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ublisher of 95 U.S. and 32 International Relocation Guides, NewMarket PServices, Inc., is proud to introduce our online version. Now you may easily access the same information you find in each one of our 127 Relocation Guides at

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representative if we can provide any assistance. Our toll free number is (866) 595-3792. HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE

The NewMarket Services Information Guide is designed as a valuable resource tool for you, the newcomer to Baltimore. It is our intent in producing this publication to standardize important and helpful information on your new community in a format that is most useful to you.

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The Guide can save you both time and money while providing you a continuous resource tool as you become more familiar with the metroplex. We do hope you find our Relocation Guide to be of assistance to you. If you do not find something you need, or if you have any suggestions for future issues of the Guide, please give us a call. We will be happy to assist in any way.

(866) 595-3792 Toll Free From everyone at NewMarket Services Welcome to Baltimore!

6 ] Baltimore Information Guide www.newmarketservices.com Baltimore Information Guide [ Volume 11 [ Number 8

LOCAL INFORMATION The State of Maryland 8 State Taxes 10 Area Codes, Important Phone Numbers 13 Travel Information 14 Vehicle Title/Driver’s License 20 About Baltimore 9,11 Neighborhoods 11, 23 Publisher: NewMarket Services, Inc. Weather 20 President: Patrick Morgan Media 21 Managing Editor: Rebecca Wallace Historical Background 24 Where to Stay 25 Executive Editor: Jason Gerali Local Cuisine 26 Contributing Writer: Amy Tenant Entertainment 25 Executive VP Sales & Marketing: Robert Fischer Children’s Attractions 31 Regional Sales Manager: Beth Hurley MOVING Art Department: Sprague Design Smooth Transitions 37 Choosing a Moving Company 37 Graphic Designer: Dean Sprague Packing Tips 37 NewMarket On-Line: Total Web Design, Inc. Staying Organized 38 IT and Web Development: Larry Bongiovi Settling Into Your New Home 38 Research Assistant: Stephanie Cooper, Lora Price What’s All the Talk About? 41 Pre-Move Checklist 42 Circulation: Little Drummer Boy Dist., Inc.

Phoenix Office: MOVING WITH CHILDREN & PETS Reinforce the Positives 45 PO Box 30534 Choosing a School 45 Phoenix, AZ 85046-0534 Selecting Child Care 47 Phone: (602) 923-3415 Education 49 Fax: (602) 923-0774 Relocating Your Pet 53 Toll Free: (866) 595-3791 FITNESS & HEALTH Chicago Office: 902 North Ashland In the Kitchen 55 Physical and Mental Well Being 56 Chicago, IL 60622 Volunteering 59 Phone: (312) 226-6288 Fax: (312) 226-6290 HOUSING Toll Free: (866) 595-3792 Making the Right Choice 62 NewMarket currently publishes Information Choosing the Right Home 64 Guides for 95 North American and 32 Home Inspection Checklist 65 International Markets. To order your Homecare Basics for New Homeowners 66 NewMarket Information Guides for $3.50 Security 67 each, please contact NewMarket Services toll free at (866) 595-3792. Housing Options For Growing Active Adults Demographics 68 Home Buyer’s Glossary 70 In preparing this publication, every effort Take Control of Your Energy Costs 72 has been made to assure the accuracy of Who’s Who in Building 73 the information contained herein, but authenticity cannot be guaranteed. Listings Selecting a Builder 74 are subject to omission, error or change Selecting a Contractor 75 without notice. Banking & Mortgage Information 76

All material in this publication is copyright BUSINESS DIRECTORY protected and can only be reprinted with permission of the publisher.

Baltimore Information Guide [ 7 THE STATE OF MARYLAND

Maryland’s economy is diverse, but it has become popular for its Allentown leadership as a Life Sciences epicenter. The industry has become a top priority for the state. There are over 350 Biotechnology firms, PA Philadelphia making it third-largest cluster in the nation. Institutions and agencies located throughout Maryland like Johns Hopkins University, Frederick NJ University of Maryland, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Food Pittsburgh and Drug Administration (FDA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), MD etc. have fueled the Life Sciences growth in the state. Atlantic Ocean Maryland has a remarkably varied climate. It depends on various DL factors such as elevation, rainfall, and proximity to a body of water, WV Baltimore most significantly, the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Gaithersberg Precipitation in the state is very generous, as it is on most of the Richmond Washington DC East Coast. Annual rainfall ranges from 40-45 inches in virtually VA every part of the state, falling very evenly. Maryland has arts institutions of national prominence, such as the Hampton Roads Baltimore Symphony. The arts in Maryland reflect the State's geographic and cultural diversity from traditional Appalachian fiddle NC music in Western Maryland and African-American quilting on the Raleigh/Durham lower Eastern Shore to experimental performance and media arts in Piedmont Triad metropolitan Baltimore and areas surrounding Washington, DC. The arts industry represents some $634 million in the State’s economy, aryland is one of the Middle Atlantic States of the United fueled by an audience of nearly 10 million each year. States. According to the most recent information Mprovided by the 2005 American Community Survey of the U.S. Census Bureau, the State of Maryland is the second wealthiest state with a median household income of $61,592. Fast Facts Maryland possesses a great variety of topography, hence its POPULATION: (2005 est): 5,600,388

nickname: “America in Miniature.” It ranges from sandy dunes CAPITAL: Annapolis dotted with sea grass in the east, to low marshlands teeming with STATE NICKNAME: Free State; Old Line State water snakes and large bald cypress near the bay, to gently rolling hills of oak forest in the Piedmont Region, and mountain pine groves LARGEST CITIES: Baltimore, Frederick and Gaithersburg in the west. A quirk of Maryland’s geography is that the state LAND AREA: 12,193 sq mi contains no natural lakes STATE SALES TAX: 6% (food, prescription and Although the fishing industry is declining, the catch of fish and non-prescription drugs exempt) shellfish, chiefly from Chesapeake Bay, yielded an income of over STATE MOTTO: Fatti maschii, parole femine $67 million in 1998, and the state's annual catch of crabs is the (Manly deeds, womanly words) largest in the nation. Manufacturing industries include food products, chemicals, computer and electronic products, HIGHEST POINT: Backbone Mountain 3,360 ft transportation equipment, and primary metals. Maryland is a life LOWEST POINT: Atlantic Ocean 0 ft sciences hub with over 350 biotechnology firms, making it third- MEDIAN AGE: 36.0 largest such cluster in the nation. Baltimore, home of the Johns Eastern Daylight Time Hopkins University and Hospital, also ranks as the nation’s second TIME ZONE: port in foreign tonnage. The capital, Annapolis, is the site of the U.S. WEB SITE: www.maryland.gov Naval Academy.

8 ] Baltimore Information Guide ABOUT BALTIMORE

OVERVIEW

conomically, geographically and culturally, Baltimore is an amalgam. One of early America’s busiest seaports, it was also home to the country’s first important railroad Eterminal and was a leading manufacturing center, renowned for shipbuilding as well as airplane production. Culturally, Baltimore’s tradition of diversity dates to 1649 and the passage of the Toleration Act, which permitted the practice of all religions in Maryland. The area’s air of acceptance inspired waves of Polish, German, Irish, Italian, Greek and other immigrants. The various enclaves these newcomers established made Baltimore a collection of diverse neighborhoods. Inner Harbor For years the Inner Harbor area was at the heart of Baltimore’s port facilities. As the city’s shipping business declined in the post-war years, the Inner Harbor did too. By the mid- 1970s, it was a long stretch of dilapidated docks and abandoned warehouses, but the end of the 1970s saw the start of a concerted effort to revitalize Baltimore, and a key part of the plan was the creation of Harborplace, a three-acre retail and entertainment complex that anchors the Inner Harbor. Today, the Inner Harbor’s attractions include the Maryland Science Center, the National Aquarium, Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the U.S.S. Constellation, and the Pier Six Concert Pavilion. In addition, there are a number of excellent hotels, including the four-star Harbor Court, many fine restaurants, such as Obrycki’s crab house, and two very busy marinas. The Inner Harbor’s renovation was vital to Baltimore’s renaissance, and it remains the key draw of the city’s approximately $625 million-a-year tourist industry. Downtown In 1729, about 60 years after the first colonists settled in the area, Charles and Baltimore BALTIMORE streets were built. Today, the intersection of these two roads is at the heart of Baltimore’s DEMOGRAPHICS business district, where you’ll find the city’s financial and banking institutions, international City Population: 2,552,994 trade organizations, medical research companies, as well as law, engineering and architectural firms. A grid of roughly 25 blocks, the business district is easy to navigate and Male: 48.58% is within walking distance of most of the downtown hotels. Female: 51.42% To the North Median Age: 33.9 Walk up Charles Street about 10 blocks and you’ll find Mount Vernon, one of the city’s loveliest neighborhoods. Its chief feature is a park of shrub-lined lawns and flowerbeds, laid Ethnic Make-up: out in the form of a cross. The 178-foot tall monument to George Washington stands at the African American: 61.3% park’s center. Mount Vernon is also home to the Peabody Institute, the Walters Art Gallery, Asian: 1.60% the Enoch Pratt Free Library and several excellent restaurants, including The Brass Elephant Hispanic: 1.50% and Tio Pepe. Native American: 0.30% Just above Mount Vernon is Bolton Hill. Known as the “Gin Belt” during the 1920s, this White/Caucasian: 31.6% area was home to the city’s Jazz Age bohemian community. F. Scott Fitzgerald made his Median Household Income: $20,476 home here for a while, and “Tender is the Night” was published during his stay. Today, the Cost of Living Index: 85.4 area is home to the Maryland Institute College of Art, Meyerhoff Symphony Hall and the University of Baltimore. continued on page 11

Baltimore Information Guide [ 9 STATE TAXES

Sales Taxes Property Taxes Maryland Comptroller of the Treasury www.comp.state.md.us Real property is valued at its full cash value. Property tax rates State Sales Tax: 6.0% vary widely. No restrictions or limitations on property taxes are (food, prescription and non-prescription drugs exempt) imposed by the state, meaning cities and counties can set tax rates Gasoline Tax: 23.5 cents/gallon at the level they deem necessary to fund governmental services. Diesel Fuel Tax: 24.3 cents/gallon These rates can increase, decrease or remain the same from year to year. Cigarette Tax: $2.00/pack of 20 Homeowners’ Property Tax Credit Program allows credits against Personal Income Taxes the homeowner’s property tax bill if the property taxes exceed a Tax Rate Range: Low - 2%; High - 6.25%; Maryland’s 23 counties fixed percentage of the person's gross income. In other words, it and Baltimore City may levy an income tax ranging from 1.25% sets a limit on the amount of property taxes any homeowner must to 3.15% of taxable income. pay based upon his or her income. Inncome Brackets: Lowest - $1,000; Highest - $1,000,000 This plan has been in existence since 1975 when it was known Number of Brackets: 8 as the “circuit breaker” plan for elderly homeowners. The plan was Personal Exemptions: Single - $3,200; Married - $6,400; called circuit breaker because it shut off the property tax bill at a Dependents - $3,200 certain point just like an electric circuit breaker shuts off the current Additional Exemptions: 65 or older - $1,000 each additional when the circuit becomes overloaded. The Maryland General dependent Assembly has improved the plan through the years so that now this Standard Deduction: $1,500 or 15% of Maryland adjusted gross program is available to all homeowners regardless of their age, and income to maximum of $3,000 for single returns; $2,000 to the credits are given where needed based upon the person's $4,000 for married filing jointly. income. Medical/Dental Deduction: Federal amount. If you purchase a A property tax deferral program allows property owners 65 or long-term care insurance contract for yourself or certain over to defer the increase in their property tax bill. Local members of your family, you may be eligible for a credit of up to governments must approve the program. The deferred taxes $500 for each insured. To qualify for the credit, the insured must become a lien on the property and must be repaid when the be all of the following: A spouse, parent, stepparent, child or property is transferred. A Renters’ Tax Credit program provides up stepchild; A Maryland resident; Not covered by long-term care to $750 a year for those age 60 and over or 100% disabled if they insurance before July 1, 2000. For tax year 2010, you can claim qualify on the basis of income. a credit equal to the premiums paid, up to a maximum of $330 Inheritance and Estate Taxes for each insured person 40 years of age or younger, and up to Maryland collects an inheritance tax. Property passing to a a maximum of $500 for each insured person 41 or older. spouse, child or other lineal descendent, spouse of a child or other Federal Income Tax Deduction: None lineal descendant, parent, grandparent or sibling, is exempt from Retirement Income Taxes: Social Security and Railroad Retirement taxation. Property passing to other individuals is subject to a 10% income are not taxed. If you are 65 or older or totally disabled (or tax rate. Currently, a Maryland estate tax return must be filed if the your spouse is totally disabled), you may qualify for Maryland's decedent's federal gross estate, plus adjusted taxable gifts, is maximum pension exclusion of $23,600 under certain conditions. $1,000,000 or greater, and the decedent was either a resident of If you’re eligible, you may be able to subtract some of your Maryland at the time of death or a nonresident who owned real or taxable pension and retirement annuity income from your federal tangible personal property in Maryland. The tax rate is limited to 16 adjusted gross income. Out-of-state government pensions do percent of the amount that the estate value exceeds $1,000,000. not qualify for the exemption. Law changes enacted in 2006 affected the estate tax calculation, filing requirements, extension requests and interest and penalties. The estate tax is limited to federal estate tax collection.

10 ] Baltimore Information Guide ABOUT BALTIMORE

Still farther up Charles Street lies well-groomed Charles Village, During the weekend the neighborhood is jammed with college- home of Johns Hopkins University. Just next door is Hampden, a age revelers who flock to the many party-oriented dance clubs like funky blue-collar/alternative district made famous by independent Bohager’s. Young urban professionals enjoy dining at restaurants film director John Waters. like Bertha’s and Ding How, and listening to live music at places like Continue north, and you’ll find Guilford, which features the Funk’s Democratic Coffee Spot and The Full Moon Saloon. wonderful Sherwood Gardens, and Mount Washington, a quiet, Just above Fells Point is Butcher’s Hill, an area once home to tree-lined neighborhood with lots of great restaurants, like dozens of butchers who sold their wares at Fells Point’s Broadway To the South Market, and farther north is Old Town, a neighborhood settled by Just south of downtown is Federal Hill. One of the most popular German and Irish immigrants in the early 1800s. residential areas in the city, its streets are lined with stately 19th Just to the east lies Canton. Originally an industrial area century row homes, and peppered with great restaurants. The populated by Welsh, German, Polish and Irish immigrants, Canton neighborhood is also home to the Cross Street Market, where a today is a lively residential area known for its friendly eateries like variety of vendors sell a vast array of fresh and prepared food items, Nacho Mama’s and upscale bars like The Gin Mill. To the north of and the American Visionary Art Museum. Canton is Greek Town, a quiet residential neighborhood famous for To the East its restaurants, Ikaros foremost among them. Immediately east of downtown is Little Italy, one of the city’s most To the West cherished neighborhoods. Settled in the 1840s by Italian A quick trip west from the Inner Harbor will take you into Pigtown, immigrants seeking work on the city’s railroads, the area is now originally an area of stockyards manned by German and Irish known for its many restaurants. At last count, the 12 square blocks immigrants. It’s now a residential neighborhood, filled with classic of Little Italy had 20 restaurants, from old favorites like Sabatino’s to Baltimore-style rowhomes with marble steps and formstone newcomers like Aldo’s. facades. Pigtown is now home to the B & O Railroad Museum, and Just past Little Italy is Fells Point. This was once the chief Colonial the area’s most famous son is memorialized at the Babe Ruth shipbuilding center, where frigates known as Baltimore Clippers Birthplace and Museum. were launched. Today Fells Point is known for its craft and antique shops, restaurants, bars and coffeehouses.

NEIGHBORHOODS

The Baltimore Metropolitan Area currently includes Baltimore City, Butchers Hill Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Once home to prosperous butchers, German merchants, and as well as Anne Arundel and Queen Anne’s Counties. As of 2005 Jewish professionals and tradesmen, Butchers Hill has grown to the region was home to more than 2.6 million individuals. As the become a diverse community representing a wide range of ages, Washington region has prospered so has Baltimore and its suburbs. races/ethnicities, occupations, and interests. Located in East Howard and Anne Arundel counties have become very affluent and Baltimore, just north of Fells Point and at the northwest end of rank nationally in terms of per capita family and personal income. Patterson Park, the community attracts a diverse population of Pockets of wealth exist within the Northern sections of Baltimore singles, students, empty-nesters, and professionals who enjoy the City, as well as parts of Baltimore County. In addition home prices rich character of Baltimore’s city life. as well as demand have risen significantly throughout the region Canton attracting several prominent high-tech firms. Currently Johns With its waterfront access and vibrant nightlife, Canton now Hopkins is the largest single employer in the Baltimore region. enjoys the reputation as one of Baltimore’s trendiest Bolton Hill neighborhoods. But with its strong working-class roots that stretch Located near Baltimore’s Midtown, Bolton Hill is a neighborhood back over 200 years, the neighborhood also values its traditions, with tranquil tree lined streets and small quaint urban parks with including colorful screen paintings in the windows of many homes. fountains that complement this period architecture of 19th century Today, this balance of new and old is evident in this upscale mansion homes and modern town homes. Most homes contain community where young professionals and empty-nesters mix with plots of exterior space set out as hidden retreats or formal gardens lifelong Canton residents. that combine with the elegant buildings to make Bolton Hill an Charles Village urban retreat in the city. The neighborhood is within walking Planned as one of Baltimore’s first “suburban” communities, distance of the city’s Cultural District that includes the Lyric Theater, Charles Village was developed during the 1890s, and by the early Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, Walters Art Museum, and Everyman 20th century was home of many of the city’s most influential Theater. continued on page 23

Baltimore Information Guide [ 11 NATIONAL HEALTH ORGANIZATION PHONE NUMBERS

National Health Organization Mental Health Simply dial plus the number below 1-800-*… National Alliance for the Mentally Illness (NAMI) 950-6264 Allergy National Down Syndrome Society 244-4444 Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America (AFFA) 727-8462 National Mental Health Association Resource Ctr 969-6642 Cancer Neurology American Cancer Society 227-2345 National Alzheimer’s Association 272-3900 American Institute for Cancer Research. 843-8114 Christopher Reeve’s Paralysis Foundation 225-0292 Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America 955-4572 American Parkinson Disease Association 223-2732 National Cancer Institute (CIS) 422-6237 Epilepsy Foundation of America. 332-1000 Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF) 754-6490 United Cerebral Palsy Associations (UCPA) 872-5827 Children’s Health Huntington’s Disease Society of America 345-4372 American SIDS Foundation 232-7437 Brain Injury Association of America Family Hotline 444-6443 Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) 344-4823 National Headache Foundation 843-2256 Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 223-1138 National Multiple Sclerosis Society 344-4867 Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Alliance 221-7437 National Stroke Association 787-6537 National Reye’s Syndrome Foundation, Inc. 233-7393 Patient Care Spina Bifida Association of American 621-3141 Medic Alert Foundation U.S. 863-3425 or 432-5378 Infectious Diseases National Hospice Organization 658-8898 AIDS Hotline, CDC National, National STD Hotline 342-AIDS Shriner’s Hospital Referral Line 237-5055 (Spanish) 344-7432 Visiting Nurse Association of America 426-2547 (Hearing Impaired) 243-7889 Physical Disabilities Internal Medicine American Council of the Blind. 424-8666 American Diabetes Association 232-3472 American Speech/Language/Hearing Association 638-8255 American Heart Association 242-8721 or 968-1793 National Easter Seals Society 221-6827 American Kidney Association 638-8299 Woman’s Health American Lung Association 586-4872 Endometriosis Association. 992-3636 Arthritis Foundation 283-7800 Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization. 221-2141 Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, Inc. 932-2423 *This is a Toll-Free Number! Lupus Foundation of America 558-0121 This is only a partial list of national health organizations. National Kidney Foundation 622-9010 Contact the National Health Information Center (NHIC) Spondylitis Association of American (SAA) 777-8189 at (800) 336-4797 for a more complete list.

NOTE: This general information is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional as it relates to your specific situation.

12 ] Baltimore Information Guide IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

City Area Code(s) Housing Services The area codes for Baltimore are 410 and 443. Homeownership (410) 396-3124 Housing Application Office (410) 396-4052 Education (Public Housing Section 8) Enoch Pratt Free Library, Housing for Seniors (410) 396-3241 Baltimore’s Public Library (410) 396-5430 Office of Home Energy (410) 396-5555 School closings, holiday schedule (410) 396-8577 Weatherization Assistance Program (443) 984-1066 Property Tax Billing (410) 396-3987 Emergency Water Bills (410) 396-5398 All Emergencies 911 Crisis Pregnancy Center (800) 395-4357 Motor Vehicles Child Abuse/Neglect (410) 361-2235 Abandoned vehicles 311 Crisis Centers Driver’s license renewal (410) 768-7000 East: (410) 396-4433 Carpooling information (410) 396-POOL West: (410) 396-0260 Parking fines information (410) 396-4080 Domestic Violence Hotline (410) 889-7884 Problems with traffic signs or traffic signals 311 First Call for Help (410) 685-0525 Vehicle tags renewal (410) 768-7000 Gas Leak (410) 685-0123 Poison Control Center (410) 528-7701 Parks and Recreation Services Public Assistance (410) 361-4600 To obtain a listing of Recreation Services (410) 396-7000 Sexual Assault Hotline (410) 828-6390 Recreation and Parks Service (410) 396-7459 Snow Removal 311 Runaway Hotline (800) 392-3352 Public Safety Weather-related (ALL) (410) 545-NEED Fire prevention (410) 396-5752 Sanitation (410) 396-4511 Financial Services Residential trash collection, street and alley Automatic Teller Information cleaning, bulk trash removal, etc. 311 ATM Locator (800) 248-4286 Recycling days in your neighborhood (410) 396-5916 MasterCrd ATM (800) 424-7787 Services VISA Plus System (800) 843-7587 Community Affairs (410) 396-5819 Lost or Stolen Credit Cards Directory Assistance 411 American Express (800) 233-5432 Public Service Center (24 hr. complaints) 311 AT&T Universal Card (800) 423-4343 Diners Club (800) 234-6377 Shipping & Postal Service Discover Card (800) 347-2683 Airborne Express (800) 247-2676 JCB (800) 736-8111 Federal Express (800) 463-3339 MasterCard (800) 826-2181 UPS VISA (800) 336-8472 (800) 742-5877 Lost or Stolen Travelers Checks American Express (800) 221-7282 Support Networks Thomas Cook MasterCard (800) 223-7373 Crisis Pregnancy Center (800) 395-4357 Travelers Check Customer Service (800) 645-6556 Teen Link (Various Topics) (800) 235-9678 VISA (800) 227-6811 Utilities Gas and electric billing information (410) 685-0123 Government Numbers Energy assistance (410) 396-5555 Internal Revenue Service (800) 829-1040 Weatherization information (410) 396-6046 Social Security Administration (800) 772-1213 Visitor Information Health Baltimore Area Visitors Center (410) 837-INFO AIDS - Information (410) 945-AIDS Drug treatment information (410) 637-1900 Free Immunizations for children (410) 396-4454

Baltimore Information Guide [ 13 TRAVEL INFORMATION

Airport Atlantic Southeast, flyasa.com (800) 282-3424 Baltimore/Washington International Airport www.bwiairport.com Comair, comair.com* (800) 221-1212 Information and Paging 1-800-I FLY BWI, (800) 435-9294 Continental Airlines, continental.com (800) 525-0280 Baltimore Area (410) 859-7111 Delta Airlines, delta.com* (800) 221-1212 Washington Area (301) 261-1000 Express Jet, continental.com (800) 523-3272 Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport is Frontier Airlines, frontierairlines.com (800) 432-1359 an international airport serving the Baltimore-Washington Hawaiian Airlines, hawaiianair.com (800) 367-5320 Metropolitan Area. The airport is located in northern unincorporated JetBlue Airlines, JetBlue.com (800) 538-2583 Anne Arundel County, about 30 miles northeast of Washington, Midwest Airlines, midwestairlines.com (800) 452-2022 D.C. In 2010, BWI was ranked as the best airport of its size (15-25 Northwest Airlines, nwa.com (800) 225-2525 mil. passengers) in the world by the Airports Council International SkywestAirlines, skywest.com (800) 453-9417 based on its 2009 Airport Service Quality survey. In 2010, BWI was Southwest Airlines, southwest.com (800) 435-9792 ranked the second airport in North America by Airports Council Spirit Airlines, spiritair.com (800) 772-7117 International - North America for “Best Food and Beverage SunCountry Airlines, suncountry.com (800) 359-6786 Program.” United Airlines, ual.com (800) 864-8331 Airlines - Domestic US Airways, usairways.com (800) 428-4322 Virgin Atlantic, virgin-atlantic.com (800) 862-8621 AirTran Airlines, airtran.com* (800) 247-8726 Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air, alaskaair.com (800) 252-7522 *denotes service to BWI Allegiant Air, allegiantair.com (800) 432-3810 American Airlines, aa.com* (800) 433-7300

14 ] Baltimore Information Guide TRAVEL INFORMATION

Airlines - International Doubletree Hotels (800) 222-8733 Aer Lingus, aerlingus.ie (866) 886 8844 Econo Lodges (800) 446-4777 Aeroflot, aeroflot.aero/eng (650) 615-9278 Embassy Suites (800) 362-2779 AeroMexico, AeroMexico.com (800) 237-6639 Fairmont Hotels (800) 527-4727 Aerolineas Argentina, aerolineas.com.ar (800) 333-0276 Four Seasons (800) 332-3442 Air Canada, aircanada.ca (800) 247-2262 Hilton Hotels (800) 445-8667 Air China, airchina.com (800) 882-8122 Holiday Inns (800) 465-4329 Air France, airfrance.com (800) 237-2747 Howard Johnson Motor Lodges (800) 654-2000 Air India, airindia.com Hyatt Hotels (800) 233-1234 Air Jamaica, airjamaica.com (800) 523-5585 La Quinta Motor Inn (800) 531-5900 Air New Zealand, airnewzealand.com (800) 262-1234 Loews Hotels (800) 223-6397 Alaska Airlines, alaskaair.com (800) 426-0333 Marriott Hotels (800) 228-9290 Alitalia, alitaliausa.com (800) 223-5730 Meridien Hotels (800) 543-4390 Asiana, us.flyasiana.com (800) 227-9262 Omni International (800) 843-6664 British Airways, british-airways.com (800) 247-9297 Quality Inns (800) 228-5151 Cathay Pacific, cathaypacific.com (800) 233-2742 Radisson Hotels International (800) 333-3333 China Airlines, china-airlines.com (800) 227-5118 Ramada Inns (800) 228-2828 China Eastern Airlines, flychinaeastern.com (800) 200-5118 Red Roof Inns (800) 843-7663 Egypt Air, egyptair.com.eg (800) 334-6787 Ritz Carlton Hotels (800) 241-3333 El Al, elal.co.il (800) 223-6700 Sheraton Hotels (800) 325-3535 Eurofly, eurofly.it* (800) 477-6492 Stouffer Hotels (800) 468-3571 Eva Airways, evaair.com (800) 695-1188 Super 8 Motels (800) 800-8000 Iberia, iberia.com (800) 772-4642 TraveLodge Motels (800) 578-7878 Japan Airlines, jal.co.jp/en (800) 525-3663 Westin Hotels (800) 228-3000 KLM Airlines, klm.com (800) 374-7747 Korean Air, koreanair.com (800) 438-5000 Inter-City Transportation Amtrak, www.amtrak.com (800) 872-7245 (USA-RAIL) LACSA, centralamerica.com/cr/lacsa/lacsa.htm (800) 225-2272 Penn Station LOT Polish, lot.com (800) 223-0593 1515 N. Charles Street Lufthansa, lufthansa.com (800) 645-3880 Baltimore MD, 21201 Mexicana, mexicana.com (800) 531-7821 America’s national passenger railroad system. Tickets may be Philippine Airlines, philippineairlines.com (800) 435-9725 purchased in person at any Amtrak station. Quantas, qantas.com* (800) 227-4500 Greyhound Bus (800) 231-2222 Singapore Airlines, singaporeair.com (800) 742-3333 Service from City to numerous locations throughout the United Skyservice USA, skyserviceairlines.com (877) 485-6060 States. Swissair, swiss.com* (800) 221-4750 Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) (410) 539-5000 TACA, taca.com (800) 535-8780 6 Saint Paul Street USA 3000 Y Airlines, usa3000.com (800) 872-3000 Baltimore, MD 21202 *denotes service to BWI Toll Free: (866) RIDE-MTA TTY for Hearing or Speech Impaired Persons: (410) 539-3497 Cruises/Resorts www.mtamaryland.com Disney World Reservations (800) 227-1500 “Ride with us!” A simple request that more than 200-million Holland America Cruises (800) 426-0327 Marylanders take to heart each year. The Maryland Transit Princess Cruises (800) 774-6237 Royal Caribbean International (800) 327-6700 Administration: over 3,000 concerned people who make sure the system works as smoothly as possible under all conditions. Our Hotels/Motels system boasts over 70 fixed Bus routes each day; Commuter Best Western (800) 528-1234 Buses from suburbs to downtown and major employment centers; Budgetel Inns (800) 428-3438 Light Rail travels from northern suburbs to Baltimore/Washington Clarion Hotels (800) 424-6423 International Airport with stops at Orioles’ and Ravens’ stadiums; Comfort Inns (800) 424-6423 Metro Subway takes you from Owings Mills to Johns Hopkins Courtyard by Marriott (800) 321-2211 Hospital rapidly; and MARC Trains operate between Baltimore and Days Inn (800) 329-7466 continued on page 20

