National Aquarium 7-Day Ticket

Bank Teller Job Training

Breast Cancer Funding Opportunities

Pet Adoption Olympics

After Hours with the Animals

Cinema al Fresco

Belvedere Square Summer Sounds

Auto & Motorcycle Extravaganza

Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Days

Aqua Zumba

Come Home to Baltimore

Films on the Pier

Grand Prix of Baltimore

Jazzy Wednesday Evenings

Cal & Eddie: A Legendary Evening

Ukrainian Festival

9/11 Maryland Memorial Exhibit

Voices from the Heart

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

Enjoy all downtown Baltimore has to offer during the Grand Prix of Baltimore! With the National Aquarium 7-day ticket, guests will have the opportunity to leisurely explore it all. All aquarium tickets issued for August 27 through September 3 will be valid for seven full days. Grand Prix of Baltimore ticket holders can enjoy the additional benefit of accelerated entry by presenting their valid Grand Prix of Baltimore pass, hand stamp, or wristband and a valid National Aquarium entry ticket. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit aqua.org.

The Mayor’s Office of Employment Development’s on-the-job training programs provide trainees with in-demand skills. Trainees are paid a wage during training and are guaranteed a job upon successful completion of the program. MOED is currently recruiting for a bank teller training program, provided in English and Spanish to prepare participants for successful employment with Baltimore City credit unions. Training begins August 27. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, live in Baltimore City, and meet other eligibility requirements. To learn more, visit a One-Stop Career Center or call 410-396-3009.

The Maryland Affiliate of Susan G. Komen has released their Request for Applications (RFA) for the 2013-14 grant cycle. Grant awards up to $150,000 will be made to support collaborative and innovative programs that increase mammography screening rates and decrease late stage diagnosis, especially among those who are disproportionately affected by this disease. Komen Maryland will offer free grant writing workshops in August and September for those interested in applying for funds. For more information about workshops, or to obtain the RFA, visit www.komenmd.org or contact Rebecca McCoy at 410-938-8990.

Experience an evening at the zoo with a cool summer stroll among the animals. Every Thursday in August, the zoo is open late! Bring the family or someone special for a rare chance to explore the exhibits after hours. After 4:00 pm, enjoy half off regular admission rates. For more information, visit www.marylandzoo.org.

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.

Belvedere Square's ever-popular Friday night outdoor concert series is back! Enjoy gourmet food and drinks from the restaurants and market at Belvedere Square while listening to the sounds of summer with some of Baltimore’s hottest bands! For more information, visit www.belvederesquare.com.

The Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks hosts the 2012 Auto & Motorcycle Extravaganza, featuring a variety of classic and modern vehicles and motorcycles. For more information or to register, call 410-396-7459.

Baltimore City’s Household Hazardous Waste monthly collection provides 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.

Join the Zumba pool party! Aqua Zumba blends Zumba with traditional aqua fitness in a safe, challenging workout that’s cardio-conditioning, body-toning, and exhilarating. Classes, presented by the Department of Recreation and Parks, are $7 per person. Call 410-396-3838 for more information.

Join the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development for this ice cream social, and learn more about homebuying incentives. Find out about Baltimore's Vacants to Value and Healthy Neighborhoods incentives, and get information on low mortgage rates and closing cost assistance available through the Maryland Mortgage Program. For more information, contact Catherine Howard at 410-514-7507 or email howard@mdhousing.org.

The Films on the Pier series is presented by The Sound Garden and Su Casa. New releases will show weekly at the end of Broadway. Bring a chair and enjoy a summer evening with friends and family. For more information, visit www.fellspointmainstreet.org.

The Grand Prix of Baltimore is a combination of racing and festivities that begins on Friday morning, continues into Saturday with the American Le Mans Series, and culminates on Sunday with the IZOD IndyCar Series race. The Grand Prix of Baltimore offers something for everyone, including a family fun zone with carnival rides, a Ferris wheel, and games, as well as an interactive display from the National Aquarium. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit grandprixofbaltimore.com.

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 Panama. For more information, call 410-396-7459.

The Babe Ruth Birthplace Foundation will pay tribute to Baltimore icons and National Baseball Hall of Famers Cal Ripken, Jr. and Eddie Murray as they are inducted into the Sports Legends Museum Hall of Legends. Tickets are $150 for museum members and $200 for non-members. Proceeds will benefit the foundation. For more information, visit www.baberuthmuseum.com.

Capture the essence of Ukrainian culture with unique arts and crafts, customary songs and dances, a beer garden, an assortment of appetizing foods, children's activities, and storytelling. Ukrainian Festival is part of the Showcase of Nations. For more information, call 410-967-0501 or visit www.ukrainianfest.net.

The Top of the World Observation Level hosts this exhibit featuring artifacts from the Twin Towers, Pentagon, and Flight 93 National Memorial. The display honors the lives of the Maryland victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks. For information on the 9/11 Memorial of Maryland, visit www.maryland911memorial.org. For more information about the Top of the World Observation Level, visit www.viewbaltimore.org.

Enjoy a light supper, cocktails, and an evening of cabaret-style music from renowned opera sensation Emily Righter. Voices from the Heart: An Evening with Emily Righter is a celebration of the Franciscan Center and its supporters over the past 44 years. Proceeds from the event will go toward the programs of the Franciscan Center. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.franciscancenterbaltimore.org or contact Jennifer Lehman at 410-457-5340 Ext. 114 or JLehman@fcbmore.org.