The Rawlings-Blake Review #156: Ready to Work for You

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March 8, 2013


In this issue:

Mayor's Hot Links

Baltimore Snapshot

Special Notices
YouthWorks Preregistration Deadline

Bromo Tower A&E District Crosswalk Project

Recreation and Parks Camp Registration

Baltimore CASH Campaign Tax Preparation

Upcoming Events
Finding Your Path to Breast Health

Cylburn Arboretum Events Open House

Shamrock Shindig

St. Patrick Parade

Baltimore Builds: Purchasing City-Owned Property

Friends of Fort McHenry Bull & Oyster Roast

Monk's Moods: A Tribute to Thelonious Monk

Baltimore Builds: Permits 101

Friends of Druid Hill Park Work Day

Nature Gathering: Vernal Pools

The Enchanted Forest Springs Again

Historic Walking Tour of Druid Hill Park

Baltimore Builds: Small Developers Workshop

IMAGE: The launch of Employ Baltimore – Ready to Work for You

Creating a strong workforce system that connects qualified, job-seeking residents with local employers looking to hire is an essential element of our goal to grow Baltimore by 10,000 families. Such an effort will only be successful if we all come together for this cause. This week, Council President Bernard C. “Jack” Young and local workforce development leaders from business, government, and nonprofit organizations joined us to announce the launch of Employ Baltimore – Ready to Work for You, Baltimore’s new collaborative campaign to connect qualified local job seekers with employers looking to fill job openings.

Coordinated by the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development (MOED) with direction from the business-driven Baltimore Workforce Investment Board (BWIB), Employ Baltimore – Ready to Work for You is an easy way for businesses to save time and resources by finding pre-screened and qualified job seekers ready to work and contribute to their companies’ success. Now, employers will be able to tap into a pool of pre-screened, job-ready residents to fill their job openings quickly and with confidence.

Populated by a diverse workforce partner network comprised of regional training vendors and educational institutions, the Ready to Work for You talent pool is comprised of residents who meet or exceed minimum qualifications, including each of the criteria listed in BWIB’s recently-created 21st Century Job Readiness Standards.

In addition to meeting the job readiness standards, all job seekers recommended to employers will have work experience, have earned a high school diploma (at minimum), and have successfully participated in a personal pre-screening interview with MOED professional staff or with a formal workforce partner organization. Many of the recommended job seekers have obtained accreditation in growth industries, such as health care, information technology, or sustainable green energy.

Employers begin the process by submitting job openings online by downloading a job posting application, found in the Business Services section of MOED’s website (www.oedworks.com) and emailing the completed application to business@oedworks.com. Employers can also complete their job order by calling 443-984-3014, faxing the application to 410-361-9648, or mailing it to MOED Business Services, 3001 E. Madison Street, Baltimore, MD 21205.

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


Baltimore mayor calls emergency cabinet meeting on federal budget cuts

abc2news

City community gets needed grocery store

WBALTV

Red Line's environmental plan gains federal approval

The Baltimore Sun

Renovation of Columbus School begins, will become 50 affordable units

The Baltimore Sun


Baltimore Snapshot


IMAGE: Breaking ground for the rehabilitation of Columbus School #99

 This week, Mayor Rawlings-Blake helped break ground at the historic building that once housed Columbus School #99—now more than 120 years old. The new Columbus School Apartments will yield 68,000 square feet of renovated space and offer modern one- and two-bedroom apartments. The project meets Baltimore City Green Building standards and will achieve Leadership in Energy Environmental Design (LEED) Silver designation. 


Special Notices


YouthWorks Preregistration Deadline

Baltimore City youth interested in a summer job through YouthWorks must preregister by Friday, March 15. To be a YouthWorks employee, you must be a Baltimore City resident between the ages of 14 and 21. March 15 is also the deadline for local organizations interested in acting as a YouthWorks worksite. To apply for a summer job or to be a YouthWorks worksite, use your current email address to create an account at youthworks.oedworks.com, then complete and submit the online pre-registration form. For more information, visit the website or call 410-545-1820.

