By Marvin “Doc” Cheatham and Owen Silverman Andrews

Baltimore Sun |
Nov 14, 2019 | 2:59 PM

This summer, The Sun published dueling op-eds from the presidents of two of Baltimore’s renowned institutions of higher education, proposing new governance structures for certain city institutions of higher education. In the first, University of Baltimore President Kurt Schmoke suggested combining the University of Baltimore (UB), Coppin State University and Baltimore City Community College (BCCC) into an entity known as the “City University of Baltimore.” In the second, Morgan State University President David Wilson argued, eloquently, that UB should merge into Morgan.

We appreciate the innovative approaches, but, as community organizers in West and Southeast Baltimore, we believe it is time for a vision from the grassroots level to emerge to guide our city’s colleges and universities into the new decade.

We call for sweeping changes to a status quo that has failed our students and communities and propose that Baltimore City Community College should merge with the Community College of Baltimore County to become the new Community College of Baltimore. This would relieve the fiscal strain caused by city residents seeking community college education in the county due to the separate and unequal conditions between the two schools. To ensure the merger is equitable, the Community College of Baltimore’s Board must be made up of two elected county residents, two elected city residents and three members appointed by the county executive, mayor and governor, respectively.

The benefits of establishing the Community College of Baltimore will be enjoyed by both Baltimore City and Baltimore County students, workers and stakeholders. Current CCBC students, staff and faculty will gain more direct access to the economic engines of Baltimore City’s medical, corporate and cultural institutions, resulting in more internship, job and research opportunities. And current BCCC stakeholders, especially those who live closer to the ring of CCBC campuses around the city, will have shorter commute times and lower tuition to their places of work and study.

Further, we see the decision to cut staff positions and hundreds of thousands of dollars from BCCC’s successful English Language Services (ELS) Department as an act of self-sabotage inflicted within a larger landscape in Maryland that is hostile to immigrants and community colleges. ELS primarily serves Baltimore’s growing immigrant community, an expanding demographic within the city’s pre-K through 12 and higher education student bodies. We call on the Maryland General Assembly and City Hall to restore this lost grant funding.

We also agree with Morgan State University President David Wilson that the University of Baltimore should merge into Morgan State University as its downtown campus.

In light of Maryland’s checkered history of segregation in higher education and disinvestment in historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), as well as the irresponsible underfunding of our state’s community colleges, these significant reforms are not only practical and just, but sorely needed.

Likewise, elected and appointed officials must stop pulling the chair out from under us with stunts like transferring the Baltimore Police Department’s training academy to the University of Baltimore instead of Coppin State University, which came as a surprising blow in West Baltimore and the communities Coppin anchors. While Coppin would not be directly impacted by the mergers we propose, such disregard cannot continue. Instead, Coppin and West Baltimore must be strengthened by meaningful state investment in faculty, research and, most importantly, students.

Continued neglect of Maryland’s HBCUs, community colleges, staff, faculty and students will lead to ever-increasing inequality in our state. The cost of this inequality, coupled with the debt Maryland owes to black people, is staggering.

As Georgetown University and others begin accounting for the horrors of slavery and Jim Crow, Maryland must become a national leader in forging forward with reparations in the field of higher education. Elected officials in Annapolis and City Hall, as well as newly selected University System of Maryland Chancellor Jay Perman, must act decisively with reparative and sweeping reforms to scale with the challenges students, faculty and staff at Baltimore’s colleges and universities face. Maryland can lead the nation in higher education, but we must lead with equity.

Marvin “Doc” Cheatham, an alumnus of BCCC and Coppin State University, is CEO of the Matthew A. Henson Community Development Corporation in West Baltimore; his email is civilrights@verizon.net. Owen Silverman Andrews, a former adjunct faculty member of BCCC and CCBC, is co-chair of the Baltimore City Green Party and lives in Southeast Baltimore; his email is owen.s.andrews@gmail.com.

Explosion in West Baltimore damages two houses, fire officials say

                           (READ FULL BALTIMORE SUN ARTICLE BY CLICKING LINK ABOVE)

Explosion levels vacant rowhome in west Baltimore

(READ FULL WBAL TV NEWS ARTICLE)

WMAR 2 NEWS

Safeguards proposed to protect citizens’ rights
Posted: 6:23 PM, Oct 14, 2019 Updated: 6:23 PM, Oct 14, 2019

By: Jeff Hager

BALTIMORE — Desperate times may require desperate actions, and a group outside Baltimore City Hall on Monday said it hopes a single day filled with violence over the weekend is the tipping point.

"A murder, the shooting of a two-year-old boy, a double, two triples and a quadruple. That is unacceptable. That was Saturday,” said Mayoral Candidate Thiru Vignarajah, “If it happened in Annapolis, if it happened in Frederick, if it happened in Silver Spring, we would send the 101st Airborne Division in."

But the group will settle for three Cessna aircraft equipped with aerial cameras to help police catch killers.

Thus far, Baltimore's top cop has been non-committal on an offer to put the eye in the sky at no charge for three years.

"It's paid for by a foundation with all the bells and whistles, and it tracks crime and it gets convictions,” said Former City Councilwoman Rikki Spector. “I don't know what else to do."

The department used the cameras secretly for months before word leaked out and the planes were grounded three years ago.

