Monument City Brewing Company To Host Benevolent Baskets Fundraiser

Everyone is invited to the so-called “Dog Days of Summer” event at Monument City Brewing Company to help an important nonprofit whose work over the past decade has helped women throughout the Baltimore area get back on their feet.

Organizers say everyone— meaning both humans and “furry creatures” are welcome to the event on Thursday, August 2, 2018 at the Monument City Brewing Company located at 1 N. Haven Street in Baltimore City at 5 p.m. Admission is free.

Cassandra Vincent will serve as the emcee for an evening featuring musical guests, Edjacated Phools; plenty of food; Monument City beers; entertainment; and a silent auction that will help support Benevolent Baskets, a Baltimore-based nonprofit, which helps women transition from homelessness to independent living.

“This is our first Baltimore-based fundraiser, and while the program has always operated from Baltimore,” said Karen Goodrich Lerario, the executive director of Benevolent Baskets.

“The founders are from Anne Arundel County, and therefore much of our support base is from there,” Lerario said. “This year, as planned, our program is growing and will require a larger cadre of volunteers and we’re super-excited to increase awareness of our mission to Baltimore millennials, as well as raise necessary funds to continue to serve.”

Located at 22 Light Street, Benevolent Baskets was launched in 2008. Its mission is to provide life skills and job training to formerly homeless women through a growing gift basket business.

The organization seeks to strengthen women with the support, tools and confidence to regain their independence and to make meaningful contributions to the community, officials said.

Lerario says she and co-founder Lesley Geisel met through Woods Presbyterian Church in Severna Park where they shared a strong desire to make a difference in the lives of women battling addiction and those seeking wholeness.

With Geisel’s experience as a special education teacher and Lerario having a background in hotel management, the pair said they had the confidence to believe in their vision.

“Soon a business plan was proposed, and the rest is history,” Lerario said.

Until March, the nonprofit operated from the dining room of My Sister’s Place Women’s Center on West Franklin Street. However, after a growth spurt, the nonprofit was finally able to move into a space of its own at 22 Light Street.

“Our programs have directly impacted over 100 women, most of whom are in sustained, independent housing,” Lerario said. “The impact on families of some our ladies … there are sweet stories there, too,” she said.

At Benevolent Baskets, women participate in different parts of running a gift basket business to develop marketable skills and regain their confidence and sense of worth. Depending on their interests, women participate in a range of activities and receive training in many facets of the business from designing the baskets to marketing, sales, customer service, procurement and logistics.

Primary objectives include helping the women regain a sense of stability, support and a sense of belonging, which are critical to their healing process, according to Lerario.

The organization works with other organizations like Second Chance, United Way and other Catholic Charities programs to help the women with job and housing placement and to assist them in building a sustainable future.

“Our neighbors at 22 Light Street are other nonprofits— we’ve already had multiple opportunities to collaborate, share clients and have a greater impact on those deserving a second chance,” Lerario said.

For more information about the Dog Days of Summer charity event of for additional information about Benevolent Baskets or to make a donation, visit: www.benevolentbaskets.org.

Morgan State Student Receives First McDonald’s-TMCF Scholarship

Morgan State University Freshman Quamir Payton, a first-generation college student who boasts a 3.9 GPA, has earned the first $10,000 scholarship from a partnership between McDonald’s and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

McDonald’s, the fast-food giant, and the nonprofit Thurgood Marshall College Fund formed a partnership this year to provide five students from historically black colleges and universities (HBCus) with scholarships to cover tuition, fees, room and board and other school expenses for the coming year.

Payton earned the “Inspiration Celebration” scholarship, which is awarded to a student pursuing music education or performance. The scholarship counts as an extension of the McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour, now in its 12th year and carries the distinction of being the longest running gospel tour of its kind.

At each stop, the national tour raises a “love” offering to support families served by Ronald McDonald House Charities. In the last five years, the love offering has raised nearly $800,000 allowing families stay close when their children are ill. Nearly a quarter of a million dollars was raised in 2017 alone.

“The annual Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour is so important to us as a brand. It allows us to further connect with the community as we empower one another to make a difference,” McDonald’s owner and operator Hazel Smith said in a news release. “Plus, we create a platform for our neighbors to join us in helping families stay close when their children are ill by raising donations for those served by local RMHC Chapters.”

The $10,000 Thurgood Marshall College Fund Scholarship is one of five scholarships McDonald’s has agreed to sponsor throughout the year.

