Baltimore21201.Com - The Blog

Baltimore, Sports, Preservation. Thoughts.

Hinchliffe Stadium -- Paterson, NJ -- is possibly the last surviving stadium that hosted the Negro Baseball League. Preservation, the magazine of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, has just published an extraordinary story of the stadium, its background, and its possible future.

And, it's a great read. The title is: Field of Forgotten Dreams.

Here's a short excerpt from the National Trust:

It was the spring of 1937, and Irvin, a 17-year-old rising star from the nearby city of Orange with a .666 high school batting average, was at Hinchliffe trying out for a professional baseball team. Because Irvin was African American, and because of the color barrier in the major leagues, the team was not the New York Yankees or the Brooklyn Dodgers but a Negro League ball club called the Newark Eagles.

The sweet sound of home run after home run—crack, crack, crack—attracted the attention of Josh Gibson and Buck Leonard, two Negro League players preparing for a game at Hinchliffe later that day. Irvin was introduced to the two stars, whose grace, athleticism, and dapper uniforms and dress had inspired him. Indeed, Gibson had been called The Black Babe Ruth and Leonard The Black Lou Gehrig (though some wondered if Gehrig should have been dubbed The White Buck Leonard). And on this day, Irvin learned he would play alongside his two idols. He had made the Eagles.

Even though Irvin never imagined it possible at the time, with his paltry $125-a-month salary and the seemingly unshakeable reality of segregation in America, he would become one of the first African American players to make the major leagues after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947, and would go on to enjoy a Hall of Fame career as a left fielder for the New York Giants and Chicago Cubs...

I know, I know that Paterson, NJ isn't in my usual 21201 coverage area. And, baseball isn't my strong suite either. (However, after moving back to Baltimore, Jacob and I are now watching, commenting on, and truly enjoying local sports -- even when the Ravens don't look like they can play football, let alone a decent game of hopscotch.)

Here's the Preservation paragraph that brings this story home to Baltimore 21201:

Today, a heap of trash -- rotting wood, old tires, twisted metal -- rises along one end of the track that rings the stadium. Empty bottles litter the old concession area. Graffiti covers the crumbling bleachers. The burned-out roof over one bathroom represents the work of arsonists or vagrants who simply wanted to stay warm.

After the passing of our great Baltimore benefactor, Clarisse Mechanic, last month I wonder -- once again -- what the future of the Morris Mechanic Theatre will be. And, that leads me to wonder...

How are we going to save the many Baltimore architectural treasures that need to be preserved, buildings that need to be re-purposed, and areas where graffiti is simply unacceptable. Let's all think about this.

Baltimore has come a long way. Let's not let Baltimore move in the direction of Paterson.

New Flu Shot Clinic News for Baltimore 21201

I received a note from the Enoch Pratt Library, Central Branch, on Cathedral Street. Apparently it had been in my inbox for a couple of days. Pass along the information.

Stay Healthy! Free Flu Clinics. Free Flu Shots at the Central Library. Regular and H1N1 vaccines available.

The Enoch Pratt Free Library in partnership with the Baltimore City Health Department and ACE Coalition will be holding free flu clinics at the Central Library.

Regular flu shots only: Friday, November 6, 10am - 2 pm

Regular flu and H1N1 shots: Friday, December 11, 10am – 2pm and Friday, January 8, 10am – 2pm

Doctors and nurses will be available to answer flu, pneumonia and other health questions.

The flu clinic is provided by the ACE Coalition Flu Clinic.

For more information on the free flu clinics at the Central Library, visit our website at www.prattlibrary.org. Also look for the Pratt Library on Facebook, Twitter and MySpace.

Remember at the Enoch Pratt Free Library:  “Your journey starts here.”

How much do Jacob and I love the Enoch Pratt Library? Spread your arms wide, and say, "More than THIS much!"

