Better Schools. Safer Streets. Stronger Neighborhoods.
Issue #117: May 22, 2009

Dear Friends:

On May 7, I was proud to join the Laborers' International Union of North America Local 710 with members of my staff and several hundred volunteers to help rebuild the Playground at Stadium Place in Waverly that was destroyed by fire last September. The playground was built in 2005 after years of organizing and fundraising by the community. This project was a source of pride for the nearby neighborhoods and a symbol of hope for many in Baltimore and beyond.

This devastating fire attracted a lot of attention, and when the community announced they were rebuilding, there was a groundswell of support from thousands of volunteers. Although an unfortunate stretch of inclement weather the week of the rebuild made for a soggy construction site, volunteers were undaunted. As storm clouds loomed overhead, and rain fell intermittently throughout that Thursday afternoon, I was struck by the perseverance of the volunteers. As the day progressed, I looked around at the playground taking shape before me and I remembered the famous words of anthropologist Margaret Mead: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

You can see our afternoon at Stadium Place in this online photo gallery.

When you see these photos, you will likely be impressed as I was with the story they tell about the power of committed individuals and groups to overcome adversity. It was very inspiring to see folks hard at work to breathe new life into this community playground, undeterred by the weather. This effort was an outstanding and inspiring example of community engagement and ownership. Last September’s tragic fire tested the Waverly community’s resolve, and if you take a look at the site now, you’ll see triumph rising from the ashes. I would like to take a moment to acknowledge some of those responsible for the Stadium Place playground rebuild: Friends of Our Playground; Harry and Jeannette Weinberg Y of Central Maryland; Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the Laborers' International Union of North America, and the hundreds of volunteers from AmeriCorps, and other area businesses who lent their time and energy to the effort. To find out more about the project, please visit www.stadiumplayground.org.

As a citizen, I was proud of Baltimore and its people. As your City Council President, I know that we need to tap into this kind of community energy, wherever it is needed, all over the city. It reminded me of what we discovered on the road to President Obama’s historic election: In cities like Baltimore and all across the country, so many talented and caring citizens have only needed to be reminded of their own power to bring about positive change in their communities.

I know that Baltimore has many who are ready, willing and able to use their skills to serve their communities, and I encourage you to visit Volunteer Central’s website at www.volunteercentral.net. There you will find a list of volunteer opportunities in Greater Baltimore. Whether it's rebuilding a playground, helping with neighborhood cleanups, mentoring young people or assisting seniors, we all can lend our gifts and our spirit to revitalize our communities and make a difference.

Finally, as we go into the Memorial Day weekend, I like to think that our fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country would be proud of the rebuilt Stadium Place playground project, on the site of the beloved old Memorial Stadium. I wish you all a safe and happy holiday.

Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
President, Baltimore City Council

Reflections from the Vivien T. Thomas Medical Arts Academy

Submitted by Mavis Jackson, College Access Specialist, Vivien T. Thomas Medical Arts Academy

Looking back, the partnership between the Vivien T. Thomas Medical Arts Academy and the College Bound Foundation has been quite successful and very beneficial. This partnership has allowed us to assist not only the students currently enrolled at Vivien T. Thomas, but also family members, graduates, and members of the community. We helped traditional and non-traditional students with college application and scholarship packages, financial aid forms/FAFSA and we helped them make the right college fit.

Some of our highlights:
  • Three students won Towson Top 10% awards.
  • One student won 1 of 4 McDaniel College full tuition scholarships.
  • One student was nominated for the CollegeBound Scholar of the Week and is in the running to win the Scholar of the Year.
  • The Class of 2009 submitted over 200 college applications.
  • Over 90% of the Class of 2009 graduating seniors have completed their FAFSA forms.
  • We hosted two very successful college fairs with over 450 participants.
  • Our students attended over 14 one-day and overnight college tours.
  • We have had several college and career speakers visit our school to discuss not just graduating from high school, but also moving into the workforce and maneuvering post-secondary education.

