Baltimore City Council website
"Better, Safer, Stronger" October 3, 2008

Dear Friends:

Last night, I hosted a meeting with community leaders at City Hall to discuss the details of the Arts & Live Entertainment legislation that I introduced at the July 21 City Council meeting. If enacted, the legislation would remove live entertainment from the zoning code and replace it with an annual licensure process. The bill is modeled after best practices that are in place in Chicago and San Francisco and will help put Baltimore on the map as an Arts & Entertainment destination for visitors and residents.

The ordinance will also safeguard neighborhoods by requiring licensed venues to establish security, traffic, parking and sanitation plans-all measures that do not exist today under current zoning laws for live entertainment. The bill allows for more community input through a transparent application process where responsible businesses will work with their neighbors to create entertainment opportunities. Similarly, if a business doesn't meet the obligations outlined in the license, the permit can be suspended or revoked.

I would like to especially thank those who took the time to participate in yesterday's discussion. Community leaders asked thoughtful questions and provided important information that will help strengthen this new initiative going forward. I'm confident that together, we can make Baltimore a more culturally vibrant city that is better, safer, and stronger.

National Fire Prevention Week

National Fire Prevention Week begins this Sunday, October 5th. With the cold fall and winter months almost upon us, now is the perfect time to learn what you can do keep your family and your home safe. Fire Prevention Week also reminds us of the tremendous sacrifices made by Baltimore City firefighters, who often put their lives on the line. Not only do we owe it to our family to do everything we to prevent home fires, we also owe it to the men and women sworn to protect the citizens of Baltimore.

The most important step you can take to prevent home fires is to ensure that you have working smoke detectors in your home. Smoke detectors should be checked monthly, and batteries should be replaced twice a year. Baltimore City residents in need of smoke detectors can call the Smoke Detector Hotline at 410-396-SAVE or by visiting your nearest fire station.

In recognition of Fire Prevention Week, I'll also have the opportunity to visit fire stations throughout our city to talk to our local emergency responders and personally thank them for all the hard work they do as public servants.

Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
President, Baltimore City Council

Lemmel Middle School Is Home to Pilot Technology Program

Submitted by Principal Quianna Cooke

This year, we are pleased to be the home of a pilot technology program funded by the Abell Foundation. The program, designed by Lemmel teachers Matthew Nickerson and Karen Kotchka, gives a team of four 7th grade teachers full-time access to some of the latest teaching technology and equipment as well as ample, ongoing training. Funded at a cost of just under $25,000, the pilot program will follow the progress of the four classes of students on the team to study the effect on achievement when technology is used consistently and infused throughout the curriculum.

In addition to the in-class equipment and training, the teachers make ample use of our school’s three computer labs, integrating the internet and technology into each of their respective content areas. The teachers in the program were chosen based on their willingness and creativeness in using technology during the previous year, during which, our technology teacher, Mr. Nickerson had made some new technologies available school-wide.

Lemmel’s School Motto…Students Today, Global Leaders Tomorrow.

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

Baltimore City Department of Planning Launches Website for Public Review of City Zoning Code Rewrite Process

TransForm Baltimore is seeking to gather input from all interested citizens and stakeholders who are concerned about the future of the City of Baltimore. The process includes this online consultation tool. We will use this site to post documents and receive comments. The Zoning Code Diagnosis is a summary of the existing code and areas for improvement. City residents are encouraged to visit this site, log-in to create an account and review and comment on any or all parts of this document.

Please circulate this link and encourage friends, neighbors, community associations to visit this site. www.transformbaltimore.net/portal

TransformBaltimore: The Zoning Code Rewrite
TransForm Baltimore is a city-wide effort to develop a state-of-the-art zoning code that features new and more effective zoning tools. The ultimate goal of TransForm Baltimore is the adoption of a new zoning code that successfully supports and guides City investment, enhances and protects neighborhood character, and guides private development.

