 Terrell Suggs versus Tom Brady? On the road? In January? It all sounds a bit too familiar. Déjà vu or not, I cannot wait to watch our Baltimore Ravens take on the New England Patriots in Foxborough tomorrow. As always, the Ravens are the underdogs, and I would not have it any other way.
One of Baltimore’s strengths has always been our ability to defy expectations—and I believe that the Ravens, with their dominant defense and elite offensive capability—will do just that… Again. With the Ravens back in the playoffs, it’s a good time to remember that, across this city, we too are a team.
As my administration continues to develop and implement reforms to modernize our police department, we must recall that our success in the fight against violent crime ultimately hinges on our ability to work together.
For this reason, Police Commissioner Batts and I personally visited every police district to speak directly with residents, to find out how we can serve them better. In our conversations, people were very clear that they wanted to see more police on the streets. We got the message, and for the past several months, the commissioner and I have been developing additional reforms to move the needle forward.
And, programs like Operation Ceasefire complement our focus on targeting the repeat violent offenders who wreak the most havoc in our communities. While we have seen encouraging results, I entered the New Year knowing that we still have more work to do.
Today, we announced the next step in our ongoing efforts to create a more efficient and responsive police force. Starting this weekend, we will be putting more officers on the streets during the times we need them most. Thanks to an innovative deployment strategy made possible by our new police contract, we can now rapidly shift officers to flood neighborhoods that are experiencing increased violence, ensuring that our communities have the additional manpower and resources they need—when they need them.
For me, the true metric of success always rests in the faces I see every day, and I will not be satisfied until all of our residents feel safe; I will not be satisfied until Baltimore can pride itself on being the safest big city in the nation—something I know is attainable, as long as we continue to work together.
So, I am calling on all of Baltimore to get involved and help make a difference. Whether it is by joining your local Police Community Relations Council, participating in a COP walk, or just remembering that, if you see something, you need to say something. We can all do our part. After all, we are a team.
Go Ravens!
|
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
|
The Baltimore Sun
Baltimore Business Journal
The Baltimore Sun
The Baltimore Sun
|
Budget Live!
Budget Live! is Baltimore City's newest place to interact with the City’s budget office and get involved in the Fiscal Year 2016 budget process. The page is designed to be interactive, giving you a chance gain a better understanding of the budget. Have a look at past and current budgets, try your hand at balancing the City’s finances, ask questions, and give us your two cents about how to spend the City's limited resources. To visit Budget Live! head to bbmr.baltimorecity.gov/budgetlive2016.aspx.
Homeless Point-in-Time Count Volunteers Needed
The Mayor’s Office of Human Services needs your help to conduct its annual Homeless Point-in-Time (PIT) Count during the week of January 25, 2015. The PIT Count advances The Journey Home—Baltimore’s plan to make homelessness rare and brief. Through the PIT Count, Baltimore City is able to identify individuals, families, and youth experiencing homelessness, in order to connect them with housing and support services. For more information or to register as a volunteer, visit www.journeyhomebaltimore.com/events.
National Aquarium Pay What You Want Day
Sunday, January 11, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
National Aquarium, 501 E. Pratt Street
The National Aquarium will host its first ever Pay What You Want Day, allowing Maryland residents to donate an amount of their choice for aquarium admission; add a 4-D immersion film for just $5. Donated funds will support the National Aquarium's conservation efforts. Tickets for this promotion must be purchased on-site at the National Aquarium box office. For more information, visit www.aqua.org/paywhatyouwant.
SkateFest 2015
Monday, January 12, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Waterfront Partnership Inner Harbor Ice Rink, McKeldin Square, 101 Pratt Street
Join Waterfront Partnership and Constellation for a night at the ice rink benefitting a great cause: Special Olympics Maryland. As an alternative to the annual Polar Bear Plunge, donate to the cause by skating on the ice, rather than diving into it! SkateFest activities include festive music, a skating “Beary White,” giveaways, refreshments from La Cakerie, and two hours of skating. For a $5 donation, receive admission and skate rental. Additional donations are welcome. For more information, visit innerharboricerink.org.
