 Earlier today, I announced the release of a new Prequalification Application for the Homegrown Baltimore Land Leasing Initiative, a partnership of the Baltimore Office of Sustainability and the City’s Department of Housing & Community Development. The initiative helps experienced farmers who are interested in creating nonprofit or for-profit urban farming ventures to lease vacant parcels of City-owned land. The newly released application builds on a 2011 pilot, which has already resulted in the execution of two urban farm leases covering three acres of City-owned land. Approximately 20 additional acres of vacant land are anticipated to be leased to farmers in the next 10 years. The new application will be open indefinitely, and farmers may apply at any time.
This announcement follows the adoption last month of Homegrown Baltimore: Grow Local, Baltimore’s Urban Agriculture Plan, which serves as a road map for the future of agriculture in Baltimore City. The plan offers history and context, and gives 25 detailed recommendations on how to effectively provide the land, water, soil, and access to capital that farmers need to continue to transform vacant land into valuable assets.
We have implemented a comprehensive plan that will guide our efforts to develop a local food system, support food production & food access in the city, and help revitalize Baltimore's communities through farming. With my Get Fresh initiative, we are also making great strides in improving access to local, affordable, and nutritious foods in Baltimore’s public markets.
Our public markets are some of the oldest and best in the nation, and they have been a priority for my administration. We have completed major renovations at the Avenue Market, Broadway Market, and just this week, Northeast Market.
The Northeast Market renovation focused on improvements that are visible, helping to change the perception of the market and encourage addition investment. But we also made some changes to promote healthy lifestyles. Ten vendors have agreed to participate in the Get Fresh initiative by putting green leaf labels on their menus to indicate healthier items. The market has also constructed a new day stall, which will be used for health & nutrition education, health screenings, and other health programs.
Considering the significant progress Baltimore has made for urban agriculture and food access, it is critical for Congress to pass a farm bill that will do the same. If Congress is unable to reach an agreement on a new bill that will support local foods, small & beginning farmers, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by December 31, growers and consumers will be significantly impacted.
The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office rated an increase in SNAP benefits as one of the two most cost-effective methods for boosting growth and jobs when the economy is weak. In 2012, SNAP kept nearly 5 million Americans out of poverty, including 2.2 million children. In More than 30 percent of Baltimore’s residents receive SNAP benefits—approximately 190,000 people. The farm bill has real consequences for families struggling to put food on the table, and time is of the essence.
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If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at my website or by email at mayor@baltimorecity.gov. You can also follow the Mayor’s Office and be a part of the conversation on Facebook or Twitter.
 Sincerely,
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
Mayor, City of Baltimore
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The Baltimore Sun
The Baltimore Sun
 A tree has shed its autumn leaves and casts a decisive shadow across these cheerfully vibrant row homes. Photo by Mark Dennis.
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Baltimore Fire Department Home Safety Videos
Acting Fire Chief Jeffrey Segal and the Baltimore City Fire Department have released three new safety videos to help prevent fires and injury during the winter. These public service messages aim to make the holidays and winter safer for all. The videos include easy-to-follow safety tips and brief demonstrations about how you can make your home safer. Check out each of the videos on the Fire Department’s YouTube channel.
Employ Baltimore – Ready to Work for You
Get connected to a job by becoming a part of Employ Baltimore – Ready to Work for You, Baltimore City’s strategy to link residents to great paying jobs. Participants must have a high school diploma or GED and work experience. To learn more, visit one of Baltimore City's full-service career centers or neighborhood-based Community Job Hubs, head to www.oedworks.com, or call 410-396-3009. Get started on your career pathway today!
ONE-STOP CAREER CENTERS
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Northwest One-Stop Career Center: 2401 Liberty Heights Avenue, Mondawmin Mall Suite 302 (410-523-1060)
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Eastside One-Stop Career Center: 3001 E. Madison Street (410-396-9030)
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Baltimore Works One-Stop Career Center: 1100 N. Eutaw Street (410-767-2148)
COMMUNITY JOB HUBS
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Bon Secours Community Works: 26 N. Fulton Avenue (410-362-3629)
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Govans Ecumenical Development Corporation: 5513 York Road (410-532-7117)
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My Brother’s Keeper: 4207 Frederick Avenue (410-644-3194)
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Southern Community Action Center: 606 Cherry Hill Road (410-545-0900)
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Transforming Life Church of God: 4801 Sipple Avenue (410-485-6193)
Lexington Street Garage Bicycle Parking
Baltimore City has added a dedicated bicycle parking room to its Lexington Street Garage (510 E. Lexington Street). The secure parking is accessible only with a control card and can accommodate over 50 bicycles. Located across the street from War Memorial, the garage is conveniently located near a number of municipal buildings. For just $8 per month, contract holders can access the bicycle room 24/7, use the Fix-It Stand to make minor repairs or refill tires, and even use the garage to park a motor vehicle up to two days per month. Applications are available from the Parking Authority.
Bagged Leaf Collection
The Department of Public Works' bagged leaf collection season will continue through Monday, January 6. The Bureau of Solid Waste will collect up to 20 bags of leaves from each address every Monday throughout the season. Residents must call 311 to schedule pickup. Please call before 10:00 pm on the Sunday prior to your desired Monday collection. Residents may make appointments up to two months prior to the pick-up date. The Bureau of Solid Waste will also continue to collect up to 5 bags of leaves from each address on regularly scheduled trash collection days. Bags must be clearly labeled. Residents may also drop off bagged leaves at five Bureau of Solid Waste locations:
- Quarantine Road Sanitary Landfill, 6100 Quarantine Road
- Western Citizen Convenience Center, 701 Reedbird Avenue
- Eastern Citizen Convenience Center, 6101 Bowleys Lane
- Northwest Citizen Convenience Center, 2840 Sisson Street
- Northwest Transfer Station, 5030 Reisterstown Road
For more information visit publicworks.baltimorecity.gov.
Holidays at the Baltimore Farmers' Market & Bazaar
Sundays through December 22, 7:00 am – sell out (approximately noon)
Saratoga Street between Holliday and Gay Streets
During the holiday season, farmers at the market will sell items beyond what they produce to give market-goers additional options for their holiday meals and shopping. Shoppers can find a wide selection of foods, including some of the region’s freshest produce, meats, preserves, and more. The bazaar features a wide range of handmade jewelry, clothing & accessories, and arts. For more information, call 410-752-8632 or visit www.promotionandarts.org.
Engine House #45 Annual Train Garden
Through January 4, 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Glen Avenue Fire House, 2700 Glen Avenue
Celebrate the Holiday season at the Glen Avenue Fire Engine House #45 with the annual Train Garden. Admission is free, but personnel at Engine House #45 are collecting toys to be distributed to children in hospitals, shelters, and pediatric rehab centers, as well as needy families in the area. Take advantage of this holiday tradition and an opportunity to show your generosity during this season of giving.
A Victorian Holiday
Through Sunday, December 29
Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens, Druid Hill Park
The Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens is proud to present a 125th anniversary poinsettia celebration. This annual holiday show will take you back to the Conservatory's early days as you explore hundreds of exquisite and unusual poinsettia specimens of every size, shape, and color. Revisit Baltimore's past, set against a backdrop of Victorian scenes, including an ornate parlor, a grand decorated tree, and a Victorian-style train. Santa Claus will visit the conservatory on December 14 (10:00 am – 12:00 noon). For more information, visit www.RawlingsConservatory.org.
Moonlight Madness
Friday, December 13, 8:00 pm – 12:00 midnight
Federal Hill Main Street
Celebrate the Holidays Federal Hill style! Visit Federal Hill's many locally owned shops and galleries, which will stay open late to offer specials, discounts, and refreshments. Find wonderful, imaginative gifts for everyone on your list. Carolers will stroll the streets to serenade shoppers. The evening begins with a tree lighting at 7:00 pm. Don't forget to get your Moonlight Madness passport stamped at 5 local businesses for a chance to win prizes from local merchants. For more information, visit www.historicfederalhill.org or call 410-727-4500.
