Month: June 2014

Manny Machado launches Machado’s Salsa

PIKESVILLE, Md. — Manny Machado, of the Baltimore Orioles, was on hand on Tuesday, June 24, 2014 at the Giant store located at 3757 Old Court Road in Pikesville to officially introduce his very own line of salsa, “Machado’s Salsa.”

The 16 oz. jar of salsa is exclusively available for a limited time at Giant stores in the greater Baltimore, Maryland area and online at www.plbsports.com. Fans are encouraged to get their jars before they are gone. “Machado’s Salsa” is available in two varieties— mild and medium.

“Machado’s Salsa” is the latest athlete-branded food product from PLB Sports. Manny joins other greats like Miguel Cabrera, Justin Verlander, Matt Kemp, Cole Hamels and Joey Votto who have teamed with PLB Sports in creating their own products.

Machado was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles as the third overall pick in the 2010 amateur draft. Since then, he has established himself as one of the up and coming stars in Major League Baseball. In 2013, his first full year in the majors, Manny earned a spot on the American League All-Star team and received the prestigious Gold Glove Award.

Jackson named Dean of Student Services at AACC

Anne Arundel Community College has named Jacqueline S. Jackson, Ph.D., of Silver Spring as its new Dean of Student Services. In that position, she oversees services that impact students directly, such as counseling and advising, tutoring, testing, health services, student activities, student conduct and student achievement.

“We are very excited that Dr. Jackson brings a wealth of experience in both academic and student affairs,” said AACC President Dr. Dawn Lindsay.

Jackson comes to AACC from the University of the District of Columbia-Community College where she served as Dean of Academic Affairs and the Chief Academic Officer for the past five years. She gained student affairs experience as the class dean of juniors and seniors in her role as Associate Dean of Students at St. Olaf College. She also has worked with a national grant program aimed at strengthening campus-community partnerships as associate director for the Consortium for the Advancement of Private Higher Education and designed professional development programs as director of Educational Programs and Publications for ACPA-College Student Educators International. Her experience includes teaching in the Department of Educational Leadership Graduate School of Education and Human Development at George Washington University and serving as an educational consultant at Northern Virginia Community College.

She has helped shape the programs and policies of the colleges at which she has worked by becoming involved in committees focusing on strategy, assessment and budget planning, as well as volunteering time to organize cultural programs and to serve on dissertation committees. She also participates in professional education organizations. In one of these, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), she has served as a judge in the CASE Professor of the Year Awards program for the past several years.

Jackson has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a Master of Science degree in Community College Counseling and College Student Personnel from Western Illinois University and a Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration from Old Dominion University.

Annapolis 4th of July Celebration

Annapolis Mayor Michael Pantelides invites the public to the Annapolis July 4th parade and firework display on Friday, July 4th. The parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Amos Garret Boulevard and proceed down West Street, around Church Circle, and down Main Street.

Following the parade, the United States Naval Academy Concert Band will perform a public concert at Susan Campbell Park around 8 p.m.

The fireworks show will begin at approximately 9:15 p.m. The fireworks display will be launched from a barge in the Annapolis Harbor and can be viewed from many locations around the Harbor. For questions about boat restrictions during the fireworks, contact the City Harbormaster’s Office at 410-263-7973.

For those viewing the fireworks from land, Susan Campbell Park has a fantastic view, but it is also the most crowded. Views from Main Street and the Harbormaster’s Building area will be partially obstructed. Suggested viewing areas are public spaces northeast of the Severn River or any of the street-end parks facing Spa Creek.

Spa Creek Bridge will be closed to traffic beginning at 9:00 p.m. to create a spectator pier overlook offering an unobstructed view of the fireworks.

