Neighborhood Notes: February 2025

/

Music on the Square Concert Series
The Music on the Square Concert features Across The Harbor on Friday, February 8 with two shows, 4 and 8 pm. This musical confluence melds Baltimore’s singer-songwriters with instrumentalists rooted in Bluegrass, Irish, and Old-Time traditions. Hear the songs of The Honey Dewdrops, Letitia VanSant, & Caleb Stine, each with a unique twist. The list of traditionally rooted instrumentalists is astonishing: David McKindley-Ward, every member of Charm City Junction (Alex Lacquement, Patrick McAvinue, Brad Kolodner, & Sean McComiskey) Meghan Mette, Laura Byrne, Sam Guthridge, and EJ Shaull-Thompson. This will be the fourth time all of these artists perform together, trade tunes and re-imagine songs. Collaborating for Across The Harbor is the artists’ gratitude for the Baltimore music community, personified. For more information and tickets, click here. The concert series is held at Church on the Square located at 1025 S. Potomac Street, Baltimore, MD 21224. For a limited time only Music on the Square is offering a Mini-Season-Pass of $90 to attend four concerts.

Yoga Church
Join your neighbors on Sunday, February 23 for yoga, meditation, and discussion of spiritual questions in a welcoming and laid-back atmosphere. Equipment provided; bring yourself and wear comfortable clothing. Fourth Sunday of every month from 3-5 pm at Church on the Square, 1025 S Potomac St, in Canton. Details. 

Canton Library Events
Calamity in Baltimore - Baltimore Afire - Saturday, February 1 at 2:00 pm.

On February 7, 1904, the course of history of Baltimore and her people changed when a fire ignited in a garment warehouse on the west side of downtown. The ensuing wind-driven fire destroyed the entire center city, burned over 1,500 buildings, damaged 1,000 more, and took away the workplaces and jobs of 35,000 citizens. The Great Baltimore Fire, one of the three largest urban fires in American history, was fought by over 2,000 firemen for over 30 hours. When it was over, the city was challenged with a monumental rebuild; a rebirth that was completed in under ten years. This is the story of the people, the events, and the challenges of the fire and its aftermath. 

This event will take place across from the Canton Branch Library at the Dnipro Ukrainian Club located at 3101 O'Donnell Street, Baltimore, MD. 21224. The presenter is Jack Burkert. He is the former head educator of The Baltimore Museum of Industry.  A lifelong educator and resident of Baltimore, Jack published his first book in 2024: "Twentieth Century Baltimore:  A Native Son's Casual History of the City on the Patapsco."

In Stitches Club - Saturday, February 22 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
Whether you knit, crochet, cross-stitch, needlepoint---or have another favorite craft – bring your work in progress to join us for a morning of crafting, conversation, and camaraderie.

Create @ Canton Thursdays, February 13 & 27 from 6 pm to 7:30 pm

Join neighbors for a cozy, casual crafting night - and a chance to indulge in a delightful evening of creativity and community. Bring a friend!

Bmore Social Issues Book Club
If you are interested in learning about a wide range of social issues affecting life in Baltimore and beyond, join the Bmore Social Issue Book Club! The club meets on Mondays at 7 pm at Mahaffey’s. To get in touch, email their listserv, bmore-social-issues-book-club@googlegroups.com.

Canton Dog Park Update
Thanks to all for your recent inquiries about the Canton Dog Park. We’ve made significant progress on resolving the water drainage issue including developing a stormwater mitigation plan, installing a temporary underground pipe, and identifying a contractor for further construction. While delays in obtaining necessary City permits have slowed the project, we are actively addressing these challenges and remain committed to moving forward.

Funds raised during the 2023 Pawty at the Park are earmarked for the water mitigation project as well as other park improvements, including replenishing funds used for water fountain repairs and the retaining wall, updating signage, and supporting new additions like a community bulletin board. More details about these efforts will be featured in the March 2025 newsletter. For questions or volunteer opportunities, email CantonCommunity.org or follow the Friends of Canton Dog Park Facebook page.

