Neighborhood Notes: July 2024

WTMD First Thursday VIP Ticket Giveaway
WTMD continues another season of free concerts at Canton Waterfront Park on Thursday, July 11 at 5:30 p.m. and we’re giving one lucky CCA member 2 VIP tickets to the show! To be eligible, signup as a new member or renew your current membership to the Canton Community Association on/before Monday, July 3 at https://www.cantoncommunity.org/join-us.

The July WTMD First Thursday concert features Phosphorescent, Fantastic Cat, and Enslow. There are food and beverage vendors on-site. No outside alcohol or coolers are permitted. For more details, visit https://wtmd.org/radio/first-thursday-concerts-in-the-park/.

July 4th Celebrations and Fireworks
This year’s Inner Harbor July 4th festivities will begin at 3 p.m. and the fireworks and drone show will begin at 9:30 p.m. There will be food and fun activities including a DJ, food trucks, performers, a concert by the BSO, and more. Neighbors, grab a blanket or some chairs and we’ll see you at Canton Waterfront Park for the fireworks! DETAILS

Since you’ll be able to see an awesome display over Canton, please leave the fireworks to the professionals. Consumer use of fireworks is illegal in Baltimore City. And, it scares animals, can trigger PTSD, could cause a fire, and lots of other not-so-great stuff. So, please be a responsible and thoughtful neighbor, and DON’T set off fireworks in the city!

CCA Ditch Work Pool Party at R&R
Save the date to ditch work on Friday, July 12 and join us at Raw & Refined for a Pool Party to raise $ for the Canton Community Association! The ticket includes a pool pass and a complimentary drink! AND, R&R will donate $15 per ticket and a % of the sales from noon- 5:-00 p.m. to the CCA! R&R is located at 2723 Lighthouse Point on the waterfront in Canton. Menu and details: https://www.rawandrefinedbaltimore.com/.

Patterson Park Public Pool Adult Swim
Great news for those who enjoy a kid-free swim! Patterson Park Public Pool is hosting an Adult Swim on Monday nights from 5:30-7:00 p.m. You must be 21 to join, no exceptions. You also have to follow the pool rules. So read the details in advance, bring a few quarters for the lockers to stash your stuff, and have some fun. To use Baltimore City pools, you must have a civic rec account. Create your account before arrival. No registration is needed. To sign up or for more details: https://bcrp.baltimorecity.gov/aquatics.

The pool is FREE and attendance is first come, first served. The daily capacity will depend on the number of lifeguards on duty. More information about BCRP’s aquatic facilities can be found on their website: bcrp.baltimorecity.gov/aquatics. 

Playground Tour at Dyspki Park
Join the Baltimore Family Alliance and the CCA as they host a fun night at Dypski Park on Thursday, July 25. Bring the kids from 5-7:00 p.m. and enjoy live music, arts and crafts, and more special treats. DETAILS

Swim Across America
Swim Across America funds cancer research, clinical trials, and patient programs by hosting charity swims. Join your neighbors on Sunday, July 21 at 6:00 p.m. at the Patterson Park Public Pool to participate. Proceeds from the swim will support immunotherapy clinical trials and research at the Swim Across America Lab at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins. Click here to register, donate, or volunteer. More info https://www.swimacrossamerica.org/.

Juneteenth Freedom Walk
Dr. Raymond Bahr (founder of the Canton History Project) and members of the Canton Anti-Racism Alliance led a symbolic Freedom Walk from the Frederick Douglass History Panels outside the Tindeco Wharf Apartments to the Frederick Douglass Historical Marker Sign outside Sprouts Market (approx. 1 mile) to commemorate Juneteenth. To view the interactive map of the historic markers, go to https://bit.ly/3H6e2Kn. For more info about the Frederick Douglass panels, visit https://tinyurl.com/CCAFDMarkers.

The Canton Anti-Racism Alliance is a coalition of volunteers dedicated to affecting long-term, impactful changes to foster a more diverse, equitable, inclusive, and welcoming community. The Alliance hosts a bi-monthly virtual meeting. All are invited to join. To learn more, email President@CantonCommunity.org.

Canton Library – Summer Break Baltimore
Summer Break Baltimore is a fun, free program for all ages that encourages literacy and learning in our community. Get free books for your home library, participate in fun events, and enter a monthly prize drawing! For all ages through August. Register online. Other summer events include Yoga in the Library (July 6, 13 & 20 from 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.), and TranQuillity at Pratt (July 6 & 20 from 2-4:00 p.m.).