Ms. Mayor, You Slept With a Snake. Interactive Map Part 2

Be Careful Who You Sleep With: An Interactive Map

U.S. and Maryland Flags Fly at Half Staff this Sunday

Governor Martin O'Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Sunday, October 4, 2009, from sunrise to sunset. This is in honor of Marine Lance Cpl. Jordan L. Chrobot, of Frederick, Maryland, who died on September 26, 2009 while fighting in Operation Enduring Freedom. 

From Freedom Remembered: Lance Cpl. Jordan L. Chrobot, 24, of Frederick, Maryland, grew up idolizing his grandfather, a Vietnam veteran. Jordan decided from an early age he was also going to be a Marine some day.

After graduating from high school he worked with his father for a couple of years and in November of 2006 enlisted in the Marine Corps. He served a tour of duty in Iraq from October 2007 to May 2008. In May of 2009 he was deployed to Afghanistan, assigned to 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, based at Camp Lejeune, N.C. Jordan was killed by small arms fire on September 26 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province.

Help Restaurants Help Baltimore.

It's important for our restaurants. It's even more important for many of Baltimore's residents. Dine out this Thursday, September 17th; Dine Out for Life.

With this single event, it's easy to make a big, long-lasting difference. Go to one of Dining Out for Life's participating restaurants and have a great meal. At least 20% of your check will be donated to Baltimore's Moveable Feast. Some restaurants are offering 50% and they are an awesome, generous group.

The proceeds from the day will help feed hundreds of men, women, and children right here in your community living with HIV/AIDS, and other life-challenging conditions such as breast cancer.

Visit the Moveable Feast website to learn more about their fine work. And, if you can't make it out on the 17th consider a donation. In these rough times every dollar counts; in these rough times everyone of their clients counts even more.

I've Never Done It for Money. But, Recognition is Nice!

That's right, while I've never blogged for bucks... a pat on the back sure feels nice. And you can help. 

Baltimore 21201 - The Vertical Neighborhood (this very blog) has been nominated for a Mobbie Award at the Baltimore Sun.

  

I'd like your vote. But, there will be no pleading, no begging, and no bribery.

If you like what you've been reading here for the past three years or so, vote. If you're new to this blog about Baltimore and Downtown Living - take a look around. There's some good stuff here.

And, if you really like what goes on here, tell your friends. Demand Threaten er, uh, Suggest that they vote, also. Today is day #1 of voting. Vote now.

Thanks!
Stephen Brockelman

Screen Actors Guild - Message for Members in VA, DC, MD and other states

Remember Rule One

Important Information to Clarify the Status of the Unions’ Agency Franchises and Union Members’ Obligations.

Because of the inherent complexities of agency relations today, SAG and AFTRA (the “Unions”) have received numerous requests from members in both the Virginia Beach and Washington, D.C. areas to clarify the status of the Unions’ agency franchises, and Union members’ obligations there under.  

Pursuant to SAG and AFTRA Agency Regulations, Union members who choose to secure the services of an agent are, generally, required to choose from a list of franchised representatives [i.e. those that are bound by the Unions’ Agency Regulations, SAG’s Rule 16(g) and AFTRA’s Rule 12-C, respectively]. However, in some areas of the country, such as Virginia, SAG and AFTRA do not have a brick and mortar presence. In such limited circumstances, we are aware that some Union members may sometimes secure representation from agents that are not franchised, with the understanding that they have voluntarily chosen to enter into those arrangements at their own risk. In the latter scenario, SAG and AFTRA nonetheless strongly encourage members who are desirous of having Union protections to seek out franchised agents in the next nearest area where SAG and AFTRA do have a physical presence (such as Washington, D.C., for example). The Unions can only protect you when you are represented by franchised agents. 

