Federal Hillsider The Monthly Newsletter of the Federal Hill Neighborhood Association March, 2012 Improvements Planned for President’s Letter Federal Hill Park By Anna Klein, Mom, Early Childhood Education Expert, SHR Dear Friends & Neighbors, Board Member February has been another exciting month South Harbor Renaissance (SHR), is a non-profit organized by for FHNA. The momentum we have gained, neighbors to improve Federal Hill Park and is working with maintained and continue to build over the past City’s Department of Recreation and Parks to design, few months is truly overwhelming. fund and execute a new playground on Federal Hill by summer 2013. At the Federal Hill Neighborhood Association’s meeting First and foremost, the Area 9 parking event and membership drive held on February 21, members of SHR’s Board reported on their Feb 25th was very successful, according to our residents. Even the City progress to date including the community workshop on January officials were pleased with how smoothly it went. We added 45 new 30 that was led by the Neighborhood Design Center (NDC). members, dozens more on renewals, and the feedback we have received from residents has been positive and encouraging. Given the fact that our In consultation with the Department of Recreation and Parks, new leadership team is two months in the making since our Association’s a concept plan was created by local landscape architects recent transition, I can only extend my most sincere gratitude and thanks Hord Coplan Macht to replace the aging equipment in favor to our community volunteers and municipal staff that made this all of a child-centered, parent-friendly experience that also possible. honors Baltimore’s and the Park’s rich history, specifically by incorporating playground staples with miniature historic icons The culmination of literally hundreds of volunteer-hours and our (Federalist Ship, Signal Tower and Fort Federal Hill, B&O aggressive new branding initiatives has proven effective far beyond mere Locomotive). More than two dozen Federal Hill residents and structural reorganization. FHNA is now more organized, transparent, experts contributed ideas to the plan, as well as parents who (continued on page 3) responded to the DBFA survey and the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore funded by a start-up grant from the Goldseker Foundation.

Having advertised the January 30 Workshop widely through flyers and emails, SHR presented the concept plan to about forty local residents, and NDC professional volunteers led four break-out sessions to probe what people do and do not want to have in the new playground. NDC’s documentation of the community’s responses was handed out for discussion at the FHNA meeting. SHR welcomes furth+er comments and suggestions on its website www.south-harbor.org.

SHR is currently working on restoring the Flag Staff Plaza for special ceremonies while the Military Monuments Commission and Baltimore City’s Commission for Historical & Architectural Preservation are restoring the and Samuel Smith monuments to the east of the Flag Staff area.

The goal is that with the City’s and SHR’s joint efforts Federal Hill Park will regain the stature appropriate to its prominence and history. At the same time, it will help to attract and retain residents, especially families, and to build a better Baltimore. Conceptual Design for the childrens playground and flag plaza in Federal Hill Park March, 2012 www.federalhillbaltimore.org Federal Hillsider - Page 2 INFORMATION PAGE FHNA Committees Consider Getting Involved

Please contact any of the Board members listed nearby and express your interest. You will be welcomed. Federal Hill Neighborhood Association Board of Directors Beautification/Green: Walt Saxon Block Captains: Kelly Sheehan Officers Business Affairs: Lamberto Comacho Community Outreach : Jane Wehrle President: Ryan Hada 443.326.9200 Finance: Claire Bogdanski Vice President: Eric Costello 410.528.1514 Hillsider: Jeannie Malkiewicz Treasurer: Lamberto Camacho 202.697.1581 Gayle McClure Secretary: Bob O’Donoghue 410.783.0174 Bob O’Donoghue Nicole Quinn Board Members at Large Legal: Open Legislative Affairs: Ryan Hada Board Member: Kelly Sheehan 410.322.8026 Membership: Eric Costello Board Member: Claire Mullins 410.727.3411 Bob Merbler Board Member: Bob Merbler 443.629.0162 Kelly Sheehan Parking: Lamberto Comacho Preservation: Becky Swanston Bulk Item Pick Up Public Safety: Open You may place up to three items out for collection. One day per Schools Liaison: Jessica Damon month is set aside for this collection. All citizens have to do is call Social: Open 311 and give the following information: Technology: Eric Costello Your address Claire Mullins Your telephone # What 3 items Call 3 or more working days before your scheduled date. If you do not know your day, please call 311. Debris, Bulk Trash, Recycling & You may also schedule a collection at 311 Online. eCycling Drop-off Location: Western Sanitation Yard 701 Reedbird Avenue, 410-396-3367, To Request City Services Mon. – Sat., 9 am – 5 pm (Labor Day/Memorial Day) Call 311 6am to 10pm & 9 am – 7 pm (Memorial Day/Labor Day) or Online 24 hours at For additional locations go to: baltimorecity.gov/Government/ www.baltimore.customerservicerequest.org AgenciesDepartments/PublicWorks/BureauofSolidWaste

Recycling and Trash Schedule: Set out by 6 a.m. Trash on Wednesday (in cans with tight-fitting lids) Recycling on Friday REMINDER!! Please put your recyclable materials in paper bags, cardboard boxes, City recycle bins or any container clearly marked “recycle”; at the same location as your regular trash. DO NOT USE PLASTIC BAGS. With single stream recycling, we send our materials to a processing facility which uses an automated system to sort and bale recyclables. Federal Hillsider www.federalhillbaltimore.org March, 2012 - Page 3 (President’s letter continued from page 1) and inclusive then ever. With your help and dedication, I have no doubt we will soon be regarded as the most effective and productive Want to help with the Hillsider? neighborhood association on the peninsula. The Hillsider ad revenue and volunteer contributions are both steadily increasing each month. Please join us for a meeting on Saturday, March 17th at 10 a.m. in the conference room at YWGC, 1011 Light On the volunteer front, I am pleased to report that the establishment Street. of support committees is now well under way. Vice President Eric Costello has taken the lead on this effort and the progress realized to date is very impressive. Presently, the School Liaison, Preservation, and Beautification Committees are staffed with 8-9 members each with their respective Chairs. Over the next 2-3 weeks, the formation of Social and Public Safety Committees will follow accordingly. In an ongoing effort to complete the staffing of these committees and others on the horizon,

I encourage each one of you to join us by volunteering your time and expertise by sending an email outlining your area of interest to [email protected]. Without your contributions, the progress we Things went as smooth as silk at the parking have made thus far would not be possible. Please keep that in mind and pass event on February 25th help our future by getting involved today. Your contributions will not go unnoticed.

In closing, I am looking forward to seeing all of you at our next General Membership Meeting on March 20th at Christ Lutheran Church (7PM). Next FHNA General Until then, thank you and take care. Membership Meeting

Ryan Hada Tue., March 20th, 7 pm, Christ Lutheran Chuch FHNA President

Congratulations!Randee Askin & Heather Perkins

Randee Askin Heather Perkins cell: 410-615-5313 cell: 443-928-9613 email: [email protected] email: [email protected]

1011 Light Street Baltimore, MD 21230 410-727-0606 Page 4 - March, 2012 www.federalhillbaltimore.org Federal Hillsider Upcoming events: compiled by Nicole Quinn March 7 – ‘New Rescue’ Kick Off Meeting! If you would like to get involved with Rescuing animals, this is the first meeting of a new group and you should be there! The meeting will take place Wednesday, March 7, 6:30 - 8:00 PM at Spoons Coffee Cafe - 2nd floor.

