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| This year, Baltimore confronted the worst fiscal crisis in modern history-an unprecedented $121 million deficit. The City faced the prospect of closing fire companies, laying-off sworn police officers, and permanently closing 29 recreation centers and several swimming pools. In this preliminary budget scenario, seven City walk-to pools, six wading/splash pools and three indoor pools would have been closed for the summer.
As a result of responsible spending cuts and new revenue generated in my Comprehensive Plan, $719 thousand in additional funds were approved to keep all City pools open for six weeks this summer. The Comprehensive Plan also fully funded our obligation to public schools, maintained every single police officer, reduced fire company closures, and opened all recreation centers this summer.
At no time during the budget process did I consider using the City's Budget Stabilization Fund (BSF)-commonly referred to as the "rainy-day" fund-to support a longer pool season or any other budget priority. The budget was balanced with a responsible combination of cuts and new revenue, not irresponsible one-time gimmicks.
The BSF is our safeguard against economic catastrophe. This year, the City used $17 million from the BSF to balance the Fiscal Year 2010 budget deficit resulting from February's historic snowstorms. Moving forward, I am committed to replenishing the fund so the City will be equipped with the necessary resources to face any future emergency.
The BSF plays a vital role in how the City's finances are judged by national bond rating agencies. Because of the fiscally-sound decisions in my Comprehensive Budget Plan, both Moody's Investor Services and Standard & Poor's affirmed our bond rating. Preserving the bond rating ensures more affordable borrowing by the City and greater long-term financial stability.
Throughout the budget process, I was encouraged that residents understood and appreciated that this economy is affecting all of us, and that government alone cannot solve every challenge. And, this week, we saw an example of generous corporate citizenship after City pools closed on Sunday, August 8. That night, Baltimore businessman J.P. Grant called my office with an unsolicited offer to help reopen the Druid Hill Park Pool-a pool he remembered fondly from his childhood. The next day, we were able to announce a donation of $90,000 from Grant Capital Management, Inc. to keep the Druid Hill Park Pool open.
The following day, a major Baltimore City individual and the T. Rowe Price Foundation came forward with additional unsolicited donations, $300,000 and $117,000 respectively, to fund continued operations of all City park pools through Labor Day. The remaining $177,000 needed to keep 13 neighborhood walk-to pools was donated by a number of other benefactors.
As a result of these contributions, more children will be able have a safe place to play and keep cool this summer. Each donor set a great example of what can be accomplished when local businesses step-up to make Baltimore better, safer, and stronger. |
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Sincerely,
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
Mayor, City of Baltimore
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Youth B'More Back to School Rally Friday, August 13, 3:00 pm-7:00 pm
Baltimore City Schools, 200 E. North Avenue Celebrate the start of a new school year with Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. Receive valuable information, free school supplies, and valuable resources. To receive free school supplies, you must pre-register and your child must be present. To receive immunizations on-site, be sure to bring your child's immunization record.
Obtain a pre-registration form from Family Investment Centers citywide, the department of Social Services, or the Youth B'More website. For more information, visit www.youthbmore.com or call 410-396-4735. |
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Baltimore Farmers' Market & Bazaar Shop for the region's freshest produce, meats, seafood, baked goods, fresh flowers and more. The bazaar returns with unique crafts and collectibles. The Baltimore Farmers' Market & Bazaar, located on Saratoga Street between Holliday and Gay streets under the Jones Falls Expressway, is open every Sunday through December 19 from 7:00 am until sell out, approximately noon. For more information, call 1-877-BALTIMORE or visit www.promotionandarts.com. |
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Thursdays at the Lewis Thursdays, June-August, 5:00 pm-8:00 pm
Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 East Pratt Street Each Thursday, June-August, enjoy extended hours and $5 admission to the Reginald F. Lewis Museum. Dine, shop, and tour the galleries. Third Thursdays feature live music, light fare, and a cash bar.
For more information, visit www.africanamericanculture.org or call 443-263-1800. |
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Little Italy's Open Air Film Festival Fridays, July-August, 7:00 pm-11:00 pm
Corner of High Street & Stiles Street Presented by the Little Italy Restaurant Association, enjoy live music, free movies, and popcorn. Arrive early to eat dinner at one of Little Italy's many restaurants, set up a lawn chair, enjoy the music, and stroll the charming neighborhood.
To view the movie schedule, visit www.littleitalymd.org. |
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AVAM's Flicks from the Hill Thursdays, July 1-August 19, 5:00 pm-11:00 pm
American Visionary Arts Museum, 800 Key Highway The American Visionary Arts Museum presents outdoor family films on Federal Hill! The flicks are related to the theme of the exhibition: Life, Liberty, & the Pursuit of Happiness. The museum is open and free from 5:00-9:00 pm before the flick.