City Council This Week

Monday, October 6

City Council Meeting
5:00 PM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
The Council meeting will be broadcast live on TV25.

Tuesday, October 7

Hearing: Judiciary And Legislative Investigations Committee, James B. Kraft – Chair
10:00 AM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
08-0151 City Property - Naming the New Central Maintenance Garage at 3800 East Biddle Street to be the George L. Winfield Fleet Maintenance Facility

10:15 AM
08-0047R Informational Hearing - Criminals - Revocation of Federally Subsidized Housing Assistance

10:30 AM
08-0129 City Streets - Naming an Unnamed Alley Toad Lane

10:45 AM
08-0064 Scrap Metal Processors - Second-Hand Property Dealers - Reporting Requirements
The committee will reconvene to continue the hearing that was held on September 9, 2008.

Wednesday, October 8

Hearing: Land Use and Transportation Committee, Ed Reisinger - Chair
2:00 PM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
08-0133 Zoning - Conditional Use Nonprofit Home and Transitional Housing Facility for the Care and Custody of Homeless Persons - 1801 Falls Road

Community Events

FELLS POINT FUN FESTIVAL - OCTOBER 4-5
Arts & crafts, historic ships, classic car show and more. www.preservationsociety.com

Friday, October 3

7th Annual Fall Apple Festival
War Memorial Plaza, Fayette & Gay Sts., 11am-4pm.

First Fridays at The Walters
The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. 5pm-9pm. Celebrating the cultures of ancient Persia, Rome, Greece, Egypt and more with food, music and belly dancing.

Saturday, October 4

Fall Tree Plantings
DeSoto Park-1500 Wickes Ave., and Clifton Park-2801 Harford Rd., 9am. The first tree plantings of the fall season, part of the ongoing effort to increase the city’s tree canopy. Pre-registration required. 410-396-0339.

Michael Phelps and Maryland's Olympic Heroes Homecoming Celebration
Fort McHenry. Entertainment begins at 3:00pm. Program begins at 7:00pm. For more information, visit www.baltimore.org

Harbor Harvest
West Shore Park, Inner Harbor, 10am-2pm. A free family event hosted by Downtown Baltimore Family Alliance and the Waterfront Partnership . www.dbfam.org

Hillen Road Improvement Association Flea Market
Corner of Loch Raven and Cold Spring Lane, 8am–2pm. $15 fee. Contact HRIA at 443-824-1637.

Art on the Gwynns Falls Trail
Leakin Park, through November 22. Free public art exhibit featuring guided tours, interactive art displays, and performances and over 20 sculptural installations.

Sunday, October 5

MouthPower Family Day
National Museum of Dentistry, 31 S. Greene St., 1pm-4pm, 410-706-0600. Free.

Heavy Metal: Big Truck Day for Kids
Baltimore Public Works Museum, 751 Eastern Ave., 410-396-5565. Free.

Concert: "Mozart Modern," presented by the SONAR New Music Ensemble
First Unitarian Church of Baltimore, Charles and Franklin Streets, 1:30 pm. Free and open to the public. A concert of Mozart-inspired compositions by celebrated new composers, performed by Peabody Conservatory alumni and students. Contact: office@firstunitarian.net or 410-685-2330.

BMA Family Free Sundays
Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr., 410-338-4397. www.artbma.org

Upcoming/Ongoing

Baltimore City Leaf Collection Begins

Baltimore City Department of Public Works will begin collecting bagged leaves from city residents. Leaves will be collected on the second trash collection day each week which falls on either Thursday, Friday or Saturday. Leaf collection season will continue through January 31, 2009. DPW will collect an unlimited number of bags during leaf collection season. Please do not place bagged leaves in the gutter or public right-of-way. For additional information, please call 311.

