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March 1, 2013
In this issue:
Mayor's Hot Links
Baltimore Snapshot
Special Notices
Recreation and Parks Camp Registration
Baltimore TreeKeepers
Seeking Nonprofit 2013 YouthWorks Sites
We are the Dream Nominations
MECU Neighborhood Event Grant Applications
Upcoming Events
Homage to Harriet
Neighborhood Institute: Love Where You Live
Finding Your Path to Breast Health
Cylburn Arboretum Events Open House
Shamrock Shindig
St. Patrick Parade
Baltimore Builds: Purchasing City-Owned Property
Friends of Fort McHenry Bull & Oyster Roast
Monk's Moods: A Tribute to Thelonious Monk
Baltimore Builds: Permits 101
Spring into Action
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 This week, mayors from across the country gathered in Washington D.C. for the U.S. Conference of Mayors winter leadership meeting. We discussed a number of federal issues that can improve conditions in America’s cities, including gun violence, tax policy, and immigration reform. The issue garnering the most attention is the impending sequester.
Sequestration is a process of automatic, across-the-board spending cuts scheduled to go into effect today unless Congress acts to avoid them. The sequestration will cut $85 billion from programs for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2013. If Congress allows these cuts to take effect, cities like Baltimore could see significant impacts to public safety, education, housing, and health programs supported by federal funding. My fellow mayors and I have scheduled meetings with congressional leaders to discuss the importance of immediate action.
First and foremost, the sequestration will impose troubling reductions in funding for public safety. For the last three years, overall violent crime in Baltimore has trended downwardly because of partnerships with our federal and other law enforcement allies. Any reduction in funding could have a significant negative impact on our efforts to reduce crime in Baltimore.
Nationally, nearly $60 million will be cut from the Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), impacting its law enforcement operations and industry oversight capabilities. In ATF’s Baltimore office, special agents oversee partnerships that combat gun violence by investigating armed violent offenders, career criminals, illegal gun traffickers, and criminal gangs.
An additional $100 million will be cut from the budget for the US Attorney’s Office, and cuts will reduce the amount of funding available from Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation Program grants and the drug court program. The Criminal Division of the US Attorney’s Office has 40 prosecutors, and cuts could increase caseload for attorneys in the office.
The sequestration will also impose cuts to labor and workforce investment, housing, health, and education. We could lose over $300,000 for adult job services, which supported 15,000 first-time jobseekers at the City’s One Stop Career Centers in 2011; $1.5 million from Community Development Block Grants (CDBG); funding for 1,100 families receiving assistance from the Section 8 program; $5 million in funding for Title I grants; funding for Head Start programs, impacting hundreds of students; and funding for 30,000 participants in the WIC program—reducing food, counseling, and supportive services for expectant mothers, families, and children.
These cuts would directly impact the most vulnerable people in Baltimore City—poor families and children that are already struggling in today’s economy. All together, these cuts would be devastating for Baltimore. and it is unacceptable for Congress to stand idle as the deadline approaches. We hope in the coming days our leaders will do what is necessary to give the American people long-term economic stability and put an end to this dangerous game of fiscal chicken.
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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
The Baltimore Sun
WJZ
WBALTV
WJZ
Baltimore Snapshot
 United States Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor addresses an audience at Baltimore's Enoch Pratt Free Library and discusses her new memoir, My Beloved World. In 2009, Justice Sotomayor became the first Hispanic appointed to the Supreme Court.
Recreation and Parks Camp Registration
Registration is now open for Baltimore City Recreation and Parks summer camp programs. Camp Baltimore (ages 5-12) offers art, fitness, swimming, trips, and more. Specialty camps (ages 5-14) allow youth to focus on a particular area of interest. Basketball, karate, RecTech, swimming, and tennis are just a few of the specialty camps offered. Therapeutic Camp (ages 5-21) offers youth with disabilities the complete summer camp experience. Most camps offer before- and after-care and participate in the summer meals program. For more information, call 410-396-7900.
