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Issue #165
May 17, 2013
In this issue:
Don't Miss:
May 17, 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Metro Gallery, 1700 North Charles Street
Mayor's Hot Links
Baltimore Snapshot
Special Notices
Y of Central Maryland Send a Kid to Camp Campaign
Baltimore's Top Neighborhood Dads Nominations
Upcoming Events
Summer Sounds at the Square
Sound Off Live!
Delta Sigma Theta Honors Baltimore's Civil Rights Pioneers
Baltimore Museum Week
Baltimore Builds Workshop
Baltimore Community Credit Improvement Program
MOED Securitas Recruitment
Target America Exhibit Community Leader Meeting
Bowling for BARCS
Jazz&Blues Wine&Art Festival
Senior Partnership Summit
Baltimore Housing Father's Day Celebration
Vacants to Value: Baltimore Builds Expo
To request a listing for your event, send all the details to neal.gary@baltimorecity.gov.
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 A strong and sustainable 21st century economy can only be built from the bottom up. And today, with President Barack Obama’s visit to Baltimore, it is this fact that drove us to join with him to renew a call for Congress to focus on common-sense investments that create middle-class job opportunities now and reward America's economic future.
Here in Baltimore, when it comes to economic development and jobs, the future of our local economy is heavily dependent on three critically important areas that require continued, targeted investments: public education, infrastructure, and job skills and readiness. We understand that key investments in these areas will not only support immediate job creation but will also lay the foundation for a strong and viable economy going forward—an economy in which middle-class families can dig out and get ahead; an economy in which future generations will find opportunity.
Public education is a cornerstone of a growing city and a sustainable economy. On Thursday, I joined Gov. Martin O'Malley as he signed into law a historic $1.1 billion effort to modernize Baltimore's aging school buildings. The plan is supported by a doubling of city funding for school construction and renovation. New investment in the infrastructure of our public schools supports immediate job creation while improving the environments in which our children learn and grow. At the federal level, President Obama has proposed a budget this year that makes a significant new commitment for early childhood education and focuses new investments on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education to prepare our students for the jobs of tomorrow.
The roads, rails, bridges, ports and airports that make up the nation's transportation network are the backbone of our economy. Without reliable and efficient means to transport goods and people, our economy will be fettered. This year, Maryland made tough choices to invest dedicated funding for the improvement of our highways and public transit—including the proposed Baltimore Red Line. Now, Congress must act to support President Obama's Rebuild America Partnership and his proposed National Infrastructure Bank, which will leverage private-sector investment to bolster America's infrastructure—including transportation projects of national and regional significance. This is a bipartisan idea that deserves the support of Republicans in the House of Representatives.
As we invest in infrastructure to keep our economy moving, we must also do what we can to ensure that citizens are able to gain new skills to keep pace with the ever-changing demands of the labor market and global competition. In Baltimore, we have created four new Community Job Hubs that offer no-cost job readiness computer classes taught by professional technology trainers, as well as access to academic resources, customized skills training, employer recruitment events, job alerts and job fairs. President Obama's commitment to preparing citizens for long-term employment is captured in the Skills for America's Future initiative, which is developing partnerships between schools (such as Baltimore City Community College) and industry leaders to ensure that students are gaining the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in the work force.
President Obama visited Baltimore today to highlight the nexus between these critical investments and creating an economy that is built to last. As mayor, I am proud that President Obama chose to visit Baltimore to showcase policies that can succeed and to remind Congress that the federal government has an important role to play in ensuring that our economy moves forward.
It is local Baltimore businesses like Ellicott Dredges that are on the front line of our nation's drive to become world leaders in industrial innovation. For almost 130 years, Ellicott Dredges has built the machines that allow commerce to travel by boat to every port in the world. Recently, it invested millions to retain its competitive edge and to continue providing good-paying jobs.
We need Congress to support job growth and innovation in America's cities. If Congress takes meaningful action, we can reward the future by creating better-paying and more stable middle-class jobs for all Americans.