March 10th - Gallery 211 Presents: “Inner Thoughts” A series of paintings by Frederick, Maryland artist Johan Lowie. Opening Reception: March 10th, 6-9 PM. The show runs until May 5th. Visit www.johan-lowie.com & johanlowie.wordpress.com/ for a full display of his work.

March 11 - Shamrock 5K . There is no race more fun than the Shamrock 5K race! Post- race party immediately following the run, with prizes and awards. The Shamrock 5K race begins at 1:15 p.m. at Charles and Franklin Streets. See www.charmcityrun.com for more information.

March 11 - St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Baltimore’s St. Patrick Parade is truly the jewel in Maryland’s emerald crown. The Parade steps off at 2:00 p.m. at the Washington Monument, and continues to Pratt Street and Market Place.

March 15 – 3rd Thursday! Shops, galleries, and boutiques will stay open from 6 to 8 pm, offering specials, refreshments, and fun!

March 16- Please join the National Society of Pershing Rifles for a Solemn Wreath Laying Honoring the Heroes of the . Followed by a Retreat Ceremony at Federal Hill Park, Baltimore. Please arrive by 4:15PM, Ceremony Begins at 4:30PM Sharp.

March 18-March 25 – Baltimore Greek Week. The second annual celebration of Greek history, culture and food. This year’s theme is “The Mediterranean Diet: A Greek Journey through Food.” See www.baltimoregreece.org for more information.

March 21st and 22nd - Blood Drive at Digital Harbor High School. For more information call 443.984.1256.

March 24 - DigiBall 3.0. Join Honorary Chairperson Governor Martin O’Malley to help “Bridge the Gap” for tuition and fees for outstanding Digital Harbor High School graduates. An exciting night of Dining, dancing, entertainment, and silent auctions! Tickets are $75, http://www.dhhsalliance.org/. 7-11 PM at the Baltimore Museum of Industry.

March 24 – Dinner Theatre at Salem Lutheran. Salem Lutheran Church and Riverside Stage will feature a dinner theater on Saturday, March 24th. The evening will begin with dinner from 5:30 to 6:30, followed by the show at 6:45. A cabaret performance of songs and scenes from the classic Broadway musical, “Annie Get Your Gun”. Tickets for dinner and show are $15.00 for adults with reservations and $18.00 at the door. Children under 9 are $6.00. Reservations are strongly advised. Call the church office, 410-576-0487.

March 29th The Kurt Vonnegut Book Club monthly meeting at 7:30 at Illusions Magic Bar. This month’s selection is “And So It Goes” by Charles Shields. FREE and all are welcome. March 31 - American Visionary Art Museum OOO La La Gala, an evening of cocktails, feasting, music & dancing, and starring hosts Sophie Flack, Ballerina & Author of Bunheads, & Josh Charles, Actor & Star of The Good Wife, and benefitting the one-of-a-kind American Visionary Art Museum! VIP Tour 6 pm, Cocktails 6:30 pm, Dinner by Rouge catering 7:30 pm. Dress: Tutu Chic, Tickets $250 or VIP $500, RSVP by March 23, Abby Baer: (410) 244-1900 x247 or [email protected].

April 6- Baltimore Orioles Opening Day. The Baltimore Orioles home opener against the rival Minnesota Twins is on Friday, April 6th, 3:05 pm at Camden Yards

April 7 – Federal Hill Easter Egg Hunt! Gather your little ones and head on up to Federal Hill Park at 10 am for the Annual Easter Egg Hunt! Federal Hillsider www.federalhillbaltimore.org March, 2012 - Page 5 Where in Federal Hill Contest

The first person who can correctly identify this location by sending their response to [email protected] will win a signed copy of “Images of Federal Hill”. Deadline is March 15..

WINDEMERE NOTTINGHAM FEDERAL HILL $489,900 $169,900 $289,900 5BR, 3BA, 1.72 Acres, 3BR,2.5BA, 3 Story Villa 2BR, 2.5 BA, 2 Roof Decks w/ 2 Car Garage, Large Style Townhome, Open City Views, Wood Floors, Family Room Living Space, Eat-In Kitchen, Wood Floors, SS Appl., w/Pool Table, Fenced Rear Powder Room, Sep Dining Room, Main Level Yard, HUGE 3rd Floor Master Laundry, And More! And More! Suite & More! BA7769682 BC7779572 BC7770924 Steven Murphy Kathy Stone Chris Collins 410-547-5710 443-415-6287 443-904-7775

BALTIMORE CANTON FREELAND $124,900 $269,900 $349,000 4BR, 2.5BA, Spacious 2BR, 2.5 BA, 10yr Historic 4BR, 2 FULL BA, 8+ Acres Of Townhome, Park View, Tax Credit! Roof Deck, Private Land, Perfect Horse New Kitchen, 2 Master Granite & SS Appliances, Farm Property, Wood Stove Suites, Hardwood Floors, Exposed Brick, Wood Floors in LR, Finished LL w/Wet Bar HMS Warranty & More! And Much More! And More! BA7780272 BA7735481 BC7753816 Karen Chapman Jeff Washo Kathy Stone 443-857-0834 410-262-6256 443-415-6287 Page 6 - March, 2012 www.federalhillbaltimore.org Federal Hillsider SHOUT OUT! A person who makes Federal Hill a better place to live by Bob O’Donoghue This month I traveled over to William the Ft. McHenry Fife and Drum group Street where I interviewed Peg McCarthy, in period dress will participate, that the a 13 year resident of Federal Hill and the fire truck will roll, and that the event will organizer of the annual Fourth of July begin on William Street at 10 a.m. on Parade. the Fourth. The parade will proceed to Federal hill where it will make a circuit Peg came to Baltimore after living in of the park before returning to William Missouri, New Jersey and New York. Street. Accompanied by her husband, she originally lived on After the parade, Little Montgomery there will be food, Street before music, refreshments, moving to William a group sing of the 13 years ago. Peg National Anthem and is an Academic events for kids like Scientist, studying egg-in-spoon races, brain development a magician, a water at the University of balloon toss, prizes Maryland Medical for decorated bikes, Center in Baltimore ducks in a pond and while her husband more. Experience works at Hopkins. has taught Peg and They have 2 children, her committee that aged 12 and 13. It sack races lead to was a surprise to me to skinned knees and hear her maintain that the neighborhood the mounted police horses leave calling is changing – families that used to head cards behind. for the County as soon as their children got older, are electing to stay now while Peg reports that many working to improve the local schools. families who have moved away return to The Fourth of July parade was started 20 William Street for this years ago as an idea from Rose McCabe event. A Maryland with assistance from Cindy Conklin group of families who and Bob Merbler. It started with about have adopted children a dozen kids on bikes and has grown from China also each year in participation. Now, 200 to attend. For Peg and her 300 people will participate in one way or committee the parade another. Peg has been leading the effort is a labor of love and for 8 or 9 years now. it really shows in this unique, Federal Hill The parade is a loosely-organized, parent- happening each year. led, event strictly oriented towards kids, something that Peg feels that grownups A big thanks to Peg sometimes forget. There are no bylaws McCarthy and her other or hard and fast rules; instead a small volunteers for making group of 8 to 10 mothers gets together our neighborhood each year to decide how things will be more fun while getting done. A consensus determines the Grand folks involved in their Marshall. What is already firm is that community. Federal Hillsider www.federalhillbaltimore.org March, 2012 - Page 7 Vonnegut Club Has Midwest Ties with Federal Hill Roots by Wayne Laufert One of this neighborhood’s many successful Light Street location for the club’s benefit. Next FHNA General endeavors has its origins in, of all places, Indianapolis. Club secretary Helen Huriaux calls it “the Membership Meeting most stimulating and fun group I’ve ever Yes, the land of the former Baltimore Colts been in.” She and her husband Richard Tue., March 20th, 7 pm, Christ is home to the Kurt Vonnegut Memorial have held several meetings at their house. Lutheran Chuch Library. And Federal Hill is the home of the Ryleigh’s Oyster Bar and Martha Connolly library’s Baltimore chapter, which takes the also have had folks over. form of a book club. In February, John and Pam Schuller played host to 10 of us to examine Vonnegut’s 1973 Here’s how that happened: The museum’s novel, Breakfast of Champions. founder and executive director Julia Some Vonnegut Fans Whitehead is a former high school student of This month, the topic is a new Vonnegut Jane Wehrle who writes a monthly column for biography by Charles J. Shields. The club— this newsletter. Jane introduced Whitehead which, by the way, is the library’s only off- to Vonnegut through his most famous novel, site chapter—will meet at Illusions Magic Slaughterhouse-Five. Bar on March 29 7:30pm. All are welcome. For more information about the Kurt The library opened in January 2011 and Jane Vonnegut Memorial Library Baltimore was among its first board members. She Chapter Book Club, write to Jane Wehrle at had started the Kurt Vonnegut Book Club [email protected]. over the summer of 2010, and it had its first meeting that September in the home of Jane and her husband, Al Wehrle.