The closer you get to downtown the harder it will be to find parking and the harder it is to get out after the celebration. Park at Park Place or Knighton Garage and take the Circulator trolley to City Dock. The trolley stops at the garages and runs from 8:30 a.m. to midnight. An added bonus is both garages are on the parade route! The trolley is free from the garages, but not from the Navy-Marine Crop Memorial Stadium. That shuttle will run from 4 p.m. to midnight with a fare of $2.00 each way or $4.00 for an all day pass. Children 5 years and under ride free with a paying adult. (Limit of 3 children per paying adult)

Parking Restrictions

Parking on Prince George Street from the water to College Avenue will be resident only parking from noon to 11 p.m. Beginning at 4 p.m. and extending until about 10:30 p.m., parking will be prohibited and violators may be towed from the following areas:

City Dock

Main Street

Randall Street

Market Space

Both sides of Severn Avenue between First and Burnside Streets

East side of First, Second and Third streets between Severn and Chester Avenues

South side of Chesapeake and Chester Avenues between Riverview Avenue and Burnside Street

Bay Ridge Avenue between Sixth and Burnside Streets

Bembe Beach Road from Awald to end

Road Restrictions and Closures

In Eastport, vehicular traffic into the north side of the Eastport Peninsula will be restricted between 5 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Pedestrian traffic will be permitted. Roadblocks will be set up at 9 p.m. at Sixth Street and Severn Avenue denying access to downtown via the Spa Creek Bridge.

In downtown Annapolis, College Avenue, Duke of Gloucester and Compromise Street will be closed to all but area residents. Prince George Street will be posted “Resident Only Parking” from the water to College Avenue from 2 p.m. to midnight. Vehicular traffic will be denied access to the downtown area beginning at 5 p.m. until approximately 10:30 p.m. Road blocks will also be set up in the following locations:

King George St. and College Ave.

Prince George St. and College Ave.

North St. and College Ave.

Church Circle and Main St.

Duke of Gloucester St. at Conduit St., at Green St., at St. Mary’s St. and at Compromise St.

Traffic will be allowed to flow down Duke of Gloucester Street from Church Circle and into Eastport (not into downtown Annapolis) until 9 p.m. At that time, the Spa Creek Bridge will be closed and Duke of Gloucester Street will be closed to ensure pedestrian safety and to facilitate the movement of foot traffic leaving the area after the fireworks display.

At approximately 9 p.m., Main Street will be closed and remain closed until approximately 10 p.m. Connector streets between Duke of Gloucester and Main St. will also be closed.

Boating Restrictions

The draw span of the Spa Creek Bridge (into Eastport) will be closed to boat traffic from 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Because of the anticipated crowded conditions, boaters are urged to select their preferred viewing area anchorage early and are also warned to avoid the 1,000-foot Safety Zone around the fireworks barge.

The consumption of alcoholic beverages on the streets and sidewalks of the City is prohibited. Alcoholic beverages are also prohibited at Susan Campbell Park, City Dock.

The use of fireworks (including sparklers) is prohibited at Susan Campbell Park at City Dock. Also, the firing of pyrotechnics and flares is illegal.

Donations are still needed for the Annapolis 4th of July Event

Funding for the City’s 4th of July fireworks festivities is largely the result of donations by businesses and private individuals. Those wishing to help support this popular community event by defraying the cost of the fireworks are urged to do so. Please send your tax-deductible donation to: July 4th Annapolis, Inc., c/o First Citizens Bank, 890 Bestgate Rd., Annapolis, MD 21401.

Volunteers are also needed

Want to help the 4th of July parade? Interested individuals should contact Felicia Nolan at fckaravellas@annapolis.gov.

There is no rain date for the parade or the fireworks. Come enjoy July 4th holiday with friends and family in Annapolis!

4th of July celebrations!

BALTIMORE — Celebrate the Fourth of July with live music and celebratory fireworks at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. The Ports America Chesapeake Fourth of July Celebration takes place Friday, July 4, 2014 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

MORE PLACES TO CELEBRATE:

Annapolis 4th of July Celebration

Towson 4th of July Parade

Entertainment will be provided by Top 40s bands— Thunderball at 4 p.m. followed by the U.S. Naval Academy Band Electric Brigade at 7 p.m. at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater, located at Pratt and Light streets. The fireworks show produced by Pyrotecnico is choreographed to festive music, begins at 9:30 p.m.

