July/August 2012

www.mylocustpoint.org

Locust Point Civic Association

P.O. Box 27097

Baltimore, MD 21230

(443) 987-6468

To join the LPCA email distribution list, send email to: contacts@mylocustpoint.org

Upcoming Meetings:

There is No July LPCA General Meeting

Next Meeting: Wednesday, August 8th, 7:30 pm at the Rec Center

Dr. Richard Lamb

LP Community VolunteerVoted one of Baltimore’s Best Dentists

nd we could not be more proud! In the June issue of Baltimore Magazine, Dr. Lamb was one of only seven General Dentists in Baltimore City recognized as an outstanding dentist. This is the second time he has been so recognized by Baltimore Magazine!

In Locust Point, however, he is not just our dentist. Here he is cele-brated as being a committed business owner and community volunteer. Dr. Lamb has been volunteering at the Locust Point Festival for over 17 years. He is the man to go to when you want to purchase a ticket for the beer truck! He always closes his office the Saturday afternoon of the festival not only so he can volunteer but to give his staff the time to enjoy the festival too. Dr. Lamb can be found manning the ticket stand closest to Fort Avenue.

Enthusiastic CONGRATULATIONS go out to Dr. Lamb from his appreciative community. We can’t wait to see you at the festival and pat you on your back!

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reetings,

I am thrilled to be writing my first President’s Message. When I moved to Locust Point with my wife Christine several years ago, we

knew right away we were home. Latrobe Park, Fort McHenry and great local restaurants all help to make this a special part of the city. However, it was the amazing people; the mix of generations, backgrounds and points of view, that really make this such a unique place to live and raise a fami-ly. Accordingly, I want to start by recognizing the people who came before me, starting with Chris Ritsch, the outgoing President, and outgoing officers Barb Wilson, Sarah McMahon, Tony Vittora and Joel Greenspan. They will be a hard act to follow, but the new board and I will do our best.

The LPCA Board isn’t the only thing that is different. The last several months have seen a number of significant changes. The completion of McHenry Row gave us a new place to gather and shop, while the Star Spangled Sailabration brought thousands of visitors to the Fort. They were greeted by our new banners, street murals and park improvements, all made possible through the partnership with Under Armour, which came from the hard work of residents who served on the Task Force. UA should soon be starting work on the expansion of their Tide Point headquarters, another big change on the horizon. And of course, many of the visitors got here by walk-ing over the NEW Fort Avenue Bridge; again the result of LP residents like Karen Johns whose advocacy helped make the project a reality. I am sure many of you have noticed her sign (“Replace Bridge Now!”) has been

replaced by a new mes-sage. I am proud to live in and serve a neighborhood where residents fight for what they believe in and constantly strive to make this the best neighborhood in Baltimore.

However, the more things change, the more they stay the same. The annual Locust Point Festival is coming up on September 8th and volun-teers are needed for krus-chiki making and to staff the event itself. If you are able to volunteer your time,

let us know by emailing contacts@mylocustpoint.com or calling (443) 987-6468 .

That’s it for this month. There is no LPCA meeting in July so enjoy the official beginning of summer, watch the Orioles battle for first place and I’ll see you around the neighborhood.

Terry Hickey, president

President’s Message

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By Cheryl Roberts Duffey

The Blue Angels visit Locust Point for an exciting Sailabration weekend Photo credit Jarrod Kennedy

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SafetyChairman: Michael RoweContact: Safety@mylocustpoint.orgThe Safety Committee maintains an open dialogue with the Baltimore City Police Department and organizes the Citizens on Patrol walks. The COP walks in Locust Point are held the third Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. The meeting point changes each month to allow walkers to cover different parts of the neighborhood. If you are having problems in your area with trash, drug activity, vandalism, etc., please contact COP chair Charlie Webster and the walkers will address your area on one of their upcoming walks. Better yet, please join the walkers to point out specific problems and address your issues directly with a police officer. Monthly email reminders are sent out with the meeting spot for the upcoming walk and are also listed in the “In Brief” section of the news-letter on page 3. You can join the LPCA email list by sending a request to contact@mylocustpoint.org.

MembershipChairman: Lynne MastervichContact: Membership@mylocustpoint.orgThe Membership Commitee keeps track of all paid members of the LPCA and sells memberships at the general meetings. Cost is $5 PER PERSON. You must be a Locust Point resident, not just a property owner, to be eligible for membership. Please be advised that you are not eligible to vote for any motions unless you are a dues-paying member.