CLUB1111 Grand Opening
Saturday, January 17, 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The League for People with Disabilities, 1111 E. Cold Spring Lane
Introducing a new dance & social club for adults with disabilities. One Saturday night each month, the League’s 50,000 square foot facility will be transformed to create an evening of entertainment and fun on par with the region's finest establishments. Guest DJs, two unique dance floors, and a karaoke lounge will provide a mix of dance vibes with a unique theme each month. CLUB-goers can visit Spa 1111 for a quick skin rejuvenator, make-up refresher, or seated massage. Enjoy games including pool, foosball, shuffleboard, air hockey, pinball, and pop-a-shot. Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages are included with admission (dinner fare is not available). Tickets are available on a first-come, first served basis and can be purchased online or at The League for People with Disabilities. Admission is $5 for CLUB-goers, caregivers attend free! For more information, call 410-323-0500 ext. 377, email info@club1111.org, or visit www.CLUB11111.org.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade
Monday, January 19, 12:00 pm
Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard
Baltimore City honors the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with regional marching bands, color guards, steppers, equestrian units, dance squads, civic organizations, and floats. The parade steps off at Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and Eutaw Street and continues south on Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. For more information, visit www.promotionandarts.org.
Resident Retention Tax Credit Workshop
Tuesday, January 20, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The BoatHouse Canton, 2809 Boston Street
Join Live Baltimore and the Baltimore City Department of Finance to learn how you can apply for a $4,000 tax credit on your home purchase in Baltimore City. This brand new tax credit will be offered to buyers who currently own a primary residence in Baltimore but are looking to acquire their next home within city limits. BoatHouse will offer happy hour specials for this laid-back FREE presentation! Seating is limited, so please pre-register online at livebaltimore.com/events.
BEI Loan Program Presentation for Baltimore Congregations
Tuesday, January 27, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Govans Presbyterian Church, 5828 York Road
Representatives of Baltimore City congregations are invited to learn how you can reduce your organization's carbon footprint and redirect funds spent on energy bills to your mission work. The Baltimore City Energy Office has partnered with Healthy Neighborhoods, Inc. and The Reinvestment Fund (TRF) to create the new Baltimore Energy Initiative Loan Program, with low-interest loans for Baltimore City nonprofits and small businesses. This workshop is presented in partnership with Interfaith Power & Light (DC.MD.NoVA), which works with congregations of all faiths to support them in saving energy, going green, and responding to climate change. For more information, visit www.EnergyLoansBEI.org. To RSVP, contact Clara Summers at clara@gwipl.org or 206-402-9526.
City Living Starts Here
Saturday, January 31, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
City Neighbors High School, 5609 Sefton Avenue
Participants in Live Baltimore's City Living Starts Here tour will become eligible to apply for a $5,000 homebuying incentive through Baltimore Housing. The event will feature a city living fair and a narrated walking tour of the Hamilton Hills area. Exhibitors including real estate professionals and community organizations will be on-hand to answer your questions. Registration is $10. For more information, visit livebaltimore.com/events.
It's a Waterfront Life
Through January 19, 2015
Inner Harbor
This year, the Waterfront Partnership's annual holiday campaign is even more robust—a new seasonal ice rink at McKeldin Plaza is sure to make this a holiday season to remember! Visitors to the waterfront will also find special events, discounts, and deals on all kinds of festive activities. Don't forget to get your picture with Santa Claus or to take in a holiday laser light show. For a complete listing, visit www.itsawaterfrontlife.org.
Waterfront Partnership Ice Rink
Through January 19, 2015
McKeldin Plaza, Inner Harbor
The Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore is thrilled to bring the return of Baltimore's holiday ice rink. Enjoy ice skating, special programming, and events throughout the holiday season. Admission is $9 for adults, $7 for children; bring your own skates or rent a pair for $3. For more information, visit www.itsawaterfrontlife.org.
Ice Rink Hours
- Monday: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
- Tuesday – Thursday: 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
- Friday: 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Saturday: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Sunday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
|