Activities planned for the Class of 2010 include several in-state college tours, a workshop for families of students with disabilities on maneuvering the college process, a workshop on how to pay for college and college essay preparation, and narrowing down the college search.

Ranking third in her class, Sherrilli Carter is a member of the National Honor Society, National Honor Roll and she is a two-time Dr. Ben Carson Scholar. She recently participated in the Baltimore Alliance for Health Careers (BACH) Summer Fellowship program. Sherrilli’s goal is to attend college to become a brain surgeon. After overcoming many odds, she’s on her way to Towson University, as a Towson Top Ten Percent Scholar with a major in biology.
AshLee Kirksey is ranked second in the class of 2009. AshLee has received a full tuition scholarship to McDaniel College, where he will be majoring in psychology in the fall. He is a MedStar intern in the open heart unit and assists with a variety of procedures. AshLee is the senior class liaison to the student government association and was on the prom committee.

Send us the good news about your Baltimore City public school!

Do you have an exciting news item on achievements in Baltimore City Public Schools?
Let us know so that we can feature them in the President's SchoolSpot. Call Council President Rawlings-Blake's office at 410-396-4804 or send an e-mail to Marva Williams at marva.williams@baltimorecity.gov

City of Baltimore 2010 Census

The Census Bureau is verifying and updating more than 145 million addresses to prepare for the 2010 Census. New handheld computers equipped with GPS to increase geographic accuracy are being used because the ability to capture GPS coordinates for most of the nation’s housing units will greatly reduce the number of errors caused by paper maps in previous counts. Baltimore City began the operation in April. Address canvassing efforts should end by mid-July.

How to identify Census workers
Census workers can be identified by their official Census Bureau badge. During the address canvassing operation, census workers may ask to verify a housing structure’s address and whether additional living quarters are on the property.

Your information is confidential
2010 Census workers will never ask for bank or Social Security information. All census information collected, including addresses, are confidential and protected by law. By law, the Census Bureau cannot share respondents’ answers with the FBI, the IRS, CIA, Welfare, Immigration, or any other government agency. No court of law or law enforcement agency can find out respondents’ answers. All Census Bureau employees — including temporary employees — take an oath for life to keep census information confidential. Any violation of that oath is punishable by a fine of up to $250,000 and five years in prison. For more information about the Census, visit www.baltimorecity.gov.

Assistance with Water Bills for Seniors and Low Income Residents

Baltimore City Low Income Senior Citizen Water Discount Program

Homeowners and tenants whose lease holds them responsible for paying the water bill can apply each year for the discount if they meet the following criteria:
1. The applicant must be a City of Baltimore resident who receives a water/sewer bill directly from the City.
2. The principal resident must be age 65 or older.
3. The combined gross household income must be $25,000 or less.
4. The applicant must certify that he/she is the property owner-of-record with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation, or provide a lease showing his/her responsibility for paying water/sewer charges at that property.

Those who qualify receive a 30% discount on their water and sewer rates charged on each quarterly bill. Eligible senior citizens may apply at any of the Senior Community Centers listed on this brochure or may call 311 or 410-396-5398 to obtain an application.

See brochure for complete information
Senior Citizen Discount Application

Baltimore City Low Income Water Assistance Program

  • You must be a Baltimore City resident, the utility account holder and receive your water bill directly from the City.
  • You must reside at the property on the account.
  • You must have received a delinquent, turn-off, or tax sale notice due to being in arrears.
  • You must not have an existing payment plan with the Department of Finance.
  • You must have verification documents for eligibility.

Once approved:

  • You must pledge to make consistent payments on your unpaid and current balance.
  • You will receive a credit of $125.00.