Bromo Tower A&E District Crosswalk Project

The Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts is looking for artists to beautify the Bromo Tower Arts & Entertainment District. Artists will help replace old crosswalks in the area to offer something with a more artistic flair—that can also be compliant with traffic and safety regulations! Check out the RFP at www.baltimorearts.org.

Recreation and Parks Camp Registration

Registration is now open for Baltimore City Recreation and Parks summer camp programs. Camp Baltimore (ages 5-12) offers art, fitness, swimming, trips, and more. Specialty camps (ages 5-14) allow youth to focus on a particular area of interest. Basketball, karate, RecTech, swimming, and tennis are just a few of the specialty camps offered. Therapeutic Camp (ages 5-21) offers youth with disabilities the complete summer camp experience. Most camps offer before- and after-care and participate in the summer meals program. For more information, call 410-396-7900.

Baltimore CASH Campaign Tax Preparation

The Baltimore CASH Campaign strives to provide working families access to the tools and services they need to maximize their earning dollars. Free services are provided to taxpayers with incomes under $50,000 and single taxpayers (no dependents) with incomes under $25,000. Visit a free tax preparation site to see what you may qualify for. Trained and certified volunteers will prepare and e-file your taxes for free, and even help you set up direct deposit for a faster refund. For more information, visit www.baltimorecashcampaign.org.


Upcoming Events


Finding Your Path to Breast Health

Saturday, March 9, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm (check-in at 7:30 am)
New Psalmist Baptist Church, 6020 Marian Drive

The Maryland Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure hosts this free symposium. Join master of ceremonies Kelly Swoope, co-anchor and health reporter for abc2news, and a host of expert presenters and panelists. Learn to make healthy choices to reduce your risk of breast cancer, hear from local survivors and breast health experts, and connect with valuable community resources. The event is free, but registration by Friday, March 1 is required. For more information or to register, visit www.komenmd.org or call 410-938-8990.

Cylburn Arboretum Events Open House

Sunday, March 10, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The Vollmer Center at Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Avenue

Stop by The Vollmer Center at Cylburn Arboretum to learn about venues at the arboretum, including the Vollmer Center, the historic Mansion, and the enchanting gardens, as well as options at The Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Gardens in Druid Hill Park. Vendors will be on hand to discuss your needs for catering, florals, hotel accommodations, music, and equipment rentals. Event coordinators will discuss making your event unforgettable at Cylburn Arboretum and The Rawlings Conservatory. For more information, call 410-396-4860 or email laurie.boswell@baltimorecity.gov.

Shamrock Shindig

Sunday, March 10, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Pierce’s Park, Inner Harbor Pier Five

The Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore hosts this St. Patrick’s Day event with live music, food trucks, and activities for the whole family. Admission to the event is free, but food, drinks, and some activities have an associated cost. This year, visitors can purchase a $5 Shamrock Alley ticket, which includes two crafts, cookie decorating, and all the gear they'll need for the 2:00 pm parade, including shamrock derby hats, pins, beads, and Irish flags. For more information or to RSVP, visit www.waterfrontpartnership.org.

St. Patrick Parade

UPDATED: Sunday, March 10, 2:00 pm
Charles Street (from W. Centre Street) and Pratt Street (to Inner Harbor)

Baltimore’s St. Patrick Parade is truly the jewel in Maryland’s emerald crown. For more than 50 years, thousands of spectators from the region have crowded the streets and sidewalks of downtown Baltimore and the famous Inner Harbor to watch thousands more march and celebrate Irish culture, music, song, and dance. For more information, visit irishparade.net.

Baltimore Builds: Purchasing City-Owned Property

Wednesday, March 13, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Enoch Pratt Free Library Wheeler Auditorium, 400 Cathedral Street

Join Baltimore Housing for a step-by-step workshop to learn about the process of purchasing vacant buildings and lots owned by Baltimore City. Admission is free, but seating is limited. Pre-registration is required. For more information about the Baltimore Builds Workshop Series, or to register, call 410-396-4111 or email V2V@baltimorecity.gov. For more information about Vacants to Value, visit www.baltimorehousing.org.

