charm City Talent competition are set! Congratulations to Angeline Fuller, Terrell Talbert, Manny Payne, Taylor Owens, Octavius Johnson, Ferlyn Virtudes and Leah Reid for being selected to perform in the final round.

The seven finalists will compete for the Charm City Talent crown during the finale on July 14, 2011. The winner of the competition will receive an artist development package that includes a professional photo shoot and a recorded demo CD courtesy of Task Force Marketing, the opportunity to perform in a concert with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and a gift card courtesy of urban fashion retailer DTLR.

The contest was created by City Council President Bernard C. "Jack" Young and produced by Citizens Planning and Housing Association, Inc. (CPHA).

Charm City Talent showcases Baltimore’s emerging singers, rappers and musicians in a competition modeled after the long-running talent contest American Idol. Contestants are judged by a panel that includes local radio personalities and performing arts experts. Council President Young thanks everyone who participated in the first round of competition and encourages all of the talented youth to keep working hard.

Know the Signs, Prevent a Stroke

During the month of May public education campaigns aim to increase stroke awareness – the third leading cause of death in the United States – and educate those most at risk of suffering a stroke, such as women and African Americans.

There are a number of great advocates currently engaged in increasing stroke awareness in the U.S. By joining the thousands of dedicated stroke prevention advocates, you can personally help reduce the number of stroke victims.

Approximately 795,000 people will suffer a stroke this year, one every 40 seconds. And every four minutes someone will die as a result of a stroke, which can happen to anyone, regardless of age, race or sex.

From 1997 to 2007, the annual stroke death rate fell approximately 34 percent, and the actual number of deaths fell by 18 percent. Approximately 55,000 more women than men have a stroke each year. African Americans have almost twice the risk of suffering a stroke when compared with whites.

To learn more about how you can combat stroke and educate your community, explore the Stroke Awareness Resource Center for ideas and resources.

Information Courtesy of the National Stroke Association.

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

Through the end of May, 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 helps to dedicate Family Tree's pinwheel garden to victims of child abuse on Wednesday, May 18 in Preston Gardens.	Council President Young talks to a group of students from the Baltimore School of the Arts about the fiscal 2012 budget on Wednesday, May 18.
Council President Young breaks ground on Thursday, May 19, on the new Dayspring Square project in Northeast Baltimore, which will provide housing a substance abuse treatment to 22 families in need.

Soft-Shell Crab Celebration
Monday, May 23 to Monday, May 30
Participating Restaurants
Dine Downtown Baltimore brings you the 2011 Soft-Shell Crab Celebration at participating restaurants. Celebrate soft-shell crabs with traditional and innovative recipes using this Maryland delicacy at participating Dine Downtown Baltimore restaurants
For a list of participating restaurants and their menus, visit http://www.dinedowntownbaltimore.com/Soft-Shell%20Crab%20Celebration%202011.pdf.

Sowebo Arts & Music Festival 
Sunday, May 29 from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM 
1000-1200 Hollins Street
The regions finest jewelers, sculptors, painters, leather crafters, fashion designers, and folk artists showing and selling their work near Baltimore's historic Hollins Market. Local and traveling bands fill the streets with live music, and crab cakes, shaved ice, burgers, dogs, Asian grill, and beer will be available. Activities include children's games and art.
For more information, visit www.soweboarts.org.

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.

Storm Drain Painting Workshop
Tuesday, May 31 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
BWB Watershed Center, 3545 Belair Road
Interested in livening up your neighborhood storm drains? Come see how 901 Arts brightened Better Waverly!
For more information, call 410-254-1577 x109 or email lpoor@bluewaterbaltimore.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.

Summer Track and Field
Begins Wednesday, June 1
Northwestern High School, 6900 Park Heights Avenue
The Baltimore City Department of Recreation & Parks summer track and field season begins June 1 and runs through August. Practice will take place at Northwestern High School on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. The participation fee is $50, and the uniform cost is $40.
For more information, call 410-396-7019.

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.

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.sfsc@net.org.

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.

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
Copyright (C) 2010. All rights reserved.