Baltimore Information Guide [ 15

LIGHT RAIL

18 ] Baltimore Information Guide Hi! I’m New Here MORE OF NEW TO LOVE )URPQHZFRPPXQLWLHVWRQHZÁRRUSODQV WRWKHODWHVWHQHUJ\VDYLQJDSSOLDQFHV WKHUH·VQRWKLQJTXLWHOLNHEX\LQJQHZ6R LI\RX·UHWKLQNLQJDERXWEX\LQJDKRPH ZK\QRWPDNHLWRQHWKDW·VEXLOWWRD KLJKHUPRUHHQHUJ\HIÀFLHQWVWDQGDUG² OLNHDQHZ5\ODQGKRPH"

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In the Baltimore division, photographs and/or renderings are for illustrative purposes only. Information shown believed to be accurate but not warranted. Prices, plans, elevations and specifications are EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY subject to change without notice. Inventory homes are subject to prior sale. See Sales Counselor for details on available promotions, restrictions and offer limitations. © 2011 The Ryland Group, Inc. Baltimore Information Guide [ 19 TRAVEL INFORMATION

Washington, D.C. We look forward to serving you our new Dollar, dollar.com (800) 800-4000 neighbors. Enterprise, enterprise.com (800) 736-8222 Rental Cars E-Z, e-zrentacar.com (972) 574-3360 Fox/Payless, foxrentacar.com (800) 225-4369 Advantage, advantage.com (800) 777-5500 Hertz, hertz.com (800) 654-3131 Alamo, alamo.com (800) 462-5266 National, nationalcar.com (800) 227-7368 Avis, avis.com (800) 331-1212 Thrifty, thrifty.com (800) 367-2277 Budget, budget.com (800) 527-0700

WEATHER

As is typical in most East Coast cities, precipitation is generous less sunshine and more clouds. Snowfall occurs occasionally in the and very evenly spread throughout the year. Every month typically winter, with an average annual snowfall of 20.8 inches. In the brings 3–4 inches of precipitation, averaging around 43 inches northern and western suburbs, temperatures tend to be cooler, and annually. Spring, summer and fall bring frequent showers and winter snowfall is more significant, where some areas average more thunderstorms, with an average of 105 sunny days a year. Winter than 30 inches of snow per year. often brings lighter rain showers of longer duration, and generally

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Average High 41.7 44.7 54.9 65.5 75.7 84.6 88.7 86.8 79.9 68.4 57.2 46.1

Average Low 28.0 29.9 38.2 47.5 57.8 67.3 72.0 70.5 63.3 51.4 42.1 32.5

Average Precipitation 3.1 3.2 3.6 3.2 4.1 3.3 3.7 4.3 3.5 3.0 3.6 3.8

Temperature in degrees F, precipitation in inches

VEHICLE TITLE/DRIVER’S LICENSE

As a new resident of Maryland you must register your vehicle and • First, contact the MVA at the Customer Service Center at 1-800- obtain a Maryland Driver’s License within 60 days of moving to 950-1MVA(1682). Maryland. If you delay beyond 60 days, you will not be eligible for a • If you do not have the title document or certificate, the MVA will tax credit for any titling tax paid in another state, and you may be provide you with a letter (form #VR-056) to send to your subject to a citation for an out of state registration. lienholder requesting the title(s) be sent to the MVA. Titling Your Vehicle Upon receipt of the title documents(s), the MVA will write or call You can apply for a Maryland title, and registration, in person at you to inform you that we have received the title(s). We will inform any of the MVA’s full service branch offices. You also can mail the you of the excise tax due and ask you to send your completed documents to the MVA’s Out-of-State Title Unit, 6601 Ritchie Application for Title (form #VR-005), the MD Safety Inspection Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21062, or go to an MVA licensed tag and Certificate, and payment (check or money order made payable to title service where they will assist you in applying. the MVA) to the MVA. The check should include payment for the • Typically, you will need to submit the following forms to obtain a following: title for your vehicle: • $23.00 title fee • Proof of ownership – This is the vehicle’s existing title that • $20.00 fee to record the lien identifies you as the owner. If there is a lien against your out-of- • Excise tax and tag fees state title:

20 ] Baltimore Information Guide VEHICLE TITLE/DRIVER’S LICENSE

Application Form Maryland Driver’s License The Application for Certificate of Title (form #VR-005) can be If you are a new resident of Maryland you have 60 days to obtain used to apply for both the vehicle’s title and registration. Be sure to a Maryland Driver’s License. When applying, please bring: include your insurance information. Your policy must conform to Proof of age, identity, Maryland residence, out-of-state license(s), Maryland’s minimum liability insurance requirements. and the appropriate fee for each license class applied for. Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate • You must pass a vision test. This Maryland State Police form certifies that your vehicle meets • An out-of-state license must be a valid license or a license Maryland safety standards. It is valid for up to 90 days from the date expired for less than one year. The license cannot be suspended. issued. • If licensed for less than 18 months, you will be issued a Maryland • Certificate of Inspection provisional license. A Safety Inspection is required for all used cars, trucks, tractors, • If you are exchanging an out-of-state license that has been trailers, motorcycles, special equipment, and class “B” for hire expired for one year, you are required to take the knowledge and vehicles being titled and registered in Maryland. They must be skills tests in addition to the vision test. inspected by a licensed Maryland inspection station, such as • A valid U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) physical card or automobile dealers, service stations and specialized automobile Federal/MVA waiver (if applying for a commercial driver’s license). service centers. A certificate of inspection issued by the inspection station within the previous 90 days of the vehicle titling must • A hazardous material (HAZMAT) test is required to keep your accompany the Application for Title. To avoid delay, compare the HAZMAT endorsement (if applying for a commercial driver’s vehicle identification number (VIN) entered on the inspection license). certificate with the VIN on the vehicle plus the vehicle ownership • You will be required to disclose your Social Security Number. documents to make certain they agree. Altered inspection • Out-of-state learner’s permits cannot be exchanged for a certificates will not be accepted. Maryland learner’s permit or license. Your title will be mailed to you regardless of how you apply. If you also register the vehicle, your registration card, license plates and expiration stickers can be provided immediately when you apply in person to the MVA; otherwise, these items also will be mailed to you.

MEDIA

Newspapers 8 The Comcast Network News & Info Baltimore Business Journal (410) 576-1161 9 USA Children & Family 111 Market Place 10 ABC Family Children & Family Suite 720 Baltimore, MD 21202 11 WFDC-14 (Univision) Multicultural Email: [email protected] 12 WMAR-2 (ABC Baltimore) News & Info Baltimore Sun 13 QVC Lifestyle 501 N. Calvert Street 14 WNUV-54 (CW Baltimore) News & Info P.0. Box 1377 15 WBFF-45 (FOX Baltimore) News & Info Baltimore, Maryland 21278 www.baltimoresun.com 16 C-SPAN News & Info Television 17 MASN2 News & Info 1 On Demand ON DEMAND 18 Home Shopping Network Lifestyle 2 Versus Sports 19 WHUT-32 (PBS DC) News & Info 3 The Golf Channel Sports 20 ION Television Children & Family 4 MASN Sports 21 WBAL-11 (NBC Baltimore) News & Info 5 ESPN2 Sports 22 WMPB-67 (PBS Baltimore) News & Info 6 ESPN Sports 23 WJZ-13 (CBS Baltimore) News & Info 7 Comcast Sports Network Sports 24 WUTB-24 (My Network TV) News & Info

continued on page 22

Baltimore Information Guide [ 21 MEDIA

25 TV25 True View of Baltimore News & Info Radio 26 WETA-26 (PBS DC) News & Info WYPR 88.1 FM Public Radio, Radio 27 AMC Movies WEAA 88.9 FM Jazz, Radio 34 Spike TV Lifestyle WTMD 89.7 FM Adult Album Alternative, Radio 35 A&E Lifestyle WKHS 90.5 FM College, Radio 36 Lifetime Lifestyle WHFC 91.1 FM Variety, Radio 37 History Channel News & Info WBJC 91.5 FM Classical, Radio 38 Discovery Channel News & Info WERQ 92.3 FM Hip Hop, Radio 40 Animal Planet Children & Family WPOC 93.1 FM Country, Radio 42 Cartoon Network Children & Family WRBS 95.1 FM Religious, Radio 43 Disney Channel Children & Family holt 95.9 FM Oldies, Hip Hop 44 Nickelodeon Children & Family stop 95.9 FM Oldies, Smooth Jazz, Jazz 45 TV Land Children & Family WWIN 95.9 FM Urban Contemporary, Radio 47 Food Network Lifestyle WIYY 97.9 FM Rock, Radio 54 Hallmark Channel Movies WZBA 100.7 FM Classic Rock, Radio 55 truTV News & Info WLIF 101.9 FM Adult Contemporary, Radio 56 CNN News & Info ASWM 101.9 FM Easy Listening, Adult Contemporary 60 The Weather Channel News & Info WQSR 102.7 FM Oldies, Radio 61 Fox News News & Info WRNR 103.1 FM Adult Album Alternative, Radio 63 E! Lifestyle dogs 104.3 FM Smooth Jazz, Country,Dance, Easy Listening 64 Comedy Central Lifestyle WSMJ 104.3 FM Smooth Jazz, Radio 65 BET Lifestyle WXYV 105.7 FM Talk, Radio 218 AMC HD High-Definition TV WWMX 106.5 FM Hot AC, Radio 235 USA HD High-Definition TV WCAO 600 AM Gospel Music, Radio 817 CNN HD High-Definition TV WCBM 680 AM News/Talk, Radio 881 ABC Family HD High-Definition TV WBMD 750 AM Religious, Radio WYRE 810 AM Country, Radio WBGR 860 AM Gospel Music, Radio WAMD 970 AM Oldies, Radio WOLB 1010 AM Talk, Radio WBAL 1090 AM News/Talk, Radio WBIS 1190 AM Business News, Radio WITH 1230 AM Talk, Radio WJFK 1300 AM Sports, Radio WJSS 1330 AM Religious, Radio WWLG 1370 AM Nostalgia, Radio WWIN 1400 AM Gospel Music, Radio WNAV 1430 AM Adult Contemporary, Radio WCTR 1530 AM Nostalgia, Radio WNST 1570 AM Sports, Radio

22 ] Baltimore Information Guide NEIGHBORHOODS families. Today, Charles Village’s stately Victorian rowhomes, with the Shot Tower, and the Flag House. their ornate pillared porches and stained glass transoms, have been Lexington Market rediscovered and restored by a new generation of homeowners, Baltimore’s Lexington Market, the world’s largest, continuously who share their lively community with a seasonal population of running open-stall food market, has operated since 1782 at the students from nearby Johns Hopkins University. same site it occupies today on the city’s West Side. General John Federal Hill Eager Howard, a hero of the American Revolution, donated the land Located just south of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, this community is for the market, named for the Battle of Lexington, on his return from named for Federal Hill Park, one of the city’s prime landmarks, the war. Today, with more than 100 active vendors, the Market which provides a spectacular view of the Harbor and downtown remains a popular destination for Baltimoreans and visitors for both skyline. Federal Hill itself is a neighborhood primarily of late 19th shopping and dining. century brick rowhomes, most of which have been rehabbed into Little Italy modern residences in the past 20 years. With their central location, Nestled between the Inner Harbor and Historic Fells Point, Federal Hill residents are just a ten-minute walk from the Harbor and Baltimore’s Little Italy is a warm and inviting neighborhood where well within walking distance of most downtown businesses, Oriole most of its welcoming and colorful residents are of Italian descent. Park at Camden Yards, the M&T Bank Stadium, and commuter rail The community boasts more than 20 of Maryland’s best Italian lines. restaurants and trattorias. It is also home to the nationally Fells Point recognized Italian Film Festival, held outdoors on Friday evenings Fells Point is a popular waterfront community just east of during the summer months with live music and refreshments. Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Established during the colonial era as a Mt. Vernon separate town, Fells Point today is a neighborhood rich in maritime A National Register Historic District, Mount Vernon encompasses history, colorful attractions, and delightful pubs and restaurants. the best of what city living has to offer. This historic neighborhood Known to many visitors as a lively entertainment district, the ‘Point’ of large Victorian townhomes and carriage houses not only serves is also home to a very diverse community of residents, from as the cultural hub of Baltimore, but also as home to a diverse bohemian artists to digital designers. Most services and shopping group of businesses and residents, including college students, are within easy walking distance, giving the community a livable, professionals, and empty-nesters. Nearby attractions include the ‘small town’ feel. Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, Walters Art Museum, Peabody Hampden Conservatory of Music, and Maryland Institute College of Art. An insular community in North Baltimore that was once home to Patterson Park 19th century mill workers, Hampden has blossomed in recent years This family-oriented neighborhood wraps around the 185-acre as a hip, attractive residential neighborhood. Singles and young Patterson Park, an East Baltimore oasis that features a public pool, families are discovering that Hampden’s small town atmosphere tennis courts, basketball courts and baseball diamonds, as well as and proximity to downtown make it one of the most desirable of scenic paths and its famous Pagoda. Homes in the neighborhood Baltimore’s neighborhoods—a great place to live, work and play. It range from 3 story Victorians bordering Patterson Park to two story is also a fun place to visit with scores of elegant to funky stores, rowhomes on our side streets. Interiors often feature pressed tin eclectic restaurants, and yearly special events like the Hon Fest. ceilings, hardwood floors, stained glass windows, and ornate Inner Harbor moldings. Patterson Park is within easy walking distance of the As the location where Baltimore City was founded nearly 300 Canton and Fells Point neighborhoods. years ago, the Inner Harbor has been at the city’s heart. Since its Union Square transformation in 1980s from wharves to a modern, world-class Named for the charming and graceful park that lies at its center, entertainment and shopping district, the Inner Harbor today attracts Union Square is located in the Union Square/Hollins Market Historic millions of tourists annually to such attractions as Harborplace, the District of Southwest Baltimore, known to locals as Sowebo. Within National Aquarium in Baltimore, the Maryland Science Center, the its borders, the colorful and storied history of 19th and 20th century USS Constellation, the Power Plant, and more. Baltimore unfolds through distinctive architecture, historic markets, Jamestown local museums, and longtime residents. The neighborhood is home Founded in the late 17th century across the Jones Falls from to several art galleries, artist studios, and a bed and breakfast (the Baltimore Town, Jonestown was once the home of the area’s 1870 Guest House) that overlooks the square. One of Baltimore’s wealthiest people of the era, who desired a life away from the hustle friendliest communities, Union Square is marked by pre- and post- and bustle of horse-drawn carriages. Today, this historic Civil War architecture, period street lamps, brick sidewalks and community, located just east of Baltimore’s Downtown, boasts such stately row homes, including the lifelong home of ‘The Sage of historic treasures as The Charles Carroll Mansion, the McKim Free Baltimore,’ H. L. Mencken, at 1524 Hollins St. School, the Old Town Meeting House, the Lloyd Street Synagogue,

continued on page 24

Baltimore Information Guide [ 23 NEIGHBORHOODS

The New West Side Central Business District and Inner Harbor while preserving an From its former glory as old Baltimore’s premier shopping district amazing variety of historic architectural styles, from early 19th with huge department store emporiums, Baltimore’s West Side is century Federal townhouses to Reconstruction-era cast-iron currently undergoing a unique renaissance that will transform its 20- façades and Art Deco storefronts. The West Side’s centerpiece is block area into a mix of upscale housing, new stores, and modern the newly opened France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, created offices. This ambitious $160 million public-private renewal project, from three historic landmark buildings—the Western National Bank, slated for completion by 2007, will link the area to Baltimore’s the Eutaw Savings Bank and the original Hippodrome Theater.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The most blue collar of American cities started as the most blue The battle raged for 12 hours. Eight miles away, aboard a British blooded. Cecil Calvert, Lord Baltimore, hoped to reproduce vessel, an American watched the bombardment. Francis Scott Key England as perfectly as possible. But by the end of the 19th century, was a doctor; he’d been inquiring after a patient when a British the city built as a seat for landed gentry had become a collection of officer detained him for the duration of the battle. As evening fell, fiercely solid working class neighborhoods. Key could plainly see the American flag-80 feet long and 40 feet Cecil appointed his brother Leo as the first governor, and, on high-above the fort. The sight inspired Key to write “The Star November 22, 1632, the Ark and the Dove set sail from England Spangled Banner,” which was later declared the official national with about 140 settlers, a mix of Protestants and Catholics. By anthem of the United States. Though the lyrics are Key’s, the tune March 25, 1633, the Feast of the Annunciation, they had comes from an old British drinking song. established their first Maryland landing on the island of St. By the end of the Civil War, Baltimore started to resemble the city Clement’s. it is today. The landed gentry of Lord Baltimore’s time were long Maryland’s early years were a rich time for landed gentry. With gone. The rising cities of New York and Boston and Philadelphia rolling estates, rich hunting and fishing, a good port and black had become the new centers of culture, and many of the rich had slaves and indentured whites to do the work, it was very much like moved on. Lord Baltimore’s vision of an idyllic England, except that Catholics The end of the 19th Century marks the beginning of baseball. The and Protestants were trying to live in harmony. This religious mix Baltimore Orioles was among the first teams. Babe Ruth was born was highly unusual at the time; within a few years the religious here in 1895; his father ran a pub on a spot in what is now Camden tensions back in England would lead to civil war. Yards. The Orioles’ Cal Ripken, Jr., is a legend here, and In the colony’s early years, 80 percent of the land was controlled everywhere that baseball is followed. by about 10 percent of the population. The town of Baltimore was Modern Baltimore began at the end of World War II. As the new chartered on August 8, 1729 as a place to put the colony’s new suburbs developed, downtown fell on hard times. By the 1960s, customs house; eventually it became the chief port, and today it is Baltimore faced the same sort of abandonment and blight as most the fifth busiest port in the United States. American cities. This changed in the 1980s with the development of By the 1750s, the main export crops were cereal grains and flour, the Inner Harbor and Camden Yards, the new home of the Orioles. ground in the new mills of Baltimore. Indentured servitude came to A Brief Chronology an end, and these new freemen opened a series of small farms 1634 - Arrival at St. Clement’s Island. across the state. Trade with the other colonies and with Europe was 1689 - Anne Arundell Town named Maryland’s capital. Renamed the principle industry of this seaport town, and the forces that Annapolis, 1695. propelled America into the Revolutionary War were keenly felt 1729 - Baltimore established, August 8. here–Baltimoreans raided British merchant frigates under officially 1745 - Baltimore becomes the state capital. sanctioned “privateering” laws. 1808 - Mother Elizabeth Seton opens a school for girls on Paca During the Napoleonic Wars, Baltimore ships proved adept at Street. skirting British blockades to supply France. Eager to take another 1812 - University of Maryland founded. crack at the ex-colonies, Britain declared war. During the War of 1812, the British burned Washington D.C., General Andrew 1814 - Ft. McHenry defends Baltimore from British invasion after Jackson made a name for himself defeating the British in the Battle the burning of Washington, Sunday, September 11. Eight of New Orleans, and in 1814 British troops advanced on Baltimore, miles away, Francis Scott Key writes “The Star Spangled planning to burn the town and destroy the core of the American Banner.” merchant fleet in the harbor. On Sunday, September 11, 1814, they 1849 - Edgar Allan Poe found ill in a gutter October 7; died a few attacked the harbor defenses at Ft. McHenry. days later.

24 ] Baltimore Information Guide HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

1891 - John McGraw joins the Orioles. 1982 - The critically acclaimed movie “Diner” shows a side of 1895-96 - Orioles win the pennant two years in a row. Baltimore the world had forgotten: a nice place to live. 1895 - George Herman “Babe” Ruth born, February 6. 1981 - Cal Ripken, Jr, gets his first hit as an Oriole August 16, 1981. 1904 - Massive fire destroys most of Baltimore’s business district. In his career, he has hit over 3,000, only the 24th man to do so. Over the next 13 years, Ripken never misses a game, 1906 - Satirist and critic H.L. Mencken (1880-1956) joins the breaking Lou Gehrig’s “iron man” record of 2,130 Baltimore Sun newspaper. consecutive games on Sept. 6, 1995. 1924 - Mencken, with George Jean Nathan, founds the American 1992 - Oriole Park at Camden Yards opens April 6, setting the Mercury magazine. He continues as editor until 1933. standard for modern baseball parks. 1975 - Mother Elizabeth Seton canonized as the first American 1995-99 - The television series “Homicide” makes the city’s high saint. crime rate a source of pride and a popular tourist location. 1980 - National Aquarium opens.

WHERE TO STAY

Once you arrive from Interstate 95 or the Baltimore-Washington If you’d prefer to stay in one of Baltimore’s historic districts, Fells International Airport, you’ll have your choice of accommodations. In Point is a good option. The waterfront community is just east of the the metropolitan Baltimore area, there are several options, ranging Inner Harbor, within easy walking distance of the city’s major from rural campgrounds to downtown luxury hotels. You can attractions. In this maritime neighborhood, you’ll find the delightful choose to stay in the most convenient part of town. Or the most Admiral Fell Inn, a collection of centuries-old buildings. The rooms scenic. Or the least expensive. aren’t fancy, but they’re comfortable. If you’d like something a little Many people think of the Inner Harbor as their destination in more luxurious, reserve a room at Celie’s Waterfront Bed & Baltimore. For those who want to stay at a hotel in the middle of the Breakfast. Most rooms have views of the harbor or the inn’s action, there are several options. The Harbor Court Hotel is a luxury landscaped gardens, and each is decorated with antiques and waterside hotel, reminiscent of an old English manor. It’s just blocks collectibles. from the business district and the city’s vibrant Inner Harbor. The Many business travelers in search of comfort and convenience Renaissance Harborplace Hotel is also a good choice. Just steps often choose to stay at one of the many hotels by the Baltimore- from the Inner Harbor, it has a wonderful restaurant, a shopping mall Washington International Airport, 20 minutes west of the city in and rooms with views of the water. The Inner Harbor area is also suburban Baltimore County. The Comfort Inn Airport hotel, a 10- home to the Hyatt Regency Baltimore, a fixture in downtown time winner of Choice Hotels’ “Gold Award,” offers comfortable Baltimore for more than 14 years, the Baltimore Marriott Inner rooms with free shuttle service to the airport, Light Rail and Amtrak. Harbor, the Omni Inner Harbor Hotel and the Holiday Inn - Inner The Sheraton International Hotel is the only hotel on BWI grounds, Harbor. making it extremely convenient for business meetings. It offers If you find the idea of a more reclusive setting appealing, you spacious rooms and monitors that provide up-to-date flight might prefer to stay at the Crosskeys Inn in North Baltimore. The information. Other hotels close to the airport include the Holiday Inn, inn, located in a park-like setting, offers easy access to the upscale Microtel Inn & Suites - BWI, and the BWI Airport Marriott Hotel. For Village of Cross Keys shopping center. It’s far removed from the visitors who plan to stay in Baltimore for an extended period, hustle and bustle of downtown, yet it’s still convenient to all that Candlewood Suites - BWI is worth looking into. Every guest room is Baltimore has to offer. A free shuttle takes guests to and from the equipped with a kitchen; some have separate living and sleeping Inner Harbor. areas. The Mt. Vernon neighborhood is also a very pleasant place to For visitors who wish to explore outlying areas, there are several stay. Located just north of the downtown business district, it’s a hotels to choose from. Northwest of Baltimore, you’ll find the Days central location, within walking distance to the Peabody Institute Inn Westminster, located on Route 140, the main thoroughfare and the Walters Art Gallery, and a short ride south to the Inner through Carroll County. It’s convenient to nearby attractions, Harbor or north to the world renowned Johns Hopkins University. including the Carroll County Farm Museum. Many visitors to There are many excellent shops, restaurants and hotels in the area, Howard County, about 20 minutes west of Baltimore, choose to and a wonderful assortment of 19-century architecture. It’s also less stay at the Sheraton Columbia Hotel, a lakeside retreat on a 10-acre expensive than staying at the Inner Harbor. The hotel of choice in wooded estate, or the serene Hilton Columbia. Visitors to historic this charming neighborhood is the recently renovated Clarion Hotel Annapolis can choose to stay in the heart of the state capital, at the

Mount Vernon Square. continued on page 26

Baltimore Information Guide [ 25 WHERE TO STAY

Annapolis Marriott Waterfront, or at the Loews Annapolis Hotel, the cabins, as well as several tent sites. bayside city’s only four-star hotel. As you can see, Baltimore and its surrounding suburbs feature a Of course, if you prefer the great outdoors to luxury great many fine hotels and other accommodations. So, browse accommodations, a well-equipped campground is a wonderful through this Web site and decide where you’ll be spending most of option. Consider staying at the Maple Tree Campground. Located your time; there’s sure to be a wonderful place to stay nearby. in rural Western Maryland, it features eight tree houses and four tree

LOCAL CUISINE

The Chesapeake Bay takes its name from a Native American Lake Trout Sandwich phrase for “Great Shellfish Bay.” So it's no wonder that Baltimore, The term Lake Trout sandwiches became a fast food staple nestled along the bay's north shore, developed a hometown cuisine around Baltimore after restaurant entrepreneurs realized the actual dominated by crustaceans. The blue crab, in particular, has fish in use, Atlantic whiting, sounded less appealing. Lake trout become a city staple. Although fish cakes have been around since (Salvelinus namaycush), one of the largest fresh-water fish, the 1800s, they first earned the name “Baltimore Crab Cakes” in the generally 15 - 20" long, is caught in the cold-water lakes of the 1930s. The popularity of crabs comes from Baltimore's proximity to northern United States and Canada. Atlantic whiting is found in the Chesapeake Bay. In Baltimore, you'll find moist crabmeat stuffed waters between the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Virginia. inside Chinese dumplings, sprinkled over linguine and wrapped in Local Susan Fradkin's description of the perfect trout sandwich fajitas. “It must be fried on the spot – it can't sit wilting under warming Crab Cakes lights. You must get a lot for a little. You must be served two slices Perhaps the ultimate crabmeat dish, and certainly the one of white bread, to soak up the grease and construct a sandwich. Baltimore is most famous for, is the crab cake. You'll find these The fish should be big and meaty – but it shouldn't be too moist. delightful crabmeat patties served in scores of bars and restaurants The coating must enhance, not overwhelm. Bones should be all over the city. Wherever you decide to go for crab cakes, there are minimal. The fish should be fresh and tasty.” a few terms you should be familiar with. The first is Market Price. Pit Beef Crabs are both seasonal and in short supply, and thus the price Derived in Baltimore's blue collar neighborhoods, pit beef varies even during the prime crabbing months of June through sandwiches embrace a hodgepodge of culinary ideas. Pit beef is September. You should also know the terms Special, Backfin, and Baltimore's version of barbecue: beef grilled crusty on the outside, Jumbo Lump. These are the three grades of crabmeat, and rank the rare and juicy inside and heaped high on a sandwich. Several things size of the pieces from smallest to largest. All three grades have the make it distinctive in the realm of American barbecue. same flavor, and crab cakes made with Special or Backfin are Pit beef is grilled, not smoked, so it lacks the heavy hickory or usually much less expensive than those made with Jumbo Lump. mesquite flavor characteristic of Texas- or Kansas City-style Corn Beef Row barbecue. It is also ideally served rare, which would be unthinkable If you crave the old-school deli experience along with your for a Texas-style brisket. Baltimore pit bosses use top round, not mustard-soaked sandwich, this is the place to be--for the time brisket, and to make this flavorful but tough cut of beef tender, they being, at least. You can still get a corned-beef sandwich at Lenny's, shave it paper-thin on a meat slicer. Truly authentic pit beef or Weiss' across the street, or Attman’s, the city’s last outpost of sandwiches are often served on rye bread, adding an eastern genuine old-style Jewish deli. But these are scattered remnants of European flavor, but usually served pile high on a roll. The proper a time when there was such a thing as Baltimore deli and this condiment for Baltimore pit beef is horseradish sauce – as much as stretch of Lombard was its epicenter. An influx of Eastern European you can bear without crying. immigrants to Baltimore led to the development of Corned Beef CHAPS Charcoal Restaurant, www.chapspitbeef.com, is one the Row in the 1930s, a district filled with Jewish delis. best restaurants to experience a pit beef. The restaurant has been On this spot 60 or 70 years ago, you’d have been surrounded by featured on Food Network's program Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives a marketplace so busy and full of life that it would rival any modern- Chocolate Tops day city center. Here sprouted a commercial district to A childhood favorite if you grew up in the area. Chocolate tops accommodate the many Jewish immigrants who, like so many are a type of cookie found in the area at many bakeries and grocery other Eastern Europeans, flocked to Baltimore in the late 19th and stores. As a regional product, they are unknown elsewhere. By early 20th centuries and settled largely on the east side. definition, a chocolate top is a light, cakey cookie topped with a thick layer of chocolate icing. The appealing nature of chocolate top cookies is its crispy texture.

