Baltimore City Council website
"Better, Safer, Stronger" October 24, 2008

Dear Friends:

At City Hall today, I announced this year's selection of students to participate in the 2008-09 City Council Page Program. The Page Program provides Baltimore City Public high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to become active participants in local government through a paid internship with the City Council during the school year. As part of the program, pages will learn real-life skills while mastering aspects of the legislative process. Pages will provide assistance at City Council meetings and will work with Council committees for one day a week at City Hall. Pages will also adopt their own advocacy issues to follow throughout the year, culminating in a team project.

To implement the program, my office is partnering with Community Law in Action, Inc. (CLIA) to prepare students for their work with the City Council. CLIA is an independent nonprofit youth advocacy organization that works closely with the University Of Maryland School Of Law. CLIA will provide training sessions for pages on the City's legislative process throughout the school year. Terry Hickey, CLIA's Executive Director and I both agree that it's not enough to place young people in the City Council Chamber to observe hearings. The Page Program provides these young people realistic training, a chance to engage elected officials and the opportunity to examine the issues important to them. This unique exposure to the legislative process brings civics to life and cultivates a lifelong interest in advocacy.

This year, the City Council Page program received three times the number of applications as compared to last year. Only four students are selected for the program. The 2008-09 City Council Pages are:

  • Charnice Blackledge, senior at Western High School.
  • Syerra Meadows, junior at Western High School.
  • Darwin Milburn, junior at Northwestern High School.
  • Danesha Thomas, junior at Western High School.

I'm excited to launch this year's City Council Page Program, and we are honored to have these impressive young people join us to learn and be a part of City government. And I'm confident that this year's program will provide a great opportunity for these students to learn and grow. The 2008-09 pages will begin working Monday, at the October 27th City Council meeting.

Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
President, Baltimore City Council

Murals Adorn Lockerman-Bundy Elementary School

Submitted by Irene Poulsen, Neighborhood Design Center Program Manager

Rebuilding thru Art Project (RAP) hosted after-school art classes for selected 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders at Lockerman-Bundy Elementary School during the 2007-08 school year. The theme for the art project was the natural environment and its protection. The goal for students was to create a noteworthy and issue-based work of art that would be prominently displayed in their neighborhood near the West Baltimore MARC station. Students explored how artists from around the world and throughout time have represented animals and trees through drawing, painting, and sculpture, and then created their own imagery.

Artist Jay Wolf Schlossberg-Cohen used selected original student artwork in composing a mural and transferred this onto cloth panels. Lockerman-Bundy students, family members, staff and many volunteers painted the panels, which were recently glued to exterior walls of the school.

This is the third year that RAP, in partnership with Neighborhood Design Center (NDC), has provided after-school art for Lockerman-Bundy students. Principal Cynthia Cunningham believes that this art program has contributed to higher test scores and has increased student interest in learning and reading. To see additional project images and to read about the second year project Show Way, visit www.ndc-md.org/LockermanBundy.htm.

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

Information on 2008 Presidential Election in Baltimore

Important Dates
Tuesday, October 14 - Last day to register to vote
Tuesday, October 28 - Last day to request absentee ballots
Tuesday, November 4 - Presidential Election

Ballot Questions
Baltimore City Ballot Questions
Statewide Ballot Questions

Election Judges Needed
The State of Maryland and City of Baltimore are seeking volunteers to work November 4, 2008 during Baltimore City’s presidential election cycle at Baltimore City polling places. Volunteers will be paid by the Board of Elections $150-$200 for working at a poll. If you are a registered Maryland voter and are interested in working to ensure that the general election is handled in a professional, efficient and fair manner, contact electionjudge@baltimorecity.gov

State Elections Board Rumor Control
www.elections.state.md.us/press_room/rumor_control.html

Polling Place Changes
Precinct 5, Ward 13 (Northern)
From: Alice Manor Nursing Home, 2095 Rockrose Ave.
To: Shiloh United Church Apostolic, 2000 Druid Park Dr.