If you have made the decision to seek out non-franchised agents in areas such as Virginia, the Unions urge you to proceed with extreme caution before entering into any contractual relationship with an entity that may be operating under divided loyalties. For instance, a production company in a position to hire you that also bills itself as a “talent agency” wishing to represent you, should be thoroughly vetted before you sign on the dotted line. Union members are strongly encouraged to fully investigate companies that sell themselves as so-called “one stop shops” to ensure that there are no inherent conflicts of interest in their business models which could ultimately damage an actor’s long term career development/goals/earning capacity. e.g. if a producer you have worked for suddenly announces that it can also “represent” you as a talent agent, ask yourselves, “is this an irreconcilable conflict of interest? Is the production company more interested in keeping the costs of production down, or negotiating the highest possible wages and working conditions for my services as an actor?”  

Other warning signals that should be closely heeded include, but are not limited to:

•    Entities claiming to be “talent agencies” that seek to charge you upwards of 15% commission;

•    Entities claiming to be “talent agencies” that encourage you to abandon your Union status in order to try to secure “non-Union” work;

•    Entities claiming to be “talent agencies” that try to tether you to automatically renewing contracts;

•    Entities claiming to be “talent agencies” that purport to own any of your work product or property as an artist in perpetuity;

•    Entities claiming to be “talent agencies” that seek to have you indemnify them for the  cost of doing business or litigation;

•    Entities claiming to be “talent agencies” who attempt to get you to agree to non-compete clauses in their contracts, essentially prohibiting you from auditioning for other employers with which they have a pre-existing relationship.

Remember: Simply signing with some entity for the sake of securing an “agent” may, if not done cautiously in conjunction with your Union office/branch and with your long term business interests in mind, cause you and your career possibly irreparable and irreversible damage. In most instances, it is just not worth the risk.

Should you have any agency-related questions, or are unclear about the status of entities with which you are seeking to work, please do not hesitate to contact SAG’s National Agency Departments at: (in LA) (323) 549-6729, AFTRA’s National Agency Department (in NY) at 212-532-0800, or the SAG/AFTRA Local Branch office (in Washington, D.C.) at (301) 657-2560. We can also be reached by email at zino.macaluso@sag.org, mcapuano@aftra.com and, locally, at jlove@aftra.com. Thank you.

And, to Screen Actors Guild & AFTRA, your members thank you!

Baltimore 21201's Hotel Monaco: A Stellar Opening Night

Jacob and I have been fans of Baltimore's grand old architecture for a long, long time. And, we've been fans of the Kimpton Hotel brand for years and years. When we first read, in the BBJ, about a possible Kimpton Hotel coming to 21201 we were thrilled.

 
When we learned that Kimpton had selected the venerable B&O Building, built in 1906, at 2 N Charles Street as the location for a new Hotel Monaco, we pondered the possibilities and the build-out and what that would mean to city-center and decided we'd stay there on opening night. We did; it was wonderful.

Our Hotel Monaco stay was a true nextdoorcation. We live just a block away.

Here's a little background on Kimpton Hotels: They are the largest operator of boutique hotels in the United States and they are truly a lifestyle brand. Their hotels are pet-friendly. You'll see a couple of doggie bowls by the hotel entrances, one constantly filled with fresh water, the other with kibbles. Both are for resident pups and the pups just passing by. Kimpton hotels are gay friendly and support the LGBT efforts in their host cities. They create hotels in stunning, architectural masterpieces that need a new life. You can read more good things about Kimpton initiatives, many more, at the their Media Buzz site.

We made reservations through Kimpton Intouch. We packed a duffel and a backpack, and headed down Charles Street on July 30th, Monaco's opening night. We left home at 5pm; we checked in around 5:15. 

We didn't dress for the stay, but lots of folks did. We wore shorts and polos and tennis shoes. And, we were treated as if were wearing our tuxes. That's the Kimpton way.

Our front desk experience was super-quick, professional, and extremely personal. So far, so good.

We were invited to the daily wine hour in the second-floor hotel living room. We headed up to our room, #1222. It was spot-on, correct. When we made the online reservation we noted that we wanted four down pillows, a king bed, a high floor with a north view, spa tub, and more.

Every single item that we asked for was provided. And we received bonuses: Iced bottled water, two plates of cookies, and a handwritten welcome note were waiting for us.

