Community Calendar

Animal Tales: The North Point Branch of the library, 1716 Merritt Blvd., has a program of singing and storytelling about animal tails for ages 2-6, on Wednesday, April 2, 10:30 a.m. Space is limited and registration opens on March 26. Info: 410-887-7255.
Computer 101: The North Point library, 1716 Merritt Blvd., presents the following computer classes for ages 13 and up. Sign-up opens one week before class begins. First-come-first-served. Space may be limited.
There’s a hands-on lesson on computer know-how for those who have never used a personal compute or feel uncomfortable using one. Classes begin on Wednesday, April 2 at 7 p.m. Sign-up opens March 26.
There’s a hands-on lesson for ages 13 and up, about the Internet and how it works, on Thursday, April 17 at 2 p.m. Sign-up begins April 10.
There’s “Introduction to the Internet, Part II” on Tuesday, April 29 at 7 p.m. Sign-up begins on April 22.
There’s Introduction to Microsoft Word on Tuesday, April 22 at 2 p.m. Sign-up begins on April 15.
Need time to practice those new skills? The library’s computer room is open to the public on Thursdays, 4 p.m.-7 p.m. and Sundays 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. The library’s public computers on the main floor are also available. Space is limited and advance reservations are suggested.
Greektown Crime Walk: Greektown holds its bi-weekly Citizens on Patrol walk on Wednesday, March 26 at 6 p.m. Meet at the Wachovia Bank parking lot, corner of Eastern Avenue and Oldham Street. Dogs welcome. Info: 410-206-8292.
Teen Advisory Board: The North Point branch of the library, 1716 Merritt Blvd., wants teens to weigh in about what they want to see at the library: teen programs, graphic novels, video games and more, on Wednesday, March 26, 3:30 p.m. Refreshments served. Info: 410-887-7255.
Teen Talent Show: The North Point branch of the library, 1716 Merritt Blvd., has a free teen talent show on Wednesday, March 26, 2 p.m. Info: 410-887-7255.
Softball: Register for coed unlimited softball Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon at the Du Burns Arena, Boston St. and Ellwood Ave., through March 29. For info call John, 410-284-4551.
Fortview Softball holds registration on Saturday, March 22, 9 a.m.-noon and every Saturday through March 29 at the “Du” Burns Arena, 1329 S. Ellwood Avenue. Teams for boys and girls ages 5-16. Proof of age required. Info: Cissy 410-282-1342.
Story Times: The North Point Library, 1716 Merritt Blvd., has Preschool Story Time every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. for ages 2-6 with an adult.
On March 27, 10:30 a.m., there’s “Baby Booster Story Time for ages birth-23 months with an adult. Info: 410-887-7255.
Hey, Teens: Every Tuesday starting April 1, ages 10-14 can participate in “The 3:30 Art Club” after school at the Southeast Anchor Library, 3601 Eastern Avenue.
On Thursday, March 27, there’s “Start a New Conversation @ Your Library” with casual conversation for beginning speakers of both English and Spanish. Refreshments served. Located at the Southeast Anchor Library, 3601 Eastern Avenue, 5:30 p.m.
That same night, there’s “Teen Writing Workshop.” Bring your ideas for stories, poems, or lyrics and join a writing exercise, at the Southeast Anchor Library, 3601 Eastern Avenue, 6 p.m.
On Wednesday, April 16, 3 p.m. there’s “Record Album Art” at the Southeast Anchor Library, 3601 Eastern Avenue.
Singers! Jazz Combos! Baltimore’s Cab Calloway and Billie Holiday Vocal Jazz Competitions will be held at Artscape on Sunday, July 20. The competition is open to contestants in Maryland, Delaware, Washington, D.C., and to those in certain areas of Virginia and Pennsylvania. Applicants should submit the completed application, a $25 application fee, their resume, and a cassette tape or CD of no more than three of their own renditions of jazz favorites including one song previously recorded by Billie Holiday, for the women, and Cab Calloway, for the men, by Friday, March 28. Also new this year, Artscape will host its inaugural Chick Webb Jazz Combo Competition. For more information about all competitions and to download an application, visit www.artscape.org, or call the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts at 410-752-8632.
Greektown: The Greater Greektown Neighborhood Alliance meets at 7 p.m. on the last Tuesday of every month at John Ruhrah Elementary School, 701 Rappolla Street. The next meeting is March 28.
Summer Jobs: Baltimore teens can learn about summer jobs through the city-affiliated six-week YouthWorks summer jobs program that begins on June 23 and ends on Aug. 1. Summer jobs registration deadline is March 28. Info: 410-396-JOBS (5627) or www.oedworks.com.