See brochure for complete information

City Council This Week

Tuesday, May 26

Hearing: Judiciary and Legislative Investigations Committee,
James B. Kraft – Chair
10:00 AM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
08-0095R Informational Hearing - Trash in the Inner Harbor
RESCHEDULED FROM APRIL 28, 2009

Voting Session: Judiciary and Legislative Investigations Committee,
James B. Kraft – Chair
10:05 AM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
08-0094 Construction Debris-Proof of Proper Disposal
08-0214 Illegal Dumping-Penalties-Enforcement

Hearing: Budget and Appropriations/Committee of the Whole
4:00 PM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
09-0325 Ordinance of Estimates for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2010
Department of Finance

Wednesday, May 27

Hearing: Land Use and Transportation Committee, Edward Reisinger - Chair
2:00 PM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
09-0279 Rezoning - Certain Properties in the Reisterstown Plaza Transit Station Urban Renewal Area
 
Hearing: Judiciary and Legislative Investigations Committee/Land Use and Transportation Committee
5:00 PM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
08-0163 Live Entertainment - Licensing and Regulation - Hospitality Services - Promotion and Coordination
This hearing will be broadcast live on TV25.

Thursday, May 28

Hearing: Taxation, Finance and Economic Development Committee, Helen Holton – Chair
11:00 AM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
08-0236 Sale of Property - the Former Bed of Diamond Street
 
11:10 AM
08-0239 Sale of Property - the Former Beds of 2 10-Foot Alleys
 
11:20 AM
08-0242 Sale of Property - Subterranean Rights Under Pleasant Street
 
11:25 AM
09-0300 Sale of Property - The Former Bed of Hunter Street

Community Events

For a comprehensive listing of events in Baltimore, check the City Council's online events calendar.

Nominate Baltimore's Top Neighborhood Dads: Deadline is May 28th!

For the third straight year, City Council President Stephanie Rawlings-Blake is in search of Baltimore’s "Top Neighborhood Dads." The contest honors those dedicated men who make Baltimore’s neighborhoods Better, Safer and Stronger. Baltimore neighborhood residents and community associations are asked to nominate their "Top Neighborhood Dad," along with the reasons he should be recognized for his work. Deadline is May 28th.

Download Nomination form

May 22-25

Balticon 43: The Maryland Regional Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention
Memorial Day Weekend, Marriott's Hunt Valley Inn, 245 Shawan Rd., Hunt Valley, MD
Hundreds of authors, publishers, artists, scientists, musicians and over a thousand fans at the area’s largest & longest running Science Fiction/Fantasy convention! On site Registration: Friday 2pm-11pm; Saturday 10am-10pm; Sunday 10am-7pm; Monday 10am-2pm.
www.balticon.org

Saturday, May 23

Starting and Financing A Small Business Workshop
Enoch Pratt Library-Herring Run Branch, 3801 Erdman Ave., 11am-1pm. Hosted by the Small Business Administration (SBA). Presentations by a tax advisor, an insurance advisor and a banker. tonia.mccoy@sba.gov

Movie in the Park
The Hill in Patterson Park East near Ellwood and Gough, 8:30pm. Featuring: Madagascar. Rated G.

Sunday, May 24

Maryland Center for Veterans Education & Training 5K/10K Run/Walk
Lexington Street between Holliday and Gay Street, 5K race begins at 7:30 am, 10K race begins at 8:30 am. TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Sowebohemian Arts and Music Festival
Hollins Market, 26 S. Arlington St., noon-8pm. This FREE event, which draws thousands each year, transforms the historic Hollins Market neighborhood into a bustling bazaar, complete with a street café, performance artists and busking musicians. www.sowebofest.com.

Monday, May 25

MEMORIAL DAY - CITY HOLIDAY
Baltimore City Public Works offices will be closed. No municipal trash pickup. Citizens whose regular trash collection day is Monday are asked to place their trash out on their next regularly scheduled collection day, Thursday, May 28. Parking meters will remain in effect.

National Tap Dance Day
Inner Harbor, 12pm-1:30pm. See performances from local tap dancers. Free.

