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In this issue:
MAYOR'S HOT LINKS
Rawlings Conservatory Volunteer Opportunities
Sustainability/Healthy Foods Grants
Cease Violence Increase Education
Partnerships For Parks Grants
Holiday Festival of Trains
A Monumental Occasion
Harbor East Holiday Events
Morgan State Kwanzaa Celebration
Baltimore B&B Holiday House Tour
Mayor's Christmas Parade
Children's Winter Drive
Holiday Poinsettia Show Sneak Peek
Holidays on Harford
Baltimore Reads Holiday Fair
Poinsettia Tour
Financial Fitness Series
Mayor's FY2013 Budget Workshop
Winter Solstice Celebration
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Dear Friends:
I believe that combating homelessness is not something that government can do alone. Baltimore’s comprehensive plan to make homelessness rare and brief, called The Journey Home, requires all of us to do everything we can to make a difference in the lives of Baltimore’s most vulnerable. While some strides have been made over the years, we all recognize that more can be done—more must be done.
We recognize that in these tough economic times, there are more individuals who need services and support in order to meet basic human needs such as shelter and food. More than ever, we are committed to this cause. I am grateful for the support The Journey Home receives from our many partners, including the Weinberg Foundation, Associated Catholic Charities, St. Vincent de Paul, and Healthcare for the Homeless. Working together, we are helping homeless individuals get back on their feet.
Baltimore’s commitment to providing support to individuals in need is reflected in the elevation of human services to a cabinet level agency, as well as the investment of general funds to support shelter services and operations. During the last two budget cycles, the homeless services program was held “harmless”—spared from budget cuts. In fact, the City’s investment has grown from $240,000 ten years ago to $5.5 million this fiscal year. The appropriation for FY2012 is roughly $2.3M more than it was three years ago.
Despite the increase in funding, we still find ourselves struggling to ensure that the availability of services can meet the demand of those in need. In the past years, as demand has increased, resources for supportive housing have decreased significantly. In these difficult economic times, we must be both tough and creative. We must do things differently, smarter, and together.
The city is in the midst of a search for a new Executive Director for the 10-year plan. The position is supported by a grant from our partners at the Weinberg Foundation. One of the first priorities of the new Executive Director will be to revise and update The Journey Home plan. We welcome input from partners and stakeholders to ensure that our plan is a living document and truly responsive to the needs of our citizens. Only by working together can we truly make homelessness rare and brief.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
Mayor, City of Baltimore
ABC 2 News
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The Baltimore Sun
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Rawlings Conservatory Volunteer Opportunities
Baltimore's Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Gardens is looking for volunteers to help with special events, as well as to help throughout the year. Take the opportunity to work as a greeter, provide tours of the conservatory, help with plant care, or assist during the Conservatory's busy special events. The Conservatory's annual poinsettia display is coming up, and volunteers are needed to set up, clean up, and work the event. For more information or to volunteer, call 410-396-0008 or email conservatoryvolunteering@gmail.com. Sustainability/Healthy Foods Grants
The Office of Sustainability is offering $1,000 grants to Baltimore City public schools for projects focusing on Sustainability and/or Healthy Foods. The deadline for applications has been extended to Thursday, December 15. For more information, contact abby.cocke@baltimorecity.gov or 410-396-1670. Cease Violence/Increase Education Scholarship
The David B. Wright Memorial Foundation is now accepting creative art, videos, and essays that show how you, your family, or your community have been impacted by crime and the journey of restoration, and that demonstrate your resilience. Entries may be submitted until December 16. Winners will receive up to $500 in scholarship money. For more information regarding the David B. Wright Memorial Foundation or for official rules, call 443-438-5203 or 1-888-HELP-048 or visit www.DavidBWrightMemorialFoundation.org. Partnerships For Parks Grants
Grant funds are available for groups interested improving their communities through park or recreation center enhancement projects. Projects must occur on property owned by the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks. Potential applicants MUST attend a workshop. Please RSVP four days prior to the workshop on December 6, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm, which will take place at the Department of Recreation and Parks, Druid Hill Park, 3001 East Drive. For more information, or to RSVP, call 410-448-5663 ext. 111 or email valerie.shane@parksandpeople.org. Letter of intent is due by December 22, 2011, applications are due by January 27, 2012. 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.
