The Rawlings-Blake Review #137: Clean Water Baltimore

Rawlings Blake Review Header

October 19, 2012


In this issue:

Mayor's Hot Links

Baltimore Snapshot

Special Notices:
Bagged Leaf Collection

Ravens Community Quarterback Award

Foreclosure Prevention Help

Upcoming Events:
Russian Festival

USS Constellation Cup & Regatta

Seton Hill French Fair

Inside Federal Hill House Tour

Emergency Preparedness and Response Forum

The Dragon's Garden: Elements of the Chrysanthemum

Mayor's Fall Cleanup

Walk For Maryland's Children

Pro Bono Day

Breaking Bread & Breaking the Cycle of Domestic Violence

Community Pit Bull Day

Day of the Dead Festival

Howl-O-Ween

Halloween Lantern Parade and Festival

Hauntingdon

Trick-or-Treat at the Square

 Mind Your Business

Employment Opportunity Day

Gotta Dance!

Fabulous Fashions of 1812

Dear Friends:

Clean Water Baltimore

This week, I joined the Department of Public Works for the launch of the City’s new campaign to educate residents about the region’s water and wastewater system. The campaign, called Clean Water Baltimore, reaches out to Baltimore City residents and regional customers to inform them about our water, wastewater, and surface water infrastructure; regulatory requirements; operations of those systems; and system improvements.

Water is one of our most treasured resources, and it is essential to the health and safety of the people of this great and growing city. Clean Water Baltimore is our effort to educate residents and customers about every aspect of our water system and to help make residents better ambassadors for our shared system.

As an informational resource for "all things water" in the region, Clean Water Baltimore will promote transparency as we go about accomplishing our educational goals through partnerships, community outreach, and integrated planning. Clean Water Baltimore will include financial, social, and environmental information regarding our regulatory obligations, as well as innovative solutions that protect public health and improve water quality.

Under this administration, the DPW has made a lot of progress addressing the long-standing problems of our aging water system. DPW has increased the staff of meter readers from 27 to 38, added 19 meter inspectors, hired temporary employees to assist with analysis and adjustments of 70,000 accounts, and modified its tracking and monitoring processes to ensure that all documents are user-friendly and easily retrievable. They also opened a one-stop Customer Care Center on the 4th floor of the Abel Wolman Building and increased the number of customer service representatives, phone lines, and clerks in the center.

We are focused on solving the problems of our aging system and improving service for the thousands of customers who count on our water every day. Clean Water Baltimore is designed to easily impart up-to-date information to our customers and stakeholders about these endeavors. For more information about Clean Water Baltimore, visit www.cleanwaterbaltimore.org.

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


City announces $44 million road improvement plan for Southeast

The Baltimore Sun

City approves land sale for Coppin science and technology center

The Baltimore Sun

Sailabration impact on area estimated at $166 million

The Baltimore Sun

WBAL-TV partners with Baltimore to benefit homelessness programs

WBAL-TV

Gaming Could Be Baltimore Bonanza

AFRO


Baltimore Snapshot


Autumn in Baltimore

This week, Baltimore's American Visionary Arts Museum—adjacent to iconic Federal Hill and overlooking the Inner Harbor and Baltimore's beautiful skyline—played host to the Mayor's Cultural Town Hall. Mayor Rawlings-Blake discussed the importance of Baltimore's amazing arts & culture scene.


Special Notices


Bagged Leaf Collection

Bagged leaf collection is now underway and will continue through January 14, 2013. Each Monday, the Bureau of Solid Waste will collect up to 20 bags of leaves from each address. Residents must call 311 by 10:00 pm Sunday to schedule a pickup for the next day's collection, or schedule appointments up to two months in advance. Up to 5 bags of leaves will also be collected on regularly scheduled trash collection day. Leaves must be placed in clear or labeled bags and left near a regular mixed refuse collection location. Residents can also drop off bagged leaves at five City locations (hours vary; call 311 for more information):

  • Quarantine Road Sanitary Landfill, 6100 Quarantine Road
  • Western Sanitation Yard, 701 Reedbird Avenue
  • Eastern Sanitation Yard, 6101 Bowleys Lane
  • Northwest Sanitation Yard, 2840 Sisson Street
  • Northwest Transfer Station, 5030 Reisterstown Road

Ravens Community Quarterback Award

The Baltimore Ravens are accepting submissions for the annual Community Quarterback Award. Volunteers 13 and over who exemplify dedication, leadership, and commitment to improving the communities in which they live are eligible. Charitable nonprofit organizations are invited to nominate their remarkable volunteers. Selected volunteers will be recognized at the November 11 Ravens game, and will receive Ravens memorabilia, a commemorative plaque, and a financial grant benefiting their nonprofit organization. Nominations must be submitted online by October 26.