26 ] Baltimore Information Guide LOCAL CUISINE

Places to Go Canton Inner Harbor To the northeast of Fells Point is Canton, one of Baltimore's recently refurbished neighborhoods. Formerly an industrial area, it's A great place to start exploring some of the city's culinary treats now home to Atlantic, one of the city's most exciting new is the Inner Harbor, which is in many ways Baltimore's showpiece. restaurants, and a number of upscale cocktail bars, such as The This dockside expanse is home to numerous educational and Gin Mill and The Cosmopolitan Bar & Grill. There are also several tourist attractions, hotels, stores, and enough restaurants to allow cozy, friendly neighborhood eateries, like Nacho Mama's and the you to dine-out happily for weeks. Beside the aforementioned crab Cosmopolitan Bar & Grill. houses, highlights include Victor's Café, serving Italian-styled fare, and the bustling, seafood-oriented City Lights Restaurant. Then Many other great restaurants are scattered throughout the rest of there's Hampton's, one of the finest restaurants in the city, and, Baltimore's many neighborhoods. The East Baltimore according to Conde Naste, in the country. neighborhood of Greek Town is—as its name implies—host to many excellent Greek restaurants, Ikaros foremost among them. In Heading uptown from the Inner Harbor on North Charles Street, the midtown neighborhood of Charles Village you'll find Niwana, a you'll soon come to the lovely neighborhood of Mount Vernon. great Korean and Chinese eatery. Just to the north, in the Govans Here, in the shadow of a 178-foot monument to George neighborhood, lies the marvelous Café Zen. To the west, Hampden Washington, you'll find a number of great places to dine. Two more is home to both the aforementioned Mamie's Café and the Café of the city's absolute best, The Brass Elephant and Tio Pepe are Hon. Up in the quiet neighborhood of Mount Washington, located located here. Relative newcomers like The Purple Orchid, which in northwest Baltimore, you'll find several charming eateries serves a blend of French and Vietnamese cuisine, and Brewer's Art, including Ethel and Ramone's and The Desert Café. And a few which serves creative German-styled fare, also thrive here. Finally, minutes further west, in busy Pikesville, is the popular Olive and it's also home to an array of fine ethnic restaurants such as The Silk Sesame. Road, which serves Afghani dishes, and Akbar, which serves Indian dishes. Indeed, you can count on always being able to find something Federal Hill good to eat, no matter where you go in Baltimore. And remember, Just south of the Inner Harbor is Federal Hill. A touch funkier than when in doubt: order the crab cakes. Mount Vernon, it's also host to a wide range of places to eat and Farmers’ Market drink. Foremost among them is Ten Oh Six, a tiny restaurant that “Eat Fresh Buy Local” focuses on the healthy, fresh foods blends Thai and Continental cuisine. There's also Matsuri, one of available at Baltimore County's farmers' markets. Baltimore County the city's many fine Japanese restaurants and the One World Café, farmers bring a wealth of products to market, including fresh a bohemian-flavored coffeehouse that serves great food and offers turkeys, beef and bison, luscious fruits and vegetables and beautiful lots of vegetarian and vegan choices. Finally, over on the bay side plants and flowers. Locally grown foods also are good for the of the neighborhood, you'll find Joy America Café, a four-star environment, reducing carbon emissions by taking away miles of restaurant atop the American Visionary Art Museum. long distance trucking. Little Italy Lexington Market www.lexingtonmarket.com Just to the east of the Inner Harbor lies Little Italy, one of 400 West Lexington Street Baltimore's culinary treasures. At last count, this 12-block expanse Baltimore, MD 21201 (410) 685-6169 was home to over 20 fine Italian restaurants. It's really not fair to Much more than a farmers’ market, this is a must see! The name lust a few, but Sabatino's, Aldo's and Della Notte provide fine Lexington Market was established in 1782 and still stands on the examples of what the area offers. original site. The Market offers a variety of all types of food from Fells Point seafood and meat to fruit to baked goods. On offer are 10 fresh On weekends, this maritime district is swarmed with college produce stalls, 11 delicatessen stalls, 6 fresh fish stalls, 5 fresh students and young professionals looking for fun in the area's many poultry stalls, 8 bakery stalls, 6 fresh meat stalls, 3 candy stalls and nightclubs. Bohager's, with its large outdoor dance floor, is a prime a variety of prepared foods including 6 seafood and 19 international example of these. But the neighborhood is also a favorite haunt of cuisine stalls complimented by over 80 quality vendors selling Baltimore's bohemian folk, who frequent coffeehouses like Funk's various foods. Democratic Coffee Spot. Then there are those places like Bertha's, Catonsville an illustrious seafood restaurant, and The Horse You Came In On, Wednesdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. an old fashioned bar, that epitomize the off-beat, blue-collar chic May - November unique to Baltimore. There are also plenty of places to hear live Community Center music, including The Full Moon Saloon, which features blues music, 108 Bloomsbury Ave. and The Cat's Eye Pub, which features Irish music. And finally, it's (410) 719-9609 also home to two of the town’s best new four-star restaurants, The Black Olive and Kali's Court. continued on page 39

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LOCAL CUISINE

Dundalk Village Pikesville Shops at Kenilworth Saturdays 6 a.m. to noon Tuesdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 798 Kenilworth Dr. July 11 - November 14 June - October Tuesdays 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Shipping Place at Dunmanway Walker Avenue Near Pikesville Library May - October 27 (410) 484-2337 Eastpoint White Marsh Wednesdays 11 a.m to 2 p.m. Randallstown Fridays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June - October Wednesday 3:00 to 6 p.m. July - October Eastpoint Mall July - September The Avenue at White Marsh 7839 Eastern Ave. Community Center (410) 562-3464 3505 Resource Dr. Woodlawn (410) 887-3389 Thursdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Owings Mills July - September Sundays 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Towson Woodlawn Bowling May - November (410) 825-1144 6410 Security Blvd 3506 Gwynnbrook Ave. Thursdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (410) 409-9172 (410) 206-8165 June - November Allegheny between York Rd. & Washington Saturdays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Parking lot next to 17 Allegheny Ave.

ENTERTAINMENT

Baltimore offers endless entertainment options, from live music popular Federal Hill pastime. There are also street festivals several and museums to stage, screen and sports events. Visitors often times a year. These are organized through a very active begin their stay in “Charm City” with a trip to the Inner Harbor, which neighborhood organization and business organization, as is the offers a wonderful preview of all that Baltimore has to offer. The area annual Shakespeare on the Hill series of summer performances in is home to many restaurants, shops and museums, as well as the the park atop the actual Federal Hill. waterfront Pier Six Concert Pavilion. Sports Music There’s major league baseball at the downtown Camden Yards, For classical music, of course, there is always the Baltimore home of the Baltimore Orioles. At nearby M&T Bank Stadium, fans Symphony and recitals, opera, and new work at the Peabody of the National Football League can watch the Ravens play. Both Institute. In the summer, the Symphony performs at Oregon Ridge stadiums are within easy walking distance of the Inner Harbor and Park in suburban Cockeysville (Baltimore County). The outdoor downtown business district. You may also enjoy following indoor venue offers visitors a wonderful opportunity to enjoy great music in soccer with the Baltimore Blast. a serene atmosphere. Baltimore Orioles baltimore.orioles.mlb.com Baltimore Symphony Orchestra www.bsomusic.org Oriole Park at Camden Yards 1212 Cathedral St Ste 1 333 West Camden Street Baltimore Baltimore, MD (410)783-8000 (410) 685-9800 Live music on a smaller scale is easy to find in bars and M&T Bank Stadium www.baltimoreravens.com restaurants around town, or on summer nights by the Harbor. For 1101 Russell Street classic rock-n-roll, the historic waterfront neighborhood of Fells Baltimore, MD 21230 Point will be your choice. Just walk through Fells Point until you find (410) 261-RAVE (7283) what you want; it's there somewhere, in one of the many bars along Baltimore Blast www.baltimoreblast.com the cobblestones. At Bertha’s, in the heart of Fells Point, you’re 1st Mariner Arena 201 West Baltimore Street likely to find a live jazz or folk band playing. There’s also plenty of Baltimore, MD 21201 Irish music performed at other restaurants in the neighborhood, if (410) 347-2020 you want something lively but not as loud. If biking or skating is more your style, be sure to take advantage Federal Hill can just be a stroll through the park as it offers an of the Baltimore & Annapolis Trail in beautiful Anne Arundel County, attractive view of Baltimore’s skyline and maritime vistas. However, about 20 minutes south of Baltimore by car. The 13-mile paved trail if something more invigorating is your style, there is a potpourri of stretches from suburban Glen Burnie to Annapolis, affording bars and restaurants on Charles and Light streets suitable for every bicyclists, skaters and walkers a respite from the hustle and bustle wallet and palate. Hearing live music at any number of taverns is a continued on page 32

Baltimore Information Guide [ 31 ENTERTAINMENT of Baltimore’s encroaching suburbs. Visitors with more eclectic interests might enjoy visiting the Hikers will enjoy spending a day at the Earth Treks Climbing National Museum of Dentistry, Mud and Metal, which sells Center, www.earthtreksclimbing.com in Columbia (Howard County). alternative art objects, or the smaller art galleries in Baltimore. Many, It is the East Coast’s largest indoor climbing center, featuring a including the Watermark Gallery and the Art Gallery of Fells Point state-of-the-art, 13,250-squarefoot climbing surface that resembles display the work of local artists. The Baltimore Streetcar Museum a southwestern canyon with 44-foot high cliffs. and B & 0 Railroad Museum are also worth visiting. If you prefer to spend time outdoors, try golfing. You’ll find a African Art Museum of Maryland www.africanartmuseum.org range of courses, from the city’s Carroll Park Municipal Golf Course, 5430 Vantage Point Road a 12-hole, par 40 course, to the more challenging Diamond Ridge Columbia, MD 21044-0105 (410) 730-7106 18-hole, par 71 course owned and operated by Baltimore County. Baltimore Civil War Museum Stage and Screen Maryland Historical Society Film buffs will relish Baltimore’s landmark theaters: The Charles 201 West Monument St. Theater and the Senator Theater. The former has been a fixture of Baltimore, MD 21201-4674 (410) 685-3750 the city’s cinema scene since 1939; the latter has been named one of the top four theaters in the country. The Baltimore Museum of Art www.artbma.org 10 Art Museum Drive If stage performances are more to your liking, try to catch a Baltimore, MD 21218-3898 performance at Center Stage in downtown Baltimore. This (443) 573-1700 respected regional theater consistently offers high-quality The Walters Art Gallery www.thewalters.org productions on its two stages, the Head Theater and the Pearlstone 600 North Charles Street Theater. Baltimore, MD 21201-5185 (410) 547-9000 The Charles Theater www.thecharles.com 1711 North Charles Street American Visionary Art Museum www.avam.org Baltimore, MD 800 Key Highway (410) 727-FILM Baltimore, MD 21230 (410) 244-1900 Senator Theatre www.senator.com 5904 York Rd The American Visionary Art Museum is located in a historic Baltimore, MD location in downtown Baltimore at the base of Federal Hill. Critically (410) 323-4665 acclaimed as an “architectural jewel,” the 35,000-square-foot main Center Stage www.centerstage.org building combines an elliptical, three-story, historic industrial 700 North Calvert Street building with extensive new architecture to contain six galleries, Baltimore, MD 21202 filled with art exploring one central exhibition theme at a time. (410) 332.0033 Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum Museums and Art Galleries 216 Emory St The Baltimore region is home to many museums and art galleries. Baltimore, MD 21230 No matter what your interests—sports, western, Asian or African (410) 727-1539 art, the Civil War or even dentistry—you’re likely to find a museum The city’s native son, the Great Bambino, is celebrated in the in or near Charm City that’s dedicated to it. house he was born in, now a museum stocked with memorabilia like the catcher’s mitt he used while learning baseball, the bat from No trip to Baltimore would be complete without a visit to the his famed 1927 season and exhibits honoring the Orioles. Walters Art Gallery. This downtown gallery boasts a collection that Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry spans nearly the entire history of Western art. The Walters also 31 South Greene Street houses one of the largest collections of traditional Asian art in the Baltimore, MD 21201 United States. Fans of modern American artists will delight in the (410) 706-0600 nearby Baltimore Museum of Art. www.dentalmuseum.org If African art peaks your interest, you won’t want to miss the Smile-inspiring exhibitions and innovative programs make a African Art Museum of Maryland in Columbia, a 20-minute drive national impact to educate the public about the importance of good from downtown Baltimore. oral health to a healthy life. Civil War buffs will enjoy spending an afternoon at the Baltimore See amazing teeth feats, marvel at George Washington’s Civil War Museum. It chronicles the story of the first casualties of the choppers (find out if they were ever made of wood), sing along to Civil War, as well as Baltimore’s role in the underground railroad. vintage toothpaste commercials, and discover fascinating Sports fans will love the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum. It exhibitions that encourage good oral health habits and celebrate features Babe’s boyhood bat, the score card from his first the heritage and future of dentistry. An Affiliate of the Smithsonian professional game and Orioles team memorabilia. Institution, the National Museum of Dentistry is designated by

32 ] Baltimore Information Guide ENTERTAINMENT

Congress as the nation’s official museum of the dental profession. unique exhibition of Americana and comic character collectibles Fort McHenry National Monument spans the 1700s to the present, with nearly 8,000 items including 2400 E Fort Ave comics, toys, dolls, games and memorabilia of every conceivable Baltimore, MD 21230-5393 category. The exhibition entertains and educates visitors about the (410) 962-4290 role of pop culture in our lives. Historic fort that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the U.S. Jewish Museum of Maryland national anthem. Inside the visitor center was a very in-depth story 15 Lloyd Street of Francis Scott Key, the Star- Spangled Banner, and the generally Baltimore MD 21202 overlooked War of 1812. Make sure you watch the presentation on (410) 732-6400 the Anthem, I won’t tell you what happens, but I will tell you that you www.jewishmuseummd.org have to see it. America’s leading museum of regional Jewish history, culture and Geppi’s Entertainment Museum community. The Museum interprets the Jewish experience in 301 W Camden St America, with special attention to Jewish life in the state of Baltimore, MD 21201 Maryland. The Museum was founded in 1960 to rescue and restore (410) 625-7060 the historic Lloyd Street Synagogue, and has become a cultural www.geppismuseum.com center for the Jewish community and for those interested in Jewish Geppi’s Entertainment Museum is a 17,000 square foot pop history and traditions. culture museum located in Camden Station at Camden Yards in Baltimore, MD, a few blocks from the city’s famed Inner Harbor. This

CHILDREN’S ATTRACTIONS

“Charm City” is a wonderful place to bring the kids for a day of Baltimore Water Taxi www.baltimorewatertaxi.com fun. Be sure to visit Port Discovery, where children can climb, crawl (410) 563-3900 and slide through a treehouse or learn to make their own jewelry. A A must for kids! For more than 35 years the Baltimore Water trip to the National Aquarium in Baltimore is also sure to be a hit with Taxi’s blue and white fleet has proven itself to be an integral part of the young and young at heart. Attractions at this Inner Harbor the city’s history and culture. From Fort McHenry to Baltimore’s attraction include a simulated rainforest and regularly scheduled famous Inner Harbor and everywhere in between, the Baltimore dolphin shows. The nearby Maryland Science Center will inspire Water Taxi connects you to the finest attractions, restaurants, bars, curious children with interactive exhibits that focus on physics, shopping, and history that Baltimore has to offer. Each of our marine biology and astronomy. Landings offers an opportunity to explore the unique Adventure Park USA www.adventureparkusa.com neighborhoods that make up the character of Baltimore’s 11113 West Baldwin Road Waterfront. See map following page. New Market, MD 21774 Maryland Science Center www.mdsci.org (301) 865-6800 601 Light Street Wild West-themed amusement park offers laser tag, paintball, Baltimore MD 21230 arcades and miniature golf in addition to its rides and concessions. (410) 685-5225 Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum www.borail.org A major expansion and renovation of the entire facility was 901 West Pratt St. completed in May of 2004. New exhibitions were added on all levels Baltimore, MD 21223 as well as the addition of a permanent hall showcasing dinosaurs (410) 752-2490 and earth sciences, and a dedicated gallery for housing temporary In the late 19th century, an overzealous publicity agent developed exhibitions. Upgrades to the IMAX Theater introduced 3D film a trade show exhibit for a major American railroad headquartered in technology and improvements to the physical plant updated and Baltimore, Maryland. This exhibit survived the railroad that enhanced visitor amenities and services. Interactive exhibits sponsored it and grew to become a “national treasure” of railroad combined with the state-of-the-art Davis Planetarium make this an artifacts. Today, it comprises the collection of the Baltimore & Ohio enjoyable as well as education visit to young and young at heart. Railroad Museum, the oldest, most comprehensive American Directly next door to the Maryland Science Center is the railroad collection in the world. Carousel. It’s an old beautiful merry-go-round, dating back to l9l6. The B&O Railroad Museum brings alive the magic and adventure It’s also one of the few outdoor carousels remaining on the East of railroading every day! This historic national landmark allows you Coast. to see, touch, hear and explore the most important railroad collection in America. continued on page 34

Baltimore Information Guide [ 33 CHILDREN’S ATTRACTIONS

Maryland Zoo in Baltimore serve food in Tiny’s Diner or climb and slide through KidWorks, a 3- Druid Hill Park story urban treehouse. Baltimore, MD 21217 With so many areas to climb and explore, be sure to wear closed (410) 396-7102 toe, flat soled shoes and comfortable clothes so you can enjoy a fun Set in leafy Druid Hill Park, The Maryland Zoo exudes the old- and safe learning experience through the adventure of play! fashioned charm of its 19th-century origins, amid its 21st-century Sandy Point State Park makeover. With the Main Valley closed since 2004, visitors now take 1100 East College Parkway a tram to an entrance near the polar bears’ digs. The African Annapolis MD 21409 Journey is where you can visit the elephants, giraffes, lions, (410) 974-2149 chimpanzees, cheetahs and more. A boardwalk meanders through This 786-acre Maryland State Park is located along the The Children’s Zoo and Maryland Wilderness, allowing a close-up Northwestern shore of the majestic Chesapeake Bay. The park’s view of the animals. beaches and picnic areas are well known for their breathtaking National Aquarium in Baltimore www.aqua.org scenic water views that overlook one of Maryland’s true treasures, 501 East Pratt Street the Chesapeake Bay. The park was first opened on June 25, 1952 Baltimore, MD and has provided its guests with various activities and services ever (410) 576-3800 since. Some of these activities and services include Swimming This aquarium is perhaps the greatest attraction in Baltimore’s Beaches, Picnicking, Fishing, Crabbing, Boating, Hiking, Youth celebrated Inner Harbor. The exhibits start small with samples of Group Camping, Areas of Historical Interest and Wildlife Viewing. marine life from local waters, but visitors soon find themselves eye- The Park also offers a marina store and boat rentals. to-eye with sharks, rays and other very large creatures. A simulated rainforest ecosystem and regularly scheduled dolphin shows round Top of the World Observation Level www.viewbaltimore.org 401 E. Pratt Street out the attractions. 27th floor Port Discovery Children’s Museum www.portdiscovery.org Baltimore, MD 21202 35 Market Place Go to the 27th floor of Baltimore’s World Trade Center to enjoy Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 727-8120 the beautiful 360 degree view at the top. It’s a nice overview of the city. Kids think it is amazing and so will you. Port Discovery offers three floors of interactive, educational exhibits and ever-changing programs for children ages two through 10. Splish splash in Wonders of Water. Shop and pump gas at the Royal Farms Convenience Store and Fill’er Up Station. Cook and

34 ] Baltimore Information Guide Baltimore Information Guide [ 35 AFFORDABLE LUXURY

LASTING VALUE

HARFORD COUNTY The Warfi elds MARYLAND The Residences at Bulle Rock From the Mid $600’s From the Mid $300’s New Homesites Released! Howard County’s Best Value in TOWNHOMES New Section Open! Luxury, Low-Maintenance Living in a 5-Star Luxury, Estate Living in the Glenelg Area. Come Preview Our HOWARD COUNTY Golf Course Community. Convenient to I-95, Downtown Bel Aire New Model Home. (410) 489-5649 Maple Lawn and Baltimore. (410) 939-2062 Maple Woods From the Mid $400’s The Paddocks at Bulle Rock From the Upper $600’s New Section Released! Affordable Luxury Townhomes in From the Upper $300’s Model Grand Opening! Up to 3 Acre Amazing, Wooded a Community Where Classic Architecture Meets Small Only 1 Homesite Remaining! Harford County’s Best Value For Homesites Convenient to Rt. 29, Rt. 32 and the Clarksville Area. Town Charm. Located in Fulton. Convenient to Rt. 29 and Luxury Single-Family Homes. Final Cul-de-Sac Now Available. (301) 854-0460 Montgomery County. (301) 362-6707 Selling from The Residences at Bulle Rock. (410) 939-2062 Saddlebrook SINGLE FAMILY HOMES The Overlook at Bulle Rock From the Upper $600’s From the Low $400’s Only 2 Homesites Remain! Estate Homes Located in the Ellicott ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY Only 4 Homesites Remaining! Estate Homes with Sweeping City Area Surrounded by the Patapsco State Park. Now Selling Shipley’s Landing Views Atop Bulle Rock’s Highest Point. Selling from The from Our Amber Meadows Community. (410) 465-4385 From the Upper $500’s Residences at Bulle Rock. (410) 939-2062 Walnut Grove Model Grand Opening! Single-Family Homes in a Cul-de-Sac HOWARD COUNTY From the Upper $800’s Community in Severna Park. Located in the Severna Park School Grand Opening! Howard County’s Most Desirable New District.* (410) 923-1574 Oak Glen Community Located in Clarksville. Convenient to Shopping, From the Mid $500’s BALTIMORE COUNTY Dining and Sought After Schools. Please Visit Our On-Site Sales Grand Opening! Luxury Single-Family Homes Located in Ellicott Center. (443) 225-8638 Tufton Springs City with Excellent Access to Rt. 29, I-70, Rt. 100 and Rt. 99. From the Upper $600’s For More Information Please Contact Our Amber Meadows Only 7 Homesites Remain! Estate Homes on 1+ Acre, Wooded Community at (410) 465-4385. Model Hours: Mon. 1-6, Tues. – Fri. 10-6, Homesites in the Falls Road Corridor. Now Selling from Our Sat. and Sun. 11-6 Waterford Preserve Community. (410) 308-0203 Mount Hebron From the Upper $500’s Waterford Preserve Grand Opening! Located in the Established Neighborhood of From the Mid $800’s Mount Hebron in Ellicott City with Excellent Access to Rt. 29, Final Opportunity! Only 2 Homesites Remain! Estate Homes on I-70, Rt. 100 and Rt. 99. For More Information Please Contact 1-2 Acres in the Sought After Falls Road Corridor in Lutherville. Our Amber Meadows Community at (410) 465-4385 (410) 308-0203 Stratford II Worthington Green From the Upper $500’s From the Low $1 Millions Only 2 Homesites Remain! Private Cul-de-Sac Homesites Near Grand Opening! Breathtaking New Estate Homes on 1+ Acre Rt. 29 in Howard County. Just Minutes from Montgomery Homesites in the Greenspring Valley. Now Selling from Our County. (301) 776-4282 Waterford Preserve Community. (410) 308-0203 Maple Ridge Estates From the Mid $600’s Only 1 Homesite Remaining! 1+ Acre Homesites Convenient to Rt. 29 in Howard County. Near Maple Lawn and Minutes Prices, offers and fi nancing subject to change without notice. See a to Montgomery County. Now Selling from Our Maple Woods Sales and Marketing Representative for details. *Schools subject to Community. (301) 854-04600 change. Contact the School Board for more information. MHBR No. 56

36 ] Baltimore Information Guide NVHomesNS.com MOVING

SMOOTH TRANSITIONS

Choosing a Moving Company Have at least three movers come to your home and give estimates. Be sure to ask whether the estimates are binding, non-binding or guaranteed not to exceed a certain amount. Obtain each company’s assigned Motor Carrier number and call the USDOT at (202) 358-7000 to determine if they are registered and have the proper insurance on file. Ask your prospective moving company for a copy of the “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet. Relocation to Your New Town If you’re one of the 40 million Americans planning to move this year, you need a strategy. Starting early and staying organized is the key to a painless move. In general, follow the pre- move checklists provided. These lists will help you track the myriad of details needed to facilitate your move. If you are selling your present home and/or buying a new one, refer to the home inspection checklist, choosing a morgage, and the mortgage glossary. If you are planning to rent in your new city, read the article on rental tips. And, if you are undecided, we hope the article entitled “Buying vs. Renting” will help you assess the pros and cons of each. Whatever decisions you face based on your particular circumstances, stay positive, calm and organized. And, don’t forget to make some time just for yourself. It will probably save you a lot of time in the long run! Packing Tips • Sort your belongings. If you don’t use an item, dispose of it. • Label boxes indicating what they contain and in which room they should be placed. • Drain gas and oil from power tools so they will not leak; dispose of all volatile or corrosive chemicals. • After cleaning out the refrigerator and/or freezer, place pieces of charcoal in them to prevent mildew. • Pack important records in easily accessible place. Include medical, dental, school, insurance, credit card and tax records. • Use strong, clean containers with lids secured with twine or tape. • Put no more than 50 pounds in each container. • Place heavy items towards the bottom of the containers; lighter items on top. • Protect all finished surfaces from scratching by wrapping them in paper. • Use plenty of cushioning such as shredded or crumpled paper to protect belongings in boxes. Remember that newspaper ink can rub off and stain items packed with it. • Pack items tightly to avoid shifting during move. • Fragile items, like china, should be packed in reinforced boxes or in special boxes with compartments. • Individually wrap and cushion electrical appliances. • Make sure liquids and foodstuffs are placed in carefully sealed containers. Wrap and pack kitchenware tightly to prevent damage. • Chests and dressers should not be overloaded since glued furniture joints could collapse.

continued on page 38

Baltimore Information Guide [ 37 SMOOTH TRANSITIONS

• Unusually shaped or valuable items should be crated or moved correct rooms if you’re not available to tell them where to put by you and not the movers. Easily crushed items should be each box. individually boxed and cushioned. • Make a detailed floor plan for where you want things to go in your • You should not remove home fixtures such as window treatment new home. Photocopy it so you can tack up copies in every room hardware, towel racks and electrical fixtures. Unless your sales for the movers. agreement specifically states otherwise, such items are usually • Take snapshots of wall units and shelves, so you know how considered legally part of your residence.Let the moving things were arranged on them. company pack furniture, mirrors and artwork to prevent damage. Settling Into Your New Home Stay Organized Here are some basic tips to help make moving less traumatic: • Start by making the beds. Bedding tends to be bulky and eliminating lots of boxes quickly and easily will be encouraging. • Pack an “Immediate Box” or an overnight suitcase with the necessities you’ll be needing right away. Don’t forget to include • Unpack and organize children’s belonging’s next. Young children medicines and a first aid kit, toilet paper, tissue, and paper will quickly become restless without familiar things. Remember to towels. position storage hooks and shelves that children will be using within their reach. • Pack an “Immediate Kitchen” box including trash bags, the coffee pot or tea kettle, toaster, plastic silverware, paper plates, • Next, tackle the kitchen. This job will go much faster if each box styrofoam cups and some non-perishable snacks, such as has been specifically labeled as to its contents. Simply labeling crackers, peanut butter, dried fruit. This way, there will be some “Kitchen” doesn’t help you prioritize which box to unpack first. instant sustenance while you get organized. • Stay positive. Getting settled into your new home can seem • Affix colored labels to the moving boxes according to destination. overwhelming unless you look at it as a series of small projects. Put the same-color labels or signs on the door of the rooms • Congratulate yourself! You accomplished a lot today! where these boxes go. This way, movers will be directed to the

38 ] Baltimore Information Guide 12/31/11. 40 ] Baltimore Information Guide WHAT’S ALL THE TALK ABOUT. YOU PACK, THEY DRIVE MOVING?

Moving Decisions Save Time and Money Are you faced with an upcoming job relocation? With so many The “you pack, they drive” moving alternative saves you the options for moving your household items, it can be a difficult trouble of driving an unfamiliar vehicle as well as the stress and decision to determine which service best fits your moving needs. difficulty during a long-distance drive. Since the estimates provided Also, with a limited relocation budget from your employer to cover for this service are based on volume (space) and not weight, you will your moving costs, finding a service that complements your avoid unexpected higher moving costs and hidden fees associated pocketbook is important as well. While hiring a professional moving with other full-service moving companies. Unlike a rental truck, the company may be time-saving, the cost for full-service moving could normal moving expenses such as fuel, taxes, tolls, and unexpected be several thousand dollars. A recent trend in the moving industry costs such as flat tires and engine blowouts are covered by the is the do-it-yourself moving option. Most people associate do-it- service provider. yourself with the truck rental option; however, the “you pack, they Loading Service Options drive” moving alternative is becoming increasingly popular. The cost savings of using the “you pack, they drive” service New Moving Alternative largely result from packing and loading your trailer. Some customers With this type of service, you are expected to pack and load your may not have the physical ability or manpower to pack and load items in an adequately-sized commercial trailer. You are given up to their own trailer. This problem is relatively easy to solve—simply two business days to pack and load your goods. The cost of the check with one of the packing and loading companies suggested move is controlled by the customer because this service allows you by the “you pack, they drive” service provider. You can locate to pay for only the spaced used in the trailer. Once you have packing and loading assistance in both your origin and destination completed the packing and loading process, the trailer is picked up cities. By combining the “you pack, they drive” service with local by the local dispatch office. The trailer is then transported by a loading and unloading assistance, you can save money versus professional driver to your destination. You will receive an estimated using a full-service moving company. arrival time for delivery of your goods and will also have the ability to The Choice is Yours track your goods during the transit of your move. Upon arrival at During your search for the best moving option for your upcoming your new home, the trailer is delivered at the appointed time and job relocation, consider the “you pack, they drive” moving option you will unpack and unload your goods. The local dispatch office and know that you are in control of every aspect of your move. You will then come and remove the empty trailer. will not only save time and money, you will experience less stress and headache during an already stressful part of your life.

Baltimore Information Guide [ 41 PRE-MOVE CHECKLIST

One Month Before Two Weeks Before

 Take Inventory. Decide what to keep and what to get rid of.  Notify Phone Company: Your new local phone company should be notified of your move no sooner than 30 business  Reserve a rental truck or select a moving company. Look for days prior to move, and no later than 5 business days before rental trucks and moving companies in local brochures, yellow moving. The service representative will run a quick credit check pages, or through your rental agent/ real estate broker. and assign you a new telephone number.  Make a moving file for important documents, such as family  Notify Utilities: The electric and gas service companies should medical and dental records, school records, legal documents be contacted at least two weeks before your move. The old and titles, banking and financial statements, stock and bond service will need your move out date and you should request certificates, tax returns, birth certificates and insurance the return of any deposits at this time. The new service will documents. Include all receipts – many expenses are tax need your move in date to determine when service will be deductible. turned on or transferred to your name. You can inquire if they  Make any car rental, airline or hotel arrangements. have a billing plan to balance out of season differences by  paying a set amount each month. If moving into an apartment, Gather moving supplies such as boxes, tape, bubble wrap and check with the property manager to see if service was left on paper for wrapping. before you call the utility companies. Write down the  Post Office: A week before you move, you should stop by your emergency numbers to call in event of a problem or outage. local post office to fill out a change of address cards.  Banks: (checking accounts, investments, etc.): Before you Correspondence cards are also available to send to various move to your new city, make sure all existing accounts in your companies such as credit card companies, magazine old bank are closed. Find a new bank to fill your personal publishers and any other organizations that should be needs and open accounts, order checks and obtain direct informed of your move. The mail will be forwarded to your new deposit forms if applicable. home for a full year. After a year, the mail will be returned to the sender with your new address stamped on it. You can get an  Find a new doctor and dentist and have your family’s medical official change form at the local post office or on the Internet at records transferred to them. www.usps.gov/movernet.  Refill any prescription medications which must be taken  Credit Card Companies: Immediately notify all your credit card regularly and arrange to have those prescriptions transferred to companies of your move. Keeping an individual file on each your new city. one makes this process much easier. We suggest using the  Arrange to register your children in their new school(s). Contact correspondence cards offered at the post office in addition to their current school(s) to have their records forwarded. requesting in writing that they send you a letter of confirmation. It is also recommended to make a follow up call.