“Having the privilege of being this year’s McDonalds Inspiration Celebration Scholarship recipient is a reminder that all of the hard work, blood, sweat, tears and time that I have sacrificed to perfect my craft have not gone in vain,” Payton said. “Music is a part of my being and my only dream is to master and cultivate my gift and use it to inspire others. With this scholarship, I now have the chance to continue my education and grow as a musician, vocalist and young scholar.”

Payton, who received the scholarship during the Atlanta concert stop in front of about 5,000 spectators at the Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral, says he will use the award to continue pursuing musical theater.

“The scholarship will help me cover the cost of attending Morgan State University. That includes books for classes and money toward the cost of living on campus,” Payton said.

“Trying to cover the cost of school is a daily struggle that my family and I have to endure. This scholarship has lifted some of the stress and strain off my family’s shoulders, and for that I am eternally grateful for McDonald’s and everyone who has played a part in selecting me as this year’s scholarship recipient.”

Dior George, the U.S. Marketing Representative for McDonald’s says the scholarship continues the company’s mission in supporting the communities it serves.

“McDonald’s goal has long been to support economic empowerment through academic and professional achievement, areas which are part of TMCF’s core mission as they are the largest HBCU-specific scholarship organization,” George said. “McDonald’s and TMCF have been offering joint scholarships since 2005. However, the Inspiration Celebration Scholarship awarded to Quamir Payton is the first of its kind.”

Rambling Rose

Hello everyone! How are you? Well, I hope you’re doing fine. We have a few things coming up this week that I want to tell you about.

S.O.A.C. Media & Entertainment is hosting a “Crab Feast & Bull Roast on Sunday, July 29, 2018 featuring the New Ebony Gospel Singers at Tall Cedars Hall, 2501 Putty Hill Avenue in Parkville, Maryland from 5-9 p.m. Hey Mannnnnnnnnnn! This is different; crabs, bull roast and gospel. Check it out by calling 410-340-8879.

Liberty Live Concert this week will be Saturday, July 28, 2018 instead of Friday featuring songstress, Karen Linette and her band. The event starts at 6 p.m. til’ 9 p.m. located in the 4100 block of Deer Park Road in Randallstown, Maryland. So don’t forget your lawn chairs.

My goodness, I was told there is a new sheriff in town, in my lingo; I mean a new nightclub has been making a lot of noise lately. It is called “The One Sports Bar & Lounge,” located 4314 Curtis Avenue in Curtis Bay. They have live entertainment, too! On Saturday July 21, Greg Cooper (a James Brown impersonator) will be on stage. Show time is 8 p.m. and Big Daddy Stallings will be there on August 4. For more information, call 410-830-1077.

There is one more thing I want to talk to you about. I need your support. For all of you who consider yourselves my fans and love to read my “Rambling Rose,” column, I want to invite you to a special luncheon sponsored by the Baltimore Times and Times Community Services, Inc. that I am hosting— “Banging with the Boomers,” a party for the young at heart. It takes place on Thursday, August 9, 2018 from noon until 3 p.m. at the Promenade Dance Sport Facility located at 2605 Lord Baltimore Drive in Windsor Mill. Honey Child, you don’t want to miss this! Please come out to join me for a lot of fun with live oldies but goodies and old school music; DJ playing your favorite oldies while you enjoy a most delicious, all you can eat soul food buffet, catered by Shirley Duncan, Bring a deck of cards and play card games such as Pinochle, Spades, Bid Whist, etc. You can line-dance; hand-dance; shop from vendors and be entertained by Captain Fly & Friends. Call me at 410-833-9474 or email me at rosapryor@aol.com to let me know how many tickets you want. I will be waiting to hear from you. I promise you will have a fantastic time. You can pay by credit card, check or cash. Tickets are 35.00 per person or two for $60.00. I thank you for your support.

Moving right along, I have to go now, just remember if you need me, call me or email me. UNTIL THE NEXT TIME, I’M MUSICALLY YOURS.

Productions and the Swanee Quintet presents the 35th Anniversary celebration of Claude Alston & Zion Hill Singers on Saturday, July 28, 2018 at 3 p.m. with special guests Shirley Caesar and the Swanee Quintet at the Bibleway Church, 1100 New Jersey Avenue NW, Washington, DC. For ticket information, call Claude Sr. at 202-361-2918.