The club got a boost at last year’s Baltimore Book Festival with a booth that introduced the year-old effort to many curious Vonnegut fans, including me.

With more than two dozen members and an e-mailing list of over 150 people, we meet once a month at members’ Stunning 3 bedroom home in the Heart of Federal Hill! Enjoy a WIDE homes, the Federal Hill Main OPEN floor plan, 2 car garage, 2 rear decks, gas fireplace & beautiful Street office and elsewhere to built-ins in living room, granite kitchen with a breakfast bar, large win- discuss Cat’s Cradle, Mother dows allow for tons of natural light, Master suite features a private bath Night and other darkly with double vanity, private rear deck & walk-in closet, hardwood floors, humorous selections by the acclaimed satirist, who died lower level bedroom & half bath, California closets & more! in 2007. Exclusively listed for $409,900

A core group of enthusiasts For any questions or to set up an exclusive showing, please call Steve at 410-547-5710 including Lane Berk, Kathie McCleskey, Roberta Creeron, George Patton, Joann Murphy and Roger Vacovsky fuels the Baltimore club’s momentum. The Book Escape owner Andrew Stonebarger stocks Vonnegut works at the store’s Page 8 - March, 2012 www.federalhillbaltimore.org Federal Hillsider

Carfree Commuting from Federal Hill: Part II by Navah Langmeyer Last month I described my four commuting feel threatened by a driver behind me, I will WEATHER methods from Federal Hill: a 17.5 mile car take more space in the lane so I have room I have to admit to being a wimp when it comes ride, a combination of 3.5 miles of cycling to move to the right if he tries to buzz me on to riding in the rain. I’m a little embarrassed and MARC train, a combination of 13-14 the left. If appropriate, I move to the front of to say that I deal with wet weather by miles of cycling and Light Rail, and 22 miles a line of stopped cars to be more visible. I’ve driving to work. It is possible to ride with of cycling. Now I’ll address the challenges managed to cycle for years without being in waterproofs, which I did in England, but my I face in my cycling commutes, and how I an accident involving a car, despite a number workplace here in the U.S. has no drying mitigate them. of close calls, thanks to these tactics (and room or lockers, or anyplace I can store extra some good fortune). clothes, so the logistics are really difficult. DRIVERS Cold doesn’t faze me, though. Plenty of The behavior of people behind the wheels of ROAD SURFACE CONDITIONS cold-weather cycling gear is available, and cars, trucks, and buses (and very occasionally Everyone who lives in the city knows that it doesn’t take many items to make a ride motorcyclists) is the biggest challenge to the roads around here can be in incredibly reasonably tolerable (if not comfortable). a safe and enjoyable bike commute. Most poor shape. After drivers, the next biggest I have a thin stocking cap I wear under my drivers are fine, but many drivers are either problem for commuting by bike is the helmet, winter cycling gloves, and neoprene ignorant of or purposefully ignore laws condition of the roads. As with drivers, the shoe covers. For the longer commutes when relating to road use by non-motor vehicles main defense is to pay attention, and also to I get decked out, I have tights I wear over and it only takes one to be a problem. I’m not know the conditions on the route. I won’t my cycling shorts, and I layer my torso with going to turn this into a treatise on drivers’ ride a road in the dark until I’ve done it a few some combination of an undershirt, jersey, responsibilities and their failure to meet times during the day, so I know the locations and windproof jacket. I find that other than them. I will say that cyclists would be much of the main hazards. I generally keep my my feet (which are unusually sensitive to safer if drivers remembered just two things: eyes moving between looking straight ahead cold), once I’m moving I warm up quickly. I cyclists have a legal right to be on the road, and glancing at the road about 30 feet ahead often have to guard against wearing too much and cyclists are much more vulnerable than of me, so I see problems before I’m right on and overheating. I plan to get a balaclava this drivers. top of them. I make sure I have space to my year, the only item I could use that I don’t right to move into to avoid obstacles. The already have. To minimize my risk from clueless and things I watch for are potholes, manhole inconsiderate drivers, I do a number of things. covers, broken or uneven pavement, railroad CLOTHES, FOOD, AND CLEAN UP First and foremost, I pay attention and I know tracks, glass, rocks, wet/icy/oily areas, and For me, this is the main problem with my my route! I am always aware of the vehicles any discarded metal or loose item that could longer cycling commutes. I used to have around me, both moving and stationary. damage my tires or pop off the road. In all access to showers in my workplace, but I never ride with headphones. I make sure my commutes, I’ve only gotten one flat tire, now I’m in a building without showers or my sunglasses/eye shields are clean. I know on my road bike on Hollins Ferry Road. I lockers. This isn’t an issue for my MARC/ where the dangerous intersections and blind always ride with a spare tube, a pump, tire folding bike commute. I can carry what curves are, the parked cars and the railroad irons, a patch kit, and $20. I need in a backpack and on my rack, and tracks. the cycling parts are short enough that I can PERSONAL SAFETY wear my work clothes and I don’t get too Second, I ride in a predictable manner. I stay Again, paying attention is the main key sweaty. However, for the longer rides into as far to the right, on the correct side of the to personal safety on a bike, although it is work, I have to plan in advance and bring road, as is safe (which depends on the road equally important to know the neighborhoods in clothes and food the day before, which I surface and width, the presence or absence and map routes intelligently. In my case, my stick under my desk, and I have to spend a of a clean, wide shoulder) while avoiding main route to cycle all the way into work day feeling a little gross after an inadequate hazards such as potential doorings. (A starts with riding past the animal shelter to post-ride sponge bath in the restroom. Not dooring is when someone opens the door of the Gwynns Falls Trail off Warner Street, ideal. Fortunately, no one in my office seems a parked car right in front of a cyclist, which which I take behind the Greyhound station, bothered by my presence on these occasions, is a good way to break a collarbone.) I signal and then get onto Annapolis Road through and I’ve asked repeatedly and forcefully for all turns and lane changes. Westport. I simply will not ride there alone them to tell me if they are. Sometimes I can in the dark, period. If I have a choice of schedule a morning meeting in a building Third, I make myself visible with lights and routes, I will find one through populated with a shower and get cleaned up, which is reflectors. I