published by the Mayor's Office of Neighborhoods Thursday, July 18, 2013

Police Station Renovation Opens Doors to Community

This week Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake joined City Council members, Police Commissioner Anthony Batts, Bishop Walter Thomas, and community leaders to unveil the newly renovated Northwestern District police station on Reisterstown Road.

For nearly 20 years, the front doors of the police station had been covered, sealed, and locked, and everyone entering the station had to use the back door.

Northwestern District Police Station Renovation

But thanks to New Psalmist Baptist Church and the support of the community, that's all changed. Through their "Taking Charge" initiative, the church conducted various fundraisers and donated $40,000 to make improvements to the Northwest Police Precinct—including a furnished front lobby, and upgrades and renovations to the front doors so that visitors, community leaders, and constituents can enter through the front of the building.

The project was launched by Major Johnny Delgado, who was frustrated that community members had to walk through the same doors that police used to bring in prisoners and witnesses. In a recent interview, Major Delgado asked, "How can we have community policing if we can't even open the doors to the public?"

Other Baltimore Police District stations are in poor shape, and four of the stations also have blocked front entrances. But money for renovations has been hard to come by amid tight city budgets, and support from the community is crucial.

"An effort like this tells the community, 'this is your police station,' and will be a great help to community relations," said Mayor Rawlings-Blake.

Bishop Thomas, pastor of New Psalmist Baptist Church, has previously partnered with city police to improve relations with the Northwest Baltimore community. "We hope other churches and groups will see this as a positive model for them for things they can do—maybe not on this scale —to make life better," Thomas said.

Announcements

Code Red Heat Alert Days Declared Through Friday
With forecasted highs in the upper 90s all week and a heat index that will be in excess of 101 degrees each day, Baltimore City Commissioner of Health Dr. Oxiris Barbot declared a Code Red Heat Alert for Tuesday, July 16 – Friday, July 19. "Heat-related hospitalizations and deaths are highly preventable," Dr. Barbot said. "During hot summer days, it's important to stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay in touch with your neighbors, especially seniors and the medically frail who live alone or without air conditioning." Baltimore City will open emergency cooling centers this week Tuesday through Friday from 9 am – 7 pm, each of which will have cool air and free water.

Map of Baltimore City Cooling Centers
Heat safety and cooling tips

Neighborhoods: Celebrate National Night Out on Tuesday, August 6
Across Baltimore and throughout the nation, neighbors will gather in groups large and small to celebrate National Night Out on Tuesday, August 6. National Night Out is a great opportunity for communities nationwide to promote police-community partnerships, crime prevention, and neighborhood camaraderie by holding block parties, cookouts, parades. Visit www.natw.org for ideas on planning your National Night Out.

Let us know what your community is doing to celebrate, and we'll add your event to our citywide list of activities. Email your name and phone number, the time and location of your event, and a brief description to NationalNightOut@baltimorecity.gov.

July is National Recreation and Parks' Month!
Baltimore City Recreation and Parks will be leading the city of Baltimore to improved health and wellness through a variety of physical challenges. This is a formal invitation for you to:"Get ACTIVE and Stay HEALTHY" with Rec and Parks this summer! Download your Calendar here or drop by your local recreation center. For more information, please call 410.396.7900 or visit bcrp.baltimorecity.gov

Neighborhood Cleanup? Check Out The Baltimore Community ToolBank
The Baltimore Community ToolBank is a new nonprofit organization that loans tools and equipment to community groups and gardens, neighborhood associations, and other charitable organizations for just three cents on the dollar per week, so your group can borrow $1,000 worth of tools for just $30. Membership is free and they are reserving tools now for spring projects, so make sure to get tools lined up for your upcoming projects. Learn more about the ToolBank or register to borrow tools online at www.baltimore.toolbank.org.

Community Organizations: Request The Johns Hopkins CARES Mobile Safety Center
The CARES (Children ARE Safe) Safety Center is a 40-foot vehicle designed as a house on wheels. The Safety Center is available to visit Baltimore neighborhoods and community organizations to teach parents and caregivers about the injury risks children face at home and what they can do to prevent them. Inside visitors will find several fun and interactive exhibits to show the hidden injury risks in a home and what can be done to protect families. The Center is also equipped with reduced-cost safety products, including car safety seats, bicycle helmets, safety gates and cabinet locks, which are offered for sale at below-retail costs. You can visit www.hopkinscares.org to learn more and will find a "PDF Request Form" that community members may fill out to request the mobile center.

Summer Fun For Families In Baltimore

Summer is a great time to give kids a chance to try different activities and learn something new. From outdoor recreation, to community events to visiting historical and cultural attractions, there are endless opportunities for family fun in Baltimore. Here are some suggestions of things to do with the whole family this summer.

FREE OUTDOOR CONCERTS

Every summer Baltimore hosts a lively schedule of free outdoor concerts throughout the city. Grab some friends, a lawn chair or blanket, and something cool to drink and enjoy free, live music in Baltimore's backyard.

Belvedere Square Summer Sounds Concerts
Baltimore City Recreation and Parks "Music In the Parks" series
Downtown 1st Thursdays Lunchtime Concert Series
WTMD First Thursdays Concerts in the Park
Summer Thursdays At The Can Company

FREE OUTDOOR FILMS
Fireworks won't be the only excitement lighting up the night sky this week. Summer movie season is in full swing, which means outdoor screens are popping up around Charm City. Grab a blanket and don't forget the popcorn. Films begin around sunset, and here's a bonus: all this al fresco entertainment is free.