Soccer for Youth: Crystal Palace F.C. USA, Baltimore’s own professional outdoor soccer team and the Friends of Patterson Park are teaming up to offer Southeast Baltimore’s youth a chance to play soccer in Patterson Park.The program will start March 28 with a “meet the coaches” session at 5 p.m. Regular clinics will be held every Sunday, March 30-May 4, 2 p.m.-4 p.m. The program is intended for 4-14 year olds. Info/registration: 410-276-3676 or stop by 27 S. Patterson Park Avenue.
Watch The Birdie: Patterson Park’s Audubon Society program holds a bird walk on Saturday, March 29, 8 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Meet at the fountain. Open to all ages. Bird walks occur rain or shine on the last Saturday of each month. No binoculars? No problem. Just let the center know at 410-558-2473 or via email PPAudubon@gmail.com.
Flutter By: The North Point Library, 1716 Merritt Blvd., has a special presentation for families about butterflies. Watch a slide show, learn about habits, habitats and more. Everything takes place on Saturday, March 29, 2 p.m. Info: 410-887-7255.
Energy Forum: A free energy forum featuring a showing of the film, “Kilowatt Ours” is held on Sunday, March 30, 10:30 a.m., at B’nai Israel Congregation, 27 Lloyd Street. Learn how to cut energy use and bills, and get a free energy saving checklist. Light refreshments. Reservations requested. Info: 410-732-5454; shul@jewishdowntown.org.
Dance: The Knights of Columbus, Bethlehem Council #2605, 7401 Bay Front Road, holds a Sunday afternoon dance on March 30 from 2 p.m.-6 p.m. $10/person includes hot platter and more. Info: 410-477-5225.
Bus Trips: There is a bus trip to Maryknoll and Hyde Park, N.Y. on May 3-4, to visit and tour the grounds of the Maryknoll Sisters and Fathers, and FDR’s presidential library and museum, rose guarden and burial site. Stay overnight at the Maryknoll Center, mass on Sunday with the Maryknoll Sisters. $159/person. Deadline for reservations is March 30. All proceeds benefit the Maryknoll Sisters. info: Ken Ackerman 410-866-2761.
Father Kolbe School hosts a bus trip to Atlantic City, N.J. on Saturday, April 12, leaving from the school at 9:30 a.m. and going to the Tropicana Casino. Tickets are $12.50/person. No casino or lunch voucher. All passengers must be 21 years of age. Info: Clare Glenn 410-342-2681.
Registration is now open for a bus trip to Vanity Fair, leaving from Our Lady of Fatima Church, 6400 E. Pratt St., on Tuesday, April 15 at 8:30 a.m. Bus returns at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $18.50. Info: Dot Huber 410-288-1679.
Music Night: Patterson Park Baptist Church holds a music night on Sunday, March 30 beginning 5:30 a.m. Favorite hymns will be sung and special music groups will be present. All are welcome. Info: 410-675-8309.
Spring Dance: Our Lady of Fatima Jolly Club holds a casual spring cabin-fever dance on Sunday, March 30, 1 p.m.-6 p.m. in the school hall, Pratt Street at Kane Street, $15/person, open buffet, drink fountain, variety music. Info/tickets: Nancy Mulcare 410-285-5448.
Those Were The Days: The Jewish Museum of Maryland, 15 Lloyd Street, presents “Those Were the Days, My Friends” in which long-time Baltimore City residents from diverse backgrounds and neighborhoods will share their recollections of growing up in the city. The free program is offered on Sunday, March 30, 3 p.m.-5 p.m. Info: Ilene Dackman Alon, Program Director, 410-732-6400, ext. 14, idackmanalon@jewishmuseummd.org.
Bingo! Sacred Heart of Jesus, 600 S. Conkling Street in Highlandtown, has dinner and bingo on Sunday, March 30 in the church hall at 1 p.m., $20/person. Info/tickets: 410-342-4336.
St. Casimir Church has dinner and bingo at the Kolbe Center, 2700 O’Donnell Street, on Sunday, March 30 at 11 a.m., $15/person. Info: Kas 410-675-8828.
St. Rita School, 2905 Dunleer Road, has lunch and bingo on Thursday, April 3, opening 10 a.m., $15/person. Info: 410-284-0388.
On Saturday, April 5, Holy Rosary Church, 408 S. Chester Street, has lunch and bingo opening 11 a.m., $10/person. Info: 410-732-3960.
St. Brigid Church has lunch and bingo sponsored by the sodality, on Tuesday, April 8, 11:30 a.m. in the school hall at East Avenue and Hudson Street. Info: Elizabeth Schroeder 410-732-6261.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, Highland and Foster avenues in Highlandtown, has lunch and bingo on Thursday, April 24 beginning at noon, $12/person. Info: Joan Lewczak 410-284-6721.
Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland hosts bingo Friday, April 25, at 7 p.m. at Rosedale Gardens, 8037 Philadelphia Rd. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20. Info: 443-573-0929.
On Saturday, April 27, Holy Rosary Church, 408 S. Chester Street, has dinner and bingo opening 11 a.m., $20/person. Info: 410-732-3960.
Book Club: Two book discussions are sponsored by the North Point branch of the library on April 1, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Read either “A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini or “Around the World in Eighty Days” by Jules Verne, and then join a discussion group on either. Bring a title to suggest or show up to get ideas for good reads. Refreshments served and new members always welcome. Info: 410-887-7255.
Care About Canton? The next meeting of the Canton Community Association Board of Directors is April 1 at 7 p.m. at the Broom Factory, 3500 Boston Street, suite 235. Board meetings are open to the public. Info: 410-342-0900, www.cantoncommunity.org.
For Art’s Sake: The Art Gallery of Fells Point, 1716 Thames Street, has a new show running April 1-April 27, featuring Lynda Sebastianelli’s abstract oils of Fells Point. Free artist’s reception on Friday, April 4, 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Info: 410-327-1272, www.fellspointgallery.org.
Poetry For Teens: Think poetry is all about Shakespeare? Try celebrating April (poetry month) with a hip-hop flavor instead. Baltimore poets The 5th L. will hold free presentations as follows:
Tuesday, April 1, 5 p.m., Orleans Street Branch
Tuesday, April 15, 3:30 p.m., Patterson Park Branch
Wednesday, April 23, 5:30 p.m., Southeast Anchor Library
There’s a poetry slam on Wednesday, April 23 at 3:30 p.m. at the Patterson Park Branch. Enjoy poetry rhymes and games.
Follow The Band: Patterson Park Public Charter School is seeking donations of band and orchestra instruments. Old instruments, broken instruments — any instruments are acceptable, as well as anyone who wants to volunteer their time and would be able to repair any of the donated items. Info/questions: Danielle Pillé dpille@pppcs.org, 410-558-1230.
Spring Fest: Citizens for Washington Hill hosts its first annual Spring Fest and flea market on May 9-10. Festivities begin with a happy hour at Arcos Restaurant in the unit block of Broadway from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Saturday’s events will be from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. in City Springs Park. Games will be provided for all ages. Spaces athee flea market sold for $10 per table space with reservations taken until April 10. Info/reservations: 410-563-2333, www.washingtonhill.us
Free Tax Prep: The Baltimore CASH Campaign and the City of Baltimore offer free tax preparation in sites around the city throughout the tax season. Weekend, evening and weekday hours. Info: 410-685-0525, www.baltimorecashcampaign.org.
Got Clean-Ups? The city has set the city-wide spring clean-up for Saturday, April 19. It’s the activity for which the city provides volunteers from community groups with gloves, rakes, brooms, shovels and bags, and for which it also hauls away all collected debris afterward. The Guide will be publishing an article listing community groups participating and the activities that will be undertaken. Community groups are asked to send pertinent information including the time they will be meeting, the date (if different from Saturday, April 19), what jobs will be undertaken, and where to call or e-mail for more info. Information can be mailed to The Baltimore Guide at 526 S. Conkling Street, Baltimore, MD 21224, faxed to 410-732-6604, or e-mailed to newsroom@baltimoreguide.com.
Tutoring: The North Point Library, 1716 Merritt Blvd., has free tutoring for ages 11-17 on Sundays from 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m., in all subjects except foreign languages. Space is limited and reservations are suggested. Walk-ins will be taken if space is available. Info/registration: 410-887-7255.
Screen Painters! Whether you’re a screen painter or a descendant of one of Baltimore’s screen painters, you’re needed for a special event on May 9 when a screen painter reunion will be held at the American Visionary Art Museum. Info: Elaine Eff 410-744-0703, 410-935-3858 or elaine.eff@verizon.net. Leave a message with phone number, mailing address and e-mail (if applicable).
Organic Produce: Patterson Park Public Charter School, 27. N. Lakewood Avenue, hosts an organic produce stand. Membership is open to the public. Members purchase a “share” and receive eight organic produce items a week between June 2 and Nov. 22 from local farm partner One Straw Farm. Shares purchased between now and June 1 are $525. Pickup is on Tuesdays between 3 p.m.-6 p.m. at the school cafeteria. Info/membership form: HOPPP@pppcs.org or call Christina at 410-354-6961.