(At this point, I have to apologize for using a couple of Kimpton's stock photos. I took my Canon 20D with the L USM 16-35mm lens, newly recharged batteries, and the 580EX Speedlite. I didn't, however, put a CF card in the memory slot. Oh, swell. Just swell.) Jacob had his point and shoot camera in his backpack. It didn't serve us perfectly, but it took great photos of fish and food.

After we scoped out our room and took a look around, we called the front desk for some serious Guppy Love. Our little fish, named Charles, arrived a few minutes later, fully fed, in a pristine bowl. Check the Guppy Love link above, it's a great Kimpton program.

Our marble and granite bathroom had a neck-deep, spa tub that could easily seat two. A walk-in shower with three walls of marble. The towels were puffy and I couldn't wait to use one or two. And the faux-leather wall coverings, complete with needle-stitching emboss, were a hot touch. 

We set up our bar on the stainless steel tray provided, got ice, and had a couple of drinks. Fresh-squeezed OJ screwdrivers for Jacob. Vodka gimlets for me. Then we headed down to the newest restaurant on Charles.

The B&O American Brasserie is truly something special. A welcome addition to 21201. We didn't have reservations. And, as walk-ins, we were asked if we wanted to be on the ground floor or the mezzanine. Mezzanine, please. The perfect service continued.

A perfect Grey Goose martini arrived at our table with three olives on a bamboo skewer. Astonishingly, it arrived with a little skiff of ice on the surface. I haven't had a martini served that icy-cold since the last time Jacob and I were at the Round Robin bar in the Willard Hotel in DC. Jacob's tall, Grey Goose screwdriver arrived with a slice of orange in the glass and the true fragrance of the best Florida oranges. I didn't taste; I did sniff. Yep, very fresh, very orange.

The B&O American Brasserie has a substantial, but not extensive, menu. Our server couldn't have provided us with more perfectly-timed attention from start to finish. She knew the menu forward and backward. She recommended the Heirloom Tomato & Watermelon Salad ($10) as a starter. Jacob ordered it. I knew what I wanted. I started with Steak Tartare & Carpaccio ($12).

Both appetizers were brilliant. Presentation and complex tastes were amazing. We shared the starters and couldn't agree on which one was best.

Jacob and I know our steaks. He ordered a Petite Filet, medium rare ($28) -- it was truly petite; I ordered a Ribeye, rare ($34). Both came with duck fat fries and pickled red onion and watercress. Jacob's Filet was as tender as cake, but it was dry as dust. My Ribeye was cooked perfectly. However, it was thin and super-tough, gristle abounded. We opted not to order anything more.

B&O's beef comes from Vande Rose Farms. Perhaps it shouldn't. It was nothing special, not flavorful, and didn't live up to the special experience that Hotel Monaco and the Brasserie were providing.

In summary, our new Kimpton hotel is as wonderful as wonderful can be. You feel like royalty when you check in.

The B&O American Brasserie is still working on it's menu legs. If the Brasserie can find steaks that live up to it's appetizers -- and I'm certain that will happen -- it will be good to go.

In the whole opening process of the Baltimore Hotel Monaco, there was only one complete disappointment: Bruce Miller at Sandy Hillman Communications. I wrote to Kimpton Corporate in San Francisco and explained how pleased I was about the pending opening of the New Monaco. I asked to be informed about developments.

The next day I had an email from Bruce Miller. He promised me the world. Constant updates, etc. Despite numerous requests, the last I heard from Miller at Hillman, was on March 31st 2009. That kind of non-response is just wrong.

Lunched at Mick O'Shea's; Learned About a Real Hero

Lunch with advertising or marketing clients can be a number of things: Challenging, Obtuse, Redundant, Defeating, Informative, Educational, Small-Talk, Powerful, Impressive, and a whole bunch of other things. Some good; some not so good.

My lunches with the folks at Furst Brothers Company have always been blindingly wonderful. And, in all the right ways.