CommunicationChairman: Laura KennedyContact: Communication@mylocustpoint.orgThe Communications Committee oversees the design and content of the newsletter and website. The newsletter is published bi-monthly. Community members are welcome to submit information on events and items of interest for To The Point or the LPCA website. The deadline for ads and editorial content for the newsletter is now the 15th of the month preceding publication. Website ads and content can be submitted at any time. If you would like to submit anything for the newsletter or if you would like something posted on the LPCA website, please contact Laura Kennedy.

Design ReviewChairman: Brian MastervichContact: Designreview@mylocustpoint.orgThe Design Review committee reviews all of the plans for individual property improvements or proposed property subdivisions and monitors the projects to make sure property owners are complying with Baltimore City law and zoning codes. The city recommends that any major addi-tions to individual properties or proposed property subdivisions be sub-mitted to the community association prior to any public hearings. It is the policy of the LPCA to request a postponement of any hearing for an applicant that has not first notified the LPCA Board of Directors and presented plans to the Board. Please submit plans to LPCA P.O. Box 27097, Baltimore, MD 21230.

SocialChairman: VacantContact: Social@mylocustpoint.orgThe social commitee plans and coordinates all of the social events sponsored by the LPCA, including the annual yard sale, festival and holiday party.

Parks and BeautificationChairman: Colleen Martin-LauerContact: Parksandbeautification@mylocustpoint.orgThe Parks and Beautification Committee is responsible for planning and organizing beautification projects in Latrobe Park and around the neigh-borhood. Projects in the past have included bulb, tree and flower plant-ings in the park and corner planters along Fort Avenue.

CommitteesDog ParkChairman: Meg KellyContact: locustpointdogpark@yahoo.com The Dog Park committee is responsible for the overall cleaning and main-tenance of the dog park and enforcing the park rules and etiquette. Members also organize frequent fundraisers, such as Yappy Hours at local bars and restaurants to cover maintenance costs for the park.

Recycling and TrashChairman: Scott RileyThe Recycling and Trash committee is responsible for organizing neigh-borhood clean ups and educating neighbors about proper trash disposal and the city’s recycling program.

Nominations and ElectionsChairman: VacantThe Nominations and Elections committee is responsible for recruiting eligible candidates and organizing elections every 2 years for the LPCA Board and Officers or as vacancies arise.

Important Contact InformationBaltimore City Officials

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake

mayor@baltimorecity.gov City Hall, Room 250, 100 N. Holliday St., Baltimore, MD

21202 (410) 396-3835

Council Pres. Bernard C. Young CouncilPresident@baltimorecitycity.gov

City Hall, Rm 400, 100 N. Holliday St. Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 396-4804

Council Vice Pres. Edward Reisingerereisinger@baltimorecitycouncil.com

City Hall, Rm 511, 100 N. Holliday St. Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 396-4822

Mayor’s Office of NeighborhoodsSouthern District Liason, Steven Robinson

410-396-4735 / 443-984-1083steven.robinson@baltimorecity.gov

Baltimore City PoliceSouthern District Police Commander

Major Scott Bloodsworth, 410-366-5296, scott.bloodsworth@ baltimorepolice.org

Southern District Police Neighborhood Service Unit Sgt . John Kowalczyk, 410-396-2020, John.Kowalczyk@baltimorepolice.org

Sanitation Enforcement (for occupied properties that have trash or high grass and

weeds that violates the city code)Sanitation Enforcement Officer, Leon Green, 410-396-1712 x22008

leon.green@baltimorecity.gov

Department of TransportationTransportation Community Outreach Liaison, Grishae Blackette

443-984-9095 grishae.blackette@baltimorecity.gov

July/August 2012 3

LPCA Board of DirectorsPresident: Terry Hickey

Vice President: Chris Ritsch

Corresponding Secretary: Etta Bates

Recording Secretary: Shannon Keeny

Treasurer: Tony Vittoria

Board of Directors:Terri Harrington Cheryl Duffey

Jamie Kelly Will Jovel

Ginny Rajnes Justin Grossman

Greg Sileo Victoria August

Peggy Flynn Gary Richardson

Contact us:

Locust Point Civic Association

P.O. Box 27097

(443) 987-6468

www.mylocustpoint.org

To join the LPCA neighborhood email list, please send an

email to contacts@mylocustpoint.org

Trash and Recycling:Trash pick up is every Wednesday. Baltimore City law requires that all resi-

dences have durable trash cans with tight fitting lids. Residences are limited to two 32-gallon trash cans each. Trash must be put out in cans.