Baltimore TreeKeepers
Join Baltimore TreeKeepers, a citywide tree stewardship program, and get straight answers about urban trees and how to care for them. Through training and education, citizens can become tree advocates and share the opportunity to plant and care for trees in their neighborhood and throughout the City. TreeKeepers classes begin in March and range from purely educational to hands-on training. Anyone interested in Baltimore's trees can join Baltimore TreeKeepers. Come learn how you can help sustain Baltimore's urban forest. To register for TreeKeepers, visit www.baltimoretreetrust.org, call 443-827-4201, or email amanda@baltimoretreetrust.org.
Seeking Nonprofit 2013 YouthWorks Sites
YouthWorks, Baltimore’s summer jobs program, is seeking nonprofit organizations and community groups to serve as work sites in 2013. Eligible sites are not responsible for paying YouthWorks participants, but they must provide close supervision and mentoring and ensure that workers are fully engaged. Youth participants work 25 hours per week (five hours per day, excluding lunch, five days per week) for six weeks (Monday, June 24 through Friday, August 2). To apply to become a YouthWorks 2013 work site, visit youthworks.oedworks.com by Friday, March 15. Site eligibility requirements are outlined on the site. Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake challenges local employers to join in creating valuable employment opportunities for Baltimore’s teens by hiring at least one young person through YouthWorks.
We Are the Dream Nominations
The Baltimore City Youth Commission will present We Are the Dream, honoring young professionals in Baltimore City who embody the dream of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Nominees should be between the ages of 18 and 30, live in the City of Baltimore, and have exceptional character. To nominate a young professional, please email a picture, along with the nominee's name and organization, and reason for nomination to youthcommission@baltimorecity.gov by March 18.
MECU Neighborhood Event Grant Applications
MECU Neighborhood Event Grants award up to $1,000 to neighborhood associations and community-based nonprofit organizations in Baltimore City for the purpose of producing special events for the community and residents they serve. Events might include art workshops, back-to-school rallies, block parties, book drives, food drives, health fairs, and neighborhood clean-ups. The application deadline is March 22. To apply, an organization must be a 501(c)(3) based in Baltimore City. Proposed events must be free and open to the public. For detailed information, or to download the application, visit www.promotionandarts.org (click on the “Grants” tab).
Homage to Harriet
Wednesday, March 6, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt Street
As part of Maryland's statewide commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the passing of Harriet Tubman, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum presents this art exhibition with works inspired by her life and legacy. Museum admission is required. The museum has a full calendar of programs in March to commemorate the centennial. For more information about the exhibit or a list of upcoming events, visit www.RFLewisMuseum.org.
Neighborhood Institute: Love Where You Live
Saturday, March 9, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
The Inn at the Colonnade, 4 W. University Parkway
Join Greater Homewood Community Corporation for the 6th annual Neighborhood Institute: Love Where You Live. Led by some of Baltimore’s best and brightest activists, artists, educators, and leaders, the Neighborhood Institute is a day-long series of free workshops focused on educating city residents about what they can do to help build and strengthen vibrant urban communities. This event attracts over 200 attendees each year, and proceeds benefit GHCC’s work in neighborhoods and public schools. For more information or to register, click here.
Finding Your Path to Breast Health
Saturday, March 9, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm (check-in at 7:30 am)
New Psalmist Baptist Church, 6020 Marian Drive
The Maryland Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure hosts this free symposium. Join master of ceremonies Kelly Swoope, co-anchor and health reporter for abc2news, and a host of expert presenters and panelists. Learn to make healthy choices to reduce your risk of breast cancer, hear from local survivors and breast health experts, and connect with valuable community resources. The event is free, but registration by Friday, March 1 is required. For more information or to register, visit www.komenmd.org or call 410-938-8990.