Simply Marie’s Celebrates 14 Years
If you’re new to Canton and haven’t eaten at Simply Marie’s yet, you don’t know what you’re missing! Simply Marie’s, owned by the mother/son duo Marie and Robert Branch, offers homemade breakfast featuring biscuits as big as your head, (okay we exaggerate a little), French Toast, Omelets, Chicken & Waffles, and more. Find them at 3023 Elliott Street. To check out the menu in advance visit them online or on Facebook. Enjoy your breakfast and congratulate Marie and Robert on celebrating 13 years in Canton!

Black-owned Restaurant 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 Simply Marie’s, Knotty Pine, Off the Rox, Water for Chocolate, Judy’s Island Grill, and Boston St. Bar, in or neighboring Canton.

Winter Snow Removal
Neighbors, please clear the sidewalks on your block when it snows and be mindful of helping your neighbors, especially seniors or the physically challenged. In case you didn’t know, residents (including renters) are responsible for removing snow from the sidewalk in front of their houses. Per City Code, snow removal is required within 3 hours after the end of a snow or ice event unless the snowfall stops between 3:00 pm and 6:00 am, in which case snow must be removed by 11:00 a.m. Failure to shovel the snow from the sidewalk in front of one’s residence/property can result in fines. (Okay, we’ve never seen this happen, but we wanted to let you know that this is a thing. Plus, it’s just a great way to #GetNeighborly!)

Public Safety Resource Groups / Tip Line
Reporting and Preventing Crime - BPD TIP email: SEDtips@baltimorepolice.org

Canton Neighbors-Security Camera Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/643027025787288/

Canton Public Safety: Canton Watch and COP Walks 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/362700647619731/


Community Safety - SE Baltimore
https://www.facebook.com/groups/161059098133930/about/

Community Safety - Patterson Park
https://www.facebook.com/groups/CommunitySafetyPattersonPark/

OPEN / CLOSED / COMING SOON

CCA NEWS 

CCA Board Election Notice 2025
The CCA will hold its annual Board Elections on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, during the CCA Public Meeting which begins at 6:30 pm. Board terms are for 2 years, and members attend monthly meetings on the first Wednesday of each month. For more info or questions, email info@cantoncommunity.org.   

CCA Public Meetings 2025
February 18, May 20, September 16, and November 18
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 2025
The CCA hosts a Dumpster Day 4x a year. (Dates TBD) 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 at O’Donnell Square Park or the Canton Dog Park
Support the endowment to maintain O'Donnell Square Park and/or The Friends of Canton Dog Park with the purchase of a commemorative brick. Pay tribute to someone's love of the community or recognize birthdays, anniversaries, birth and wedding dates, businesses, or memorializing loved ones. The cost of a commemorative brick is $100. You may also purchase a replica of your brick with felt backing for an additional $35. We can duplicate previously purchased bricks, too. If you are not sure of the wording on your brick, email brick@cantoncommunity.org and we can help. (Note: the program is under transition and new bricks may take several months to be installed.)

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 available at Canton Ace Hardware at 1022 Binney St.

CCA Committees / Volunteer Opportunities
The CCA has a variety of volunteer opportunities that enable neighbors to share their time and talent with the community. As we begin the new year, we’d love to see some fresh faces join our committees – especially our Public Safety, Membership, and Transportation committees.  CCA committees include Arts, Economic Development, Education, Marketing, Membership, Public Safety, Transportation, Social, Sustainability, and Volunteer. The CCA also oversees the Friends of Canton Dog Park & Friends O’Donnell Square, and partners with Canton Canopy, the Canton Anti-Racism Alliance, and the I Wonder Garden. (Details) To learn more, visit www.cantoncommunity.org/volunteer/ or please contact Amanda at volunteer@cantoncommunity.org. 

Become a CCA Member
Joining the CCA is a gateway to meeting neighbors and supporting local businesses in our community. Meet awesome people and learn about our neighborhood and how you can engage to not only have fun but help others, too. You’ll also receive a subscription to our monthly e-newsletter, Life in Canton, and some cool CCA merch. Individual memberships start at only $10/year; business memberships at $250. For details, visit https://www.cantoncommunity.org/join-us.

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 Facebook.