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Issue #160
April 12, 2013
In this issue:
Don't Miss:
Appalachian Spring Festival
Now through April 16
Mayor's Hot Links
Baltimore Snapshot
Special Notices
Baltimore's Top Neighborhood Moms and Top Neighborhood Dads Nominations
Aprons in Action: Vote for Baltimore Station
Baltimore Online Citizen Survey
Encuesta Ciudadana de Baltimore 2013
Upcoming Events
Appalachian Spring Festival
Activate Your Inner Citizen Spring University
G. Krug & Son Ironworks Museum Open House
Community Pit Bull Day
Baltimore Builds: Purchasing City-Owned Property
Roommate Speed Date
Take a Hike!
Fell's Point Privateer Festival
Spring Into Action: Mayor's Spring Cleanup
Lotta Art
Morgan Park & Wilson Park: Historic African American Neighborhoods
Prettyboy Day: Celebration of Our Reservoir and Watersheds
Federal Hill Spring Block Party
Celebrating Abilities Annual Dinner
A Day to Play
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 This week, I joined City Schools CEO Andrés A. Alonso, School Board Chair Neil E. Duke, Maryland Stadium Authority Executive Director Michael J. Frenz, education advocates, and elected officials to discuss the details of the proposed Baltimore City Public School Construction and Revitalization Act of 2013, which was authorized by the Maryland General Assembly during the 2013 session, pending Governor Martin O’Malley’s signature.
The Baltimore City Public Schools Construction and Revitalization Act represents the most important legislative achievement for the city in decades. Under this school construction program—unique to Baltimore City—the City of Baltimore, state government, and City Schools provide approximately $60 million annually to finance up to $1.1 billion in School Construction and Renovation Bonds, issued by the Maryland Stadium Authority.
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 I applaud Governor O’Malley, Senate President Miller, and House Speaker Busch for their critical support. This landmark bill not only represents one of the most significant legislative achievements for the City of Baltimore in modern history, it also represents a renewal in the partnership between the city and the state. Our vision of growing Baltimore by 10,000 families depends greatly on our ability to improve public education, and this landmark achievement will help us ensure that Baltimore’s best days are ahead.
The funding is expected to support construction of as many as 15 new replacement schools and more than 30 significantly renovated schools within 10 years. The initiative is supported by a doubling of city funding for school construction over historic levels and by state lottery proceeds phased in over 3-years.
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 Once established, the program requires a four-way memorandum of understanding with the City of Baltimore, City Schools, the Maryland Stadium Authority, and the Interagency Committee on School Construction (IAC). The four-way MOU, which must be completed by October 31, 2013, lays out the roles and responsibilities of each of the parties involved in funding and implementing the 10-year buildings plan. The Maryland Stadium Authority will oversee the financing of the plan and partner with City Schools to carry out the actual building renovations and replacements. Construction should begin in the 2014-15 school year.
On a related note, I recently sat down with Montgomery County Councilmember Valerie Ervin for a discussion about her No Boundaries program. Our conversation focused on life, politics, and my vision for Baltimore, and on our common goals of improving schools, reducing crime, and growing our neighborhoods. It was a terrific opportunity to speak with a colleague who understands that every jurisdiction in Maryland is connected, and that leaders must work to support growth throughout the state.
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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
WJZ
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The Baltimore Sun
The Baltimore Sun
The Baltimore Sun
Baltimore Snapshot
 The tugboat Annabelle Dorothy Moran cruises on Baltimore's Harbor, heading toward the unmistakable sight of the Domino Sugars sign on an unseasonably warm, lazy spring day. Photo by Mark Dennis.
Baltimore's Top Neighborhood Moms & Dads Nominations
Do you have a neighbor who should be honored for the strength with which they lead your community? If you know someone who is giving back where you live, ask your neighborhood association to nominate your top neighborhood moms and top neighborhood dads. The person does not have to be a parent, just a caretaker of the community. If chosen, they will join Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake at the Top Neighborhood Moms luncheon in May—just in time for Mother's Day, or the Top Neighborhood Dads luncheon in June—just in time for Father's Day. Nomination forms are available online: Top Moms form, Top Dads form.
