Neighborhood High Light: Greening Project- Part II

In April 2014 Wilson Park participated in Community Building Volunteer Day. Our Project area was the 4400 block of Alhambra Ave- adjacent to the Willow Ave Playground. That lot had been used as an illegal dumping ground for 20 -25 years. In April, we re-purposed the lot as a neighborhood compost depot.

(Bottom to Top: before, midway, after)

Although community support for maintenance and upkeep lacked, a local boys mentoring group stepped up and cleaned and cut the site and will continue to do so. Special thanks and shout out to Acts 4 Youth (operating in Guilford and Walter P. Carter Schools). It's never too early to teach and instill the ideals of community responsibility and community service in our youth. After all, if we don't care for our communities (homes) who will?

Neighborhood Highlight: Kalem Umrani

In February 2014, Wilson Park Northern held a meeting for job opportunities for the neighborhood. One of the groups present was Civic Works/ Baltimore Green Careers.

One of our neighbors, Kalem Umrani, took advantage of the program and training. He now has invaluable training and many opportunities. On April 17th, Kalem Umrani, graduated.

Since graduation, Kalem has found employment. This program works !!!!!!!!

Baltimore Center for Green Careers

Project Jumpstart

Neighborhood HighLight: Greening Community Project

April 5th members of WPNNA, community service workers, and Loyola University Maryland students participated in the Community Building Volunteer Day.

The project area was the 4400 block of Alhambra Ave- adjacent to the Willow Ave Playground. That lot had been used as a community dumping ground for 20 years. Now the lot has been transformed and re-purposed as the neighborhood compost depot.

The compost material will be supplied by the neighborhood farmers markets, in turn we'll use the compost for our neighborhood gardens- coming soon !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Before

During

During

After- Finished Product

Farmers Market to Return in April

On March 9th the community farmers market was held on the grounds of the Willow Ave Apartments. It was great weather and a great turn out of people. Below are some pictures from that day:

Looking forward to seeing you on April 13th !!!!

Scholarship Info & Internship Programs

 Nationwide -- The New Year is here and many companies and organizations are already accepting applications for their upcoming summer, fall, and winter internship programs.  Here is a list of the top 2014 internship programs for African Americans: 

                            #1 - The NBA Internship Program offers college students an exciting opportunity to use their                        skills and classroom learning within a national sports environment.
                     Learn more at www.findinternships.com/2013/10/nba-internship-program.html 

     #2 - The NASCAR Diversity Internship Program is a 10-week, full-time, paid summer work opportunity for deserving students with an interest in the NASCAR industry.

Learn more at www.findinternships.com/2013/03/nascar-diversity-internship-program.html 

     #3 - Black Enterprise Internships are designed to provide real-life work experiences for college students interested in a career in the media industry.

Learn more at www.findinternships.com/2013/10/black-enterprise-internships.html 

    #4 - The NCAA Ethnic Minority and Women's Internship offers an opportunity for a minority, female college student to be chosen for a unique two-year internship program.

Learn more at www.findinternships.com/2013/10/ncaa-ethnic-minority-and-womens.html 

    #5 - The Minority Access Internship Program offers spring, summer and fall internships for college sophomores, juniors, seniors, graduates and professionals.

Learn more at www.findinternships.com/2013/05/minority-access-internship-program.html 

     #6 - Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Internships are available for college students pursuing undergraduate associates or bachelor’s degrees.

Learn more at www.findinternships.com/2013/09/congressional-black-caucus-foundation.html 

    #7 - Essence Communications Internship Program is open to undergraduate, graduate students, or recent college graduates interested in a career in the media industry. Applicants must have a strong interest in issues pertaining to African American women.

Learn more at www.findinternships.com/2013/10/essence-communications-internship.html 

  #8 - BET Networks Internships provides paid internships for both undergraduate and graduate college students at five different locations.