But, rarely do I sit down for lunch in one of Baltimore's best Irish watering holes for fish and chips and see a client unexpectedly bloom into extreme pride.

It happened today. I've been the ad man, the marketing guy for one of Baltimore's oldest companies, Furst Brothers Company, for several years now. It's a relationship that I've cherished from day one for more reasons than I can count.

Furst Bros. VP, Steve Jupitz, was going over plans for a new product launch that we are working on together and asked if I'd heard about his brother, Sean. I hadn't. In case you haven't, you should know about Sean Jupitz.

Impressed with Sean Jupitz? You bet I am. There's more about Sean all over the Internet: just Google.

Rarely does a client, over lunch, bring something to my attention that makes my job, my profession, seem so small. So insignificant. So unimportant. So trivial.

I promote and market businesses. And, I do it well. Sean Jupitz, Steve's brother, saves lives. Enough said.

Baltimore / Washington Screen Actors Guild Members

An important reminder. Your vote on SAG's tentative TV/Theatrical contract is important. And, your ballot must be received by the tabulators by 5PM (PDT) on June 9th 2009.

My Referendum Packet arrived today.

The packets contain four pieces: 1. A Summary Document and Voting Instructions Booklet, 2. A green coded Ballot, 3. A green secret Ballot envelope, and 4. A green, postage-paid, Business Reply envelope.

When you receive your packet -- and, if you're still unsure how to vote -- head to the District and learn more. May 28th 2009, 12:30PM. Details & Links.

Baltimore / Washington SAG Members: Heads Up

If you're undecided on the proposed SAG TV/Theatrical Agreement, here's a local meeting you must attend.

Washington, DC - Thursday, May 28th at 12:30P. City Club of Washington, 555 13th Street, NW, Washington 20004. No guests allowed. Parents or guardians of performers under 18 very welcome. SAG union card paid thru April 2009 required for admission.

YOUR SCREEN ACTORS GUILD
NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

RECOMMENDS A YES VOTE ON THE
TV/THEATRICAL AGREEMENT

Details of the tenative agreement are posted here.

I'll be at the meeting in DC and then I will be voting YES. Will you?

(National TV/Theatrical Contracts Hotline (323) 549-6665)

You Love Frederick Law Olmsted? You'll Love This Tour.

Olmsted was America's First Landscape Architect. Olmsted believed that parks and landscapes were an essential part of every democratic society. He designed Central Park in New York City and the Capital grounds in Washington, DC... but, you already knew that, right?. He was also responsible for the Emerald Necklace in Boston. And, on and on and on.

Baltimore's Friends of Maryland's Olmsted Parks and Landscapes (FMOPL) has a walking tour coming up on May 17th, 2 - 4:30PM. Here's the information, read it and be there:

CARROLL PARK and MT. CLARE MANSION Sunday, May 17 - 2:00 - 4:30 PM
2:00-3:00 PM - Tour of the mansion led by volunteers of the museum
3:00-4:30 PM - Walk through the Park
Led by:

• Myra Brosius, park and environmental planner
• Bus Chambers,vice president, Friends of Carroll Park
• Gloria Pestridge, president, Friends of Carroll Park

Meet at 1:45 PM at the parking lot behind the Mansion off 1500 Washington Blvd. Accessibility: mansion includes stairs to second floor; park has gradual inclines on asphalt trails and roadways.

Part of the colonial plantation of Charles Carroll the Barrister, these grounds became a city park in 1890. The Olmsted Brothers Report Upon the Development of Public Grounds for Greater Baltimore, 1904 incorporated the park into the comprehensive city park system and later designed significant recreational facilities. Various organizations concerned about the conservation and restoration of the many-layered park are working with the City to implement the 2001 Carroll Park Master Plan.

If you don't already belong to FMOPL, visit their website and think about it. You may download a PDF membership form right here. Memberships start at just $25. I'll be posting more information about their upcoming walking tours here soon.