have a bright, white headlamp on residential or business areas where I can nice. my handlebars, and a blinking red taillight, expect people to be paying attention to what on each of my bikes, and I have a reflective is happening out on the streets. I make sure A FEW FINAL NOTES vest. I use the lights when the sun is close to my bike is in good repair, to minimize the I do not ride on the sidewalk, unless it is part or below the horizon. risk of problems which might occur in a of a marked bike path. Ever. Riding on the place I really don’t want to stop. Carrying sidewalk is illegal and dangerous. If I want Fourth, I assert my right to be on the road. If a cell phone is probably a good idea as well, to use a sidewalk, or a pedestrian crosswalk, I need to do so for safety reasons, I will take but I don’t regularly use the one I share with (continued next page) the lane (ride in the middle of the lane). If I my husband so I generally forget to take it. Federal Hillsider www.federalhillbaltimore.org March, 2012 - Page 9 I get off my bike and become a Blight on Montgomery Street: Taphrina Fungus pedestrian. by Richard Polan, The Tree Guy At first thought to be a harmless Leaf Galls or should not kill any more of our precious I never bike the wrong way down a insect eggs buried in the White Oak leaves; a Federal Hill street trees if contained in one-way street, unless there is a marked more complete diagnosis for a potentially trying its early stages. At the time of spraying cycling contra-lane. Ever. Riding problem was called for… if budgeted and contracted - - we would against traffic is illegal and dangerous. anticipate a brief parking moratorium during In addition to the scorch found to be prevalent the springtime spraying due to possible over- I always wear a helmet. I won’t preach along Montgomery Street and throughout the spray. that others should wear them (except neighborhood, we have Ongoing Maintenance: for my friends and family), but personal an exacerbating tree Remember, winter is a very experience has proven their value disease… Bacterial important time to keep to protect me from pavement, tree Leaf Blight! Back in the tree pits clean, and branches, and rocks dropped by kids 2007, when I asked insulates from the cold. To from the pedestrian overpasses around our City Forestry limit the spread of disease, the . Division Inspector to leaves and other debris take a close look at should be swept clear of I hope that my recounting my own these newly discovered the tree pits and disposed efforts and experiences with commuting LEAF BLISTERS of. The ground around the by bike will encourage others to try it. along the south side of trunk should be carefully The average bike commute in the U.S. the unit block of East aerated and mulched. is 7 miles. If you work less than 3 miles Montgomery Street, he Temporarily remove the from home, or a Light Rail station, or suggested we do further cast iron grating if it exists a MARC station, and are physically research. Back then I called in two different for cleaning and mulching. capable of cycling, what are you landscape contractors to analyze the problem Brick, timber or cobblestone decorations are waiting for? and they both made the same recommendation - not recommended. Anything inhibiting the - the neighborhood should implement a spraying natural flow of water into the pit is considered program to apply an appropriate copper fungicide highly detrimental to the health of the tree. such as Zin-Eb, Main-Eb or Cap-Tan. Elevated edging such as brick or timber will ultimately kill the tree and the city will not While the city forestry division did not have a remove dead tree stumps from elevated pits. program to apply herbicide, we called for an Elevated levels of dirt and soil will cause the exerted clean-up effort to take place that fall by bark to rot away and promote fungus, which all homeowners with a collection attempt for an is called girdling. Elevated edging seems to organized tree-spraying program following in the encourage tree roots to grow up above the spring. The collection produced no results and level of the sidewalk promoting root rot in the trees went un-sprayed. Now, 5 years later we damp season and will actually kill the root in are seeing the deadly effects of the disease with dry weather. This is why the City Forestry an entire tree between 21 and 23 E. Montgomery Division discourages any form of elevated Street being engulfed to a point of no salvation. tree pit enclosures. Tan bark, mulch and/or To avoid further contamination, all falling leaves dirt should not be mounded up the base of should be religiously removed from our sidewalks the tree more than two inches. It should cone while a thorough freshening of the tree pits should or funnel up away from the existing tree base be ongoing. Competitive quotes from landscape to collect rainwater. A proper mulch bed will contractors can be obtained for FHNA Board help insulate tree roots from the summer’s review and consideration. This current problem heat and winter’s cold,

PHONE: 410-539-7757

DISCOUNT LIQUORS BEER - WINE

901 South Charles Street Baltimore Maryland 21230 Free Delivery with Minimum Order Bring in this ad and receive $1 off a six pack every Monday Page 10 - March, 2012 www.federalhillbaltimore.org Federal Hillsider

Kelly Sheehan Block Captain Chair 410-322-8026 [email protected] 410-962-1096 Walt Saxon 100 bl E Montgomery 410-703-9133 700 bl William Susan Bridges 200 bl E Montgomery [email protected] Debra Nelson 800 bl William 443-756-2236 [email protected] 100 bl E Churchill Andrew Gellene 200 bl E Churchill BLOCK CAPTAIN LIST 800 bl Battery Richard Kaminski 800 & 900 bl Light 301 Warren Harbor Hill Apts Virginia Becker 100 bl of Warren 201 Warren Apartments Sandy Seward 200 bl (N Side) Warren 410-752-7149 [email protected] 410-419-5444 John Rehmert 300 & 400 bl Warren 410-752-5399 Guy Quallich 1000 bl Riverside 410-547-9045 [email protected] & Becky Royal Michael Moriarty 300-400 bl E Hamburg 410-718-9687 [email protected] Michelle Li 400 bl Grindall [email protected] & Michael Lors Betsy Hayes 1000 bl William 410-659-9337 200 bl of Grindall Randee Aisken Grindalls Yard [email protected] Lanasa Lane Valerie Woolston 900 bl William 410-332-1196 [email protected] 100 bl E Hamburg 900 bl Compton Gary Ly 900-1000 bl E Covington 703-498-4273 [email protected] Navah Langmeyer 400 bl E Cross St 410-837-6470 Jill & Doug Forbes 200-300 bl E Cross St [email protected] Dave & Judy Dadds 100 bl E Cross St [email protected] Rich Polan 700 bl Light 410-727-5588 [email protected] E Hughes Bob O’Donoghue Unit bl E Montgomery 410-783-0174 [email protected] 800 bl (E side) S Charles Andrew Swanston Unit bl E Churchill 410-244-8541 Michelle Mills Unit bl E Henrietta [email protected] Henrietta Square Jon Paul Mathieu Unit bl E Wheeling St 301-646-3019 [email protected] Harden Court . Nancy Baum 1000 block Light [email protected] Unit bl Hamburg St Martin Christensen Poultney St 410-925-8797 [email protected] Patti Sumner 1000 bl Patapsco 410-547-6509 [email protected] Betsy Smith W Montgomery [email protected] 700 S Charles, W Hughes

