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June 22, 2012 In this issue: MAYOR'S HOT LINKS Health Department Community Meetings African American Festival Volunteers Needed "Love Your Block" Mini-Grant Opportunity Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Days Druid Hill Farmers Market Charles Street Friday Market Baltimore Farmers Market and Bazaar Cinema al Fresco Summer Social at West Shore Park Baltimore Dragon Boat Challenge LatinoFest Climate Action Plan Town Hall Meeting Ports America Chesapeake Fourth of July Celebration African American Festival Jazzy Wednesday Evenings Caribbean Carnival Festival
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Dear Friends:
 On Wednesday, Baltimore experienced its first Code Red Heat Alert day of the summer. The City opened cooling centers and urged resident to take precautions so that they and their families will be safe on this and other dangerously hot days. A Code Red alert is triggered whenever the heat index—a temperature gauge that factors in relative humidity—rises to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, or when conditions exist that pose a threat to public health.
Heat waves are silent killers. The effects of heat are cumulative, meaning a person can become ill after several days of above-average temperatures. Older adults and the medically frail are at an increased risk for developing heat-related illness. Last summer, 80 percent of heat-related deaths, as noted by the state medical examiner, were people age 55 and older.
During the summer months, residents and visitors need to take the heat seriously and take steps to protect themselves and their families from harm. Don’t let yourself be caught off guard. Dress appropriately, drink lots of water, and take frequent breaks, when possible.
During heat waves, there is the potential for increased mortality from cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness, and stroke. Published research shows the greatest risk of death is for vulnerable individuals without air conditioning or a strong social network. Those without electricity may be particularly vulnerable to heat-related health problems.
City residents who want information on the closest cooling center can call 311, the City service line. Any city resident experiencing the signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke should call 911. Residents can sign up for email or text message alerts from the Health Department at social.baltimorecity.gov.
For families in Baltimore, one of the best ways to cool off during the summer is at one of our pools. On Saturday, I will join colleagues at the Druid Hill Park pool for the Big Splash 2012—the official launch of the summer pool season. Since Memorial Day weekend, many pools have been open, but beginning Saturday, all of our park pools and splash pads will be open for residents.
In 2011, only Druid Hill and Patterson Park pools opened Memorial Day weekend. This year, all Park pools have been open since May 26 and will operate seven days a week through Labor Day, September 3. The walk-to pools will be open seven days a week from June 23 to August 17, an increase of two weeks over the 2011 season.
The Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks operates large park pools, neighborhood walk-to pools, indoor swimming facilities, and splash pads throughout the city. For more information on Recreation and Parks’ Aquatics Division or the full swim schedule, please call 410-396-3838 or visit www.baltimorecity.gov/recnparks. |
Sincerely,
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
Mayor, City of Baltimore WJZ The Baltimore Sun The Afro The Baltimore Sun WJZ Health Department Community MeetingsThis summer, the Baltimore City Health Department will host a series of community meetings to further assist residents in identifying and addressing their health priorities through stronger, closer ties with the department. These meetings are part of the department’s “Your Community...Your Health” initiative to reduce premature deaths and improve health outcomes in places where residents live, work, learn and play. A list of meetings is available at www.baltimorehealth.org. For additional information, e-mail michael.oleary@baltimorecity.gov or call 410-396-1064. African American Festival Volunteers NeededThe 2012 African American Festival is in need of volunteers. Come be a part of this exciting annual event, July 7-8. A variety of volunteer opportunities are available. Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older. To register as a volunteer, visit www.surveymonkey.com/s/W6X6PVZ. For more information about the festival, visit www.africanamericanfestival.net. "Love Your Block" Mini-Grant OpportunityHas your community adopted a vacant lot from the City? You can apply to get a $500 Home Depot gift card to help you revitalize your vacant lot. Supplies are limited. Apply here. To learn how your community can adopt a vacant lot, go to www.powerindirt.com. Since Power in Dirt began nine months ago, Baltimore residents have adopted more than 500 vacant lots and are transforming them into vibrant community spaces. Get started today! Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off DaysNorthwest Citizen Convenience Center, 2840 Sisson Street