Baltimore City Heritage Area Now Soliciting Grant Applications

October 17, 2008 is the application deadline for the Baltimore City Heritage Area Small Cap Grant Fund. The Fund provides matching grants of up to $25,000 for capital projects within the Baltimore City Heritage Area. For a copy of the application and instructions, log on to www.baltimorecity.gov/government/heritage and click on "Grants" under the "Heritage Area Menu." For more information contact Jeff Buchheit at jeffrey.buchheit@baltimorecity.gov or 410-396-1954.

More Medical Assistance for Maryland Families through the Working Families and Small Business Health Coverage Act

During the recent Maryland legislative session, state lawmakers passed the Working Families and Small Business Health Coverage Act, which expands medical assistance eligibility to parents with dependent children with annual incomes up to $20,500 for a family of three. Parents and relatives caring for children can also apply to receive free comprehensive health care coverage, including doctor visits, low cost or free prescriptions and other services. Get more information at 1-800-456-8900, your local health department or www.marylandSAIL.org.

Maryland Science Center Offers Transportation Grants to Maryland Schools

Grants are to help offset travel costs on field trips during the school year. Any Maryland school booking and completing a visit in September, October, November or December can apply for a grant of $100 for use toward bus transportation. $100 grants are on a first-come first-served basis and limited to one grant per reservation. Limited funds are available. Call 410-685-5225.

Attention Principals And Teachers: Free Educational Field Trips To Port Discovery Children's Museum

Funding is available for over 13,000 children, Pre-K to 5th Grade. Exhibits and programs are aligned with Maryland State Voluntary School Curriculum and Maryland Reading Readiness Program. Pre and post lesson plans are available. To register, call 410.864.2664 or email kgulick@portdiscovery.org.

October is Kids' Month in Downtown Baltimore. Every weekend will have a family-friendly theme with events and activities throughout Downtown. Downtown attractions and museums will also be offering special discounts and events throughout the month providing families the perfect opportunity to experience all Downtown Baltimore has to offer. Visit KidsLoveDowntownBaltimore.com for details.

FreeFall Baltimore kicks-off Oct. 1 through Oct. 31. Over 70 of the city’s culture and art institutions offer free programs. www.freefallbaltimore.com

Thursday Night Nonviolence Film/Discussion Series begins Oct. 9, hosted by Light Street Presbyterian Church, 809 Light St., Thursday evenings, 6pm-7:30 p.m., Oct. 9-Nov. 13. Series is based on the six-part PBS documentary "A Force More Powerful." Light supper provided. 410-539-0125.

26th Annual Chocolate Festival, Oct. 9-11, Lexington Market, East Market Arcade, 10am-5pm, Chocolate eating contests, live music, magic show and more. 410-685-6169.

Baltimore City Fire Department Thrill Show, Oct. 11, BCFD Fire Academy, 6720 Pulaski Hwy, 11am-4pm, fire engine rides, firefighter competitions, fire prevention displays, kids games and more. 410-396-5616.

Hampden Flea Market, Oct. 11, 9am-3pm, Roosevelt Park, $15 fee for vendors, contact Allen at ahicks6@verizon.net.

A Taste of Waverly Village, Oct. 11, 4pm-9pm, 32nd Street Farmers Market Site,
Waverly Main Street (Greenmount Ave.), Enjoy Southern American, Indian, and Middle Eastern delights, locally-made jewelry and crafts, a kids zone, music and more. 410-258-6295 or www.waverlymainstreet.blogspot.com.

Baltimore Running Festival, October 11, 8am, Russell and Camden Streets. The eighth annual Under Armour Baltimore Running Festival includes the marathon, half-marathon and team relay as well as the United Way 5K and Kids' Fun Run. For information and registration go to www.thebaltimoremarathon.com

Brooklyn and Curtis Bay Parade sponsored by The Chesapeake Center For Youth Development Changz After School Program, Oct. 11, 11:30am-1pm. Parade begins at 4th St. & Washburn. Entry forms are being accepted from organizations that would like to participate. Contact Joanne Robinson at 410-627-1782 or e-mail her at JoanneR@ccyd.org.