This time, proponents are willing to add safeguards such as limiting the use of the cameras to murders, non-fatal shooting and carjackings, as well as a requirement to obtain warrants and the creation of an oversight board.

Critics, like the ACLU of Maryland, say no matter what promises are made, it would still violate citizens 4th amendment rights.

"This was a bad idea when it was done in secret. It was a bad idea when it was first revealed. It has been a bad idea since then,” said David Rocah. “It is still a bad idea, and that is why there is not a single city anywhere in the United States that has accepted Ross McNutt's Orwellian offer to get paid by some billionaires in Texas to vacuum up data about where everyone in that city goes all of the time."

Opponents also challenge the aerial surveillance system's effectiveness, but it's clear as the murder count mounts each year, many of the victims' families are willing to try it at almost any cost.

Victory Swift’s son died in March of 2017.
"If it can save your family's life or your family's life or your family's life, what would it be worth?" she asked.

Matthew A. Henson Neighborhood Association

"Community ROLL OFF DAY"
Will be at Baker and Smallwood Streets

Saturday, September 28th 7am - 12pm

TELL EVERYONE, ON EVERY STREET IN EVERY BLOCK !

Meet us at Baker and Smallwood Streets

PLEASE CLICK THIS LINK FOR COMPLETE WBAL NEWS STORY VIDEO

Great news to hear that the Baltimore City Council is seriously considering an early voting site for an area in the Western Police District Area.

GREAT BENEFITS:
Baltimore City Community College
Coppin State University
Frederick Douglass Senior High School
George Washington Carver Vocational Technical Senior High School
Mondawmin Shopping Mall
Druid Hill Park
Baltimore Zoo
MTA Maryland Subway + Bus Compilation @ Mondawmin
Over 20 nearby faith bases institutions
BUS Connection- Lime, Navy, Yellow, 91, 16, 21,22,51,52,53,54 and 97.

The Matthew A. Henson Neighborhood Association/M.H.C.D.C. and Baltimore Green Party extensively studied this much needed and desired voting enhancement whose time has assuredly come.

P.S. Maybe next a Community Action Center for the same neglected, underserved and overlooked Western District Police District area that could serve the G.M.C.C.; C.H.C.D.C.; D.H.C.D.C and A.R.C.O. umbrellas for over 50 community organizations INCLUSIVE of Ashburton area historically one of the highest voting areas in Baltimore City.

Dr. Marvin L. 'Doc' Cheatham, Sr.
Civil Rights & Election Law Consultant
President - Matthew A. Henson Neighborhood Association
C.E.O. - Matthew Henson Community Development Corporation
www.mhcdc.net - Facebook @mhcdcfreedom
Twitter @mhcdc_freedom - Instagram @mhcdc_freedom
Convener - Maryland H.B.C.U.'s Matter Coalition
www.savemdhbcus.org
Member - N.A.A.C.P. - S.C.L.C. - N.A.N.
Phi Beta Sigma D.S.C. #124
410/669-VOTE[8683] Cell 443/255-6056
'A CommUNITY Actively Addressing CRIME + GRIME'

You can download the Neighbors by Ring Video App from google play store.   This will allow you to get real crime alerts and see crime videos from your neighbors with Ring Doorbell cameras.

Activist,

Today is Women's Equality Day, honoring the ratification of the 19th Amendment -- an important milestone in the long, difficult march toward equal representation for all people.
We cannot forget that the 19th Amendment mainly gave white women the right to vote. Now, 99 years later, we've continued to make progress toward equality, and we can celebrate the historic number of women elected, voting, and running for office. But we are far from equal. Many women and marginalized people continue to be disenfranchised through voter suppression. We are still fighting the constant attacks on our healthcare, our bodily autonomy, and our dignity.

Celebrate Women's Equality Day by pledging to #VOTEPROCHOICE in every election. Everywhere.

Women make up 51 percent of the population, but less than 25 percent of elected offices. This has dire consequences for so many issues -- particularly reproductive freedom.
So far in 2019, nine states have passed abortion bans, and more states will follow. These new bans are a direct challenge to Roe v. Wade.
Just last week, Planned Parenthood was forced out of the federal Title X family planning program when the Trump administration banned healthcare providers from giving factual information on abortion to patients.
Planned Parenthood serves 40% of the nations Title X recipients, who receive services like birth control and STD screenings.

It's now up to us to make sure that every elected official, at every level of government, will stand up for reproductive freedom. Pledge to #VOTEPROCHOICE today, and we'll send you the 2019 #VOTEPROCHOICE Voter Guide -- the largest progressive voter guide of all 49,000 races on the ballot in November 2019. We empower you to vote for all the prochoice champions in your community.

Celebrate Women's Equality Day by taking real action to protect reproductive freedom in this country. Thank you for pledging to join us.

In solidarity,

Heidi L. Sieck
CEO/Cofounder
#VOTEPROCHOICE

BALTIMORE CITY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Press Release
Contact:
D'Paul Nibber
443-571-8816

August 19, 2019

Health Commissioner Extends Code Red Extreme Heat Alert through Wednesday

BALTIMORE, MD (August 19, 2019) With the heat index continuing to reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the Baltimore region, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Letitia Dzirasa has extended the previously announced Code Red Extreme Heat Alert through Wednesday, August 21. The heat index is a measure of air temperature and relative humidity and indicates how hot it feels to the human body.

