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Issue #183 • Friday, November 22, 2013

Earlier this week, I joined Police Commissioner Anthony W. Batts and community leaders committed to reducing crime in Baltimore City to release the new strategic plan for the Baltimore Police Department. The report, entitled Public Safety in the City of Baltimore: A Strategic Plan for Improvement, contains comprehensive and far-ranging recommendations, including the implementation of best practices seen across the country. Reducing crime is my administration’s top priority. We have made progress, but none of us are satisfied. I will never shake the feeling I get from having to console a family who has lost a loved one to senseless violence. Their faces and their stories continue to strengthen my resolve in fighting for a safer Baltimore. The new strategic plan provides us with a thoughtful set of recommendations for how to more effectively move forward and meet the current challenges we face in the fight against crime. It details steps the police department will undertake over the next five years to reduce crime, improve services, increase efficiency, redouble community engagement, and maintain the highest standards of accountability and ethical integrity. The report is the result of a months-long top-down review of the Baltimore Police Department, conducted by the Strategic Police Partnership, led by Robert Wasserman, along with the Bratton Group, comprised of nationally recognized law enforcement experts. The comprehensive review provided a thorough and stringent analysis of practices, methods, and procedures across all nine police districts and through every unit in the agency. Commissioner Batts echoed my sentiments when he said, “We know that there are things as an organization that we are incredibly good at. We also know there exist areas that can be improved. It is my goal to give the officers protecting this city the tools to do their job better…faster…smarter. The strategic recommendations presented [in the plan] are a road map to that goal.” Even before the report was released, we had already put in place many of its recommended reforms. Our strategy to reduce crime throughout the city by targeting illegal guns, gang activity, and repeat violent offenders correlates directly with the strategic plan. The police department’s renewed focus on community relations and engagement are also mirrored in the report. We have implemented reforms including improvements to suspect identification procedures, upgrades to law enforcement equipment, the creation of a Telephone Reporting Unit and Professional Standards Bureau, and modifications to the speed at which data is collected and resources are allocated. If you would like to know more about the future direction of our crime fighting efforts, Public Safety in the City of Baltimore: A Strategic Plan for Improvement can be read in its entirety online.

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

Mayor Rawlings-Blake visits a group of third graders for reading time at Holabird Academy Elementary/Middle School. Photo by Mark Dennis.

The Mayor’s Reading Club gets students and families excited about literacy and provides skills to increase reading proficiency. The program gets high-quality books into homes and gives parents the tools they need to help their kids become early learners. Students have a much greater chance for success if they are reading at grade level by third grade.

Community Bulletin

Thanksgiving Day Service Changes

City offices will be closed on Thursday, November 28 due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Please note the following changes to city services:

• City offices closed—Citizens will be unable to access City offices for bill payments or permits, but some bills can be paid online at www.baltimorecity.gov.
• No curbside collection—For neighborhoods whose regular waste or recycling collection day falls on Thanksgiving, make-up collection will take place on Saturday, November 30.
• No bulk trash collection
• Drop-off centers and yards closed—Including all Citizen Convenience Centers, the Northwest Transfer Station, and Quarantine Road Landfill.
• No street sweeping
• Parking meters not in effect

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade Applications

The Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts invites local organizations to be a part of the 14th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade on Monday, January 20, 2014 at noon. Eligible applicants include cheer & dance squads; college, high school, and community bands; equestrian groups; floats; honor & color guards; military groups; and civic & community organizations. The application deadline is Monday, December 16. For more information or to obtain an application, visit www.promotionandarts.org.

Parks & People Grants for Greening

Grant funds, provided through a partnership between the Department of Recreation & Parks and the Parks & People Foundation, are available for spring 2014 greening projects. Awards range from $500 to $5,000 for community-led service projects, trail stewardship, playground restoration, tree planting, improvement projects, maintenance activities, and programs that support public parks. Potential applicants must attend a pre-application workshop (Tuesday, December 3, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm or Wednesday, December 4, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm). Please RSVP four days prior to the workshop you plan to attend. For more information, or to register for a workshop, call 410-448-5663 ext. 103 or visit www.parksandpeople.org/greening/grants-for-greening.

Chesapeake Bay Trust 2014 Awards Program

The Chesapeake Bay Trust honors students and teachers who promote education, improve local communities, and help restore the Chesapeake Bay. If you know someone who deserves the Teacher of the Year, Student of the Year, or Honorable Arthur Dorman Scholarship, complete the application online. The two student awards include a $5,000 scholarship, and the teacher award is accompanied by a $2,500 grant. Nominations are due December 2 by 5:00 pm. For more information, visit www.cbtrust.org or contact Molly Alton Mullins at mmullins@cbtrust.org or 410-974-2941 ext. 107.

Upcoming Affairs

It's a Waterfront Life

November & December
Baltimore's Waterfront

Celebrate the holiday season with events, attractions, and specials from local businesses along the waterfront. Highlights include the debut of National Aquarium’s Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas 4-D Experience on Nov. 15; Arts and Crafts with J at the Baltimore Visitor Center on Nov. 16 and Dec. 7 & 21; the 30th Annual Merry Tuba Christmas at Harborplace Amphitheater on Dec. 7; and a Milk & Cookies Social for kids, hosted by MAC and (cool) progeny on Dec. 5. For more information and a complete list of events and specials, visit itsawaterfrontlife.org.

On November 23 at 5:00 pm, Santa Claus will trade in his sleigh and arrive at the Harborplace Amphitheater via Charm City Circulator. Festivities will include crafts, holiday décor, costumed characters, and live entertainment beginning at 2:00 pm inside Light Street Pavilion. Through Dec. 24, get your photos with Santa and enjoy light shows at Santa's Place.

