The Rawlings-Blake Review #135: Preserving our Past

Rawlings Blake Review Header
October 5, 2012

In this issue:
Mayor's Hot Links
Baltimore Snapshot
Special Notices
Columbus Day Service Changes
CORPS Community Engagement Grant
Verizon Repair Priority Program
Dive In, Baltimore!
Upcoming Events
Fall Apple Festival
Bull & Oyster Roast Fundraiser
Baltimore Financial Planning Day
Fire Department Thrill Show
La Plaza Hispaña
Battle of Baltimore
Afternoon Tea with Paddington Bear
Women's Business Forum
Under Armour Baltimore Running Festival
Joe Falero & DC Latin Jazz All Stars
Mayor's Cultural Town Hall Meeting
Russian Festival
USS Constellation Cup & Regatta
Seton Hill French Fair
BSA Zumbathon
Renaissance Family Festival
Race for the Cure
Walk for Maryland's Children
Halloween Lantern Parade & Festival
Dear Friends:

The Poe House and Museum
For years, Baltimore has celebrated its connection with Edgar Allan Poe in many ways, and the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum has played an important role in preserving this legacy for everyone. It is important that we do what we can to ensure that this cornerstone of our cultural heritage remains viable for years to come.

That is why on Wednesday, the Board of Estimates approved a consultant agreement between the Baltimore City Department of Planning and the B&O Railroad Museum for services in the areas of museum management and development for the historic Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum.

The one-year agreement will set the Poe House on a new course toward self-sufficiency and growth as one of Baltimore’s premier cultural attractions. This agreement will support a newly-established nonprofit board that will work to position the Poe House as an independent and sustainable historic attraction. At the conclusion of the one-year contract, the new Poe Baltimore nonprofit will assume full responsibility for operating and funding the Poe House, which is to remain City property.

Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) is known throughout the world as the creator of the modern short story form, and for defining the literary genres of mystery, science fiction, and horror. Built in 1830, Baltimore’s Poe House is the oldest of the three known Poe residences that are still standing. It first opened to the public as a museum in 1948. The Poe House and Museum draws thousands of visitors to Baltimore each year, from all over the world.

In 2010, the Mayor’s Office and the Department of Planning began seeking alternative funding sources and operation models to keep the Poe House open and accessible to the public. The Cultural Resources Management Group (CRMG) was contracted to prepare a business plan for the Poe House to ensure its sustainability in terms of preservation and operation. That business plan has been posted on the Planning Department’s website.

CRMG proposed the creation of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Poe Baltimore. This new group will be governed by an independent board of directors, which will include a City representative. Initial incorporation papers have been signed and are in process of being filed. Poe Baltimore will manage the operation, marketing, and interpretation of The Poe House and Museum; produce events across the city to raise awareness; and brand Poe’s identity to Baltimore.

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
Mayor, City of Baltimore

Mayor's Hot Links


Westside pre-K, kindergarteners set high standards

The AFRO

Rawlings-Blake eyes tax credit for downtown apartment developers

Baltimore Business Journal

Editorial: A streetcar named Charles?

The Baltimore Sun

Book lovers descend on annual city festival

The Baltimore Sun

Baltimore Snapshot


Broadway Market in Fell's Point
Broadway Market is just one of the many wonderful attractions in the exciting Fell's Point neighborhood. Fell's Point was recently named one of the 10 Great Neighborhoods in America by the American Planning Association.

Special Notices


Columbus Day Service Changes

City offices will be closed on Monday, October 8, due to the Columbus Day holiday. Please note the following changes to city services:
  • There will be no bulk trash collection scheduled.
  • Citizen Convenience Centers, including Quarantine Road Landfill, will be closed.
  • All City buildings, with the exception of Police Headquarters, will be closed.
  • Citizens will be unable to access City offices for bill payments or permits. Some bills can be paid online at www.baltimorecity.gov.
  • Parking meters will be in effect.

CORPS Community Engagement Grant

The Continuum of Opportunity and Reentry Program and Services (CORPS) initiative serves Baltimore City youth who are returning from placement or detention. The Fall 2012 Community Engagement Grants seek to provide these youth with opportunities to positively impact their communities. Grant amounts between $200 and $2,000 are available for community groups, agencies, or organizations with programs that serve youth. For more information, visit mocj.baltimorecity.gov.

Verizon Repair Priority Program

During this summer's storms, many households experienced loss of electricity and telephone landline service. Many have asked whether Verizon has a priority telephone repair program for seniors and customers with medical problems. The answer is yes. Verizon customers who are 65 years or older or who have a qualifying medical condition can be pre-certified for repair priority (24-hour “out of service” repair commitment) when an outage is reported. Learn more from Verizon.

Dive In, Baltimore!

The Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks is working on a long-term plan for its pool system. You are a critical part of this process. Join Recreation and Parks for one of four public meetings throughout the city October 14-24 to discuss current conditions of the pools and strategies for improvement. For more information or a list of meeting dates, times, and locations, visit www.diveinbaltimore.com or facebook.com/bcrpaquatics.

Upcoming Events


Fall Apple Festival

Friday, October 5, 11:00 am-4:00 pm
War Memorial Plaza, 100 N. Holliday Street
Join the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks and the Women’s Civic League of Baltimore at for Baltimore’s sweetest tradition. The event includes a silent auction, arts and crafts, live entertainment, delicious food, and the best apples around! The festival is free and open to the public.

Bull & Oyster Roast Fundraiser

Friday, October 5, 7:00 pm-11:00 pm
Michael’s Eighth Avenue, 7220 Greyburn Avenue, Glen Burnie
Join the Community Conferencing Center for its 5th annual fundraiser in support of restorative conflict resolution in Baltimore City. Community conferencing brings together those involved in or affected by a crime to resolve the conflict. During the event, enjoy a wine wall raffle, silent auction, dinner & dancing, free giveaways, and lots of fun! Individual tickets are $40; tables of 10 are $350. All donations are tax-deductible. For more about the event or community conferencing, call 410-889-7400 or visit www.communityconferencing.org.

Baltimore Financial Planning Day

Saturday, October 6, 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Frederick Douglass Senior High School, 2301 Gwynns Falls Pkwy.
Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, the US Conference of Mayors, and Community Action Partnership invite you to get free, one-on-one financial advice with no strings attached. Benefit from private consultations with Certified Financial Planners and workshops on a variety of financial topics, including credit, debt, investing, retirement, taxes, home ownership, education, employee benefits, and more. For more information, or to register, visit www.financialplanningdays.org/Baltimore or call 1-877-861-7826.

Fire Department Thrill Show

Saturday, October 6, 11:00 am-4:00 pm
BCFD Academy, 6720 Pulaski Highway
The Baltimore City Fire Department invites you to meet the real super heroes: your local firefighters and EMS personnel. Experience an exciting up-close and personal view of the valuable work that these brave men and women perform daily. The Thrill Show includes stunts, educational displays, and the opportunity to meet team members and explore fire engines, trucks, and specialty equipment. Learn more online or by calling 410-396-5616.

La Plaza Hispaña

Saturday-Sunday, October 6-7, 12:00 pm-8:00 pm 
Fells Point, 500 S. Broadway
Education Based Latino Outreach (EBLO) celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month at the Fells Point Fun Festival, offering continuous entertainment with live performances by professional dance troupes and bands. La Plaza Hispaña is a "real" Latin block party! For more information, visit www.latinofest.org or call 410-563-3160.

Battle of Baltimore

Tuesday, October 9, 10:30 am–1:00 pm
Fort McHenry, 2400 E. Fort Avenue
Experience The Star-Spangled Banner through a special musical extravaganza. On the water, schooners (including Pride of Baltimore II) will represent the British fleet, bombarding Fort McHenry. The cannons of the fort will respond in thunderous retort. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy musical performances by Baltimore City public elementary and middle school bands and choirs. For more information, contact jcaslow@hotmail.com or call 410-241-8693.

Afternoon Tea with Paddington Bear

Wednesday, October 10, 4:00 pm
Southeast Anchor Library, 3601 Eastern Avenue
Kids can explore the story of Paddington Bear, from his beginnings in Peru to his subsequent travels around the world. Emphasis will be placed on his Hispanic heritage, in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month. Sip tea and eat marmalade snacks while hearing about Paddington Bear's travels. For more information, email sel@prattlibrary.org.

Women’s Business Forum

Thursday, October 11, 5:00 pm–8:00 pm
Vollmer Center at Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Avenue
Join Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and the Mayor’s Office of Minority and Women-Owned Business Development for an evening of conversation and connections. The 2012 Women's Business Forum, Rescuing Superwoman: focusing on our health and lifestyle is free, but registration is required. Please register by Friday, October 5 by calling 410-396-3818.

Under Armour Baltimore Running Festival

Saturday, October 13, 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Various Locations
Mark your calendar for the 12th annual Under Armour Baltimore Running Festival. Since its inception, this Baltimore tradition has generated more than $7 million for charity. Last year alone, Baltimore's economy gained over $30 million as a result of the race! Residents should be aware that the race may impact travel, and plan accordingly. For more information or a list of fantastic viewing points, visit www.thebaltimoremarathon.com.

