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Issue #176 • Monday, September 9, 2013

Last Wednesday, I joined Governor Martin O’Malley, Lt. Governor Anthony Brown, and Congressman Elijah Cummings to announce nearly $1.5 billion in transportation investments for the Baltimore Metropolitan Region. Among other things, these funds will support operation of the Charm City Circulator, improve existing MARC commuter service and add weekend service, provide for upgrades to the Metro rail car fleet and signaling systems, and prove our commitment to the construction of the Baltimore Red Line. This $1.5 investment in building a world class transit system will support more than 13,000 jobs—including 4,500 construction jobs and 200 permanent jobs associated with the Red Line alone. And the Red Line will not only create jobs, it will also give Baltimore residents greater access to jobs and more options for getting to and from work—wherever they work. The Red Line, in conjunction with Baltimore’s existing public transit options, will provide a convenient, efficient way to crisscross the region without the burden of driving through traffic or enduring a long commute. When completed, the Red Line will connect major job centers in two of Maryland’s major jurisdictions: Medicare/Medicaid in western Baltimore County and Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in East Baltimore. It will also finally connect the metro, light rail, bus system, and MARC trains to create the most comprehensive transportation system Baltimore has ever seen. Last week’s announcement is a great example of how state, local, and federal governments can work together to improve the quality of life in Baltimore. I look forward to having a cohesive transit system that will help residents reduce commute times, avoid gridlock, decrease their carbon footprint, and—most important—spend more time with their families.

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

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Our Baltimore Cityscapes

Yellow Cabs line up for commuters outside Baltimore's Pennsylvania Station. One of the busiest Amtrak stations in the U.S., Penn Station has seen recent improvements, including a rejuvenated plaza, renovated restrooms (underway), and modern signage. Plans—based on recommendations from Mayor Rawlings-Blake's Penn Station Advisory Committee—are underway to transform the station into a world-class gateway into Baltimore. Photo by Mark Dennis.

Community Bulletin

Project Homeless Connect Volunteers Needed

United Way of Central Maryland and the Mayor’s Office of Human Services' Homeless Services Program invite you to participate in Baltimore’s second annual Project Homeless Connect. The event provides on-site services—such as medical exams, haircuts, legal advice, identification documents, and access to nutritious food—for persons experiencing homelessness. Volunteers are needed to help with setup, greet participants, and act as volunteer guides for those seeking services. The event takes place at the Baltimore Convention Center on Thursday, September 19. For more information or to register to volunteer, visit uwcm.org/phc/volunteer.

Upcoming Affairs

Accessing Immigrant Data in Baltimore

Thursday, September 12, 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Online

Whether you're a nonprofit, a small business, or active in your local neighborhood, get the data you need to make informed decisions about your community. This free webinar, sponsored by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood and Constituent Services, will show you how to use American FactFinder (the primary data-access tool on census.gov) to get statistics about your area's immigrant communities. Find local statistics to support your business plan, develop a community needs assessment, market to your clients, or write a grant. To participate, register online. For more information, call 202-510-6403 or email nesreen.khashan@census.gov.

HampdenFest

Saturday, September 14, 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
The Avenue, 36th Street between Falls and Keswick

The Hampden Village Merchants Association and the Hampden Community Council invite you to celebrate Baltimore's Hampden neighborhood. HampdenFest features four stages of live entertainment, activities for kids, an emerging artists exhibition, and a film festival, as well as four blocks of arts & crafts and wares from a wide range of vendors, including hundreds of local businesses on Hampden's award-winning 36th Street, The Avenue. This year, Hampden Idol returns for the more vocally-inclined. For more information, visit www.hampdenfest.com.

Dam Jam

Saturday, September 14, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Loch Raven Dam, Cromwell Valley Park, 2175 Cromwell Bridge Road

Celebrate Baltimore’s drinking water reservoirs at the Department of Public Works' annual Dam Jam. Bring the whole family (and your lawn chairs, a blanket, and a picnic basket) for exhibits, historical displays, dam tours, and more. Kids and grownups alike will enjoy arts & crafts, face painting, giveaways, and encounters with Maryland's wildlife. The event also features a number of food vendors and live performances. For more information, call 410-545-6541 or email publicworks@baltimorecity.gov.

UNCHAINED Conference

Saturday September 14, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Grace Fellowship Church, 9505 Deereco Road, Lutherville-Timonium

In May the Governor's Office of Crime Control & Prevention hosted the second annual Conference on Human Trafficking geared toward professionals who interact with human trafficking victims. Following the conference, many citizens asked the question, "How can I help?" To answer that question, GOCCP is partnering with Araminta Freedom Initiative to present UNCHAINED Conference: Empowering Our Community to Abolish Modern Day Slavery. Learn how you and your community can actively engage in the mission to end child sex trafficking. For more information or to register, visit www.goccp.maryland.gov.