Recycling pick up is every Friday. There is no need to sort recyclables into separate bins and an unlimited amount of recyclables is allowed.

Acceptable recyclable materials include:7 on the bottom (Including wide-mouth plastic containers such as margarine, yogurt, sour cream containers, empty plastic prescription bottles,plastic drinking

(hhardback, paperback and textbooks included),newsprint,folders,magazines,card - board,cereal boxes,phone books)

Unacceptable

used for toxic substances. Note about PLASTIC BAGS:Please reuse your plastic bags by donating them

to the doggie bag bins in Latrobe Park.

As the weather gets nicer, rodents/rats may start to leave their nests looking for food. It is very important for everyone to make sure that their garbage cans are covered and do not have any holes that rats can use to get at food sources. Rats

not only can carry diseases but they can also burrow into cars and cause extensive damage to our automobiles. This

situation has already been reported by several neighbors and has cost them thousands of dollars. Please be a good neigh-

bor and cover your garbage cans.

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s the 2011 school year winds down

here are some of the FSK high-

lights.-

dents recognized for exceptional efforts in the May 25th city wide

entrepreneurial business plan program, NFTE. The

FSK 7th graders led the way with a very strong showing.

Congratulations to Alexis Alt, Moriah Beatty, Sierra Sea-brease, Shayla Arrington and Tanesha Blackledge as well as the rest of the NFTE team.

Congratulations to Ms. Moore-McDonald (NFTE director and social studies teacher) for earn-ing FSK Teacher of the Year recognition.

FSK Family Math Night was a huge success with nearly 200 people in attendance. Students and parents participated in math challenges and chance games to earn prizes. Dinner was served. It was a great time for all.

Fifteen 7th graders rewarded for outstanding grades accompa-nied 7th grade teacher, Ms. Brown, to the Sailabration kick off at the Inner Harbor. The FSK students participated by holding the

On May 31st the FSK students put on a commemoration of the War of 1812. The event was highlighted by a fantastic rendition of the National Anthem preformed by Noor-ul ain Zar and win-ning poems presented by Isaiah Pope and Rebecca Wisniewski. The event featured a beautiful 20 foot mural reenacting the battle at Fort McHenry created by the FSK students under the direction of art teacher Mrs. Swingle. Special thanks to Megan Hessel for taking the time to lend a hand with the project. Ms. MacDonald also led a group of 7th and 8th graders in creating a documentary focused on Fort McHenry. Congratulations to all involved for a job well done.

Do you want to help make a difference? Volunteer at Francis Scott Key! Ask your company for a donation - $$ or supplies! Reg-ister your Harris Teeter VIC card with FSK (school #1514)! Email John Shea (jjrs10132007@gmail.com) with any questions.

Francis Scott Key School News and Highlights

By John Shea

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July/August 2012 5

By Cheryl Roberts Duffey ave you noticed the Beautification Efforts along Fort Avenue, Frances Scott Key School and Latrobe Park?

Did you know: most of this has been accomplished by VOLUNTEERS!?

The bridge has opened, not yet complete, but 2-way traffic over the new bridge has shifted much traffic off the neighborhood side streets back onto Fort Avenue. To celebrate the bridge reopening and the 200th Anniversary of the War of 1812, many attractive changes are being made along Fort Avenue.

Thanks to many organizations and volunteers some very significant changes have occurred on the Avenue, at the school, and in the park. Starting late last year, the Fort Avenue Infrastructure Task Force of volunteers was formed to recommend a beautification concept and oversee use of the funds contributed by Under Armour toward the effort. Ably lead by Kate Hearn and Will Jovel, this committee responded to community ideas for Fort Avenue changes that would improve and highlight the Locust Point Community. Some examples are: 2 large “Welcome to Locust Point” signs, street graphics based upon the LP logo, LP banners, plantings and sidewalk improvements. These are all to coincide with the reopening of the bridge. The new brick entrance to historic Latrobe Park and new flower beds are being installed as this article is being written.

While many of the projects have been completed in time for the Star Spangled Sailabration, some projects are slated to continue into the next year. While the plans for the Fort Avenue changes were moving ahead, planning for the CSX Volunteer Day proceeded.

