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<DIV><SPAN class=718582015-10052006><FONT face=Arial size=2>Hello Block
Leaders!</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=718582015-10052006><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=718582015-10052006><FONT face=Arial size=2>At our last block
leader meeting we had only 6 block leaders. I know some of you could not
make the meeting, and that is fine. We will have one more meeting
in July before my Americorps year ends on August 8th. </FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=718582015-10052006><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=718582015-10052006><FONT face=Arial size=2>If anyone has any
hours to report please get them to me as soon as you can. Feel free to email
them to me.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=718582015-10052006><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=718582015-10052006><FONT face=Arial size=2><STRONG><U>Meeting
Notes:</U></STRONG></FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=718582015-10052006><FONT face=Arial size=2>-Due to fun and free
things at the BMA and other museums, I will never again have a block leader
meeting on the first Thursday of the month! I will also pass that info along to
whoever is in my position next year. We'll stick to Wednesdays or do them later
in the month.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=718582015-10052006><FONT face=Arial size=2>-Block
leaders are connecting with neighbors and getting to know them better. It's
slower going on some blocks than others, but overall people are getting to know
their neighbors and this has been very positive. Block leaders introduced
themselves and shared about the experiences on their blocks.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=718582015-10052006><FONT face=Arial size=2>-There were more
specific questions for Wes in regards to safety and sanitation issues.
</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=718582015-10052006><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=718582015-10052006><FONT face=Arial size=2><U><STRONG>Some
ideas for upcoming events:</STRONG></U></FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=718582015-10052006><FONT face=Arial size=2>Since the clean
sweep was rained out, let's have another clean up. June 10th, 9am - 12pm. Rain
date, June 17th. Let's do it on each block individually, or consecutive blocks
with block leaders can work together on this. This is an opportunity to get
your neighbors out of the house and work with them on a project. I will
talk to Wes about our guys picking up the bags and I will talk to the city about
getting a dumpster in a central location. How does that sound? I will
create a flyer and deliver some to each block leader at the end of
May. If you choose to participate, pass the flyers out to your neighbors and
hold your clean-up day! If you can not participate, talk to neighbors about
spear-heading it or just drop it all together. It's up to
you.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=718582015-10052006><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=718582015-10052006><FONT face=Arial size=2>The CVCBD has a
number of engravers for household goods. Why not throw a porch furniture
engraving party?? It will permanently inscribe your address, phone number or ID
number (whatever you choose) onto your property just in time for the prime
swiping season!</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=718582015-10052006><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=718582015-10052006><FONT face=Arial size=2>On Lou's block, they
have what they call a "Porch Sit". Flyers go around telling everyone to come
hang out on their porches in the evening one night, and people just hang out and
talk to each other and maybe share food or drinks. Think about organizing
this simple and no-stress event for your block!</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=718582015-10052006><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=718582015-10052006><FONT face=Arial size=2>National Night Out
is coming up on August 1st. A great time to connect with your neighbors over a
block barbeque or social gathering. Everyone get outside and turn on your porch
lights to promote safety and neighborhood unity!</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=718582015-10052006><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=718582015-10052006><SPAN class=718582015-10052006><FONT
face=Arial size=2>I've asked the city about the legality of painting house
numbers on the alley outside of each home. Of course every neighbor would do
their own house, but this could be a great alternative for those houses who do
not have fences in the back. It's a fantastic safety feature to have your house
number visible from the back.</FONT></SPAN></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=718582015-10052006><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=718582015-10052006><FONT face=Arial size=2>And in terms of
organizing another "recognition" event, I think I'm going to scrap it. I've only
gotten a few responses and folks don't seem overly enthusiastic. I
understand that noone wants fanfare. I would like to organize a small social
event later in the year for block leaders to come together to connect with each
other in a fun and relaxed setting. Hopefully more of you will come to something
low-key and social. More on that in the upcoming months.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=718582015-10052006></SPAN><SPAN class=718582015-10052006><FONT
face=Arial size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=718582015-10052006></SPAN><SPAN class=718582015-10052006><FONT
face=Arial size=2>----------------------------------------</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=718582015-10052006><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=718582015-10052006><FONT face=Arial size=2>That's about it for
now. I'll be out of the office tomorrow and Friday, I'll be in the office all
next week, and then I am out of town for a family vacation from May 20th through
29th. If you have any questions, concerns or needs do not hesitate to get in
touch with me or leave me an email or voice mail. If you have a question while
I'm away call 410-235-4411 and speak to someone at the front desk or email me at
<A
href="mailto:jeni_spevak@yahoo.com">jeni_spevak@yahoo.com</A></FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=718582015-10052006></SPAN><SPAN class=718582015-10052006><FONT
face=Arial size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=718582015-10052006><FONT face=Arial size=2>A note on block
leadering- this is supposed to be fun. I know some of you have big plans for
your blocks, but if others of you are feeling stressed about this, maybe start
this year with a simple porch sit or block party to get neigbors talking to
neighbors. There will be someone in my position in September who will work with
you on your ongoing efforts. I would love to see every block do a little
something this spring and/or summer. As the coordinator, I can't initiate your
activities, but I am right here waiting for opportunities to help you organize
your block. Use me as a resource.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=718582015-10052006><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=718582015-10052006><FONT face=Arial size=2>Thanks!
</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Jeni Spevak</FONT></DIV>
<DIV align=left><FONT face=Arial size=2>Block Leader Coordinator</FONT></DIV>
<DIV align=left><FONT face=Arial size=2>Charles Village Community Benefits
District</FONT></DIV>
<DIV align=left><FONT face=Arial size=2>2301 N Charles St - Baltimore, MD
21218</FONT></DIV>
<DIV align=left><FONT face=Arial size=2>410-235-4411 x16</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV></BODY></HTML>