Robert Bennett Montgomery Sq [email protected] 800 bl (E side) S Hanover 800 bl (W side) S Charles W Henrietta, W Churchill Charles Thomas 900 -1000 bl of S Hanover [email protected] (east side) W. Cross (N side), Olive St Federal Hillsider www.federalhillbaltimore.org March, 2012 - Page 11 Block Captains by Kelly Sheehan I would like to thank all the Federal Hill We are looking to expand those duties holidays, would you like to know things Block Captains listed on the facing page this year. Some things we are working that would affect you? The directory for doing an amazing job. We have 29 on is building relationships with YOU, would be for you and your neighbors to block captains and several of them have our neighbors. If you don’t know your be able to communicate with each other. been serving as block captain for 20 block captain, please use the block years or more! Block captains deliver the captain list and look for your street. I We live a couple feet apart from one Hillsider to your door every month and encourage you to contact your block another and yet many of us don’t know many of them do so much more. Block captain and introduce yourself. each other. Having a directory would help captains are organizing parties, clean-ups, all of us begin to work toward the kind of welcoming new neighbors, decorating Something else we are working on is neighborhood we long to be a part of. streets for the holidays, communicating having a directory for each street, it important issues to neighbors and either can be phone, email or social media, I am asking YOU to help, no one person volunteer or have volunteered their time whatever works for people. The can do everything, it is up to all of us. If to different positions with the FHNA. directory would be private among the you have any ideas, concerns or questions neighbors. Why having a directory is please contact your block captain or me at The duties of the block captain are to important - Would you like to know 410-322-8026 or deliver the Hillsider to residents of about crime on your street, gas leaks, [email protected] Federal Hill in a timely manner and cars being towed, would you like to welcome new neighbors. have block parties, clean-ups, STOOP nights, decorate your street for the If you think this goodlookslooks TRAUT LANDSCAPE STUDIO wait until you see A LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE FIRM SPECIALIZING IN DESIGN FOR TODAY’S LIFESTYLE OUR FOOD

Fantastic Seafood, Fine Wines and a Perfect View of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. It’s all waiting for you. Whether you choose fresh seafood or such classics as prime strip steak or pasta favorites, you’re sure to have an experience to remember. For lunch, dinner, for the live jazz Sunday brunch buffet, and for the view. 410.727.3678 Make your Easter Brunch Reservations Now! Pick up your 2012 Good Neighbor Card

trautlandscapestudio.com 402 Key Highway Inner Harbor Marina 1124 Battery Avenue rusty.scupper.com Baltimore, Maryland 21230 410.727.3678 p 410.980.0790 Page 12 - March, 2012 www.federalhillbaltimore.org Federal Hillsider

The Hill Street News by Jane Wehrle As Federal Hill greets the month of Irish green, I 11 PM on New Year’s Eve. Amazingly, members, including the animals, and the couldn’t resist a quick look back to ask the area’s Nora slept almost the entire trip by friends and places she loves. She likes her Valentine’s Day expert if our notions about that air. Area resident Grandma Martha new, more spacious, but still cozy, home, and holiday are true. Sonny Morstein, owner of Connolly counted the days until their especially its traditional staircase. “Thank Light Street’s Morstein’s Jewelers, said “Yes.” return, worrying that she might miss a you’s” go out to one of her new neighbors, This year, as every year, he DID have a run on behavioral milestone. There’s a lot of Randee Askin, also her realtor, who helped both engagement rings and wedding bands. The love going on in this family! keep her in our neighborhood. other big sellers were silver pendants and the Federal Hill watch. The happiest news was of “Why did I make it my mission? Because Another one of their neighbors, Phyllis Friello, a particularly good selling season—one of the it frustrated me why no one made one will be skating in the Eastern Sectional and best ever. the right way. And it is so simple. National Adult Figure Skating Competitions How could anybody in town, who call soon, but she says her most interesting pursuit Katie DeStefano of Curosity for the Home what they were making a cheesesteak right now is with Dorothy Hamill’s I-Skate also got a big surprise. She feels she may have program. It’s the Kennedy-Krieger adaptive created a monster since the neighborhood skating program at . One of now expects bigger and better feats. Federal her students is also a volunteer. They hope Hill went wild over the huge ostrich in her to have a year-end show and fundraiser to window on South Charles Street. Originally raise funds to buy more equipment for the inspired by a taxidermy piece at Louis kids. A science instructor and well-known Vuitton, Katie put her college minor, Studio artist, Phyllis has won many figure- Art, to good use, and crafted the 3-D sculpture skating awards at both the national and herself. Chicken wire and pipe formed the international levels. She is currently using base. Modge podge gave it shape. Thousands a kiln to produce gorgeous glass pieces, of construction paper circles became feathers including hanging jelly-fish that sparkle in over days with hot glue. Hundreds were the light. compelled to stop to gaze! I’ll save more stories for next month. What Jessica Benbow of East Hamburg Street is a terrific neighborhood of talented and having an easier time finding a parking spot dedicated people. Tell me what you or a cheesesteak, sleep at night? Call it since she bought her beloved MINI Cooper, but people you know are doing at choirjw@aol. something else if you aren’t going to she still claims that Saturday nights are THE com . worst because of rear bumper huggers. She also use the right ingredients.” Those are reports that she is writing a book, so behave the sentiments of Toby Gilbertson, yourself when in her presence. Relatively new resident of Warren Avenue and three- to our neighborhood, Jess is the ultimate young year Federal Hill neighbor, and more- Once I Was There… communicator in Federal Hill, specializing than-proud owner of Hot Corner by Mark Cottman by day in public relations, social media, and Lees at the Cross Street Market. We’ll crisis communications at Arbitron. She also be telling you more about Toby, his I dreamed of an island serves as the Vice-President for The Alliance cheesesteaks and his dog LuLu, the Of hills and golden sand for Women in Media- National Capital Area. frisbee queen, in the future. For now, we can assure you that he has THE secret. Water of topaz with sparkling sunlight But communicating another way is one of her And palm trees swaying in the breeze greatest passions. Jessica is one of the leaders of It involves the perfect bread, the perfect the soprano section of The Bach Concert Series rib eye slices (Research Assistant and The scent of exotic spices intoxicate the Choir and performs monthly with this talented Quality Control Associate Guru: Henry air group. If you visit www.BachinBaltimore.org , Reisinger, Fenwick’s Choice Meats), Sandpipers dance to and fro you cannot miss her bright red hair in many of Cheese Wiz, and the perfect cooks As transverse waves inch further inland the photos. and hostess. Voila! Baltimore’s BEST cheesesteak! Beneath every ebb and flow Light Street’s Laura Bruner Kalman and Mysterious creatures are revealed husband Matt Kalman had the thrill of serving One of the most beloved persons in their gorgeous daughter NORA her very first Federal Hill is Donna Price, so all of Sailboats drift by with no particular place foods recently--in Australia-- during a sort of her friends went into a near panic when to go “homecoming journey” for this young family. they heard she might be moving. Thank goodness, she was only relocating to In the same direction of pastel clouds Says Laura, “They were very Australian , Floating effortlessly with the wind indeed—avocado, and then pumpkin.” A big trip a different street in the neighborhood. Lucky Grindall Street is now her home. highlight was Nora’s meeting her parents’ dear Once I was there… friends, Uncle Damien and Aunt Dominique, Donna works for Brown Advisory and their new daughter Nina, who was born at and says she had to stay near family Federal Hillsider www.federalhillbaltimore.org March, 2012 - Page 13 Page 14 - March, 2012 www.federalhillbaltimore.org Federal Hillsider What’s Left of Federal Hill By John Ginovsky

One of the things you notice about Federal Hill when you see it for the first time is just how lumpy it is. Especially on the east side where the slopes undulate this way and that seemingly for no natural reason. That’s no accident. What we prize in Federal Hill park is the result literally of centuries of pummeling by people digging into, shoveling around and generally mushing up the original “great red bank of clay” noted by Capt. John Smith in 1608.

