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August 31, 2012
In this issue:
Mayor's Hot Links
Baltimore Snapshot
National Aquarium 7-Day Ticket
Protect Your Community
Breast Cancer Funding Opportunities
Pet Adoption Olympics
Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Days
Belvedere Square Summer Sounds
Grand Prix of Baltimore
Baltimore Farmers' Market & Bazaar
Jazzy Wednesday Evenings
Cal & Eddie: A Legendary Evening
Labor of Love
Ukrainian Festival
9/11 Maryland Memorial Exhibit
Voices from the Heart
Dam Jam 2012
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Dear Friends:
 Making Baltimore a safer city will continue to be a primary focus of this administration as we work to reach our goal of growing Baltimore by 10,000 families over the next decade. Families have a right to live in safe neighborhoods, and I will not be satisfied until Baltimore becomes the safest big city in America.
Together, we are going to show the world that Baltimore is a thriving city made of people and neighborhoods—a city that is rebuilding and turning things around; a city that people want live and stay in; and a city that will start growing again.
That is why on Tuesday, following a rigorous national search process, we named Dr. Anthony W. Batts, D.P.A. commissioner of the Baltimore Police Department. Batts comes to Baltimore with decades of law enforcement experience and leadership training, including his time as police chief of Oakland and Long Beach, California. Anthony Barksdale will remain acting commissioner of the Baltimore Police Department until Batts’ start date.
Chief Batts has dedicated his life to public safety and public service. He started as a patrol officer and narcotics officer working the streets of Long Beach. He worked his way up the ranks to become chief of police for that city. And, each step of the way, he earned high accolades, praise, and recognition—not just from its government, but from its people and communities.
Later, he led the Oakland Police Department as police chief. Sadly, Oakland—like Baltimore—has had its share of senseless violence and dark tragedy. And there, Chief Batts was a major force for good—for reform and results.
Baltimore has made great progress. Our crime fighting strategy has delivered significant results over the past two years: homicides have decreased by 18%, reaching the lowest level since 1977; shootings have decreased by 15%; and there has been a decrease in overall gun violence.
These results are a product of smart enforcement, strong partnerships with communities and state and federal criminal justice agencies, and most important, the hard work of the men and women of the Baltimore Police Department.
The economic downturn has forced many cities to cut back and lay off police officers. In Baltimore, we did the opposite. Not only have we built upon solid strategies, but we have continued to invest in the police department, focusing our scarce resources on what works. Rather than laying off our officers, we have been aggressive in hiring hundreds of new officers. As a result, our neighborhoods are better, safer, and stronger.
Anthony Batts has what it takes to lead the Baltimore Police Department forward and to continue building on the progress the men and women of the BPD have made reducing crime and violence.
I would like to thank the members of the Police Commissioner Search Advisory Panel, the Police Executive Research Forum, and dozens of community leaders for their work and participation in the search process. I want to especially thank Acting Commissioner Barksdale for his strong leadership during this transition. He is doing a great job and is a valued member of the Baltimore Police Department’s command staff. We are truly grateful for his continued service to the people of Baltimore.
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Sincerely,
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
Mayor, City of Baltimore
The Baltimore Sun
The Baltimore Sun
FOX45
WJZ
Baltimore Snapshot
This week marked the first week of school for Baltimore City Schools students. To get things off to a good start, Port Discovery Children's Museum hosted the launch of the Mayor's Attendance Campaign, offering incentives for Pre-K and Kindergarten students and their parents to bolster attendance. Absences affect academic achievement, as kids with low attendance miss vital learning opportunities.
National Aquarium 7-Day Ticket
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. Protect Your Community
Preparing for a potential emergency is easier than you think. As part of National Preparedness Month, the Citizen Corps Council of Baltimore City and the Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management will offer disaster preparedness training for community groups. FEMA-certified Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) instructors will work with you to determine your needs, create household plans, and identify additional resources. Contact cert@baltimorecity.gov for more information or to schedule a training. Breast Cancer Funding Opportunities
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. Pet Adoption Olympics
Now through October 31, the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS) will waive all adoption fees. BARCS needs your help to win the ASPCA Rachel Ray 100k Challenge by saving the most homeless animals over a three month period. Visit BARCS today and take home a champion! For more information, visit baltimoreanimalshelter.org. Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Days
Final Friday & Saturday of each month through November
Northwest Citizen Convenience Center, 2840 Sisson Street
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.
Belvedere Square Summer Sounds
Friday, August 31, 6:00 pm-9:00 pm
Belvedere Square, 518 East Belvedere Avenue
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. Grand Prix of Baltimore
Friday-Sunday, August 31-September 2
Downtown Baltimore
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. Baltimore Farmers’ Market & Bazaar
Sundays through December 23, 7:00 am-Sell out
Saratoga Street, Between Holliday and Gay streets
2012 marks the 35th annual Baltimore Farmers’ Market & Bazaar season. Market-goers can pick up the season’s freshest fruits, vegetables, flowers, meats, dairy products, spices, and a variety of made-to-order foods from longtime favorites and new vendors. In addition, dozens of regional artisans offer original arts and crafts. For more information, visit www.promotionandarts.com (click “Events and Festivals”) or call 1-877-BALTIMORE. Jazzy Wednesday Evenings
Wednesday, September 5, 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 Panama. For more information, call 410-396-7459.
Cal & Eddie: A Legendary Evening
Wednesday, September 5, 6:00 pm
Hilton Baltimore, 401 West Pratt Street
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. Labor of Love
September 8, 8:30 am-2:00 pm
Baltimore School for the Arts, 712 Cathedral Street
Baltimore School for the Arts students, parents, alumni, and staff will trade their cellos and ballet flats for buckets and gloves as they clean, plant, landscape, and spruce up the landmark Alcazar building and historic brownstone on Cathedral Street. Volunteers from around the area are invited to help out. For more information, call 443-642-5167 or visit www.bsfa.org. Ukrainian Festival
September 8-9, Sat. 12:00 pm-9:00 pm, Sun. 12:00 pm-7:00 pm
Patterson Park, Linwood and Eastern Avenues
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. 9/11 Maryland Memorial Exhibit
Tuesday, September 11, 8:00 am-6:00 pm
Top of the World Observation Level, 401 E. Pratt Street, 27th floor
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. Voices from the Heart
Saturday, September 15, 7:00 pm-10:00 pm
Legg Mason Tower, 100 International Drive
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. Dam Jam 2012
Saturday, September 22, 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Willow Grove Nature Center, Cromwell Valley Park, Towson
Loch Raven Dam, Loch Raven Drive
Dam Jam 2012 is a celebration of the region’s drinking water reservoirs. Learn how we obtain and process our drinking water and the responsibilities we all share in protecting our water supply. Events include live music, historical reenactments, native wildlife presentations and more! Bring your chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets to spend the day. Activities will take place both at Loch Raven Reservoir and at Baltimore County’s Cromwell Valley Park. Free shuttles buses will run continuously between the two sites.
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