I'd close this post by writing, as I often do: We'll see you there. I can't say that this time. Jacob has broken a bone in each of his feet. So odd and so true. It's a long story. Want to know more? Ask me about the frozen ham!

Your Kid in the Pool with Michael Phelps

Yep, it can happen. And for a good cause, too.

Charity Buzz Auctions has announced a new auction to benefit Child Abuse Prevention Program (CAPP):

Now is your chance to have your son or daughter jump into the pool with the greatest swimmer of all time. Coming off his 8-gold medal winning performance in Beijing, Michael Phelps will go down in the record books with more gold medals than any athlete has ever amassed in a single competition.

This package will admit one (1) child into a swimming clinic to be hosted by Michael Phelps. Two (2) adult chaperones may accompany the child to this experience. In addition to spending time in the pool with Michael Phelps, this package also includes a photo with the swimming superstar and a hand-signed piece of memorabilia. Date to be determined, but will be held in the New York area the summer of 2009. Only 100 spots are available for this clinic. Duration will be an hour and a half.

Charity Buzz is my favorite charity auction website. Even if you're not interested in this specific lot, I encourage you to visit them and sign up for email updates. Bottom-line... even if you never, ever bid on one of their auctions, you'll find out who the good-guys are in the celebrity world. You'll discover who gives.

Starbucks Closing 21201's Charles Street Location

Yep, it's a done deal. Along with the 6,700 jobs that Starbucks is eliminating, they are closing about 300 additional stores. (Last July they announced 600+ stores slated for closure.) The 300 N Charles Street store is on Starbucks'  new list.

I'm not a Starbucks fan. Never have been. Starbucks just seemed a bit too cultish for me to take seriously. However, I am full-time supporter of Charles Street and this will leave yet another dark hole in the retail landscape.

The Blimpie location in the 300 Block of Charles Street that closed in 2006 still hasn't been rented. And, in the same block, it looks like there are no takers for the empty storefront that used to be Down's Engravers and Stationers and was, most recently, home to Clayton Fine Books. 

As for your caffene fix, here's my tip: I love Coffeeland at 222 N Charles Street. (I love their iced tea... I drink it even in the dead of winter.) If you enjoy Baltimore 21201 as much as I do, head to Coffeeland. Order and visit with the folks there. The local owners are some of the nicest people you'll ever meet. 

There'll Be Ice in 21201 on February 12th. Guaranteed.

There will also be ice on February 19th and 26th.

 

Large-scale ice sculpture demonstrations will be presented all three days in Downtown Baltimore's Premier Green Space, Charles Center. Fayette Street between Charles and Liberty Streets.

The fun begins a noon, all three days.

The February 12th event marks the 200th birthday of Abraham Lincoln and one of the sculptures will be a likeness of our 16th President.

Note: The sculpture image above is from Hot Ice, Inc. They're local and serve Baltimore, DC, and Virginia.

Baltimore's Spotlighter's Theatre, "Help Clean This Up"

For nearly 50 years, the Audrey Herman Spotlighter's Theatre has been a highlight in Baltimore's theatre community. On Saturday, January 31st, the Spotlighter's could use your strong arms and back.

According to an email I received today, the Spotlighter's have collected lots of "stuff" in their storage room and they need reorganize the space. It also needs to be painted.

 

The stuff includes props, set pieces, furniture and just plain stuff used in productions. If you can help next Saturday for an hour or two, between 10AM and 4PM, call Spotlighter's at 410-752-1225 or email Fuzz. Yep, FUZZ@spotlighters.org...

Spotlighter's also ask that, "If you are available any time during the week days of February 2 - 6, following the clean up, please let Spotlighter's know. Help will be needed (and greatly appreciated) to move things back into the storage room.

One last thing: If, for some strange reason you don't know about Baltimore's Audrey Herman, click here. I couldn't tell the story better myself.

In Order, the List of Participants in the Inaugural Parade

From the Presidential Inaugural Committee the Official List. More than 10,000 people from all 50 states will follow Obama & Biden down the 1.5 mile route.

