published by the Mayor's Office of Neighborhoods Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Baltimore Neighborhoods to Celebrate National Night Out Tuesday, August 6

On Tuesday, August 6th, in Baltimore and throughout the nation, neighbors will gather to celebrate National Night Out. This year marks the 30th anniversary of National Night Out, "America's Night Out Against Crime." The effort was launched in 1984 by the National Association of Town Watch, a non-profit organization dedicated to the development and promotion of community crime prevention programs.

Over the years, the traditional "lights on" campaign and symbolic front porch vigils have evolved into community celebrations across America with block parties, cookouts, and parades to heighten awareness and enhance community relations. National Night Out is a great opportunity for communities to promote police-community partnerships, crime prevention, and neighborhood camaraderie.

This summer Baltimore has seen an increase in gun violence, but there are promising signs that people are channeling their outrage into action. Earlier this month, several hundred city men took to the streets in a march along North Avenue to protest the ongoing cycle of violence. Three weeks ago, Mayor Rawlings-Blake announced an initiative to boost cooperation between state and federal prosecutors by bringing on two new state's attorneys to focus their efforts on violent crime in East and West Baltimore.

Finally, over 80 Baltimore neighborhoods have reported that they are planning National Night Out celebrations this year, nearly twice as many as last year. Good neighbors can fight crime. Although many citizens feel powerless when confronted with crime, empowering can be as simple as getting to know your neighbors. Areas of low crime are areas where neighbors interact frequently.

Although National Night Out is only one night, you can use that night to begin talking about preventing crime year-round. Designate a particular problem in your registered community and work towards a solution to issues such as drugs, gangs, violence, or graffiti within an estimated 365 days between your annual National Night Out events, in an effort to create a safer neighborhood.

For more information on National Night Out and how you can keep your neighborhood safe all year long, visit www.natw.org.

Announcements

Backpack and School Supply Collection Drive
Through August 9. With a new school year just around the corner, your support is needed to help Baltimore City Public School students have the basic tools they need to start off a successful school year! Donations of new backpacks and school supplies are needed for distribution at the Mayor's Annual Back-to-School Rally on August 17.

School supplies that are needed:

#2 pencils
3-ring binders
Children's scissors
Composition books-wide ruled
Crayons
Erasers
Glue bottles or sticks
Index cards
Loose leaf paper-wide ruled
Pencil cases
Pencil sharpeners
Pens
Rulers
Wet wipes-antibacterial

Donations may be dropped off through Friday, August 9 in the collection bins at:

City Hall, 100 North Holliday Street
Abel Wolman Municipal Building, 200 North Holliday Street
Benton Building, 417 East Fayette Street
Baltimore City Health Department, 1001 East Fayette Street

Pick-up arrangements are available for large donations. Monetary donations are also accepted. Make checks/money orders payable to the Baltimore City Foundation. Memo: Back to School Rally. No donation is too small. Donation receipts are available. For more information, contact Back2SchoolRally@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.

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

GO Northwest HRC Mortgage Delinquency Workshop "The Road to Recovery"
Monday, August 5, 5:30-7:30pm, Forest Park Library, 3023 Garrison Blvd. FREE Workshop. You must pre-register to attend the event at www.go-northwesthrc.org OR 410-947-0084x2

Music in the Parks 2013 Outdoor Summer Concert
Wednesday, August 7, 6:00-8:00pm, Hanlon Park, N. Longwood St. and Gwynns Falls Pkwy. Come out and enjoy great sounds during Music in the Parks 2013 Outdoor Summer Concert. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, please call Tara Ingram at 410-396-7459.

GO Northwest HRC Homebuying Workshop
Saturday, August 17, 8:45 am - 2:00 pm, Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church, 2812 Reisterstown Rd. FREE Workshop. You must pre-register to attend the event by visiting www.go-northwesthrc.org or by calling 410-947-0084X1.

2013 Grand Prix of Baltimore Presented by SRT
August 30-September 1, Downtown Baltimore. The third running of the 2013 Grand Prix of Baltimore presented by SRT will be another spectacular three-day "Celebration of Acceleration" in downtown Baltimore. From August 30 through September 1 (Labor Day Weekend) the streets of Baltimore will come alive with the sights and sounds of high-speed automotive racing. With a modified racing circuit and an even better fan experience, this year's Grand Prix will continue to establish Baltimore as the Mid-Atlantic's premier motorsport destination. Purchase your tickets now at grandprixofbaltimore.com

Waterfront Wellness Classes
Saturdays and Sundays through September 29 from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM, Inner Harbor, West Shore Park. Get outside and get fit! Join the Waterfront Partnership for free adult wellness classes taught by area professional instructors. Challenge yourself with yoga, boot camp, CrossFit, and Zumba. Workouts are free, but registration is required. For more information, workout schedules, or to register, visit www.waterfrontpartnership.org.

Baltimore Book Festival
September 27-29, Mount Vernon Place, 600 block of North Charles Street. The mid-Atlantic's premier celebration of the literary arts features more than 200 celebrity and local authors, readings, workshops, children's activities, panel discussions, cookbook demonstrations, more than 100 exhibitors and booksellers, live music, food and more. www.baltimorebookfestival.org.