Foreclosure Prevention Help

Are you facing foreclosure? Free help is available. There are many ways foreclosure can be prevented. Seek help early, before the situation becomes a crisis. Know your rights as a renter or property owner, and learn to avoid scams and fraud. For assistance, reach the Maryland HOPE Hotline at 1-887-462-7555 or online at www.mdhope.org. Additional resources are available from the Public Justice Center at 410-625-9409 or online at www.publicjustice.org.


Upcoming Events


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.

Inside Federal Hill House Tour

Saturday, October 20, 12:00 pm-4:00 pm
Federal Hill Main Street, 42 E. Cross Street

Take a fascinating look behind the bricks and formstone, when Federal Hill Main Street hosts its first Federal Hill House Tour. The tour is $25 ($40 for two, $10 for senior citizens) and showcases 11 beautiful properties in the charming neighborhoods of Federal Hill and South Baltimore. Participants will be given a map to help navigate a self-guided walking tour. After the tour, enjoy a get-together with wine and light snacks for all ticket holders. To purchase tickets, or for more information, visit www.historicfederalhill.org or call 410-727-4500.

Emergency Preparedness and Response Committee Forum

Wednesday, October 24, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm
DORS Workforce Technology Center, 2301 Argonne Drive

The Mayor’s Commission on Disabilities invites members of the health care and disability services community to join guest speaker Elizabeth Webster, J.D., of the UMD Center for Health and Homeland Security, for an in-depth discussion on emergency preparedness. Get emergency tips and information for providers, learn the role of first responders in assisting those with disabilities, and receive advice on improving the personal preparedness of clients. If you have questions or need special accommodations, please call Captain Richard Smothers at 443-984-2632 by October 15.

The Dragon's Garden: Elements of the Chrysanthemum

Preview Event: October 26, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
October 27-November 11, Wednesday-Sunday, 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Gardens, Druid Hill Park

This year's annual chrysanthemum display features a wide range of these beautiful flowers, which were first cultivated in China and later adopted as the crest and official seal of the Emperor of Japan. Tickets for the October 26 preview fundraiser event are $20 in advance and $30 at the door. For more information, or to purchase tickets to the preview, visit www.druidhillpark.org or www.rawlingsconservatory.org.

Mayor’s Fall Cleanup

Saturday, October 27, 9:00 am-1:00 pm
Your Community

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake's Fall Cleanup kicks off at War Memorial Plaza. Winners of the 2012 Clean Community Competition will be announced and receive their awards, and green-themed characters Leafy Lucy, Bay Beauty, Recycle Rick, and Haz-man will get kids excited about tending to their neighborhoods. Participating communities can designate the area they will clean and a debris pickup location; bagged and stacked debris will be collected on Monday, October 29. Limited cleanup supplies will be available for participating communities. For more information, or to register your community, call 311.

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.

Pro Bono Day

Saturday, October 27, 10:00 am-2:00 pm
Legal Aid Bureau, 500 East Lexington Street

This free legal clinic, hosted by the Bar Association of Baltimore City, offers one-on-one legal advice from lawyers in a variety of areas, including landlord-tenant issues; bankruptcy and consumer debt; wills; foreclosure prevention; criminal issues; divorce, custody, and child support; and more. The event is free, and no registration is required. For more information, call 410-539-5936 ext. 102 or email probono@baltimorebar.org.

Breaking Bread & Breaking the Cycle of Domestic Violence

Saturday, October 27, 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Mount Lebanon Baptist Church, 2812 Reisterstown Road

One in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. Join Senator Catherine Pugh, Northern Police District Commander Major Sabrina Tapp-Harper, Assistant State's Attorney Kelly Burrell, and Dr. Bowyer Freeman, pastor of New Saint Mark Baptist Church, for a faith-based panel discussion addressing this issue. For more information, visit www.mtlebanonbaptist.org or call 410-669-1800.

