The Dixon Report, Baltimore City Mayor's e-Mail Newsletter: Issue #64

Dear Citizens,

I have spent the past two days in Chicago exploring the city’s world-renown greening and beautification programs and extensive parks. In our efforts to make Baltimore a Cleaner, Greener, Healthier and Safer City, we are eager to learn the best practices from a leader in the field. I was joined on the trip by a delegation of city innovators from government and private businesses, and I am energized by what we have seen.

We began by touring the City Hall Green Roof Pilot Project- a partnership between the Illinois Department of the Environment and the City of Chicago designed to increase air quality and reduce the urban heat island effect. In 2001, the roof of City Hall was transformed into a lush garden landscape that provides wildlife habitat, insulates the building, protects the roof membrane and provides an aesthetically pleasing view from 31 buildings downtown. While it might be impossible to green our dome at City Hall in Baltimore, there are numerous public institutions, commercial spaces and warehouses that have large, flat roofs befitting such an eco-friendly and beautiful addition.

We also visited a variety of green spaces in Chicago and met with the minds behind the city’s innovative parks. Millennium Park is a 24.5 acre park in the heart of Chicago that offers a world-class amphitheatre, larger-than-life works of art and beautiful landscape design. Millennium Park is a focal point for tourists and residents alike and features many of the same attractions as our own Inner Harbor.  

While both of our cities are blessed with expansive urban parks, I was particularly interested in the creative ways Chicago makes use of its smaller green spaces. Chicago boasts 12 “Dog Friendly Areas” which have revitalized former industrial areas in some cases to make way for our four-legged friends. Chicago’s NeighborSpace program is also something of particular interest for Baltimore. NeighborSpace is a land trust that was created to allow for community-managed open space in neighborhoods. This type of program is a great way to turn vacant lots into treasured community amenities. I look forward to exploring our options for a similar program in Baltimore.

These are just glimpses of what we have learned and experienced while in Chicago, and I am more than eager to come back to Baltimore and kick-off our own Green Week at the EcoFestival tomorrow at Druid Hill Park. Tomorrow’s EcoFestival is an opportunity to learn how to “green” your life and your home to make for a better, sustainable future for your family and your community. Please join us around the reservoir at the park from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow or on Sunday in the event of rain. We will be distributing free River Birch and Redbud flowering trees to plant in your yards and add to the goal of doubling Baltimore’s tree canopy.

Green Week events will run Monday through Friday, April 28 through May 2, at locations throughout the city. Please visit www.baltimoregreenweek.org for more information on Green Week, and visit www.baltimorecity.gov/recnparks for more information on the EcoFestival and Free Tree Giveaway.

Every time I speak about my green initiatives or visit a site that is doing things right, I am reminded of a Native American proverb that says, “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.” Please take advantage of the wonderful opportunities to learn about sustainability this week, and do your part to ensure a safe, healthy future for our children and our children’s children.

Sincerely,

Sheila Dixon
Mayor, Baltimore

Flowermart 2008

Fun, Food and Flowers  

Friday, May 2 from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 3 from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

At the Washington Monument on Charles Street, Baltimore

Parking:
Free shuttle from the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen
$2 all day parking at 15 W. Franklin St. garage

For more information, visit www.Flowermart.org

Volunteer to Embrace Our Schools

Great Kids – Great Schools :

Volunteer to Support Our Schools!

Baltimore City schools are seeking 500 volunteers to support our schools and students. Volunteers will be matched with schools to help out in ways that match your schedule and the school’s needs –from being a positive presence around the school at dismissal, to helping out within the school, or to tutor or mentor students.

To volunteer, visit the School System’s volunteerism page.

Baltimore Green Week

Get Involved in Making Baltimore a Greener City :

Baltimore Green Week runs from April 25th to May 2nd.

Baltimore Green Week is a series of events, forums, and activities about greening and the value of a sustainable lifestyle.  Throughout the week we seek to increase awareness about how to make the Baltimore region safe and environmentally friendly for all who live and work here starting with the events on the eve of the EcoFestival, showcasing the people, organizations, and businesses that make Baltimore greener at the EcoFestival, and continuing with five days of events on a variety of topics during the week.  

Last year nearly 5,000 people attended the various events.  

Please visit the website, www.baltimoregreenweek.org, to learn more about Baltimore Green Week, view the schedule of events, and find out ways to get involved.