Little Italy Open Air Film Fest
Flicks from the Hill - AVAM Outdoor Theatre - Federal Hill
Films on the Pier - Fells Point Broadway Pier

FARMERS MARKETS
Satisfy your culinary curiosity at one of Baltimore's many farmers' markets. From the small, locally owned stands, to the large and lively market with rows of growers and extensive selections, "good eats" are always just around the corner. When it comes to fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, meats and more, the farmers' markets in Baltimore are the perfect place to locate some fabulous food finds for everyone in the family!

Maryland State Dept of Agriculture Statewide Farmers Market Listings
About Baltimore City Farmers Markets
Map of Baltimore's Farmers Markets with Hours and Locations

YOUTH B'MORE SUMMER BLOCK PARTIES
The Baltimore City Youth Commission sponsors Youth B'more Summer Block Parties, featuring activities for children and families in the community. Join us to bring the community together by engaging the youth, Baltimore City, and community-based agencies! This summer's block parties will feature entertainment by Shadina, Go DDM, Markus Vonnell, Michael Trotter, to name a few.

Tuesday, July 9 – 500 McMechen Street, 7pm-10pm
Saturday, July 27 – Mund Park, 2367 Boone St., 5pm-7pm
Tuesday, July 30 – Collington Square, 2300 E. Hoffman, 7pm-10pm
Thursday, August 1 – Druid Hill Park Pool, Wyman Park Drive, 12pm-3pm
Thursday, August 1 – Cherry Hill, 1000 Bethune Road, 7pm- 10pm
Thursday, August 8 – Easterwood Park, 2300 Baker Street, 7pm-10pm
Tuesday, August 13 – 4200 block of Parkside Drive, 7pm-10pm
Thursday, August 15 – Jack Paulsen Park, 4700 block of Reisterstown Rd., 7pm-10pm
Tuesday, August 20 – Gilmore Elementary School,1311 N. Gilmore Street, 7pm-10pm
Saturday, August 24 – Under Armour Madison Square Dome, 1100 N. Eden Street, 5pm-8pm

Community Calendar

Artscape
July 19-21, Mount Royal Avenue, North Charles Street. Artscape, america's largest free arts festival features continuous musical performances by local, regional and national talent on multiple outdoor stages, indoor and outdoor visual arts exhibitions, film, theater, opera, dance, street theater and special activities geared towards children. www.artscape.com

Homebuyer Workshop 101: The Basics of Buying a Home
Saturday, July 20, 8:45 am- 2:00 pm, Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church, 2812 Reisterstown Rd. You must pre-register for this free event by calling 410-947-0084 x1 or visiting www.go-northwesthrc.org.

Greater Mondawmin Coordinating Council's Resource Day
Saturday, July 20, 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Center Court at Mondawmin Mall, Liberty Heights Avenue. Vendors and topics include: GED education, mental health services, fitness and stress relief, criminal record expungement, job opportunities, mentoring, MECU financial resources, Bon Secours health sessions, Baltimore City Community College and Coppin State University, Center for Urban Families, and drug rehab services. For more information, call 410-523-4500.

Lyric Opera Camp Performance at City Hall
Monday, July 22, 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm, City Hall Rotunda, 100 North Holliday Street. Reminder: Photo ID is needed to enter City Hall. Join Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake as she welcomes the Lyric Opera Camp to City Hall for a special lunchtime performance. Opera Campers are high school students studying theatre and opera. Bring your lunch and come out and enjoy this special treat while you enjoy your lunch! One performance only. For more information, contact Marva Williams: marva.williams@baltimorecity.gov

Mortgage Delinquency Workshop: The Road to Recovery
Monday, July 22, 5:30-7:30pm, Forest Park Library, 3023 Garrison Blvd. You must pre-register for this event by calling 410-947-0084 x1 or go online to www.go-northwesthrc.org

Baltimore Build Workshop: Proper Steps to Rehabbing a House in Baltimore
Wednesday, July 24, 6 pm - 7 pm, Oliver Community Center, 1400 E. Federal Street. Free Admission! Seating is limited and pre-registration is required. Register today. Call 410-396-4111 or email V2V @baltimorecity.gov. For more information, please visit the Vacants to Value page at www.baltimorehousing.org or find us on Facebook.

TreeBaltimore Working Group Annual Meeting
Thursday, July 25, 6:30-9:00pm, Cylburn Arboretum's Vollmer Center, 4915 Greenspring Avenue. TreeBaltimore is the umbrella organization for all groups and agencies promoting and planting trees throughout Baltimore. Join our partners in speaking with one voice to increase the Urban Tree Canopy. Talk with tree experts about how to get your community involved in the tree game and let us know what your neighborhood is already doing! Topics will include record keeping, planting and maintenance guidelines, 'comparable' programs in other cities, tree stewardship program, and much more! Refreshments will be served. We want more organizations and local groups to join us in Baltimore's united effort to 'speak for the trees.' Please pass the word, and also RSVP to JKullgren@baltimorecity.gov. treebaltimore.org