Wednesday, May 27

Transform Baltimore-Form-Based Codes: A Closer Look Public Workshop
Neighborhood Design Center, 1401 Hollins St., 6pm-8pm. Discuss ideas on how and where form-based codes might be used in the re-write of the zoning code. plan@baltimorecity.gov

Thursday, May 28

A Listening Circle: "The Impact of Addiction on Families"
New Shiloh Baptist Church, 2100 N. Monroe St., 5:30-8:00pm. Baltimore Substance Abuse Systems hosts the next installment in its long-running “Conversations with bSAS” town hall forums. Seating for this event is limited. RSVP chardy@bsasinc.org, or call 410-637-1900.
More information

Upcoming/Ongoing

Polish Festival, May 29-31, Patterson Park, Linwood and Eastern Avenues, Friday 5-10pm and Saturday & Sunday noon-10pm. The Polish community kicks off the festival season with local, regional and national entertainment by polka bands and more.

A Taste of WEAA Spring Benefit, May 29, Eubie Blake Jazz Institute & Cultural Center, 847 N. Howard St., 8pm-midnight. Featuring live bands playing jazz, blues, latin and reggae. www.weaa.org

Community Health and Wellness Day: A Healthy View on a Healthy You, May 29, 10am-3pm, Edmondson Village Shopping Center. Presented by the Baltimore City Cancer Program (BCCP) University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center, featuring a variety of health screenings and health education, entertainment, refreshments and an appearance from Heaven 600 radio.   410-328-4673.

Maryland’s Place in Space, May 30, 10am-4pm, Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St., sponsored by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, a free, family-friendly expo with hands-on science activities, robot demonstrations and NASA astronaut projects. 301-286-5282

Charles Village Festival, June 6-7, Wyman Park Dell, Charles and 29th Streets, Saturday 11am-9pm, Sunday 11am-6pm. Live music, Garden Walk, kids games, food, vendors. www.charlesvillagefestival.com

St. Nicholas Greek Festival, June 11, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 520 S. Ponca St., 7-11 pm. www.greekfolkfestival.com

Enoch Pratt’s Light Street Branch Goes Wireless and additional computers have been installed. Other Wi-Fi Pratt branches are Central, Northwood, Orleans, Roland Park, Southeast Anchor and Waverly.

Professional, business attire clothing donations are needed for The Bon Secours Outreach Center, which provides job readiness training. Clients need clothes and shoes for job interviews. tonia.mccoy@sba.gov 410-962-4392 ext. 316.

Get a free Orioles ticket for your birthday. Any fan can get a free ticket to a game during the month of his or her birthday--unless the Orioles are playing the Yankees or Red Sox. Register online at www.orioles.com/birthdays and receive a voucher for a free birthday ticket.

MD HOPE (Home Owners Preserving Equity) State Hotline 1-877-462-7555. For assessment and possible referral to a housing counseling agency or a volunteer attorney for assistance in your foreclosure matter. www.mdhope.org

Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore’s Foreclosure Prevention Program offers emergency bridge loans to victims of predatory or exotic lending, or homeowners hit with emergencies such as illness or unemployment. Eligible low- to moderate-income homeowners can receive up to $5,000 in deferred loans. 410-327-1200.

Community Greening Resource Network (CGRN), sponsored by Parks and People Foundation, is accepting new members. The CGRN is an annual membership program to support community gardens throughout Baltimore City. It provides community-based groups access to material resources (tool, seeds, plants, mulch, and compost) training opportunities (green space planning, organization, and fundraising), and networking opportunities for sharing skills and experience among community greeners. Sarah Krones 410-448-5663.

New Conversations/Conversaciones Nuevas, Enoch Pratt’s Southeast Anchor Library, 3601 Eastern Ave., Tuesdays at 11am. Practice casual conversation for beginning English and Spanish speakers, 410-396-1580.

Conserve energy, save money and protect the environment with BGE’s PeakRewards program. If you have central air conditioning or an electric heat pump, you could save up to 15% year round in energy costs. www.bgesmartenergy.com/peakrewards