Productions and the Swanee Quintet presents the 35th Anniversary celebration of Claude Alston & Zion Hill Singers on Saturday, July 28, 2018 at 3 p.m. with special guests Shirley Caesar and the Swanee Quintet at the Bibleway Church, 1100 New Jersey Avenue NW, Washington, DC. For ticket information, call Claude Sr. at 202-361-2918.

Justin Lees Duo will be performing at Cassatt’s located at 4536 Lee Hwy in Arlington, Virginia featuring Aaron Clay on Bass, Nasar Abadey on drums and Justin Lees on Guitar. No Cover Charge! For more information, call 703-527-3330

Justin Lees Duo will be performing at Cassatt’s located at 4536 Lee Hwy in Arlington, Virginia featuring Aaron Clay on Bass, Nasar Abadey on drums and Justin Lees on Guitar. No Cover Charge! For more information, call 703-527-3330

Rosa “Rambling Rose” Pryor invites you to her Edmondson High School 55th Class Reunion on Friday, September 14-16, 2018. Tickets and RSVP by August 10, 2018. For more information, email: Virginia Blunt Jones at virginia2745@gmail.com

Rosa “Rambling Rose” Pryor invites you to her Edmondson High School 55th Class Reunion on Friday, September 14-16, 2018. Tickets and RSVP by August 10, 2018. For more information, email: Virginia Blunt Jones at virginia2745@gmail.com

Baltimore’s Favorite Love Child Drummer, Bobby Ward has been away from the nightclub scene for a while but he is very active. He may be out of sight but never out of mind! Bobby Ward plays every 3rd and 5th Sunday at Christ United Methodist Church located at Chase and Washington Streets, as well as the New Solid Rock Church on Reisterstown Road and Northern Parkway on the 1st and 4th Sunday. I have also added him and his Trio to my Production for bookings for private events. To book him for your event, call: 410-833-9474

Baltimore’s Favorite Love Child Drummer, Bobby Ward has been away from the nightclub scene for a while but he is very active. He may be out of sight but never out of mind! Bobby Ward plays every 3rd and 5th Sunday at Christ United Methodist Church located at Chase and Washington Streets, as well as the New Solid Rock Church on Reisterstown Road and Northern Parkway on the 1st and 4th Sunday. I have also added him and his Trio to my Production for bookings for private events. To book him for your event, call: 410-833-9474

Special Night With Bowie Baysox Benefits Chesapeake Kids Programs

— Hospice of the Chesapeake invites the community to spend an evening at the ballpark for Chesapeake Kids Night with the Bowie Baysox on Thursday, August 16, 2018. The game against the Richmond Flying Squirrels starts at 7:05 p.m. at Prince George’s Stadium, the team’s home field in Bowie, Maryland. The fundraiser is sponsored by M&T Bank.

Not only do spectators get to experience Washington Wizards and Washington Mystics Night at the ballpark, but when they buy tickets directly from the nonprofit, proceeds from ticket sales will benefit Chesapeake Kids, a program of Hospice of the Chesapeake that supports children in Anne Arundel and Prince George’s counties living with and affected by advanced illness. It also offers counseling and support programs for children and families grieving a loss, including the Camp Nabi and Phoenix Rising children’s bereavement camps.

Ticket prices are $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 11 and younger. Tickets can be purchased online at www.hospicechesapeake.org/event/bowie-baysox-night-for-chesapeake-kids.

For details, contact Megan Lawton, Events Coordinator at 443-837-1531 or mlawton@hospicechesapeake.org.

Local Head Start Administrator Graduates From UCLA Head Start Management Fellows Program

— Training completed by Head Start executive Aamil Abdul-Saboor will ultimately benefit children and their families from Union Baptist-Harvey Johnson Head Start in Baltimore City. Aamil Saboor is one of 38 graduates of the 2018 UCLA Head Start Management Fellows Program, an intensive 12-day leadership and management development program, conducted at the UCLA Anderson School of Management in Los Angeles. The program was developed in 1991 to strengthen the management and leadership skills of Head Start administrators and is currently funded by the Head Start National Center on Program and Management and Fiscal Operations.

Throughout the program, fellows are equipped with the tools they will need to effectively lead and deliver developmental services in changing environments, secure funding, efficiently implement programs and network with other Head Start executives across the nation. Since the program’s inception, 1,560 executives have graduated with enhanced management and leadership abilities.

