Newsletter:
The deadline for the MARCH issue is Friday, February 18th.
Contact Steve Young (email).
On the morning of Saturday, February 5th,
there will be a community
Dumpster in the unit block of North Chester.
No electronics, hazardous
materials, batteries, paint, or appliances.
-NO TRASH PICKUP ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11th (Lincoln's birthday observed).-
-PLEASE DO NOT PUT YOUR TRASH OUT!-
FEBRUARY BUTCHERS HILL GENERAL MEETING
Wednesday, February 2nd. Coffee & cookies, 6:45 p.m. Meeting 7:00 p.m.
St. Andrew's Church hall, corner of Chester & Lombard Sts. (entrance on
Lombard). Contact DAVE DYER, 410-342-7655.
AGENDA:Presentation by John Papagni on the progress of the CHAP effort;
Presentations by BHA Committee Chairs, followed by an opportunity for the
members to talk to them individually.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 5TH GENERAL MEETING (the complete
set of minutes, including the revised Guidelines, can be found on the web
at
http://www.butchershill.org/association/minutes.shtml).
- The slate of BHA officers for 2005 was approved as presented.
- Stonington Partners with E. R. Bacon Development presented their plans for
developing 2101 E. Pratt St. The current structure will be replaced by
six new units, 3 on Pratt and 3 on Chester, aimed at the upper end of the
market. In the discussion which followed, Association members passed,
among others, a motion stating that the BHA is "impressed with many
aspects of the project, and is looking forward to negotiating with
Stonington Partners over the few remaining issues, such as the height of
the buildings."
- The proposed BHA development guidelines were discussed,
revised, and approved.
STRENGTH IN ADVERSITY - THE BLACK KNIGHTS IN 2004
The 2004 season was an up and down season for the Black Knights. We
started on a high note as the defending champs (7-1 in 2003). We had a
well-behaved group of kids, largely due to the leadership of twins Diego
and Dialo (who used to live in Butchers Hill). My next door neighbor, who
had had a rough time on a different team in 2003, came out of his shell
and played well for us. I also was able to take five players to a
football skills event, where they met a couple of Ravens. The BHA and
individual neighbors sponsored the team again this year and contributed
$1060! We humbly thank our neighbors for their support!
During the early part of the season, I had high expectations as our
defense was decent and we moved the ball on offense, but we couldn't get
into the end zone. After three losses, morale sank pretty low and our two
best players quit. Then, three co-coaches failed to show up for several
weeks straight. Fortunately, BH neighbor Mike McFadden stepped in. Mike
proved to be a natural with the kids and helped out tremendously by
teaching our center the proper technique to avoid fumbled snaps. We thank
Mike for stepping up to the plate when needed!
Although the Black Knights finally started scoring we still finished 0-6,
and things were not looking good. After my best Vince Lombardi pep talk,
the team bounced back and had two phenomenal practices before the
playoffs, where the Black Knights took on the league's undefeated first
place team. We played them tight the entire game. With two minutes left
in the game, our defense had them 4th and 21 on their own 16.
Unfortunately, a penalty call gave them a first down and we never got the
ball back. A heartbreaker, but I couldn't have been prouder of our
players.
I had a truly amazing moment in the playoff game. A girl who started the
season with zero knowledge of football and a fear of being tackled
developed slowly for us, and by the end of the season she was playing
pretty well on the offensive/defensive line. During the 3rd quarter of
the playoff game, she got hit in the face. I thought she was done for the
night as she went to the bench, red-faced and crying. During the 4th
quarter, as our kids were trying for a comeback, I felt a tug on my shirt.
With tears in her eyes, she quietly said, "coach, I'm ready to go back
in." With a confirming nod from her parents, she went in and finished the
game. Nothing better could have happened to validate this season for me!
-Mike Ferreira (back row center in photo), proud coach of the Butchers
Hill Black Knights.>
Education Committee Report, Commodore John Rodgers (School #27):
The February Family Fun Night & PTA Meeting will be a Dr. Seuss night on
Thursday, February 24th from 4 to 6 pm. The event is for parents,
students, teachers, and volunteers. January's event was the best attended
of any PTA meeting ever at the school. Anyone who can volunteer to staff
the educational games should contact Carolyn Boitnott at 410-522-4991. If
you can donate door prizes for the event, please contact Carolyn.
MSA and Stanford testing days are coming up March 1-4 and March 16-22.
Volunteers are needed to help with incidentals, but NOT to help the kids
with the test. Call Carolyn (410-522-4991) if you can assist.
The following individuals who give their time to Commodore John Rodgers
School are VERY MUCH appreciated: Carolyn Boitnott, Tish Brown, Stacia
Huff, Sue Noonan, Ann Puckett, Sandy Sales, and John Schock
and his mom and dad who work with
Jenny Kirkbride in the Audubon program.
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
THE SAINT ANDREW'S COOKBOOK IS COMING!
As a major 2005 fundraising activity for Saint Andrew's Church (corner of
Lombard & Chester), the Saint Andrew's Parish Sisterhood is publishing a
cookbook, which is being professionally printed and will contain some 300
recipes from parish families. It will be available for purchase for $18
at a "Cook-off Luncheon" featuring recipes from the Cookbook (St. Andrew's
Hall, Sunday, February 13th beginning at 11:30). We encourage friends and
neighbors from the Butchers Hill Community to attend. The cost of the
luncheon is $8 for adults and $5 for children 12 - 18. The Cookbooks will
also be available every Sunday thereafter.