 Purchase Insurance: If you are moving from out of state and are insured by a fairly large company, they will most likely have an office in the city you are moving to. If you need to find a new company, it is important to get homeowners insurance at least one month before the move. Those moving to an apartment need to contact the insurance company two weeks before the move. If you have large amounts of jewelry and/or furs coats it’s important to contact the agency as soon as possible since you will be needing additional coverage.

 Remember to request the return of any security deposits.

42 ] Baltimore Information Guide PRE-MOVE CHECKLIST

One Week Before Moving Day

 Confirm any travel plans or reservations.  Early on moving day, reserve a large place for the moving truck to park. Mark off an area with cones or chairs. If you need to  Finish packing and make sure all boxes are clearly labeled. obtain parking permission from your apartment complex  Subscribe to the local newspaper and visit the Chamber of manager or the city, do so in advance. Commerce in your new city for additional community  Before work starts, walk through the house with the movers information. and describe the loading order. Show them items you intend to  Change of Address Notification: You will need to notify the transport yourself. You should have these items grouped in an Postal Service that you are moving. It is now possible to do so area prior to the movers arriving. Remain on site to answer the without visiting the post office. Go to website listed above. For movers’ questions and to provide special instructions. the fee of $1.00 you may fill out the address change  Walk through your home and make sure that everything was information online and receive an email confirmation. Or you loaded. Make sure you have the keys to your new home. may choose to print the form and mail it to your local post office. US Postal Service, www.usps.com  Remember that professional movers expect to be paid in full before your goods are unloaded. Check for damage, as items  Notify IRS: You will also need to notify the IRS that you have are unloaded and report any problems right away. moved. This will ensure you receive your IRS refund and/or any other correspondence. To change your address with the IRS,  Unless the company’s policy prohibits the acceptance of complete a Form 8822 (PDF), Address Change Request. This gratuities, it is customary to tip each mover. $20 is a good is available on the IRS website. IRS, www.irs.gov amount; you may want to tip more or less based on the service you received. One Day Before  If you are moving yourself and getting help from friends, make  sure you create a task list. Be sure to have everything packed Pick up your rental truck or confirm your move with the moving before your help arrives. It is natural for people to work in pairs, company. but you should consider each person’s physical ability and  Make sure you and your movers have the directions to your health status. Plan to provide beverages and food for your new home. Plan your travel so that you will be there to greet volunteers. Load the truck according to the directions your them and unlock your home. Have a backup plan in case one truck rental agency gave you, and make sure that you of you gets delayed. understand how to operate and drive the rental truck before you leave the agency.  Obtain the driver’s cell phone number and give him/her yours so you can stay in touch in case one of you is delayed.

 Ask what form of payment the movers will accept (check, money order, certified check, travelers checks) and make necessary arrangements.

Baltimore Information Guide [ 43 44 ] Baltimore Information Guide MOVING WITH CHILDREN AND PETS

REINFORCE THE POSITIVES

et family members focused on and involved in the process of moving. Hold a family meeting to discuss why, where, when and how the family will move. Encourage Geveryone to ask questions and express feelings. If possible, drive the family to see the new home and take a tour of the new neighborhood schools, shops and parks. Take photos or videotape the new house and neighborhood. Make lists for each older child of things to do to prepare for the move and assign them a special task or two. For example, they can read and inform other family members about the area history, landmarks, special events and amusements. Help children prepare for the move by having them assist with packing. Let them pack a box of special clothes, toys or books they would like readily accessible at their new home. Let each family member help plan how to set up his or her bedroom. Have them help select paint or wallpaper. Let them share ideas how to arrange the furniture. When the move takes place, set up the children’s rooms first. Choosing A School One of the most satisfying experiences a family can have is finding a school that fits its needs. That school will “feel right” because its administrators, teachers, and parents are part of a strong community that shares the family’s educational values. Children are eager to go there because the school program stimulates their curiosity and provides them with outlets for their interests. Parents will be pleased because their involvement in their children’s education will be welcomed and encouraged. In order to find the best school for your child, you should begin by observing your child’s learning habits. Even as preschoolers, children begin to develop different approaches to learning. These inclinations provide strong clues about what kind of school would serve them best. In her book Your Child’s First School, educational consultant Diana Townsend- Butterworth offers these suggestions of things to watch for in determining your child’s orientation to learning: • What does your child enjoy doing? • What excites your child and arouses his or her curiosity? • What seems to be frustrating? • Does your child thrive in a structured environment or seem to prefer one that offers more freedom? • Is your child quiet or rambunctious? • Does he or she prefer to work on projects alone or with other children? • Does he or she have any special interests or abilities?

Make a list of answers to these questions as well as taking note of any other characteristics you notice about your child. As you read more about individual schools, and when you visit the ones that interest you, you will be better able to choose a school that suits your child. For high school, parents often choose a new school for their children. This is frequently because their current school goes only through eight grade. As you look for a high school, consider your child’s learning style as well as his or her interests when deciding upon a school. Also keep in mind your own family goals, which may involve preparing for college, in making this important choice. continued on page 46

Baltimore Information Guide [ 45 REINFORCE THE POSITIVES

What about family expectations? In order to provide a good Baltimore County Public Schools (410) 887-4554 match, a child’s school must also meet a family’s needs. Here again, 6901 Charles Street you may want to prepare a list of expectations and use it as a guide Towson, Maryland 21204 www.bcps.org in the search for the best school for your child: The students in Baltimore County’s classrooms today are • What goal do you have for your child’s long-term education? Is tomorrow’s citizens, workers, innovators, and leaders. Born digital college preparation a priority? natives, these young people will work and live in a global, • How important to you is parental involvement in school activities? technological society beyond current projections. To prepare its • Do you expect the school to have a role in developing a child’s students with 21st century skills, Baltimore County Public Schools character by encouraging respect for adults and peers as well as has increased academic rigor across the board – for all students. As others in society, including the disadvantaged? a result, Baltimore County Schools is achieving what all school • How important is it to you that you have a strong relationship and systems strive for: consistent progress in raising student share a philosophy with other parents at the school? achievement. • How interested are you in providing a home setting that gives Supporting this success is the school system’s Blueprint for your child time for homework? Progress. This foundational document unites staff and stakeholders • How important to you is a before-school and after-school with common beliefs, priorities, and goals. Lifting the schools higher program? and higher from that foundation are the intensity of focus and quality of effort demonstrated by teachers, students, administrators, staff Before beginning a search for a school, parents should reflect on members, parents, volunteers, Board members, and supporters. these questions, and their expectations for schools. Parents who Their dedication, intelligence, skill, consistency, and creativity are choose schools wisely are pleased after their children enroll reflected in every rising test score and every recognition this school because the family and the school work in harmony with a common system receives. set of expectations for the youngsters. Admissions directors at schools will gladly connect you with parents of current students so you can make an informed choice for your child. Most schools believe parents should have a strong role in their children’s education. Being involved in a child1s education strengthens the whole family and sends a message to children that education is an important part of their lives. Schools know that the way in which parents choose to become active in their children’s schools varies greatly. They provide many different opportunities for parental involvement. Most schools have strong parent associations that organize social events, help coordinate volunteer activitied, and provide an organizes means of communication between parents and school. Each of these encounters strengthens the life of the schools and creates a community of committed adults supporting the goals of the schools and the students. This feeling of community, with adults and students working together for a common purpose, is one of the distinguishing strengths of a good schools. Baltimore City Public School System (BCPSS) (410) 396-8700 200 East North Ave. Baltimore MD 21202 As the Baltimore City Public School System forges ahead into the 21st century, it is guided by the Master Plan II, the BCPSS long- term strategic plan for greater student achievement and more efficient management in support of quality instruction. This effort includes initiating, or expanding upon, strategies to improve the quality of instruction, and thus overall student achievement, including continued implementation of the student promotion policy, early childhood development, prekindergarten-8 expansion, as well as elementary, middle, and high school reform.

46 ] Baltimore Information Guide REINFORCE THE POSITIVES

When you’re new to a community, locating a person or program Maryland Committee for Children (410) 752-7588 to provide child care for you is not the easiest of tasks. Due to 608 Water Street expanding demand, just finding an opening can be difficult. Baltimore, MD21202 E-mail: [email protected] Pinpointing a place that is not too far or too expensive and, most http://www.mdchildcare.org importantly, a provider whom you trust, may take days or weeks of persistent phoning and visits. Maryland Committee for Children, a private, non-profit organization founded in 1945, is an advocate and catalyst for the Baltimore County Family Child Care Association (410) 931-2252 development of a strong system of quality child care, early 3625 Parkhurst Way, Baltimore, MD 21236 http://www.bcfcca.com education and family support on a local, state and national level. The Baltimore County Family Child Care Association (BCFCCA) is When considering child care, there are three main types of care a non-profit, independent membership organization which began its arrangements: a center-based child care program, a home-based formal existence in June of 1983. Realizing the need for a constant child care program, and care in the child’s own home. Each of the source of current information about issues involving child care and different arrangements has unique advantages and disadvantages. education for providers, the BCFCCA works closely with the As a parent, it is your responsibility to ensure that your child is providers and other child care advocates to attain these goals; thus safe and happy in a child care environment that is fun, educational, improving the quality of care for children in Baltimore County. and nurturing. You will need to consider many questions. But you are not alone — an increasing number of parents rely on quality child care so that they may work. About 70% of parents place their young children in some type of daily care. Knowing in advance that this is not an overnight process makes it a bit less overwhelming.

SELECTING CHILD CARE

Types of Child Care Some types include day care centers, preschool programs, You might like the home-like feel of a family child care home, or before/after school programs. maybe you want your child to have opportunity to socialize with Day Care Center peers in a larger child care center. You might be looking for after If you’re considering a day care center or another group setting, school care for your child, a summer camp experience or a program you should spend some time observing the center and talking to that can accommodate his or her special needs. It will help you in parents with children in the center. You should also expect that your your search to learn more about each type of child care setting. child will be assigned to the same caregiver to promote a sense of In home security and consistency. Inquire about the rate of staff resignations; Some parents may prefer the one-on-one contact an in-home low staff turnover minimizes the need for young children to care provider can offer, especially for an infant. The International repeatedly adjust to new caregivers. Nanny Association (INA) recommends that you interview any Preschool Programs prospective hire at least twice and that you conduct a criminal Preschool programs are offered through Head Start, child care background check, which is usually done by most placement centers or local public and private schools. They can be offered as agencies. a half-day program for three or four days a week or they can be part of a full day program at a child care center. One key to good child care is whether the caregiver can adapt to Before/After School Programs the needs of each child and family. Not all children of the same age These programs give children additional time and opportunity to are at the same level of development; each child has unique engage in hands-on enrichment activities in reading, science, math, character traits. A good caregiver understands these personal and art, drama, and specific “safety” topics that include conflict developmental differences and creates a program to meet each resolution and drug abuse. Most programs offer homework child’s needs. assistance and some offer tutoring. Most also provide supervised Center-Based Care physical activity and healthy snacks, or even dinner. School age The most popular type because there are so many options for programs are often provided through local schools, child care children of all ages. You take your child to a place that is organized centers, churches, or youth-oriented community organizations. and staffed specifically to care for a group or groups of children.

continued on page 48

Baltimore Information Guide [ 47 SELECTING CHILD CARE

Quality features include opportunities for children to make individual You may help your child adjust to a new child care arrangement. and group choices about activities, opportunity to improve Arrange a visit with in-home caregivers while you are at home or academic skills, spaces for children to relax and rest, well when you need child care for a short time. Visit the center or family supervised spaces where they can be active, nutritious snacks, and child care home that you have chosen with your child before parental involvement. beginning care. Show your child that you like and trust the caregiver. Some children like to carry a reminder of home when they go to Choosing Child Care child care. A family photograph or small toy can be helpful. Talking In addition to the forms of child care, you want to take into to your child about child care and the caregiver is helpful. Being account the following factors: prepared makes any new experience easier for children. There also • Age and personality of your child. are storybooks about child care that you and your child can read • Child care needs of all the children in your family. together. (Check with your local library, another great outing for a • Location of your workplace, home and child care facility. parent and child) • Hours you need child care. After a child has been in child care, a sudden change in • What you can afford. caregivers may be upsetting. This can happen even if the new caregiver is kind and competent. If you are concerned about your When you begin your search, start with the telephone. Plan to child's feelings, you may want to arrange a meeting with the spend a few minutes with each call. Describe your needs and ask caregiver or ask your pediatrician for advice. Parents need to help about the program, staff, location, other children in care, and what the caregivers and the child deal with any changes in the child's is included in the cost. Make an appointment and visit the center, routine at home or child care. High-quality child care helps children school or home, and plan on spending at least an hour at each grow in every way and promotes their physical, social and mental place. Visit once to observe the children in care and at another time development. It offers support to working parents. Your pediatrician outside of regular structured hours to spend time with provider or wants your child to grow and develop with enjoyment in a setting director. that supports you as a parent. In any group center, health, safety, and hygiene must be given In the final analysis, locating a child care provider with whom you priority in all settings. All children and staff members should have are confident is well worth the searching. Why? Your child benefits current immunizations; staff should have clear criminal background greatly from such an arrangement, meeting and interacting with checks. The facility must be child-proof and all staff members other children and adults. The child learns and grows from should wear disposable gloves when changing diapers. Toys should experience, often times a major step in establishing independence be disinfected on a regular basis and frequent hand washing should and becoming his or her “own person.” And you feel more at ease be promoted among the staff and children to minimize the spread leaving them. of infection. For more information you may want to visit the following website: Preparing Your Child for Child Care American Academy of Pediatrics, www.aap.org Most young infants, up to seven months, adapt to caring adults and seldom have problems adjusting to good child care. Older infants may be upset when left with strangers. They may feel separation anxiety, which is a normal part of development for some children. They will need extra time and your support to “get to know” the caregiver. Some children show changes in behavior when they start child care. Toddlers may cry, pout, refuse to go to or act angry in other ways. Preschoolers may regress and behave like a younger child. They may be more wakeful at night. This behavior usually goes away after a few days or weeks in high-quality child care, just be sure to monitor.

48 ] Baltimore Information Guide HIGHER EDUCATION - WHERE TO GO?

A List to Consider When Making Decisions About College Campus and Residential Life Admissions experts from Baruch College, a senior college in the 7. What’s new at school? It’s been several months since you and City University of New York, offer some tips to help parents cope your child did all that college research. Go back on the colleges’ with the stress of guiding their child through that all-important websites and see what’s up! Schools may be offering new question: Where should I go to college? programs, hosting unique events on campus, renovating facilities, or announcing new faculty appointments— any of Academics which could affect your child’s decision. 1. Remember why your child is going to college in the first place. Now is the time for your child to reflect on what she truly wants. 8. Finding the right fit. Every school has a personality; you don’t Compare her preferences and ambitions to the resources that want to spend thousands of dollars on one that clashes with each school offers. Consider each school’s academics, study your child’s. Visit the campus again—or for the first time if you abroad programs, student life, extracurricular activities, career haven’t been yet! Encourage your child to attend an accepted services, internship programs, etc., and ask how it will further student reception; sit in on a class; go to a sporting event; and your child’s educational and career goals. Reassure your child talk to current students—without you hovering in the that it’s okay to be uncertain about her career ambitions but, if background! Students will speak candidly to each other about she is, a college with flexible academic programs and multiple real-life college issues like the social scene, academic options is probably a good bet. pressures, and drinking on campus— all things your child should be aware of in advance. 2. What happens to people who graduate from this school? Look into what most of the graduates of the schools your child likes 9. Safety first. Let’s face it: sending your child off to college is scary wind up doing. If your child is interested in the fine arts, and the enough without worrying about crime. Take note of a school’s majority of students at a particular school end up working in the location and ask college officials about security: Is there a 24- financial industry, it should give you both pause. hour security team? What kind of campus alert systems are in place? What are the crime statistics for the area? What security 3. The downside of high school success. Sometimes, even a top- precautions exist in the residence halls? While you’re asking performing high school student is surprised by the rigorous questions, explore the college’s mental health and counseling demands of college courses and professors. Even if your child services—college can be stressful for kids as well as parents. was accepted at the school of his dreams, he needs to understand that he’s starting all over once he gets to college; his Coping sterling SAT score won’t matter if he skips class or studying. 10. Breathe deeply and stay calm. Make clear to your child that you Have an honest conversation with your child about the level of are available to talk things through, weigh the pros and cons, ask commitment required at the schools he likes and make sure he’s questions, and visit campuses with her but that, ultimately, the prepared for it. It’s (Almost) All About the Money decision about where to go to college must be her’s. It’s hard to hand over the keys to her future, but when you watch her receive 4. Factor college tuition into family budgeting. Try plugging the her diploma, you’ll realize it was well worth it. estimated cost of attendance (tuition, room and board, books, transportation, student fees) for each school at which your child is accepted into your family’s budget. This will provide you with a better long-term financial plan. And don’t forget about graduate school, if that is in your child’s plans; it’ll be upon you both before you know it. 5. Explore all avenues of financing. Don’t count solely on the college’s financial aid award for help. Learn about scholarships being offered by local businesses, community organizations, and employers; your family could qualify for additional aid monies. 6. Get to know your school’s financial aid team. Most financial aid departments offer free workshops on how to plan for the cost of attending college. Take advantage of such sessions, and don’t be bashful; ask as many questions as occur to you. Now is the best time to consider all your options.

Baltimore Information Guide [ 49 TYPES OF HIGHER EDUCATION

Community Colleges Nearly 3 million students are believed to be taking online classes Community colleges exist for two major purposes. The first is to at institutions of higher education in the United States this year. That serve as a bridge from high school to college by providing courses number has been growing about 25% a year recently. Now, virtually for transfer toward a bachelor’s degree. Four out of 10 college- all public higher education institutions, as well as a vast majority of bound high-school graduates start their college education this way. private, for-profit institutions, now offer online classes. By contrast, The second function of community colleges is to prepare only about half of private, nonprofit schools offer them. students for the job market by offering entry-level career training as Online schools offer everything from Associate’s degrees to well as courses for adult students who want to upgrade their skills Doctoral programs with available emphases in everything from for the workplace. They often offer programs that are not available Business Administration to Criminal Justice to Nursing. Some at four-year schools, like fashion design. programs require students to attend some campus classes or Liberal Arts Colleges orientations, but many are delivered completely online. Liberal arts colleges offer a broad base of courses in the Online courses generally require a computer with a broadband humanities, social sciences, and sciences. Most are private and connection, but are now a serious option for the busy professional. focus mainly on undergraduate students. Classes tend to be small Public vs. Private and personal attention is available. Public colleges are usually less expensive, particularly for in-state Online Learning residents. They get most of their money from the state or local Recent years have witnessed the rise of online degree programs, government. Private colleges rely on tuition, fees, endowments, and to allow the busy professional a chance to work at their own pace other private sources. Private colleges are usually smaller and can from the comfort of their home on the path to getting a degree. The offer more personalized attention and often more prestige. costs to students are typically the same as for traditional classes— Universities and financial aid is equally available—while the cost to the institution Generally, a university is bigger than a college and offers more can be much less. majors and research facilities. Class size often reflects institutional There are online universities ranging from legitimate distance size and some classes may taught by graduate students. learning systems to fly-by-night degree-mills. It’s important to Upper Division research a particular institution before deciding to enroll in their Upper-division schools offer the last two years of undergraduate system. Generally, brick-and-mortar schools that also offer online study, usually in specialized programs leading to a bachelor’s classes are the safest, though there are plenty of fully accredited degree. Students then generally transfer to an upper-division online universities out there. college after completing an associate degree or after finishing a second year of study at a four-year college.

DEGREES AND CERTIFICATES

Certificate or Diploma Combined Bachelor’s/Graduate Degree (or Joint Degree) These non-degree offerings generally lead to employment in an Complete a bachelor’s degree and a master’s or first-professional occupational field. For example, to enter fields such as computer degree in less than the usual amount of time. In most programs, science or teaching, you may first have to get a certificate or students apply to the graduate program during their first three years diploma. of undergraduate study, and begin the graduate program in their Associate Degree fourth year of college. Successful completion results in awarding of You receive an associate of arts (AA) or associate of science (AS) both bachelor’s and graduate degrees. These are sometimes degree after completing two years of study similar to the first two referred to as “4 +1” programs. years of a four-year college. After earning an AA or an AS, you may Masters Degree transfer to a four-year college to complete the requirements for a These signify more specialized training in a particular field. They bachelor’s degree. The associate of applied science (AAS) degree is are competed after the bachelor’s degree, usually over the course awarded on completion of technological or vocation programs of of 2 years for the full time student. study. Doctorates Bachelor’s or Baccalaureate Degree These generally signify some significant research in the field, and Complete a four- or five-year, full-time program of study (or its are an upper level degree. part-time equivalent) at a college. The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) are the most common.

50 ] Baltimore Information Guide Baltimore Information Guide [ 51 PAYING FOR SCHOOL

FAFSA www.fafsa.gov Need-Based FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is a form Need-based financial aid is awarded on the basis of the financial that must be filled out annually by university to determine their need of the student. The amount of need based aid is generally eligibility for federal financial aid (including grants, loans, and work- based off the criteria on the FAFSA. study programs). In addition, most states and schools use Loans information from the FAFSA to award non-federal aid. While included in the term “financial aid” Higher Education Loans The FAFSA consists of numerous questions regarding the differ from scholarships and grants in that they must be paid back. student’s finances, as well as those of his or her family; these are They come in several varieties in the United States entered into a formula that determines the Expected Family • Federal Student Loans made to students directly: No payments Contribution. The amount of the EFC can vary widely, depending on until after graduation, but amounts are quite limited a number of factors; for example, one such factor is whether a • Federal Student Loans made to parents: Much higher limit, but student has siblings in college at the time. payments start immediately The best place to look for help before you start filling out your • Private Student Loans made to students or parents: Higher limits FAFSA is at your school’s financial aid office. and no payments until after graduation. Other Sources FAFSA only scratches the surface of the money available to Getting Your MBA Part-time students for school. There are many state and private scholarships Getting your MBA may be imperative to you and your career. out there. The easiest way to find listings of what scholarships that More than 40% of all graduate students are working adults, so it is you may qualify for is by going to a scholarship database online and possible to balance the rest of your life with your desire to continue doing a search. Some handy sites for this are: your education. Lunch-money.com You’ll generally spend three to four hours a week with the Finaid.org instructor in a 3-credit class. It’s generally recommended that you Fastweb.com spend about 8 additional hours a week studying and preparing for Collegeboard.com the next classroom session, so 12-15 hrs a week total. It’s not recommended that you participate in any website that So where are you going to find an extra 15 hrs a week? It helps asks you to pay a fee to search for a scholarship; there are many to journal how you do spend your time during the week, and then wonderful free sites available. list priorities. Lower priority items, like watching TV, may take up more time than you realize, and can be shelved so you can continue Types of Financial Aid your education. Financial aid may be classified into two types based on the Re-prioritizing your time is the most crucial step in ensuring you’ll criteria through which the financial aid is awarded: merit-based or have success on your path to your degree. Make sure you discuss need-based. your goals with your boss, friends, and family, so they know what to Merit-Based expect as you add this major commitment to your life. Merit-scholarships are typically awarded for outstanding academic achievements, although some merit scholarships can also be awarded for special talents, leadership potential and other personal characteristics. Merit scholarships are sometimes awarded without regard for the financial need of the applicant. Athletic scholarships are a form of merit aid that takes athletic talent into account.

52 ] Baltimore Information Guide RELOCATING YOUR PET

Your coffee is finally brewing after what seemed like an endless What should you do then for your pet when relocating? Actually search through the boxes left by the moving company. The disk the place to begin is in your hometown before you move. Speak to jockey on the radio reads the weather forecast and you learn that it your own veterinarian and tell him/her where you are moving and is -5 degrees outside with an expected high of 0. Welcome to your ask his/her advice. In most cases, this alone will be sufficient to find new city, but at least your company gave you a nice raise for out what is necessary to prepare your pet for transition. Further, relocating. people will be surprised how often their veterinarian can Just as you start thinking that everything is proceeding smoothly recommend someone in the area where they are moving. Whether and that your new city really does have a lot to offer, you realize or not this person will actually become your new veterinarian is not Prince, your four-year old Great Dane, isn’t acting right. Now what? as important as the peace of mind that the recommendation is from Is he really sick? Homesick? What’s worse is that you don1t know someone you trust. where the closest veterinarian is located and, of course, he or she Finally, don’t wait until your pet is ill before looking for a can’t be as good as Dr. Morris…and Prince just loved Dr. Morris. veterinarian. This is an extremely emotional time and nothing can be Farfetched? Not really. Pets are probably most overlooked when more traumatic than having to find a veterinarian in the midst of a it comes to relocating. Most people just expect their pets to wake crisis. It is obvious, then, that you should find a new veterinarian up completely adapted to their new surroundings as if nothing before that first crisis occurs so that when the need arises, you will changed. Although this is true for many pets, just as many find be prepared. relocating to be traumatic. Furthermore, most people wait until their How do you go about finding a new veterinarian in a new city? pet is ill before finding a new veterinarian. The best place to begin is simply the NewMarket Services Information Guide. Location is an important factor, as many pets don1t travel well and, in the case of emergency, distance may be a factor in receiving timely treatment. After making a list of local veterinary clinics, take the time to go visit them. Talk to the staff. Ask about office hours, fees, whether appointments are required, and what services are available. Also, ask if it is possible to talk to the doctor so that you can introduce yourself and at least have a first impression to help you make your choice. Finally, ask your neighbors which veterinarians they take their pets to and why. Then, of course, it’s your decision, but at least you have gathered some information on which to base your decision. All dogs should be vaccinated for the possibly fatal disease Parvovirus. Remember to NEVER leave your pet in a car in hot weather, as heat conditions in cars can quickly become fatal to animals. Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter, Inc. Postal 301 Stockholm Street Baltimore, MD 21230 (410) 396-4695 www.baltimoreanimalshelter.org BARCS was created as a non-profit in 2005 to take over operations of the Baltimore City Shelter previously operated by the city’s Bureau of Animal Control. The move came as a result of public pressure to

continued on page 54

Baltimore Information Guide [ 53 RELOCATING YOUR PET make changes to operations of the shelter in order to provide better Robert E. Lee Memorial Park care for animals. Falls Rd. at Lakeside Dr. Baltimore, MD 21209 BARCS has been asked to handle the registration process, and (410) 396-7931 in return, the proceeds will benefit the animal shelter. Parks and This large piece of wilderness (over 450 acres) offers miles of Recreation requires that all dogs that enter into a dog park area be trails for hiking and jogging. One of the main trails circumscribes registered. Registration will require proof of a current pet license, Lake Roland, which was once one of the city's main reservoirs. The proof of current rabies vaccination, proof of spay/neuter, and a $20 park is a popular destination for dog walkers, and the less rugged annual fee (seniors $10). trails are often crowded. Otherwise, it's a great urban escape. A Fenced Dog Run is a special fenced area for dogs to exercise Wyman Park and socialize. Design elements may include a five (5') feet perimeter 3100 Wyman Park Drive fence, special surface for adequate drainage and ease of cleaning, right off Keswick Rd shade, benches, double gates for entry, dog water fountain and Baltimore, MD 21211 water source for cleaning the run, covered trash receptacles and Wonderful gem tucked in between Beach Avenue and Johns dog waste bag dispenser. Hopkins University. Tough not an official "dog park" it's a great An Off-leash Dog Area is a definable space within a park that is meeting place for well behaved dogs and people. Consists of a big identified by signage as available for off-leash dog activity. The field for play and entertaining and a nice trail along side the Stoney space is not enclosed in fencing, but is defined by park elements Run stream down to Jones Falls. General city leash laws applies. such as topography, landscaping or pathways. Design elements Most Popular Pet Friendly Accommodations may include shade trees, a dog water fountain, benches, dog waste La Quinta Inn Suites Baltimore dispenser and covered trash receptacles. Some fencing four (4') 4 Philadelphia Ct foot with landscaping may be required to separate the dog area Baltimore, MD 21237 from nearby roadways. (410) 574-8100 Canton Dog Park La Quinta Inn & Suites Baltimore North is pet friendly! Up to two Dog Parks & Dog Runs pets of any size are allowed in each room for no additional fee or Toone Street Baltimore, MD 21224 deposit. www.cantondogpark.org Sheraton Inner Harbor Hotel 300 South Charles Street On the intersection of South Bouldin and Toone Streets, the Baltimore, MD 21201 Canton Dog Park gives dogs a chance to run around leash free with (410) 962-8300 other dogs. The park offers a fenced in area for large dogs and one Sheraton Inner Harbor Hotel is pet friendly! One 70 lb. pet is for small/older dogs. It is open daily from dawn to dusk. welcome for no additional fee. However, guests must sign a Hannah More Park damage waiver at check-in. (410) 887-1142 Baltimore County's first Off-leash Dog Park. Registered dogs and their owners may use the park from sun-up to sun-down each day of the year. Hannah More features two areas for dogs to roam and socialize with other dogs without a leash. The larger area is 1.5 acres and the smaller area is .75 acres. Each areas also features a dog water fountain. Locust Point Dog Park at Latrobe Park E Fort Ave and Andre St Baltimore, MD www.locustpointdogpark.org Locust Point Dog Park was included in Baltimore Magazine's Best of Baltimore! Here's what they had to say about us: "One by one, Baltimore parks are going to the dogs-and that's a good thing! Last fall the Locust Point Dog Park opened in the southeast corner of Latrobe Park boasting Astroturf, rock outcroppings, and a water slide for adventurous canines."