The holiday fireworks can be viewed from several locations in downtown and the surrounding areas, including Federal Hill, Fell’s Point and Harbor East. Baltimore’s Fourth of July Celebration is presented by Ports America Chesapeake. Additional support is provided by GEICO. Fox 45 is the media sponsor.

Visitors can make a day of their holiday downtown by going to area attractions, and nearby restaurants and retailers. Top of the World Observation Level offers Picnic at the Top on Friday, July 4, 2014 from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Visitors can take in a 360-degree view of Baltimore as well as have the best view of the vibrant fireworks display. Family-fun activities and food & beverages will be available. Tickets cost $50 for adults and $25 for children ages 3-12. Top of the World Observation Level is located on the 27th floor of the World Trade Center at 401 East Pratt Street. For more information on Top of the World Observation Level or upcoming events, visit 410-837-VIEW (8493) or visit www.viewbaltimore.org.

In addition, Baltimore Beach Volleyball holds “Hat Draw” Tournament on Friday, July 4, 2014 at 1 p.m. Registration opens at noon on-site. The tournament takes place at the Inner Harbor’s Rash Field, located on Light Street and Key Highway. Men, women, co-ed teams and singles are invited to participate in the event. Cost is $25 per person. Proceeds from the tournament benefit Sail Baltimore, a non-profit providing a program of visiting ships and maritime events. For more information on Baltimore Beach Volleyball and upcoming tournaments, visit www.baltimorebeach.com.

For more information about Ports America Chesapeake Fourth of July Celebration, visit: www.promotionandarts.org or call 410-752-8632.

Baltimore resident receives SECU scholarship

LINTHICUM, Md. — Maryland’s largest financial cooperative, SECU awarded 13 scholarships as part of its annual State Employee Scholarship Program at a ceremony at Towson University’s SECU Arena recently.

To be eligible for SECU’s State Employee Scholarship Program, students had to be Maryland state employees or members of the immediate families of Maryland state employees. Winners had to be enrolled or accepted into a college, university, trade, or technical school. Twelfth graders who plan to attend college next fall were also eligible.

“The State Employee Scholarship Program reflects SECU’s continuing commitment to financial and scholastic education, as well as the special relationship SECU has always enjoyed with state employees,” says Peggy Young, Vice President of Marketing at SECU.

According to Young, SECU has awarded more than $210,000 in scholarships over the past seven years to Maryland state employees and family members participating in the State Employee Scholarship Program. For a complete list of all winners, visit https://www.secumd.org/community/scholarships.aspx.

Indie Soul: Comedian Michael Coylar and author Rodney Sampson

BALTIMORE — If you missed Baltimore’s African-American Festival, then you missed a wonderful event. Of course the entertainment is what everyone keeps talking about but there were some educational events taking place as well.

Comedian Michael Coylar is hilarious, but his humor makes you think. One of the things he is proud of is his first book, “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the White House…I Knocked on the Door and a Brother Answered.” Although it is written for kids, it really is written for adults too. The book is about President Obama and all that he has gone through during his presidency.

“I credit my mother for turning me on to Obama, because I had no idea who he was, but once I found out, I have been in his corner ever since,” states Coylar. Written in very understandable language that everyone can follow, it serves as a social awareness lesson and a reminder of what the Obama’s have accomplished. It’s great summer reading for the kids. For more information, email Comicking123@aol.com.

photo

(Courtesy photo)

Author Rodney Sampson

Author Rodney Sampson, was the hidden jewel of the festival. He discussed his book, “Kingonomics” which is inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King. According to Sampson, “It is very important that we understand how economics works when it comes to business. We have to work and network together in order to be successful.” In the book, the self-proclaimed serial entrepreneur provides 12 steps to success and to establish better business practices. Service, self-image, creativity, innovation, openness, and transparency are just some of the topics discussed. This is a must have if you are a business owner or thinking about going into business for yourself. For more on the book and Rodney Sampson: www.kingonomics.wordpress.com .

Indie Soul welcomes your questions and comments. To contact Phinesse Demps, call 410-366-3900 ext. 3016 or 410-501-0193 or email: pdemps@btimes.com. Follow him on Twitter@lfpmedia.