Holiday Breakfast at the Y
Saturday, December 14 (times vary)
Your local Family Center Y: ymaryland.org/y-locations
Santa will park his sleigh at Family Center Y for a holiday breakfast hosted by the Y of Central Maryland. Children will enjoy pictures with Santa and a variety of fun, holiday-themed activities. Space is limited, so please register with your local Family Center Y at least 48 hours in advance. The holiday breakfast is free for members, $5 for nonmembers, and $10 for families. For more information, visit www.ymaryland.org or contact your local Family Center Y.
Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower Holiday Bazaar
Saturday, December 14, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower, 21 S. Eutaw Street
Visit the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower to browse resident artists’ studios and shop for unique gifts from a dozen local artists, including handcrafted greeting cards, jewelry, paintings, and prints. While you are there, explore artwork throughout 15 floors of working artist studios and special exhibitions, learn about the historical building, and participate in a $5 tour of the clock room. Clock room tour gift certificates will also be available for purchase. For more information, call 443-874-3596 or visit www.bromoseltzertower.com.
BSO & BSA Present The Nutcracker
December 20 – 22
Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric, 140 W. Mt. Royal Avenue
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and Baltimore School for the Arts proudly present Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic The Nutcracker. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster at 410-547-SEAT or www.ticketmaster.com, or in person at the box office from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Monday – Friday. This four-performance limited engagement will showcase the BSO, conducted by BSA graduate Maestro Andrew Grams, as well as 120 students from BSA’s high school and TWIGS program and backdrops created by students at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). For more information, visit www.bsfa.org.
Druid Hill Park Winter Solstice Celebration
Saturday, December 21, 6:00 pm
Druid Hill Park
The Friends of Druid Hill Park present the third annual Winter Solstice Celebration. Come and celebrate this important event in the calendar, which marks the time of the year when the darkness begins to fade and the earth prepares for a new cycle of growth. Bask in the light of a blazing solstice fire, take a hay ride, retell storied legends, create your own Winter Solstice resolution, and enjoy a number of other activities focused on the solstice. For more information, visit www.druidhillpark.org.
Winter Solstice Celebration
Saturday, December 21, 7:00 pm
First Unitarian Church, 12 W. Franklin Street
Mark the return of the sun at the 10th annual Winter Solstice Celebration. Celebrate the season with songs, poetry, drama, and seasonal refreshments. Participate in the extinguishing of the old year’s fire and the lighting of the new, as well as other annual rituals. For more information, visit www.firstunitarian.net, call Pat Montley at 410-252-6074, or email solstice@firstunitarian.net.
Celebrate Kwanzaa Dr. Maulana Karenga
Saturday, December 28, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt Street
Kwanzaa founder Dr. Maulana Karenga joins this year's Kwanzaa festivities at the Lewis Museum, turning the celebration into a historic one. Learn about and celebrate the Nguzo Saba (The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa) with live music, dance, and storytelling. Crafts and other goods will be for sale at the African Marketplace. The museum will offer reduced admission that day for just $5. To learn more about Dr. Karenga, the creator of the pan-African cultural holiday Kwanzaa, visit www.MaulanaKarenga.org. For more information about the Reginald F. Lewis Museum or the Kwanzaa Celebration, visit www.rflewismuseum.org.
Baltimore’s New Year's Eve Spectacular
Tuesday, December 31, 9:00 pm – 12:30 am
Inner Harbor Amphitheater, Pratt and Light Streets
Ring in 2014 alongside family and friends with live music and dazzling fireworks at Baltimore's Inner Harbor. Prior to the fireworks show, visitors can enjoy live music at the amphitheater. At the stroke of midnight, the fireworks display–the largest in the region–will light up the sky over Inner Harbor with a multitude of colors. For more information, visit www.bop.org and click on Events.
National Aquarium Cultural Series
Various Dates, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
National Aquarium, 501 E. Pratt Street
The National Aquarium Cultural Series features programming that explores and celebrates international traditions in art, music, literature, dance, and cuisine. Starting in October, the first Fridays After Five event of every month will feature special activities and performances. Fridays After Five admission is only $12 per person. For more information, visit aqua.org.
- January 3: Asian-Pacific Heritage
- February 7: Black History
- March 7: Women’s History
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