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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
The Baltimore Sun
The Baltimore Sun
The Baltimore Sun
Baltimore Snapshot
 Summer is just around the corner, and Baltimore's skyline shines brightly. Residents are proud of Baltimore's beautiful communities like this East Baltimore neighborhood. To learn more about Baltimore's diverse communities, visit www.livebaltimore.com. Photography by Mark Dennis.
Y of Central Maryland Send a Kid to Camp Campaign
The Y of Central Maryland and Honorary Chair Adam Jones, center fielder for the Baltimore Orioles, are pleased to announce the 2013 Send a Kid to Camp campaign. Send a Kid to Camp aims to ensure that all children have the opportunity to be productively, safely, and happily engaged during the summer months. From outdoor sports to science, Y Journeys camps offer fun activities for kids that help prepare them to return to school ready to learn. For more information or to learn how you can help Send a Kid to Camp, visit www.ymaryland.org/giving-back/send-a-child-to-camp.
Baltimore's Top Neighborhood Dads Nominations
Do you have a neighbor who should be honored for the strength with which they lead your community? If you know a man who is giving back where you live, ask your neighborhood association to nominate your top neighborhood dad. The person does not have to be a parent, just a caretaker of the community. If chosen, he will join Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake at the Top Neighborhood Dads luncheon in June—just in time for Father's Day. The nomination form is available online.
Summer Sounds at the Square
Every Friday, May 17 – August 30, 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Belvedere Square, York Road and Belvedere Avenue
Belvedere Square brings back the summer’s hottest concert series for a tenth season! Enjoy a festive atmosphere with live music from the region's hottest bands and special offerings from the merchants of Belvedere Square. Concerts are free and open to the public. For a complete schedule of performances and dining options, visit www.belvederesquare.com. Concerts will be cancelled if it rains; for updates, visit Belvedere Square on Facebook.
Sound Off Live!
Friday, May 17, 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Metro Gallery, 1700 North Charles Street
Artscape may be 10 weeks away, but you can preview some of the festival’s great music now. At Sound Off Live!, you can watch as local music groups vie for a performance slot at this year’s Artscape. Twenty-five groups have been chosen for this battle of the bands. The event is free and open to everyone 18 years old and up. Winners will be announced at the Artscape press conference on Tuesday, May 28. For more information or a list of performances, call 410-752-8632 or visit www.artscape.org.
Delta Sigma Theta Honors Baltimore's Civil Rights Pioneers
Sunday, May 19, 3:00 pm
The Former Read's Drug Store, Howard and Lexington Streets
The women of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority pay tribute to Baltimore’s civil rights pioneers at the location of the historic 1955 Read’s Drug Store sit-in. Join Delta as it recognizes those who participated in the sit-in and other Baltimore protests from 1955-1963. The event will also honor Delta's 16th national president, Dr. Thelma T. Daley, and conclude with an honorary street naming for sorority co-founder and community activist Vashti Turley Murphy. For more information, email baltimoretorchtourpr@gmail.com or call 814-449-9553.
Baltimore Museum Week
May 19 – 24
Various Locations
Baltimore’s museums and cultural attractions will take center stage in May, when museum professionals from across the globe descend on the city for the American Alliance of Museums’ (AAM) Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo, and Baltimore’s cultural community is rolling out the red carpet to celebrate our extraordinary museums and attractions. Explore Baltimore with experiences including behind-the-scenes museum tours, a Mount Vernon walking tour, an outdoor art festival in Druid Hill Park, and buy one, get one free admission to twenty of the city's museums and attractions. For more information, visit baltimore.org/museumweek.
Baltimore Builds: Using FHA 203(k) for Rehab Financing
Wednesday, May 22, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
1601 N. Baker Street
Come learn about HUD’s 203(k) program for rehab financing, which allows participants to purchase a home with finances included to make repairs and improvements. Admission to this workshop is free, but seating is limited and 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/vacants_to_value.
Baltimore Community Credit Improvement Program
Do you have credit issues? Baltimore Community Action Partnership urges you get free credit report reviews, credit counseling, one on one case management, and credit workshops—right in your community!
Southern Community Action Center, 606 Cherry Hill Road
Wednesday, May 22, 10:00 am–2:00 pm
For more information or to register, call 410-545-6518.