TV25 gets a makeover

On June 25th, something new and fresh hit the television airwaves. The all new CharmTV (Comcast 25). Gone is the continuous programming of government and hearings; in with new shows that spotlight everything good in Baltimore.

So why the change? General Manager, Tonia Lee explains, “So in looking at the channel, there definitely was room to do something that could benefit the community and showcase what a great city we have and the beautiful things to see and do here in Baltimore. Besides this show can be used to help with the Mayor’s, (Stephanie Rawlings-Blake), initiative of bringing new families here to Baltimore, but also giving folks a reason to stay and invest in Baltimore”.

There is an amazing line-up for CharmTV and yes, you will still be able to catch you government programming but with a twist of new local programming. Here is what you will find:

On Wednesdays: “My Town” hosted by TV Veteran, Karen Francis will feature the history and culture of Baltimore. That will be followed by “Born in Baltimore” that will feature local entrepreneurs and businesses in the area.

On Thursday’s, for all you foodies and wine lovers, Kate Beck will host, “Tasty Travels”; that will be followed by “Out and About” featuring Kuren Redmond. You don’t want to miss this show as this will give you insights on the new happenings and places to go. These shows will be in the coveted prime time slots starting at 8 p.m. If you miss an episode check the schedule to see when it will re-air.

“I am really excited about what we are doing here at CharmTV. I really believe that what we offering will really help to show our city in a different and bring everyone together” said “My Town” host Karen Francis. For more information on CharmTV: http://www.charmtv.tv. Check out our Facebook for clips from each show: www.facebook.com/TheBaltimoreTimes .

CDC study says asthma on decline

The latest statistics from the city’s Health Department shows that Baltimore leads the state in asthma mortality with 34 deaths per one million people. Charm City also has the highest pediatric asthma hospitalization rate in Maryland and one of the highest in the nation, and many who have the disease are African Americans who often are forced to rush to emergency rooms at alarming rates, according to health officials.

Statistics from the health department also reveal that 28 percent of high school students in Baltimore City reported having been diagnosed with asthma, compared to 20 percent of students nationwide.

“Living with asthma isn’t by any means a cake walk,” said Keith Brown, a retired Army sergeant. “Sometimes you are aware when an attack is coming, but most of the time it’s unexpected and it’s a devastatingly helpless feeling.”

However, a new study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on June 19, 2014, offers hope to sufferers like Brown. The survey suggests that asthma in the U.S. may

finally be on the decline. Over the past several years, about 8.6 percent of Americans have reported that they have asthma, but the CDC’s study, which officials conducted over the past year, noted that the number has decreased to 7.4 percent, the lowest mark in 10 years.

“We’re not really sure what’s going on,” said Jeannine S. Schiller, who holds a master’s in Public Health and works for the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics in Hyattsville, Maryland. “It was pretty flat for a few years, and then it dropped this year. We don’t know why. There was nothing that happened in public health or environmentally that you would say, ‘Oh, that makes sense.’”

CDC officials say that the largest decline was seen in African-American children and women. “Anytime there is some health report, we seem to always come out on the short end of the stick so it’s interesting that they are saying we are doing better with asthma,” said Terry Strothers, a forklift operator, age 55. “I have had asthma all of my life, but I guess I’m one of those who hasn’t had any recent problems but, for a long while here, I thought it was going to take me at some point.”

The study, where more than 47,000 adults and children took part in interviews with health officials, also revealed that asthma attacks declined from 4.4 percent in 2012 to 3.8 percent last year, the lowest mark in more than 15 years.

Local health officials say they are working to build a sustainable system of care to reduce emergency room visits, hospitalizations and school absences, and to improve the quality of life for children and adults with asthma.

While experts are not really sure what causes asthma, they say that attacks can be triggered by tobacco smoke, air pollution, pollen and cockroaches. It’s also believed that decrepit housing conditions and climate change are possible reasons for many asthma episodes.

“Nationally, I’m not aware of anything that would explain these statistics,” said Dr. Karen Freedle, an Emory University specialist in pediatric asthma.