Harbor East Holiday Events
Saturday, December 3, 12:00 pm-5:00 pm
Sunday, December 18, 12:00 pm-5:00 pm
Harbor East, 800 Block Aliceanna Street
There’s nothing like city sidewalks for the holidays. On December 3, the streets of Harbor East will come alive during “Joy Jingle Jam.” Enjoy live performances, photos with Santa, and more. On Sunday, December 18, browse for holiday gifts and discover the art of ice sculptor Sean Fitzpatrick. Specially made “snow” will thrill visitors throughout the day. Shoppers can receive three hours of free parking with same-day receipts totaling $100 and a voucher from a Harbor East merchant. For a complete list of shops, restaurants, entertainment, and promotions, visit www.harboreast.com. Morgan State Kwanzaa Celebration
Saturday, December 3, 11:00 AM
MSU Student Center, Hillen Rd. at Argonne Dr. and Cold Spring Ln.
The Office of Community Service at Morgan State University presents its annual Kwanzaa Celebration for school aged children, grades K-12. This free event will feature music, games, exhibits, dance, art, storytelling, food, and other culturally rich activities. Morgan State University students will teach Baltimore City youth about African American culture, encourage them to stay in school, and to reject alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. For more information, call 443-885-4328.
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. Children's Winter Drive
Monday, December 5, 6:00 pm-9:00 pm
5 Seasons, 830 Guilford Avenue
Presented by The Baltimore Hip Hop Council and Baltimore Hugs, the Children's Winter Drive will collect gloves, hats, scarves, and coats for Baltimore children. Supplies should be in new or good condition will be distributed directly to local shelters and Baltimore area schools. For more information, call 443-739-0152, email thebaltimorehiphopcouncil@gmail.com, or visit thebaltimorehiphopcouncil.com. Holiday Poinsettia Show Sneak Peek
Friday, December 9, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens, Druid Hill Park
Enjoy a magical start to your holiday season. Join friends of the Conservatory for light refreshments and a firsthand viewing of the show. If you have never seen the Conservatory at night, do not miss this special evening! Tickets are only $20, and all proceeds directly benefit the Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Garden. For more info, call 410-396-0008. Tickets can be purchased at www.druidhillpark.org. Holidays on Harford
December 10, All Day
Harford Road
Hamilton-Lauraville Main Street presents the 4th annual Holidays on Harford. Get into the holiday spirit with family and friends! Have breakfast, lunch, and dinner with Harford Road merchants. Enjoy the festive atmosphere, and shop at local retail stores and galleries. Santa and his elf helper will arrive in a motorcycle sidecar at noon, and the day ends with a community campfire. For details and a complete list of activities, visit www.BmoreMainStreet.com/HoH. Baltimore Reads Holiday Fair
Saturday, December 10, 10:00 am-3:00 pm
Baltimore Reads Book Bank, 501 N. Calvert Street
Baltimore Reads will hold its second annual holiday fair for kids and their families. This festive day features a visit from Santa, story time, and gift giveaways for kids. Kids who attend will also be invited to take home free books from the Book Bank. Lunch and other refreshments will be served. Receive information on volunteering and community service projects for teenagers, as well as information on classes and other Baltimore Reads activities. For directions or additional information, visit www.baltimorereads.org or call 410-752-3595. Poinsettia Tour
Saturday, December 10, 12:00 pm-4:00 pm
2501 Madison Avenue
During this annual poinsettia tour, visit the historic homes of the Upper Eutaw Madison area in Baltimore's Reservoir Hill. Get a glimpse of the past through some of the city's most beautiful homes. Tickets are $10. For more information, visit www.druidcafe.com or email poinsettiatour2011@gmail.com. Financial Fitness Series: Tax Credits and Tax Planning Tips
Tuesday, December 13, 6:00 pm-7:00 pm
Enoch Pratt Library, 400 Cathedral Street
Attend this workshop and find out what tax credits are available to maximize your refund. All it takes is a little knowledge and planning. Explore how to use exemptions and deductions, manage your withholdings throughout the year, and take advantage of tax credits. For more information, visit www.baltimorecashcampaign.org. Mayor's FY2013 Budget Workshop
Wednesday, December 14, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
American Brewery Building, 1701 N. Gay Street
The Mayor’s Budget Workshops provide an opportunity for citizens to help Mayor Rawlings-Blake with the tough decisions faced in closing a $50 million budget gap. The workshop will begin with a presentation and Q&A. Participants will then complete a realistic budget balancing exercise, deciding which services to cut and which ones to protect. The workshop will conclude with participants making recommendations to the Mayor about how to craft a budget that keeps the City moving forward at a time of unprecedented fiscal stress. For more information or assistance, call 410-396-4735.
Winter Solstice Celebration
Thursday, December 21, 7:00 pm
First Unitarian Church, Charles Street and Franklin Street
This annual celebration includes songs, poetry, drama, a symbolic extinguishing of the old year’s fire and lighting of the new, turning the Wheel of the Year, and giving thanks for blessings. Seasonal sweets will be available for tasting. The event will also include blessing of newborn babes. For more information, email solstice@firstunitarian.net or call 410-252-6074. |