The hill itself is actually the end point of a ridge extending along Riverside Avenue, one of the first such ridges that extend in parallel all the way west to the Appalachian Mountains. If you gaze that way long enough, over the valley occupied now by the stadiums, Mt. Clare and out toward the next ridge around Catonsville, you might be rewarded with a startling sense of connectedness with topography hundreds of miles long.

Early pictures of Federal Hill show it to be even more lumpy than it is now. In the 1800s, over there on the east side, the slopes were much steeper and less grassy. Piles of dirt were everywhere, and instead of using neat walkways, people tended to scramble around from pile to pile. Frankly, for most of city history, Federal Hill was coveted more for its substance than its esthetics. Sand and clay mines were dug into the hill sides every which way, producing the famous tunnels which people still talk about. The sand was used to make glassware. Today, among bottle collectors, bottles by the Baltimore Glass Works are highly regarded. Founded in 1800 by a German immigrant named John Amelung, one prized piece is a purple quart bottle embossed on one side with the Washington Monument (Baltimore’s, of course) and the other with an ear of corn and the inscription “Corn for the World.” Really good clay was extracted from deeper in the hill. In the mid-1800s, the Canton- based factory of E. and W. Bennett used the clay to fashion what became one of the most popular pots of that century – the small, brown Rockingham- Mortgages without obstacles. glazed tea pot with an embossed image of the Bible scene depicting a girl at a well – universally known as the “Rebekah at the Well teapot.”

With the Civil War and the construction of Fort Federal Hill – which, itself, drastically rearranged the hill – such businesses died off or moved. The Matt Colimore tunnels remained and eventually turned into the stuff Mortgage Banker of legend. One theory floated around that the Union troops dug the tunnels, but there’s no evidence for that. Odd stories have circulated, like the one about 410.308.8722 the homeless man who found a tunnel entrance [email protected] and to his delight discovered barrels and barrels NMLS: 194963 of whiskey. It is true that local breweries around Apply online at your convenience: the turn of the century – notably the Rossmarck Brewery located where Digital Harbor High School www.mattcolimore.com is now – used the old tunnels to lager their beer.

