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May 31, 2012
In this issue:
MAYOR'S HOT LINKS
"Love Your Block" Mini-Grant Opportunity
Charles Street Friday Market
Nature Art in the Park
African American Festival Youth Stage Auditions
BARCS Annual Spring Yard Sale
Harbor FashionEASTa
Jazz&Blues Wine&Art Festival
Jazzy Wednesday Evenings
St. Nicholas Greek Folk Festival
Spring Flea Market & Health Fair
Practical Solutions for Health & Healing
Wilkins 5th Annual Pet Adopt-A-Thon
HonFest
Star-Spangled Sailabration
BARCS Cleanup Day
LatinoFest
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Dear Friends:
 Today, I joined Maryland Housing Secretary Raymond Skinner, City housing officials, and private partners to announce a new incentive for homeownership offered by the Maryland Mortgage Program. The program is now offering a reduced interest rate of 2.875% in targeted areas throughout the state, including Baltimore City.
This initiative will have a significant impact on our efforts to grow Baltimore by 10,000 families in the next 10 years. I cannot thank the State enough for thinking outside of the box and creating programs where everyone can still realize the American dream. We are committed to making a positive change for the citizens of Baltimore and growing every neighborhood.
The Maryland Mortgage Program offers a variety of low-interest, fixed-rate mortgage loan options with down payment and closing cost assistance for first-time homebuyers; purchasers in a targeted area are eligible for a one-time exemption to the first-time homebuyer requirement. The reduced rate of 2.875% will be offered to all qualified buyers for approximately 3 months or until the entire $30 million earmarked for this incentive is committed.
The first new resident of a formerly vacant property is eligible for a number of incentives, including Baltimore’s Vacants to Value $10,000 home buying incentive, as well as Live Baltimore and Healthy Neighborhoods, Inc. incentives. The State offers even more. And, for five years, homeowners are eligible for property tax reduction credits. We think these incentives help make moving to one of Baltimore’s growing neighborhoods an easy decision.
Two weeks ago, we hosted a Vacants to Value Open House in Park Heights. One of our guests was a firefighter from Montgomery County who had searched everywhere between Washington, DC and Baltimore County for a home. But when he came across a beautiful 4-bedroom home in Reservoir Hill, he was overwhelmed by the incentives we offered him, and is now a city resident.
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Sincerely,
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
Mayor, City of Baltimore
The Baltimore Sun
The Baltimore Sun
WJZ
"Love Your Block" Mini-Grant Opportunity
Has 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! Charles Street Friday Market
Every 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. Nature Art in the Park
Through November
Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park, 1901 Eagle Drive
This outdoor exhibition of installations made from natural materials, displayed along woodland trails and throughout the Carrie Murray Nature Center campus, will be on display through November. A self-guide brochure and map are available, and new art projects and activities will be added throughout the show. For more information and a list of special events, visit www.natureartinthepark.org. African American Festival Youth Stage Auditions
Friday, June 1, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Chick Webb Recreation Center, 623 Eden Street
Friday, June 8, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Cahill Performing Arts Center, 4001 Clifton Avenue
Calling all rappers, singers, dancers, musicians, and step teams! The 2012 African American Festival has a showcase for you. Auditions for the African American Festival Youth Stage are coming up. Performers must be between the ages of 6 and 17. For more information, and to obtain official contest rules and regulations, visit www.AfricanAmericanFestival.net or call 410-244-8861. BARCS Annual Spring Yard Sale
Saturday, June 2, 8:00 am-2:30 pm
Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter, 301 Stockholm Street
Come and shop for some great treasures as you help the homeless animals of Baltimore. All purchases will help raise money for the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS). For more information, visit baltimoreanimalshelter.org. Harbor FashionEASTa
Saturday, June 2, 2:00 pm-7:00 pm
Harbor East, South Exeter and Aliceanna Streets
The season’s top fashions take center stage during HARBOR FashionEASTa. Hear live music throughout the afternoon and into the evening. Witness the neighborhood’s first-ever fashion show--a perfect way to discover the hottest summer apparel. Enjoy trunk shows, book signings, special offers, and other surprises at Harbor East retailers, and savor fashion-themed cocktails and light fare from award-winning restaurants. For more information, visit www.harboreast.com. Jazz&Blues Wine&Art Festival
Sunday, June 3, 11:00 am-7:00 pm
Federal Hill, Cross and South Charles Streets
Bigger and better than ever, Federal Hill Main Street’s Jazz&Blues Wine&Art Festival features live music on two stages, arts & crafts, food & drink, wine tastings, the popular Artist Alley, and an expanded Kids’ Kross Street. For more information, visit www.historicfederalhill.org. Jazzy Wednesday Evenings
Wednesday, June 6, 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 Corinthia Cromwell & the Evolution Band. For more information, call 410-396-7459.