“Excessive heat is the leading weather-related killer in the United States. The effects of extreme heat are exacerbated in urban areas, especially when combined with high humidity and poor air quality,” said Commissioner of Health Dr. Letitia Dzirasa. “Extreme heat is particularly dangerous to young children, older adults, and those with chronic medical conditions. I encourage all residents to take the necessary steps to protect themselves as well as their families, neighbors, and pets.”
The Health Commissioner may declare a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert during periods of heat that are severe enough to present a substantial threat to the life or health of vulnerable Baltimore residents. Once a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert declaration is made, public messaging activities are undertaken to encourage safety when outdoors. Even on days when a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert is not declared, it is important to take precautions.

All City Cooling Centers are FREE and open to the public. City residents who want cooling center information on Code Red Extreme Heat Alert days can call 311. Individuals having a heat-related medical emergency or who are experiencing the signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke should call 911.

The Mayor's Office of Human Services’ Community Action Partnership will open the following cooling centers on Monday through Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.:
Northern Community Action Partnership Center 5225 York Road, (410) 396-6084
Southern Community Action Partnership Center (closed Sunday) 606 Cherry Hill Road (inside the shopping center, 2nd floor), (410) 545-0900
Northwest Community Action Partnership Center 3939 Reisterstown Road, (443) 984-1384
Southeast Community Action Partnership Center 3411 Bank Street, (410) 545-6518
Eastern Community Action Partnership Center 1731 E. Chase Street, (410) 545-0136

The Health Department’s Division of Aging and CARE Services will also open the following locations as cooling centers on Monday through Wednesday from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.:
Waxter Center for Senior Citizens 1000 Cathedral Street, (410) 396-1324
Oliver Senior Center 1700 Gay Street, (410) 396-3861
Sandtown-Winchester Senior Center 1601 N. Baker Street, (410) 396-7725
Hatton Center 2825 Fait Avenue, (410) 396-9025
John Booth/Hooper Senior Center 2601 E. Baltimore Street., (410) 396-9202
Zeta Center 4501 Reisterstown Road., (410) 396-3535
Harford Center 4920 Harford Road, (410) 426-4009

The Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks will have the following locations as cooling centers Monday through Wednesday from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.:
Chick Webb 623 Eden Street, 410-396-7593
Ella Baily 100 E. Heath Street, 410-396-4634
Locust Point 1627 East Fort Avenue, 410-837-4423
Herring Run 5001 Sinclair Lane, 410-396-3060
Samuel F.B. Morse 424 South Pulaski Street, 410-396-3717
Mary E. Rodman 3600 West Mulberry Street, 410-396-0477
Robert C. Marshall 1201 Pennsylvania Avenue, 410-396-8490
Royal 120. West Mosher Street, 410-396-0374
Additionally, ShopRite Howard Park (4601 Liberty Heights Ave, 21207) will be open as a community cooling center during their regular hours Monday through Wednesday. The Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks will also extend pool hours.
City residents can also find relief from the heat at:
Stores
Malls
Movie Theaters
Homes of family or friends with air conditioning
Restaurants
Libraries
Museums
During the Code Red Extreme Heat season, the Baltimore City Health Department recommends that City residents:
Drink plenty of water.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
Reduce outside activities.
Stay inside during the hottest time of day (11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.).
Seek relief from the heat in air-conditioned locations.
Check on older, sick, or frail people in your community who may need help responding to the heat.
Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles, even for short periods of time.
Watch out for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Seek medical help immediately if these symptoms occur:
Confusion
Nausea
Lightheadedness
High body temperature with cool and clammy skin
Hot, dry, flushed skin
Rapid or slowed heartbeat
Information on declared Code Red Extreme Heat Alert days will be shared on the Health Department’s website, via Health Department social media (Twitter: @Bmore_Healthy and Facebook: @BaltimoreHealth), through the Baltimore City 311 line, and with local news media.

The Matthew A. Henson Neighborhood Association MEETING scheduled for TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2019 AT 6 PM HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

***MEDIA EVENT ADVISORY***
MARYLAND MOMS DEMAND ACTION TO HOST RALLY EVENT IN
BALTIMORE , MARYLAND – On Saturday, August 17, 2019, volunteers with Maryland chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, will gather at in Maryland in response to mass shootings in Dayton, Ohio and El Paso, Texas, as well as to honor the 100 Americans are shot and killed every day and hundreds more who are wounded. This is more than mass shootings; in recent weeks, gun violence has devastated Baltimore, Gilroy, Canoga Park, Newport News, Brooklyn and Chicago. This is a public health crisis that demands urgent action.
WHAT:
A rally to honor the lives cut short by gun violence and demand common-sense gun reform. Volunteers will demand action from their senators to pass a strong federal Red Flag bill and legislation to require background checks on all gun sales.
WHO:
Elected Officials, Students Demand Action, Gun Violence Survivors

WHERE:

March: Corner of Ensor Street and E Madison Street; Rally at The War Memorial Plaza 101 North Gay Street Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore , Maryland
WHEN:
Saturday, August 17, 2019 2:45pm

About Everytown for Gun Safety
Everytown is the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country with nearly 6 million supporters and more than 350,000 donors including moms, mayors, survivors and everyday Americans who are fighting for public safety measures that can help save lives. At the core of Everytown are Mayors Against Illegal Guns, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, Students Demand Action and the Everytown Survivor Network. Learn more at www.everytown.org and follow us @Everytown

About Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America
Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America is a grassroots movement of Americans fighting for public safety measures that can protect people from gun violence. Moms Demand Action campaigns for new and stronger solutions to lax gun laws and loopholes that jeopardize the safety of our families. Moms Demand Action has established a chapter in every state of the country and, along with Mayors Against Illegal Guns, Students Demand Action and the Everytown Survivor Network, it is part of Everytown for Gun Safety, the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country with more than 5 million supporters and more than 350,000 donors. For more information or to get involved visit www.momsdemandaction.org. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MomsDemandAction or on Twitter at @MomsDemand

About Students Demand Action for Gun Sense in America
Students Demand Action is a national initiative, created by and for teens and young adults, to channel the energy and passion of high school and college-aged students into the fight against gun violence. Students Demand Action volunteers work within their schools and communities to educate their peers, register voters and demand common-sense solutions to this national crisis. Together with Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, Students Demand Action volunteers are part of a network of nearly 6 million supporters across the nation committed to gun violence prevention. For more information or to get involved visit www.studentsdemandaction.org.

Please come and join Councilman Leon Pinkett III for the Summers in the 7th Back to School Drive. There ill be free food, activities for children and a school supply and backpack giveaway! It will be held August 16, 2019 from 5-8pm at Sandtown Winchester Achievement Academy (701 Gold Street, 21217)

For more details regarding Summers in the 7th Back to School Drive contact our office at (410) 396-4810 or district7matters@gmail.com.

Community Policing and Engagement Survey

We want to hear from you!

The Baltimore Police Department, in partnership with the National Police Foundation, is developing a community policing and engagement strategy. To make your voice heard, please participate in this quick survey (you can remain anonymous) as your responses will help create a comprehensive community policing plan.

Take the Community Policing & Engagement Survey

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Crime Reduction & Departmental Transformation Plan Released

Baltimore Police Department has unveiled its 5-year Crime Reduction and Departmental Transformation Plan. The detailed plan highlights seven core focus areas, including accountability, community engagement and policing, and compliance with the consent decree.

Read the Full Plan Here

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Drafts Open for Public Comment

The following draft is currently open for public comment:

July 15 - August 15, 2019
Policy 321, Expedited Resolution of Minor Misconduct

Coming later this month:
August 13 - August 27, 2019 (second comment period)
Policy 1809, Exculpatory Evidence Disclosure Requirement

August 14 - August 28, 2019 (second comment period)
eLearning on Policy 708, Rape and Sexual Assault

August 23 - September 23, 2019
Stops, Searches and Arrest Training Curriculum and eLearning

August 26 – September 30, 2019
Public Integrity Bureau Investigations Manual

All drafts are/will be available on the BPD Transparency page by clicking the link below.
Click Here to View Draft Policies

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Community Briefings In August

Just as a reminder, the following previously scheduled Consent Decree Community Briefings for the month of August have been cancelled:

Central - AUGUST 7 - Crispus Attucks Rec Center
Northeastern - AUGUST 15 - Enoch Pratt Free Library

In their place, the following Consent Decree presentations have been scheduled for this month:

Southwestern District:
Southwest Leadership Roundtable
August 15th at 6:30pm – 8pm
The Uplands
4520 Scarlet Oak Lane
Baltimore, MD 21229

Southeastern District:
McElderry Park Community Association
August 21 at 6pm
611 N. Montford Ave
Baltimore, MD 21205

We hope to see you at one of these community meetings!

Neighborhood Event with
Community Law Center &
Fayette Street Outreach
Thursday, September 12, 2019
12 pm - 2 pm

Want to know what grassroots development looks like? This is an opportunity to learn more about, and to support, an all-volunteer, neighborhood-led project that is bringing much needed community-controlled safe space and educational programs to West Baltimore. You will learn the history behind this beautiful community center - 20 years in the making - and meet the neighborhood leaders who made it happen! You will also learn about Community Law Center's legal work and the current collaboration between Community Law Center and Fayette Street Outreach, students from Positive Youth Expressions, Inc. come every Wednesday for a hour to learn Coding.

You'll get a chance to visit Fayette Street Outreach's new community center and vegetable garden while enjoying lunch, networking, and much more.

Our work with Fayette Street Outreach was recently featured on WBAL TV!

Space is limited.
You must RSVP while space is still available in order to attend.

If you are unable to attend, but would like to make a donation to Community Law Center, click here!

Thanks for your support!

Community Law Center, Inc. | 410.366.0922 | Fax 410.366.7763
mail@communitylaw.org | www.communitylaw.org

"...As much as, but assuredly equal to any and all Baltimore City communities, we share being the 'Freddie Gray' unrest area due to 'Pepper' attending both Matthew A. Henson Elementary School and George Washington Carver Vocational Technical Senior High School and 14 businesses being damaged in our specific Neighborhood, more than any, during the riots of 2015."

Help Us Find Our Van!

Our Book Bank van was taken from our warehouse last night (Monday, July 22) and has been reported to the police as stolen.

The van is white with our name and logo on it and images of books along the side. (Plate Number: 8BK4557)

We are asking that if you see the van around town to please call Kim at 443-517-9767 or the police to report a stolen vehicle sighting.

The Book Bank van allows us to pick up book donations all over Maryland in order to distribute them back to the community especially children in need and we look forward to having it back soon.

Thank You!

