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January 11, 2013
In this issue:
Mayor's Hot Links
Baltimore Snapshot
Special Notices
Stormwater Utility Fee Informational Meetings
Sewershed Improvements Public Information Meeting
PNC Transformative Art Project
Baltimore Screenwriters Competition
Nature in Neighborhoods and Parks
Upcoming Events
Unframed: Baltimore Mural Program
Great Kids Come Back Fair
Texture: The Person and Nature
Everyman Theatre Grand Opening Week
Maximize Your Brain Power
A Monument to Greatness
The Cloisters LGBT Wedding Event
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade
MLK Jr. Family Festival
Not in My Neighborhood
William and Henry Walters: Two Generations of Collectors
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Dear Friends:
 Increasing job opportunities for city residents is the central focus of my administration and a vital component of our goal to grow Baltimore by 10,000 families over the next decade. Toward this end, I have directed the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development (MOED) to engage the local business community and promote local hiring. Today I’ve asked Karen Sitnick, director of MOED, to share with you some of the ways that her agency is helping to move Baltimore forward.
“Among its wide array of responsibilities and services, the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development is responsible for implementing workforce development activities as required by the mayoral Employ Baltimore Executive Order. Signed by Mayor Rawlings-Blake in June 2011, the order requires nearly all contractors who receive city-awarded contracts of $50,000 or more to submit all job openings created by the awarded contracts to MOED so that they may be posted exclusively to local residents through Baltimore City’s one-stop career center network prior to being advertised to the general public. This gives MOED an exclusive opportunity to identify and prepare qualified city residents to be first-in-line to fill new jobs.
In addition, the Executive order requires contractors to schedule an appointment with MOED to review their workforce needs, assess their workforce plan, and determine how many jobs will be required to complete the project, how many will require new hiring, and what skills these jobs will demand. This not only improves the chances of increased local hiring, it also benefits the businesses by providing no-cost pre-screening services that result in supplying qualified job candidates. Finally, all contractors are required to submit a workforce report indicating the number of city residents on its payroll. Through October 2012, MOED has received employment reports indicating of the 3,073 workers on these contracts, 1,230 (40%) are city residents. MOED is committed to continuing to build on the Employ Baltimore initiative going forward.
The Mayor’s Executive order is just one of many initiatives underway to increase job readiness and job opportunities for City residents. Just two months ago, Mayor Rawlings-Blake announced the opening of four new Community Job Hubs. Operated by MOED, in partnership with community groups that have established a trusted presence in select neighborhoods with high unemployment, the Community Job Hubs supplement services offered at the City’s three one-stop career centers by offering no-cost job readiness computer classes, taught by professional technology trainers. The Community Job Hubs provide access to academic resources, customized skills training, employer recruitment events, job alerts, and job fairs. Residents learn to complete online job applications, expand job search techniques, and create winning resumes for 21st-century jobs.
Helping to drive all of MOED’s initiatives to build a strong workforce is the Baltimore Workforce Investment Board (BWIB), a mayorally-appointed body comprised of leading local employers, educators, and stakeholders from community and faith-based organizations, foundations, and philanthropic organizations. The BWIB’s strength and presence in the City’s business community provides that MOED’s services are business-driven and provide for effective integration to meet businesses’ needs and prepare Baltimore City’s job seekers for high-demand occupations in the industries that drive our local economy. Last year MOED’s Business Services Division assisted more than 450 local businesses meet their workforce needs through its broad menu of workforce tools and assistance.
Finally, despite significant budget challenges, Mayor Rawlings-Blake and MOED have worked hard to expand Baltimore’s nationally recognized YouthWorks summer jobs program to increase the number of direct hires by Baltimore businesses through its Hire One Youth campaign. YouthWorks annually provides more than 5,000 employment opportunities to Baltimore City’s young people ages 14 to 21, resulting in more than 15,000 six-week summer work experiences throughout the City since Feb. 2010. Last summer, nearly 300 additional jobs were provided by 81 Hire One Youth employers, and MOED is gearing up in 2013 to double the number of engaged employers. Business interested in supporting YouthWorks or joining the Mayor's Hire One Youth campaign should call 410-396-JOBS (5627) or sign up online at www.baltimorecity.gov/hireoneyouth.
Preparing Baltimore’s workforce to be successfully employed remains MOED’s primary goal. Residents are encouraged to visit our one-stop career centers and the Community Job Hubs to learn more about opportunities to develop necessary skills, expand their job search techniques, and build sustainable careers.”
