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Issue #205 • Friday, June 13, 2014

It’s no coincidence that, with Father’s Day coming up this weekend, I have found myself thinking a lot about my own father. My dad—Pete Rawlings—was not only a great father to me and to my siblings, but also a mentor to many throughout the City of Baltimore and the State of Maryland. He made a point of going out of his way to introduce me to female politicians and community leaders—offering opportunities for me to see what I could do and who I could reach out to for guidance along the way. It is largely because of him that I founded the Baltimore’s Top Neighborhood Dads contest during my time as Council President. I wanted to honor dedicated men, like my dad, who selflessly work to make Baltimore’s neighborhoods better, safer, and stronger. This week I had the honor of celebrating with the winners of my 8th annual contest. It was truly inspiring to meet with men from across our city who make a year-round commitment to building a thriving city of wonderful neighborhoods. I realized that my father, like all of the men I met with this week, wanted one thing above all else: an opportunity for Baltimore’s children to succeed. That’s why yesterday I was so proud to announce $29 million in federal funding to expand Head Start and Early Head Start opportunities in Baltimore. With these funds from the Department of Health and Human Services, five providers across Baltimore will participate in a new Birth-to-Five pilot program. This program shifts Head Start funding in an innovative way and allows communities to focus on a comprehensive plan to serve children and their families from birth to age five. With increased support at an even younger age, our children will be more equipped for successful learning when they enter elementary school—a main element of Head Start’s mission. By providing high quality education, health, and family services, we can reduce the achievement gap for low-income children compared with their middle-income peers. And, we already know that it works. Head Start children are more likely to read at their grade level by third grade. Baltimore City Head Start has made tremendous strides in preparing disadvantaged children for kindergarten and beyond. But in spite of this prior success, we know there is more that needs to be done. This additional funding will take our children to the next level. We will expand Early Head Start opportunities by 33 percent by offering full-day services and lengthening the Head Start school year by 27 days. And we will continue to strengthen our strategic partnership with Baltimore City Public Schools to help students transition to Pre-K and beyond. But we cannot stop there. My administration is committed to helping our children all year round. With that goal in mind, earlier this week I formally kicked-off the 2014 Summer Food Service Program to offer those children who need free or reduced-cost meals during the school year the same assistance during the summer break. There is no excuse for any child in our city to worry where their next meal will come from while out of school. And, they should never, ever go to bed hungry! While there is more to be done, I know my dad would be proud of the work we are doing. And as families across Baltimore celebrate fathers this weekend, I will continue to work tirelessly to provide more opportunities for our city’s children—all of them—to succeed.

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

This week, Mayor Rawlings-Blake hosted her 8th annual Baltimore's Top Neighborhood Dads luncheon at the Baltimore Museum of Industry. Baltimore's Top Neighborhood Dads honors strong and dedicated Baltimore men who play an active role in making their communities better, safer, and stronger. Photo by Mark Dennis.

Community Bulletin

Early Voting June 12 – June 19, 10:00 am – 8:00 pm Various Locations. This week, Mayor Rawlings-Blake cast her ballot in Maryland's gubernatorial primary election. With Early Voting, you can cast YOUR vote at your convenience! So make your voice heard. Cast your ballot on any one of eight voting days, at any of Baltimore City's six early voting locations. Don't wait until the last minute and miss this powerful opportunity to make your voice heard. The six Early Voting locations in Baltimore City are listed below. For more information, visit elections.maryland.gov. Baltimore City Early Voting Locations: Public safety Training Facility, 3500 W. Northern Parkway St. Brigid's Parish Center, 900 S. East Avenue Maritime Industries Academy High, 5001 Sinclair Lane, Rear Entrance The League for People with Disabilities, 1111 E. Coldspring Lane Edmondson Westside High School, 501 Athol Avenue University of Maryland Baltimore, 621 W. Lombard Street, 2nd Floor

B'More Night Hoops

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Baltimore City Recreation and Parks proudly announce that registration is now open for the B'More Night Hoops summer league. Registration takes place June 6 – 27, and the league will begin on July 13. Registration is free (a $100 per team bond is required but will be refunded at the end of the season), and includes t-shirts, awards, and official fees. The eight-week program is open to youth and young adults, 15 – 21 years of age. Registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, contact BCRP Youth and Adult Sports at 410-396-7019 or sherron.bogues@baltimorecity.gov.