Free Pilates, Zumba & Wellness Classes
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Engagement Center (at 1501 South Clinton Street in Canton) has Free Yoga Classes on Mondays from 5-6 pm. The instructor is amazing, and you don’t need CareFirst insurance to participate. Classes and parking are free. Some yoga mats are provided or you can bring your own. Other classes include Relaxation & Meditation, Stretch & Balance, Abs, Core & More, and Zumba. To register please click https://www.carefirst.com/cec/, and select register for a class or event or go to CareFirst Engagement Center Events | Eventbrite.

Hatton Senior Center
Baltimore is home to 13 senior centers which offer different programs and services for older adults. In Canton, the Hatton Senior Senior Center, located at 2825 Fait Ave., is open Monday-Thursday 9:00 am-3:30 pm. Neighbors 55+ can take part in fitness and wellness programs, dining services, and lifelong learning classes. Seniors 60+ are eligible for the “Eating Together Meal” Monday, Tuesday & Thursday at 11:30 am for $2. Advance registration is required. For more information, call 410-396-9025 or email Adrienne.Blumberg@baltimorecity.gov. Look for more details to follow in future Life in Canton e-newsletters.

Exchange Club Charity Golf Tournament
The Exchange Club of Highlandtown-Canton is hosting their annual fundraiser the 23rd Annual Charity Golf Tournament on Friday, October 25. Register to play or have your business/organization sign on as a sponsor. TICKETS. The Exchange Club is a nonprofit community service organization that supports SE Baltimore. Service includes an annual toy drive in conjunction with BPD, a scholarship program, and providing holiday meals to area families in need. They also partner with and donate to charities supporting our local police officers and firefighters. The CCA partners with them for the Canton Day of Giving every December. To learn more, visit http://highlandtownexchange.com/.

Sidewalk, Tree Pits and Gutters
Neighbors, please be neighborly and keep your sidewalks and tree pits weeded. Also, keep an eye out for debris in the street gutters so water can properly flow to the storm drains. Also, since rainfall is down this summer, please show the trees some love and give them some water during hotter weeks. Thanks!

Reporting and Preventing Crime – Tip Line
The Baltimore City Police Department asks neighbors to report crimes via this TIP email: SEDtips@baltimorepolice.org. Security camera footage and photos should be included. 

CCA NEWS

CCA Hybrid Public Meetings 2024
February 20, May 21, September 17, and November 19
Meetings are held at the United Evangelical Church at 3200 Dillon St. and live-streamed on the CCA Facebook page.

CCA Free Community Dumpster Days 2024
March 23, June 1, September 7, November 2
The dumpster will be located near 1011 S. Lakewood Ave, alongside Safeway just north of Boston Street from approximately 9:00 am until noon or until full. Plan to go early, as it usually fills fast.

Buy-A-Brick Program adds Canton Dog Park!
The CCA Buy-A-Brick Program is excited to announce that bricks are available at the Friends of Canton Dog Park as well as at O'Donnell Square Park! Purchase a commemorative brick for $100 to be installed at the park of your choice and/or a replica brick with felt backing for $35. This is a unique way to pay tribute to your love of the community, recognize a special date, or businesses, or memorialize loved ones, including the furry ones. Purchase here. 

CCA Merchandise
Support the CCA and look sharp, too. Buy CCA merchandise including hats, long-sleeve lightweight hoodies, CCA foldable, reusable tote bags, and more. Now available exclusively at Canton Ace Hardware. In the meantime, email info@CantonCommunity.org to purchase.

CCA Social Media - Follow us!
For the latest information about our neighborhood and other helpful community/city news, please follow our CCA pages on social media. Instagram @CCA_Baltimore and www.facebook.com/CantonCommunityAssociation. 

CCA Committees
CCA committees include Arts, Economic Development, Education, Marketing, Membership, Parks, Public Safety, Transportation, Social, Sustainability, and Volunteer. The CCA also oversees the Friends of Canton Dog Park and Friends O’Donnell Square, and partners with Canton Canopy, I Wonder Garden, and the Canton Anti-Racism Alliance. New members are welcomed for all CCA committees. Details can be found on our website at https://www.cantoncommunity.org/committees.