54 ] Baltimore Information Guide FITNESS AND HEALTH

IN THE KITCHEN

. received this recipe in an email from one of my co-workers. Well actually since he will be pes i reading this, I’d better be more precise. He’s my boss! But it’s a summer Friday afternoon, so we’re a little relaxed. Anyway, in spite of it being a Friday afternoon, it

ore rec I m inspired me to write this article. The avocado (Persea Americana) is a tree native to Mexico. The oldest evidence of ces for i avocado use was found in a cave located in Coxcatlán, Puebla, Mexico, that dates to around 10,000 BC. About 95% of United States avocado production – is located in rketServ a Southern California. Fallbrook, California, claims the title of “Avocado Capital of the World”, NewM

. I've been there and it's amazing to see all those rows of trees filled with ripe avocados! The Hass avocado is today the most common. It produces fruit year-round and accounts te, www te,

i for 80% of cultivated avocados in the world. Hass avocados have ovate fruit with a dark green or black, rough, pebbled skin. All Hass avocado trees are descended from a single “mother tree” raised by a mail carrier named Rudolph Hass, of La Habra Heights, California. t our webs i s i Hass patented the productive tree in 1935. se v

a Spinks is another type you may be familiar with. Mostly grown in Florida, the fruit is larger Ple and rounder, with a smooth, medium-green skin, and a less-fatty, firmer and fibrous flesh. Because it has less oil it often isn't as flavorful. A fun project is to grow your own plant indoors. This is done by removing the pit from a ripe, unrefrigerated avocado. Poke the pit with three or four tooth picks, about one third of the way up. Place the pit in a jar with tepid water. In four to six weeks, it should split and out should come roots and a sprout. (If there is no change by this time discard and try again.) Once the stem has grown a few inches, it is placed in a pot with soil. It should be watered every few days. Avocados have been known to grow large, so be ready to repot the plant several times. Enough about avocados. A small warning about the recipe. If you have been reading my recipes you will notice this one digresses from my normal format. I try to be very precise with my ingredients and directions, leaving nothing to chance. Patrick allows for you to be creative. Tonight Patrick, in Chicago, and I, in Scottsdale will be comparing our creations. I hope you enjoy yours.

Patrick’s Authentic Irish Guacamole*

Ingredients Directions 4-6 ripe avocados, depending on how Cut, spoon out avocado into a bowl. Mash many you people you are serving. them up, we decided we both prefer left About 1/2 or so of a medium to large chunky but you may prefer creamy. white onion, depending on how much Dice onion, jalapeños, add to avocado you like Chop up the cilantro fine – few stems won’t Couple nice tomatoes – plum if you hurt, add Chop tomatoes into small squares, want, depending on what you prefer. add salt and olive oil. 2 jalapenos Cut and squeeze limes into mix Bunch of cilantro Mix all and enjoy with good tortilla chips & 2 limes some hot sauce on the side!!!! Sea Salt *It’s green, therefore Irish. therefore green, *It’s Tablespoon or so of olive oil

Baltimore Information Guide [ 55 PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL BEING

Choosing a Health Club • Does the club offer instruction in a sport or activity that you might Your move is filled with many new challenges. If your life style want to learn (tennis, squash, swimming, etc.)? includes working out a priority will be to find a club that meets your • Does the club offer a variety of leagues? If you want to compete needs. Or a new move may bring the perfect time to implement - is the club affiliated to the right leagues, and does it have teams those healthy lifestyle changes that were on your New Year’s of the right standard for your competencies? Resolution list for the past several years. • Does the club offer a variety of high-quality weight equipment? It Begin your search before you move. Ask your current club for should include free weights, such as barbells and dumbbells, and recommendations or perhaps they even have reciprocity with a club machine weights, you really need both to get a proper workout. in your new location. If you belong to a national chain, chances are • Does the club offer a sufficient number and variety of programs good that you will be able to transfer your membership. for you to achieve other goals (stress management, weight However if you do find yourself looking for a new club, use this management, smoking cessation, social activities, etc.)? check list to help you find the place that will work best for you. • Are there long lines at the equipment, or crowded aerobics When visiting a club use your own observations and question the classes, at the time that you would be using the club? staff and current members. Be sure your new club will be able to • What are the real costs? Make sure you understand all rates, meet your fitness, social, and safety needs. charges and fees because these can vary widely, and many clubs • Is the club clean and well maintained, especially the locker rooms require contracts ranging from a few weeks to a year or more. Be and the shower areas? sure you’re entitled to use all facilities, such as pools and spas at • Are staff members friendly and helpful? Make sure there is always no extra charge. someone available to answer your questions, to show you a new • Is child care available if you need it? exercise, or how to use a piece of equipment. • Is there adequate parking available if you need it? • Does the location for work for you? It’s best to select a club that’s One way to find out whether a club is right for you is to try it out near where you live or work. for a few days. Some clubs offer a special guest pass for • Do fitness staff members have appropriate educational prospective members. But even if you have to pay for a week to try backgrounds and/or certification from nationally recognized it out, it’s better to spend the money than to make a long-term certifying agencies? commitment to a club that doesn’t work out. Try the club during the • Are new members provided with a club orientation and hours you will normally be using it. It will give you a realistic idea of instruction on how to use equipment? what the club environment while you are there. • What age group do you see while visiting? If you are in your 50’s, It’s important to read health club contracts carefully. Don’t do you really want to work out with a group in their 20’s (and vice assume the club offers classes such as aerobics as part of the versa)? Be sure to visit club at the time you will be normally using membership. While some do, others charge extra. If the health club the facilities. requires a long-term commitment, find out whether you’ll be able to • Does the club have the cardiovascular resistance equipment you get a refund if you need to cancel your membership due to a job want and need to achieve your fitness goals? transfer, an injury or if you simply find that the club isn’t working for • Does the club offer sufficient number and variety of programs for you. you to achieve your fitness goals (aerobic, racquet sports, It’s a fact that of every three people who join a health club, only basketball, etc.)? If classes or group activities help to motivate one will work out there 100 days a year. Find a club that you are you and the health club doesn’t offer the classes you need, comfortable with and you will greatly increase your chances of sticking with your exercise program won’t be realistic. being the one of three people that are there more than 100 days a year. NewMarket Services wishes you good health.

56 ] Baltimore Information Guide PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL BEING

Coping With Change where to go to make new friends can bring feelings of isolation and Did you know that your body and mind sense change as stress? loneliness. Whether you change the place you live or where you work, it all Creatures of Habit adds up to stress. The more changes that come at one time, the Psychologically, most of us are creatures of habit and quickly more stress you experience. develop repetitive patterns that make us feel comfortable and Self-image secure. Ever notice that most people find the same seat or section Your attitudes towards change often depend on your self image of the commuter train or bus? Drivers usually take the same route and expectations of how difficult it may be. Your self image is the every day. We do this in order to reduce stress. inner vision of who you are. It is the basis of your every thought, The sameness of established behavior develops a sense of word and action. Moving, with the many changes it entails, offers an control over ourselves and surroundings. By seeking repetitive excellent opportunity to modify and/or improve your self image habits, we save our energy for new events that are either through the risks of taking positive action. unpredictable or uncontrollable. When change removes the Some people welcome change as a challenge or an exciting new sameness from our lives, we attempt to relieve the tension experience. Others may resent the inconvenience and extra effort produced by uncertainty and newness. We look for ways to develop they need to make to re-establish a comfortable routine. Still others other familiar patterns. feel overwhelmed by the unknown and are not sure where to go or to whom to turn. Often, stress causes old issues, defeats or concerns to resurface. Perhaps new worries and fears form unexpectedly, or you feel tired and fatigued most of the time. Decision making abilities are affected, and you seem to be having less fun and enjoyment. These are all telltale signs of stress brought on by change. When signs of stress affect you, it may be a time of emotional transition, indicating old behavior patterns are not as effective as they once were. This is often a good time for self-reflection-to look at what you like in yourself and what you do not like. Stress When you relocate to a new city, all categories of your life are changed. Along with the obvious changes listed above, moving to a new community requires finding new sources for familiar services. Finding a new hairdresser, barber, drugstore, food market, doctor, lawyer, cleaner and shoemaker are all necessary. You not only have to locate these services, but you need to determine if you are satisfied with the quality of the services provided. Forming a comfortable working relationship with the service provider adds more stress to the change itself. Perhaps your whole lifestyle changes if you are moving from a Management of Change smaller or larger community. With long-distance moves, you will To manage change effectively, several simple steps will help you have to make new friends and develop a different emotional support adjust to the newness and extra effort needed to establish different system. When these changes are not made through your own patterns in your life. choices, but are the decisions of a boss or someone in your family, • Organize your time so you can finish the tasks you have planned. then the stress is even greater. Children have to make changes • Have realistic expectations. Do not plan to complete everything because of their parents. They need special help and understanding within the first few weeks. getting settled in school and making new friends. Often, they will • List your priorities and finish each one before you go on to the have difficulties as they adjust to the new surroundings. next. Changes produce stress not only within yourself, but also with • Provide your body with recreational time and time to relax. the people with whom you are close. It may cause you to react • Trust your first impressions; they are most often right. differently from your usual behavior. If you are in a relationship or Periods of change can offer you an opportunity for growth within marriage, you may find more tension developing, with less patience yourself. Professional consultation may be useful during this period. or tolerance of the other person. If you live alone, not knowing

Baltimore Information Guide [ 57 PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL BEING

Choosing a Primary Care Provider Guidelines to Narrow Your Choices One of the most important decisions that you will make in your • Insurance – With the risings costs of health care, be sure your relocation process is choosing a Primary Care Provider for you and insurance will be accepted. your family. Don’t put off the decision until you get sick. Your PCP • Professional credentials - any provider you consider should have will be responsible for approximately 90% of your health care. The graduated from an accredited medical school, and be sure relationship you develop with this health professional can be the key they’re board certified. to keeping illness at bay, and it is your best connection into the rest • Professional affiliations - Your provider should be affiliated with a of the medical system. Your PCP can help you seek appropriate large, well-equipped hospital, either as a staff member or as an consultations with specialists if or when the medical problem is attending physician, a title that carries with it admitting privileges. beyond the realm of his expertise. • Practice arrangements - You may choose a solo practitioner or a A generation ago, people relied on General Practitioners (GPs) for group practice, in which two or more doctors in the same all their medical needs, from treating colds, and backaches to specialty or different specialties share the same office. setting broken arms and delivering babies. The competent GP • Location and office hours - If these aren’t convenient, you may knew the medical histories of every member of a patient's family have a difficult time making an appointment. because he treated them all. Today, Primary Care Providers are bringing this tradition back with the addition of providing preventive Make a Consultation Visit and Consider the Following health measures. More emphasis is now placed on preventive • Office is clean and the staff is courteous and helpful. medicine. You are now responsible for the health of you and your • You are seen by the doctor within a reasonable time of your family by making informed decisions, improving your diet and appointment or you are given a good explanation for any delay. exercising. A primary care provider (PCP) is a general practitioner • You are not rushed through the visit. The provider listens to you, who sees people of all ages for common medical problems. Your does not interrupt you and encourages you to voice your PCP is often involved in your care for a long time, so it is important concerns about your health. to select someone with whom you will work well. You will want to • The doctor is well-informed about preventive health measures, choose someone that emphasizes wellness and self-care by giving such as nutrition, exercise and the widely recommended use of you the information needed to make healthy lifestyle choices and screening tests. He should be quick to inform you of healthy health care decisions. lifestyle choices. Below are some guidelines to help you make your decision. • You’re comfortable talking to the doctor and the doctor explains Begin by Gathering Some Choices. things so that you can understand. • Before you move ask your current health care provider for a Most importantly, don’t put off the decision until you get sick. If a referral. You can also ask other doctors you respect and see health care problem arises, and you have not yet chosen a provider, regularly. it is usually best to seek non-emergency care from an “urgent care • If you belong to a managed care plan, find out what doctors are center” rather than a hospital emergency room. This will often save affiliated with it. you time and money. However recent years, many emergency • Ask friends, relatives or business associates. Referrals from rooms have expanded their services to include reasonably priced people you know are usually based on trust and confidence in the urgent care within the emergency room itself or an adjoining area— provider. to find out, call the hospital first. • Hospitals usually offer a referral service that can provide you with the names of staff doctors who meet certain criteria you may be seeking, however they will not vouch for the quality of care.

58 ] Baltimore Information Guide VOLUNTEERING IN YOUR COMMUNITY

One of the best ways to become involved in your new community Many people are reminded of their wish to volunteer during is through volunteering. The benefits of volunteering are many, for holiday seasons, but this is when organizations might have an everyone involved. Ask your employer for advice. Many companies excess of help. If you want to volunteer during the holiday, give employees paid time off to volunteer and will often publicize remember to contact the organization in advance. Otherwise, time their employees’ community service. According to the research your work for the lean season. group Independent Sector, the U.S. volunteer sector is equivalent to Volunteering is fun, leads to learning new skills, meeting 9 million full-time workers. Whether you have an hour or a weekend, interesting people, making new friends, sharing your talents, and if you want to help kids or the environment, there are great keeping in touch with the community in which you live. Whether it is organizations that will excite your particular interest, broaden your important to you to solve a community problem, advance a worthy horizons and fit into your time schedule. cause or to develop as a person, volunteering offers many benefits Don’t forget to include your family. If your children are school age in appreciation for the gift of your time and expertise. chances are there are many opportunities to volunteer at their Once you have chosen an area of interest, how should you go school, or even in their classroom. That is a great way to meet other about involving yourself? See what the Web can do for you. 1-800- parents with children the same age. Clean up a neighborhood park Volunteer.org, a service of the Points of Light Foundation & with your children. Spend a morning at a homeless shelter with your Volunteer Center National Network provides listings of local and children. You’ll find that volunteering is not only a fun family-bonding virtual volunteering as well as contact information for Volunteer experience but a great way to teach children the importance of Centers across the nation. Open the classified section of your local giving back to the community. paper. Check out the bulletin boards in your office. Or just start How you get involved with your community depends on your calling the local agencies you’re interested in. interests, skills and time. Choose something that fits well in to your One of the best ways to make these contacts is to walk right into schedule and makes you excited about working together to help the organization—a library, a shelter, training facility, or a political make a difference. Every person has that capability. Each of us can office—and find out who organizes volunteers. You can tell a lot by right a wrong, fill a plate, visit a shut-in or clean up a park, and that meeting the volunteer coordinator and any volunteers who happen does make the world a better place. to be on duty. While you won’t earn a paycheck for volunteering, There are several things to consider when choosing in what to you will earn valuable experience, a sense of accomplishment, and involve yourself. First of all be selective, think about what matters to the satisfaction that only comes from personally making the world a you, and where you wish to spend your time. If you have certain better place to live. social issues that you feel passionate about, it’s a great place to put your energy. You may have particular skills that will steer you toward a certain organization. Are you willing to explore new opportunities? Volunteering can teach you valuable new skills that you may use in other parts of your life. "You make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give." - Winston Churchill

Baltimore Information Guide [ 59

Baltimore Information Guide [ 61 HOUSING

MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE…

Rent or Buy? The decision to rent or buy in your new location is dependent upon many considerations unique to your personal situation. Some of the potential factors involve the tax implications, down payment, other investment vehicles, the length of time you are anticipating being in your new location and whether or not your current home has sold. If you decide to buy, should you purchase an existing home or build a new one? Again, many factors have to be considered. Will an existing home need a lot of repair or remodeling to bring it to your standards? What about the difference in the cost of operation and maintenance between new and an existing structure? How should you finance a renovation? Which home will appreciate faster? Will it be difficult to get a construction loan? Is it better to rent for a while to become familiar with neighborhoods in your new city? What about capital gains tax if you don’t close in time? We suggest you seek the advice of a certified financial planner and a realtor to thoroughly clarify your options. These choices can become quite complex. Some Advantages to Renting Whether you’re in your first apartment or a longtime resident, there are many advantages you are afforded by choosing apartment living. Mobility: You enjoy the freedom to move, to accept that better job, to take the vacation you’ve dreamed of. No maintenance: Just relax and delight in the grounds and facilities maintenance technicians keeps attractive for you. Flexibility: You have the ability to increase or decrease your living space without the burden of sales pitches, closing costs, interest rates or the high cost of maintaining a home and property. Location: The choice is yours! Recreation: Chances are, you’ve chosen an apartment community with a swimming pool, tennis court, weight room or sauna. Apartments have the equipment and people to maintain them, which is no small task for the homeowner. No waiting: If you’re like most apartment residents, moving into your apartment was easy and fast. You settled into your new home without lengthy paperwork, a loan approval period or a large financial investment. Your Current Residence As you prepare to move, a big decision may include whether to sell or rent your current property. Ask yourself the following questions as you make this decision. You may also want to ask advice from a real estate agent.

62 ] Baltimore Information Guide MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE

Market Inspect kitchen appliances. Check the stove to see if all burners The median sales price for homes in Baltimore MD for 2011 was work. Does the range have a hood with a fan? Is the oven self- $175,038. This represents an increase of 32.7%, or $43,088, cleaning? Is the stove gas or electric? If it is gas, you may have an compared to the prior quarter and an increase of 34.6% compared extra monthly charge for cooking gas. This would also be true if you to the prior year. Sales prices have appreciated 34.6% over the last had a gas clothes dryer in your unit. Check out the 5 years in Baltimore. The average listing price for Baltimore homes refrigerator/freezer for storage space. Is there enough counter and for sale on Trulia was $185,032 for the week ending Jun 22, which cabinet space? Don’t forget to keep an eye out for bugs, especially represents an increase of 0.3%, or $570, compared to the prior in a high-rise building. week and an increase of 2.1%, or $3,776, compared to the week Inspect the central air conditioning and heating systems. Ask ending Jun 01. Average price per square foot for Baltimore MD was other tenants if there is enough heat in the winter. It can be costly if $142, an increase of 23.5% compared to the same period last year. you have to buy or rent window air conditioning units. Popular neighborhoods in Baltimore include Canton, Upper Fells Is there enough storage space? Do you have enough closets for Point, Fells Point, Bolton Hill, Patterson Park, and Guilford. clothes, linens and general items. Are there built-in shelves and Information provided by trulia.com bookcases for books and DVDs? Do you also get a storage space Financial that is not adjacent to the unit? Is this property good for rental income? Can you charge more for Does the building have special amenities such as a swimming rent than you pay for mortgage, taxes and upkeep? How will selling pool, game room, barbecue area, and exercise room or tennis affect your federal and state tax situation? Furthermore, if your courts? Keep in mind that recreational amenities generally will property does not sell quickly, can you afford to keep the home increase your rent. You should consider what features you will really vacant while it’s on the market? If not, do you feel you will be able use. to find a renter on a short-term basis? Are you likely to want to move How is the noise level in the complex? Have neighbors been back into the home some day? playing music louder than you prefer? Are you located by a major Rental Tips airport, freeway or train tracks? Apartment experts say that some detective work is needed to Do you need an apartment that takes pets? If not, do you want conduct a search that finds the most livable rental residence for the to live in an area that does? Do tenants appear to be cleaning up money. After you have weeded out a good apartment complex from after their pets? What is the management policy for pet size and many rent signs and/or listings, scanned the neighborhood you like maintenance? for the best rental possibilities, you will be ready to scrutinize each property and landlord for shortcomings. It is easy for a prospective Rental experts suggest that tenants should tour several tenant to gather quick clues about the general care, maintenance of apartment complexes before placing a deposit on a unit. The the building, and cleanliness of the area overall. Try to talk to the minimum deposit to hold a unit is usually $100. Prospective renters tenant who is vacating the apartment you are planning to rent. He still need to fill out an application and pay an application fee. This or she can tell you a great deal about the pluses and minuses of will hold your unit while your employment, credit and rental histories living there. Here are some tips for inspecting the inside of the are being checked out. This process usually takes 7 to 10 days to apartment: complete. Is it clean? Carpet should be cleaned and walls/ceilings should be freshly painted. Does the apartment have a bad odor? It could be a tip that the prior tenant had a pet or cooked spicy foods. Check room sizes with a floor plan. Make sure the furniture that you will be moving will fit. Is the bedroom near the bathroom? Does the dining room adjoin the kitchen?

Baltimore Information Guide [ 63 CHOOSING THE RIGHT HOME

Making a final decision and determining which house to make an Property Taxes offer on shouldn’t be taken lightly. The decision should be made Property taxes may vary from one neighborhood to another. This rationally and not guided by emotion. You most likely won’t have the can sometimes affect whether you view a community as a desirable luxury of taking your time on deciding which house you’d like to place to live. Higher property taxes often mean newer and more pursue. However, since it is such a major decision you would like to modern schools, well-maintained roads, and bountiful community base it on factual information. Some broad categories to consider services. are: Schools Appreciation If you have school-aged children and plan to send them to public Ask your real estate agent to retrieve sales of homes in the school, you definitely want to consider the reputation of the neighborhood over the past few years. If one neighborhood shows neighborhood school. If you plan on sending your child to a private an annual average 8 percent increase and another is skyrocketing school, how long is the commute? You will likely spend a lot of time at 15 percent, you may have your decision made. driving your child not only during the school day but for extra- Crime curricular events outside the daily school schedule. Which ever Go to the local police or sheriff department and ask about crime school you decide, you can usually find general district information in your specific neighborhood. You might find theft or vandalism to and state standardized test results online. Always plan a visit to the be more prevalent in one area than another. Also please visit the school and receive the information first-hand from school website, www.familywatchdog.us. When you visit this site you can administrators. You should also talk to teachers and parents. enter your address and a map will pop up with your house as the Sellers’ Situations small icon of a house and red, blue, green, dots surrounding your If you don’t know already, ask your real estate agent how long the entire neighborhood. When you click on these dots a picture of a house has been on the market. Usually the longer a house has been person will appear with an address and the description of the crime listed, the better chance the seller will accept an offer lower than he or she had committed. asking price. Conversely, if the house has been on the market for Drawbacks just a couple days, the sellers will probably wait for a better offer if Rarely will you be lucky enough to find a perfect place. Think you offer less than the listed price. Your real estate agent might also about the cons associated with each house and determine to be able to dig up additional information about the sellers, like why correct them or how much of a negative impact each will have. they’re selling. If it’s a job-related move or a divorce, the sellers likely The House want to move as quickly as possible, meaning you have a better Make a list of the amenities and attributes you want your house shot at them accepting a lower price. to have. Be specific. Prioritize that list. Then, rate how each house Style and Substance measures up to each need on your list. The SUBSTANCE are things that cannot be changed such as the Neighborhoods location, view, size of lot, noise in the area, school district, and floor If you have kids or pets and being close to a park is important, plan. The STYLE represents easily changed surface finishes like you’ll want to consider that. How close are shopping, restaurants, carpet, wallpaper, color, and window coverings. Buy the house with churches, and other services? Are the streets maintained? How do good SUBSTANCE, because the STYLE can always be changed to your prospective neighbors keep up their property? How long will match your tastes. your commute to work be?

64 ] Baltimore Information Guide HOME INSPECTION CHECKLIST

Finding faults in a home doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t Interior buy it. But it will help you to know the type of repair costs that The kitchen and baths are the most expensive rooms to should be anticipated, and sellers often will make adjustments in renovate, so check their condition carefully. A newly-painted interior their asking price on the basis of problems discovered in an may look nice, but it could be hiding something. inspection. Plumbing Inspectors look for the following: Turn on the bathroom sink faucet and shower and then flush the Brick and Concrete toilet. When the toilet starts to refill, does the water pressure Check pavement, driveways and horizontal brick surfaces for diminish? Fill sinks and tub with three inches of water. Do they drain cracks. Is there damage from freezing? What is the condition of the properly? Do faucets leak? Lift up the carpeting. Are there any signs mortar between the bricks? Is any pavement buckling from of flooding or decay? spreading underground tree roots? Roof Electrical Are shingles curling and lifting? Find out how old the roof is, and Open the door on the fuse box or circuit-breaker panel. Is the you will have a pretty good idea of when you will have to replace it. electrical service adequate? The average house should have 100- Termites and Carpenter Ants amp service. Is it wired for 220 volts, which is necessary for electric Look for evidence of termites and carpenter ants on basement dryers and ranges? wood framing. Is there saw dust like wood or paper debris? Can Exterior you find evidence of termite tubes or tunnels? Termites live in earth, Is the house well maintained? Does the roof sag? Are the exterior so make sure that there are no places where earth is closer than six walls out of line? What is the condition of the paint, especially on the inches to wood. Like termites, carpenter ants like wood and wood south and west sides, where sun exposure is greatest? Is there products. adequate drainage away from the house? Water Damage Heating & Cooling Look in the basement for signs of leakage. This could be a result How old is the heating/cooling system? Has it been maintained? of poor drainage around the house. Water damage also is caused Ask to see the owner’s cooling bills for the previous year. This will by seepage through porous basement walls and condensation, give you an idea of its energy efficiency. which frequently is caused by inadequate ventilation. Basement Insulation walls painted a dark color may be an effort to disguise a past Check the attic and crawl space. Is the insulation adequate and problem. Beware of chalky white water stains on foundation walls complete? Has it been properly installed? Does the insulation or partitions; stains on wood and drywall; delamination of paneling obstruct the air vents, preventing the house from “breathing” and and lifting or buckling floor tiles; or a damp, mildew odor. possibly causing wood rot? Does the home have storm windows? Windows and Doors Has the glazing putty dried and shrunk, allowing water and air seepage? Is the wood decayed? Are the window and door frames caulked and weather-stripped?

Baltimore Information Guide [ 65 HOME CARE BASICS FOR NEW HOMEOWNERS

You’ve finally done it—you’ve just moved into your brand new Appliances home. The smell of fresh paint still permeates the air. You’re likely Remember to read the instruction manual for every appliance in consumed with unpacking, setting up furnishings, rearranging, your new home. The manuals provide recommended cleaning and decorating—energized by the blank pallet you have to work with. maintenance schedules and sometimes your warranty will become But once you’ve signed the thick pile of closing documents, the void if you don’t follow these recommendations. moving trucks have left and everything is neatly in its place, what do Driveways you do next? It’s time to get a handle on the routine maintenance If you have an asphalt driveway, remove oil, gasoline and similar you’ll need to perform in order to ensure that you and your family substances immediately with soapy water. live comfortably in your new home for years to come. Here’s some To avoid holes in your asphalt driveway, refrain from resting patio advice to get you started and help save money while you’re at it: furniture or bicycle stands on it. Maintaining a clean home will ensures it will last longer and works Do not burn anything on your driveway. better. Dust and dirt, if allowed to accumulate, can harm the finishes Gutters and Downspouts on blinds, cabinets, countertops, floors, sinks, tubs, toilets, walls, Clear away leaves, tree limbs and other debris from gutters and tiles and other items. If dirt does accumulate, make sure to clean it downspouts. with a substance that does not scratch or damage the finishes. Downspouts should be turned away from your home’s On the outside of your home, make sure that gutters and foundation. downspouts do not get clogged with leaves or other objects. The Every four to six years, paint gutters that are not are made of exterior of your house is built to withstand exposure to the aluminum or vinyl to help prevent rust. elements, but a periodic cleaning will improve the appearance and, Heating and Cooling Systems in many instances, prolong the life of siding and other exterior Late summer or early fall are the ideal time to do an annual products. inspection and cleaning of these systems. When you bought your home, you probably received a warranty Make sure you change the filters every three months. from the builder on workmanship and materials. This warranty applies to problems related to the construction of the home, but it Keeping your pilot light burning during the summer will help keep does not apply to problems that arise because of failure to perform the furnace dry and prevent corrosion. routine maintenance. For example, if your roof begins to leak after Registers help regulate the flow of air and maintain the desired six months because of faulty workmanship, your warranty would temperature in your home. Keeping registers closed in rooms you cover that. If you develop a problem because water backed up in don’t use will save on cooling/heating costs. clogged gutters that you should have cleaned, the builder is not Using heat generating appliances in the evening and reducing the responsible for repairs. Also, some items, such as appliances, may number of lights on will help keep the temperature down and save be covered by manufacturers’ warranties and are not the on costs during the summer. responsibility of the builder. Plumbing You should fully familiarize yourself with the terms of your Every member of your family should know where the intake warranty soon after you move into your home. With all the valves are located. Label each one. excitement surrounding a move into a new home, most people have If any of your appliances develops a leak, inspect your drain trap. little desire to curl up in front of the fireplace and read a legal A partially clogged drain can cause overflow. Use a plunger or a document. Nonetheless, you should not wait to read your warranty plumber’s snake to unclog the drain. If you need to, use boiling until a problem arises. Set aside an hour to learn what your rights water to help unclog a partially opened drain. Call a plumber if these and responsibilities are from the outset. techniques don’t work. Here are some additional tips for properly maintaining specific A worn washer, a loose part in a faucet or steam in a hot water systems in your new home. pipe generally causes a noisy pipe. Do not hesitate to repair the noise because vibrations can follow the noise and lead to leaks.