Learn more at www.findinternships.com/2013/09/bet-networks-internships.html 

  #9 - The UNCF/NAACP Gateway to Leadership Internship Program is a 10-week paid summer internship for undergraduate students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Learn more at www.findinternships.com/2013/04/uncf-naacp-gateway-to-leadership-internship-program.html

  #10 - The White House Initiative's Year-round Internship Program offers an exciting experience for undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in improving education outcomes for African Americans.

Learn more at www.findinternships.com/2013/04/white-house-initiative-year-round-internship-program.html

Career at Horseshoe Casino Baltimore

Are you Interested in a Career at Horseshoe Casino Baltimore?

The Mayor’s Office of Employment Development (MOED) is conducting Horseshoe Casino Recruitment Days at each of our One-Stop Career Centers through April 2014. If you want staff assistance with your application, visit Baltimore Works One-Stop Career Center located at 1100 N. Eutaw Street Baltimore, MD 21201 on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. On Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. visit Eastside One-Stop Career Center located at 3001 E. Madison Street Baltimore, MD 21205 or Northwest One-Stop Career located at 2401 Liberty Heights Avenue Suite 302 Baltimore, MD 21215. If you are interested in applying for a position at the casino, and only need computer access, please visit one of our career centers Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information visit www.oedworks.com or call 410-396-3009.

New Fit Kids Summer Camp 2014

NEW Fit Kids is offering your child the opportunity to participate in a wonderful active summer experience. Our mission is to have our kids move more; make better food choices, live healthy active lives. We will be doing Fitness and Nutrition Education along with Field Trips, Swimming, and Games. Art, Dance and Theater will also be offered. We know that school ends soon so bring them to:

New Fit Kids Summer Camp

June 23rd - August 15th

Monday through Friday: 9 am to 4 pm

5- 12 years old

Camp Fee

$99 Weekly

Registration- March 31, 2014; 10 am - 12 pm

April 14, 2014; 4 pm - 6 pm

At

Walter P. Carter Recreation Center; 820 E. 43rd Street Baltimore, MD 21212

3 Options

Full Session- $750 (due time of or before registration)

2 sessions- $375 (due time of/ or before registration)

$375 (July 18, 2014)

or

Weekly- $99 (first week payment due time of registration)

Any Questions or Concerns Contact Kevin Anderson 410-929-6441 or Izzy Davis 410-807-2551

Neighborhood Highlight: Nia Govan

On the 5th of February 2014, the Vice President of Wilson Park Northern, Nia Govan was honored by the York Road Partnership. Nia was bestowed the York Road Partnership Dedication Award for Community Innovative Strategy & Perseverance of Community Leader. Below is a  little write up  . . . .

Nia Govan, Innovative Strategy and Perseverance of Community Leaders

Most people know her as one of Councilman Henry’s longtime employees, who has very ably helped countless constituents deal with a wide variety of queries and concerns over the years. What people might not know, however, is how much time Nia Govan has spent in her own neighborhood of Wilson Park to increase the capacity of the community association and help build stronger relationships with Walter P. Carter Elementary/Middle, local churches, nonprofits, and businesses. Whether she is helping seniors at Ellerslie House plan their Christmas party, working with Walter P.’s principal and staff on building programming for the recreation center, partnering with Gather Baltimore to find locations and volunteers for their fresh food distributions, or helping a local business navigate the City’s permitting process to expand its services, it’s safe to say that Nia’s efforts to support residents and improve communities don’t cease when she leaves the office. We are happy to present Nia Govan with YRP’s award for Innovative Strategy and Perseverance of a Community Leader.

Health Coverage Enrollment Fair . . . March 22

Dear Community Leader:

I am writing to invite you and your membership to attend the Health Coverage Enrollment Fair that I will be hosting on Saturday, March 22^nd, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  The event will take place at Poly-Western High School, 1400 W. Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, MD, 21209.

The purpose of the event is to inform individuals and families about their health coverage options under the federal Affordable Care Act and help them obtain health coverage before the March 31^st deadline for open enrollment. 