Precinct 1, Ward 22 (Southern)
From: Christ Lutheran Church, 701 S. Charles St.
To: Harbor Apartments, 600 Light St.

Free Rides to the Polls for Senior Citizens
The Baltimore Urban League and the Mortician Association are providing “Limos to the Polls” for senior citizens only on Election Day. If you will need transportation to the polls on Election Day, call the Baltimore Urban League at 410-523-8150 on Election Day for free transportation.

Knowing Where You Vote
In preparation for the presidential general election to be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2008 the Baltimore City Board of Elections will give voters the opportunity to verify that they are registered to vote and the location of their polling place. For more information please call 410-396-1444. Just let the election employee answering the telephone know that you are inquiring about "KNOWING WHERE I VOTE." The election employee will then ask for information that will permit them verify your voting registration and polling place location.

You may also verify your voting registration and polling place location online.

Baltimore City Board of Elections 410-396-5580
Maryland State Board of Elections 1-800-222-VOTE

Department of Planning Hosts Work Groups on City Zoning Code Rewrite Process

The Department of Planning is hosting a series of work groups to hear from interested parties on various topics as we prepare to re-write the Zoning Code. City residents and stakeholders are encouraged to attend any of the meetings on topics such as residential issues, urban design and preservation, waterfront issues, arts and entertianment, public health, and sustainability.

See meeting schedule

If you have questions about TransForm Baltimore or these meetings please email laurie.feinberg@baltimorecity.gov or call 410-396-1275.

City Health Department Releases Reports on City Residents' Health

The Baltimore City Health Department has released two major reports on the health of city residents: the 2008 Health Status Report and a set of Neighborhood Health Profiles covering 55 community statistical areas in the city. The 2008 Health Status Report is a comprehensive compilation of available data on the health of Baltimore residents. The goals of the Profiles are to provide information to communities about their own health and to guide public health policy. Both reports are online at www.baltimorehealth.org.

City Council This Week

Monday, October 27

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

Tuesday, October 28

Hearing: Judiciary and Legislative Investigations Committee, James B. Kraft – Chair
10:10 AM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
08-0144 Non-Owner-Occupied Dwellings - Registration Information

10:20 AM
08-0118 Confiscated Assets for Neighborhoods

Wednesday, October 29

Hearing: Labor Subcommittee, Robert Curran – Chair
5:00 PM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
08-0058R Informational Hearing - Should There Be a 4-Day Work Week Instituted in Baltimore City
This hearing will be broadcast live on TV25.

Thursday, October 30

Hearing: Urban Affairs and Aging Committee, Agnes Welch – Chair
4:00 PM Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th floor, City Hall
08-0022 Urban Renewal - Hamilton Business Area - Amendment

5:00 PM
08-0207 Urban Renewal Plan - Uplands (Corrective)

Community Events

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the U.S. and it's the second leading cause of cancer death in women (after lung cancer). Although African-American women have a slightly lower incidence of breast cancer after age 40 than Caucasian women, they have a slightly higher incidence rate of breast cancer before age 40. However, African-American women are more likely to die from breast cancer at every age. For more information, visit www.nbcam.org

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
Oct. 26, Harry and Jeanette Weinberg YMCA at Stadium Place, 900 E. 33rd St. Registration 8:00am, Walk 9:00am. This is the American Cancer Society’s premier event to raise awareness and dollars to fight breast cancer and it's open to men, women, and children of all ages. makingstrides.acsevents.org.


HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DROP-OFF DAYS: OCT. 25-26
Polytechnic Institute parking lot, Falls Road and Cold Spring Lane, Saturday, 9am-3pm 5 and Sunday, 11am-4pm. This program allows citizens to rid their homes, garages, and storage sheds of hazardous household material. It provides for the proper disposal of such items as paint, pesticides, herbicides, car and household batteries, propane tanks, drain cleaner, gasoline, pool chemicals and many other items. Proof of city residency, e.g. a driver's license, telephone bill or tax bill, is required to drop off items. You must be able to identify the material. For additional information, or to find out more about the proper disposal of your household hazardous waste, please call 311.

