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In this issue:
MAYOR'S HOT LINKS
Neighborhood Greening & Clean Water Grant
Baltimore Farmers' Market & Bazaar
Plants & People
Reginald F. Lewis Exhibits & Events
Veterans Day Celebration
Living Life Golden Kickoff
Docs in the Park
Gems of American Music
Star-Spangled 200
Community Pit Bull Day
Winter Wonderland at West Shore Park
Holiday Festival of Trains
A Monumental Occasion
Bed & Breakfast Holiday House Tour
Mayor's Christmas Parade
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Dear Friends:
On Wednesday night, residents attended the first of three Budget Workshops that my office is hosting throughout the city. These workshops provide an opportunity for citizens to roll up their sleeves and help us with the tough decisions we face in closing a $50 million budget gap for Fiscal Year 2013. At Wednesday’s workshop, participants completed a realistic budget-balancing exercise—they decided which services to cut and which ones to protect. I had an opportunity to speak with each of them about their priorities for growing Baltimore and their new perspectives on the budget process.
For the past three years, we’ve closed budget shortfalls by improving efficiency, reforming pension and health benefits, diversifying revenues, and making tough but necessary choices about the services the City can provide. To grow our city, we need to put Baltimore’s government on a sustainable path, and perpetual deficits are not part of a sustainable path.
Our vision for Baltimore is rooted in straight talk, tough choices, and standing together in unity. I want to thank those who attended this week’s workshop and invite everyone to join me for one of the next two. The next will take place on Wednesday, December 14, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the American Brewery Building, 1701 North Gay Street. The final workshop will take place on Saturday, January 21, from 10:00 a.m. to Noon at the Vollmer Center at Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Avenue. I look forward to seeing you there.
This week, we also announced an exclusive negotiating agreement between the City and B-Cycle, a company that specializes in bike sharing programs across the nation. Bike sharing is a vital transportation option that provides bikes to the public for short-term use. Baltimore is now one step closer to operating a successful bike share program in the city.
We are proud to partner with B-Cycle, which is a distinguished leader of successful bike sharing programs in progressive cities throughout the nation. Bike sharing concepts have become popular across the world—having started in Europe, in cities like Paris and London. In North America, bike share systems operate in Washington, DC, Minneapolis, Boston, Denver, Chicago, and Montreal.
By building on the alternative transportation system that is already in Baltimore, which includes the Charm City Circulator, new bike lanes, hybrid car charging stations, and car sharing with Zipcar, we can make our communities more livable and help our neighborhoods grow.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
Mayor, City of Baltimore
ABC 2 News
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Neighborhood Greening & Clean Water Grant
Community groups are eligible to apply for up to $1000 funding for vacant lot improvements, community gardens, tree plantings, water quality improvements, and environmental education. Applicants with newly adopted vacant lots are eligible to receive in-kind services and materials and additional funding through the Baltimore City Power In Dirt Initiative. Potential applicants MUST attend a workshop (listed below). Please RSVP four days prior to the workshop you plan to attend. For more information, or to RSVP, contact 410-448-5663 ext. 111 or valerie.shane@parksandpeople.org.
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Nov. 30, Bon Secours Community Works, 26 N. Fulton Ave.
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Dec. 1, Zeta Center for Healthy & Active Aging, 4501 Reisterstown Rd.
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Dec. 6, HEBCAC, 1212 N. Wolfe St.
All workshops take place 6:00 pm-8:00 pm.
Baltimore Farmers' Market & Bazaar
Shop for the region's freshest produce, meats, baked goods, flowers and more. The bazaar returns with unique crafts and collectibles. The Baltimore Farmers' Market & Bazaar, located on Saratoga Street between Holliday and Gay streets under the Jones Falls Expressway, is open every Sunday through December 18 from 7:00 am until sell out, approximately noon. For more information the Baltimore Farmers' Market & Bazaar, call 1-877-BALTIMORE or visit www.promotionandarts.com. Plants & People: Sundays at the Conservatory
Sundays in November, 1:30 pm-3:30 pm
Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens, Druid Hill Park
Bring the entire family for fun and educational activities at Baltimore's Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens each Sunday in November. Activities will complement the conservatory's annual chrysanthemum show. On November 13, learn about conservatories and greenhouse growing conditions. On November 20, decorate a bud vase and take home a cut flower. November 27 will present a science demonstration--explore, discuss, and debate the greenhouse effect, climate change, and glass house environments. For more information, call 410-396-0008.
Reginald F. Lewis Museum Exhibits and Events
November 5-January 5
Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt Street
The Reginald F. Lewis Museum hosts two intercultural exhibitions, Beyond Baseball: the Life of Roberto Clemente and IndiVisible: African-Native American Lives in the Americas. These exhibits document the connections between African Americans and other cultures. For more information and a list of events relating to the exhibits, visit www.africanamericanculture.org. Veterans Day Celebration
Friday, November 11, 10:00 AM
War Memorial Plaza, 101 N. Gay Street
The Baltimore City Veterans Commission hosts this celebration in honor of all veterans and active duty military service members. Events will include a parade through city streets, followed by a ceremony at the War Memorial Plaza. The Parade will step off from the Washington Monument at 8:45. For more information or assistance, call the Office of Emergency Management at 410-396-6183.