The Maryland Book Bank
www.mdbookbank.org

CLICK HERE FOR THE MUELLER REPORT ON CNN

CLICK HERE TO READ IT ON BCPD WEBSITE

BALTIMORE SUN- 5 MAIN TAKEAWAYS OF CRIME PLAN

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

You're Invited!

Neighborhood Event with
Community Law Center &
Fayette Street Outreach
Thursday, September 12, 2019
12 pm - 2 pm

Come and see Fayette Street Outreach's new community center and vegetable garden while enjoying lunch, networking, and much more.

Want to know what grassroots development looks like? This is an opportunity to learn more about, and to support, an all-volunteer, neighborhood-led project that is bringing much needed community-controlled safe space and educational programs to West Baltimore. You will learn the history behind this beautiful community center - 20 years in the making - and meet the neighborhood leaders who made it happen! You will also learn about Community Law Center's legal work and the current collaboration between Community Law Center and Fayette Street Outreach.

Your support goes twice as far! This event is a joint fundraiser between Community Law Center and Fayette Street Outreach. All proceeds will be shared between the two organizations!

Space is limited.
You must RSVP while space is still available in order to attend.

REGISTER HERE

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR FULL ARTICLE

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW BALTIMORE PICK IT UP VIDEO!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW CITY PAPER ARTICLE ON LAURA JOHNSON

CLICK HERE FOR WMAR'S COVERAGE

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO OF Leading for Longevity

RSVP HERE

THURSDAY, APRIL 4 – O’s Opener

GO OS!

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SNEAK PEEK of the Newly Restored Bowling Alley
Thursday – April 4
6 – 9 pm
Shake & Bake Family Fun Center – 1601 Pennsylvania Avenue

Join Baltimore City Recreation and Parks’ Director Reginald Moore for a night of fun
Bowling lanes and shoe rentals are FREE
RSVP to Kenneth Williams with your name and name(s) of your guests
Kenneth.Williams2@baltimorecity.gov

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Local Poetry Reading:
Ann Bracken & Ann Quinn
Thursday – April 4
6:30 pm
Enoch Pratt Free Library – Roland Park Branch – 5108 Roland Avenue

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FRIDAY, APRIL 5

Household Hazardous Waste Collection
Friday and Saturday, April 5 and 6
9 am – 5 pm
Northwest Citizens’ Convenience Center, 2840 Sisson Street

Household Hazardous Waste collection season runs from April to October
The first consecutive Friday and Saturday of the month
Next dates:
May 3 & 4
9 am to 5 pm

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FRIDAY, APRIL 5

Cheers!
Show your support for Live Baltimore
Friday – April 5
5 – 8 pm
Waverly Brewing – 1625 Union Avenue

All proceeds directly benefit Live Baltimore’s mission to support thriving neighborhoods
and grow the city’s residential population
Event Cost - $10

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SATURDAY, APRIL 6

Bloom Battle!
Saturday – April 6
8 am – 12 pm
Local Colors Flowers – 3100 Brentwood Avenue

Amateur flower designers will design a floral arrangement at Local Color Flowers studio the evening of Friday, April 5
Saturday morning, a panel of judges will review and judge the contestants’ work
The studio will be open during the judging and the public can view the designs and vote for their favorite
12 pm – winners will be announced

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All Hands on Deck
2019 Project Clean Stream
Friends of Stony Run Project Clean Stream
Saturday – April 6
9 am – 12 pm
(rain date Saturday, April 13)
Wyman Park, along the Stony Run Trail
The Friends of Stony Run will host four cleanup sites along the Stony Run – from Remington to Roland Park

Meet at any of these sites:
· Remington – Wyman Park Drive Bridge (between Keswick & Remington)
· Wyman Park – Craycombe Avenue & Tudor Arms Avenue
· Tuscany-Canterbury /Roland Park/Keswick – Corner of Overhill & Linkwood Road
· Evergreen/Roland Park – Meadow Lane & Oakdale Road

Neighbors – do your part to make a significant contribution toward the goal:
Pick-up trash from local streams, parks and neighborhoods


Sign up at : https://nextdoor.com/events/2747258/ or https://pg-cloud.com/ACB/
(event site: Friends of Stony Run Site X) or call Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay: 443-949-0575

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Today, Saturday, March 30, 2019, along with cleaning 1801-1803 Baker, 1515-1557 McKean, 1516-1556 McKean and 1500-1504 Payson; our BMORE BEAUTIFUL Champions cleaned all the pavements and gutters surrounding Matthew A. Henson Elementary School along with the entire back lot, playground and parking lot.

Here are our five weekly paid CHAMPIONS of Matthew Henson Community Development Corporation.

Join Councilman Leon F. Pinkett on Thursday, March 21, 2019 for an Interactive Workshop to learn how to address Nuisance Properties, Late Night Commercial Operations, and Liquor Licensing. This workshop will be held at the Baltimore City Community College Mini Conference Room from 6:00pm-8:00pm.

To register for this event, please click on the registration link here

JULY 7–19, 2019 at Coppin State University

Over a period of 2 weeks, students will explore careers in plant, animal, and environmental sciences through experiential learning and workshops. AgDiscovery students will also learn how USDA protects America’s food system through direct interaction with scientists at USDA. Students will live on the Coppin State University campus, and interact with faculty and the neighboring community.