Aprons in Action: Vote for Baltimore Station
Throughout April, The Baltimore Station—a residential recovery program that helps homeless veterans bound by drug and alcohol addiction become self-sufficient—is enlisting your help to win a $25,000 gift card from The Home Depot. Vote each day in The Home Depot Foundation’s Aprons in Action Facebook contest—and don't forget to share the contest with all your friends! To vote, visit www.baltimorestation.org/vote and click on The Baltimore Station.
Baltimore Online Citizen Survey
The annual Baltimore Citizen Survey aims to identify trends and attitudes regarding quality of life indicators and City services. Survey results will be used to inform and enhance program planning and policy development across all City agencies. The online survey is an unscientific collection of responses that supplements the randomly selected telephone survey. Check out the survey any time between April 1 and June 1. Don't miss this simple opportunity to offer feedback on the City services you rely on every day!
Encuesta Ciudadana de Baltimore 2013
La Encuesta Ciudadana Anual de Baltimore tiene como objetivo identificar las tendencias en el comportamiento y actitudes de las personas relacionadas con indicadores de calidad de vida y los servicios de la Ciudad. Los resultados de la encuesta se utilizarán para informar y mejorar la planificación de programas y desarrollo de políticas en oficinas municipales. La encuesta en internet es una colección no científica de las respuestas. Esto permitirá crear servicios gubernamentales con mayor énfasis, más eficientes y más sensibles a las necesidades de la ciudadanía. Por favor, visite sitio web de la Ciudad para tomar la encuesta en cualquier momento entre el 1ro de abril y 1ro de junio.
Appalachian Spring Festival
Through April 16
Various Locations
Appalachian Spring is considered one of the most important evocations of American art. Baltimore School for the Arts (BSA) is pleased to celebrate the iconic Martha Graham ballet and Aaron Copland score with a week-long festival that includes the first-ever high school performance of the ballet, a family fun day, a music concert, demonstrations and discussions, and free matinees for Baltimore City public school students. For more information about the Appalachian Spring Festival, visit www.bsfa.org.
Activate Your Inner Citizen Spring University
Saturday, April 13, 9:00 am – 12:45 pm
Coppin State University Health and Human Sciences Center, 2500 West North Avenue
CPHA's Activate Your Inner Citizen (AYIC) series promotes community collaboration and teaches the skills you need to organize your community for positive change. Nonprofit Experts and government officials will teach classes about writing dynamic newsletters, grant writing, social media and websites for community associations, Baltimore's new zoning code, running community meetings, engaging youth, and much more. Call 410-539-1369 ext. 107 or visit www.cphabaltimore.org/university for details.
G. Krug & Son Ironworks Museum Open House
Saturday, April 13, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
G. Krug & Son Ironworks, 415 West Saratoga Street
The G. Krug & Son Ironworks and Museum is committed to preserving and interpreting the history of America's oldest functioning ironworks. Part of the Bromo Tower A&E District, G. Krug & Son presents the iron factory and the Krug family history through educational activities, programs, publications, and exhibits. The open house is free, but space is limited. Please RSVP via Facebook.
Community Pit Bull Day
Saturday, April 13, 12:00 noon – 3:00 pm
Franklin Square Elementary/Middle School Field, 1400 West Lexington Street
Get free vaccines for pit bulls/mixes, or $5 Vaccines for all other dogs (no small breeds less than 20 lbs.) while supplies last. 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, email b_moredog@yahoo.com, or call 443-552-4920.
Baltimore Builds: Purchasing City-Owned Property
Wednesday, April 17, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
John Eager Howard Recreation Center, 2100 Brookfield Avenue
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.
Roommate Speed Date
Thursday, April 18, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Fitzgerald, 1201 West Mt. Royal Avenue
Looking for a roommate? Leave your romantic notions at the door, and meet your match for a harmonious and cost-saving living arrangement. Live Baltimore hosts this speed dating-inspired event, designed to match savvy Baltimore City residents (or future residents) with like-minded roommates to split living expenses. The event will include food, drinks, and timed face-to-face sessions with potential roommates. Space is limited. For more information or to register, visit www.livebaltimore.com/roommate.
Take a Hike!
Friday, April 19, 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm
City Hall, 100 North Holliday Street
Enjoy the Spring weather with a guided walking tour hosted by a Baltimore National Heritage Area urban ranger. The roughly-one-hour walk will cover highlights from the Heritage Walk and Cultural Walk heritage trails. The tour will begin in front of City Hall. Take a Hike! is part of the It's More Than History! lecture series, presented by Baltimore National Heritage Area. For more information, call 410-878-6411.