“Head Start creates the foundation for a wonderful future for children and their families,” said Yasmine Daniel-Vargas, director of the National Center on Program Management and Fiscal Operations. “Graduates of the UCLA Head Start Management Fellows Program have introduced successful community initiatives that make a lasting impact on the health, nutrition, and school readiness of the children they serve. The commitment of the UCLA Anderson School of Management to teaching excellence is a hallmark of the program’s enduring success.”

Head Start programs provide comprehensive developmental services to low-income, preschool children and their families. Head Start also provides a range of medical, dental, mental health and nutrition care, and parent involvement services.

This Is Why Migrant Parents Travel With Children

There has been a strange response by many white conservatives to the separation of migrant children from their parents. Whether we are discussing undocumented migrants or those requesting asylum, there has been rightwing pushback to the larger chorus of condemnation of the Trump administration for its zero tolerance. These right-wingers claim that it is the parents who are to blame for the separation crisis.

Let’s stop and think about this for a moment. If the parents of these children are attempting to escape criminal violence or destitution, why would leave their children behind and who would they leave them with? Perhaps that would be the case if one were discussing migrants from economically, politically and socially stable countries who would first send one relative ahead and then bring the family. But what if a woman is trying to escape domestic violence? What if a family is attempting to escape intimidation carried out by criminal gangs? What if one is seeking freedom from political persecution and/or repression? Under those conditions how likely would you be to leave your children behind?

I have been thinking about this a great deal in the context of the current, Trump-instigated immigration crisis. But it came to a head for me in reading of Trump’s remarks in Europe regarding immigration. He warned Europe that they were being overwhelmed and ruined by immigrants. My guess is that Trump was not talking about Polish immigrants moving to Britain. Rather, as has become clear for Trump, “immigration” means immigration from the global South to Europe and the United States. I cannot imagine Trump ordering the separation of undocumented Russian or Irish immigrants from their children but if one looks at immigrants from Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, as originating from so-called “shithole” countries— as Trump apparently does— none of this should come as a surprise.

To blame migrant parents for the current Trump-instigated crisis and to suggest that the parents are wrong for bringing their children along is another display of the ignorance and a racial blind spot for much of white America; that ideology can only originate in the minds of people who know next to nothing about the conditions that migrants are fleeing and their near total amnesia concerning the experiences of other groups of migrants who arrived on these shores over the decades.

What I find particularly unsettling is the way that a sizeable minority of the United States has become quite comfortable with the idea that migrants from the global South are somehow unworthy of the human rights guarantees that the United States is supposed to uphold.

I wonder how many of these same people would have questioned the rights of European immigrants in the aftermath of World War II who were crossing borders en masse to escape the results of that war.

Oh, but I forgot. That was a deserving population.

Bill Fletcher, Jr. is a talk show host, writer and activist. Follow him on Twitter @BillFletcherJr, Facebook and at www.billfletcherjr.com.

Focus On Transportation

Over the weekend, Baltimore will host more than 600 members and friends of COMTO, the Council of Minority Transportation Officials, as they convene for the 47th annual National Training Conference. The conference is being held at the Hilton Inner Harbor from July 28 to August 1.

The conference will attract transportation industry leaders from around the country to share ideas, innovations and opportunities for career planning and development in related fields.

Founded in 1971 on the campus of Howard University, COMTO was created in part to provide a forum for minority professionals in the transportation industry. Its mission is to “ensure opportunities and maximum participation in the transportation industry for minority individuals, businesses, and communities of color, through advocacy, information sharing, training, education, and professional development.”

A. Bradley Mims is COMTO’s CEO and President, a native of Maryland and says “Maryland is located at Central East Coast transportation crossroads, has one of the strongest state economies in the country and boasts one of the wealthiest minority constituencies in the United States. It also has one of the most progressive/aggressive DBE/MBE Business contracting programs in the United States. Our very robust multimodal transportation infrastructure is being improved to meet the needs of our constituency for the 21st Century – all of which will be showcased at the 47th Annual COMTO National Meeting and Training Conference.”

Membership includes individuals, groups, transportation agencies, private sector corporations, non-profit organizations, and Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs). Maryland is one of 39 Chapters from across the country and last hosted the conference in 1998.

The co-sponsor of the conference is the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) which includes the State Highway Administration, Maryland Aviation Administration, the Maryland Transit Administration, the Maryland Transportation Authority, and the Maryland Port Administration.

“Partnerships with private companies allow us to share our resources on projects that benefit our communities and our businesses,” said R. Earl Lewis, Deputy Secretary for MDOT. “We have to make sure we’re engaging all of the stakeholders in the discussion as we determine how to best use these partnerships to connect people to life’s opportunities.”

