Baltimore City Website
The Rawlings-Blake Review
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Important phone numbers can be found here.
In This Issue
New Year's Resolution: Be A Mentor!
Baltimore CASH Campaign
Don't Wait: Get Your Flu Shot Today!
Criminal Record Expungement Workshop
Introduction to the World of Fundraising
Maryland Zoo Volunteer Open House
Visit Baltimore Town Hall Meeting
The Chocolate Affair
So You Think You Can Charleston?
Disability Income Tax Day
Baltimore City CERT Training
Dear Friends:

Newbury Street Bridge EventLast week, I joined U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski, Councilwoman Rochelle "Rikki" Spector, and members of the Mt. Washington Merchants Association for the celebration and re-opening of the Newbury Bridge. This small but significant bridge, built in 1972, serves residents, small businesses, and hundreds of daily Light Rail passengers. It was important that we take the steps to ensure the safety of this vital structure now and in the future.

 

The $750,000 project included the replacement of concrete beams, bridge bearings, concrete decking, and repairs to the abutment wall. In addition, minor streetscape and roadway improvements were completed, including sidewalk improvements for compliance with ADA regulations, full depth road repair, crosswalks, and sidewalk railing.

 

We understand the disruption that bridge repair can bring. That is why DOT worked closely with the Mt. Washington community during construction as we worked to keep our infrastructure safe for both motorists and pedestrians. I want to thank the Mt. Washington community and all of the visitors and commuters that travel in the area for their patience during construction.

 

The Newbury Bridge project is just one piece of an aggressive effort by the Department of Transportation to repair dozens of aging bridges maintained by the City. Baltimore City maintains 312 bridges-both in the City and the surrounding counties. After years of engineering and planning, the City is moving into high gear to address our bridge infrastructure while taking a broader approach to bridge management.

 

The bridge projects currently underway are:
 

  • The Nicodemus Road Bridge over the Liberty Reservoir
  • The Argonne Drive Bridge over Herring Run
  • The Pennington Avenue Bridge over Curtis Creek
  • The Loch Raven Bridge over Dulaney Branch 

Many of these projects are funded all or in part with Federal Stimulus funds. We are grateful for Senator Mikulski and the members of Maryland's Congressional Delegation for their support of meaningful and targeted spending to keep Baltimore working.

 

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 Twitter.
Sincerely,

Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
Mayor, City of Baltimore
Special Notices

New Year's Resolution: Be A Mentor!

January is National Mentoring Month. This year, Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Maryland Mentoring Partnership are working with Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Comcast to recruit more mentors for B'Mentors: The Baltimore City Mentoring Initiative. Volunteer mentors play a powerful role in reducing drug abuse and youth violence, as well as boosting academic achievement. To guarantee the success and sustainability of this initiative, broad support is needed from the community. You can help by financially supporting this initiative or volunteering to become a mentor. A variety of mentoring opportunities are available. To view a message from Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, click here. For more information, or to help out, go to www.bmentors.org.

Baltimore CASH Campaign

Families of 2 or more who made $49,000 or less in 2010 and single tax filers who made $25,000 or less may be eligible for free tax preparation and other helpful financial services through the Baltimore CASH campaign. The Baltimore CASH Campaign strives to provide working families access to the tools and services needed to maximize their earning dollars. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, visit www.bmorefreetaxes.org or call 410-234-8008.

Don't Wait: Get Your Flu Shot Today!

Flu season is here. The most effective way to protect yourself, your family, and your friends from influenza is to get vaccinated. Each flu season, the Baltimore City Health Department provides free vaccinations at clinics across the city. Call 311 or visit the Health Department Website to find the clinic nearest you.

 

Other, simple ways to avoid the flu and stay healthy this fall:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, scrubbing vigorously for 20 seconds.
  • Do not share personal items like drinks, food, or unwashed utensils.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or by using the elbow, arm or sleeve instead of the hand when a tissue is not available.

If someone in your household becomes sick and develops a fever, the person should stay home until they are fever-free for 24 hours. Staying home when sick with flu will reduce the number of others who may get sick.

Upcoming Events

Criminal Record Expungement Workshop

Saturday, January 22, 2:00 pm-4:00 pm

Pennsylvania Avenue Branch Library, 1531 West North Avenue

Come learn about the expungement process and options for those with a criminal record. The workshop, facilitated by "Re-Entry Guy" Mark Matthews, is hosted by The Friends of the Pennsylvania Avenue Branch Library. For more information, call 410-396-0399.

Introduction to the World of Fundraising

Monday, January 24, 2:00 pm

Enoch Pratt Free Library Central Branch, 400 Cathedral Street

Interested in non-profit fundraising? Looking for funding for your organization? Learn the basics of the world of fundraising and find out about the free resources available at the Pratt Library. For more information, call 410-396-5430.

Maryland Zoo Volunteer Open House

Sunday, January 30, 11:00 am-2:00 pm

The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, Druid Hill Park

Get involved as a Zoo volunteer! Come learn about the essential role that volunteers play in conservation, education, and visitor support. For more information, contact the Zoo at 410-396-7102.

Visit Baltimore Town Hall Meeting

Thursday, February 3, 5:30-8:00

American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Highway

Visit Baltimore invites you to the 2011 Town Hall Meeting & Networking Event. Hear from special guest speakers Jeff Buchheit of Baltimore National Heritage Area and Jay Davidson of Baltimore Racing Development. Visit Baltimore leadership will also present an update on convention sales and services activities, marketing campaigns, and other organizational particulars. For more information, visit http://baltimore.org/blog/?p=400.

The Chocolate Affair

Thursday, February 3, 6:00 pm-9:30 pm

M&T Bank Stadium

Come celebrate "the sweetest night in town" at the 20th Chocolate Affair, to benefit Health Care for the Homeless. Join honorary chairs, Chet Burrell, President & CEO of CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Elizabeth Burrell, and Charles "Choo" Smith, former Harlem Globetrotter as you sample sweet and savory treats from over 50 of Baltimore's best restaurants, caterers, and chocolatiers. Enjoy auctions, dancing, live music, spa treatments, and more. Tickets are $85 in advance, $95 at the door. For more information, or to purchase tickets visit www.chocolateaffair.org.

So You Think You Can Charleston?

Monday, February 7, 10:30 am

Enoch Pratt Free Library Central Branch, 400 Cathedral Street

Children ages 6-12 can learn about the Harlem Renaissance, one of the most exciting periods in American music, literature, art, and dance. Afterward, they will participate in a jazz era dance contest. Call 410-396-5402 for more information or to register groups of 5 or more.

Disability Income Tax Day

Saturday, February 12, 9:00 am-2:00 pm

Various Locations

If you have a disability and make less than $49,000 a year, you may be eligible to participate. Get your income taxes completed for free and learn about disability services, asset planning, and other government funded assistance programs. For more information, or to register, call the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) at 410-333-6119. If you need special language access for persons with limited English proficiency or special accommodations, call Dwight Daughton, Mayor's Commission on Disabilities, at410-396-1161 by Monday, January 31.

Baltimore City CERT Training

February 12-13, 9:00 am-5:00 pm

Baltimore City Fire Academy, 6720 Pulaski Highway

In 95% of emergencies, bystanders or victims themselves are the first to provide emergency assistance or rescue. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program trains citizens to prepare for and respond to emergencies in their communities. This quarterly training will give you the tools you need to understand hazards that can affect your community, perform first aid techniques, make an emergency plan for your family or business, and more. For more information, or to reserve a spot by February 4, email cert@baltimorecity.gov.