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"Investing Where Baltimore Lives" |
June 8, 2007 |
Dear Friends:
As I've traveled throughout Baltimore talking about my initiative to invest where Baltimore lives, I have received tremendous positive feedback about what true investment really is. True investment yields substantive results. A real investment, while it may contain some risk, also promises reward in the end. My initiatives regarding education, crime, business development and community revitalization speak to my commitment to engage in sound investment, offering all Baltimoreans the opportunity to capitalize on the positive things our City offers.
 On Monday I will introduce a resolution to create the Community Restoration Program, a matching grant program allowing homeowners to rehabilitate or improve their homes, making these properties more liveable, inviting, and valuable to the residents of strong but undervalued neighborhoods. The program will target areas already designated as "healthy" by the Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative, which provides low-interest loans to purchasers in areas of Baltimore on the edge of instability. The Community Restoration Program will also be designated for these areas, strengthening the promise that the Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative offers to areas in need of revitalization. In addition to serving as a resource to current homeowners, it can also serve as an incentive to low- to moderate-income families who could not otherwise afford to purchase a home of their own. These families can purchase a home in need of repair at a reasonable price and rehabilitate the home with the help of the Community Restoration Program.
This is what it means to invest where Baltimore lives. This program helps current homeowners restore their properties, prospective home purchasers broaden their search to more attractive neighborhoods, and make necessary repairs or improvements that help increase the value of their property and revitalize communities throughout Baltimore. Such revitalization allows people to become vested in their own communities, so Baltimore can truly be recognized as a city of healthy neighborhoods.
The initial investment of one million dollars will be offered to homeowners based on the level of homeowners' own investment into the designated improvement project. In future years, I hope to secure additional funding for the continuation of the Community Restoration Program. The program will be available to homeowners through the Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative. Stay tuned to the Rawlings-Blake Roll Call for additional information about when and how to apply.
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
President, Baltimore City Council
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Each week in the President's SchoolSpot,
Council President Stephanie Rawlings-Blake highlights the outstanding accomplishments of Baltimore City Schools students and staff. |
Baltimore School System Names Teacher of the Year
 Leah Waller, a first grade teacher at Maree Garnett Farring Elementary School (#203), has been named the Baltimore City Public School System (BCPSS) 2007 Teacher of the Year. During her eight years with BCPSS, she has involved her students in many community activities and she has been a demonstration teacher for the Children's Literacy Initiative. Waller also found time to mentor student teachers and tutor students at The Jemicy School. Her special areas of interest are technology integration into classroom instruction and parent involvement. Good luck to Ms. Waller as she competes for Maryland Teacher of the Year in the fall!
Baltimore City Principal Honored as Distinguished Principal of the Year
 Irma Johnson, Principal at Dallas F. Nicholas Elementary School, makes history. The Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals named her Maryland's Distinguished Principal of the Year. This is the first time a Baltimore City Public School principal has won the honor. Johnson has increased outreach efforts for her school through her neighborhood organizations. She has spearheaded efforts to increase volunteers to tutor and mentor students. She also encourages her staff to further their education so they can remain highly qualified in their field.
The National Distinguished Principals Program was established as an annual event to honor exemplary elementary and middle school principals who set the pace, character, and quality of the education children receive during their early school years. Congratulations to Principal Johnson for her well-deserved recognition!
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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 mwilliams@baltimorecitycouncil.com.
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City Council This Week
Monday, June 11, 2007
PLEASE NOTE: The City Council will hold two meetings this evening to finalize the Proposed Ordinance of Estimates for the City’s FY2008 budget and set the Annual Property Tax Rate.
1st City Council meeting
3:00 PM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
The Ordinance of Estimates and Property Tax Rate bills will be heard on second reader.
The Council meeting will be televised on TV25.
2nd City Council meeting
5:00 PM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
The City Council will hear the Ordinance of Estimates and Tax Rate bills on third reader. They will then recess to the Hyman Pressman Board Room on the 2nd floor and present the FY2008 Ordinance of Estimates to the Board of Estimates. At this time the board will also certify the FY2008 Property Tax Rate.
The City Council will then reconvene to consider the balance of the meeting agenda, including final passage of the FY2008 Property Tax Rate.
The Council meeting will be televised on TV25.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Hearing: Land Use and Transportation Committee, Edward Reisinger - Chair
1:00 PM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
07-0263R Baltimore City Arts, Dining, and Entertainment Partnership Task Force
Community Events
June 8-10
St. Nicholas Greek Folk Festival
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 520 South Ponca Street
Friday 12 pm-11 pm; Saturday and Sunday 11 am-11 pm
A showcase of the Greek community featuring dancing, costumes, dishes including
patstitsio, spanakopita, and souvlaki, and tours of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. FREE. 410-633-5020.