Representatives from the US Army, United States Military Academy & US Army Reserve
Punahou School JROTC
Punahou School Marching Band
Whitney M. Young Magnet High School Navy JROTC
Isiserettes Drill and Drum Corps
Jesse White Tumbling Team
Florida A&M University Marching 100 Band
Crow Nation of Montana
Paul Laurence Dunbar Senior High School Marching Band
Illinois Home State Float
Brooklyn Music and Arts Program
Theodore Roosevelt High School Marine Corps JROTC Color Guard and Drill Team
Colts Drum and Bugle Corps
Klein Collins High School Air Force JROTC
Cleveland Firefighters Memorial Pipes and Drums
Southern Ohio Ladies Aside
Redwood Middle School Marching Band and Auxiliary Units
Representatives of the US Marine Corps and US Marine Corps Reserve
Delaware Volunteer Firemen's Association
University of Delaware Fightin' Blue Hen Marching Band, The Pride of Delaware
Delaware Home State Float
Alexis I. duPont High School Band
Comfort Carriages
Tuskegee Airmen
Delaware State University Marching Band
Special Olympics Inc.
Sanford High School Marching Band
Peace Corps Community
Adams Central High School Patriot Band
Oneida Nation Veterans
Cadets Drum & Bugle Corps
Idaho State Leadership: State and Tribal Representatives
Roosevelt High School Marching Band
Suurimmaanitchuat Eskimo Dance Group
South Cobb High School Blue Eagle Marching Band
Representatives of the US Navy, US Naval Academy & US Navy Reserve
Brattleboro High School Marching Band
George Washington University
Petal High School Marching Band
Freedom Riders
Bonnie Brae Knights
Federal Protection Service
Trumbull High School Golden Eagle Marching Band
American Workers Contingent
East Greenwich High School Avenger Band
Commanding General's Mounted Color Guard, First Infantry Division, Fort Riley KS
Green Valley High School Marching Band
Angel Drill Team
Manning High School Golden Pride Marching Band
Wind River Reservation Youth Council
Lincoln Highway National Museum and Archives
University of Tennessee Pride of the Southland Band
Tempel Lipizzans of Tempel Farms
University of Arkansas Marching Band
Representatives of the US Air Force, US Air Force Academy & US Air Force Reserve
Mountain Ridge High School Pride of the West Marching Band
United Tribes Technical College
Montana Delegation
Hampton University Marching Force
AmeriCorps Alums
North Allegheny High School Tiger Marching Band
World Famous Lawn Rangers from Amazing Arcola
Blue Springs High School Golden Regiment Marching Band
McCrossan Boys Ranch
Colony High School Knights Marching Band
54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment, Company A
54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment
Espanola Valley High School Mariachi Sol Del Valle
1965 Mustang of the DC Metropolitan Police Department
Grambling State University World Famed Tiger Marching Band
Nicholas County Army JROTC, the Wilderness Battalion
J. P. Taravella High School Band
Representatives of the US Coast Guard, US Coast Guard Academy & US Coast Guard Reserve
Morton High School Marching Band
U.S. Border Patrol
Harding University High School Marching Band of Gold
Hawaii Home State Float
Howard University Showtime Marching Band
Pennsylvania Home State Float
Lesbian and Gay Band Association
Mobile Azalea Trail Maids
Londonderry High School Marching Lancer Band and Color Guard
T.C. Williams High School Army JROTC
Windsor High School Marching Band
Michigan's Multi Jurisdictional Mounted Police Drill Team and Color Guard
Ohio State University Marching Band
Boy Scouts of America, Troop 358, Philadelphia, PA
Girl Scouts of the Nation's Capital, Troops 1803 & 382
Fergus Falls High School Marching Band
Representatives from the US Merchant Marine Academy
Evergreen High School Marching Band
Culver Academies
Carl Sandburg High School Marching Eagles
USO Float
Carnaval de San Anto, the URBAN 15 Group
Prevention Partnership, Warren County, KY Sheriff's Office
Siloam Springs High School Band
Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association CCBA
Get a Life Marching Band
Union High School Air Force JROTC
University of Utah Marching Band
Virginia Military Institute Corps of Cadets
NASA Astronaut Crew and NASA Lunar Electric Rover

Obama's Baltimore Visit - Transportation Updates

 

The MTA has two important webpages set up to keep us informed about the local events on Saturday and for Election Day on the 20th.