Community Pit Bull Day

Saturday, October 27, 12:00 pm-3:00 pm
Armistead Gardens Elementary, 5001 East Eager Street

Celebrate National Pit Bull Awareness Day with B-More Dog. Get free vaccines for pit bulls/mixes, or $5 Vaccines for all other dogs. Free spay/neuter signup for pit bulls/mixes (with low cost options for other dogs) will also be available. Take part in a leash and collar exchange, or "Ask the Trainer," with Pauline Houliaras, CPT. For more information, visit www.bmoredog.org or call 443-552-4920.

Day of the Dead Festival

Saturday, October 27, 12:00 pm–3:00 pm
The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles Street

During the Day of the Dead Festival (Día de los Muertos), celebrate loved ones who have passed away. Enjoy traditional Mexican dance with Bailes de Mi Tierra, live mariachi music with Mariachi Aguila, arts & crafts activities, and delicious pan de muerto (bread of the dead). And starting October 24, the museum will host a community altar where members of the public can leave items in honor of deceased loved ones. For more information, visit thewalters.org.

Howl-O-Ween

Saturday, October 27, 1:00 pm-5:00 pm
The Can Company, 2400 Boston Street

The Can Company brings back this popular dog costume competition and festival to benefit the Baltimore Humane Society. More than 100 imaginatively dressed dogs and their owners compete for prizes. Dog owners can register their pets on the day of the event. The registration fee is $20. Proceeds from the event assist the Baltimore Humane Society in providing temporary homes and care for homeless animals. For more information, visit crossstpartners.com/Howl_0_Ween.html.

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.

Hauntingdon

Saturday, October 27, 5:00 pm-8:00 pm
2900 Block of Huntingdon Avenue

Enjoy spooky fun for the whole family at Hauntingdon! The Greater Remington Improvement Association presents this annual community celebration of the year's spookiest holiday! This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.griaonline.org.

Trick-or-Treat at the Square

Sunday, October 28, 2:00 pm-5:00 pm
Belvedere Square, York Road and Belvedere Avenue

Dress up in costume, put on your dancing shoes, and head to Belvedere Square's free Halloween event. Enjoy live music, visit stores to receive sweet treats from costumed merchants, and join a student-led group dance to “Thriller" at 3:00 pm. Trick-or-treaters can paint and take home a complimentary pumpkin. For more information, visit www.belvederesquare.com.

Mind Your Business

Monday, October 29, 12:30 pm-4:30 pm
Union Mill, 1500 Union Avenue

At Mind Your Business: Financial Education for Creative Leaders of Baltimore's New Economy, get the scoop on women and minority businesses, small business resources, and contracts. Learn the difference between business entities like LLCs, nonprofits, and fiscal sponsorship. This event is free, but space is limited. For more information, or to RSVP, visit whatweekly.com/mindyourbusiness.

Employment Opportunity Day

Thursday, November 1, 8:30 am–3:00 pm
BCCC Fine Arts Building, 2901 Liberty Heights Avenue

Payne Memorial AME Church and Baltimore City Community College invite you to attend this community job fair for students and the general public. Meet employers, discover career and internship opportunities, learn from workshops, and distribute your resume. For more information, call BCCC at 410-462-8594 or contact Sarah Matthews of Payne Memorial AME at 410-963-5888.

Gotta Dance!

Friday, November 2, 6:30 pm
Baltimore School for the Arts, 712 Cathedral Street

BSA’s volunteer and young leadership group Stage One/FANS invites you to put on your dancing shoes and join BSA for a night of dancing. Whether you prefer the chorus line or the country line, you’ll find something to tap your toes to. When you've worked up a thirst, refreshments will be provided. All the fun benefits BSA’s students. Tickets are $50. For more information, visit www.bsfa.org or call 443-642-5165.

Fabulous Fashions of 1812

Sunday, November 4, 2:00 pm
Maryland Historical Society, 201 W. Monument Street

The Baltimore National Heritage Area’s 1812 Education Committee presents an inaugural 1812 fashion show and tea. The Baltimore Design School will show contemporary designs and illustrations inspired by 1812 fashion icons, such as Dolly Madison and Francis Scott Key, while the National Academy Foundation culinary school offers light fare inspired by the tastes of the early 19th Century. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased online at www.missiontix.com/events/product/15533.