Coppin State AgDiscovery students will be engaged in a variety of laboratory exercises, activities, and field trips to agricultural research centers and laboratories.

Deadline extended to 3/22/19 Apply on-line www.aphis.usda.gov/agdiscovery
Forwarding application so you can see information required.
I can help MAHES alumni with the process (Margaret Powell)

Contact: Dr. Mintesinot Jiru, (410) 951-4139, mjiru@coppin.edu
www.coppin.edu

Councilman Leon F. Pinkett, III and Councilman Eric Costello invite you to attend the Comprehensive Solutions for a Safer and Healthier Central West Baltimore Forum on March 27, 2019 at 6pm. The Forum will be held at Furman L Templeton Elementary School, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave, Baltimore, MD 21217. The purpose of this meeting is to convene neighbors, community leaders, government officials, and non -profit organizations to share resources on how to reduce violence and promote healthier communities.

To register for this event, please click here

New Relationships

International - Baltimore Kawasaki Sister City - Yoshinobu Shiota -

https://bkscc.wordpress.com/contact-information/ *Cherry Blossoms

National - New Iberia, Louisiana - Marlon Lewis * Community Development

Local - Skatepark of Baltimore - Stephanie Murdock - httpS://skateparkofbaltimore.com/ *Skate Boarding

Marvin,

Today Progressive Maryland called for Harford County Delegate Mary Ann Lisanti to resign following both the allegation of racist speech and her tone deaf statements after the revelation of the original incident. Lisanti has lost her ability to credibly represent the people of her district and make policy for all Marylanders. Anyone who disrespects African Americans -- as Mary Ann Lisanti clearly does -- has no business serving in the Maryland General Assembly. Sign our petition calling on Lisanti to resign or be expelled from the legislature.

Issues pending before the Maryland General Assembly have serious implications for people of color. The $15 minimum wage bill that will be voted on by the House of Delegates has been amended with weakening policies that disproportionately affect workers of color. Exempting tipped and agricultural workers from full wages is a relic of slavery, and has no place in Maryland's economy. Based on her comments, Lisanti shouldn’t vote on these measures. We’ll be delivering petition signatures on Monday night during the Progressive Maryland lobby night.

Racism is perpetuated in a million ways, overt and covert, including racist speech and racist action. Just like racist speech, inequitable policies like the amendments to the minimum wage bill need to addressed. This is an opportunity to do more than pay lip service by merely condemning racist remarks and calling for the removal of hate-speaking lawmakers. We’re calling on lawmakers to do more to move the needle on state-sanctioned inequality. The Maryland General Assembly, and its leadership in particular, must reject lawmaking that systemically and routinely provides black and brown people with the short end of the stick. We must and can do better here in Maryland. Click here to sign the petition demanding Del. Lisanti's resignation or expulsion from the General Assembly..

In solidarity,

Larry Stafford
Executive Director, Progressive Maryland

Good Afternoon,

This email is a reminder that Street Sweeping will begin on March 5th. Last Year, mechanical Street Sweepers removed 12,000 tons of debris while cleaning over 105,000 miles of city streets. Please encourage residents to move their cars as street sweeping signs will be enforced.

Please get out the following information to your members, residents and community.

AS OF MARCH 5, 2019 MECHANICAL STREET SWEEPING WILL BE IN EFFECT IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD!

• Mechanical Street Sweeping routes have been expanded and reorganized in your area.

• Parking restriction hours have been changed to accommodate longer routes.

• Once installed, NO PARKING signs are enforceable.

• Mechanical Street Sweeping removes litter, trash, vehicle fluids and micro pollutants from your community.

• Trash and litter can block storm drains, causing localized flooding during heavy rains.

• Mechanical Street Sweeping removes pollutants before they reach our urban streams, the Inner Harbor and eventually the Chesapeake Bay.

• Please move your vehicle on the day and times indicated on the posted signs.

• For questions and/or concerns, please call 311.



Regards,

Terrance G. Brown
Liaison Officer 1


Baltimore City Department of Public Works
200 Holliday Street, 2nd Floor
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
Office: (410) 396-8966 Cell: (443) 835-6441

Welcome to the Citizen Safety Network. You now hold the power to protect your community in your hands.

With Citizen, you have access to:
Instant 911 crime and emergency alerts
Real-time incident updates directly within the app
Live video broadcasts straight from the scene
Chat with other Citizen users as situations develop
Citizen also allows you to follow an unlimited number of communities and receive priority alerts no matter where you are. In addition, you can build out your Inner Circle of family and friends to create your own personal safety network, and receive alerts whenever they’re close to danger.

Together, we can #ProtectTheWorld

-Citizen Team
citizen.com

Go HERE TO GET CITIZEN NOW

2019 Baltimore City Liquor Bills

Your efforts are working!

City Delegates are co-signing onto the bills:

HB 959: Mosby, Conaway, Glenn, Haynes, Smith, Wells, and McIntosh
HB 960: Mosby, Conaway, Glenn, Hayes, Ives, J. Lewis, Smith, A. Washington, and McIntosh
HB 965: Mosby, Smith, Wells, and McIntosh
HB 980: Mosby, Conaway, Haynes, Lierman, Wells, and McIntosh

Keep contacting Baltimore City Delegates to ask for their support for these four liquor bills that will...