66 ] Baltimore Information Guide SECURITY

Each year more than six million residential burglaries occur Computer Security throughout the United States. That’s one every ten seconds! In Computer security is the process of preventing unauthorized use addition to the worry of home burglaries, we now also need to of your computer. concern ourselves with computer hackers and personal identity • Use of anti-virus software on all Internet-connected computers. theft. Listed below are some things that you can do to reduce your Be sure to keep your anti-virus software up-to-date. chances of becoming a victim. • Use of some type of firewall product, such as a network Home Security Checklist appliance or a personal firewall software package. • Have home security system professionally installed that offers a • Turn off your computer or disconnect its Ethernet interface when 24 hour monitoring system. Make sure to post the home system you are not using it. An intruder cannot attack your computer if it stickers and window decals: this should alert and deter would be is powered off or otherwise completely disconnected from the intruders. network. • Never stop mail or newspaper deliveries, it signals that you are • Use software backup tools if available, and store the backup away. Have a neighbor pick up all deliveries if possible. disks somewhere away from the computer. • When recording your answering machine message, do not state Identity Theft that you are not home or out of town. Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal • When leaving for an extended period, put lights and stereo or information without your permission to commit fraud or other television on a timer to give the appearance that someone is crimes. While you can’t entirely control whether you will become a home. victim, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk. Exterior/Interior Security • Shred financial documents and paperwork with personal • Replace all locks immediately upon moving into your new home information before you discard them. and install deadbolts on all outside doors. • Protect your Social Security number. Don’t carry your Social • Secure your sliding glass doors with pins to prevent all horizontal Security card in your wallet or write your Social Security number and vertical movement. Also install security film over the glass on a check. Give it out only if absolutely necessary or ask to use panes for additional protection. another identifier. • Remember to lock all doors and windows. • Don’t give out personal information on the phone, through the • Provide remote panic buttons for children and/or elderly mail, or over the Internet unless you know who you are dealing residents. with. • Never keep garage door openers in cars that are parked outside • Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails; instead, type in a of your home. web address you know. Keep Your Valuables Safe • Don’t use an obvious password like your birth date, your • Keep your important papers, heirloom jewelry and large amounts mother’s maiden name, or the last four digits of your Social of cash in a safe deposit box. Security number. • Engrave your valuables with your social security number or drivers license number. • Store jewelry, firearms, furs and like in a small closet with a non- hinged solid core door that has a deadbolt. • When purchasing new electronic equipment, breakdown cartons before discarding them. This way you avoid advertising your new purchase to the entire neighborhood and drive-by observers.

Baltimore Information Guide [ 67 HOUSING OPTIONS FOR GROWING ACTIVE ADULT DEMOGRAPHIC

According to the Administration on Aging, there are nearly 52.4 once they've retired from their jobs. You have more freedom than million people age 60 or older in the United States. By 2030, one in those of us still tied to the world of employment. So should senior every five Americans will be age 60 or older. Individuals who are 85 citizens buy or rent a home or stay where you are currently living and over are the fastest growing group of seniors, with their after retirement? numbers expected to more than triple from 5.4 million to 19 million When comparing renting and owning a home in your retirement between 2008 and 2050. The demographic profile of America’s years, maintenance and renovations need to be taken into older adults will also be more diverse in the years to come. These consideration. You must be able to keep up your home if you want trends will produce challenges as well as great opportunities to to continue living in retirement safely and comfortably. As for renting, harness the talents and energies of older Americans. many renters receive reassurance and security because they are not the one in charge of making or paying for needed repairs and renovations. One downside to renting a home or apartment is cost increase. Your rent can increase at just about any point in time. In most states, unless your lease states otherwise, rent can be increased with 30 days notice. Even so, most leases are only for one year, meaning your landlord can then raise your rent. In fact, your rent may be raised to any amount that they want, even an amount that you cannot afford. A fixed mortgage is just that and you will always know the amount of your mortgage payments. Another factor to consider is your current lifestyle, and the lifestyle you intend to lead in the future. When deciding whether to rent or buy your home, it's important to remember that the sky is the limit. You might want to travel after retirement, seeing the world on your retirement funds, and a mortgage would only serve to strap you to a particular place. You may not be able to spend winters in the Caribbean if the mortgage payments on your new home are too high. The senior housing trend started with senior apartments where Developers and home builders are now listening to those residents were monitored on a daily basis and had access to numbers. Innovative designs and careful consideration of the needs emergency services. That was just the beginning of a now extensive of active adults are now being studied to construct communities list of developments that cater to senior citizens. Many senior that include many services needed by active adults. Retirement communities include access to pools, gyms and clubhouses and villages now come complete with clubhouses for socialization, meal are age restricted. The newest developments enable seniors to own deliveries and transportation options to just name a few. Seniors will a private residence, maintain their independent lifestyles while now have to do their homework to find out which development is having many services available to them when the needs arise. right for them. Before you make a decision about where to live in retirement you need to consider many factors—the daily lifestyle you want; proximity of children, grandchildren, or other relatives and friends; the type of climate you enjoy; and your health or medical needs. Ideally you should consider these personal and lifestyle factors first. Then you need to face reality. What can you afford? As usual, when it comes to financial issues, the Internal Revenue Service enters the picture. The tax impact can be crucial when you’re analyzing the pros and cons of where and how to live. (You may access tax information for this state in another part of the guide.) Once past this process, you will need to think about renting vs. owning. Senior citizens are in a unique position

68 ] Baltimore Information Guide HOUSING OPTIONS FOR GROWING ACTIVE ADULT DEMOGRAPHIC

For many a desirable solution is retirement communities. Called “active adult” or “age- restricted” communities, these developments are especially common in suburban cities and towns where land is more available. The residents often can choose among a few different home styles. There are normally recreational benefits, such as a swimming pool, tennis, golf and a social hall. Some of these 55-plus communities are apartment buildings, condominiums or townhouses. Since an independent living facility is one in which you may live in your own apartment while enjoying more social interaction, you can come and go as you please. This gives you the opportunity to still live like you would have at your previous house, going on vacations or visiting family as you please. At the same time, same general area as their housing needs change over time. There independent living facilities have security services that create a safe is normally the cost of buying a unit in the community as well as community and place to live so there's never a reason to feel like monthly fees that increase as you require higher levels of care. You your personal belongings will not be secure while you're away. may want to consider a CCRC if you’d like to stay in the same Many retired adults choose to move to an independent living facility general facility regardless of your care needs. It also can mean because they no longer desire to take care of that big house that spouses can still be very close to one another even if one requires once housed their larger family. All that space is no longer a higher level of care, a big plus. necessary. In addition to downscaling, many independent living A relatively new concept is the Village Solution. The Village facilities offer cleaning and dining services, on top of landscaping. Solution enables active seniors to remain in their own homes It’ll give you the opportunity to really take advantage of your free without having to rely on family and friends. Members of a “village” time as a retired adult, rather than keeping you chained to daunting can access specialized programs and services, such as household chores. transportation to the grocery store, home health care, or help with household chores, as well as a network of social activities with other village members. As of 2009, there were 50 village organizations across the United States, with many more communities planned worldwide. Each offers different services depending on the local needs of the individual communities. The cost of membership varies according to area and the level of services required, but is often in excess of $500 a year. Thinking about housing arrangements for the future can be a stressful, anxiety-provoking topic for both you and your family. It may seem easier to put off thinking about it until later, but the earlier you face your specific issues, the more choices and control you will have over your future. Even if you are completely independent at this time, circumstances can change. It pays to think a little about your current location and how things will differ if you move. For example, how far will your home be from These provide less privacy, which some people want due to shopping, medical facilities, or other services? If you can no longer safety reasons. Each of these communities also has its own list of drive, what kind of transportation access will you have? Does it regulations on what is and is not acceptable by the homeowners. have a lot of steps, stairs, or a steep hill to navigate? Read everything you can about the housing, talk with other Learn about the different types of senior housing, what choices residents and meet the officers, if there is a board that oversees the may be best for you, and how to navigate the emotional roadblocks facility. that come with choosing senior housing. But most importantly plan Continuing-Care Retirement Communities are a great option. to enjoy each day to the fullest and take advantage of every CCRCs are facilities that include independent living, assisted living, opportunity presented to you! and nursing home care in one location, so seniors can stay in the

Baltimore Information Guide [ 69 HOME BUYER’S GLOSSARY

As you start shopping for a new home, you may encounter some Contingency Condition that must be met before a contract is unfamiliar words and terms. The following glossary will help get you binding. through the maze of buying a home. Convertibility Ability to change a loan from an adjustable rate Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM) Loan with an interest rate schedule to a fixed-rate schedule. adjusted according to movements in the financial market. Many Covenant Agreement between seller and buyer on a piece of offer lower-than-market initial interest rates that rise only gradually property, restricting the use of that property. (Also called deed for the first few years. restriction.) Annual Percentage Rate (APR) Annual cost of credit over the life of Deed Legal document representing property ownership. a loan including interest, service charges, points, loan fees, Default When a borrower fails to make the required payments of mortgage insurance and other items. a mortgage contract. Appraisal Unbiased, professional opinion of a property’s value Density The number of homes built on a particular acre of land. based on its style and appearance, construction quality, usefulness Allowable densities are determined by local jurisdictions. and the value of comparable properties. Debt-To-Income Ratio Long-Term debt expenses as a percentage Assessment Tax levied on a property or a value placed on the of monthly income; used by lenders to qualify borrowers for worth of a property by a taxing authority. mortgage loans. Assumption Transaction allowing a buyer to assume responsibility Due-on-Sale Clause in a mortgage contract requiring the borrower for an existing loan instead of getting a new loan. to pay the entire outstanding balance upon sale or transfer of the Broker (Real Estate) Person who receives a commission or fee for property. bringing buyer and seller together and assisting in the negotiation of Earnest Money Sum paid to the seller to show that a potential contracts between them. A license is required in most states. purchaser is serious about buying. Building Code Local regulations controlling design, construction Easement Right-of-Way granted to a person or company and materials used in construction. Building Codes are based on authorizing access to the owner’s land. For example, a utility safety and health standards. company may be granted easement to install pipes or wires. An Buydown Subsidy, usually paid by a builder or developer, to reduce owner may voluntarily grant an easement or can be ordered to grant the monthly payments on a mortgage loan. one by a local jurisdiction. Buyer’s Agent A real estate agent who represents only the buyer Equity Difference between the value of a home and what is owed in a real estate transaction. on it. Callback Request by a homeowner for a builder to handle a service Escrow Handling of funds or documents by a third party on behalf request. of the buyer and/or seller. Cap Limit to the amount an interest rate or monthly payment can Escrow Amount Amount set up by a lender into which periodic, increase for an adjustable-rate loan either during an adjustment usually monthly, payments for taxes, hazard insurance, period or over the life of the loan. assessments and mortgage insurance premiums are made. Funds Certificate of Occupancy Document from an official agency stating are held in trust by the lender who pays the sums as they become the property meets the requirements of local codes, ordinances and due. regulations. Fair Market Value Price at which property is transferred between Chain of Title History of all documents transferring title to a parcel willing buyer and willing seller, each of whom has reasonable of real property, starting with the earliest existing document and knowledge of all pertinent facts and neither being under compulsion ending with the most recent. to buy or sell. Change Order Homebuyer’s written authorization to add, delete or Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Federal agency that insures change an item specified in a contract. mortgages with lower down payment requirements than Closing Meeting to sign documents that transfer from a seller to a conventional loans. buyer. (Also referred to as settlement.) Fixed-Rate Mortgage Mortgage with an interest rate that remains Closing Costs Charges paid at settlement for obtaining a mortgage constant over the life of the loan. loan and transferring a real estate title. Hazard Insurance Protection against damage caused by fire, wind Commission Agent’s fee for negotiating a real estate or loan storms or other common hazards. Many lenders require borrowers transaction, often expressed as the percentage of the sales price or to carry it in an amount at least to the mortgage. mortgage amount. HVAC Common building industry abbreviation for heating, Conditions, Covenants and Restrictions (CC and Rs) Standards that ventilation and air conditioning systems. define how a property may be used and the protections the Index Interest rate or adjustment standard that determines the developer makes for the benefit of all owners in a subdivision. changes in monthly payments for an adjustable-rate loan.

70 ] Baltimore Information Guide HOME BUYER’S GLOSSARY

Infrastructure Public facilities and services needed to support PITI Principal, interest, taxes and insurance: the four major residential development, including highways, bridges, schools and components of monthly housing payments. sewer and water systems. Point One-Time charge assessed by the lender at closing to Inspection Examination of work completed on a structure to increase the interest yield on a mortgage loan. determine compliance with building code and other code Presettlement Walk-Through Final inspection of house prior to requirements. closing, conducted by builder and buyer. Joint Tenancy Form of ownership in which the tenants own a Principal Amount borrowed, excluding interest and other charges. property equally. If one dies, the other automatically inherits the Property Survey Survey to determine the boundaries of a piece of entire property. property. Cost depends on the complexity of the survey. Loan Origination Fee Lender will charge a fee for the cost of Recording Fee Charge for recording the transfer of a property, paid processing the loan, usually calculated as a percentage of the loan to a city, county or other appropriate branch of government. amount. Specifications Contractual document describing in detail the work Loan-To-Value-Ratio Relationship between the amount of a home to be performed; method of construction; standards of loan and the total value of a property. workmanship; quality, type and manufacturer of materials and Lock-In Rate Commitment from a lender to make a loan at a pre- equipment for a particular project. set interest rate at some future date, usually for not more than 90 Tenancy in Common Form of ownership in which the tenants own days. A fee may be charged to “lock-in” a rate. separate but equal parts. To inherit the property, a surviving tenant Mortgage Commitment Formal written communication by a lender would either have to be mentioned in the will or, in the absence of agreeing to make a mortgage loan on a specific property, specifying a will, be eligible through state inheritance laws. the loan amount, length of time and conditions. Title Evidence, usually in the form of a certificate or deed, of a Mortgage Origination Fee Charge for the work involved in preparing person’s legal right to ownership of a property. and servicing a mortgage application. Title Insurance Insurance against any title defects that may exist Permit Document issued by a local government agency allowing prior to the time the title is passed from one owner to the next, and construction work to be performed in conformance with local which may come to light in a future transaction. codes. Work may not commence until permits have been obtained, Veterans Administration (VA) Federal agency that insures mortgage and each permit issuing agency must inspect the work at certain loans with very liberal down payment requirements for honorably specified points during construction. discharged veterans and their surviving spouses.

Baltimore Information Guide [ 71 TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR ENERGY COSTS

The cost of cooling your house continues to rise. There are a • Make sure food is cool and covered before it goes into the number of ways you can save a significant amount of money on refrigerator. your energy bills. In fact, it’s possible to save up to 25 percent on • Close doors to rooms that are not being used. your power bill by using the following tips. While your results might • Run full loads in your washer and dryer, and use “solar drying” vary, you’re guaranteed to find at least a few ways to save money. (clotheslines). The idea behind all our advice, and in fact our entire conservation • Use energy saver option on your dishwasher, allowing dishes to effort, is to give you the information you need to make the right air dry. decisions. • If you A/C unit is on the ground, keep the area around it clean and These simple steps don’t cost a thing, but can potentially save free of obstructions to maintain air flow. you 10-25% on your monthly energy bill. • Unplug your televisions/VCR when you’re on vacation. Most new • Turn off lights and appliances when not in use. Don’t forget your sets draw power even when they’re turned off. computer - it can use as much energy as a refrigerator. Most new • Keep lights and lighting fixtures clean, especially if you’re computers have “sleep” settings. reducing the number of lights you use. Dirt absorbs light. Let • In the cold months, set the thermostat to 68 degrees when lights cool before cleaning them and never touch halogen bulbs home, and then back to 58 degrees when sleeping or when you with your bare hands. The oil from your skin can greatly damage are not home more than four hours. the bulbs. Use a small piece of paper to hold the bulb. • In warm months, set the thermostat to 78-80 degrees when • If your dishwasher has a filter clean it. home and 5 to 10 degrees warmer at night or when you’re not • Clean the reflectors underneath the burners on stovetops. home. • Do not turn your air conditioning off in the hot months when There are plenty of low cost, easy to do projects or steps you can you’re not home. Your house will store up the heat and you’re do to save another 10-25% on your energy bill. likely to make the air conditioning run for hours to feel • Use compact fluorescent bulbs instead of incandescent ones. comfortable. This will typically save $1 per bulb changed out (for bulbs running • In the winter, open window coverings on the sunny side of your 4-6 hours per day) and reduce heat in your home. Regular bulbs home to take advantage of “free heat from the sun” Close the use most of the electricity to generate heat so use care when coverings on cloudy days or right after the sun sets. changing bulbs. • In the cooling season, close blinds and drapes during the day to • Caulk windows and caulk and weather-strip doors. Keep the keep heat out. outside air out and the inside air in. • Also, use your dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer, and cook • Install a hot water heater blanket but be careful not to cover vents as late in the evening as possible. or temperature settings. • Barbecue outside if practical, keeping in mind the heat and effect • Install hot water pipe insulation. Do keep the insulation at least six of sun on your body. By reducing the heat coming into your home inches away from the flue (exhaust pipe) of gas water heaters. from any source, will reduce the load on your air conditioning. • Plant trees and shrubs on the south and west side of your • Use pool trippers to reduce the time your swimming pool pump residence. The vegetation acts as insulation and provides runs on—eight to twelve hours a day is plenty in the summer shading, reducing thermal gain in a building. months, less in the winter months. • Fix leaky faucets Install low flow showerheads. • Set your water heater to 120 degrees. • Use room fans to keep the air moving and reduce the feeling of • Vacuum your refrigerator coils (underneath and in the back) and heat in your home. don’t obstruct the coils. They need air space to work. • Replace furnace and air conditioner filters. Spray the filters with a • Keep the seals (gaskets) on refrigerators and freezers clean. light coating of lemon furniture polish or vegetable oil cooking • Keep your freezer as full as possible. You can place containers or spray to help trap dirt in the filter. plastic bottles filled with water in the empty spaces. • Check the seals on your refrigerator and freezer. • Replace normal thermostats with programmable thermostats.

72 ] Baltimore Information Guide WHO’S WHO IN BUILDING

Architect Lender Building design professional who has completed all required The financial institution that provides construction loan financing university training in architecture and passed state licensing exams; during construction and permanent financing for the home buyer initials A.I.A. and F.A.I.A. indicate membership in a professional after the home is built and there is a property settlement, referred to organization, but not licensed status. in our area as closing. Most lenders make what is referred to as Builder or General Contractor “end loans” which is the loan made to the buyer of a new home, and The buck stops with him or her in construction projects. The others make both the “end loan” and “construction loan financing” general contractor secures bids for all work and materials; hires, which provides funds to pay for costs incurred during construction. coordinates and oversees subcontractors; files for permits and Owner Builder arranges for inspections; and generally makes the final decisions in An individual or family who finances and manages a home all construction-related matters. building project (usually with the assistance of a builder or general Building Designer contractor who is hired to manage all or a particular phase of the Generally unlicensed professionals (license not required for construction of the home) with the intention of retaining ownership practice) who, by experience, are competent to design homes, and residing in the home after completion. prepare drawings and write specifications; they often work in Subcontractor association with licensed architects. A specialist who undertakes responsibility for one phase or trade Building Inspector within the project and reports to the general contractor. In a typical One or more local officials who oversee and regulate every phase home building project, subcontractors generally include: an of residential construction. Regulations vary widely. In most states excavation contractor who digs foundations and grades the site; a area home construction meets standards contained in the Uniform masonry contractor who handles all concrete, block, brickwork and Building Code. In addition, applicable provisions of the Uniform Fire paving; a framing contractor who constructs the shell and interior & Plumbing/Mechanical & Electrical codes are enforced. Typically, partitions; a roofing contractor; a heating, ventilation and air- permits are issued and inspections are made at key stages of conditioning (HVAC) contractor; a plumbing contractor; an electrical construction by County and City building code enforcement contractor; drywall installers; insulation contractors; finish departments. carpenters who generally handle wood flooring, trim work, and Construction Manager/Foreman cabinet installation; and a painting contractor. The general contractor’s right-hand man. A construction Surveyor manager can be on site when the general contractor is not. A professional with the training and equipment to establish or Design/Build Firms verify property lines. The surveyor also plots and marks the An organization that provides both architectural planning and topography of the site, which is crucial in preparing the site plan. He general contracting services, and offers a different approach to the or she may also be employed to stake out the building site, setting conventional arrangement in which the designer and builder are reference marks for foundation excavation, establishing grades for separate entities. roads or driveways and marking the locations for a septic system Kitchen /Bath Designer and water well, if necessary. Specialist in designing these rooms; initials C.K.D. and C.B.D. Title Insurance Company indicate certification by a professional association, for which training The entity that conducts a comprehensive search of the public and passing tests are required. License is not required for practice. records to make sure that the title received by a buyer of a new Interior Designer home is “free and clear of any liens and encumbrances”. This Specialist in decoration and furnishing; special training and assures the issuance of a clear or “merchant able” title in favor of licensing not required. Initials A.S.I.D. following individual’s name the buyer of a new home at the closing of the sale of the property. indicate membership in a professional association, for which training and passing tests are required. Landscape Architect Specialist in landscape and garden planning; primary concerns include site selection, grading, access, drainage and protection of existing plant material. License required for practice.

Baltimore Information Guide [ 73 SELECTING A BUILDER

Are you shopping for a new home? Start by shopping for a Service After the Sale and Home Warranty professional builder first. Whether you are buying a townhouse, a While you are shopping, ask about the builder’s service after the detached home in a subdivision, or a custom-built house, the sale. Most builders offer some form of warranty. Many builders back construction quality of your new home will be determined by the their own warranties on workmanship and materials, typically for quality of your builder. one year. Other builders offer warranties backed by an insurance Start your builder-search process by calling your local home program. One of the most important criteria for selecting a builder builders association. They can give you the names of reputable is the warranty protection provided on the home. Ask for a copy of builders in your area. Ask friends and relatives about builders they the builder’s warranty. Read the document thoroughly and be sure have dealt with directly, or ask them for the names of acquaintances you understand what protection is provided. If you have any who have recently built a new home. questions about the coverage, talk to the builder prior to finalizing The Interview Process your purchase. Once you have developed a list of builders who are building the Be Thorough type and price range of home you are interested in, research their When selecting a builder, be thorough and ask a lot of questions. reputations and the quality of their work. The best way is to visit Get as many specifics as possible. If you receive the answers homes that they have built and talk to the owners. Ask the builders verbally, take notes. Never hesitate to ask a question because you on your list for the addresses of their recently completed houses, are afraid of sounding “stupid” or uninformed. What seems like a subdivisions, or townhouse communities. At the very least, drive by “stupid” question may yield a very important answer. and see if the homes are visually appealing. Buying a new home is probably the biggest and most important Look at homes that are the same style as you plan to buy. A good purchase you will make in your lifetime. By doing your new “home” time to visit is on a weekend morning when people are outside work to select a builder, you will instill in yourself and your family a doing chores. Introduce yourself and explain that you are sense of confidence and knowledge that you have made the right considering buying a home from the same builder who built their choice. home. If you have additional questions about selecting a builder, contact Ask about their satisfaction with the home and whether the your area’s Builders Association. Ask for a builder list that identifies builder delivered what was promised in a timely manner. Ask if they the price categories and subdivisions in which they build. Be sure to would buy another home from this builder. People will generally tell tour the Parade of Homes in the Fall and Spring. It is an excellent you if they are happy with their purchase. way to get familiar with the housing market in this area as well as Quality and Value individual builder’s products. When examining a home, look at the quality of the construction features: the cabinetry, carpeting, trim work, and paint. In viewing a home, you must determine whether it lends itself to the type of lifestyle you want to lead. Look at the amount of interior living space and how efficiently the space is used. Find out if the builder is incorporating state-of-the-art energy efficiency features, both in appliances and insulation.

74 ] Baltimore Information Guide SELECTING A CONTRACTOR

Every year hundreds of families are taken advantage of by 8. Make sure all required permits are secured and inspections are disreputable individuals or companies who represent themselves to made.The contractor should be expected to secure all necessary be reliable, reputable contractors. If you are planning to hire permits. Beware of contractors who want you to secure the someone to repair or make improvements to your property there are permit as the property owner. It is permissible to do so, but it is safeguards you can take to assure the best selection of a contractor very unusual that a reputable contractor will ask you to do this. for you. 9. Make sure you have a written contract with the contractor that Consider the Following details: 1. Hire only licensed contractors. Contractors are required to be a. A full description of all work to be done. licensed to do certain types of work. When selecting a contractor b. A firm date of completion you should make sure the contractor holds a current, valid c. Total cost of the job. license either issued by your city. d. Contractors license number. 2. All contractors do not possess the same expertise.Ask for e. All warranty information. references and check those references to assure yourself that f. Quality of materials to be used. the contractor is qualified to do the type of work you are wanting g. How and on what basis payments are to be made. done. h. How changes and payment for changes will be handled. 3. Check business references. Ask the contractor for a list of 10. Make sure complete architectural drawings are done and business references that you can call and verify that the agreed upon if you are having a room addition added, or relationships with suppliers and subcontractors are good ones extensive remodeling done. Be certain that detailed material and that the contractor pays his bills. specifications are also provided and made a part of the contract 4. Call the Better Business Bureau to find out if there are any you sign. complaints or charges pending against the contractor. 11. Monitor the work being done in accordance with the 5. Call local trade associations for information about selecting a contractual agreement with the contractor. If you have contractor. questions about what is being done or problems with the 6. Ask for proof from the contractor that he has general liability contractor, either ask questions or confront the problem head insurance and workers compensation insurance in order to on when it occurs in order to minimize any conflict and reach a protect you, as the property owner, against any claim in the event satisfactory resolve as quickly as possible. the contractor, his employees, or someone else is injured as a 12. Final payment should not be made until you are satisfied that result of work being done on your property. the job has been completed in accordance with the terms of the 7. Make sure the contractor you are contracting with will be contractual agreement between you and the contractor. personally involved in coordinating the work to be done on your property. “A house is made of walls and beams; A home is built with love and dreams.” - Author unknown

Baltimore Information Guide [ 75 BANKING & MORTGAGE INFORMATION

Is Your Bank Meeting Your Current Financial Needs? What Will You Do? This page offers a guide to choosing the right bank for your The fist question to ask yourself is what you want to do with your needs, and offers some ideas for starting your checklist. bank account. Do you want to put money in there periodically and With banks offering an increasing number of financial services at watch it grow? Will you move money in and out quickly? You need widely varying fees, choosing one to handle your particular financial to know what your banking behavior will be like in order to find the needs can seem like a difficult and confusing task. Although there right bank. is much to consider, it is best to select a bank the same way you Next, get an idea of how you prefer to do your banking. If your would choose any product or service—first evaluate your needs schedule doesn’t work with most bank schedules, the best bank and then compare costs. You should also consider what is most might just be the one that’s open at convenient times. important to you in a banking relationship. Do you want to develop Free checking accounts get a lot of hype. They get people in the a personal, long-term customer relationship with a bank? Do you door. However, free may not always be the best thing for you. If you travel frequently and need access to branch offices while you are value certain services or conveniences, you may be willing to pay for out of town? If you prefer to do your banking by telephone or online, them. Once you get ahold of fee schedules from competing banks, you'll want to explore the types of electronic services each bank has consider if it’s really going to bother you to pay a few bucks each to offer. Once you have identified your needs, evaluating and month for that “gotta have it” feature or service. Maybe it is, maybe comparing the services and fees is a much simpler task. it isn’t. But you have to do your research, because not all banks offer At first glance, fees might make you favor debit cards in the debit free checking, and if they do, they won’t always tell you about that vs credit competition. The worst fee you'll find in a typical debit card option unless you ask. is a POS fee — charged when you use your debit card at a retailer So go online or make a few phone calls. Find out if the bank has using PIN number. While the tide is shifting away from banks a lot of ATM locations. It doesn’t do you any good to have free charging these fees, they're still around. More importantly, there are checking if you have to spend $2 a pop to use another bank’s ATM more factors than fees to the debit vs credit debate. because you bank only has one branch and it is all the way across Hidden fees are becoming increasingly popular in the banking town. industry. If you're not careful, you might end up wasting significant You may be eligible because of where you live or what type of job amounts of money each year on things that can be easily avoided. you have to join a credit union. Many people like credit unions One place that's full of hidden fees is the ATM. While it is an easy because they offer a lot of free services (like maybe free Money way of obtaining your money quickly and efficiently, ATMs are Orders). But keep in mind that credit unions are often few and far notorious for their service charges. You can end up being charged between, so you may end up with the ATM surcharge problem. every time you use the ATM, if you're not careful. Some banks will charge extra fees if you do not meet certain requirements or do your banking with them. Banks can even charge you to check your balance at the ATM. It depends on the bank. You need to understand the terms of your bank and find the best plan for you. You can check balances, transfer funds and pay bills, all from the comfort and convenience of your home or office computer. Internet banking may also have a price. Depending on the bank, you may have to pay a service charge for this service. It also may not be available at all banks.