If you do not have health insurance, it is vital that you attend this event. Maryland Health Connection navigators will be on hand to your answer questions, and to help you enroll. Many who attend will qualify for free health insurance or a subsidy to assist with paying premiums.

I voted for the Affordable Care Act to ensure that every American will have access to the resources they need to stay healthy. When you fall ill, you miss out on a number of opportunities, and when you fall ill without health insurance, you quickly begin to face huge financial challenges and difficult life decisions.

More than 38,000 Marylanders have already signed up for plans on the exchange; however, the March 31^st deadline is fast approaching. That is why I encourage everyone who has yet to sign up for health insurance to join me at this Enrollment Fair. 

My Enrollment Fair will take place as part of Money Power Day, which is the region’s largest free financial and health literacy event.

I have enclosed additional information for your review.  Please share this information with your membership.  If you have any questions, please call my office at 410-685-9199.

Sincerely,

C

Elijah E. Cummings

Member of Congress

Councilman Bill Henry's 4th District Blog: Horseshoe Casino Baltimore 4th District Job Fair: ...

Councilman Bill Henry's 4th District Blog: Horseshoe Casino Baltimore 4th District Job Fair: ...: Date: Saturday, March 15, 2015 Time: 9 am --Noon Location: Northern Community Action Center, 5225 York Road, Baltimore, MD H...

Councilman Bill Henry's 4th District Blog: Councilman Henry to Host Hearing on Housing Author...

Councilman Bill Henry's 4th District Blog: Councilman Henry to Host Hearing on Housing Author...: This evening at 5 p.m. Councilman Henry will hold a hearing before the Housing and Community Development (H&CD) Committee on the Housi...

Job Fair March 15th

Gather Baltimore Fresh Food Market (Farmers Market)

Councilman Bill Henry's 4th District Blog: Save the Date! Third Annual Public Safety Summit: ...

Councilman Bill Henry's 4th District Blog: Save the Date! Third Annual Public Safety Summit: ...: Effectual partnerships creating a safer city have never been more critical.  This year we hope to share with you how partnerships can “...

2014 Non-Partisan Gubernatorial Forum on Education in Baltimore City

Wednesday, March 5:  2014 Non-Partisan Gubernatorial Forum on Education in Baltimore City

6:00pm-6:30-pm:  Registration and Refreshments

6:30pm-8:30pm:  Forum

Where:  City Springs Elementary/Middle School, 100 S. Caroline St, 21231

How Will Baltimore Schools Fare under a New Governor?

Join the Baltimore Education Coalition as we work to ensure that the next Governor of Maryland recognizes and commits to meeting the unique needs of Baltimore City Public Schools.  Maryland’s future Governor will determine:

-Whether Baltimore City receives the state aid it needs to provide a quality education and:

-How Phase II of the city school construction program will be funded so that every student can learn in a 21^st century school building.

Come and hear what the leading Democratic and Republican candidates have to say on these issues and more”

For more information connect first with your Baltimore Coalition member organization or contact Kate at kscherr@kssolution.com or 410 635-1107

Baltimore Education Coalition member organizations can be found at:  www.becforourkids.org or on-line at http://becgubernatorialforum.eventbrite.com

*The organizers have asked that you please register on-line prior to March 5: 

http://www.eventbrite.com/e/2014-non-partisan-gubernatorial-forum-on-education-in-baltimore-city-tickets-10468055235

Farmer's Market . . . is coming soon

The Farmer's Market will be returning to Wilson Park soon !!!!!

Here are some pictures from last year:

Baltimore 311

Baltimore City 311

311 is the Baltimore City Central Call Center. Baltimore City was the first municipality to use 311, in 1996. Shortly thereafter the Federal Communications Committee (FCC) approved its use nationwide. Most recently, the 311 call center can now be used as an I-phone and Android app, to report issues to the city in real time. Also there is the web based version on the Baltimore City Government website. The 311 call center is to be used for non-emergency police issues and issues related to city services. 311 is a computer program that can track calls and send work orders to various City departments.