1) remove loopholes encountered by neighborhood organizations that impede their ability to effectively protest the license renewal of problem alcohol outlets,
2) limit the ability of problem outlets to avoid being penalized for their bad behavior, and
3) provide immediate protection for communities where violent acts have been committed in a licensed establishment.

These loopholes have made it difficult for neighborhoods to address problem alcohol outlets that pose harm and safety threats to area residents and have the potential to help with the city's violence reduction initiative.

The hearing for these bills is this Friday, February 15, 9:00 AM before the Baltimore City Delegation.

Submit written testimony by emailing ALL Baltimore City Delegates before Friday's hearing to ask them to support these proposals. Let them know how these proposals will help fix these loopholes and empower neighbors to address persistently problematic alcohol outlets.
Copy info@bmoreneighborly.org on your email to the Delegates, and BGNC will make sure your written testimony gets into the record.

See testimony guidance and sample letter

Sample Letter
Modify as you wish to make your own personal point!

Dear Delegates,
I urge you to vote FOR HB 959, HB 960, HB 965, AND HB 980.
I am reaching out to ask for your support for four proposals that will help improve Baltimore City residents’ ability to address persistently problematic alcohol outlets that threaten the health, safety and well-being of area residents.
These bills will help 1) remove loopholes encountered by neighborhood organizations that impede their ability to effectively protest the license renewal of problem alcohol outlets, 2) limit the ability of problem outlets to avoid being penalized for their bad behavior, and 3) provide immediate protection for communities where violent acts have been committed in a licensed establishment.
[Insert your own story]

Given the city’s need to address crime and violence with a comprehensive strategy, we see these bills as being integral to and totally supportive of that objective considering alcohol’s role in violent crime in our city.

I respectfully urge you to vote FOR HB 959, HB 960, HB 965, AND HB 980; these bills will help create a healthier and safer Baltimore.

Please vote FOR HB 959, HB 960, HB 965, AND HB 980.

 PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR A List of Delegates and their contact information.

Ask your City Council representative to send a letter to the Baltimore City Delegation to show his/her support.

Stand with Bennett
50 days. Friends, we have 50 days to raise funds to help Bennett College maintain its accreditation with SACSCOC. February 1, 2019, is our target date for accomplishing this goal.

Over the past two years, Bennett has made significant gains in addressing our financial stability. Some of the significant strides made to achieve sustainability include:
Bennett generated a surplus of $461,038 and had no audit findings.
Bennett was approved for a capital loan deferment over a six-year period with a financial benefit of nearly $9 million.
Bennett has steadily increased its fundraising from $3.47 million to $4.25 million over a 3-year period.
Bennett’s enrollment has been trending upward for 2 years from 409 in 2017 to 471 in 2018.
Our retention rate is also significantly up from 44% in Fall 2017 to 53% in Fall 2018.
The average GPA of new freshwomen increased from 2.8 in 2017 to 3.2 in 2018.
Bennett continues to support mission activities, and academic and student programs.

Despite all of these accomplishments, SACSCOC felt that we fell short. We are appealing their decision and working hard to demonstrate that we are fiscally stable. This requires us to raise additional money to reduce our debt and improve our cash position.
When you #StandWithBennett, you are preserving the legacy and excellence of black women in the U.S. Since 1873, @BennettCollege has created a place for black women's voices and brilliance to be developed and cultivated.

How to Donate
MAIL A DONATION
If you would like to make a donation by check or money order, please make it payable to Bennett College, write "Stand for Bennett" in the memo line, and mail it to:
Bennett College
Attn: Institutional Advancement
900 E. Washington Street
Greensboro, NC 27401
TEXT A DONATION
To make a quick and easy donation using your mobile device, text the word BELLES to 444999and follow the instructions.
CASH APP DONATION
You can now donate on your mobile phone using the CashApp app! Simply direct your gift to $StandwithBennett. If you don't have CashApp installed, you can find it in the app store.
ONLINE DONATION
To make a donation online, please visit www.bennett.edu/donate.

Dear Bennett College supporters:
We appreciate your online donations to the College at this critical time as we work to raise a minimum of $5 million by Feb. 1. We realize our online system requires you to spend a bit of time inputting information before your donation is complete and ask, simply, that you exercise patience and bear with us. The minimal time you spend making your gift today could mean the difference for our students tomorrow. Thank you for your support.
5
Days til February 1, 2019

PLEASE VISIT THIS LINK FOR MORE INFORMATION ON STANDING WITH BENNETT COLLEGE

• Feb. 14 — Fort Worthington Elementary/Middle School in the Eastern Police District, 2710 E. Hoffman St., 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

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• Feb. 19 — Wildwood Elementary/Middle School in the Southwestern Police District, 621 Wildwood Parkway, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Feb. 20 — Forest Park High School in the Northwestern Police District, 3701 Eldorado Ave., 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Feb. 21 — Patterson Park Public Charter School in the Southeastern Police District, 27 N. Lakewood Ave., 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Feb. 23 — *Poly-Western High School in the Northern Police District, 1400 W. Cold Spring Lane, 10 a.m. to noon.

• Feb. 23 — Mergenthaler Vocational-Technical High School in the Northeastern Police District, 3500 Hillen Road, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

• Feb. 26 — Frederick Douglass High School in the Western Police District, 2301 Gwynns Falls Parkway, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Feb. 27 — *Cherry Hill Elementary/Middle School in the Southern Police District, 801 Bridgeview Road, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Feb. 28 — *Dorothy I. Height Elementary School in the Central Police District, 2011 Linden Ave., 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• March 2 — Site to be determined for a citywide meeting, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Office of Sustainability’s Baltimore Green Network is hosting a workshop/webinar on Tuesday, January 29 from 10 -11 a.m. at 417 E. Fayette, 8th Floor.

