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"Investing Where Baltimore Lives" |
June 29, 2007 |
Dear Friends:
Last week, I had the opportunity to meet privately with a number of rank and file police officers to discuss their ideas and experiences regarding violent crime in Baltimore. I was fortunate to be joined by some members of the City Council, who were present for the very frank and honest discussion that took place. This week, I released the recommendations from that meeting, which include the concerns of many officers, and propose solutions to improve the function of the Police Department. I have met with Mayor Dixon to share the concerns of the officers. She is receptive to many of the ideas, and I am confident that this meeting and these recommendations truly present an opportunity for all of us to effect positive change. No one disputes the commitment and dedication these officers have to the City of Baltimore, and to protecting its citizens. Those on the front lines of our efforts to curb violent crime have a right to be heard, and I was proud to offer the police a forum to speak their minds.
 Being a police officer in Baltimore comes with a certain sacrifice. When I met with these officers, I found that while this sacrifice is widely and willingly accepted by each officer, a desire for basic fairness and inclusion also exists among this brave group of protectors. In the coming weeks, we will work with Mayor Dixon to explore the possibility of piloting some of their recommendations. Some of their ideas would take years to implement. Others are less complicated. Some may not agree with all of their suggestions, but the bottom line is that these recommendations represent the unified vision of a group of officers who are fully committed to protecting the people of Baltimore. Ensuring the safety of all citizens is the top priority for each of us in public life. It is imperative that we carefully examine and consider the experiences and ideas from the officers who we entrust to protect our streets.
I invite you to read the officers' thoughtful suggestions.
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. |
City Teachers to Participate in Science Program at Space Academy
Two Baltmore City Public School System teachers are participating in a prestigious space program. West Baltimore Middle School science teacher Cherilyn Brown and Tameshia Farley, who teaches earth science at Garrison Middle School, were among 1,000 applicants vying for the 2007 Honeywell Educators at Space Academy in Huntsville, Alabama. The one-week professional development program provides teachers with new and innovative techniques to educate their students and get them interested in careers in science technology. Each participant is provided a $700 scholarship for minor expenses, with Honeywell assuming costs for travel, tuition, and room and board.
AT&T Donates Equipment to Grieving Patterson Park Lacrosse Team
Thanks to AT&T, the spirits of the Patterson Park High School lacrosse team have been lifted and the team has a fresh supply of equipment. The telecommunications giant has donated $5,000 worth of new and barely-used lacrosse sticks and protective gear to the team, who suffered a tragedy a few months ago. Team captain Christopher Clarke, a senior, was an innocent bystander who was shot and killed in Northeast Baltimore in March. AT&T collected public donations during the NCAA lacrosse championship over the Memorial Day weekend and gave its own equipment, which had been used only for exhibitions and demonstrations during the tournament. The team had enough equipment last season for practices and games, but players did not have their own gear to take home. Now, there's plenty of equipment to go around. Good luck!
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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
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Voting Session: Housing, Health and Human Services Subcommittee, Ken Harris - Chair
2:00 PM Reeves Conference Room, 4th floor, City Hall
07-0665 Eviction Chattels
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Hearing: Judiciary and Legislative Investigations Committee, James Kraft - Chair
12:00 PM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
07-0298R Police Staffing Shortage - Baltimore City's Rainy Day Is Here!
07-0299R Warrant Apprehension Task Force - Request for Maryland State Police Assistance
7-0300R Urgent Request for Assistance - Baltimore City Police Staffing Shortage
07-0712 Charter Amendment - Procurement
07-0718 Charter Amendment - Proceeds of School Property
07-0307R Investigative Hearing - Department of Public Works Bureau of Water and Waste Water Utility Billing Division
07-0308R Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative - Community Restoration Grant Program
Hearing: Judiciary and Legislative Investigations Committee, James Kraft - Chair
2:00 PM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
07-0648 Multiple-Family Dwellings - First Amendment Accommodations
Community Events
Friday, June 29
Summer Sounds at the Square
Belvedere Square
6-9 pm
Free outdoor concerts every Friday
Featuring: The Crawdaddies
Details at www.belvederesquare.com
July 3-4
Star-Spangled Spectacular with Fireworks
Oregon Ridge Park, 13401 Beaver Dam Rd., Cockeysville
Gates open at 5 pm
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra plays patriotic favorites at Oregon Ridge's outdoor amphitheater. Enjoy a picnic on the grass with the BSO and a fireworks display synchronized with the music.
Details at www.baltimoresymphony.org
Wednesday, July 4
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY
Baltimore's Fourth Of July Celebration
An array of entertainment throughout the day culminating with a spectacular fireworks display at 9:30 pm, Inner Harbor.
7th Annual Waterfront Jazz and Arts Festival
Hanover Street and Waterview Avenue
6-11 pm
Join Magic 95.9’s Jammer and Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks for the 7th Annual Waterfront Jazz and Arts Festival. Grab a front row seat to the best fireworks display in the city, while enjoying live jazz by Fertile Ground, Rhonda Thomas, Jazz Vision, and cultural arts performances. Parking is $5.
Thursday, July 5
Adult/Senior Walks
Gwynns Falls Trail, 4500 Franklintown Road
9 am
Every Thursday, all adults are invited to spend the morning walking around the Gwynns Falls Trail. Participants determine walk length and route. Bring walking shoes and water.
Downtown Partnership First Thursdays Pepsi Lunchtime Concert
Hopkins Plaza, Charles Street and Baltimore Street
Noon-2pm
Featuring: Part Harmony - A capella vocal group
First Thursday Concert in the Park
Mt. Vernon Park
5:30 pm
Featuring: Jesse Harris and Caleb Stine and the Brakemen
Sponsored by WTMD, City Paper, Tremont Hotels, Smyth Jewelers, The Brewers Art, Agora, Baltimore City Recreation and Parks
Details at www.wtmd.org
Flicks from the Hill: Outdoor film series
American Visionary Arts Museum, Hughes Family Outdoor Movie Theater
800 Key Highway
9 pm
Featuring: Avalon (1990), dir. Barry Levinson, 126 min. PG
Pack a picnic, bring a blanket, and find yourself a great spot on Federal Hill to watch a film in the great outdoors of Baltimore City. Films inspired by AVAM's mega-exhibition, "HOME & BEAST." Free admission to the museum on Flick nights between 5-9 pm. 410-244-1900
Details at www.avam.org
Upcoming
African American Heritage Festival
July 6-8, Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Friday 5-10 p.m., Saturday 12-10 p.m. and Sunday 12-9 p.m.
A celebration of African-American ancestry, with nationally known entertainment and educational exhibits. 410-318-8286
Details at www.aahf.net
Caribbean Carnival Festival
July 13-15, Druid Hill Park
www.bcacarnival.net
Artscape
July 20-22, 1200 Block Mt. Royal Avenue
Website
International Festival
July 28-29, Poly/Western High School
Falls Road and W. Cold Spring Lane
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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