Living Life Golden Kickoff
Friday, November 11, 5:00 pm-10:00 pm
Visions Banquet and Catering, 5503 Richard Avenue
Belvedere Assisted Living is undertaking the renovation of a commercial space into its latest project, Living Life Golden Senior Assisted Living Facility (LLG). Join Belvedere for an informative dinner and gain insight into Belvedere's history and mission. Tickets are available for a $25 donation. For more information, visit belvederefundraising.org or call 443-570-9064. Docs in the Parks
Saturday, November 12, 10:00 am–4:00 pm
Herring Run Park, Hall Springs
Join local pediatricians and families to connect children with nature, doing fun, heart healthy activities at this event sponsored by the Greater Baltimore Children & Nature Collaborative (GBCAN). Enjoy games, nature hikes, a wildlife expo, bicycling, and a healthy cooking demonstration with free food. Participate in a trail maintenance stewardship project. For more information, contact michael.dorsey@parksandpeople.org. Gems of American Music
Sunday, November 13, 4:00 pm-5:30 pm
First Unitarian Church, Charles and Franklin Streets
Handel Choir's Chandos Singers, conducted by Melinda O'Neal and James Houston, join for a concert of choral and organ selections to benefit the restoration of the historic Niemann organ. The concert features the music of Katharine E. Lucke, founder of Handel Choir and director of the Peabody Conservatory, along with a nod to the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 and additional selections. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 410-685-2330 or email MusicCommittee@firstunitarian.net. Star-Spangled 200
Thursday, November 17, 11:30 am
Inner Harbor, Bicentennial Plaza
Join Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Governor Martin O'Malley, and representatives form the U.S. Navy to celebrate the launch of Star-Spangled 200, A National Bicentennial in Maryland. Star-Spangled 200 will commemorate Maryland's unique contributions to the defense and heritage of the nation, including the pivotal clash that ensured American victory, an iconic flag, and our national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner. For more information, visit starspangled200.org. Community Pit Bull Day
Saturday, November 19, 12:00 pm-3:00 pm
Ellwood Park, N. Ellwood Avenue and Jefferson Street
Join B-More Dog for a day focused on dogs and their owners. Pit bulls and pit bull mixes can receive free vaccines and spay/neuter certificates ($5 vaccines for all other breeds). Enjoy dog tricks, a leash and collar exchange, dog safety activities for kids, demonstrations from trainers and vets, and more. For more information, visit www.bmoredog.org. Winter Wonderland at West Shore Park
West Shore Park, Inner Harbor
November 19, 1:00 pm-6:30 pm
Enjoy live music, games, arts and crafts, holiday stories, and tasty treats. Create your own festive lantern in the Lantern Making Workshop, and join the merriment at Baltimore's first-ever Community Lantern Parade along the Inner Harbor's promenade. Festive lanterns, cascading ribbon trees, towering umbrellas, bands, illuminated stilt walkers, and costumed characters will come together in a finale with live singing choirs to greet Santa's arrival by boat. For more information, visit www.waterfrontpartnership.org. Holiday Festival of Trains
November 25-December 31, 10:00 am-4:00 pm (11:00 am on Sundays)
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum, 901 W. Pratt Street
Celebrate the holiday season at Baltimore’s largest holiday display of toy and model train layouts. Santa arrives by locomotive to the Roundhouse at 10:30 am on November 25. Weekend train rides and photo opportunities take place with Santa through December 21, and with Frosty the Snowman through December 31. It’s a train load of fun that's become an annual holiday tradition! For more information, visit www.borail.org. A Monumental Occasion
Thursday, December 1, 5:30 pm
Mount Vernon Place, 600 N. Charles Street
Mount Vernon Place celebrates the holiday season with the 40th annual lighting of the Washington Monument. The ceremony will begin at 7:00 pm, with the official lighting at approximately 7:20pm. Come enjoy an evening of strolling entertainment and refreshments. The event ends with a colorful fireworks finale. For more information on A Monumental Occasion, call 1-877-BALTIMORE.
Bed & Breakfast Holiday House Tour
Sunday, December 4, 2:00 pm-6:00 pm
Rediscover the charm and joy of the holiday season with the Better Baltimore Bed & Breakfasts Second Annual Holiday House Tour. Member B&Bs and inns will open their doors to share yuletide cheer with ticket holders. A portion of the proceeds will support the work of Moveable Feast. Enjoy homemade food and drink, explore seasonal decor at its best, and experience the city’s hospitality as you meet the owners, hosts, and innkeepers. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit baltimoreholidayhousetour.ticketleap.com. Mayor’s Christmas Parade
December 4, 2:00 pm
Hampden
Join the Mayor's 39th Annual Christmas Parade! From the Baltimore Marching Ravens, to Harley Davidson motorcycles, marching bands, and Santa Claus, the music-filled event marches its way through Baltimore's Hampden neighborhood. It's a great way to start the holiday cheer. For more information, visit www.mayorschristmasparade.com. |