Northwest Community Action Center, 3939 Reisterstown Road
Tuesday, May 28, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
For more information or to register, call 410-545-0900.
Southeast Community Action Center, 3411 Bank Street
Wednesday, May 29, 10:00 am–2:00 pm
For more information or to register, call 443-984-1384.
Northern Community Action Center, 5225 York Road
Thursday, May 30, 10:00 am–2:00 pm
For more information or to register, call 410-396-6084.
MOED Securitas Recruitment
Thursday, May 23, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Bon Secours Community Works, 26 N. Fulton Avenue
Come learn about a hiring opportunity for Baltimore residents, brought to you by the Mayor's Office of Employment Development Community Job Hubs and Bon Secours Community Works. Securitas Security Services is in need of security officers. Candidates must be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, be able to pass a criminal background check, and have reliable transportation. Previous security or military experience is a plus. For more information, or to confirm your attendance, call 410-362-3800.
Target America Exhibit Community Leader Meeting
Thursday, May 23, 10:00 am
Maryland Science Center IMAX Theater, 601 Light Street
The Target America exhibit steering committee invites community leaders and students to join them to learn about this upcoming exhibit and offer feedback for its success. The exhibit, presented by the Drug Enforcement Administration, will offer a look at the costs and consequences of illegal drugs in America. This community meeting kicks-off steering committee efforts and is a great opportunity for students and the community to influence this powerful exhibit. For more information or to RSVP, contact sonia.e.klukas@usdoj.gov or 202-307-7681.
Bowling for BARCS
Wednesday, May 29, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
AMF Timonium Lanes, 2165 York Road, Timonium
Join the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter and Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith for an evening at the lanes! Proceeds benefit the new BARCS Medical Care Fund, which provides resources to care for the shelter's homeless cats and dogs. Tickets are $100 and include two games, shoe rental, and dinner—plus the opportunity to meet Torrey as he visits each of the 36 lanes. A raffle will be held for the chance to bowl a game with Torrey! Tickets can be purchased through Mission Tix. Only ticket holders will be allowed entry; memorabilia or autographs will not be permitted. For more information, visit baltimoreanimalshelter.org.
Jazz&Blues Wine&Art Festival
Sunday, June 2, 11:00 am-7:00 pm
Federal Hill, Cross and South Charles Streets
Bigger and better than ever, Federal Hill Main Street’s Jazz&Blues Wine&Art Festival features live music, arts & crafts, food & drink, wine tastings from Boordy, the popular Artist Alley, and Kids’ Kross Street. For more information, visit www.historicfederalhill.org.
Senior Partnership Summit
Thursday, June 6, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
American Brewery/Humanim, 1701 North Gay Street
The Baltimore Police Department's Community Partnership Division (CPD) hosts its first Senior Partnership Summit. Senior citizens in Baltimore who are willing, ready, and able to bring about change within our communities are invited to discuss strategies to reduce crime, learn about crimes targeted at seniors and vulnerable adults, and discover programs and initiatives in their community. Those interested in attending should RSVP by May 31. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Det. Chakia Fennoy at 410-396-2526 or chakia.fennoy@baltimorepolice.org.
Baltimore Housing Father’s Day Celebration
Saturday, June 8, 10:00 am – 3:30 pm
Pleasant View Gardens Community Center, 201 N. Aisquith Street
Baltimore Housing's Resident Services presents this third-annual celebration for fathers, male role models, and children living in public housing or utilizing the Housing Choice Voucher Program. This free event includes food, games, prizes, free haircuts, live entertainment, and more. For more information, call Tyrone Furman at 410-396-6197.
Vacants to Value: Baltimore Builds Expo
Saturday, June 8, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Coppin State University Talon Center, 2500 W. North Avenue
Join Baltimore Housing for to learn all you need to know about restoring value to Baltimore’s vacant properties. Visit exhibit booths, attend educational seminars, speak with industry professionals, and take a self-guided tour of renovated or ready-for-rehab properties. Admission is free, but pre-registration is required. For more information, call 410-396-4111 or email V2V@baltimorecity.gov. To learn more about Vacants to Value, visit www.baltimorehousing.org/vacants_to_value.aspx.
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