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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
Baltimore Business Journal
WBFF FOX45
The Baltimore Sun
abc2news
The Baltimore Sun
Baltimore Snapshot
 City Hall is bathed in purple light to show support for the Baltimore Ravens during their fifth consecutive trip to the NFL Playoffs. Earlier this month, Mayor Rawlings-Blake urged Baltimore businesses and residents to "Light the City Purple."
Stormwater Utility Fee Informational Meetings
In November, Baltimore City residents voted to create a stormwater utility to protect the revenues of a stormwater remediation fee. Revenue from this fee will be used to improve water quality, rehabilitate aging storm drain pipes, and decrease the potential for property damage and public danger. DPW has scheduled four meetings to inform residents about the impact stormwater has on their communities and about the proposed legislation for a stormwater remediation fee. Below is a list of upcoming meetings. Doors open 15 minutes prior to the start of the meeting.
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Tuesday, January 15, 6:15 pm - 7:15 pm
St. Bernardine Roman Catholic Church, 3812 Edmondson Avenue
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Thursday, January 17, 6:15 pm - 7:15 pm
BPD Education and Training Facility, 3500 W. Northern Parkway
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January 23, 6:15 pm - 7:15 pm
Harford Senior Center, 4920 Harford Road
For more information about stormwater’s impact on Baltimore City, visit Clean Water Baltimore at www.cleanwaterbaltimore.org and click on the “surface water” tab.
Sewershed Improvements Public Information Meeting
In 2002, Baltimore entered into an agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to inspect, identify, and improve our aging water and sanitary sewer system. Phase one of the City's projects achieved countless milestones. Phase two began in the summer of 2012. This is one of the most comprehensive wastewater improvement endeavors in the City's history. The Department of Public Works will host two meetings to explain these efforts and their impact.
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Tuesday, January 15, 6:00 pm
St. Benedict Church, 2612 Wilkens Avenue
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Wednesday, January 16, 6:00 pm
Zion Church of the City of Baltimore, 400 E. Lexington Street
To RSVP, call 410-396-8966 or email publicworks@baltimorecity.gov.
PNC Transformative Art Project
The PNC Transformative Art Project returns to distribute funds to qualified neighborhood associations and community-based nonprofit groups. Funds aim to help strengthen neighborhoods through major art projects. Communities will partner with artists to permanently reinvent community spaces using art. Interested communities and artists must attend an application workshop. For more information, or to learn how to apply, visit www.promotionandarts.com or call 410-752-8632. The deadline to apply is February 15.
Baltimore Screenwriters Competition
The Baltimore Film Office at the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts is now accepting entries for the eighth annual Baltimore Screenwriters Competition. Winners will receive cash prizes, all access passes to the 2013 Maryland Film Festival, and more! Scripts will receive coverage by local screenwriters and producers, and finalists will be judged by film industry professionals. Winners will be announced at the Maryland Film Festival on Saturday, May 11. The application deadline is Wednesday, January 30, by 5:00 pm. The competition is open to all screenwriters. For more information or to obtain an application, call 410-752-8632 or visit www.baltimorefilm.com.
Nature in Neighborhoods and Parks
The Natural History Society of Maryland and the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks are looking for people who are interested in the plants, animals, and rocks in their neighborhoods. Become part of a city-wide network of community volunteers who are learning and sharing what they learn with children and the community. For more information, or to become part of the project, contact the Natural History Society of Maryland at 410-882-5376 or nhsm@verizon.net or the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks at 410-396-7012 or 443-984-4058 by January 15.
Unframed: Baltimore Mural Program
Through March 30
Top of the World Observation Level, 401 East Pratt Street
Not all artwork comes in a frame, and sometimes it is larger than life! Eighteen vivid murals from the Baltimore mural program, CityPaint, are highlighted through photography during this exhibition. CityPaint works with regional artists, neighborhood associations, and funding sources to beautify the cityscape, employ artists, increase exposure to the arts, and unite residents with neighborhood improvement projects. For more information on the Baltimore Mural Program, visit www.promotionandarts.org and click on City Arts.
Great Kids Come Back Fair
Saturday, January 12, 9:00 am-12:00 noon
BCPS District Office, 1st Floor Board Room, 200 E. North Avenue
If you are younger than 21 years old and are behind on credits or have dropped out of school, let Baltimore City Public Schools help you find a solution that works for you. The Great Kids Come Back Fair will help you discover the programs and options available to you. Additionally, the office of Enrollment, Choice and Transfers helps students find the right school all year long! For more information, call 410-396-8600 or visit www.baltimorecityschools.org/comeback.