Details at www.greekfolkfestival.com
Friday, June 8
Family Fun Day
Herring Run Recreation Center,
5001 Sinclair Lane
5-8 pm
Enjoy good-old fashioned fun with Herring Run Recreation Center. Family Fun day is an activity that the entire family will take pleasure in. This event is FREE and open to the public. 410-488-6634
Summer Sounds at the Square
Belvedere Square
6-9 pm
Free outdoor concerts every Friday
Featuring: Sons of Pirates
Details at www.belvederesquare.com
Saturday, June 9
Family Caregivers & Grandparents Information Fair
The Forum Caterers
4210 Primrose Ave
9:00 am-3:00 pm
Baltimore City Commission on Aging Retirement Education (CARE) presents this information fair, featuring information on estate planning, elder abuse, Medicare D, advance directives and more. For more info, call 410-396-1337.
Starscape Music Festival
Ft. Armistead Park
3999 Fort Armistead Rd.
2 pm-6 am
The legendary Starscape Festival returns for its ninth year, bringing you a day and night of electronic and dance music and entertainment under the stars. This year's event has four stages featuring live bands, electronic dance music, Drum n Bass and DJs from midnight until sunrise over the Chesapeake.
Details at www.starscapefestival.com
June 9-10
HonFest
36th Street in Hampden
Jun 9, 11 am-10pm; Jun 10, noon-6pm
This nationally recognized festival covers four city blocks on 36th Street (The Avenue) in the neighborhood of Hampden, an old-style Baltimore neighborhood, filled with quirky shops, quaint restaurants and endearing residents. Live music, Beehive Lounge, Don't miss the Bawlmer's Best Hon Contest!
Details at www.honfest.net
13th Annual Reservoir Hill Garden and Home Tour
Jun 9, 11 am-4 pm; Jun 10, 1pm-4pm
Tickets can be purchased on the corner of Park Avenue and Reservoir St. on tour days and ahead of time at www.livebaltimore.com Info: 410-225-7547
Details at www.reservoirhill.net
103rd Annual Saint Anthony Festival
Little Italy
June 9 and 10
Noon-8:00 pm each day
Come and experience good Italian food, music and many activities.
$1.00 admission/donation
Sunday, June 10
Historic Federal Hill Jazz & Blues Festival
11 am-7 pm
S. Charles Street in Historic Federal Hill.
Enjoy Baltimore's best live jazz and blues at this street festival in Federal Hill. Great food and booths featuring one-of-a-kind handmade jewelry, fine art, antiques, crafts and more. Bring the kids for lots of hands-on fun and live entertainment in the popular Little Ones Lane. Free.
Details at www.historicfederalhill.org
Jazzy Sundays
Druid Hill Park
4-6 pm
Featuring: Corinthia Cromwell and the Evolution Band
Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks is proud to present Jazzy Sundays, a FREE concert series bringing the best in jazz to historic Druid Hill Park the second Sunday during the summer months. Come out to watch the sunset, play tennis or softball, tour park treasures such as the Conservatory and the reservoir, have a picnic and listen to smooth jazz. Info: (410) 396-7900
Artists Market on the Waterfront
Inner Harbor, West Shore Park
11 am-6 pm
Artists in all media and craftspeople sell their work each Sunday in June from 11 am until 6 pm at the Inner Harbor's new West Shore Park. The market will be set up on the grass in the park between the Visitor Center and the Maryland Science Center. Details at 1-877-BALTIMORE.
Wednesday, June 13
Ride around the Reservoir
Druid Hill Park / Jones Falls Trail
Noon-1:00 pm AND 6:00 pm-7:30 pm
The Ride will take place each Wednesday from June through September.
Featuring a guided historic bike tour of the park at 6:30 pm.
Sponsored by Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks.
Info: 410.396.0730 or annee.draddy@baltimorecity.gov
Ongoing
A Timeless Collective Album Cover Retrospective
June 1 through July 7
The Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center
847 N. Howard St.
All original album covers on display in this tribute to the art of album covers from all genres of music from the 1930's to the present. Free.
Details at www.eubieblake.org
Upcoming
Applications are being accepted for the Inaugural Cab Calloway Vocal Competition.
Men, 18 and older, who live in the Baltimore region may apply.
New deadline June 15! Visit www.artscape.org
Artscape is also calling for volunteers.
Artscape takes place on July 20, 21 and 22, in the Mt. Royal neighborhood. Volunteers are needed at various times during the festival and in a wide variety of areas, including the Artist Market, Family Art Park, Fashion at Artscape, Hospitality and many others. All volunteers receive one free parking pass, one free t-shirt, refreshments, and access to indoor restrooms and air conditioning!
Email BOPAvolunteer@promotionandarts.com for a volunteer application or more information.
Details at www.artscape.org
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
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