Making Good Health MY Reality

Saturday, September 14, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
University of Baltimore Business Center, 11 W. Mt. Royal Avenue

Join Congressman Elijah E. Cummings for an Affordable Care Act town hall symposium, hosted by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Health Brain Trust. Learn about the Affordable Health Care Act from Congressman Cummings and U.S. Health and Human Services Regional Director Joanne Corte Grossi. Hear from experts to learn about the healthcare insurance marketplace, Medicaid expansion, Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP), and the importance of community health centers. Breakfast and lunch will be provided to participants. Afterward, participants and their families can participate in free, on-site health screenings and activities. For more information or to RSVP, contact Hope M. Williams at 410-685-9199.

Larry’s Ride

Sunday, September 15, 7:00 am – 3:00 pm (celebration at 11:00 am)
Camp Milldale, 5425 Mount Gilead Road, Reisterstown

The Fourth Annual Larry’s Ride, in memory of Larry Bensky who tragically lost his life while biking in 2010, features a 65-, 35-, and 15-mile ride, as well as a host of post-race family activities and entertainment. All proceeds benefit Bike Maryland’s mission to promote bicycling, increase safety, improve conditions, and provide a voice for bicyclists in Maryland. Registration is $35 in advance, $40 day-of, with discounts for students and non-riders. For more information, or to register, visit www.bikemd.org.

Panel: Improving Baltimore’s Howard Street Corridor, A Discussion Between Trans-Atlantic Partners

Tuesday, September 17, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
Zion Church of the City of Baltimore, 400 E. Lexington Street

The Getting to Know Europe project invites you to enjoy a lively discussion between HafenCity project experts and Baltimore City development leaders about improving Baltimore City’s Howard Street corridor. HafenCity, Europe’s largest inner-city development project is underway now in Hamburg, Germany. The project includes 6,000 residential units, restaurants and bars, cultural amenities, retail facilities, parks, plazas, and promenades. Using HafenCity as a model, panelists will discuss ways to improve the Howard Street corridor.

Y Family Movie Night

Friday, September 20 and Saturday, September 21
Druid Hill Family Center Y, 1609 Druid Hill Avenue
Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Family Center Y, 900 E. 33rd Street

NOTE: Specific dates and times vary by location. Contact your local Family Center Y for details.

Grab some popcorn and dim the lights...it’s movie night! The Y of Central Maryland invites you to a night of big-screen fun at your local Family Center Y. Enjoy an evening of quality time, entertainment, and a family-friendly film. Registration is required 48 hours in advance, and is free for members, $5 for nonmembers, or $10 per family. For more information or to register, visit www.ymaryland.org or contact your local Family Center Y.

Labor of Love

September 21, 9:00 am – 2:30 pm

Baltimore School for the Arts, 712 Cathedral Street

Baltimore School for the Arts students, parents, alumni, and staff will trade their cellos and ballet flats for buckets and gloves as they clean, plant, landscape, and spruce up the landmark Alcazar building and historic brownstone on Cathedral Street. Volunteers from around the area are invited to help out. For more information or to volunteer, call 443-642-5167 or visit www.bsfa.org.

Cantastic Fest

Saturday, September 21, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
The Can Company, 2400 Boston Street

Celebrate the last day of summer and get the first taste of the new season. Harvest craft beers from the region’s best breweries will star in this family-friendly festival of fall. The Can Company’s top restaurants will offer plenty of grilled and smoked specialties—perfect accompaniments for the featured beverages. Enjoy live music, cider sampling, and free family activities like pumpkin painting and caricatures. A raffle and a candied apple sale will raise funds for the nearby Canton Dog Park. For more information, visit www.thecancompany.com.

John Coltrane Celebration

Saturday, September 21
Ward Center for the Arts, 11152 Falls Road, Brooklandville

Contemporary Arts, Inc. presents the annual John Coltrane Celebration. Jazz saxophonist Carl Grubbs and international recording artist René McLean will perform the music of John Coltrane, traditional jazz classics, and their own compositions. Tickets for this family-friendly concert are $20 for general admission, $15 for seniors, and $10 for students (with valid ID). Reserve your tickets at www.instantseats.com/events/ContemporaryArts. For more information, call 410-944-2909 or email contemporaryartsinc@verizon.com.

Holistic Life Foundation Fundraiser

Saturday September 21, 7:00 pm – 12:00 am
The Institute for Integrative Health, 1407 Fleet Street

Join the Holistic Life Foundation, Inc. for their annual fundraiser celebration. Enjoy food & drink (cash bar), live music by DJ ROZ, a silent auction, and more. Holistic Life Foundation is a Baltimore-based nonprofit organization committed to nurturing wellness in under-served communities through yoga, mindfulness, and self-care. For more information, visit www.hlfinc.org. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased online.

Baltimore Book Festival

September 27 – 29, 12:00 noon – Close (8:00 pm Friday & Saturday, 7:00 pm Sunday)
Mount Vernon Place, 600 block of North Charles Street

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts present the 18th annual Baltimore Book Festival. The mid-Atlantic’s premier celebration of the literary arts showcases renowned authors, poetry readings, workshops, children’s activities, live music, and much more. This year, the Baltimore Book Festival expands its programming with literary events on multiple stages, and the inaugural Charm City Comic Book Pavilion. Also new for 2013, festival-goers can download the Baltimore Book Festival mobile app to see the festival schedule, read author bios, and share their festival experience. For more information, visit www.baltimorebookfestival.org.