Upcoming Affairs

TARGET AMERICA Exhibition

Through June 30, 2014
Maryland Science Center, 601 Light Street

TARGET AMERICA: Opening Eyes to the Damage Drugs Cause looks at the whole story of drug abuse and the profound impact it has on us all. See the science behind drug addiction and examine the effect drug abuse has on individuals, American society, and the world. Explore the Maryland story and learn about the history and science behind law enforcement, prevention, and treatment specific to our local communities. Admission includes exhibit halls and one planetarium presentation. Images and content may be intense for small children; parental discretion advised. For more info, visit www.marylandsciencecenter.org, www.targetamerica.org, or call 410-545-6885.

Waterfront Partnership Summer Socials

Friday, June 13, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Inner Harbor, West Shore Park

The Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore’s Summer Socials offer free entertainment on the Waterfront. Summer Socials will continue through August, with one Summer Social taking place each month. Enjoy live music from local bands, cold beverages, food trucks, a Waterfront Kids Zone presented by Wondersitter, and the Walter Sondheim Interactive Fountain. Summer Socials are fun for the whole family! For more information, visit www.waterfrontpartnership.org.

Baltimore Pride Festival

Saturday, June 14, 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Sunday, June 15, 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Mt. Royal Avenue and Cathedral Street

Happy Pride! This year's festival will once again feature an array of regional and local performers, vendors, the Lady Lisa Memorial Drag Stage, and plenty of fun for the whole community. The Baltimore Pride celebration is presented by the Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Baltimore. For more information or a full line-up of performers, visit baltimorepride.org.

HonFest

Saturday, June 14, 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Sunday, June 15, 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
The Avenue, 36th Street and Roland Avenue

HonFest is Bawlmer's best time! Get your own beehive in the Glamour Lounge, listen to talented local musicians, and check out the work of local artists while you stroll down The Avenue. HonFest also gives local business owners the opportunity to showcase their wares. And don't forget to join in on the 2014 Hondreds of Hons photo at 4:00 pm on Saturday. For more information, visit www.honfest.net.

Baltimore Green Map Park to Park Walk

Sunday June 15, 9:00 am – 12:00 noon
From Cylburn Arboretum to Druid Hill Park

Join Baltimore Green Map for a gentle 5 mile walk along the newest portion of the Jones Falls Trail. Participants can park their vehicles near Rawlings Conservatory in Druid Hill Park and ride a shuttle to Cylburn Arboretum. Following the stroll back to Druid Hill Park, light refreshments will be provided. For more information, or to sign up, email rsvp@baltogreenmap.org. All proceeds benefit Baltimore Green Map and production of BGM's new Jones Falls Trail Map.

Storm Water Pollution Plan Meeting

Monday, June 16, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Southeast Anchor Library, 3601 Eastern Avenue

The Baltimore City Department of Public Works is developing a plan to reduce the City’s polluted run-off. The plan will not only improve our streams and harbor, but will also create cleaner and healthier neighborhoods. This first of four public meetings will be held to gather input and feedback on the plan. Your input is important, and we want to hear your questions, concerns, and ideas. For more information, email publicworks@baltimorecity.gov with “MS4 Plan” in the subject line.

Baltimore Interfaith Hospitality Network Community Meeting

Tuesday, June 17, 6:30 pm
Immanuel Lutheran Church, 5701 Loch Raven Boulevard

The Mayor’s Office of Human Services' Homeless Services Program invites Baltimore area congregations to learn about the Baltimore Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN). The goal of an IHN is to provide families experiencing homelessness with basic human needs— shelter, safety, and sustenance—with a spirit of warmth and hospitality. In the IHN program, houses of worship provide space for overnight accommodations, congregations supply volunteers, and social service agencies assess families and refer them to the program. The IHN also gives congregations the opportunity for outreach ministry, focusing on community members in need. To RSVP for this meeting, contact Jennifer Mayo at 410-545-1979 or Jennifer.Mayo@baltimorecity.gov. For more information, visit humanservices.baltimorecity.gov.

