Dear Friends:

I thoroughly enjoy traveling throughout the City, talking to concerned citizens about issues in their neighborhoods, as I have for the past twelve years on the City Council. I am increasingly encouraged by the initiative so many citizens are taking on behalf of their own neighborhoods, in partnership with City government, to defend what is good about their communities and to drive out what is not.

This week, I was proud to host the winners of my "Baltimore’s Top Neighborhood Moms" Contest. We enjoyed a wonderful luncheon on the pier at the National Aquarium in Baltimore. But more importantly, we enjoyed the company of so many dedicated community leaders who were honored for their service to their neighborhoods. Next month, the winners of my "Top Neighborhood Dads" will enjoy a similar reception, and nominations are already coming in through www.baltimorecitycouncil.com for the dedicated men in Baltimore who make their neighborhoods a better place to live.

See photo gallery of "Baltimore's Top Neighborhood Moms" Luncheon

Just yesterday, I was proud to be the first to put on my hard hat, and operate the crane that began the demolition of a major section of vacant housing units in O’Donnell Heights. I was joined by members of the community who were glad to see the blighted buildings crumble, and to look ahead to a new future for O’Donnell Heights. Fifth grader Demetrius Clark (pictured), a resident of the neighborhood, was on hand to thank his City leaders for making his community a more livable and inviting place to be. For Demetrius and the many children like him, I am overjoyed at the progress being made there. From there, I traveled to Station North for the opening of a new townhome community, where families and young couples are already investing in the community that serves as a gateway to the Arts and Entertainment District.

When I speak about investing where Baltimore lives, these are the events that shape that dream. I am proud to lead the charge to refocus our City’s energy and resources to the neighborhoods of Baltimore. I invite all Baltimoreans to join me, as a true investment will ultimately result in a better place to raise our families.

Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
President, Baltimore City Council

City Council This Week

Monday, May 21, 2007

City Council Meeting
5:00 PM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall

The Council meeting will be televised on TV25.

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Hearing: Education Committee, Mary Pat Clarke - Chair
2:30 PM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
06-0167R Baltimore City Public School System - Disposal of Surplus Property

3:00 PM
07-0262R School Closings - Let's Give Charter Schools a Chance to Grow

3:30 PM
07-0285R Closing Schools - Earmark Furniture for Charter Schools

Hearing: Highways and Franchises Subcommittee, Ken Harris - Chair
4:05 PM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
07-0593 City Streets - Closing - Certain Streets Lying Within the Freedom and Claremont Homes Project
07-0595 City Property - Grant of Easements
07-0565 City Streets - Closing - A 6-Foot Wide Portion of Maryland Avenue

Joint Hearing: Budget and Appropriations, Jack Young - Chair;
Committee of the Whole, Council President Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Chair
5:00 PM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
07-0657 Ordinance of Estimates for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2008

The City Council will review the FY2008 budgets of these departments:

5:00 PM

Comptroller's Office

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Hearing: Land Use and Transportation Committee, Edward Reisinger - Chair
1:00 PM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
07-0590 Rezoning - Block 7027D, Lots 9-12 (100 Block of Riverside Road)
06-0540 Rezoning - 242 West 29th Street and Block 3658, Lot 134

Work Session: Land Use and Transportation Committee, Edward Reisinger - Chair
5:00 PM Reeves Conference Room, 4th floor, City Hall
06-0558 Inclusionary Housing

PLEASE NOTE: This is a committee work session, not a hearing. There will be no public testimony.

Friday, May 18

BALTIMORE CITY RECREATION AND PARKS EVENTS: Fashion Delight Herring Run Recreation Center 5001 Sinclair Lane (410) 488-6634 5:30-8:30 p.m. Youth between the ages of 5-16 will display their spring colors and styles. This event will incorporate casual, dress, sports, and special occasions attire. This event is FREE and open to the public. Sock Hop Samuel F.B. Morse Recreation Center 424 S. Pulaski St. (410) 396- 3717 2:00 p.m. (Non School Day) The Recreation Center will host a community "Sock Hop". School will be closed; so come and join the fun! Don't forget your socks! Admission is $1.

Summer Sounds at the Square
Belvedere Square
6-9pm
Free outdoor concerts every Friday
Featuring: Blues Therapy

Details at www.belvederesquare.com

Preakness Eve Fireworks
Inner Harbor 9:15 PM

Saturday, May 19

2nd Annual Hamilton Hon Festival/Benefit Concert
for ailing All Mighty Senators' singer Landis Expandis
Noon-9 pm, 3023 Glenmore Avenue
$15 donation

Details at www.myspace.com/helpforlandis

132nd Running of the Preakness Stakes
Pimlico Race Course 5201 Park Heights Avenue
Post time 6:04 pm

Details at preakness.com

BALTIMORE CITY RECREATION AND PARKS EVENTS: Gwynns Falls Bike Trek Carrie Murray Nature Center 1901 Ridgetop Road (410) 396-0440 6 p.m. Yes, that’s right, Baltimore has a bike trail. No, really. Get on this new trail before everyone else does. Say you were one of the first. You’ll travel through forests, meadows, along rivers, historic neighborhoods, and over and under railroad passes. Trip length varies depending on age, size and general ability of the group. Bikes and helmets provided. Pre-registration required; please call at least 24 hours in advance. Recommended for ages 9 and older. Admission is $5. Spring Fling Locust Point Recreation Center 1627 East Fort Ave. (410) 837-4423 7-10 p.m. Come out and enjoy the last dance of the season including refreshments, dancing and contests. This event is FREE and open to the public.

"An Afternoon with Harriet Tubman-A Spiritual Journey Through Word and Song"
Emmarts United Methodist Church, 7100 Dogwood Rd
4:00 pm Info: 410-944-1131

Celebrate National Public Works Week May 20-26
Admission to the Baltimore Public Works Museum is just $1
Pier 7 of the Inner Harbor, 751 Eastern Avenue.
Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Baltimore City Public Works Director George L. Winfield invites everyone to join in and celebrate National Public Works Week, May 20 - May 26. DPW employees work around the clock providing valuable services to 1.8 million people every day, from trash and recycling collection, to energy conservation, fleet management, harbor cleaning, and ensuring a consistently high quality water supply.
The Baltimore Public Works Museum features a "Women in Public Service" display highlighting the dedicated, hard-working women of Public Works.

Visitors young and old can also enjoy the "Heavy Metal" exhibit, featuring vehicles maintained by Public Works fleet management section and try their driving skills at the "18 Wheels of Steel" truck simulator.

Children under six are admitted free. For more information, call 410-396-5565.

Baltimore Paetec Jazz Festival
Pier 6 Concert Pavillion
August 9- Boney James and Jonathan Butler
August 10-Earth, Wind and Fire
August 11- B.B. King, Etta James and Al Green

Details at www.paetecjazz.com