2008 Arbor Day Free Tree Giveaway :

Saturday, April 26th

2008 Arbor Day FREE Tree Giveaway in Historic Druid Hill Park

Saturday, April 26, 2008
At the Eco Festival in Druid Park
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Drop by the Mansion House in the morning or the TreeBaltimore Display at EcoFest and pick up a FREE River Birch or Redbud (flowering) tree to plant in your front or backyard for Baltimore City residents only. FREE trees will be first-come, first served; while supplies last.

For more information, please visit http://www.baltimorecity.org/recnparks or call (410) 396-7900.

Mayor Sheila Dixon’s National Bike Month Celebration

Saturday, May 3rd

Saturday, May 3, 2008
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Enter the raffle to win a FREE RockHopper mountain bike.

Participate in the mini ride or take on the entire Trail. This event is FREE and open to the public.

The NEW Jones Falls Trail
Historic Druid Hill Park
(at the reservoir)
(410) 396-7900  

For more information, please visit www.baltimorecity.org/recnparks.

Volunteer to Care for Animals

BARCS is looking for volunteers this Spring!

Baltimore’s Largest Animal Shelter Looking for Volunteers

The Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS) is the largest shelter in the Baltimore area handling over 12,000 animals annually.  BARCS is looking for volunteers to help provide care for dogs and cats, to provide foster homes for animals too young to be adopted, to assist with adoptions, and help with events and fundraising.

Volunteer orientations will take place on the following days and times at BARCS:

April 26 & May 10, 17, 24, 31 – 11:30am

May 3 – 12:30pm

Orientations can be scheduled on other days as needed.  To register for an orientation session call Frank Branchini at (410) 396-4695 from 10:30am to 4pm (Saturday through Wednesday) or e-mail Frank.Branchini@baltimorecity.gov.  For additional information go to our website and click on the “Volunteering” link.

Seniors: Are You Missing Out on Benefits

Monday, April 28, 2008


Baltimore City Commission on Aging & Retirement Education (CARE) Presents:

Medicare Savings (QMB/SLMB), LIS (Extra Help) & Benefits Check -Up Event

Monday, April 28, 2008
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The Sandtown-Winchester Senior Center
1601 Baker Street
Baltimore

To register for the event, call (410) 396-2273.

For more information, visit Baltimore’s Commission on Aging and Retirement Education (CARE) at www.baltimorecity.gov/government/CARE

Maps on Purpose Seminar

Discover, explore and brainstorm the many ways to build community connectivity in Baltimore. 

Saturday, May 10, 2008
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Please join us at the Walters Art Museum for a gathering of neighborhood leaders and stakeholders to discover, explore, and brainstorm the many ways mapping and community knowledge can help build connectivity in Baltimore.

This event is FREE; registration is required.

For more information or to register, call (410) 243-4750 or visit www.artonpurpose.org

2008 Sowebohemian Arts Festival

Sunday, May 25th

2008 Sowebohemian Arts Festival

Sunday, May 25th, 2008
In the Hollins Market neighborhood

This is our 23rd year for this community festival that showcases art, music and our neighborhood.

“My Big Amazing Renovation” is Coming to Baltimore

HGTV is Looking for Homeowners 

One of HGTV’s newest weekly series, “My Big Amazing Renovation,” is coming to Baltimore/Washington D.C. and surrounding areas to film BIG, AMAZING, renovations!
Each half-hour episode features some of the most incredible renovations throughout the country with the inspiring homeowners who transform their current home into their dream home!

HGTV are currently looking for homeowners who are:

- Just starting a major renovation (ideally already in demo)
- Are doubling the size of their house
- Are transforming the original space including the kitchen
- Have several unique design projects planned for the renovation
- Have a set budget & timeframe for the completion of the renovation
- Are passionate about their renovation and eager to share their experience with others
- Updating the exterior of their house

The series will premiere this Fall and is produced by High Noon Entertainment in Denver, CO. You can learn more about High Noon Entertainment by visiting our website at www.highnoonentertainment.com.

Activities for the Whole Family

Special Events All Around Baltimore

The Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks offers activities for city residents and guests - educational hikes and walks, sports leagues, youth and senior activities, and fun for the family.

Please visit Rec & Parks’ Events Calendar for dates and times.