While the study presents some good news, many say controlling the disease

remains crucial. Lisa A. Gilmore, the program manager at Building Connections for Better Health in Washington offered five ways in which patients can stay healthy.

Gilmore recommends the use of inhaled corticosteroids; a written action plan that highlights prevention and handling attacks; assessing the severity of the disease at an initial doctor’s visit to determine what treatment plan to follow; scheduling follow-up visits with primary care physicians at least every six months; and controlling environmental exposure to allergens and irritants that could make symptoms worse.

The CDC also cautions those with asthma to not let their guard down

because of the optimistic new study.

“We’re saying watch that,” Schiller said. “Because when something is relatively flat for so long and you have a statistically significant difference, you want more data points to support the trend that might be emerging.”

Indie Soul Student of the Week: Phillip Freeland

This week’s student of the week is Phillip Freeland, a two-sport scholar-athlete. First and foremost, he is dedicated to his academic success. He is excelling in high school and his last report card boasted three A’s and one B at Mergenthaler Vocational Technical High School where he is finishing his freshman year. Phillip is also a competitive squash player through SquashWise, a youth development program that empowers Baltimore City students by teaching them the sport of squash and providing intensive tutoring, academic enrichment, and college preparation. Phillip is a leader on the football field at his high-school. He will continue to develop his leadership skills this summer on the Outward Bound Get Out And Lead program, a challenging 10-day experiential leadership course.

According to Abby Markoe, Executive Director Baltimore SquashWise,”Phillip stands out among his peers in his sheer dedication to school, athletics, and leadership. He continues to impress us with his kindness and maturity, and we can’t wait to see what lies in store for him in the future. He is going to go far in life.”

Phillip just won first place in a national essay competition held annually at the National Urban Squash Championships at Amherst College. The topic was “What do you stand for?” Phillip wrote a moving essay about grit and determination carrying him forward in school, sports, and in life. His essay was selected in the Under-17 age division from among more than a dozen other programs similar to SquashWise.

These are the kind of students we need to uplift in the community! Congratulations to Phillip Freeland our Indie Soul Student of the week.

Each week during the school year, Indie Soul will spotlight a student who excels in academics and in the community. To nominate someone for “Student of the Week,” call 410-366-3900 ext. 3016 or email pdemps@btimes.com with “Student of the Week” in the subject line.

Iota Phi Lambda Sorority beautifies community

Ten Kappa Chapter Sorors and three Men of Iota (MOI) dedicated a Saturday on a beautiful June weekend to beautifying one of Maryland’ scenic roadways as part of the Maryland’s Department of Transportation State Highway Adopt A Highway program.

“I am so grateful to everyone involved: first and foremost, the team of Sorors and Men of Iota— Janet Brown; Gussie Goodman; Dr. Doris Browning Austin; Shavella Miles; Jasmine Scribner; Yvette Belt; Betty Wilson Jones; Angela Powell Hendricks; Sandra LaKay Biles; Nard Smith; Robert Jackson; and Man Harvey who actually did the work alongside the highway. We had thirteen starters. This initial clean up involved working together and was a lot of fun. Kappa Chapter supports and believes in our continuous ‘Community Commitment.’ The First Timer Group Clean Up is done and I can’t thank everyone enough,” said Mindy Rae Ellison, Kappa Chapter President.

Adopt-a-Highway is a roadside clean-up program that promotes pride and local ownership in Maryland.

Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Incorporated Kappa Chapter volunteers pick up litter four times per year on their adopted roadside.

Iota Phi Lambda Sorority Inc. (ΙΦΛ) is the first African American Greek-lettered business sorority established by African American businesswomen. Iota Phi Lambda Sorority Incorporated a business and professional sorority was founded in Chicago, Illinois by Mrs. Lola Mercedes Parker and six other business women. The organization would stimulate, inspire and give assistance to those persons engaged in business vocations. Since that time other professions have been embraced, however the major emphasis has remained in the business arena. There are now more than 100 chapters with membership numbering more than 9,000 in 85 cities, Washington D.C. and the US Virgin Islands.