Friends of Fort McHenry Bull & Oyster Roast

Wednesday, March 13, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Frederick Douglass - Isaac Myers Maritime Park, 1417 Thames Street

Join the Friends of Fort McHenry for their 9th Annual Bull & Oyster Roast. Support the fort and its educational programs & activities. Feast on Ryleigh's Oysters, pit beef, chowder, and more. Enjoy refreshments including soft drinks, wine and Heavy Seas Beer. The event also includes a silent auction and raffle. Tickets are $55 in advance or $60 at the door. For more information, visit www.friendsoffortmchenry.org.

Monk’s Moods: A Tribute to Thelonious Monk

Friday, March 15, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Germano’s Trattoria, 300 South High Street

Cold Spring Jazz Quartet blends traditional jazz with contemporary panache. The group’s latest show, does just that with a tribute to the work of Thelonious Monk, one of jazz’s true eccentrics and greatest composers. Tickets are $10 per person. Doors open at 6:00 pm for pre-show dining. Call 410-752-4515 to make a reservation or purchase tickets in advance. For more information about Cold Spring Jazz Quartet, visit www.coldspringjazz.com.

Baltimore Builds: Permits 101

Saturday, March 16, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Baltimore Housing Permits Office, 417 E. Fayette Street, Room 100

Join Baltimore Housing to learn about the permit process to rehab a home. Visit actual permit stations and obtain valuable information about required permits, fees, and more. Admission is free, but seating is limited. Pre-registration is required. For more information about the Baltimore Builds Workshop Series, or to register, call 410-396-4111 or email V2V@baltimorecity.gov. For more information about Vacants to Value, visit www.baltimorehousing.org.

Friends of Druid Hill Park Work Day

Saturday, March 16, 9:00 am – 12:00 noon
Druid Hill Park

Join the Friends of Druid Hill Park and participate in this month's weeding and trash cleanup project. All necessary instruction and equipment—as well as snacks and water—will be provided. Participants should meet at the Gwynns Falls entrance at the Gwynns Falls entrance Arches. For more information, contact the Friends at friendsofdruidhillpark@gmail.com.

Nature Gathering: Vernal Pools

Sunday, March 17, 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Maryland Naturalist Center, 6908 Belair Road

Don’t miss out on The Natural History Society of Maryland's fascinating examination of the animals that inhabit vernal pools—environments created when springtime rains and snow melt collect in depressions in the ground. For a closer look, microscopes and magnifying lenses will be provided. Participants are encouraged to bring photos of vernal pools and wildlife for analysis by naturalists. For more information, call 410-882-5376 or visit the event page.

The Enchanted Forest Springs Again

March 23 – April 7
Sneak Peek: Friday, March 22, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Gardens, Druid Hill Park

"The Enchanted Forest Springs Again" during this year's spring flower show, inspired by the historic Enchanted Forest in Ellicott City and presented in collaboration with Clarks Elioak Farm—current home to many original Enchanted Forest buildings. Thousands of spring blossoms will surround fanciful characters to bring back childhood memories. The flower show is free, with a suggested donation. Join the fun and share your Enchanted Forest memories on the Rawlings Conservatory Facebook page!

The March 22 preview fundraiser offers light fare and a first viewing of the display. Preview tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door.

Historic Walking Tour of Druid Hill Park

Sunday, March 24, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Druid Hill Park, Gwynns Falls entrance

Join the Friends of Druid Hill Park on a Historic Walking Tour of Druid Hill Park. This major 745 acre urban park of is one of the oldest urban parks in the country. Only Central Park in New York City (1858) and Fairmont Park in Philadelphia (1859) pre-date Druid Hill Park! Tours begin at the Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Gardens, located at the Gwynns Falls entrance to Druid Hill Park. This tour includes significant walking. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online. For more information, contact the Friends at friendsofdruidhillpark@gmail.com.

Baltimore Builds: Small Developers Workshop

Monday, March 25, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The Vollmer Center at Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Avenue

Join Baltimore Housing for a specialized class to learn how you can invest in Baltimore City properties, where to find investment funding, and tips for creating your financial portfolio. Admission is free, but seating is limited. Pre-registration is required. For more information about the Baltimore Builds Workshop Series, or to register, call 410-396-4111 or email V2V@baltimorecity.gov. For more information about Vacants to Value, visit www.baltimorehousing.org.