Fell's Point Privateer Festival
April 19 – 21, All Day
Fell's Point, Broadway to Wolfe Street
Celebrate the maritime history of Fell's Point! Join Fell's Point Main Street to honor the patriotic privateer fleet and celebrate sailing lore and pirate fantasy with a weekend full of family-friendly activities. Gain a glimpse into the history of the War of 1812, board and tour tall ships including the Pride of Baltimore II, witness a live "battle at sea," stroll the craft & food market, and much more! For more information, visit www.fellspointmainstreet.org/privateerfest.html.
Spring Into Action: Mayor's Spring Cleanup
Saturday, April 20, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Your Neighborhood
Join Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and "Spring Into Action" with the annual Mayor's Spring Cleanup. Communities wishing to participate should call 311 to register and confirm their designated pick-up point. A limited supply of tools will be available, so register early. Clean streets and clean neighborhoods mean a cleaner Baltimore for everyone! For more information, call 311.
Lotta Art
Saturday, April 20, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Silo Point, 1200 Steuart Street
School 33 Art Center’s 21st annual Lotta Art Benefit returns with a drawing for original artwork, delectable food and wine, and live music. Proceeds support School 33 Art Center, an institution that has championed the arts in Baltimore for more than 30 years. Tickets are on sale now. Artwork featured in the fundraiser can be previewed on School 33 Art Center’s website and at Silo Point beginning on Saturday, April 13. For more information, call 443-263-4350 or visit www.school33.org.
Baltimore Builds: Small Developers Workshop
Updated: Tuesday, April 23, 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.
Morgan Park & Wilson Park: Historic African American Neighborhoods
Friday, April 26, 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm
City Hall, Hyman Aaron Pressman Board Room, 100 N. Holliday Street
Morgan State University assistant professor of architecture Dale Glenwood Green explores the impact of the development of the Morgan State University campus on the surrounding area. Discover a story of race, place, and time—and the “separate but equal” status accorded these Baltimore neighborhoods. Morgan Park & Wilson Park is part of the It's More Than History! lecture series, presented by Baltimore National Heritage Area. For more information, call 410-878-6411.
Prettyboy Day: A Celebration of Our Reservoir and Watershed Lands
Saturday, April 27, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Prettyboy Dam, 18100 Prettyboy Dam Road, Parkton
Celebrate the 10th annual Baltimore Green Week at beautiful Prettyboy Dam. Explore exhibits, tour the dam and surrounding forests, participate in plantings, and learn about local flora and fauna. For more information, call 410-545-6541 or email publicworks@baltimorecity.gov.
Federal Hill Spring Block Party
Sunday, April 28, 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
East Cross Street, between Charles and Light Streets
Ready to celebrate spring? Join the entire Federal Hill community for the annual Spring Block Party. Kick off the festival season with live music on two stages, food & drink, and arts & crafts. Admission is $5. To avoid parking hassles, take the Charm City Circulator Purple Line to Cross Street Market. For more information, go to www.historicfederalhill.org, email admin@historicfederalhill.org, or call 410-727-4500.
Celebrating Abilities Annual Dinner
Saturday, May 4, from 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Oriole Park at Camden Yards
The League for People with Disabilities will host its annual dinner, Celebrating Abilities, to recognize and honor the contributions of advocates who positively impact the community of people with disabilities. This year's honorees include Andrew Slutkin, Walt “The Wizard” Williams, The Abell Foundation, The Downtown Sailing Center, and Barbara Young, M.D. Tickets are $125 and can be purchased online or by phone. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.leagueforpeople.org or call 410-323-0500.
A Day to Play
Saturday, May 11, 2013, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Wyman Park Ball Fields, Sisson Street and Wyman Park Drive
Greater Homewood Community Corporation presents A Day to Play, an afternoon of fun, food, games, and prizes. Enjoy all-day field games, including three-legged races, cornhole, dodgeball, basketball, hula hooping, and more. Compete for incredible prizes in Race Thru Remington, which challenges players to find clues at local restaurants, businesses, and residences. Softball teams can sign up for the Day to Play slow-pitch tournament. Remington residents receive discounted admission. To register for A Day to Play, or for more information, visit www.greaterhomewood.org.
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