Other sponsors of the conference include national and local private industry firms including Morgan State University and Visit Baltimore.

The conference offers workshops, panel discussions, and training for both professionals and students. It is also a platform to present new technologies and innovations to address growing increasing concerns addressing infrastructure and safety.

“Career and business opportunities in the transportation industry are vast and diverse. However, women and minorities are all too often unaware of these opportunities. COMTO is a leader in ensuring women and minorities are both aware and prepared for career and business opportunities in the various modes of transportation,” says Ricky D. Smith, CEO of Baltimore/ Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport and COMTO MD Board member.

On Saturday, July 28 in addition to a golf tournament, COMTO partners with Morgan State University to present a Youth Symposium to learn about transportation related careers in civil engineering and design. It’s free and open to youth ages 11 – 18 (see flyer). It’s not too late to register.

Along with training and development, the conference offers an opportunity through technical tours to showcase innovative projects in Maryland. And no visit to Baltimore would be complete without an opportunity to taste the best crabs on the east coast with a crab feast cruise on the Spirit of Baltimore on July 29.

Co-Chairs for the conference are David Coyne, Vice-President of Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson, Inc., Carl Sajous, Director of Business Development at MV Transportation, and Meshelle M.V. Howard, Director, Division of Civil Rights and Fair Practices for MDOT Maryland Transportation Authority

Although full registration is closed, it’s also not too late for interested persons, including non- members, to register for one day to attend selected workshops and panel discussions. For more information, visit www.comto.org. To catch up with activities during the conference, follow the Maryland Chapter on Facebook at comtomd.

UA Basketball’s New Original Series Home Court: Baltimore

Under Armour Basketball’s new inaugural series, Home Court: Baltimore is now live on YouTube! This first season spotlights UA’s home base of Baltimore, Maryland, and explores the cultural impact basketball, style, food and music rooted in Charm City. Sarunas Jackson, star of HBO series Insecure and a former hooper, takes viewers on a journey of discovery, where he meets up with locals at iconic establishments within various inner-communities for an intimate view of B’more’s unique culture.

Baltimore is known for its tough attitude and preserving authenticity to the highest degree. Watching the series offers viewers a front seat to discover the streets of Baltimore and dive into the resilient nature of the city through the subcultures present in the game of basketball, homegrown fashion trends, truly local eats and the artists influencing Baltimore sounds via the underground club music of which the city is notorious for.

Directed by Shomi Patwary.

Episode 2: Camera Ready (style on and off the court)

The young women of St. Frances Academy and the young men of Team Thrill talk through their personal style and how they stay fresh both on and off the hardwood.

Local barber Mike Tribb shows off the Cruddy, a popular hair style for local young athletes.

YouTube

Home Court: Camera Ready

Annapolis City Dock Named To List Of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places

— The National Trust for Historic Preservation has named Annapolis’s City Dock to its 2018 list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places, an annual list that spotlights important examples of our nation’s architectural and cultural heritage at risk of destruction or irreparable damage.

Almost 300 places have been on the list over its 31-year history, and in that time, fewer than five percent of listed sites have been lost.

Since it’s listing as a National Historic Landmark District in 1965, Annapolis has remained one of the most intact and authentic colonial towns in the nation. Over the course of the past 50 years, numerous Annapolitans have invested in the care, upkeep and protection of this unique place. Providing the city with economic vitality, these efforts have made Annapolis one of the state’s premier heritage tourist destinations, drawing visitors from around the globe who are attracted to the its charm and history.

Key to the success of Annapolis have been the reasonable and carefully enforced historic district guidelines that have protected the National Historic Landmark’s irreplaceable buildings, character, and unparalleled views. The current proposal to re-zone portions of the historic district and allow for incompatible development on the historic waterfront threatens to upend five decades of effort to safeguard Annapolis’s exceptional heritage.

“To the dismay of residents and visitors alike, the proposed rezoning of the Colonial Annapolis Historic District opens the door for permanent loss of the area’s unique character,” said Stephanie K. Meeks, president and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “Annapolis deserves redevelopment that embraces the history of the community and provides for compatible growth within the framework of the already adopted preservation guidelines— ensuring that one of the state’s premier heritage tourist destinations is maintained for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations.”

“The current rezoning proposal is not worthy of Annapolis and should be rejected,” said Robert C. Clark president and CEO of Historic Annapolis. “The 11 Most Endangered Listing is a formal recognition by the National Trust that “This Place Matters,” and the proposed re-zoning is a serious and imminent threat to a place designated as one of America’s Treasures.”