Joe Falero & DC Latin Jazz All Stars

Saturday, October 13, 8:00 pm
Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Avenue
Creative Alliance and Education Based Latino Outreach (EBLO) wrap up Hispanic Heritage Month with a hip-swiveling night of salsa and more! Seating is limited, so come to DANCE to the sounds of Joe Falero & DC Latin Jazz All Stars, winners of two Stuck on Salsa Awards for Favorite Band. DJ Sam Rodriguez opens. For more information, visit www.creativealliance.org or call 410-276-1651.

Mayor’s Cultural Town Meeting

Wednesday, October 17, 6:30 pm-8:00 pm
American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Highway
During this biennial meeting, City officials, arts community leaders, and residents gather to discuss their concerns on the importance of the arts to the quality of life in Baltimore City. Keynote speaker Randy Cohen of Americans for the Arts will discuss the Arts & Economic Prosperity IV economic study. For more information, visit www.promotionandarts.org or www.baltimoreculture.org.

Russian Festival

October 19-21, Fri. 11:00 am-9:00 pm, Sat. 12:00 pm-9:00 pm, Sun. 12:00 pm-6:00 pm
Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church, 1723 East Fairmount Avenue
Russian Festival closes the Showcase of Nations season with a celebration for all ages. Enjoy traditional and delectable foods, live bands, imported crafts, and more. For more information, call 410-276-6171 or visit www.russfest.org.

USS Constellation Cup & Regatta

Saturday, October 20, All Day
Inner Harbor
Historic Ships in Baltimore presents the USS Constellation Cup Regatta & Pier Party. Enjoy a day of racing fun at Baltimore's Inner Harbor, and help keep the historic ships afloat. The regatta is open to all sailboats, and includes prizes for top finishers. After the race, the revelry begins! Events include live music, a silent auction, special tours of the USS Constellation, cannon firings, and more!

Seton Hill French Fair

Saturday, October 20, 12:00 pm-5:00 pm
St. Mary’s Park, 606 N. Paca Street
The 3rd annual Seton Hill French Fair highlights Baltimore’s little-known French Quarter, founded in the late 1700s by monks fleeing the French revolution. The day's activities include French Maid Races, Toddler Tour de France, petanque (French yard bowling), French-themed food and music, dancing, a marionette show, and more! For information, call 443-257-6750 or visit www.setonhill.org.

BSA Zumbathon

Saturday, October 20, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm
Baltimore School for the Arts, 3rd floor dance studio, 712 Cathedral St.
The Baltimore School for the Arts invites you to come and work out. BSA graduate and Zumba master teacher Kearsha Saxon leads this first-ever BSA Zumbathon. All proceeds benefit the vital BSA programs. The hour-and-a half Zumba class will be followed by a meet-and-greet reception. Admission is $15 in advance, $17 at the door. For more information, visit www.bsfa.org or call 443-642-5165.

Renaissance Family Festival

Saturday, October 20, 10:00 am–4:00 pm
The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles Street
Travel back in time to explore art, culture, and daily life during the Renaissance! Special guests will use dance, puppetry, video, and storytelling to immerse you in the world of the past. Visit the special exhibition, revealing the African Presence in Renaissance Europe, for free during the festival. For more information, visit thewalters.org.

Race for the Cure

Sunday, October 21, 6:00 am-11:00 am
Executive Plaza, 11350 McCormick Road, Hunt Valley
The Maryland Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is proud to announce its 20th Annual Komen Maryland Race for the Cure. This annual 5k run, walk, and 1-mile family fun walk honors and celebrates those who have been affected by breast cancer. 75 percent of the net proceeds will go to local programs. The remaining 25 percent funds lifesaving research across the country. For more information, visit www.komenmd.org/2012 or call 410-433-RACE (7223).

Walk for Maryland’s Children

Saturday, October 27, 8:00 am-12:00 pm
Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Family Center Y, 900 E. 33rd Street
Enjoy entertainment, activities, and resources at the Brent A. Rosenberg Walk for Maryland’s Children & Family Fair. This annual event supports The Family Tree and its child abuse prevention programs. Take part in the 1 mile Kids Fun Walk, the 5K Family Walk, and the family fair. Activities include football clinics with Baltimore Ravens guests, hula hooping, food, face painting, and giveaways. For more information, or to register, visit www.familytreemd.org or call 410-889-2300.

Halloween Lantern Parade & Festival

Saturday, October 27, 3:30 pm-8:30 pm
Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Avenue
The 2012 Halloween Lantern Parade & Festival celebrates imaginary creatures inspired by Patterson Park. The day kicks off with a free festival, including hay rides, lantern workshops, food trucks, live music, and other family-friendly activities. The parade begins at 7:00 pm. All are invited to dress in costume, make lanterns from repurposed plastic bottles, and carry them in the parade. For more information, including a list of pre-events and workshops or the Glow-Ball After Party, visit www.creativealliance.org/halloweenparade.