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Issue #242 • Friday, March 27, 2015

In order to grow our city, we must make sure that Baltimore is a place where families feel they can safely raise their children, and where those youth feel like they have a future. I know without a doubt that we are headed in the right direction. In 2014, we experienced a double digit drop in overall crime and homicides. Meanwhile, we continue to move forward with our historic billion dollar investment to construct new schools and renovate existing ones, as well as building the first new rec centers in a decade. Yet even with these strides forward, we still lost 15 juveniles to violence. Sadly, many more were either the victims or perpetrators of violence themselves. We have a responsibility to do even more to protect and mentor them. This week, we commemorated National Youth Violence Prevention Week, a nationwide, weeklong series of events aimed at identifying strategies that combat youth violence and promote the positive role we can all have in making our communities safer. Throughout the week, we built on our efforts already underway, and celebrated those making a difference in our communities.   On Tuesday we held an inaugural forum as part of my Call to Action to End African American Homicides. I want to thank the more than 1,000 residents who joined us to answer the call at Empowerment Temple. The turnout was absolutely amazing, and the conversation even more so. Our frank and honest discussion on efforts to support and encourage those committed to making a difference in the lives of our young African American men was inspiring and motivating, and everyone in attendance went home that night ready to do more. The forum was just the beginning of these efforts, not the end. I will continue to reach out to communities across our city. If you are interested in learning more, please visit mayor.baltimorecity.gov/calltoaction. Of course, we also have to acknowledge those who are already working every day to reduce violence all across our city. On Wednesday, I had the honor of recognizing our 2015 Baltimorphosis Changemakers. The awards went to Baltimore City residents who are truly going above and beyond to reduce crime in their schools and communities. From anti-bullying efforts, to facilitating meditation, to creating safe spaces for artistic expression, each of these recipients took an innovative and personal approach to reducing violence. They are changing the way we think about crime reduction, and are setting an example for each of us. Thanks again to our 2015 Baltimorphosis Changemakers, who have showed us how motivated and thoughtful approaches to age-old problems can achieve new and truly amazing results. As we continue to aggressively pursue efforts to reduce youth violence, we must focus on promoting the potential we each have to make our city better. Individually, none of us have all of the answers. But by working together, I believe we can continue to make a real difference for our communities. Together we can ensure that our youth have stronger futures and a stronger city.

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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Community Bulletin

Household Hazardous Waste Collection

Household Hazardous Waste Collection season begins on April 4 at the Northwest Citizen Convenience Center (2840 Sisson Street). Baltimore City residents can drop off their hazardous materials on the first weekend of each month, from April through October (no collection in July). Proof of City residency will be required. Residents must also be able to identify the material. Commercial vehicles are not allowed at the facility. For more information, visit publicworks.baltimorecity.gov.

Baltimore CASH Campaign Tax Preparation

The Baltimore CASH Campaign strives to provide working families access to the tools and services they need to maximize their earning dollars. Free services are provided to low- to moderate-income taxpayers. Trained and certified volunteers will prepare and e-file taxes for free, and even help you set up direct deposit for a faster refund. For more information, or to see if you qualify, visit www.baltimorecashcampaign.org.

Mayor's Spring Cleanup Registration

Get ready to for spring cleaning in Baltimore! Communities are encouraged to sign up for Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake’s Spring Cleanup, which will take place on April 25. Communities can register to participate by calling 311. Participation in organized cleanups may qualify property owners for credits to reduce their Stormwater Fee (visit www.cleanwaterbaltimore.org for more information on Stormwater Fee credits). To learn more about the Mayor's Spring Cleanup, visit publicworks.baltimorecity.gov.

PNC Transformative Art Prize Applications

The Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts and PNC Bank announce the return of the PNC Transformative Art Prize! The award supports communities in their efforts to improve their surroundings with long-term, lasting visual & performing art projects. Neighborhoods are asked to partner with artists and/or arts organizations to reinvent public spaces using art. Qualified community-based nonprofits may be granted funding up to $30,000. The application and guidelines are available at www.promotionandarts.org/grants. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, April 8, at 4:00 pm. For more information, call 410-752-8632 or visit www.promotionandarts.org.

Upcoming Affairs

#EYECON

Thursday, May 7, 8:30 am – 2:00 pm
Morgan State University Student Center, 1700 E. Cold Spring Lane

#EYECON is the premiere youth entrepreneurship conference. Students will learn the basics of entrepreneurship through interactive workshops and games. The conference aims to help youth pursue entrepreneurship as a career option and employ an entrepreneurial attitude to excel and remain competetive in the workforce. For more information or to register, visit www.eyeforchange.org.

Are you a principal, teacher, or counselor with a large group of students who would like to attend #EYECON? Register 45 students from your school by Tuesday, March 31, and #EYECON will cover the cost of one bus for transportation. Call 443-885-3663 for more information.

City Living Starts Here

Saturday, March 28, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Hunting Ridge Presbyterian Church, 4640 Edmondson 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 Hunting Ridge 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.

Trails Opening Day 

Saturday, March 28, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Avenue

Stroll the grounds of Cylburn Arboretum, tour the Rawlings Conservatory, learn about urban farming in the city, and visit the Waterfront Partnership’s exciting projects at the Inner Harbor. For more information, contact Jim Brown at jim@railstotrails.org or 202-974-5109.