76 ] Baltimore Information Guide BANKING & MORTGAGE INFORMATION

You may have a difficult time deciding which type of home feature was designed to provide housing and assistance for mortgage is the best for your needs. The world of home finance veterans and their families, and the dream of home ownership offers so many variables and options that it’s often hard to keep became a reality for millions of veterans. VA will guarantee a them straight. The following may help you better understand the maximum of 25 percent of a home loan amount up to $104,250, differences and find a home loan that’s right for you. which limits the maximum loan amount to $417,000. Generally, the Fixed-Rate Mortgages are very popular because the interest rate reasonable value of the property or the purchase price, whichever and monthly payments are constant. Fixed loans are generally is less, plus the funding fee may be borrowed. All veterans must amortized over ten, fifteen, twenty or thirty years. Property taxes qualify, for they are not automatically eligible for the program. and homeowners insurance may increase, but generally your Interest-Only Mortgage is really an interest-only option that works monthly payments will be very stable. During the early amortization with various mortgage types. This option has regular payments, period, a large percentage of the monthly payment is used for typically monthly, for a fixed period of time; however, payments paying the interest. As the loan is paid down, more of the monthly consist of one hundred percent interest. No principal is paid during payment is applied to principal. A typical 30 year fixed rate the interest-only period. When that period ends, the borrower is mortgage takes 22.5 years of level payments to pay half of the obligated to make payments of principal and interest. Because the original loan amount. You may also opt for “biweekly” mortgages, time remaining in the loan term to repay the principal is shorter than which shorten the loan by making a payment every two weeks. it would have been, payments will adjust upward, sometimes (Since there are 52 weeks in a year, you make 26 payments, or 13 substantially. The appeal of interest-only payments is savings. When “months” worth, every year.) principal is not being paid, monthly payments are dramatically Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) is a loan which allows for the lower. On the risk side is potential for loss. If the need to sell arises adjustment of its interest rate according to the terms of the note and and the property value has stayed flat or declined, a borrower might as market interest rates change. With this type of mortgage loan be in a position where the mortgage loan balance is higher than the program the interest rate and payments may be adjusted as market value of the property. frequently as every month. The purpose of the program is to allow Balloon Mortgage Loan generally has a short term, commonly mortgage interest rates to fluctuate with market conditions. The anywhere from 3-7 years. During that term, borrowers make regular initial interest rate for an ARM is usually lower than that of a fixed equal payments of principal – the amount of money borrowed – plus rate mortgage, where the interest rate remains the same during the interest. At the end of the loan term, a “balloon” payment is due for life of the loan. A lower rate means lower payments, which might the entire loan balance. Options for handling the balloon payment help you qualify for a larger loan. Also if you do not plan to keep your include paying off the balance when due or refinancing before the home for more than a few years, the possibility of rate increases payment comes due. Balloon mortgages are usually offered at isn’t as much of a factor. But no one has a crystal ball to predict the lower interest rates than other fixed-rate loans. In addition, fluctuation of interest rates, so it is somewhat of a gamble. payments are calculated using a period longer than the term of the FHA Mortgage Loan is insured by the Federal Housing loan. As a result, balloon loans offer affordability for short-term Administration. FHA is part of the U.S. Department of Housing and circumstances. Borrowers do need to plan ahead so they are not Urban Development (HUD), one of its chief purposes is to help caught unprepared when the balloon payment is due. people obtain financing to buy their homes. The FHA doesn’t make Choosing a type of mortgage is not the only decision you must the loans, but insures loans made by banks, savings and loans, face. Several other criteria are listed below. mortgage companies, credit unions and other approved institutions. Hybrid Mortgage combines features of both fixed-rate and FHA does not originate loans. FHA insures the mortgage and pays adjustable-rate mortgages. A hybrid mortgage loan may start with the lender if the homebuyer defaults on the loan, or fails to repay the a rate that is fixed for a period of time. When that fixed-rate period loan. Almost anyone who has a satisfactory credit record, enough expires, the loan then converts to an ARM. The initial rate for a cash to close the loan, and sufficient steady income to make hybrid mortgage loan is typically lower than prevailing fixed rates. monthly mortgage payments can be approved for an FHA-insured The lower rate enables more buying power up front. On the risk side mortgage. There is no upper age limit and no certain income level is the uncertainty of how high interest rates will be when the fixed- required, although individual mortgage amounts are limited by law. rate period expires. VA Mortgage Loan is similar to the FHA mortgage. The U.S. Lending Institution are used When you’re looking for a home loan, Department of Veterans Affairs guarantees loans made by you might work with an officer at a bank or other lending institution, institutional lenders to eligible veterans. The guarantee helps protect or you might choose to work with a mortgage broker. The loan the lender in the event of the borrower’s default. The VA Loan was officers at a bank, credit union or other lending institution are initiated in 1944 through the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act, more employees who work to sell and process mortgages originated by commonly known as the GI Bill of Rights. The GI Bill was signed into their employer. They often have a wide variety of loans types to law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and provided veterans with draw from, but all originate from that specific lender. a federally guaranteed home loan with no down payment. This continued on page 78

Baltimore Information Guide [ 77 BANKING & MORTGAGE INFORMATION

Mortgage Brokers are professionals who are paid a fee to bring Appreciation is the increase in the property’s value, either by together lenders and borrowers. The mortgage broker working to improvement in the market or improvements made by the owner. secure your loan is earning a fee for that transaction—and the Balloon Mortgage is a loan that acts like a fixed rate but is due in better deal they achieve for a lender, the more they are paid. Don’t three, five or ten years. At that point you must pay the outstanding be too anxious to disclose the interest rate you would be willing to balance in one lump sum. accept, let them tell you what terms they can secure. Shop around Buydown is the process of buying a lower interest rate by paying to make sure the terms are reasonable. more points at closing. There should be little difference between obtaining a loan from a Conventional Mortgage is a loan that is under $ 240,000 and meets broker or a local lending institution. Maybe none, but you should be Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac standards, the largest purchasers of aware of the differences between the two positions. A mortgage home mortgages on the secondary market. broker may find you a lender in another part of the country. The loan Convertible Mortgage is an ARM with the option to convert to a office will likely be able to offer more personal service while your loan fixed rate mortgage as specified in the contract. is being processed and once you are an established customer. FHA Loans are issued by FHA approved lenders. The FHA insures Discount Points are fees paid to a lender at closing in order to its loans so that borrowers can get them with only 3 to 5% down lower your mortgage interest rate. While buying points is sometimes payment. The FHA has certain criteria to qualify for these loans. a good decision, many times the purchase costs you more than it Fixed-rate Mortgages are self amortizing loans with a constant rate saves. The cost of each point is equal to one percent of the loan of interest. These loans are commonly for 10, 15. 20 or 30 year amount. For instance, for a $100,000 loan one discount point periods. equals $1,000. Each discount point paid on a 30-year loan typically lowers the interest rate by 0.125 percent. That means a 5.5 percent Interest Rate is what the lender charges for the use of their money. rate would be lowered to 5.375 percent if you purchase one point. Expressed as an annual percentage of the amount borrowed before Paying for points lowers your interest rate, because the lender financing expenses. receives the income in a lump sum at closing rather than collecting Initial Interest Rate is what lenders charge on an ARM until the first the interest as you make payments on your loan. Whether or not adjustment is made. This rate is usually much lower than fixed rate paying points makes sense for you depends in part on how long mortgages. you plan to keep the loan. Jumbo Mortgages are loans greater than $ 227,150 with an Helpful Mortgage Terms interest rate that is a quarter percentage higher than conventional loans. Adjustable Rate Mortgage is a loan with a rate that adjusts to market conditions. The rate of adjustment will be stated in the Lifetime Cap is the same as an annual cap except there is limit on contract. how high the interest rate can increase over the entire life of the mortgage. Adjustment Index is a guide lenders use to change ARM interest rates during the life of a mortgage. The specific index to which your Loan Commitment is a promise by the lender to provide the agreed ARM is tied to will be listed in the mortgage contract. amount of money stated on the mortgage to close on a home. The commitment also states the interest rate, term of loan, and usually Annual Cap is a limit on how high the interest rate on an ARM can expires within 60 days. rise in a single year. Annual caps are specified in the better ARM programs. Loan Servicing is the institution that handles the administrative processing of your loan such as billing and collecting payments. Annual Percentage Rate Equals the true cost of a loan including financing charges and fees. Loan-to-Value Ratio is the proportional relationship of the mortgage loan to the value of a home, expressed as a percentage. Amortization is the process that reduces the amount owned in a loan. It can be made in a lump sum or periodic installments. Appraisal Value is estimating the property’s worth which is based on comparable properties. Appraisals that are completed by certified professionals, and are used by lenders to verify the home’s value and justify the mortgage commitment.

78 ] Baltimore Information Guide BANKING & MORTGAGE INFORMATION

Mortgage Calculator You can obtain your property taxes from the local township office How much do you qualify for based on typical lender and you can contact your insurance agent for homeowner rates. requirements? Generally, the lender will require that your monthly Now, while shopping for your mortgage, you probably have payments not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income. Lets take discovered the current interest rate. Use the chart below; find the a look at how a lender would typically determine your ability to meet column, which applies to that rate. Follow the number down until monthly house payments. you find the number that is closest to your principal and interest First, determine your gross monthly income from all sources. payment. To the left of that you will find the loan amount for which Then multiply that amount by 28% to determine an approximate you probably qualify. If you intend to apply for a 90% loan, divide the allowable monthly payment. This payment includes principal, loan amount by .90 to calculate the price of the house that would interest, taxes and insurance. From this amount subtract taxes and require this monthly payment. insurance to arrive at your allowable principal and interest payment.

The example below illustrates this procedure: Gross Monthly Income $2,500 X 28% = $700 Less: Monthly Taxes & Insurance ($100) = $600 6% Interest Rate for 30 years for $600 = $30,000 $30,000/.90 (Loan to Value) = $33,333 = Estimated Maximum Home Price For Qualification

$ 3% 3.5% 4% 4.5% 5% 5.5% 6% 6.5% 7%

100,000 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700

150,000 450 525 600 675 750 825 900 975 1050

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250,000 750 875 1000 1125 1250 1375 1500 1625 1750

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350,000 1050 1225 1400 1575 1750 1925 2100 2275 2450

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450,000 1350 1575 1800 2025 2250 2475 2700 2925 3150

500,000 1500 1750 2000 2250 2500 2750 3000 3250 3500

550,000 1650 1925 2200 2475 2750 3025 3300 3575 3850

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650,000 1950 2275 2600 2925 3250 3575 3900 4225 4550

700,000 2100 2450 2800 3150 3500 3850 4200 4550 4900

750,000 2250 2625 3000 3375 3750 4125 4500 4875 5250

800,000 2400 2800 3200 3600 4000 4400 4800 5200 5600

850,000 2550 2975 3400 3825 4250 4675 5100 5525 5950

900,000 2700 3150 3600 4050 4500 4950 5400 5850 6300

950,000 2850 3325 3800 4275 4750 5225 5700 6175 6650

1,000,000 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500 6000 6500 7000

Baltimore Information Guide [ 79 AIRLINES APARTMENTS

Airlines Brookside Gallery Tower Apartment Homes 148 Willowdale Drive #24 111 West Centre Street American Airlines Frederick, MD 21702 Baltimore, MD 21201 Reservations call (800) 433-7300 (301) 831-4749 (888) 633-6169 Flights at your fingertips. For passenger Brookside Apartments offers great www.gallerytower.net reservations and information call us or your location and great prices! Washer and Located in the cultural district of Mt travel agent. dryer in every home plus a fully equipped Vernon, Gallery Tower is the “picture Continental Airlines modern kitchen. Enjoy your own private perfect” place to make your new home! Reservations call (800) 523-3273 patio or balcony and two sparkling pools! Our newly renovated building has a Want to be treated with respect, fly the Please call us today to set up an selection of one bedroom apartments. safe and courteous skies with Continental appointment. Blocks away from the Peabody Institute & Airlines. Cascades Overlook U of B. United Airlines 4606 Cascade Mills Drive Marlboro Classic and Redwood Square Reservations call (800) 241-6522 Owings Mills, MD 21117 Apartments Serving more of the nations top 100 (866) 817-8604 410 West Lombard St business centers than any other airline. www.cascadesoverlookapts.com Baltimore, MD 21201 Small package dispatch, same-day airport Discover spacious 1, 2 and 3 bedroom (410) 659-6600 to airport. garden and mid-rise apartments at www.marlborosquare.com Cascades Overlook located in Owings Mills Picture a community that has thought of Apartments New Town, a charming suburban area every last detail. There is only one: Annhurst northwest of Baltimore. Featuring up to Marlboro Classic. Amenities are numerous, 4600-R Annhurst Drive 1,800 square feet of living space, including private parking, community room, Belcamp, MD 21017 Cascades Overlook offers a great value fitness center, 2 rooftop decks, courtyard (410) 272-0474 with a unique array of features to meet garden atrium and easy access to the Single story apts with washer dryer your every need. Oversized closets, large MARC Train. Your new home will include hookups, fenced in private patio, and short ceramic tile bathrooms, garage parking central a/c, laundry room in building, term leases available. Small pets welcome. and elevators are just a few of the reasons exposed brick walls, oversized windows Satisfaction Guaranteed...We Promise! you’ll want to call Cascades Overlook and 12 to 20 foot ceilings. Residents enjoy We’re so sure you’ll be happy, we home. Enjoy grand clubhouse amenities superior customer service, including 24- guarantee it with a 100% Total Resident such as swimming pool, fitness center, hour emergency maintenance, parcel Satisfaction Guarantee. If you’re not happy business center, large screen TV and full delivery, valet dry cleaning and Southern's with your apartment, we’ll release you from equipped kitchen. Close to Metro & I795 free shuttle service. your lease within the first 30 days. No and just 20 minutes to downtown Marlborough House Apartment Homes Penalties. No questions asked. Baltimore. 3001 Branch Avenue Apartments of Winterset Clary’s Crossing Hillcrest Heights, MD 20748 4700 Winterset Way 11311 Little Patuxent Parkway (888) 626-0406 Owings Mills, MD 21117 Columbia, MD 21044 www.marlboroughhouse.net (410) 902-0090 (410) 964-5557 Your balcony at Marlborough House Enjoy luxury living, affordable pricing in RENT WITH EQUITY, Equity Residential’s overlooks beautiful lush parkland. You a beautifully landscaped community in exclusive NATIONAL rent to own program wouldn’t believe that Capitol Hill and Metro Owings Mills New town, where you can allows residents to earn equity toward a Rail are just minutes away. Amenities at enjoy the convenient of shopping, new home. Nowhere else can you take this house are numerous, including private restaurants and banking, while your advantage of a national rent to own parking, community room, exercise gym children enjoy the newly built elementary program of this kind! and a pool. and high school just around the corner. We Forsythia Court Marymont offer spacious one, two and two with den 300-B Forsythia Ct 8220 Marymont Drive apartments and town homes, with wooded Abingdon, MD 21009 Laurel, MD 20707 views, eat-in kitchens, full sized washer (410) 515-0433 (301) 498-4111 and dryers, vaulted ceilings and fireplaces. Single story apartments with washer Marymont Apartments at Laurel Lakes Our resort-like amenities include individual dryer hookups, private entrance and patio, offers you apartment living at it’s best - a garages, controlled access entrances, a flexible leasing terms. Satisfaction subtle blend of honored tradition and fitness center, clubhouse, car care center, Guaranteed...We Promise! We’re so sure modern comforts. RENT WITH EQUITY, nature trail, a swimming pool and room you’ll be happy, we guarantee it with a Equity Residential’s exclusive NATIONAL for your pet. Come home where the heart 100% Total Resident Satisfaction rent to own program allows residents to is, come see us today, live in luxury and Guarantee. If you’re not happy with your earn equity toward a new home. Nowhere comfort, Winterset is where you’ll want apartment, we’ll release you from your else can you take advantage of a national to stay. lease within the first 30 days. No Penalties. rent to own program of this kind! No questions asked.

80 ] Baltimore Information Guide APARTMENTS BANKS/FINANCE

Northlake Park Luxury Apartments The Reserve at Stonegate Banks/Finance 9300 North Lake Parkway 7610 Reserve Circle 1st Mariner Bank Orlando, FL 32827 Baltimore, MD 21244 3301 Boston Street (888) 298-1326 (410) 281-0075 Baltimore, MD 21224-4974 www.NorthlakeParkApt.com You will find it all at The Reserve at (410) 558-4375 NorthLake Park is a showpiece Stonegate…Woodlawn’s newest luxury Our mission is to provide old-fashioned, community in Lake Nona, Orlando’s most apartment community. The Reserve at personal attention and professional desirable address. The only leased living Stonegate offers residents great expertise to every 1st Mariner customer. option in NorthLake Park, NorthLake Park apartments at reasonable prices, short We deliver a range of traditional and Apartments offers the convenience of commutes, and easy access to the best contemporary financial products without rental living with all the comforts of a that Baltimore and the surrounding areas the high fees charged by the big out-of- resort-style residential community. From have to offer. With brand new spacious 1, town banks. Better Service. Lower Fees. charming single-level homes to two-level 2 and 3 bedroom units available for rent, Better Products. More Convenient Hours. townhomes, Northlake Park Luxury The Reserve at Stonegate works for That’s what 1st Mariner Bank is all about. Apartments in Orlando, Florida allows your everyone: singles, couples or families with next move to be “A Lease on Luxury!” children. Discover for yourself how you can 1st Mariner Bank Overlook Manor live well at The Reserve at Stonegate. Give 16 South Calvert Street 1208 Alban Court us a call today at (410) 281-0075 or go to Baltimore, MD 21202-1305 Frederick, MD 21703 www.reserveatstonegate.com to find out (410) 547-7600 (301) 831-4270 more, or to schedule a tour. Our mission is to provide old-fashioned, personal attention and professional Our convenient location is just the The Residences at Brookside Commons expertise to every 1st Mariner customer. beginning of the many amenities that truly 4810 Coyle Road We deliver a range of traditional and make Overlook Manor Apartments home. Owings Mills, MD 21117 contemporary financial products without Come and visit today, and see the (866) 817-8599 the high fees charged by the big out-of- difference. www.brooksidecommonsapts.com town banks. Better Service. Lower Fees. The Residences at Brookside Commons Owings Park Better Products. More Convenient Hours. Apartments offer huge 2 and 3 bedroom 9202 Owings Park Drive That’s what 1st Mariner Bank is all about. Owings Mills, MD 21117 floor plans up to 2,151 square feet in 1st Mariner Bank (410) 356-4066 Owings Mills New Town, a charming Welcome to Owings Park luxury garage suburban area northwest of Baltimore. Our 7860 Wise Avenue available apartments! Owings Park offers apartments offer spacious kitchens, Baltimore, MD 21222-3338 its residents the sense of security with elegant dining rooms and huge family (410) 633-2245 controlled-access entrances. Our one and rooms. Come home to elevator buildings, Our mission is to provide old-fashioned, two bedroom apartments (and dens) and reserved garage parking and beautifully personal attention and professional two bedroom and den townhomes offer landscaped grounds. Enjoy our grand expertise to every 1st Mariner customer. spacious floor plans, walk-in closets and a clubhouse with swimming pool, fitness We deliver a range of traditional and full-sized washers & dryers. Our resort-like center, business center, large screen contemporary financial products without amenities include a sparkling swimming television and fully equipped kitchen. the high fees charged by the big out-of- pool, fitness center and clubhouse. Live in Within walking distance to village shops town banks. Better Service. Lower Fees. the best location in Owings Mills while and bistros and just minutes to the Metro Better Products. More Convenient Hours. being close to all major highways. Not only & I795. That’s what 1st Mariner Bank is all about. do we offer a space for your car but we Symphony Center Apartment Homes 1st Mariner Bank have room for your pet as well! 1020 Park Avenue 1641 East Joppa Road Owings Run Apartments Baltimore, MD 21201 Baltimore, MD 21286-2300 4604 Owings Run Road (866) 817-8598 (410) 668-8660 Owings Mills, MD 21117 www.thesymphonycenter.com Our mission is to provide old-fashioned, (410) 356-4477 Symphony Center Apartments offers personal attention and professional Luxury apartment community huge 2 bedroom 2 bath floor plans up to expertise to every 1st Mariner customer. conveniently located near Owings Mills 1,447 square feet with magnificent views We deliver a range of traditional and Newtown, I-795, I-695, and Owings Mills of downtown Baltimore. Come home to a contemporary financial products without Mall. This tree-lined, gated community secured entrance, 24 hour front desk, the high fees charged by the big out-of- features many enhanced amenities, grand lobby, 24 hour fitness & business town banks. Better Service. Lower Fees. including a fitness center, business center, center and beautifully landscaped grand Better Products. More Convenient Hours. clubhouse with fireplace, putting green and courtyard with outdoor fireplace and gas That’s what 1st Mariner Bank is all about. an available guest suite. Your new barbeque for your enjoyment! Live at the 1st Mariner Bank spacious one, two or three bedroom very center of Baltimore’s cultural district 1013 Reisterstown Road apartment home will include a full size with music and art, theatre and fine dining. Baltimore, MD 21208-4207 washer and dryer, walk-in closets, mini- Enjoy our 1020 Club- chic clubroom (410) 484-6500 blinds and refrigerator/ freezers with featuring billiards, media center & fully Our mission is to provide old-fashioned, icemakers. Come home to Owings Run equipped kitchen. FREE garage parking personal attention and professional today! included. expertise to every 1st Mariner customer.

Baltimore Information Guide [ 81 BANKS/FINANCE BANKS/FINANCE

We deliver a range of traditional and The Columbia Bank growth secures our position as a leader in contemporary financial products without Beltsville the banking industry. We are committed to the high fees charged by the big out-of- 10421 Baltimore Blvd. understanding the needs of our customers town banks. Better Service. Lower Fees. Beltsville, MD 20705 and delivering the most competitive and Better Products. More Convenient Hours. (301) 931-2330 innovative financial services and products That’s what 1st Mariner Bank is all about. www.thecolumbiabank.com available. 1st Mariner Bank Since 1988, The Columbia Bank has The Columbia Bank 161 A Jennifer Road been a vital part of the community with Clinton Annapolis, MD 21401-7923 branches located throughout the 7600 Old Branch Avenue (410) 571-9300 Baltimore-Washington corridor. Our Clinton, MD 20735 Our mission is to provide old-fashioned, dedication to constant evolution and (301) 868-1215 personal attention and professional growth secures our position as a leader in www.thecolumbiabank.com expertise to every 1st Mariner customer. the banking industry. We are committed to Since 1988, The Columbia Bank has We deliver a range of traditional and understanding the needs of our customers been a vital part of the community with contemporary financial products without and delivering the most competitive and branches located throughout the the high fees charged by the big out-of- innovative financial services and products Baltimore-Washington corridor. Our town banks. Better Service. Lower Fees. available. dedication to constant evolution and Better Products. More Convenient Hours. The Columbia Bank growth secures our position as a leader in That’s what 1st Mariner Bank is all about. Bethesda the banking industry. We are committed to 1st Mariner Bank 7900 Wisconsin Avenue understanding the needs of our customers 12 A Bel Air South Parkway Bethesda, MD 20814 and delivering the most competitive and Bel Air, MD 21015-3964 (301) 654-2200 innovative financial services and products (410) 515-3000 www.thecolumbiabank.com available. Our mission is to provide old-fashioned, Since 1988, The Columbia Bank has The Columbia Bank personal attention and professional been a vital part of the community with Columbia Town Center expertise to every 1st Mariner customer. branches located throughout the 10480 Little Patuxent Parkway We deliver a range of traditional and Baltimore-Washington corridor. Our Columbia, MD 21044 contemporary financial products without dedication to constant evolution and (410) 730-5000 the high fees charged by the big out-of- growth secures our position as a leader in www.thecolumbiabank.com town banks. Better Service. Lower Fees. the banking industry. We are committed to Since 1988, The Columbia Bank has Better Products. More Convenient Hours. understanding the needs of our customers been a vital part of the community with That’s what 1st Mariner Bank is all about. and delivering the most competitive and branches located throughout the innovative financial services and products Baltimore-Washington corridor. Our 1st Mariner Bank available. 176 Carroll Island Road dedication to constant evolution and Baltimore, MD 21220-2208 The Columbia Bank growth secures our position as a leader in (410) 344-0606 Bowie the banking industry. We are committed to Our mission is to provide old-fashioned, 4201 Northview Drive, Suite 100 understanding the needs of our customers personal attention and professional Bowie, MD 20716 and delivering the most competitive and expertise to every 1st Mariner customer. (301) 464-0100 innovative financial services and products We deliver a range of traditional and www.thecolumbiabank.comSince 1988, available. contemporary financial products without The Columbia Bank has been a vital part of The Columbia Bank the high fees charged by the big out-of- the community with branches located Ellicott City town banks. Better Service. Lower Fees. throughout the Baltimore-Washington 9151 Baltimore National Pike Better Products. More Convenient Hours. corridor. Our dedication to constant Ellicott City, MD 21042 That’s what 1st Mariner Bank is all about. evolution and growth secures our position (410) 418-8500 as a leader in the banking industry. We are 1st Mariner Bank www.thecolumbiabank.com committed to understanding the needs of Since 1988, The Columbia Bank has 9840 York Road our customers and delivering the most Cockeysville, MD 21030 been a vital part of the community with competitive and innovative financial branches located throughout the (410) 666-8100 services and products available. Our mission is to provide old-fashioned, Baltimore-Washington corridor. Our The Columbia Bank personal attention and professional dedication to constant evolution and Capitol Heights expertise to every 1st Mariner customer. growth secures our position as a leader in 8703 Central Avenue We deliver a range of traditional and the banking industry. We are committed to Capitol Heights, MD 20743 contemporary financial products without understanding the needs of our customers (301) 350-8100 the high fees charged by the big out-of- and delivering the most competitive and www.thecolumbiabank.com town banks. Better Service. Lower Fees. innovative financial services and products Since 1988, The Columbia Bank has Better Products. More Convenient Hours. available. been a vital part of the community with That’s what 1st Mariner Bank is all about. branches located throughout the Baltimore-Washington corridor. Our dedication to constant evolution and

82 ] Baltimore Information Guide BANKS/FINANCE BANKS/FINANCE

The Columbia Bank dedication to constant evolution and The Columbia Bank Fairgrounds Plaza growth secures our position as a leader in Oakland Mills 67 W. Aylesbury Road the banking industry. We are committed to 5880 Robert Oliver Place Timonium, MD 21093 understanding the needs of our customers Columbia, MD 21045 (410) 560-1667 and delivering the most competitive and (410) 992-9411 www.thecolumbiabank.com innovative financial services and products www.thecolumbiabank.com Since 1988, The Columbia Bank has available. Since 1988, The Columbia Bank has been a vital part of the community with The Columbia Bank been a vital part of the community with branches located throughout the Harper's Choice branches located throughout the Baltimore-Washington corridor. Our 5485 Harper’s Farm Road Baltimore-Washington corridor. Our dedication to constant evolution and Columbia, MD 21044 dedication to constant evolution and growth secures our position as a leader in (410) 730-5181 growth secures our position as a leader in the banking industry. We are committed to www.thecolumbiabank.com the banking industry. We are committed to understanding the needs of our customers Since 1988, The Columbia Bank has understanding the needs of our customers and delivering the most competitive and been a vital part of the community with and delivering the most competitive and innovative financial services and products branches located throughout the innovative financial services and products available. Baltimore-Washington corridor. Our available. The Columbia Bank dedication to constant evolution and The Columbia Bank Federal Plaza growth secures our position as a leader in River Hill 12266 Rockville Pike the banking industry. We are committed to 6005 Daybreak Circle Rockville, MD 20852 understanding the needs of our customers Clarksville, MD 21029 (301) 770-6625 and delivering the most competitive and (410) 531-7822 www.thecolumbiabank.com innovative financial services and products www.thecolumbiabank.com Since 1988, The Columbia Bank has available. Since 1988, The Columbia Bank has been a vital part of the community with The Columbia Bank been a vital part of the community with branches located throughout the Heaver Plaza branches located throughout the Baltimore-Washington corridor. Our 1301 York Road Baltimore-Washington corridor. Our dedication to constant evolution and Lutherville, MD 21093 dedication to constant evolution and growth secures our position as a leader in (410) 296-0490 growth secures our position as a leader in the banking industry. We are committed to www.thecolumbiabank.com the banking industry. We are committed to understanding the needs of our customers Since 1988, The Columbia Bank has understanding the needs of our customers and delivering the most competitive and been a vital part of the community with and delivering the most competitive and innovative financial services and products branches located throughout the innovative financial services and products available. Baltimore-Washington corridor. Our available. The Columbia Bank dedication to constant evolution and The Columbia Bank Gateway Plaza growth secures our position as a leader in Rockville 7185 Columbia Gateway Drive the banking industry. We are committed to 1903 Research Blvd. Columbia, MD 21046 understanding the needs of our customers Rockville, MD 20850 (410) 872-9165 and delivering the most competitive and (301) 309-1771 www.thecolumbiabank.com innovative financial services and products www.thecolumbiabank.com Since 1988, The Columbia Bank has available. Since 1988, The Columbia Bank has been a vital part of the community with The Columbia Bank been a vital part of the community with branches located throughout the Long Gate branches located throughout the Baltimore-Washington corridor. Our 4450 Long Gate Parkway Baltimore-Washington corridor. Our dedication to constant evolution and Ellicott City, MD 21043 dedication to constant evolution and growth secures our position as a leader in (410) 203-2345 growth secures our position as a leader in the banking industry. We are committed to www.thecolumbiabank.com the banking industry. We are committed to understanding the needs of our customers Since 1988, The Columbia Bank has understanding the needs of our customers and delivering the most competitive and been a vital part of the community with and delivering the most competitive and innovative financial services and products branches located throughout the innovative financial services and products available. Baltimore-Washington corridor. Our available. The Columbia Bank dedication to constant evolution and The Columbia Bank Greenbelt growth secures our position as a leader in Thomas Johnson 7505 Greenway Center Drive the banking industry. We are committed to 175 Thomas Johnson Drive Greenbelt, MD 20770 understanding the needs of our customers Frederick, MD 21702 (301) 220-0733 and delivering the most competitive and (301) 846-4615 www.thecolumbiabank.com innovative financial services and products www.thecolumbiabank.com Since 1988, The Columbia Bank has available. Since 1988, The Columbia Bank has been a vital part of the community with been a vital part of the community with branches located throughout the branches located throughout the Baltimore-Washington corridor. Our Baltimore-Washington corridor. Our

Baltimore Information Guide [ 83 BANKS/FINANCE CONDO/TOWNHOMES

dedication to constant evolution and The Columbia Bank Condo/Townhomes growth secures our position as a leader in Wilde Lake Fairways East the banking industry. We are committed to 10451 Twin Rivers Road understanding the needs of our customers Columbia, MD 21044 Carnegie Links Drive and delivering the most competitive and (410) 884-6800 Martinsburg, WV innovative financial services and products www.thecolumbiabank.com (301) 272-4739 available. Since 1988, The Columbia Bank has www.danryanbuilders.com been a vital part of the community with This beautiful one-of-a-kind golf course The Columbia Bank community offers garage and non-garage Wilde Lake branches located throughout the Baltimore-Washington corridor. Our town homes minutes from I-81. No home 10451 Twin Rivers Road will be without a gorgeous view. Come see Columbia, MD 21044 dedication to constant evolution and growth secures our position as a leader in the best value that Dan Ryan Builders has (410) 884-6800 to off www.thecolumbiabank.com the banking industry. We are committed to Franklin Green Since 1988, The Columbia Bank has understanding the needs of our customers been a vital part of the community with and delivering the most competitive and 11662 Amaralles Ct branches located throughout the innovative financial services and products Reisterstown, MD 21136 Baltimore-Washington corridor. Our available. (410) 702-7042 dedication to constant evolution and The Columbia Bank www.ryland.com growth secures our position as a leader in West Friendship Ryland Homes is thrilled to announce the banking industry. We are committed to 12800 Route 144 our newest townhome community, Franklin understanding the needs of our customers West Friendship, MD 21794 Green, previously called Cherry Hill. While and delivering the most competitive and (410) 442-5084 access to major population and business innovative financial services and products www.thecolumbiabank.com centers is optimal, Franklin Green is a small available. Since 1988, The Columbia Bank has town community tucked away in a serene part of Reisterstown, MD. The Columbia Bank been a vital part of the community with From Franklin Green, you will be able to West Friendship branches located throughout the Baltimore-Washington corridor. Our easily access commuter routes to Owings 12800 Route 144 Mills, Carroll County, downtown Baltimore, West Friendship, MD 21794 dedication to constant evolution and growth secures our position as a leader in Howard County and Washington D.C. It is (410) 442-5084 quite convenient to shopping, theaters, www.thecolumbiabank.com the banking industry. We are committed to understanding the needs of our customers restaurants, the Metro and Owings Mills Since 1988, The Columbia Bank has Town Center. Come out and see why been a vital part of the community with and delivering the most competitive and innovative financial services and products Franklin Green is a wonderful community branches located throughout the to call home. Baltimore-Washington corridor. Our available. dedication to constant evolution and Car/Truck Rental Holly Woods growth secures our position as a leader in 501 Twinleaf Dr the banking industry. We are committed to Avis Rent a Car Aberdeen, MD 21001 understanding the needs of our customers Reservations call (800) 331-1212 (410) 273-2519 and delivering the most competitive and Offers low-mileage quality maintained www.ryland.com innovative financial services and products GM and other cars. Computerized for fast I Holly Woods has been one of Harford available. service and low rates for day, week, or Countyís fastest selling communities over long term mini lease. the past few years and offers the The Columbia Bank convenience of living just minutes from Village of Cross Keys Budget Rent a Car Reservations (800) 527-0700 Aberdeen Proving Ground, yet is peacefully 5100 Falls Road, Suite 96 tucked away in a hardwood forest setting. Baltimore, MD 21210 Right now, Budget has some great rates on some equally great cars and trucks. So This quiet family-friendly neighborhood (410) 433-1990 boasts a mix of attached single-family www.thecolumbiabank.com don’t let them pass you by. For your local or one-way rental choose from Budget’s homes and townhomes, with two-car Since 1988, The Columbia Bank has garages and up to 3,000 square feet of been a vital part of the community with World Class Fleet at the airport, or in your neighborhood. space. Best of all, all homes are fee simple branches located throughout the ownership ñ which means you own the Baltimore-Washington corridor. Our Budget Rent a Truck home and the land! Discover the best of dedication to constant evolution and Reservations (800) 527-0700 beauty, luxury and location at Holly Woods growth secures our position as a leader in Right now, Budget has some great rates today! the banking industry. We are committed to on some equally great cars and trucks. So understanding the needs of our customers don’t let them pass you by. Marriott's Choice and delivering the most competitive and 2 Zachman Ct Hertz Car Rental innovative financial services and products Randallstown, MD 21133 Reservations call (800) 654-3131 available. (410) 655-1231 Still the biggest, still the best We care www.ryland.coml about you. Customer service is the most Introducing Baltimore County's most important thing we do. Biggest selection of affordable new townhome community. low-mileage cars.