Historic Annapolis, along with the National Trust and its statewide partner Preservation Maryland, is not opposed to thoughtful redevelopment of underutilized areas of the Annapolis Historic District. The organizations are, however, opposed to lifting critical height and bulk restrictions that have preserved the authentic, human-scale setting that

defines the Annapolis experience and preserve the intersection of the built and natural environment. Over-scaled development at the water’s edge threatens to eliminate the critical connection between the water and the city, create untold environmental challenges, and invites further degradation of the historic district. If not approached with careful consideration, new development could be accompanied by added stress on fragile foundations, historic masonry, and the quality of life of District residents.

Preservation Maryland and Historic Annapolis have launched an online petition to gather names of individuals opposed to this damaging plan. Resident of the City of Annapolis and anyone else who appreciates the history of Annapolis are encouraged to sign the petition at: presmd.org/annapolis

Members of the public can view the full 2018 list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places and learn about what they can do to support these treasured sites at: www.SavingPlaces.org/11Most

Are You Ready For Summer Heat And Storms?

— Summer’s high temperatures translate to more electricity use, as air conditioning units work harder to keep homes and businesses comfortable, but there are opportunities for customers to save. Starting June 1, 2018, the average BGE residential customer who purchases electricity from BGE will see a bill reduction of $11 a month due to the lowest electric commodity prices in a decade and distribution rate reductions spurred by federal tax-reform.

Customers are also using less energy today, thanks to energy efficiency programs and smart grid upgrades. This includes taking advantage of Energy Savings Days, which occur when the demand for electricity is expected to be particularly high, typically on very hot summer weekdays when both homes and businesses are using higher amounts of electricity. BGE notifies customers via phone, email or text usually the day before a BGE Energy Savings Day. Use less electricity between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on an Energy Savings Day and earn bill credits!

For those who want to use energy even more efficiently, the BGE Smart Energy Savers Program® can help identify new ways to save energy, money and the environment.

The program, which supports the EmPOWER Maryland Energy Efficiency Act, has provided $779 million in rebates to BGE customers and helped customers save more than 3.3 million megawatt-hours of electricity.

EmPOWER Maryland programs are funded by a charge on your electric bill. EmPOWER programs can help you reduce your electricity consumption and save you money.

Customers can also save energy and lower their bills this summer by following a few simple tips:

•Maintain your A/C system: Most warm weather energy expenses are directly related to cooling your home. Regular maintenance will keep your system running at peak efficiency.

•Use MyAccount online tools: Track your energy usage in near-real time. Compare energy usage trends, measure energy-saving practices, and set alerts to know when usage is trending high.

•Reduce hot water usage: Water heating accounts for about 18 percent of home energy consumption. Install faucet aerators and efficient flow showerheads and adjust your hot water heater to 120°F, or the low setting, to lower usage.

•Manage your thermostat: Keep thermostats at a constant, comfortable level when at home. Raise the thermostat setting for days of extreme heat to save even more. Install a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust your home’s temperature settings when you’re away or sleeping.

•Close window shades and blinds: Sunlight passing through windows heats your home and makes your A/C work harder. Block this heat by closing your window blinds or drapes.

•Conserve with lighting: Turn off unnecessary lights and use LEDs, which can save you about $80 in electricity costs over their lifetime.

•Reduce kitchen heat: Cook outdoors on a grill when possible.

•Keep the air moving: Run your ENERGY STAR® certified ceiling fan counterclockwise to produce downward airflow and a cooling effect.

Customers can also prepare for summer storms and hurricane season, which runs until November 30.

•Connect with BGE for additional ways to report outages and get status updates:

*Download BGE’s free mobile app at the Apple Store or Google Play.

*Sign up for text, email and/or phone alerts at bge.com/alerts.

*Text “ADDOUTAGE” to MYBGE (69243), for two-way texting.

•Store a supply of bottled water and easy-to-prepare, non-perishable foods.

•Keep cell phones and mobile devices charged.

•Customers with landlines should keep a corded phone to report outages if cell phones lose power.

•Have a flashlight with fresh batteries on each floor of your home.

•Customers requiring refrigeration for medication or electricity for medical equipment should have alternate arrangements in place in the event of an extended power outage.

•Bookmark BGE’s enhanced outage map at bge.com/outagemap for general information on outages in BGE’s service area.