Baltimore City’s Household Hazardous Waste monthly collection event takes place on the final Friday of each month. These events provide an opportunity for Baltimore City residents to dispose of hazardous household materials such as oil-based paints, pesticides, herbicides, car and household batteries, drain cleaners, gasoline, pool chemicals, and many other items. Participants must show proof of city residency before they can drop off any hazardous items. Trash, asbestos, ammunition, fire extinguishers, industrial and medical wastes, and radioactive materials, including smoke alarms with a radioactive symbol, Will not be collected. Druid Hill Farmers MarketWednesdays through September 26, 3:30 pm-7:30 pm Druid Hill Park, Next to the Rawlings Conservatory At the farmers market, there's something for everyone! Browse local produce, fresh baked goods, free range eggs and meats, arts & crafts, and more. Activities include, but are not limited to, family yoga, live music, kids’ crafts, hay rides, and workshops. For more information, call 443-469-8274 or 410-396-0008. A list of events can be found at www.rawlingsconservatory.org or druidhillpark.org. Charles Street Friday MarketEvery Friday, 4:00 pm-8:00 pm Station North, 1700 block of Charles Street Celebrate the season's fresh, local produce with live music, local artists, and a selection of prepared foods. Purchase groceries for the weekend while you wind down from the work week in Baltimore's Station North Arts and Entertainment District. For more information, visit www.charlesstreetfridaymarket.com. Baltimore Farmers’ Market & BazaarSundays through December 23, 7:00 am-Sell out Saratoga Street, Between Holliday and Gay streets The 35th annual Baltimore Farmers’ Market & Bazaar returns April 1 for a new season. Market-goers can pick up the season’s freshest fruits, vegetables, flowers, meats, dairy products, spices, and a variety of made-to-order foods from longtime favorites and new vendors. In addition, dozens of regional artisans offer original arts and crafts. For more information, visit www.promotionandarts.com (click “Events and Festivals”) or call 1-877-BALTIMORE. Cinema al FrescoFridays, July-August Little Italy, High Street and Stiles Street Little Italy's open air film festival is in its 15th year! Arrive early to set up a lawn chair, stroll the neighborhood, and eat dinner before watching an Italian-related feature film. Many Little Italy restaurants will offer carryout or movie night specials. For more information or a list of films, visit www.littleitalymd.com/activities.htm. Summer Social at West Shore ParkFriday, June 22, 5:00 pm-8:00 pm West Shore Park, Inner Harbor This summer, the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore presents live music, a beer & wine garden, food trucks, and a kids/family play area at West Shore Park. This month's social features live music from The Crawdaddies. For more information and a listing of events, visit www.waterfrontpartnership.org or email beth@waterfrontpartnership.org. Baltimore Dragon Boat ChallengeSaturday, June 23, 8:00 am-4:00 pm Tide Point Marina, 1010 Hull Street The Baltimore Dragon Boat Club will host this 4th annual event. A mix of corporate, city, breast cancer, and club dragon boat teams will compete in a series of 500-meter races. This year, as part of the Star –Spangled Sailabration, a special exhibition 1812 meter endurance race will be held. Admission is free, and food and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. More information can be found at www.baltimoredragonboatclub.com. LatinoFestJune 23-24, Sat. 12:00 pm-10:00 pm, Sun. 12:00 pm-9:00 pm Patterson Park, Linwood and Eastern Avenues Enjoy a fun-filled weekend of Hispanic culture, featuring live musical performances, costumed dancers, and traditional foods. LatinoFest is part of the Showcase of Nations. For more information, call 410-563-3160 or visit www.latinofest.org. Climate Action Plan Town Hall MeetingTuesday, June 26, 6:00 pm Baltimore Medical Systems Highlandtown Healthy Living Center, LEED Platinum building, 3700 Fleet Street Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time. At this town hall meeting, the Baltimore City Office of Sustainability will introduce its Climate Action Plan (CAP). The CAP is the next step in Baltimore’s comprehensive sustainability process to meet the community's environmental, social, and economic needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet these needs. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 will help grow Baltimore as one of the greenest cities in America. For more information, visit www.baltimoresustainability.org. Ports America Chesapeake Fourth of July CelebrationWednesday, July 4, 4:00 pm-10:00 pm Inner Harbor Visit Baltimore’s Inner Harbor on Independence Day for live music and a spectacular fireworks show! Enjoy live entertainment at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater and throughout the harbor. Before the fireworks, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake will welcome guests and kick off Baltimore’s the celebration. At 9:30, colorful fireworks will ignite the sky above downtown Baltimore. For more information, visit www.promotionandarts.org. African American Festival July 7-8, Sat. 12:00 pm-10:00 pm, Sun. 12:00 pm-9:00 pm M&T Bank Stadium, Lots B & C Celebrate black history with an eclectic mix of regional and nationally-known entertainers, including top soul and R&B recording artists, educational exhibits, arts and crafts, foods, and children’s activities. The African American Festival is part of the Showcase of Nations. For more information, call 410-244-8861 or visit www.africanamericanfestival.net. Jazzy Wednesday EveningsWednesday, July 11, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Gardens, Druid Hill Park Enjoy fine jazz and R&B as you relax on a gorgeous summer evening. Browse Baltimore's newest farmers market and enjoy the beautiful sights of the Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Gardens. This month's performance will feature Ryze Band & Chandra. For more information, call 410-396-7459. Caribbean Carnival FestivalJuly 13-15, Fri. 4:00 pm-9:00 pm, Sat.-Sun. 12:00 pm-9:00 pm Clifton Park, Harford Road and St. Lo Drive The Caribbean Carnival Festival brings island traditions to the states with the popular carnival parade, live reggae and soca performances, colorful costumed dancers, and authentic Caribbean cuisine. The Caribbean Carnival Festival is part of the Showcase of Nations. For more information, visit dccaribbeancarnival.org/siteCAR. |
