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, and I 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 support the students and schools in our communities.

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

Join the 71st City Council's Swearing-In Ceremony

Join City Council President Bernard C. "Jack" Young and members of the 71st Baltimore City Council as they are sworn into office. The ceremony is free and open to the public. The event will begin promptly at 10 a.m. on Thursday, December 8, at the War Memorial Building (101 N. Gay Street).

Atendees are encouraged to take public transportation or park in the Balttimore Street parking garage (15 Guilford Avenue).

WHERE: War Memorial Building (101 N. Gay Street)

WHEN: Thursday, December 8, at 10 a.m.

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 spends time with leaders from the Guangxi province of China as they tour Baltimore to learn about city government and the legislative process on Wednesday, November 23.

Council President Young and community youth celebrate the ribbon-cutting of the new City Springs Football Field on Tuesday, November 29, which was renovated thanks to the Baltimore Ravens, the NFL, the Baltimore Department of Recreation and Parks, and the Living Classrooms Foundation.

Council President Young listens to residents' concerns at the Berea Community Association Meeting on Monday, November 28.

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.

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.

16th Annual Flavors of Federal Hill
Thursday, December 6 from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Federal Hill
This is everyone's favorite tasty tour of the neighborhood. Groups travel to seven different local establishments for food, drink, and fun. Tickets are $55 and include food and drink.
Call 410-727-4500 or order online at www.historicfederalhill.org

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.

First-Ever Downtown Holiday Market
Tuesday and Wednesday, December 13 and 14 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Center Plaza
Discover unique holiday gifts created by local artists, and take care of your holiday shopping during lunch!  More than 30 craft and artist vendors will showcase crafts and gifts what will range from hand-crafted ornaments, jewelry and gift cards to warm winter outerwear, gifts for the home & more! Free hot drinks will be handed out to shoppers as they browse. The market will also feature local food vendors, who will be selling warms snacks & lunch specials. Also, be ready for a special visit from Santa from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m.
For more information, visit godowntownbaltimore.com.

Operation: UPlift Charity & Donation Drive
Wednesday, December 14 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Baltimore, 635 West Lexington Street
This event is the kick off to building the empire for Operation: UPlift, which focuses on mentoring and motivating youth and young adults as well as helping them to create a better tomorrow for themselves. Will you join us in helping families in our community and providing a home away from home for seriously ill children? You may donate items needed at Ronald McDonald House or adopt a family for a night for $15. This covers the cost of a visit for a family who may be financially unstable.
Please R.S.V.P by Friday, December 9 via email to operationuplift1@gmail.com or 443-825-6900.

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.

Kwanzaa Family Day
Wednesday, December 28 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive
This free celebration of community and family features a special performance by Keur Khaleyi African Dance Company and fascinating stories brought to life by actress Maria Broom. Come and create your own African textiles and hand-held treasures!
For more information, call 443-573-1700 or visit artbma.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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