Baltimore City Y Turkey Trot Charity 5k

Thursday, November 28, 
Druid Hill Park, 2600 Madison Avenue

Join the Y of Central Maryland for a Thanksgiving Day tradition that raises critically needed funds to support kids throughout Central Maryland whose families live in poverty. On Thanksgiving morning, bring the whole family for the Turkey Trot Charity 5K run/walk. Prizes will be awarded in each age group. Registration is $25 online, $30 in person or mail-in, and $35 on race day. For more information, a list of additional locations, or to register, visit www.ymaryland.org through Saturday, November 23, or visit your local Family Center Y.

Festival of Trees

Friday – Sunday, November 29 – December 1
Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Timonium

The largest seasonal festival on the East Coast, Kennedy Krieger’s annual fundraiser will feature more than 600 decorated trees, wreaths, and gingerbread houses, as well as family-friendly activities and entertainment. General admission is $13 for adults and $7 for children ages 5-12 and seniors. Children 4 and under are free. To purchase discounted tickets in advance or learn how to earn free tickets, visit festivaloftrees.kennedykrieger.org or call 443-923-7300.

Engine House #45 Annual Train Garden

November 30 – January 4, 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Glen Avenue Fire House, 2700 Glen Avenue

Celebrate the Holiday season at the Glen Avenue Fire Engine House #45 with the annual Train Garden. Admission is free, but personnel at Engine House #45 are collecting toys to be distributed to children in hospitals, shelters, and pediatric rehab centers, as well as needy families in the area. Take advantage of this holiday tradition and an opportunity to show your generosity during this season of giving.

A Monumental Occasion

Thursday, December 5, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Mount Vernon Place, 600 block N. Charles Street

Mount Vernon Place celebrates the holiday season with the 42nd annual lighting of the Washington Monument. Festivities begin at 5:00 pm. The lighting ceremony begins at 7:00 pm. The evening will include musical performances by Morgan State University Choir, Baltimore School for the Arts Tap Dancing Santas, and Soulful Symphony. Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and a special guest will officially light the monument at approximately 7:45, followed by a colorful fireworks and laser finale. For more information, call 1-877-BALTIMORE or visit www.godowntownbaltimore.com.

Fell's Point Olde Tyme Christmas

Friday – Sunday, December 6 – 8
Fell's Point Main Street

Don't miss the 10th annual Fell's Point Olde Tyme Christmas, a Baltimore Main Streets initiative and Miracle on Main Streets featured event. Santa will arrive by tug boat to kick-off the holiday season that Saturday at 9:00 am. The Olde Tyme Christmas Holiday Market will feature vendors and live a cappella and choir music. At the Fell’s Point Visitor Center, learn to make a gingerbread house. And don’t miss the famous Eggnog Contest! The Fell's Point Tree-Lighting Ceremony will take place at 5:00 pm on Saturday, followed by the Parade of Lighted Boats at 6:00. For more information or a complete listing of events, visit www.fellspointmainstreet.org.

World Holiday Traditions at the National Aquarium

Friday, December 6, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
National Aquarium, 501 E. Pratt Street

Celebrate traditions from across the globe with joyous music and customs of the holiday season. Learn all about Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Christmas. See beautiful Nativity scenes from around the world; meet Santa and the National Aquarium mascot, Puffin; make holiday cards to send to veterans from recycled materials; and more! All activities are included with general admission, which is greatly discounted thanks to the National Aquarium's Fridays After 5:00 promotion. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit aqua.org.

Holiday Breakfast at the Y

Saturday, December 7 & Saturday, December 14 (times vary)
Your local Family Center Y: ymaryland.org/y-locations

Santa will park his sleigh at Family Center Y for a holiday breakfast hosted by the Y of Central Maryland. Children will enjoy pictures with Santa and a variety of fun, holiday-themed activities. Space is limited, so please register with your local Family Center Y at least 48 hours in advance. The holiday breakfast is free for members, $5 for nonmembers, and $10 for families. For more information, visit www.ymaryland.org or contact your local Family Center Y.

Holiday Craft and Ornament Workshop

Saturday, December 7, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt Street

Bring the whole family and join community artist Sallah Jenkins to create crafts and ornaments for Kwanzaa and Christmas. The day's activities will include a screening of A Ripple in Time. This production was created by local youth—members of Baltimore's Root Branch Productions, a film academy for youth filmmakers. After the film, stay fo for a post-screening Q&A with the crew. Thanks to Downtown Dollar Days, museum admission will be only $1. For more information, www.rflewismuseum.org.

Belvedere Square Holiday Market

Saturday, December 7, 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Belvedere Square, York Road and Belvedere Avenue

Enjoy the sounds & sights of the season and discover unique gifts for everyone on your list. More than two dozen of the city’s most talented artists, a book publisher, and the Square’s own boutiques will showcase their creations during this day-long celebration featuring live music and a visit from Santa. In the evening, shoppers can toast the holidays over drinks or dinner at the Square’s amazing restaurants. For more information, including a complete list of artisans and performers, as well as a schedule of Hopkins Press book signings, visit belvederesquare.com.

Moonlight Madness

Friday, December 13, 8:00 pm – 12:00 midnight
Federal Hill Main Street

Celebrate the Holidays Federal Hill style! Visit Federal Hill's many locally owned shops and galleries, which will stay open late to offer specials, discounts, and refreshments. Find wonderful, imaginative gifts for everyone on your list. Carolers will stroll the streets to serenade shoppers. The evening begins with a tree lighting at 7:00 pm. Don't forget to get your Moonlight Madness passport stamped at 5 local businesses for a chance to win prizes from local merchants. For more information, visit www.historicfederalhill.org or call 410-727-4500.