84 ] Baltimore Information Guide CONDO/TOWNHOMES EDUCATION

From the low $200s Marriott's Choice is Summerfield At Mission Place Schools. setting the standard for location + value in 8160 Mission Pl Baltimore County. Just minutes from Jessup, MD 20794 Education PreK-12 Owings Mills Mall, Marriott's Choice (410) 379-2046 Friends School of Baltimore features gorgeous 1-car garage www.ryland.com 5114 North Charles Street townhomes. The model is beautifully Quality, Convenience, Affordability and Baltimore, MD 21210 decorated and worth viewing today. Style, this is what people have grown to (410) 649.3200 Park Place expect from Ryland Homes. Summerfield Friends School of Baltimore is an Pleasant Hill Rd at Mission Place offers all of this and more. independent, coeducational, college Morgantown, WV 26508 Summerfield is situated just off of Rt. 1, preparatory day school serving (304) 292-6312 providing quick and easy access to Rt. approximately 1,000 students age four www.danryanbuilders.com 175, Rt. 32, I-95 and Rt. 100 for easy through grade 12. Located on a 35-acre Nestled in a picturesque setting of the commutes to both Baltimore and wooded campus in northern Baltimore Appalachian Mountains, Park Place Washington. Residents will enjoy the close City, Friends provides an academic combines the charm of Monongalia County proximity to shopping, dining and area environment enriched by the Quaker values with the convenience of living just minutes entertainment as well as a maintenance of equality, community, truth, simplicity and away from downtown Morgantown. This free lifestyle that is well deserved. The peaceful resolution of conflict. Graduates lovely town home community will offer our Wyngate and Woodfield both offer the leave the School prepared to meet life’s Madison model. Located within minutes of luxury of a 2-car garage, 3 finished levels challenges with a solid base of knowledge, Interstate 68, Park Place offers easy of living, 3 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths and a questioning spirit and an awareness of access to West Virginia University, major an array of options available to personalize their individual potential and responsibilities shopping, business centers, and your home to truly reflect you and your as world citizens. family. downtown Morgantown. Gilman School Prentiss Point II Towns Education PreK-5 5407 Roland Avenue Baltimore, MD 21210 100 Piece Arrow Way Chesapeake Academy Martinsburg, WV 25401 (410) 323-3800 1185 Baltimore-Annapolis Blvd. Gilman School is a diverse community (304) 262-7408 Arnold, Maryland 21012 www.DanRyanBuilders.com dedicated to educating boys in mind, (410) 647-9612 body, and spirit through particular Prentiss Point II, conveniently located off Chesapeake Academy is the culmination Route 9 in Martinsburg, offers affordable emphasis on academic excellence, athletic of our Founders’ vision to create a school participation, and aesthetic appreciation. town homes, starting at $89,900. Stop with an academically challenging program paying your landlord and enjoy true Gilman seeks to produce men of character within a nurturing climate. This vision and integrity who have the skills and ability homeownership with your new home at remains the central tenet of Chesapeake. Prentiss Point. to make a positive contribution to the Chesapeake Academy is a unique and communities in which they live and work. Stevenson Commons exciting place. By combining a nurturing The Gilman community is a diverse 8002 Brynmor Ct., #105 climate and rigorous academic community, drawing a broad array of Baltimore, MD 21208 expectations, we are creating tomorrow’s students from throughout the greater (410) 484-9534 scholars and leaders. While always Baltimore area. Gilman School admits www.davidsbrown.com remembering our serious purpose, we also qualified applicants of any race, religion, Stevenson Commons is the only choice strive to ensure our students are happy color, sexual orientation, and national or for those who seek the ultimate standard with their todays. ethnic origin. of condominium living in Baltimore, Maryland. With only 72 residences, every Education PreK-8 The Conservatory—Baltimore Actors’ Theatre home offers rooms of extraordinary Baltimore Hebrew Congregation Day School 300 Dumbarton Road proportions and exquisite attention to 7401 Park Heights Ave. Baltimore, MD 21212 detail. Every condominium home features 2 Baltimore, MD 21208-5490 (410) 337-8519 bedrooms with 2 1⁄2 baths, marble foyers, (410) 764-1867 The Conservatory, is Maryland’s first and gourmet kitchens with granite counter- Baltimore Hebrew Congregation Day only accredited College Preparatory School tops, and a large family room. Enjoy the School (BHCDS) was founded in 1991 by of the Arts, Grades Pre-One through convenience of reserved garage parking, Rabbi Murray S. Saltzman to be a dynamic Twelve. Established in 1979, The elevators and doorman services. For learning community that cultivates the Conservatory has garnered a reputation for condominium living that maximizes your intellectual, spiritual, moral, and physical the excellence of its academic and arts luxury and comfort, Stevenson Commons development of each individual. Our goal is curriculum. In 1999 and 2001, The is truly an uncommon find. Only a few to provide students with tools for lifelong Conservatory was named one of opportunities remain! learning and with an appreciation of their Baltimore’s Best Elementary and Secondary Schools by Baltimore Stonebrook Village II Towns Jewish American heritage. Today, BHCDS is an accredited member of the Magazine. A strong academic program is 18 Amelia Drive provided in the morning hours, followed by Hedgesville, WV 25427 Association of Independent Maryland Schools (AIMS), the National Association of professional training in all three disciplines: (304) 754-6414 Music, Drama, Dance. Advanced www.danryanbuilders.com Independent Schools (NAIS), and the Progressive Association of Reform Day Placement courses are offered in English 1 homesite remaining! (American and British), Biology, History

Baltimore Information Guide [ 85 EDUCATION HOME BUILDERS/DEVELOPERS

(American and European), French, and Home Builders/Developers has continued the tradition of providing Music Theory. quality and value, and holding the highest Barry Andrews Homebuilding standards for materials and practices. His Education 6-12 19 Newport Drive Suite 101 grandfather’s legacy is reflected in the Forest Hill, MD 21050 Florida Air Academy company’s many prestigious industry (410) 893-4793 honors. Call us today to see why so many 1950 South Academy Drive Little things make the difference. They Melbourne, FL 32901 have come to Drees to find their dream add elegance, convenience and security. home. (321) 723-3211 Elegance in detail, convenience in features, www.flair.com and security in a builder that makes a K. Hovnanian Homes At Florida Air Academy, Cadets at have difference. At Barry Andrews Homes, their 1802 Brightseat Road, 6th Floor the opportunity to get a first-rate education philosophy is different. They are serious in Landover, MD 20785 geared to the learning styles of young men their commitment to serving their (301) 772-8900 and make friends from around the world. customers, while they set a new standard www.khov.com The school accepts young men in grades in home building. They not only offer 50 At K. Hovnanian, we have earned a solid 6 through 12. The Academy boasts a 16- different home plans more than any other reputation for integrity, dependability, student average class size and college builder — they also offer the things that leadership and value, due in large part to prep curriculum taught by accredited staff, make a difference to our buyers in every our unwavering attention to quality many with advanced degrees. Cadets at home they build. Only the finest materials, construction and unfailing pursuit of Florida Air Academy receive leadership accessories, and architectural elements are customer satisfaction. We know that your training and an emphasis on community put together for you by their very own home is the foundation for your family’s service. Other programs include an handpicked craftsmen, who have been lifestyle, and we honor that philosophy by excellent sports program, extensive with Barry Andrews Homes for many making sure your new home meets your computer curriculum and optional flight years. every desire. All of our homes and training and SCUBA certification. communities are designed with you in Crescendo Homes, LLC Florida Air Academy is located on mind and reflect the way families and Florida’s Space Coast and is fully 6701 Democracy Blvd., Suite 555 individuals live today. Whatever your stage accredited. Contact our Admissions Bethesda, MD 20817 in life - whether you are a first-time home- department for more information on Fall, (301) 493-0871 buyer, a growing family realizing your Spring, and Summer enrollments. What sets Crescendo Homes apart from dreams, or an active adult seeking a resort other homebuilders is our sense of pride For additional Information contact: at home lifestyle - we have the home that and commitment to building a rare blend of is right for you. Donna Stratford Director of partnering with our customers before, Communication (321) 723-3211, during and after the home purchase. If you Lennar Extension 30028 are interested in building a home or 19 Newport Drive, Suite 101 Education 9-12 customizing one of our homes to reflect Forest Hill, MD 21050 your individual taste and lifestyle I (410) 893-4793 Archbishop Spalding High School encourage you to contact us to schedule a www.lennar.com 8080 New Cut Road meeting. Lennar Corporation, founded in 1954, is Severn, MD 21144 headquartered in Miami, Florida and is one Drees Custom Homes (410) 969-9105 of the nation’s leading builders of quality Archbishop Spalding High School was 5501 Cherokee Avenue #300 homes for all generations. Lennar builds founded in 1966 by His Eminence Alexandria, VA 22312 affordable, move-up and retirement homes Lawrence Cardinal Shehan to serve the (703) 941-0617 in Communities that cater to almost any needs of students in the greater Annapolis, www.dreeshomes.com lifestyle – such as urban, golf course, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. areas as a As The Drees Company celebrated its Active Adult or suburban Communities. school of the Archdiocese of Baltimore. 75th anniversary in 2003, a little house in At Lennar, we set the highest standards Spalding offers students a challenging Wilder, Kentucky, stood in tribute to for caring for our Customers, Associates, college preparatory curriculum balanced craftsmanship that endures. In 1928, Shareholders and our Community. Our with a wide variety of co-curricular activities Theodore Drees built that house after he commitment to Quality, Value and Integrity and athletic opportunities to help students made his way from northwestern Germany is the underlying foundation upon which prepare for the challenges of the 21st to North America via a long stay in Brazil we were built, and this commitment century. Over 98% of Spalding graduates and a six-week steamship ride. Theodore continues to guide us to this day. Lennar pursue higher education attending all four and four friends lived in the house until it builds homes in 19 different states in some service academies, Notre Dame, Princeton, sold, and Theodore Drees Builders was of the finest markets in the nation including Yale, Loyola, Johns Hopkins, the University born. Theodore’s son, Ralph, joined the the Baltimore area. business in 1959 and like his father, would of North Carolina and many other M/I Homes prestigious colleges and universities. build only the best for his customers. It was Ralph’s philosophy of diversification 5101 Mountville Road Suite B and industry leadership that took the Fredrick, MD 21703 company into new markets as far away as (301) 874-0013 Dallas, Texas and beyond. To lead Drees to www.mihomes.com the forefront of the next generation, Ralph’s When looking for a new home, you have son, David, became president in 1993. He to decide what is most important to you -

86 ] Baltimore Information Guide HOME BUILDERS/DEVELOPERS MOVING SUPPLIES location, community, school district, enthusiastically subscribes to the Ryland Homes amenities, and more. With M/I Homes, you NVHomes Promise: NVHomes promises its 6240 Old Dobbin Lane, Suite 190 don’t have to choose just one of these - customers the confidence that comes with Columbia, MD 21045 we offer the best locations in great unrivaled quality. (410) 290-0094 communities with fabulous amenities. So if Richmond American Homes www.ryland.com you’re ready to find your dream home, look 12220 Sunrise Valley Drive We’re a leading national homebuilder. no further than M/I Homes. Since 1976, Reston, VA 20191 Our size means big advantages for our M/I Homes has fulfilled the dreams of over (703) 390-0900 homebuyers. It allows us to buy land in 60,000 homebuyers - many of them www.richmondamerican.com great locations, hire the most experienced choosing M/I for the second or third time. With over 33 years of experience in team members – from subcontractors to We realize that building a new home can building top quality homes at affordable management – and buy quality materials at seem overwhelming and complicated, but prices, Richmond American Homes is the a savings we can pass on to our M/I Homes makes the homebuilding right choice for Washington DC Area customers. One of the main things that process simple and keeps you involved homebuyers. We currently feature a variety makes a Ryland home so special is that it’s every step of the way with our exclusive of communities in 13 counties across built with you in mind. Long before we start Confidence Builder Program. For the past Virginia and West Virginia. Our single-family to design our homes, we ask our 14 consecutive years, M/I Homes has homes and townhomes offer convenient customers what’s important to them in a received a homebuyer satisfaction rating of access to major commuting routes in home and how they live in it. We’re 95% or higher. So what are you waiting beautiful, pictorial settings. Prices start in interested in learning things like where you for? Experience the quality you want and the low 200’s to the 1 millions. Stop by spend the majority of your time, whether the service you deserve with M/I Homes. today and see why at Richmond American you prefer an upstairs or downstairs Natelli Communities Homes, our core philosophy remains the laundry room, and how much storage 506 Main Street same, one home, one buyer, one dream at space you need. That way, when it’s time Gaithersburg, MD 20878 a time. to start construction on your new home, (301) 670-4020 we’re already building on a strong Ryan Homes foundation. www.natellicommunities.com 10745 Birmingham Way Natelli Communities is a privately held Woodstock, MD 21167 Timberlake Homes real estate development and building (410) 750-9050 888 Bestgate Road Suite 411 concern headquartered in Gaithersburg, www.ryanhomes.com Annapolis, MD 21401 Maryland. Operating principally in the Mid- Since 1948, Ryan Homes has been (866) 608-3489 Atlantic Region, Natelli Communities is the making the American dream come true for www.timberlakehomes.com developer of over 75 communities thousands of families. As one of the top Timberlake Homes has been built on the including Villages of Urbana, Bay Forest ten homebuilders and financial service same simple principle since its inception in and Sunset Island. Thoughtful Planning, companies in the United States, Ryan the 1960’s - demonstrate honesty and Timeless Design and Attention to Detail are Homes was started as a family business in integrity in every aspect of our the hallmarks of Natelli’s award-winning Pittsburgh and has built a successful homebuilding business, and we cannot reputation. Their commitment to excellence operation that now spans the Eastern half help but produce a superior result. Our is evidenced by dozens of local and of the United States. Our reputation for mission statement has been: “A Company national awards, including the Urban Land award-winning designs and unparalleled Built on Integrity and Backed by Pride.” We Institutes “Award for Excellence” for Avenel customer service makes Ryan Homes the have never forgotten these words. This in Potomac, Maryland, recognized in 1998 homebuilder of choice for savvy tradition is found in every home we build as the best planned community in the homebuyers. Ryan Homes has been and is ensured by our personal attention to nation. building quality single-family homes, detail. We take pride in building your new NV Homes townhomes and condominiums to meet home, so you will take pride in owning it! 6031 University Blvd., Suite 290 every lifestyle for over 50 years. So if you Whether single-family or town home, every Ellicott City, MD 21043 live in the area, are relocating, or just want Timberlake home is built with (301) 258-0002 to take advantage of some friendly advice, uncompromising care and craftsmanship. www.nvhomes.com go to our web site to learn more about We pledge to work hand-in-hand with you The quality and luxury of each NV home Ryan Homes. We encourage the customer through every facet of the home building speaks volumes about the culture of our to be involved in the entire construction experience. This is why: “you will never be company. We are relentless in our pursuit process. They arrange a series of meetings asked to settle on a Timberlake home until to create value that lasts–from the classic, to familiarize the customer with the home. you are happy; it’s that simple.” Come join elegant exteriors of our homes, to our #1 This, in turn, gives the customer a full the Timberlake “family” of satisfied J.D. Power and Associates rated floor knowledge of, and confidence in, the homeowners today! plans, to our generous interior trim. Each features and benefits of their home from Moving Supplies NVHomes associate is committed to going the start. Our Superior Customer Service the extra mile to ensure the highest program is predicated on fairness, Dial-A-Box customer satisfaction. We are as timeliness and completeness. White Plains and The Bronx, NY passionate about serving our customers as TOLL FREE: (866) 4-DIAL-A-BOX we are about building the best homes in (866) 434-2522 the industry. Every member of our team www.dial-a-box.com

Baltimore Information Guide [ 87 NATIONWIDE TRAVEL NEW HOME DEVELOPMENTS

Nationwide Travel Sea oasis filled with luxury and excitement! middle of the Buccaneer Bay. Bellagio The Resort • Experience the elegance and • Mystere by Cirque du Soleil, a 3600 Las Vegas Blvd South sophistication of our newly redesigned mesmerizing mix of powerful acrobatics, Las Vegas, NV 89109 guest rooms. circus skills and dance. (702) 693-7223 • Dive into interconnected lagoon and • Eight exciting dining options including Experience a world unto itself at “the thundering waterfalls at the new Mirage Kahunaville and Buccaneer Bay most romantic hotel in the world.” pool. Restaurant-fine dining overlooking the • AAA Five Diamond Award winning resort. • Ten international restaurants including explosive battle in Buccaneer Bay. • Nine world-renowned restaurants AAA Five-Diamond award winner Renoir. • A beautifully appointed wedding chapel. including Aqua, Prime, and AAA Five • Exotic White Tigers, Lions and a family of • A tropical pool area and lavish spa and Diamond Award-winner Picasso. Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins in Seigfried salon. and Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin • “O” by Cirque du Soleil, an extraordinary New Home Developments fusion of water, dance and aerobics. Habitat. Cedar Ridge • Via Bellagio- a collection of the worlds • A fire-erupting volcano sparkling lagoons 62 Springfield Drive most sophisticated boutiques from and tumbling waterfalls. New Oxford, PA 17350 Giorgio Armani, Chanel, Tiffany, and • Dive into interconnected lagoon and (717) 624-2102 Hermes. thundering waterfalls at the new Mirage pool. www.DanRyanBuilders.com • The Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Country living, yet minutes from New York-New York charms guests with its natural beauty. shopping, schools and commuter routes! • Dancing Fountains cavort on an eight 3790 Las Vegas Blvd. South This Dan Ryan Builders community is just acre lake. Las Vegas, NV 89109 a mile from Route 30 near Hanover, yet (702) 740-6969 feels secluded. Fairmont Hotels The best of New York City meets the Toll Free (800) 527-4727 best of Las Vegas in one exciting location. The Lakes at Stansbury Shores www.Fairmont.com Be a part of it. 8301 Stansbury Lake Dr Boston, Las Vegas, Dallas, New • ESPN ZONE sports-themed dining and Dundalk, MD 21222 Orleans, New York, San Francisco & San entertainment. (410) 282-2934 Jose America’s Grand Hotels since 1907. www.ryland.com • Live performances nightly from the For boat lovers, The Lakes at Stansbury Hilton Hotels Award-winning comedy of Rita Rudner. Worldwide Reservations Shores is the ideal place to call home. • The thrilling Manhattan Express Roller Toll Free (800) 845-8667 Situated just off the Peninsula Expressway Coaster. www.Hilton.com in Dundalk, MD., this waterfront community Hilton Hotels, Resorts, Suites, Hilton • COYOTE UGLY Bar and Dance saloon offers residents the opportunity to enjoy Garden Inn, Conrad International Hotel. and the Dueling Pianos at the Bar at water views from three sides of the Times Square. community. Plus, a full-service marina is MGM Grand • New York City’s original Gallaghers within walking distance, and a proposed 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South Steakhouse. adjacent deep-water marina will offer Las Vegas, NV 89109 • Be the toast of the town in the Big apple instant access to Bear Creek. These new (702) 891-1111 2-car garage single-family homes and Searching for non-stop action and Bar with live entertainment nightly in “The Greatest City in Las Vegas.” townhomes range from 1,335 to 1,950 pulse-pounding excitement? “The City of square feet, and also offer convenient • ZUMANITY, Another side of Cirque du Entertainment” awaits your arrival. access to major transportation corridors Soleil, the creative climax of sexuality, • La Femme-the sensual French sensation for shopping, parks, schools, recreation humanity and art. direct from the original Crazy Horse in and downtown Baltimore. Paris. Pan Pacific Resort Hotels Perry Meadows Worldwide Reservations • Tabu - The ultra hip lounge designed to 8933 Hevesy Ct Toll Free (800) 327-8585 stimulate and arouse your senses. Carney, MD 21234 sm Pan Pacific Hotels & Resorts. North • Live the nightclub lifestyle at studio 54 . (410) 668-2707 America, Japan, Southeast Asia. • Sixteen masterpiece restaurants including www.ryland.coml celebrated chef Tom Colicchio’s Treasure Island We are now OPEN for sale-Stop by Craftsteak and Michelle Mina’s NOBHILL. 3300 Las Vegas Blvd. South today for a tour of the beautiful • The king of the jungle overlooks the Lion Las Vegas, NV 89109 WESTWIND model home! This picturesque Habitat. (702) 792-5627 community, previously called Stablegate, Enjoy the adventure and romance of this • The Grand Garden Arena and Hollywood tucked away in Baltimore County is close engaging resort filled with new-world Theatre feature top name entertainment. to everything! Perry Meadows is situated amenities. just off Joppa Road, providing residents Mirage Hotel & Casino • AAA Four Diamond Award® winning with quick and convenient access to major 3400 Las Vegas Blvd South resort. transportation corridors to nearby Las Vegas, NV 89109 • World-famous pyrotechnic sea battle employment centers, public transportation, (702) 791-7111 between the pirate ship, Hispaniola, and schools, shopping, parks and recreation, Immerse yourself in this tropical South the British frigate, H.M.S. Britania in the and Downtown Baltimore. Close to

88 ] Baltimore Information Guide NEW HOME DEVELOPMENTS TRANSPORTATION everything and yet peaceful and Seton Point along with a magnificent clubhouse serene...this is the best of both worlds! 6207 Seton Hills Ln boasting a fitness center, massage room, The Residences At Bulle Rock Gwynn Oak, MD 21207 game room and library. 401 Granville Ct (410) 944-2004 Villages of Urbana Havre de Grace, MD 21078 www.ryland.com By Natelli Communities (410) 939-4513 Seton Point is one of Ryland Homes' Frederick, MD www.ryland.com newest communities offering affordable 2- (301) 670-4020 The Residences at Bulle Rock offers car garage single-family homes in the www.villagesofurbana.com gorgeous villa homes with space galore, Baltimore metropolitan region. The Recreating the classic American small gourmet kitchens, lofts, first floor owner’s community provides excellent access into town way of life for modern living involved suites and access to all the amenities of Baltimore City's downtown employment arduous research & planning that spanned the community – like a 37,000 square foot centers via automobile transit on the a full 25 years. It is clear that the results clubhouse complete with indoor and Northern Parkway to I-83 or via nearby are worthy of the wait. Natelli Communities outdoor pools, tennis courts, day spa, Metro-station, which leads to downtown has worked tirelessly to preserve the fitness center and more. Just minutes from stations and also links to the large architectural integrity of the existing town I-95 and the historic waterfront town of employment center in Owings Mills. Seton of Urbana. The community plan, both Havre de Grace, Bulle Rock provides all Point is just minutes from I-695 and commercial and residential, is crafted to the discriminating buyer is looking for with provides for an easy commute to the make the most of its natural setting and to little to no maintenance. This master national headquarters of the Social blend seamlessly with the beautiful period planned community boasts a carefree Security Administration, the Federal architecture already in place. Villages of lifestyle. The community maintains your Healthcare Finance Administration, and the Urbana proudly combines old town beauty yard, including mulching, mowing, snow ever growing Baltimore Field Office of the with new town living amidst the treasures removal and trash removal. Your family F.B.I. Residents will also enjoy the proximity of history in scenic Frederick. deserves the best. You have worked hard of Seton Point to Powder Mill Park and and now it's time to relax and enjoy life...at Powder Mill Run Park, a regional mall, and Transportation other medium and small businesses that Bulle Rock. Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) will provide a variety of shopping, dining, 6 Saint Paul Street Rocky Pointe and recreation. 2505 Rocky Pointe Drive Baltimore, MD 21202 Frederick, MD 21702 Townsend Village II (410) 539-5000 (301) 631-9322 Townsend, DE 19734-9734 Toll Free: (866) RIDE-MTA www.DanRyanBuilders.com (302) 378-1940 TTY: (410) 539-3497 Discover Rocky Pointe, the best new www.ryland.com http://www.mtamaryland.com/ home value in the Frederick area! Rocky Luxury homes with huge amounts of “Ride with us!” A simple request that Pointe’s exciting new 3-level home designs space at affordable prices seem to be the more than 200-million Marylanders take to provide flowing floor plans, spacious owner lure for everyone who purchases a new heart each year. The Maryland Transit suites, and 3 large secondary bedrooms. home at Townsend Village. That and its Administration: over 3,000 concerned Standard features like wider stairways, 9ft. location! So close to historic Middletown, people who make sure the system works ceilings, and beautiful hardwood foyers all Dover and Wilmington, the community is as smoothly as possible under all add up to outstanding value that’s hard to convenient to shopping, recreation and conditions. Our system boasts over 70 find. You’ll agree that it’s the best new entertainment possibilities. fixed Bus routes each day; Commuter home value in the Frederick area; offering The Trails At Beech Creek Communities Buses from suburbs to downtown and convenience, quality, and location. Come 811 S Stepney Rd major employment centers; Light Rail see why Rocky Pointe offers so much Aberdeen, MD 21001 travels from northern suburbs to more than just a great price. (410) 272-0178 Baltimore/Washington International Airport with stops at Orioles’ and Ravens’ Ryan’s Glen www.ryland.com stadiums; Metro Subway takes you from 17 Spanos Dr. Live where beauty and luxury coexist in perfect harmony, at The Trails at Beech Owings Mills to Johns Hopkins Hospital Charles Town, WV 25414 rapidly; and MARC Trains operate between (304) 724-4189 Creek. Just minutes from Aberdeen Proving Ground and Phillips AAF airport, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. We look www.DanRyanBuilders.com forward to serving you our new neighbors. Attention commuters!!! Check out this this spectacular new community presents brand new community now selling in a unique combination of picturesque Rippon, WV: Ryan’s Glen. Right off 340, natural settings with an amazing collection just minutes from Rt. 7 in Virginia are 11 of single-family homes, townhomes and private home sites of at least 2 acres villas, all nestled within five distinct each!! One quiet street and a cul-de-sac neighborhoods. Surrounded by the peace amongst a beautiful country side are just and tranquility of mature trees, ponds and waiting for someone to call them HOME!! trails, yet conveniently close to shopping, dining, recreation, major thoroughfares and great schools. At the heart of it all, planned community amenities including tennis and sports courts, tot lots, and fishing ponds,

Baltimore Information Guide [ 89