The Chesapeake Bay Trust has posted a grant called “Green Streets, Green Jobs, Green Towns” (G3) grant and the Baltimore Office of Sustainability has given $49,000 for a portion of this grant for projects to green vacant lots in Baltimore in the Baltimore Green Network’s focus areas (Shipley Hill, Carrollton Ridge, Boyd-Booth, Druid Heights, Upton, Sandtown-Winchester, Harlem Park, Broadway East and South Clifton Lake) and the Violence Reduction Areas.

This webinar will include all of the necessary information for the Baltimore Vacant Lots portion of the G3 grant. The workshop will be streamed at https://livestream.com/accounts/17371294

For more information on the workshop/webinar, contact Kim Knox, Greening Coordinator for the Baltimore Green Network at 410-396-5902.


Thanks!

Kimberley M. Knox
Greening Coordinator
City of Baltimore │Department of Planning’s Office of Sustainability │Baltimore Green Network
417 E. Fayette St., 8th Floor │Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: 410-396-5902

CLICK HERE TO VISIT COONGRESSMAN CUMMINGS WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

Parent on State of Schools in Baltimore City

Baltimore students in Aaron Maybin's school get new winter coats

Click here for video and article

Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) held a community roundtable at Matthew A. Henson Elementary School

Please click here to watch Senator Cardin's video at Matthew A. Henson Elementary School

Please click here  to access CONGRESSMAN CUMMINGS RESOURCE GUIDE FOR FURLOUGHED EMPLOYEES

Press Release
Contact: Mona M. Rock
410-375-7763

January 12, 2019

Interim Health Commissioner Mary Beth Haller Declares Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert for Baltimore Overnight Saturday through Sunday
BALTIMORE, Md. (January 12, 2019)—With accumulating snowfall and cold temperatures expected, Baltimore City Interim Health Commissioner Mary Beth Haller issued a Code Blue Extreme Cold declaration for Baltimore City beginning tonight, January 12 through Sunday, January 13. This is the third Code Blue Extreme Cold declaration this season.

“Due to the forecasted snowfall and cold temperatures in Baltimore overnight, I am issuing a Code Blue Extreme Cold declaration beginning this evening through Sunday. I encourage residents to stay indoors, especially those most vulnerable to cold,” said Baltimore City Interim Health Commissioner Mary Beth Haller. “Extreme cold temperatures can permanently injure, or even kill. Please be sure to check on neighbors that you think may be at risk to ensure that they have heat and power, and take care to shelter pets appropriately.”

The Health Commissioner may declare a Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert when temperatures, including wind chill, are expected to be 13˚F or below or when other conditions are severe enough to present a substantial threat to the life or health of Baltimore residents.

The state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has reported three cold weather related deaths in Baltimore City this Code Blue Extreme Cold season.

Code Blue Extreme Cold indicates an increased risk for cold injuries or even death for those exposed to low temperatures. When a Code Blue Extreme Cold declaration is made, public messaging activities are undertaken to encourage safety when outdoors and response partners work to ensure those in need find shelter. During the Code Blue Extreme Cold season, which began November 15, 2018 and lasts until March 15, 2019,

City agencies work together to:
Distribute meals to at-risk senior citizens
Provide home weatherization services
Help individuals apply for energy assistance
Provide additional cold weather education and outreach efforts
Throughout the Code Blue Extreme Cold season, the Mayor’s Office of Human Services’ Office of Homeless Services also works with city homeless shelter providers to extend shelter hours and to provide expanded bed capacity.

Cold Weather Tips for Staying Healthy:
Wear multiple layers of loose-fitting clothing.
Always wear a head covering, like a hat and/or scarf, when outdoors.
Drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcoholic beverages.
Protect yourself against falls in icy or snowy conditions.
Check on those who are most vulnerable including children, the elderly and/or chronically ill.
Provide appropriate shelter for domestic animals.

Other Tips for Keeping Safe in Cold Weather:
Keep space heaters and candles away from flammable materials, such as curtains, furniture and loose clothing.
Check your carbon monoxide detector and make sure it’s working.
Do not use prohibited heat or power sources inside your home, such as stoves or generators. They may cause fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Do not leave your car running in a closed space such as a garage.

Residents are encouraged to contact 311 if a neighbor is without heat or power so that city agencies can assist them. Energy assistance may be available to those who need it. For more information, individuals may contact their nearest Community Action Partnership (CAP) Center.
Northern CAP Center (5225 York Road, 21212) – 410-396-6084
Northwest CAP Center (3939 Reisterstown Road, 21215) – 443-984-1384
Southern CAP Center (606 Cherry Hill Road, 21225) – 410-545-0900
Southeast CAP Center (3411 Bank Street, 21224) – 410-545-6518
Eastern CAP Center (1731 E. Chase Street, 21213) – 410-545-0136

For more information about Baltimore City's Code Blue Extreme Cold plan, visit: http://health.baltimorecity.gov/emergency-preparedness-response/code-blue
For other cold-related inquiries and service requests, or to find a nearby homeless shelter, residents can call 311 or 211.