Cylburn Arboretum Events Open House
Sunday, March 10, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The Vollmer Center at Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Avenue
Stop by The Vollmer Center at Cylburn Arboretum to learn about venues at the arboretum, including the Vollmer Center, the historic Mansion, and the enchanting gardens, as well as options at The Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Gardens in Druid Hill Park. Vendors will be on hand to discuss your needs for catering, florals, hotel accommodations, music, and equipment rentals. Event coordinators will discuss making your event unforgettable at Cylburn Arboretum and The Rawlings Conservatory. For more information, call 410-396-4860 or email laurie.boswell@baltimorecity.gov.
Shamrock Shindig
Sunday, March 10, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Pierce’s Park, Inner Harbor Pier Five
The Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore hosts this St. Patrick’s Day event with live music, food trucks, and activities for the whole family. Admission to the event is free, but food, drinks, and some activities have an associated cost. This year, visitors can purchase a $5 Shamrock Alley ticket, which includes two crafts, cookie decorating, and all the gear they'll need for the 2:00 pm parade, including shamrock derby hats, pins, beads, and Irish flags. For more information or to RSVP, visit www.waterfrontpartnership.org.
St. Patrick Parade
UPDATED: Sunday, March 10, 2:00 pm
Charles Street (from W. Centre Street) and Pratt Street (to Inner Harbor)
Baltimore’s St. Patrick Parade is truly the jewel in Maryland’s emerald crown. For more than 50 years, thousands of spectators from the region have crowded the streets and sidewalks of downtown Baltimore and the famous Inner Harbor to watch thousands more march and celebrate Irish culture, music, song, and dance. For more information, visit irishparade.net.
Baltimore Builds: Purchasing City-Owned Property
Wednesday, March 13, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Enoch Pratt Free Library Wheeler Auditorium, 400 Cathedral Street
Join Baltimore Housing for a step-by-step workshop to learn about the process of purchasing vacant buildings and lots owned by Baltimore City. Admission is free, but seating is limited. Pre-registration is required. For more information about the Baltimore Builds Workshop Series, or to register, call 410-396-4111 or email V2V@baltimorecity.gov. For more information about Vacants to Value, visit www.baltimorehousing.org.
Friends of Fort McHenry Bull & Oyster Roast
Wednesday, March 13, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Frederick Douglass - Isaac Myers Maritime Park, 1417 Thames Street
Join the Friends of Fort McHenry for their 9th Annual Bull & Oyster Roast. Support the fort and its educational programs & activities. Feast on Ryleigh's Oysters, pit beef, chowder, and more. Enjoy refreshments including soft drinks, wine and Heavy Seas Beer. The event also includes a silent auction and raffle. Tickets are $55 in advance or $60 at the door. For more information, visit www.friendsoffortmchenry.org.
Monk’s Moods: A Tribute to Thelonious Monk
Friday, March 15, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Germano’s Trattoria, 300 South High Street
Cold Spring Jazz Quartet blends traditional jazz with contemporary panache. The group’s latest show, does just that with a tribute to the work of Thelonious Monk, one of jazz’s true eccentrics and greatest composers. Tickets are $10 per person. Doors open at 6:00 pm for pre-show dining. Call 410-752-4515 to make a reservation or purchase tickets in advance. For more information about Cold Spring Jazz Quartet, visit www.coldspringjazz.com.
Baltimore Builds: Permits 101
Saturday, March 16, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Baltimore Housing Permits Office, 417 E. Fayette Street, Room 100
Join Baltimore Housing to learn about the permit process to rehab a home. Visit actual permit stations and obtain valuable information about required permits, fees, and more. Admission is free, but seating is limited. Pre-registration is required. For more information about the Baltimore Builds Workshop Series, or to register, call 410-396-4111 or email V2V@baltimorecity.gov. For more information about Vacants to Value, visit www.baltimorehousing.org.
Spring Into Action
Saturday, April 20, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Your Neighborhood
Join Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and "Spring Into Action" with the annual Mayor's Spring Cleanup. Communities wishing to participate should call 311 to register and confirm their designated pick-up point. A limited supply of tools will be available, so register early. Clean streets and clean neighborhoods mean a cleaner Baltimore for everyone! For more information, call 311.
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