Neighborhood Notes: July 2020

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O’Donnell Square Safe Street Dining

We're all excited to eat out at our favorite restaurants, but inside dining is proving to be problematic. So, here is some good news neighbors!!
Beginning Friday, July 3, O'Donnell Street (between Potomac and Linwood Avenues) will close on the weekends to allow for extended outdoor dining.
Several restaurants circling O'Donnell Square Park will offer additional, physically-distanced outdoor table service in safe, designated areas in
front of their establishments. The extended dining zones will be in place from Fridays at noon through Sundays at 10:00 pm for an indeterminate length
of time. This will prohibit parking in the permitted areas during the designated times. So, please don't park on O'Donnell, we don't want you to get towed!

Leave the Fireworks to the Professionals

Okay, we know it’s summer and with the Fourth of July approaching that usually means fireworks. But, nope. Baltimore City has officially canceled the annual Fireworks Display and Celebration at the Inner Harbor. This does not mean you can launch them from your rooftop deck! Consumer use of fireworks is illegal in Baltimore City. And, it scares animals, triggers PTSD, could burn down your neighbor’s house, and lots of other not so great stuff. So, please be a thoughtful neighbor and get Lit in another way!  (We recommend participating in our new Get Lit, Canton lighting campaign!)

HHA Families in Need

Hampstead Hill Academy is raising funds to buy groceries for our students and their families. As the impact of COVID-19 continues, many families’ situations have worsened. You can help. Your donation of $50 = 1 week of groceries, but any amount will help.  100% of your donation goes to the families and is carefully hand-delivered by staff volunteers. If you have questions, please contact Ms. Felicia German fgerman@bcps.k12.md.us or Ms. Geri Swann at geriswann@hotmail.com. TO DONATE, visit https://bit.ly/3dXaqdz.

Summer Reading Challenge

Join the Summer Challenge at the Canton Branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library. The Pratt Library Summer Challenge is a fun way to prevent "summer slide," the loss of academic skills that students may experience during summer break. It's free and open to all ages and reading levels, including adults. Earn prizes simply by reading, doing learning activities, or attending library programs through August 12. For more info, visit www.prattlibrary.org/summerchallenge/

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Little Free Library and Pantry

Behind of the Canton Branch of the Enoch Pratt Library near the intersection of O’Donnell and Decker Streets are 2 hand-crafted stands which house the Little Free Library and Little Free Pantry. Neighbors are welcome to help themselves, and in turn, are asked to donate books and nonperishable food items well. Please contribute when you can. Thanks!

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Fundraiser in Memory of Stanley, the Canton Ace Cat

We’re so sad to share that our beloved neighborhood mascot, Stanley the Canton Ace Cat, has gone over the rainbow bridge. Who amongst us hasn’t visited Ace just to show him some love? He will be missed. In his honor, Canton Ace Hardware has started a memorial fundraiser with 100% of profits from the sale of all Stanley Swag going directly to Animal Allies Rescue Foundation (AARF)​, the wonderful rescue that brought them Stanley. You can stop by to pick up a Stanley pin or pair of socks or donate via the online store at https://acehardwaredc.com/collections/stanley-swag. To view Stanley’s journey, visit https://www.facebook.com/StanleytheCantonAceCat/.

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Canton Crossing III / Sprouts

The construction of the Collective at Canton, aka Canton Crossing III, is still underway. Its anchor store, Sprouts Farmers Market is scheduled to open July 22nd.  The remaining parcels will be developed over the next 1-3 years. Initial timelines have been adjusted due to the pandemic.  

Black-owned Business List

One way to support our neighbors of color is to shop and dine at Black-owned businesses. Use this link (https://bit.ly/2YnvhT7) for a map of Black-owned restaurants in Baltimore City, including the Knotty Pine and Shipyard Pub in Canton.