St. Nicholas Greek Folk Festival
June 7-10, Thurs.-Sat. 11:00 am–11:00 pm, Sun. 12:30 pm-10:00 pm
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 520 S. Ponca Street
This annual festival kicks off the Showcase of Nations with traditional dancing, costumes, delicious foods, beautifully crafted art, and tours of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. For more information, call 410-633-5020 or visit www.greekfolkfestival.org. Spring Flea Market & Health Fair
Saturday, June 9, 9:00 am–2:00 pm
Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Gardens, Druid Hill Park
Shop ‘til you drop while shaping your mind and body! This spring flea market and health fair will feature a variety of vendors and health providers. Enjoy seated massages or yoga in the Palm House and Orchid Room of the conservatory. Vendors and health providers are welcome, but registration is required. For more information, please call 410-396-7459.
Practical Solutions for Health & Healing
Saturday, June 9, 10:00 am-2:00 pm
Empowerment Temple Family Life Center, 1505 Eutaw Place
Many seniors are unaware of the dangers associated with poor nutrition and malnutrition. This free educational workshop hosted by Cor-Les Institute will provide seniors with educational materials and information about nutrition, exercise, healthy shopping and eating, and more. Healthy food and snacks will be served. For more information, contact Valerie Robinson at 202-657-2242 or Rev. Keisha Brown at 410-225-3494 ext. 538.
Wilkins 5th Annual Pet Adopt-A-Thon
Saturday, June 9, 10:00 am-2:00 pm
Wilkins Automotive, 6913 Ritchie Hwy, Glen Burnie
Wilkins Automotive hosts this event, working with local nonprofits and businesses to find homes for homeless pets. Enjoy a fun, family atmosphere and a chance to save the pets of Maryland. This year’s theme is Super Pets! Participate in contests for your pets and you, including a costume contest and a best pet superpowers (tricks) competition. Pets from Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS) will be available for adoption. For more information, visit www.wilkinspets.com. HonFest
Saturday-Sunday, June 9-10
36th Street, Hampden
The Hon is not a dying breed! Since 1994, HonFest has grown from a tiny Baltimore's Best Hon pageant behind Cafe Hon, to a nationally recognized festival covering four city blocks on Hampden's very own 36th Street. For more information and a list of events, visit www.honfest.net. Star-Spangled Sailabration
June 13-19
Various Locations
This international parade of naval vessels and tall ships, featuring an air show with the Blue Angels, launches the Bicentennial commemoration of the War of 1812 in Baltimore. Star-Spangled Sailabration will feature free tours of the ships, waterside festivities, and more. For more information on this once in a lifetime event, visit www.starspangled200.com. BARCS Cleanup Day
Saturday, June 16, 11:30 am-2:30 pm
Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter, 301 Stockholm Street
BARCS needs help from the community and local groups to help clean up the shelter grounds and watershed areas. Volunteers or community groups interested in helping out can contact Denise at DSmallman-Chilcoat@BARCSanimalshelter.org. LatinoFest
June 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. |