Spring Fishing Rodeo  

Saturday, March 28, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Patterson Park Boat Lake, 27 S. Patterson Park Avenue (100 yards inside park)

Enjoy a fun-filled morning of fishing for kids ages 15 and under. Trout, Bass, and Bluegill will be stocked prior to the event. Bait will be provided. Rods and Reels are available to borrow, but feel free to bring your own. Sponsors include the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Tochterman's Tackle Shop. For more information or to register, contact John Kirk at 410-396-9392.

Easter Carnival

Saturday, March 28, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Howard Peters Rawlings-Conservatory, 3100 Swann Drive

Join Baltimore City Recreation and Parks on the Bunny Trail for free arts and crafts activities, as well as a petting farm, moon bounce, and rock climbing wall. Face painting and other activities will also be available for a small fee. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please pre-register by calling 410-396-7459 to receive a free goodie bag.

'Stache Bash

Saturday, March 28, 7:00 pm – 1:00 am
Delia Foley's, 1439 S. Charles Street

It is the 8th annual 'Stache Bash! This year's theme is "The 70's", so bust out your 70's gear and grow—or buy—the best 'stache you can! Come on out with your crumb catcher and help raise money for Rebuilding Together Baltimore—a nonprofit, nonsectarian, volunteer organization dedicated to helping low-income homeowners through home renovation and repair. A $20 cover and a mustache will get you a super cool shirt and great drink specials.

Druid Hill Park Historic Walking Tour

Sunday, March 29, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Rawlings Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, 3100 Swann Drive

Join the Friends of Druid Hill Park on a Historic Walking Tour of Druid Hill Park. Learn about the Boat Lake, walk the Grand Promenade, visit the formerly segregated swimming pool and tennis courts, and hear about the Maryland House and the Mansion House—the last remaining original structure in the park—and so much more! This tour includes significant walking. Tickets are $15 per person. For more information or to register, visit www.druidhillpark.org.

Free Webinar: Population Estimates for Baltimore—How Immigration Impacts the Numbers

Monday, March 30, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Online

The U.S. Census Bureau has released its 2014 population estimates for the City of Baltimore and all counties in the nation. Join the Census Bureau for a free webinar presentation of the latest population estimates. Learn about the components that are shaping population change in the city, and how immigrant and ethnic communities continue to make an impact on the city's demographics. If you would like to join the webinar, register here. For more information, contact Nesreen Khashan at 202-510-6403 or nesreen.khashan@census.gov.

Baltimore’s Women of Faith Prayer Vigil

Monday, March 30, 6:00 pm
War Memorial Plaza (in front of City Hall), 101 N. Holliday Street

Join Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and women of faith from across Baltimore City to pause in prayer for an end to the violence in our communities, and to remember and honor the lives tragically lost to violence. For more information, contact the Mayor's Office of Neighborhoods at 410-396-4735.

Youth Writers' Showcase

Saturday, April 4, 1:00 pm
Enoch Pratt Free Library, Pennsylvania Avenue Branch, 1531 North Avenue

Black Writer’s Guild of Maryland presents its inaugural Youth Writers' Showcase, in partnership with Enoch Pratt Free Library. The showcase will include a moderated panel discussion with five young writers from across the state. Moderated by popular radio personality Anthony McCarthy, the showcase will encourage young people to pursue excellence in writing and give them an opportunity to share their writings publicly. For more information about the Youth Writers Showcase, visit www.blackwritersguild.org, call 443-671-7743, or email bwg@blackwritersguild.org.

Spring Break Mini Camp

April 6 – 10, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Callowhill Aquatic Center, 2821 Oakley Ave

The Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks will offer a Spring Break mini camp from April 6 – 10. The camp is open to youths aged 5 – 14. Registration is $60, and can be submitted any time through March 27. For more information, call 410-396-7900 or visit bcrp.baltimorecity.gov.

The Neighborhood Institute

Saturday, April 18, 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
Baltimore Design School, 1500 Barclay Street

The Neighborhood Institute is a daylong series of 30 workshops that provide city residents, neighborhood leaders, and community development professionals with the training and tools they need to build and strengthen vibrant urban communities. Workshops will give you with toolbox of skills to tackle challenges big and small, such as fundraising, local food access, equitable development, code enforcement, and advocating for 21st Century schools. Registration is $15, scholarships may be available. For more information or to register, visit greaterhomewood.givezooks.com/events/2015-neighborhood-institute.

Ongoing Adventures

Your Money, Your Goals

Thursdays through April 2, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
All Baltimore City Community Action Centers

Join the Baltimore City Community Action Partnership to learn about financial literacy and planning. These workshops will cover topics ranging from household budgeting and debt relief to banking, credit, and savings. For more information or to register, visit humanservices.baltimorecity.gov, call 410-545-6958, or visit your local Community Action Center.

Community Action Centers

• Northern: 5225 York Road
• Northwestern: 3939 Reisterstown Road
• Southern: 606 Cherry Hill Road
• Southeastern: 3411 Bank Road
• Eastern: 1400 E. Federal Street

Spring Flower Show and Art Exhibit

March 28 – April 12, Wednesday – Sunday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory, 3100 Swann Drive

Explore the science of space while celebrating fantastical worlds that could be. Enjoy a cosmic array of bright tulips, lilies, and daffodils while discovering the secrets of the Universe! The flower display will be accompanied by an exhibition of mosaic artworks by Baltimore artist Yulia Hanansen. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.rawlingsconservatory.org.