The 311 call center serves (4) four purposes:

- request services of the city (i.e. bulk trash or community dumpster, salt box refills)

- report neighborhood nuisances (i.e. high grass, pot holes etc.)

- legal record for the city for when the city goes to court on nuisance properties (it is important to call and build a record)

- it tells the mayor how much to budget for each city department

How to get rid of old tires . . .

Great News!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Baltimore City Residents can now get rid of old tires with their regular trash.

Rules: You may put out four (4) un-rimmed tires at a time on the same day as your trash pick- up day. Stack the tires beside your trash can.

For our neighborhood, the trash day is Tuesday. Please spread the word !!!!!

Urban Land Institute (ULI) Technical Assistance Panel Report

Final Urban Land Institute (ULI) Technical Assistance Panel (TAP) Report:  Last June York Road stakeholders were invited to offer their insight, vision and wisdom with the Urban Land Institute (ULI) who studied and made recommendations to strengthen the York Road commercial corridor from 39th Street in the City to Towson University in the County.  Over 200 area stakeholders were present for discussions and recommendations. 

The ULI process was a collaborative project with Baltimore City and County, Govanstowne Business Association, York Road Partnership, Loyola University Maryland, Notre Dame of Maryland University, Baltimore Development Corporation, among others.  We hope the ULI recommendations encourage enhanced partnership between our public and private partners.

If you have any questions and/or are interested in this information being presented to your organization, please feel free to respond back to YorkRoadPartnership@gmail.com.  Your input and perspective is very much welcome and needed as we continue to move forward.

Regards,
Christopher Forrest

President – York Road Partnership

Please CLICK HERE for the ULI TAP Final Report. 

Neighborhood Highlight: Bootcamp Brandon

Boot Camp Brandon has been a terrific addition to our community. As a newly engaged and active member of the neighborhood organization Boot Camp Brandon has brought heath, nutrition and fitness to the neighborhood in a 3- prong approach.

He is the business owner/ operator of Boot Camp Brandon, which is a fitness class that is run out of the Walter P. Carter Recreation Center, he has helped with the neighborhood farmers markets and soon Brandon will  facilitate the construction and management of the neighborhood's urban gardens.

Come check him out five days a week at the Recreation Center.

Neighborhood Meeting Recap

Great meeting last night for the Wilson Park Northern Neighborhood with over 20 community members in attendance.

 We received great information from the Police Dept and Civic Works regarding jobs and recruitment. In addition community members were furnished with job announcements and upcoming dates of job fairs and notices about Youth Works 2014 for our youth/ young adults. Please check out the links below:

http://www.bpdrecruit.com/

http://www.baltimoregreencareers.org/

https://youthworks.oedworks.com/


In addition to the evening featured guest speakers, announcements were given by community members high-lighting the good things happening in the neighborhood. Just to name a few:

Walter P. Carter school has a girls and boys basketball team (1st in school history) their first home game is Wednesday. Community members are welcomed to come and cheer on the school team!!!!!!

The Recreation Center received a donation for the aftercare program by a community member that recently retired from the daycare business.

If the weather permits, the Recreation Center will host an Adult Valentines Dance on Thursday, February 13th from 6 to 9 p.m. Child care is available with $5

Local church, Church of the Redeemed of the Lord, continues to feed families in North Baltimore, 216 people, last month from zip codes 21212/ 21218.

Black Love Day is February 13th

Councilman Bill Henry's 4th District Blog: Winter Storm Tips and Information from BGE

Councilman Bill Henry's 4th District Blog: Winter Storm Tips and Information from BGE: The company has begun the process of preparing storm and field personnel, as well as coordinating with out-of-state mutual assistan...

Senior Citizen Water Discount Program

Respect and honor for baltimore’s senior citizens…

means making sure that they are not overly-burdened when they are on a fixed income in their golden years.