FREE PREVENTIVE DENTAL CARE SERVICES FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
by the Baltimore City Community College Dental Program, dental sessions will be available Oct. 27 at the Liberty Campus, 1pm-5pm; Oct. 28 & Oct. 30 from 8am-12pm and 1pm-5pm; Oct. 31, 1pm-5pm. Must make an appointment at 410-462-7712.

Saturday, October 25

Make a Difference Day 2008
An engaging day of volunteer service at city schools. Starts at 9am at various schools and parks, then a celebration at 1pm at the Living Classrooms Foundation. Must pre-register at 410-366-6030 or www.volunteercentral.net

Great Halloween Lantern Parade
Patterson Park's Pulaski Monument, Linwood & Eastern Ave. 7:30 pm. A fabulous Baltimore spectacle with more than a thousand candlelit paper and bamboo lanterns, Crazy Creative Floats, a Grand Finale Monster Raising Party, multiple bands, and a Ghost Town filled with goodies and games. www.creativealliance.org

New Old Theater’s Staged Reading of “The Vampire”
 Hosted by the Preservation Society, Time and Tide Theater @ Fells Point Visitor’s Center, 1724 Thames St., 7pm.

Money Management & Career Fair
Coppin State University Dining & Meeting Hall, 10am-2pm. Presented by the Coppin Heights Community Development Corporation. Complimentary light breakfast and lunch.

Free Fall Tree Giveaway from Baltimore City Recreation & Parks
9am-12pm, Pick up free American Sycamore or Eastern Redbud at Druid Hill Park (Mansion House Dr.) or Herring Run Park (Hall Spring), 3700 Harford Rd., Two/household. While supplies last. City residents only! 410-396-6109.

Free Choir concert by The Young Men’s Choir, De Coolsingers
A choir from Baltimore’s sister city Rotterdam, Netherlands, will perform at 1pm, Inner Harbor Ampitheatre. The repertoire includes medieval to contemporary music.

Sunday, October 26

Public Moves Federal Hill Art Event
Federal Hill, 2pm & 4:30pm. A community performance atop Federal Hill featuring people representing all of Baltimore. It’s inspired by the everyday movement seen on the hill and each person will play a part in creating it! After the event, visit the Visionary Museum for free.
www.publicmoves.net or contact karen@midatlanticarts.org

Tuesday, October 28

Baltimore '68 Riots and Rebirth: Continuing the Conversation
Druid Hill Family Center, 1609 Druid Hill Ave., 6:30pm-7pm Gathering & Light Dinner; 7pm-9pm Conversation. Free, but you must pre-register at 410-889-9622 x2102 or kacyconley@ymaryland.org.

Wednesday, October 29

Save Energy, Save Money Workshop by Live Baltimore
Enoch Pratt Central Library, Poe Room, 400 Cathedral St. 6pm-7:30pm. Learn energy saving habits for your home. Register at 410-637-3750.

Thursday, October 30

Maryland Hispanic Workforce Council Job Fair and Contractor Expo
Quality Inn, One 2nd St., Laurel, MD, 1-6pm. This is a free event providing opportunities for job seekers, bilingual professionals and contractors. www.mdhcc.net or call 410-558-3515

McCain vs. Obama Book Discussion
The Park School, Ries Conference Room, 2425 Old Court Rd., 7pm-8:30pm. Open talk on the books, Faith of My Fathers and Dreams From My Father. RSVP 410-339-4132.

Upcoming/Ongoing

Governor’s Community Crime Prevention Summit

Saturday, November 8, 2008, Police and Correctional Training Commission, 6852 4th St., Sykesville, MD. 9 am-2:30 pm. Lunch provided. Receive training and technical assistance for your public safety strategies, meet community leaders that share your goals, acknowledge the hard work you and your law enforcement partners do to create strong, sustainable communities, and make plans for the future. $150,000 in competitive grant funding will be released for community crime prevention projects through the Governor’s Office of Crime Control & Prevention (GOCCP). Eligible applicants should be 501(c)3 organizations that demonstrate a working relationship with their local law enforcement agencies. A grant program technical assistance session will be held at the summit.