Columbus Day Parade, October 12, 1:00pm. Key Highway to Light Street to Pratt Street to President Street to Little Italy. The annual Columbus Day Parade features marching bands, costumed groups and the proud heritage of Spanish and Italian organizations. For more information, call 443-742-0238 or visit www.columbuscelebrations.com

Last Chance Voter Registration Drive, Oct. 11-12, Reginald F. Lewis Musuem, 830 E. Pratt St., Sat-10am-5pm;Sun.-12pm-5pm, 443-263-1801. Free admission Sunday as part of FreeFall Baltimore.

Bent Twig: A Performance by the Municipal Opera Company of Baltimore, Oct. 12, 2pm, The Walters Art Museum’s Graham Auditorium, 600 N. Charles St., written by African-American composers Helen Williams and Arlene Straw. Free, but rsvp. 410-547-9000.

Power of Parents and Partners in School (P.O.P.S. Program) is a new program to encourage and address the needs of students who are expecting or parenting teens who have dropped out and want to return to school. Developed by the Laurence G. Paquin School. 410-396-9398/9399.

Open Minds is Creative Alliance's free book-based after school program. New visual and performing arts courses, including mural painting, photography, music production and breakdancing are beginning at Wolfe Street Academy, Hampstead Hill, Collington Square and with EBLO-Mi Segunda Casa at John Ruhrah. Call Karen Summerville at 410-276-1651.

Free Prostate Cancer Screenings - Early detection helps beat the odds against prostate cancer, so don’t miss this life-saving opportunity to take advantage of free screenings being offered in October at the following local churches:

October 4th – New Shiloh Baptist Church
October 5th – New Antioch Baptist Church
October 5th – New Psalmist Baptist Church
October 12th – Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church
October 19th – Empowerment Temple

For more information or to schedule a screening, please call Nancy Cromwell at 443-738-8185.

Parks & People’s Annual Greening Celebration, Wednesday, October 15. Meet and mingle with community greeners, foundation and corporate partners, representatives from government agencies, scientists, educators and neighborhood stewards to learn how Parks & People are working together to make Baltimore a healthier, cleaner and greener city. For more information on the event please call 410-448-5663 or email info@parksandpeople.org

Russian Festival, October 17-19, Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church, 1723 E. Fairmount Ave. A celebration of the Russian community, Friday & Saturday noon - 9 pm and Sunday noon - 6 pm, 410-276-6171. www.russfest.org

BARCStoberfest, October 18th, Patterson Park, 11-4 pm. The Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter's 4th annual BARCStoberfest fundraiser festival is a true community event that brings awareness to the causes of animal homelessness, educates the public about animal welfare, and raises money to support BARCS. Info: 410-396-4695 and www.baltimoreanimalshelter.org

Baltimore CASH Campaign Financial Fitness Series, Tuesday, October 21, 6:30-7:30 pm, Poe Room of Pratt Library Central Branch, 400 Cathedral St. TOPIC: Consumer Protection Do you know the difference between phishing and vishing? Knowledge is the most important tool for consumers today. Learn how something as simple as good record keeping practices can protect you from common scams. Hear about how bankruptcy/foreclosure scams target people whose home mortgages might be in trouble. Light refreshments will be served. Free call 443-451-4076 to register.

Greek Heritage Festival, Nov. 7-9, Cathedral of the Annunciation, 24 W. Preston St.

Baltimore CASH Campaign Financial Fitness Series, Wednesday, November 12, 6:30-7:30 pm, Poe Room of Pratt Library Central Branch, 400 Cathedral St. TOPIC: Making Wise Insurance Decisions. Discover how to make the best choices today to ensure the brightest future for your loved ones tomorrow. Learn guidelines for deciding what kinds of insurance you want and how much you will need. Understand how short-term and long-term disability policies can fit into your protection plan. Light refreshments will be served. Free-call 443-451-4076 to register.