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Canton Contained Vacation Garden Watering

Pet Sitting is a well-known and popular service, but what about your plants? You didn’t spend your quarantine investing in a garden only to have it wither away while you’re at the beach. Canton Contained Vacation Gardening Watering service can help! Just DM Julie Kichline on FB or IG (@thegoddesscraves) or leave a message at 410.534.8006. https://www.facebook.com/groups/214603948733740/

Park Maintenance

O’Donnell Square Park is maintained by CCA Board member Tobin Green and our volunteers like Brad and Cathy Rees. Typically, there is a call for volunteers every month. Since we’re not yet back to full-on events, neighbors are encouraged to please maintain their sidewalks, tree pits, and alleys during the shutdown. If you see any problems in our Canton parks, please email Torbin (our liaison with BCRP) at outreach@cantoncommunity.org. Oh, and if you want to mask up and help, just shoot him an email to coordinate a time. Thank you for your efforts!

STAY HEALTHY

During the COVID-19 quarantine, many people are turning to virtual workout options to stay healthy. Here are a few of our faves featuring neighborhood instructors.

• Yoga & Meditation  - Church on the Square is hosting Yoga (6:30 pm) and Meditation (8 pm) on Wednesdays. Classes are hosted on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/cotsbmore/.

Rekinetic Physical Therapy & Wellness

Dr. Rozalyn Moore, of ReKinetic Physical Therapy & Wellness, is leading multiple fitness events including Friday Fun Fitness and Saturday WOC run/walk. For details, visit https://www.facebook.com/rekinetic/

• Mindfulness - Friends of Patterson Park is offering free online Mindfulness sessions hosted by Philip McKinight, Tuesdays at 5 pm. To participate, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/705359386890450/?event_time_id=722840965142292

• Virtual Zumba - Join Malindi and Stephanie for ZUMBA at Patterson Park Zumba for a virtual class on Wednesdays at 6:00 pm. To participate, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1683250201843978/?event_time_id=1713435222158809

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Canton Steam Cleaning & Mobile Auto Detailing
After a few months of little driving, our vehicles need some love. Enter Canton Steam Cleaning & Mobile Auto Detailing Services! Located 3200 Fait Avenue, Suite C, they’re open Monday-Friday 9:00 am-5:00 pm. Auto Detailing Services range from express, starting at $75, to full service $125 and up. Steam cleaning services also available. To book an appointment call 410-793-7818, email scheduling@cotp.care, or for more details and to book online visit https://www.facebook.com/cantondetailing/.

Mr. Nice Guy Cocktails
Looking for some fun? Stop by Mr. Nice Guy Cocktails at 800 S. Kenwood for some creative libations and lite fare. Outdoor dining and curbside pick up available. Indoor dining is scheduled for September. To check out the menu, visit https://www.toasttab.com/mr.niceguy/v3

Temporary Closings due to Coronavirus
Lee’s Pint and Shell, Looney’s Pub and Cowboy Row have temporarily closed after an employee at each location tested positive for COVID-19. Staff members from the restaurants are being tested and the interiors are being cleaned according to CDC guidelines.

SAVE THE DATE

CCA Public Meeting Dates 2020
August 18, November 17 - pending

CCA Free Community Dumpster Days
August 1, October 10 - Pending

The dumpster will be located in the rear parking lot of the Broom Factory at 3500 Boston Street from 9:00 am until full.

HHA B3 – Bingo, Bidding & Bites
Saturday, November 7 – New Date!

B3 is the Hampstead Hill Academy’s PTO’s annual fundraising event that raises money to subsidize educational programs, after-school clubs, sports and activities, field trips, classroom supplies, and other equipment. Enjoy a night of Bingo, silent auctions, food, and fun. For more info, email HHAPTOB3@gmail.com.

LEGISLATIVE & CITY COUNCIL UPDATES (Baltimore City Council)

• Baltimore City Council Meeting – Upcoming digital council meetings may be viewed on Charm TV at http://www.charmtvbaltimore.com/. The next meetings are scheduled for Monday, July 6 and 20 at 5:00 pm.

• City Council Covid-19 Resource Map - Council President Brandon Scott has compiled Baltimore COVID-19 resources into an asset map. Visit bit.ly/bmorecovidmap for an updated list of food sites, health care clinics, and shopping options for seniors & people with compromised immune systems.

• 2020 Census Online
The 2020 Census counts every person living in the United States and five U.S. territories. Your response helps to direct billions of dollars in federal funds to local communities for schools, roads, and other public services. Results are also used to determine the number of seats each state has in Congress and your political representation at all levels of government. Completing the census online takes about 10 minutes and it’s safe, secure and confidential. To complete the questionnaire online, visit https://my2020census.gov/.