© 2012 PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company. Trade/service marks are the property of PlainsCapital Corporation, PlainsCapital Bank, or their respective affiliates and/or subsidiaries. Some products may not be available in all states. This is not a commitment to lend. Restrictions apply. All rights Pictures of Fort Federal Hill clearly show how reserved. PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company (NMLS no: 13649) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of a state-chartered bank. MD Dept. of Labor, Licensing & Regulation- lender lic no. 11058. 1954 Greenspring Drive, Suite 625, Timonium, Maryland 21093. drastically the hill was reshaped. It featured (continued next page) Federal Hillsider www.federalhillbaltimore.org March, 2012 - Page 15 rectangular ramparts, a moat of sorts on the The Federal Hill Park Tunnels: west side, marching grounds, barracks and other buildings and a deep well. Warren The REAL Story (according to Al Freihofer) Avenue abutted the south side. One story has Legend touching fact has it that a vast network to the American market, a delightful surprise it that, just before the Union troops practiced of tunnels wind their way underneath Federal to fans of this resilient brand, is even more marching up and down the dirt street, boys Hill Park and serpentine under our surrounding remarkable given that each Fiat 500 is being would dig holes, fill them with water and neighborhoods. Recent excavations for delivered from Turin under its own power. then spread dust on top to make them look sidewalk improvement provided me with a The Federal Hill Tunnel Complex connects dry – only to laugh hysterically whenever a serendipitous opportunity to get a first-hand directly to Fiat’s Trans-Atlantic Delivery soldier unexpectedly went knee-deep in the look at what lies beneath our feet and, Gentle Tube-Way, a heretofore secret autobahn that mud. Reader, what I discovered astounded me. makes the Chunnel look like a casual dig. In the 1880s, when the city finally decided As I walked up William Street past the Political Playtime: It is now no surprise to to make the hill a park, the fort was construction last week, I passed a man-sized me that the Republicans will be extending completely dismantled. The top of the hill hole adjacent to a foundation; I would have their primary contests inconclusively into the was leveled with fill dirt and other debris. just walked on by if I hadn’t heard voices. summer. I saw them all last week, deep under Trees were planted and walks were installed. Fearing that a child had been trapped in the Warren Avenue - Romney, Santorum, Paul, In 1912, up to 50 feet of the north side of orifice, I heroically shouldered my way in and even Herman Cain -in a nicely appointed the hill was cut away in order to widen Key and shouted, “Hello? Who’s there? Do you room, chatting amiably, playing cards, and Highway. Decades later, the lumps started need help?” Clawing desperately, I dropped laughing uproariously as they watched reappearing. Big slumps all around the base quite unexpectedly onto a narrow, perfectly their “differences” reported on a big-screen of the hill appeared, sometimes overnight. paved, well-lit pathway. Gentle Readers, TV, basking in the ambient solitude of our After years of hand-wringing, in the mid- space precludes me from recounting here Federal Hill underworld. 1990s a big effort was made to shore up in detail what I discovered over the ensuing the hill. The surrounding stone wall was hours, but let me briefly describe the world Parking Spaces Ltd.: You had to see it with rebuilt. The sides – primarily the north one I saw that afternoon…the world that exists your own eyes. I did, and I scarcely believe facing the harbor -- were planed over. New right under our foundations! it myself: I marveled at a manufacturing paving stones replaced crumbling concrete facility solely dedicated to the fabrication of sidewalks. (Interestingly, however, the upper Tater Tot® R & D World HQ: Roughly parking spaces. Capacious, well-marked, and course of the west side steps, leading down under Battery Avenue, a spotless state-of- buffered by gentle curbing, these premium to Montgomery Street, was left untouched. the-art lab complex clusters around a plush hand-crafted parking spaces were being According to one story, the shallow rise of central commissary as world-class chefs push stacked and sorted for distribution later each step is a remainder of the days when the envelope on what can be (and, perhaps this month. Oh, Happy Day! Our parking they were built to accommodate women who more importantly, what can’t be) achieved challenges are soon to be over! wore long hoop skirts.) with Tater Tots ®. Purple Route Service: Yes, you guessed During that reconstruction, the entrance to Fiat Direct: The reintroduction of the Fiat it; I didn’t have to walk far under the Park at least one sand tunnel, because driverless Purple 200 feet long, was Route busses whizzed by discovered. According to like clockwork. It was a a Baltimore Sun article strange sight, to be sure, and illustrations, the and whose clockwork we pointed-arched tunnel led can only imagine, but it to an elaborate network was oddly reassuring as of side tunnels as well as a connection to the world one relatively large, high- above. ceilinged room. Niches had been cut in the walls Gentle neighbors, the as places for candles. implications of this Wisely – to prevent activity right under injuries from curiosity our feet are enormous. seekers – the entrance Probably untaxed and was quickly sandbagged certainly underexploited, and covered over, and its these enterprises may exact location has been never see the light of day, kept secret. but they represent the diversity of life right here in – and under- Federal Hill! Page 16 - March, 2012 www.federalhillbaltimore.org Federal Hillsider Oh What A Night by Jessica Atkins If you were wondering why our neighborhood And nobody appreciated the open bar more loving fixture at the event. It was only fitting was so pleasantly quiet the morning of than the 16 local models who came to flaunt that the raffle for the “The Bin of Cheer” - Sunday, Feb. 26 you probably have Main the designs of our neighborhood boutiques - an enormous bucket of full-sized premium Street’s annual Fest-of-All celebration the many were seen enjoying a glass of sangria alcohol bottles - was won by MILDEW night before to thank for it. Now in its 5th to ward off the runway jitters! After a day founder and SoBoKids volunteer Andrea year, Fest-of-All has established itself as one of hair and makeup from M Salon the ladies Sommer. of the city’s hottest parties. Once again, it was were ready to blow off some steam and put on a sold-out event with over 65 neighborhood a great show. In addition to TV personalities “I loved winning this prize - now Fest of All business contributing Emily Gracey and can continue for a long, long time. It was to the festivities. Cheryl Conner, so big, I had to share! Thank you to all the the crowd was restaurants involved in donating this. What “What else do we delighted to see a great idea!” enthused Andrea. “This year, Federal Hill residents popular local faces I couldn’t stop raving about Bluegrass’ duck look forward to in Karen Fernandez, prosciutto but I have to say the best part of the February like Fest- Lindsey Crane night was the music by The Real Geniuses. of-All? It’s one of and Nicole Quinn I loved how once again they ended their set the things that makes all of whom with “Don’t Stop Believing!” our neighborhood got resounding uniquely wonderful,” applause when Dr. Greg Sell agreed. “When the band started said partygoer Megan they appeared. playing, everyone just let loose and had fun. Ihnen. There was a great energy in the crowd and it Discussing her was so much fun to be a part of it. There was Claire Mullins, editor second year as great food, great fashion and great music - it of the Sobo Voice and a model, Nicole was everything that makes Federal Hill such FHNA board member, Quinn laughed a special place to be.” agreed. “This event that “having to brought together change 5 times But Fest-of-All is about more than just a everything that we is a bit chaotic… great party. This year’s event raised over love about Federal but the clothes are $30,000 to support the nonprofit Federal Hill - the dizzying so fabulous that I Hill Main Street. Main Street promotes array of great food had a blast being the neighborhood and its businesses, and drink, and great up there! Fest of arranges micro loans, submits grants for friends and neighbors All is my favorite beautification projects and helps coordinate - all in a setting that event of the year!” façade improvements while retaining our celebrates Baltimore neighborhood’s historical character. Since for the cool, quirky, But as beautiful as its inception in 2000, it has helped over 100 innovative place it the ladies were, it new businesses open in Federal Hill. is.” was the addition of men to the lineup Nicole Quinn Stretching from 7-11 that really stole pm and held at the the show. Trainers Baltimore Museum Donovan Israel of Industry, the night and Reese Ashe provided nonstop of Federal Hill entertainment. In Fitness and Chris Sams of New Addiction addition to various live performances, a Training received roaring applause when fashion show, a silent auction and a live they emerged in designs from UnderArmour, band, many patrons were overwhelmed by Lovelace, Couture Closet and Phina’s - but the tables-upon-tables of signature dishes the ladies really went wild when they casually and drinks from all of Federal Hill’s top bars unbuttoned a shirt or ripped off a hoodie to and restaurants. Food highlights included show off their sculpted physiques. gourmet sliders from Abbey’s Burger Bistro, charcuterie from Bluegrass, and biscotti from For the third year in a row, the biggest party Scarborough Fair. Once again, the longest of the room came from the M.I.L.D.E.W. drink lines were for Ryleigh’s fresh-squeezed (Moms I Love to Drink and Eat With) table Orange Crushes and The Rowhouse’s spicy - filled with community leaders and business Dark and Stormies. owners, these ladies have become a fun- Federal Hillsider www.federalhillbaltimore.org March, 2012 - Page 17

BUTCHERS HILL CANTON * 112 S. Madeira St. 911 S. Decker Ave. 2 Bedrooms, 2 Full 2 Bedrooms, 1.5 * * Baths, End of Group, Baths, Pine Floors, Hardwoods, New Chefs Kitchen, Kitchen and Baths, Storage, Finished Steve Strohecker Laundry, Rear Decks, Basement, Patio, 410.804.1325 and PARKING! Rooftop Deck, and Tom Atwood Amazing Location! 443.742.4835 $199,900 $249,900 Eric Figurelle Tom Atwood Tom Atwood 410.952.5099 443.742.4835 443.742.4835 Judith Grauer 443.804.6336 CANTON FEDERAL HILL Joseph Barnes 601 S Patterson Park 2 W. Clement St. 443.413.7319 Colleen Boggs End of Group! 2 Bedrooms, 2 Full 410.336.5243 Income Producing, Baths, Extra Wide Karen Fick RoofTop Deck, One Home, New 443.956.0646 Car Garage, Use Your Appliances, Jacuzzi Jose Gomes Imagination! Tub, Small Yard, and 410.979.8370 More.. Jen Hansson 410.493.2635 $360,000 $149,900 Terry Johnson Joseph Barnes Tom Atwood 410.627.7683 443.413.7319 443.742.4835 Jim King 443.506.7022 Greg Morris FEDERAL HILL FEDERAL HILL 1242 Riverside Ave. 443.956.4171 1451 Henry St. Phillip Atwood New Renaissance 410.790.2266 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, Michael Stone Rehab! 4 Levels of Tons of Character, Living, 3 Decks, 3 410.733.2335 Fireplace, Separate Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, Darlene Leubecker Dining Room, H/W’s, Custom Kitchen, High 410.746.8762 Exposed Brick, and Gary Martin Ceilings, and More... PARKING! 301.633.7407 Darren McShane $459,900 $235,000 Steve Strohecker Steve Strohecker 410.746.7076 410.804.1325 David Shahinpoor 410.804.1325 443.324.0047 Lance Tiso BUTCHERS HILL FEDERAL HILL 443.691.7889 1810 Gough St. 1519 S. Charles St.

Large 3 Story Shell 3 Bedrooms,3.5 Baths, Ready for Renovation! H/W’s, Exposed Great Location. Brick, Natural Light, Tons of Potential. Gourmet Kitchen, Laundry, and . PARKING PAD!!! 1210 LIGHT ST

$130,000 Eric Figurelle $309,900 410.952.5099 Eric Figurelle 410.952.5099

To Join the Office Call Steve Strohecker @ 410.727.4644 Today! Page 18 - March, 2012 www.federalhillbaltimore.org Federal Hillsider What’s in a pause? Rob Dickerson: Printer of the Hillsider by Mark Cottman Interviewed by Jeannie Malkiewicz How did you get started in the printing business? When I first moved to Baltimore in 1996 I had trouble finding a job. One day while in Kinko’s I saw a sign advertising that they were hiring and I applied. After a few years, I realized opening my own shop was a possibility. After another year of planning and getting fired (my manager eventually caught wind of my plans). I went into business with a copier, cell phone, SUV and rented warehouse What’s in a pause? As an artist I know space in the Cork Factory, across the street everything is there. Infinity is there. A sweet from the Copy Cat Building. whisper is there. One year later I was looking to move into From a pause I understood that’s the only a retail space. I considered Hampden and time I truly live in the now, like the small Federal Hill. Federal Hill looked like a fragment of time as soon as I wake up. good fit and on Sept 1, 2001 I moved into That short period when time, space or 1118 Light Street. I had 6 really good years event when who I am is not yet revealed. during which Debbie joined in making Work The duration might be a millisecond or Printing a true “mom and pop” shop. even a minute. Sometimes that feeling ends when daylight peeks into my window or When did you start printing the sometimes after a real good stretch. Within Hillsider? that pause there is no here, no worry, no I must have started printing the Hillsider schedule just nothing or maybe everything. shortly after starting with Kinko’s in 1996. Bob O’Donoghue would bring in the printed It happens sometimes in the middle of the pages created using Microsoft Publisher. day, when I just sit there. I don’t know why Kinkos would do the folding but FHNA but from time to time my body just decides it had to do all the assembly by hand as the  wants to exist like a blade of grass or a flower. publication grew from 4 to 6 to 8 pages and beyond. Today, Bob electronically uploads In-between words of even letters there is a PDF file and I print directly to the copier. a pause. When I struggle to come up with Also, the copier has functions that staple the next word or even the next letter to be and fold automatically. I simply remove       sure I spelled it correctly. There is space, the newsletters and put them in boxes for  a vase space, an eternity, from one word delivery. to the next. But the sweetest moment for me is when the pause turns into the Why did you move from Federal Hill? inspiration for creating art. Because as an We had some successful years and in artist I pause often, I help others see life. 2006 we decided it was time to invest in a From the beauty sunrise or to what is just commercial property and move the business. beneath the surface of the conscious mind. The vast majority of our clients don’t actually  8: .V1 : 1QJ visit our office so the location wasn’t that In the US an artist is a parenthesis, an critical. Most important was staying close to afterthought. I hear often, “Your work is downtown. We still deliver to Federal Hill going to be worth a lot of money after you clients several times a week. die”. Or “I know it’s hard being a starving artist”. I pause sometimes and think about That was at the height of the real estate those comments and that this person didn’t bubble and Federal Hill was way out of our take the time to look at my or any other price range. The building we eventually artist’s work. Because if they did, I mean purchased is the one we now occupy. We 8 really looked, in that pause they would feel very fortunate to have found it. It’s R R learn something about themselves in the pretty much perfect. The 2,000 sq. ft. first reflection. floor space is plenty of room for our office, 11188 equipment and a really nice kitchen and Oh by the way, this whole thought I just bathroom in the back. On the second floor is shared with you came from a pause. a spacious apartment that we had no trouble renting. More recently Debbie and I decided One Love, to move upstairs. Mark Federal Hillsider www.federalhillbaltimore.org March, 2012 - Page 19

You’re Invited . . .

Please join the to Light Street Presbyterian Church National Society of Pershing Rifles

Friday March 16th 2012 FRIDAY, MARCH 30

For a Solemn Wreath Laying PM ASTA INNER UND AISER Honoring the Heroes of the Battle of Baltimore 5-8 P D F R Followed by a (Includes: pasta w/sauce, salad, bread, beverages, dessert) Retreat Ceremony $8 Adults, $5 Children (ages 3-12), Dine-In or Carry-Out

Federal Hill Park Advance Tickets: 410-539-0125 or [email protected] Baltimore Maryland PALM SUNDAY/PASSION SUNDAY, APRIL 1 Please arrive by 4:15PM Ceremony Begins at 4:30PM Sharp 11AM WORSHIP/COMMUNION SERVICE

Program: MAUNDY THURSDAY, APRIL 5

•Welcome • Presentation of Proclamation 7:30PM TENEBRAE SERVICE OF SHADOWS • Wreath Laying • TAPS • Retreat Ceremony EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 8 • Retreat • Firing of Salute Battery 6AM SUNRISE SERVICE (FEDERAL HILL PARK) • To the Color • Conclusion 11AM WORSHIP/COMMUNION SERVICE

Light Street Presbyterian Church www.pershingriflessociety.org www.prnaa.com 809 Light Street -- www.LightStreetChurch.org

4th Annual Open Hearts Ball A Benefit for Heart’s Place Shelter

Featuring music by Higher Hands & Straight Up Tribal Saturday March 24, 2012

2640 Space (St. John’s Church) 7:30 pm – 11:00 pm Tickets $15 in advance, $20 at door (Includes live music and light fare from local restaurants) Wine and beer will be available for sale. All ages welcome. Casual attire.

Purchase online www.missiontix.com

Proceeds benefit Heart’s Place Shelter, one of the few overnight shelters for the homeless in Baltimore that welcomes men, women and children, allowing families to stay together. Page 20 - March, 2012 www.federalhillbaltimore.org Federal Hillsider

Scan with any smartphone

Cindy Conklin 443.629.0152 [email protected] Bob Merbler 443.629.0162 [email protected] Randee Askin 410.615.5313 [email protected] James Baldwin 443.255.2502 [email protected] Please join us at our office as we celebrate Spring and the Stacey Friedman 410.303.5747 merger of YWGC Realty with Prudential Home Sales [email protected] Linda Fredeking 410.916.4792 Thursday [email protected] Torin Federico 443.286.0994 March 29 6-8 pm [email protected] Brandon Golueke 443.618.5090 Rebecca Swanston will be here for the official closing [email protected] of her Retrospective. 410.591.9183 Kimberly Huskins 410.627.2852 [email protected] Tina Knott 410.960.2184 [email protected] Jennifer Langford 443.617.3160 [email protected] Mary Lapides 410.804.6379 [email protected] Peg McCarty 443.414.7798 [email protected] Sharon Michaels 443.722.0221 [email protected] Dawson Nolley 410.916.4822 [email protected] Heather Perkins 443.928.9613 [email protected] 410.404.2491 spfaelle@@ywgcrealty.com Ricki Rutley 443.413.4433 805 William Street [email protected] One of Historic Federal Hill’s finest homes! This Timmie Taff 443.226.3223 large, bright, beautifully restored and tastefully [email protected] decorated townhome boasts large rooms, high Mary Widomski ceilings & lovely wood floors throughout. 443.858.5228 [email protected] Traditional design with beautiful updates Cindy Conklin & Bob Merbler Brigitte Williams including kitchen with stainless steel appliances 443.250.1841 and new master bath. Abundant outdoor space [email protected] on every level including a private patio and Dennis Woytowich 410.428.3675 multiple decks. Roof-top deck with panoramic [email protected] views. $649,000 YWGCREALTY.COM   #  D Download our m mobile app:  www.ywgcmobile.com