To view the film schedule, visit www.avam.org. |
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Summer Restaurant Week
August 13-August 22 The most delicious week of the summer returns! Enjoy a three-course meal from special prix-fixe dinner menus for $35.10 or lunch menus for $20.10 per person. At participating restaurants, you will find donation boxes for The Journey Home, Mayor Rawlings-Blake's plan to make homelessness rare and brief. While you are out enjoying Baltimore Restaurant Week, join in supporting this effort with a kind donation.
For more information and a complete list of participating restaurants, visit www.baltimorerestaurantweek.com. |
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Stone Soul Picnic Saturday, August 14, 12:00 pm-7:00 pm
Druid Hill Park Enjoy seven hours of Gospel, R&B, Neo-Soul, and Jazz main stage performances. The Stone Soul Picnic is an annual event, held in Baltimore since 1991, featuring national and local talent, games, cultural foods, guest emcees, and more. The event is free to the public.
For more information, visit http://magicbaltimore.com/stonesoul/magicbaltimore/stone-soul-picnic-2010. |
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Great Bug Hunt Saturday, August 14, 12:00 pm-2:00 pm
Carrie Murray Nature Center, 1901 Ridgetop Road Help naturalist and entomologist Lloyd Tydings catch new specimens for the Center's Insect Zoo. All specimens will be identified. You can also learn how to keep some of your very own! No open-toed shoes, and no pets please. Admission is $4 for adults, and $2 for children 5 and under.
For more information, and to pre-register, call 410-396-0808. |
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FestAfrica 2010 Saturday & Sunday, August 14-15, 12:00 pm-8:00 pm
Patterson Park, Linwood Avenue and Eastern Avenue Celebrate African culture & heritage at this 8th annual African Festival, with traditional music, crafts and art, dances, and food. Enjoy the Parade of Nations--bring your own flag and show your pride. Admission ranges from $5 to $15, children under 10 are free.
For more information, call 410-608-0420 or visit www.festafricausa.com. |
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Evening Photography Walk Wednesday, August 18, 6:00 pm-7:30 pm
Cylburn Arboretum, Vollmer Center, 4915 Greenspring Avenue Bring your camera and be inspired. Your photographs will reflect the wonderful golden light of evening. A professional photographer will lead this 90-minute walk, open to any photographer who wants to improve the quality of their images. This event is free and open to the public.
For more information, call 410-367-2217. |
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Charm City Garden Tours Saturday, August 21, 2:00 pm-7:00 pm
Various locations Community gardens are transforming Baltimore. Visit the sites, meet the gardeners, and learn about these amazing spaces. The 2:00 tours will be followed by a Celebration For All from 5:00-7:00, located at Duncan Street Miracle Garden. A $5 donation is suggested for those attending only the party.
To register for the $15 bike tour, call 410-448-5663, ext. 128 or email community.greening@parksandpeople.org. To register for the $20 bus tour, contact Betsey Heuisler at 410-529-4692 or betsheuis@aol.com. |
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Nature Recycling Crafts Saturday, August 21 & 28, 10:00 am-3:00 pm
Carrie Murray Nature Center, 1901 Ridgetop Road Stop by to make crafts from recycled materials. No pets please. Pre-registration is NOT required, and admission is $1.
To learn more, call 410-396-0808. |
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League of Women Voters Candidate Forums
The League of Women Voters of Baltimore City will be holding forums for candidates for State Senate and House of Delegates in the 2010 Primary Election. Forums will be held in each of Baltimore's six Legislative Districts. Both Democratic and Republican party candidates will attend and the audience will have the opportunity to ask questions.
DISTRICT 45
Wednesday, August 25, 7:00 pm-9:00 pm
Herring Run Watershed Center, 3545 Belair Road
DISTRICT 41
Thursday, September 2, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm
Forest Park Senior Center, 4801 Liberty Heights Avenue
DISTRICT 43
Thursday, September 2, 7:00 pm-9:00 pm
Good Samaritan Hospital, Parker Rooms 3 & 4, 3601 Loch Raven Boulevard
DISTRICT 44
Thursday, September 2, 7:00 pm-9:00 pm
Union Baptist Church, 1219 Druid Hill Avenue
DISTRICT 40
Tuesday, September 7, 7:00 pm-9:00 pm
St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 1900 St Paul Street
DISTRICT 46
Thursday, September 9, 6:30-8:30 pm
Virginia S. Baker Patterson Park Rec. Center, 2601 East Baltimore Street |
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