The Butchers Hill Community Development has bought from the City the tax
sale certificate for 130 N. Collington Ave., and expects to have clear
title to the property in 4-6 months. At that time, it will resell the
property to a responsible developer. 130 N. Collington was this year's
winner of the "Ugliest House Contest" (the whole front is falling away).
The City's planning department is working with the public school system to
put forth an elementary rezoning proposal that would change the boundaries
of School 27. If approved, it would allow the 5th-graders from
Highlandtown, now bussed to School 27, to return to their home school and
would provide more zoned students for 27. There are likely to be public
hearings in February on Southeast school rezoning which will affect a
number of schools in Southeast Baltimore.
TAX PREPARATION: CPA Tax Specialist offers personal service and
reasonable rates. Barbara Gilmour, 410 342 7061 (evenings preferred).
From one dog resident to another: I have noticed an increase in dog poop
left on sidewalks and tree boxes as well as in Patterson Park. New dog
residents, please get your walker to clean up after you! -Raj (the Mutt)
When it snows, please remember to shovel not just your steps, but the
sidewalk in front of your house, within 3 hours after the snow stops (it's
the law!). Don't put the snow in the gutter (hard to park!), but along
the edge of the sidewalk. And please help neighbors who cannot clean
their sidewalk.
NOW ENROLLING - PATTERSON PARK PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL
Patterson Park Public Charter School (PPPCS) is a public school of choice
opening at the site of the former St. Elizabeth's Catholic School in
September of 2005. Initially, the school will serve Pre-K to grade four,
expanding one grade each year until grade 8.
PPPCS is committed to developing well-educated children by providing
high-quality, community-based education capitalizing on the diversity of
nearby neighborhoods and the resources of Patterson Park. Patterson Park
Public Charter School is organized by parents and community members, open
to all students, tuition free.
We invite you to our February 15th Open House, 3-8 PM, at 27 N. Lakewood
Avenue. Join other interested community members in discovering PPPCS. At
this event you can review the curriculum, learn about enrichment programs
and community partners, gain information on our partner, Imagine Schools,
and much more. Enrollment information and pre-enrollment forms will be
available at the event.
All pre-enrollment forms must be received by PPPCS no later than 5:00 PM
on Tuesday, March 15, 2005. To obtain an enrollment form, please visit
www.pppcs.org or call us at 410/558-1230.
The Maryland Zoo's Zoomobile and Outreach staff have visited Commodore
John Rodgers (School 27) twice this school year. A variety of
age-appropriate programs relate to topics students are learning in the
classroom. To find out more about the Zoomobile Program, visit
www.marylandzoo.org or call 410-396-6164. To volunteer contact the
Volunteer Office at 410-396-7623.
No school for City public school students February 2-4: Public School
Professional Development Days.
ONLINE SPECIAL: The complete education committe report was
too long to fit in the paper newsletter, but you can read the whole thing
here:
COMPLETE EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPORT
I spent some time with Mrs. Shirey, Principal at Commodore John Rogers
School, last week and continue to be amazed at the turn-around in the
tenor of the school. The students are surrounded by an emphasis on
reading, good citizenship, a spirit of cooperation, and consistent
leadership by the teachers, the principal and her assistant Mr. Whitehead.
This steady hand of Mrs. Shirey and her team, I believe, accounts for the
increased participation of parents and consequently a calmer more focused
student body. Volunteers from Butchers Hill add to the richness of the
experience for the students and let our kids know that their neighborhood
cares about them. The following individuals give their time to Commodore
John Rogers School and are VERY appreciated: Carolyn Boitnott, Sandy
Sales, Sue Noonan, Ann Puckett, Tish Brown, Stacia Huff and John Schock
and his Mom and Dad who work with Jenny Kirkbride and the Audubon program.
The first joint Family Fun Night/PTA meeting was held January 13th from
4:00-6:00PM and the turnout was a record breaker for any PTA meeting at
John Rogers. Forty-eight parents, 61 students and 15 teachers, plus the
Butchers Hill regulars Carolyn and Sandy, participated in the meeting and
then played educational games at 8 different stations staffed by the
teachers. Door prizes were given every 15 minutes and a great time was had
by all. (Speaking of which, anyone who has some small gifts that are
appropriate for door prizes for adults or children-remember re-gifting-the
school is happy to accept donations.)
The next Family Fun Night/PTA is February 24th and the theme is Dr. Seuss.
Again it is from 4:00-6:00 PM and volunteers are needed to read to
children and help staff the stations. Let Carolyn Boitnott know if you
can help-her number is in the newsletter.
Also, MSA and Stanford testing days are coming up in March and volunteers
are needed for any of the days just to be in the classroom with the
teacher and hand out pencils, make certain students are working on the
appropriate test section, distribute snacks. Mrs. Shirey says it is a bit
boring because you are NOT to help the kids, just be there as a proctor.
The dates are: March 1, 2 ,3, 4 and March 16-22. Give Carolyn a call if
you can assist any of those days.
Stephanie Kiley attended the January Education Committee meeting and
provided an update on the Patterson Park Public Charter School (PPPCS).
The Board of the school has contracted with Imagine Schools to provide the
administrative support. All teachers will be employees of Baltimore City,
the principal and support staff employees of Imagine Schools. The school
charter states that it will embrace a diverse population that is
representative of the neighborhood; it will have a curriculum that
includes the basics as well as Spanish and community service components;
and it will use Patterson Park extensively. All parents who enroll their
children in the school must make a volunteer commitment. There is an Open
House on February 15th at St. Elizabeth's on the Lakewood side in the
basement of the Church. For more information about the school log on to
www.PPPCS.org.
Martha DelPizzo, Chair, Education Committee.
1413
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE