Have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving Holiday

The Baltimore City Council would like to wish a healthy and happy holiday season to you and yours. During this season of giving and reflection we would like to offer our sincere thanks and gratitude to the citizens of Baltimore for your daily acts of kindness and good works toward your fellow Baltimoreans. Let us give thanks this holiday season and remember that together we can help make Baltimore a better city for us all.

On Thursday, November 24:

• Trash and recycling, both curbside and City containers WILL NOT BE COLLECTED. Saturday, November 26, 2011, will be the make up collection day for trash and recycling in those areas that are regularly scheduled for pick up on Thanksgiving Day.
• There WILL BE NO BULK TRASH collection scheduled.
• Citizen drop off centers WILL BE CLOSED (all yards including Quarantine Road Landfill, the Northwest Transfer Station and the Eastern, Western and Northwestern Sanitation Yards).
• All City buildings WILL BE CLOSED.
• Parking meters WILL NOT be in effect.

On Friday, November 25:

• Trash and recycling, both curbside and City containers, WILL BE COLLECTED as regularly scheduled.
• There WILL BE NO BULK TRASH collection scheduled.
• Citizen drop off centers WILL BE CLOSED (all yards including Quarantine Road Landfill, the Northwest Transfer Station and the Eastern, Western and Northwestern Sanitation Yards).

Making Sure Baltimore Students Succeed

Council President Young joins Cold Stream Park Elementary/Middle School President Derrick Parker, Sergeant at Arms Albert Johnson, Vice President Melakah Barber-El, Secretary Tyreese Hall and Treasurer John Brown during National Education Week on Tuesday, November 15.

Dear Baltimoreans,

On Tuesday, November 15, I celebrated National Education Week by visiting some incredible students at Cold Stream Park Elementary/Middle School. We talked about a number of important issues they are facing. I also talked to them about the benefits of education.

President Barack Obama recently signed a proclamation in observance of National Education Week declaring that "education has always been central to ensuring opportunity, and to instilling in all our citizens the defining American values of freedom, equality, and respect for one another.  Our Nation's schools can give students the tools, skills, and knowledge to participate fully in our democracy, and to succeed in college, career, and life.  This week, let us reaffirm the importance of education and recognize that we all share in the responsibility to educate our students.”

Our schools are making great progress, and I encourage all Baltimoreans to continue to stress the importance of education.

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

Shop Small on November 26!

Small businesses are the foundation of our economy, which is why Council President Bernard C. "Jack" Young introduced legislation at the City Council meeting on Monday, November 14 celebrating the 2nd Annual Small Business Saturday in Baltimore and city residents to shop at small businesses, which employ nearly 98 percent of Maryland’s workforce. 

The Council President's resolution mirrors a national trend in support of Small Business Saturday, which was created in 2010 by American Express as a way to support local businesses that create jobs and boost the economy. The idea was to create a shopping experience for small businesses that could rival big box stores’ Black Friday and online outlets’ Cyber Monday. Small Business Saturday will take place in Baltimore and around the country on Saturday, November 26, during one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year.

Small businesses represent Baltimore’s economic engine and are responsible for an outsized share of newly created jobs. Council President Young plans on shopping at a number of Baltimore’s small businesses on November 26, and he encourages residents and visitors to do the same.

M.J. “Jay” Brodie, president of the Baltimore Development Corp., said that Small Business Saturday provides an economic jolt to Baltimore’s businesses and neighborhoods.

“Baltimore’s small, local businesses are part of what makes this City unique, and Small Business Saturday is an opportunity for Baltimore’s residents to show their local support and pride in our neighborhood shopping districts,” Mr. Brodie said.

So get out and shop locally on Saturday, November 26, to show your support for our local businesses!

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.

West Baltimore Farmers' Market
Saturdays through November from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
West Baltimore MARC, 400 N. Smallwood Street
The West Baltimore Farmers' Market presents its second season bringing locally grown foods to the communities in West Baltimore. Farmers from around the region will have an array of seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, meat, and more.
For more information, visit westbaltimoremarc.blogspot.com.

Plants & People: Sundays at the Conservatory
Sundays in November from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens, Druid Hill Park
Bring the entire family for fun and educational activities at Baltimore's Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens each Sunday in November. Activities will complement the conservatory's annual chrysanthemum show. On November 13, learn about conservatories and greenhouse growing conditions. On November 20, decorate a bud vase and take home a cut flower. November 27 will present a science demonstration--explore, discuss, and debate the greenhouse effect, climate change, and glass house environments.
For more information, call 410-396-0008.

Holiday Festival of Trains
Friday November 25 through Saturday, December 31 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (11:00 AM on Sundays)
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum, 901 W. Pratt Street
Celebrate the holiday season at Baltimore’s largest holiday display of toy and model train layouts. Santa arrives by locomotive to the Roundhouse at 10:30 am on November 25. Weekend train rides and photo opportunities take place with Santa through December 21, and with Frosty the Snowman through December 31. It’s a train load of fun that's become an annual holiday tradition!
For more information, visit www.borail.org.

A Monumental Occasion
Thursday, December 1 at 5:30 PM
Mount Vernon Place, 600 N. Charles Street
Mount Vernon Place celebrates the holiday season with the 40th annual lighting of the Washington Monument. The ceremony will begin at 7:00 p.m., with the official lighting at approximately 7:20 p.m. Come enjoy an evening of strolling entertainment and refreshments. The event ends with a colorful fireworks finale.
For more information, call 1-877-BALTIMORE.

Morgan State Kwanzaa Celebration
Saturday, December 3 at 11:00 AM
Morgan State University Student Center, Hillen Road Between Argonne Drive and Cold Spring Lane
The Office of Community Service at Morgan State University is presenting its annual Kwanzaa Celebration for school aged children in grades K through 12. This event is FREE and will feature music, games, exhibits, dance, art, storytelling, food and other culturally rich activities. Morgan State University students will teach Baltimore City youth about the African American culture, encourage them to stay in school and to reject alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.  Registration will begin at 11 a.m.
For more information, call 443-885-4328.

Bed & Breakfast Holiday House Tour
Sunday, December 4 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Rediscover the charm and joy of the holiday season with the Better Baltimore Bed & Breakfasts Second Annual Holiday House Tour. Member B&Bs and inns will open their doors to share yuletide cheer with ticket holders. A portion of the proceeds will support the work of Moveable Feast. Enjoy homemade food and drink, explore seasonal decor at its best, and experience the city’s hospitality as you meet the owners, hosts, and innkeepers.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit baltimoreholidayhousetour.ticketleap.com.

Mayor’s Christmas Parade
Sunday, December 4 at 2:00 PM
Hampden
Join the Mayor's 39th Annual Christmas Parade! From the Baltimore Marching Ravens, to Harley Davidson motorcycles, marching bands, and Santa Claus, the music-filled event marches its way through Baltimore's Hampden neighborhood. It's a great way to start the holiday cheer.
For more information, visit www.mayorschristmasparade.com.

Holiday Tea at the Cylburn Mansion
Monday, December 5 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Avenue
You'll be serenaded by music as you enjoy a wonderful selection of teas, tea sandwiches, and sweets. This year, we'll also have a Chinese auction and will be showcasing a lovely selection of holiday gifts. Seating is limited, so be sure to make your reservation by November 26! There is a $35 fee for members and a $40 non-members fee; you can also purchase a reserved table of eight for $280.
To register, call 410.367.2217.

Holiday Hop for the Animals
Friday, December 9 from 8:00 PM to 1:00 AM
The Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard Street
It's the holidays, but not every animal has a home. Join Baltimore Bully Crew, Maryland SPCA, B-More Dog, BARCS, Charm City Animal Rescue, B-more Humane, and bands, DJs, a raffle, a silent auction, and much more! Tickets are $15.
For tickets or more information, visit www.missiontix.com.

Holidays on Harford
Saturday, December 10 from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Locations along Harford Road
Get into the holiday spirit with your family & friends! Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner, and shop at a local retail store or gallery. Enjoy the festive atmosphere and look for Santa and his Elf in a motorcycle sidecar on Harford Road!

Baltimore Reads Holiday Fair
Saturday, December 10 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Baltimore Reads Book Bank, 501 N. Calvert Street
Baltimore Reads will hold its second annual holiday fair for kids and their families. This festive day features a visit from Santa, story time, and gift giveaways for kids. Kids who attend will also be invited to take home free books from the Book Bank. Lunch and other refreshments will be served. Receive information on volunteering and community service projects for teenagers, as well as information on classes and other Baltimore Reads activities. For directions or additional information, visit www.baltimorereads.org or call 410-752-3595.

Sustainability and Healthy Foods Grants
Applications due by Thursday, December 15
The Office of Sustainability is offering $1,000 grants to Baltimore City public schools for projects focusing on Sustainability and/or Healthy Foods.
For more information, call 410-396-1670 or email abby.cocke@baltimorecity.gov. The application can be found at http://cleanergreener.highrockhosting2.com/uploads/files/Challenges2012.docx

Chesapeake Bay Trust's Awards Program
Applications or nominations due by Friday, December 16 at 5:00 PM
Each year, the Trust recognizes outstanding achievements by educators and students who work to engage Marylanders in efforts to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay and local waters. Currently we are accepting applications for the awards outlined below especially for teachers and students.  To apply and for more information, please visit the Trust’s Awards Registration Page.
The Teacher of the Year Award is given annually to a teacher who motivates and inspires students by promoting environmental awareness and stewardship.  The winning applicant will receive a $2,500 award to go toward funding Trust-approved environmental field trips and/or outdoor education work at their school or organization.
The Students of the Year Scholarship award provides a $5,000 scholarship to a Maryland high school or college student who has shown an outstanding commitment to environmental stewardship, Chesapeake Bay restoration and community involvement.
The Honorable Arthur Dorman Scholarship award provides a $5,000 scholarship to a Maryland high school or college student who demonstrates a commitment to improving the health of the environment and the Chesapeake Bay and who, as a student of color, exhibits exemplary leadership in promoting diversity and inclusion in his/her school and broader community.
Do you know someone who fits the bill?  Then we encourage you to nominate teachers for the award and ask you to help identify eligible students and encourage them to apply as well.  APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE AT WWW.CBTRUST.ORG
For more information, call 410-974-2941 ext. 107.

Community Grant Funds Available for Fall 2011
Letter of intent due December 22, application due by January 27, 2012
The Parks and People Foundation offers twice-yearly grant rounds in two categories. Neighborhood Greening & Clean Water Grants for up to $1,000 fund tree plantings, vacant lot clean-ups and restoration, community gardens, schoolyard plantings, water quality improvements, and environmental education activities. Partnerships for Parks Grants from $500 to $5,000 fund park service projects, trail stewardship, playground restoration, tree planting and pruning, maintenance activities, and events supporting public parks. All Baltimore City community groups are eligible to apply.
All potential applicants MUST attend a workshop. Workshops are Wednesday, November 30 (Bon Secours Community Works, 26 N. Fulton Avenue), Thursday, December 1 (Zeta Center for Healthy & Active Aging, 4501 Reisterstown Road), and Tuesday, December 6 (HEBCAC, 1212 N. Wolfe Street) from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. RSVP four days prior to the workshop you will attend.
For more information, call 410-448-5663 x111 or email valerie.shane@parksandpeople.org.

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.

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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