Communities: Nominate Outstanding Law Enforcement Partners

GOCCP is also accepting nominations from community organizations to honor law enforcement officers who exhibit outstanding service to their communities. Selected nominees will be honored at the summit luncheon ceremony.

Download Nomination Form

Online Registration

For more information, visit or call Virginia Geckler at 410-821-2855. NOTE: Nominations and registration deadlines have been extended to 10/31/08.


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

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.

Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore offers Homebuyers Education Classes NHS Baltimore is a small non-profit organization that helps sustain and create homeownership opportunities through customized lending and consumer education in the Baltimore region. NHS is offering homebuyer education classes through December. For class schedules and registration call 410-327-1200, x135. www.nhsbaltimore.org

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

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.

Baltimore Speaks Out! Program, a great opportunity for children ages 11-15 to learn about video/film production. Offered at Enoch Pratt Free Library’s Herring Run branch, 3810 Erdman Ave. 410-338-0947. Free.

Mortgage Late? Mortgage Matters Free Workshops Mortgage Matters is a series of free workshops presented by the Baltimore Homeownership Preservation Coalition and sponsored by Baltimore Housing. Find out what to do if you’ve already missed a mortgage payment or think you might fall behind. Hear how you can improve your chances for avoiding foreclosure and what to do if foreclosure seems inevitable. Wednesday, November 5, Enoch Pratt Library/Northwood Branch,4420 Loch Raven Blvd., 6:00-7:30 pm. Wednesday, December 3
Enoch Pratt Library/Pennsylvania Ave. Branch, 1531 W. North Ave., 6:00-7:30 pm. For more information, call 410-727- 0169 or visit www.preservehomeownership.org

10th Annual Youth and College Leadership Summit hosted by the New Light Leadership Coalition, Oct. 31-Nov. 1, Morgan State University. Speakers include Malik Zulu Shabazz Esq., founder of Black Lawyers for Justice (BLFJ); Stefanie Brown, national director of the NAACP Youth and College Division and M.K. Asante Jr., activist and author of It’s Bigger Than Hip Hop. Free. Register at summit2008.nllc.org. 410-494-1588 ext. 1.

First Fridays at the Walters with Free Admission to “Bedazzled: 5,000 Years of Jewelry,” Nov.7, Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St., 5pm-8pm. Enter through the Centre Street doors. 410-547-9000. Free.

American Lung Association of Maryland’s Casino Night, Nov. 13, 6pm-9pm, Radisson Lord Baltimore Hotel, 20 W. Baltimore St. Benefit to help raise money and awareness for lung disease with a silent auction, food, dessert, free valet parking and more. $50. Laura 410-560-2120 ext 232 or lgreen@marylandlung.org.

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.

College Fair sponsored by Enoch Pratt Free Library Herring Run Branch, Nov. 15, 1pm-4pm, talk to admissions officers about courses, tuition assistance and more. Call 410-396-0996 or pprasad@prattlibrary.org.

Baltimore's Thanksgiving Parade, November 22, 11:00am - 1:00pm. Pratt and Howard Streets, continues east on Pratt Street and disbands at Pratt Street and Market Place. Baltimore's Thanksgiving Parade kicks off the holiday season with spectacular floats, gigantic balloons, marching bands, and the official arrival of Santa Claus to Baltimore. After the parade, children can stop by Santa's Place, coordinated by Harborplace & The Gallery, to sit on his lap, share their holiday wishes, and have their picture taken.

A Monumental Occasion, December 4, 6:00pm, Mount Vernon Place, 600 block of North Charles Street. Celebrate the holiday season with the 37th annual lighting of the Washington Monument. Pre-event festivities begin at 5:30pm in Mount Vernon. The evening includes performances, strolling entertainment, refreshments, and the official lighting by Mayor Dixon. The event ends with a colorful fireworks finale choreographed to music. Info: www.godowntownbaltimore.com or contact 410-244-1030.