On April 28th, CSX hosted a “really big” volunteer day that started our beautification efforts. About 100 people volunteered at Frances Scott Key School, Latrobe Park and Fort McHenry. Frances Scott Key School received not only paint facelifts inside the school, but a wonder-ful sidewalk mural around the iconic blue entrance sculpture. Parks and People and “City Year” installed about 50 trees around the schoolyard. What a great impact this has made on the general appearance of the school! Check these links out! http://www.beyondourrails.org/com-munity/videos/546-csx-city-year-service-day-at-francis-scott-key-school , http://www.beyondourrails.org/community/videos/546-csx-city-year-service-day-at-francis-scott-key-school .

Latrobe Park, just down from the school, also received some care on April 28th. The children’s playground, also know as “Chessie’s Place,” received a spruce up! Children now enjoy power-washed, super clean play equipment, new mulch under their feet and 6 BIG new Maple trees to provide future shade.

The community improvement efforts have involved many, many people, companies and organizations. There has been a concerted endeavor to come together on a Master Plan for the entrance to our community. Design Collective, LLC teamed with community repre-sentatives, along with city and company representatives to create a comprehensive Fort Avenue Master Plan that could carry Locust Point design beyond the current community beautification changes. The Master Plan hopefully will be the design standard that will provide consistency along Fort Avenue as future changes occur.

The Pride that these changes wrought is tangible throughout the community. We hope you agree with us all!

Warm thanks go out to: CSX, City Year, Parks and People, Under Armour, LPCA, Design Collective and Baltimore City. Thank you very much to EVERY SINGLE person that put time into our community! It makes a beautiful difference.

Our Beautiful Neighborhood

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July/August 2012 7

Digital Harbor Swim Club is now accepting applications for the summer session. The summer season runs for 10 weeks, from June 18 – August 25 and costs $50. There are three sessions per week: 1. Tuesday evenings 6:30-8:30 2. Thursday evenings 6:30 – 8:30 3. Saturday mornings 9:00-11:00Punch cards, costing $55 for 10 swims, are also available and good throughout the year. Free memberships are available in exchange for various volunteer positions with the club. Please contact Kathleen Smith at dhhswim@gmail.com with paying membership and punch card inquiries, and Navah Langmeyer at dhhswim@gmail.com with volunteer and all other inquiries.

Beginner Yoga will be starting Tuesday, June 12th from 7-8pm at the LP Rec Center. The cost is $10 cash or check. Please contact Court-nay Mecca, www.courtnaymecca.com for details.Yoga on Wednesdays from 7-8pm at the Rec Center. $10/class. Please contact Jenny Randle, jennyd57@cablespeed.com for details.Leash Law: Baltimore City Ordinance 708 states that all dogs must be on a leash at all times. There have recently been negative consequences of dogs being off-leash in Latrobe Park and numerous complaints. Let’s keep Latrobe Park an area where everyone can come and enjoy their activities, and not be disrupted by a dog off a leash. As a reminder, there is the Dog Park that was built for dogs to enjoy off-leash time. Locust Point is a neighborhood with a reputation for having respectful people and strong sense of community; please show this courtesy in simply obeying the leash law.

In Brief

Safety in Locust PointThough we are all proud of our neighborhood being arguably the saf-

est in Baltimore City, one can never be too careful. Recently, there have been a few small robberies in Locust Point that should be brought to everyone’s attention as a reminder that these things can happen any-where.

A couple of weeks ago a neighbor on Andre Street was sitting outside their front door with the family, including two dogs, while someone entered through their back door and stole a few electronics. The dogs often bark at anyone walking by, so presumably the thief knew the fam-ily was out front, and walked right in through the open back door. There have been other small incidents, possibly related, and a few sightings of a suspicious man knocking on doors and entering back gates in the

neighborhood recently as well.We like to believe in our sense of community and the many pairs of

eyes that patrol the streets watching for things out of the ordinary. How-ever, what has happened recently is a sad reminder that we must still be careful, even in Locust Point. PLEASE lock your doors when you walk the dog, go out to chat with the neighbors, or even when you are in the house. Also of course, if you see someone or something suspicious, do not hesitate to call 911. If you have any information regarding this rob-bery on Andre or any similar incidents, please contact Detective Bailey at (410) 396-2504.

Together we can keep Locust Point the safe neighborhood we all be-lieve it to be.

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