It is all too true that making ends meet can be a problem and a worry for those who have given so much of themselves and who should be enjoying their retirement. Instead of stress we need to give back to those who raised us, taught us and protected us. So many seniors are still giving through mentoring, volunteering and sharing their joy of life. Now we can give back through our LOW INCOME SENIOR CITIZEN WATER DISCOUNT PROGRAM.

Who Can Apply?

Homeowners and tenants (whose lease holds them responsible for paying the water bill), can apply each year for the discount if they meet the following criteria:

• The applicant must be a City of Baltimore resident who receives a water/sewer bill directly from the City.
• The principal resident must be age 65 or older.
• The combined gross household income must be $25,000 or less.
• The applicant must certify that he/she is the property owner-of-record with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation, or provide a lease showing his/her responsibility for paying water/sewer charges at that property.

What is the discount?

Those who qualify receive a 35% discount on their water, stormwater and sewer rates charged on each quarterly bill.

How can I apply?

Eligible senior citizens may apply at any of the Senior Community Centers listed on this brochure or may call 311 or (410) 396-5398 to obtain an application.

PLEASE NOTE: Only one water bill account per household is eligible to receive this discount.

Verification:

In order to prove eligibility you will need to submit the following along with your application:

• Proof of age (copy of Maryland Driver's License, State identification card or birth certificate).
• Proof of property ownership or lease agreement showing that the tenant is responsible for water/sewer charges.
• Proof of all income for the household such as current tax returns, 1099 statements, eligibility letters from Social
• Security, Social Services or the Veterans Administration.

Free Tax Prep Services!!!!!!!!

Baltimore CASH Campaign:  Thanks to the Baltimore CASH Campaign (Creating Assets, Savings, and Hope.) working residents will save money this tax season. The Baltimore CASH Campaign works to increase the financial security of low-income individuals and families by providing free tax preparation and asset-building services with a coalition of partners. 

Now in its 13th year offering free tax services, the CASH Campaign is operating 11 free tax preparation sites in Baltimore City where IRS-certified volunteers will prepare and electronically file taxes for free for eligible workers.

Families and individuals making less than $52,000 qualify for free tax assistance. This means free professional tax advice, e-filing, and information about the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). To schedule your free tax appointment, simply call 410-234-8008 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. You can also schedule online atwww.baltimorecashcampaign.org.

Your closest location: 

Northern Community Action Center
5225 York Rd.By appointment only

Citywide Mechanical Street Sweeping Program Meeting

Tuesday, February 25:   Citywide Mechanical Street Sweeping Program:  7:30pm-8:30pm

Please join your neighbors from the 3^rd, 4^th and 14^th Councilmanic Districts to learn more about this program which is scheduled to roll out April 2^nd!  

Tuesday, February 25

7:30-8:30pm

League for People with Disabilities,

1111 E. Cold Spring Lane. 

The Baltimore City Department of Public Works provides a healthy quality of life for Baltimore City residents and the region through the efficient management of solid waste services and water, wastewater, and surface water systems and infrastructure.

Currently, DPW manually and mechanically sweeps all City right-of-ways, which equals 70,000 miles and 7,000 tons of debris a year. The citywide mechanical street sweeping program will enable DPW to regularly clean every city neighborhood and minimize pollutants before they reach our urban streams, the Inner Harbor, and eventually the Chesapeake Bay. Clean streets reinforce to both residents and visitors that Baltimore is striving to be a greener, healthier city.

We are committed to meeting with residents and stakeholders about our many initiatives to improve our solid waste services. 

For more information, please call Leslie Wietscher @ 410 396-4830 or reply to this email. 

MLK Day 2014

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2014 was a great day for the Wilson Park Northern Neighborhood Association.

Over 200 volunteers converged at Walter P. Carter E/M School and Recreation Center for a day of service sponsored by Target Corp. Volunteers came from many organizations including a delegation of Wilson Park Northern members led by Nia Govan, WP Carter students and families, Councilman Henry and staff, Morgan State Alums, Target, and more.