Rising Senior Seminar

June 17, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Registration deadline extended.
Morgan State University

You're finally a high school senior! What's next? Registrations are still being accepted for CollegeBound Foundation's annual seminar to jump-start your college search. Learn how to make the most of your senior year, apply to college, find money for college, and other essential skills. For more information or to register, email info@collegeboundfoundation.org or call 410-783-2905 ext. 200.

Public Art Commission Meeting

Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at 4:30pm
Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts, 10 East Baltimore Street, 10th Floor

The Baltimore Public Art Commission (PAC) will hold its June 2014 meeting and discuss agenda items including Department of Public Works projects, the Waverly Library redesign, and the formation of a Preservation & Maintenance Committee. The commission is responsible for the administering of the city’s 1% For Public Art program, as well as the review and approval of all gifts of permanent public art to the city of Baltimore.

African American Fire Fighters Historical Society Salute Dinner

Friday June 20, 6:00 pm
The Vollmer Center at Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Avenue

Join the African American Fire Fighters Historical Society to honor African American women in the fire service. From Molly Williams—the first known woman fire fighter, a slave in 1818—to chiefs in charge of fire departments today, and many other trail blazing woman fire fighters. The celebration will also recognize the International Association of Fire Fighters' Human Relations Committee as they celebrate 25 years of strength through diversity. Tickets are $50 per person. For more information or to buy tickets, call 410-258–7546, visit www.africanamericanfirefightershistoricalsociety.org, or email AAFFHS54@gmail.com.

Y of Central Maryland Family BBQ

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

Celebrate the start of summer with your local Family Center Y! This family-fun event hosted by the Y of Central Maryland will feature food, drink, and fellowship with other Y families, including games and contests! Event times and activities vary by location, so contact your local Family Center Y for specific details. The event is free for members, $5 for non-members, and $10 for families. For more information, visit www.ymaryland.org or your local Family Center Y.

Druid Hill Summer Solstice Celebration

Saturday, June 21, 9:00 pm – 12:00 am
Druid Hill Park

Celebrate the Summer Solstice with the Friends of Druid Hill Park. Join the festivities at the Green Man sculpture for a magical time, including a roaring fire, mystical tales, hay rides, tarot readings, solstice songs, and seasonal refreshments. Whatever you wear, choose red, gold, or yellow to honor the sun. Participants are encouraged to contribute a $5 suggested donation to benefit the programs of Friends of Druid Hill Park.

African American Festival

June 21 – 22, 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm (8:00 pm on Sunday)
Camden Yards Sports Complex, 1101 Russell Street

The African American Festival is an annual Celebration of Life, Music, and Culture. The largest cultural festival on the East Coast, the African American Festival includes stellar performances, empowerment seminars, and non-stop fun for the entire family. Experience Wellness, Beauty, and Technology while enjoying the sultry sounds of national recording artist and emerging talent. This event is free for all! The African American Festival is presented by Black Enterprise, hosted by Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and the City of Baltimore, and produced by greiBO Entertainment. For more information, visit www.africanamericanfestival.net.

Family Fun Day and HIV Testing

Friday, June 27, 11:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Harry & Jeanette Family Center Y, 900 E. 33rd Street

People’s Community Health Centers (PCHC) will host this Family Fun Day and HIV Testing event. There will be fun inflatables, free refreshments, exciting give-aways, educational resources, kid’s games, and free HIV tests. Our goal is to test 100 people and create awareness of HIV/AIDS. For more information, call Stacey at 410-352-7394.

Community Action Partnership OHEP Energy Assistance Week

July 1 – 3, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
MSU Student Center, Calvin & Tina Tyler Ballroom, 1700 E. Coldspring Lane
NOTE: Community Action Centers & 2700 N. Charles St. will be closed July 1 – 3.

Struggling to pay your energy bills? Energy assistance grants are available! The Mayor's Office of Human Services Community Action Partnership presents OHEP Energy Week. You may be eligible for help with your energy bill. You do not need to have received a turn-off notice to apply for energy assistance. Try to arrive early, because assistance can only be provided for the first 600 people each day. For more information, or to find out if you qualify, please call 410-396-5555.