Texture: The Person and Nature
January 11-March 9
Opening reception: Friday, January 11, 6:00 pm-9:00 pm
School 33 Art Center, 1427 Light Street
School 33 Art Center presents “Texture: The Person and Nature,” curated by Jan Hanvik, executive director of the Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural and Educational Center on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. This exhibition features works that merge the nature that is inside the human with the nature that is outside the human--yet not really outside. The gallery is open Wednesdays through Saturdays, 12:00 noon-6:00 pm. For more information, call 443-263-4350 or visit www.school33.org.
Everyman Theatre Grand Opening Week
January 14-January 20, All Day
Everyman Theatre, 315 W. Fayette Street
Everyman Theatre celebrates the grand opening of its new theater on Downtown's west side with a weeklong celebration. The week kicks off with a ribbon cutting and the Baltimore premiere of 2008 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning play, August: Osage County. The celebration continues Tuesday with Pay What You Can Night, and Friday marks opening night with a pre-show reception and post-show VIP cast party. For more information and a list of additional events, visit everymantheatre.org.
Maximize Your Brain Power
Wednesday, January 16, 12:00 noon-1:00 pm
201 E. Baltimore Street, 1st Floor Montebello Suite
The Baltimore City Department of Human Resources hosts this free workshop as part of its 2013 Lunch and Learn Series. Gain a greater understanding of what memory is, how it works, and how to prevent memory loss. Speakers will help you develop ways to maintain memory health and performance to enhance your work and personal life. To register, visit www.cityofbaltimorewellness.com. For more information, please contact Sheri Artz at 410-396-1411 or sheriartz@baltimorecity.gov or Julie Colucci at 443-984-3816 or julie.colucci@baltimorecity.gov.
A Monument to Greatness
Friday, January 18, 9:00 am - 10:30 am
Weinberg Family Center Y, 900 E. 33rd Street
The Y of Central Maryland celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with this annual tribute. Join speakers Harry E. Johnson, CEO of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, and Adam Jones, All Star center fielder for the Baltimore Orioles. All proceeds from the event will benefit Y programs for vulnerable youth. A light breakfast will be served. For more information, visit www.ymaryland.org.
The Cloisters LGBT Wedding Event
Saturday, January 19, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm or 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm
The Cloisters, 10440 Falls Road
The Cloisters hosts this two-part event. During the panel discussion, hear from attorneys, accountants, real estate and insurance agents, estate planners, and officiants. These experts are on-hand to answer questions about Maryland's new marriage equality legislation and the rights afforded to legally-married couples. The wedding expo allows couples to meet vendors who are supportive and experienced in working with same-sex ceremonies. Space is limited, and registration is required. For more information or to register, contact Annie Applegarth of The Cloisters at 410-821-7448 or AApplegarth@promotionandarts.org. For more information on The Cloisters, visit www.cloisterscastle.com.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade
Saturday, January 19, 12:00 noon
Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard, Steps off at Eutaw Street
Baltimore City commemorates the life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and honors those who are continuing his legacy. Come and celebrate with marching bands, color guards, steppers, equestrian units, dance squads and civic organizations. Due to the 2013 presidential inauguration, this year's parade will be held the Saturday before Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade is presented by Forman Mills. For more information, visit www.promotionandarts.com.
MLK Jr. Family Festival
Monday, January 21, 10:00 am–4:00 pm
The Walters Art Museum, 600 North Charles Street
Come together to celebrate the life and achievements of one of our nation’s greatest heroes, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Enjoy theatrical and musical performances that reflect on the importance of free speech and diverse communities. Share your dreams, personal heroes, and stories through art and collaborative activities. Don’t miss one of The Walters' most popular festivals. For more information, visit thewalters.org.
Not in My Neighborhood
Friday February 1, 12:00 noon - 1:00 pm
City Hall, Hyman Aaron Pressman Board Room, 100 N. Holliday Street
In commemoration of Black History Month, the February installments of It’s More Than History, a brown bag lecture series on Baltimore's history, honor the legacy of African Americans. Reporter and best-selling author Antero Pietila discusses how segregation and redlining shaped neighborhoods in Baltimore. Bring your favorite brown bag lunch and a photo ID for entry.
William and Henry Walters: Two Generations of Collectors
Sunday, February 3, 2:00 pm–3:00 pm
The Walters Art Museum, 600 North Charles Street
Join The Walters Curator Emeritus At Large William R. Johnston as he explores the history and legacy of two of Baltimore’s most famous art collectors. This lecture is part of The Walters' “Mount Vernon Place: The Genesis of Art Collecting in Baltimore" lecture series. Registration is $15, and pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, visit www.garrettjacobsmansion.org/friends-of-gjm/friends-programs.
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