Link: This is the Official Statment for the President-Elect's visit to Baltimore.

Link: This is the information page for Election Day.

Remember, you can always get real-time, 24/7 traffic reports on the News Page at Baltimore21201.Com.

     This afternoon the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore released this advisory from Mayor Dixon.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, January 16, 2009 
 
CONGESTION ALERT: Updates on Barack Obama's Visit to Baltimore

The Mayor’s Office has released more information on Barack Obama’s visit to Baltimore on Saturday, January 17.

• All visitors to the War Memorial will enter at the Baltimore Street and Guilford Avenue entry point. 
• Visitors are strongly encouraged to use public transportation like Light Rail, Metro, or MTA buses.  MTA has created a webpage for Saturday’s event that includes rerouted bus routes, station closures, information on park and ride lots, and helpful travel tips.  For additional information, contact MTA at (410) 539-5000.
• If you plan on driving into the city, leave early and allow for extra travel time.

The City has released a list of street closures for Saturday.  On Saturday, January 17 between 4 am and 7 pm, the following streets will all be closed:

• I-83 Northbound from President/Lombard Streets to North Avenue will be closed.
• I-83 Southbound will be closed at North Avenue.
• All streets bounded by St. Paul Street, Lombard Street, The Fallsway/Front Street, and Bath Street.
• Streets surrounding the Main Post Office at 900 E. Fayette Street will be closed, but public access to the post office will be maintained from the east via Fayette and Colvin Streets.
• Additionally, Orleans Street from Gay to St. Paul Streets will be closed from 2 pm to 9 pm on Saturday, January 17.

The City has set up parking restrictions in the area.  Parking will be restricted in most areas around the event.  Variable message signs, cones, and barriers will be posted around the perimeters of the event, so be sure to pay attention to the restrictions in effect.  Cars in violation of parking restrictions will be towed to the Edison Parking Lot at The Fallsway and High Street.

• Several parking garages close to the event location will be closed.  Parking will be available at the stadium and generally west of St. Paul/Light Street.
• Bicycle parking will be provided at the garage at the intersection of Light and Redwood Streets.
• The ADA drop-off point will be at Calvert and Redwood Streets.

Parking will be restricted on the following streets on Saturday, January 7 from 9 am to 7 pm:

• St. Paul Street from Mt. Royal Avenue to Saratoga Street.
• Calvert Street from Biddle Street to Mt. Royal Avenue.
• Guilford Avenue from Biddle Street to Mt. Royal Avenue.
• Preston, Biddle, Chase, Eager, Madison, Monument, Centre, Franklin, Mulberry, Pleasant, and Saratoga Streets between Calvert and Charles Streets.

As mentioned in yesterday’s congestion alert, we suggest taking an alternate route into Downtown.

Here's the latest graphic from the Baltimore Sun.

Forbes: Baltimore in Top Ten for '09 Job Growth

When Baltimore makes a tup ten list it's not always a good thing.

 

This time it's a great thing. Baltimore is #7 in the top ten cities for job growth in 2009.

Also on the Forbes list are Boston, Houston, Washington DC, Seattle, and the ever-lovely - that diamond of Dane County -Madison, Wisconsin. (I'm qualified to be snarky about the city on the isthmus between lakes Monona and Mendota. I spent about a year in Madison one week listening to the crickets and the banjos.)

 

See what I mean?

They are the home of the beer funnel championships, also. The unofficial Madison slogan: Everyone Loves a Madison Girl. Literally, everyone.