The day started with a kick-off brunch for the Target personnel and volunteers and remarks from the principal, Ms. McKinily.

Volunteers participated in painting of murals throughout the school and recreation center. They bagged food for the school's food pantry and picked up litter in the neighborhood.

                                                                     Councilman Henry

                     One of our Business Members (Boot Camp Brandon) and community member putting on the final touches of the mural.

                                                           One of the area churches came down to help out! (Infinity Church)
At the conclusion of the service day an ending ceremony luncheon was provided by Councilman Henry and served by the neighborhood association.

                                            The meal was provided by Councilman Henry and members of the community served the volunteers.

Youth Works Summer Jobs Pre-Registration NOW

Online Pre-Registration for Baltimore City’s 2014 YouthWorks Summer Jobs Program Opened January 2:  YouthWorks is also recruiting organizations to serve as worksites and employers to participate in Hire One Youth

Baltimore City residents between the ages of 14 and 21 can begin pre-registering online for the 2014 YouthWorks summer jobs programThursday,January 2 at http://youthworks.oedworks.com.

Each summer, YouthWorks matches thousands of city youth to six-week summer jobs with private sector, nonprofit and city and state government employers throughout the city, where they develop familiarity with the workplace, become better prepared to meet employers’ expectations, and gain exposure to career opportunities in the Baltimore metropolitan area’s high growth industries. In 2014, YouthWorkssummer jobs will begin June 23 and end August 1.

Pre-Registration for Youth:

Pre-registration for youth will run through Friday, March 14. Everyone who pre-registers must attend an in-person certification appointment to be eligible to be placed in a YouthWorks job.  Certification appointments will be held January 21 through March 29.

Pre-registering online and attending an in-person certification appointment do not guarantee a placement in a YouthWorks summer job.

BGE Smart Meters

Knock! Knock!  BGE is installing smart meters in your neighborhood:  These upgraded meters provide customers with tools to help manage your energy use and save on your monthly bills.  Don’t miss out on energy and bill-saving benefits, including:

·         Summer bill savings – BGE Smart Energy Rewards customers saved an average of $80 in 2012.

·         Personalized energy efficiency tips

·         Savings summaries – watch your savings grow!

BGE is encouraging customers with indoor or inaccessible meters (such as those behind a locked gate) to schedule your smart meter appointment by calling the installer who is working in your neighborhood; this number is included in postcards and letters you may have received.  Meters are installed by BGE-authorized vendors who will carry identification.  Convenient evening and weekend appointments are available.  If a technician is on your street installing meters, they may knock on your door to see if they are able to upgrade your meter also.  The work will take just a few minutes in most cases.  If you have questions about any technician coming to your home, or wish to know which vendor is servicing your neighborhood, please call BGE at 800.685.0123.

If you do not wish to have a smart meter installed, you can request a temporary delay, or deferral, by contacting BGE in writing or via email.  The Maryland Public Service Commission is in the process of determining the specifics, including monthly fees, for customers who do not want a meter. BGE will communicate any next steps when the PSC makes a final determination.

To request a deferral, please include your address, account number, phone number and email address and send request to smartmeterdeferral@bge.com  or:  

Smart Meter Deferral

BGE

P.O. Box 1475

Baltimore, MD 21203

For more information on smart meters and programs that help customers with smart meters save energy and money, visit bge.com/smartenergy

Honoring the Deacon

In November 2013, the Wilson Park Northern Neighborhood Association honored Deacon Lynwood Wimbish, our neighborhood association president. We were joined by adjoining neighborhood associations, numerous community activist and public servants, Kevin Brooks led the program.

Mr. Wimbish affectionately known as the Deacon was awarded by Councilman Henry for 30 + years of service to Wilson Park and North Baltimore.

He remains active and continues to serve his community and church. With his iconic white pick- up truck, he is a beacon of service to the community, whether he is carrying bulk items from neighbors yards to the community pitch in dumpster or delivering bread to the church's soup kitchen. Deacon lets no grass grow under his feet.