Wish List: The Maryland SPCA and the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter accept donations of everything from copy paper to clumping cat litter. Donations include kennel supplies (such as old blankets or towels to be used as bedding), pet supplies (dog and cat toys, collars and leashes) and office supplies (copy paper, printer cartridges, etc.). Full lists can be found on the groups’ websites. The Maryland SPCA, located in Hampden: www.mdspca.org or 410-235-8826, or the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter, located in South Baltimore: www.baltimoreanimalshelter.org or 410-396-4695. Note: Can’t get to the shelter? Drop your donations by the Guide office during normal business hours and a volunteer will take them to the shelter for you.
Shelter A Pet: Want to pet-sit for a soldier who is about to be deployed? Two organizations make it possible for civilians to act as foster homes for cats, dogs, birds, fish and more. To sign up to be a foster home, to make monetary donations or for more information on either program, go to the website. The Military Pets Foster Project site is www.netpets.com/, Operation Noble Foster’s site is www.operationnoblefoster.org/.
Hey, Teens: Every Thursday, there’s “Just for Teens: Anime Warriors” with films, discussion and refreshments at the Cherry Hill Branch, 606 Cherry Hill Road, 3 p.m. The next are Thursday, March 26 and Thursday, April 3.
On Tuesday, March 25, there’s “Just for Teens: Spelling Bee.” Put your spelling skills to the test. Refreshments and prizes, at the Cherry Hill Branch, 606 Cherry Hill Road, 3 p.m.
Crime Prevention: The Southern District Police Community Relations Council holds COP walks as follows. Inclement weather policy: Check the website for weather-related cancellations of walks. At least five community members must be present or the walk will be cancelled and the officer sent back on duty.
Note: Unless otherwise specified, all walks are 7 p.m. Dog policy: Owners are responsible for the behavior of their pet and must clean up after them. Owners must walk their own dogs and are liable for any damages to property or injury to citizens, police officers or other walkers caused by their pets.
Wednesday, March 26, Pigtown, meet at The Village Center (Bath House), 904 Washington Blvd.
Thursday, March 27, Brooklyn, meet at The Hargrove District Courthouse, 700 E. Patapsco Avenue.
Wednesday, April 2, Barre Circle/Camden Crossing, meet at Shahrazad’s Restaurant, 771 Washington Blvd.
Info: Jack Baker jackbaker@sdpcrc.org, 443-831-0538, www.sdpcrc.org.
At the Pratt: The Light Street Branch, Enoch Pratt Free Library, 1251 Light Street, offers free programs. Info on all activities: 410-396-1096.
Mother Goose On The Loose, for up to age three with caregivers, is presented on Wednesdays, 10 a.m.
Preschool Story Time, for ages three to five with caregivers, is offered on Wednesdays, 11 a.m.
“Pig Out on Books” is offered throughout March. For every book you read this month, enter our plush pig giveaway. Prizes will be awarded on March 31.
“The Book Bunch” is held on Thursdays through March 27, 6 p.m. for children ages 6-12 accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Join us for four weeks of book discussions and activities. Books and dinner provided. Call 410-396-1096 to register.
“Small Business Connections” is offered on Monday, March 31, 7 p.m. Learn how to start, manage and finance your small business. Presented by Naomi Hafter of the Pratt Library Business Center.
Summer Jobs: Baltimore teens can learn about summer jobs through the city-affiliated six-week YouthWorks summer jobs program that begins on June 23 and ends on Aug. 1. Summer jobs registration deadline is March 28. Info: 410-396-JOBS (5627) or www.oedworks.com.
Special Theater: On Saturday, March 29, the Variety Children’s Theatre and Dance Project continues at Farring-Baybrook Recreation Center, 4501 Farring Court, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. This is a Saturday morning inclusive theater and dance program for children with and without disabilities, and will run until May 17. It is free and for ages 8-21. Registration is required and ongoing. Info: 410-396-1550.
Those Were The Days: The Jewish Museum of Maryland, 15 Lloyd Street, presents “Those Were the Days, My Friends” in which long-time Baltimore City residents from diverse backgrounds and neighborhoods will share their recollections of growing up in the city. The free program is offered on Sunday, March 30, 3 p.m.-5 p.m. Info: Ilene Dackman Alon, Program Director, 410-732-6400, ext. 14, idackmanalon@jewishmuseummd.org.
Drop-In Soccer: Wm. J. Myers Soccer Pavilion, 4300 W. Bay Avenue, has open play soccer on a drop-in basis for ages 8-13 from March 19-June 16, 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m., $5/person. Under 18 must have parent’s permission in writing. Flat bottom shoes only, all skill levels welcome. Info: Kay Overton 410-396-5782.
Get That GED: South Baltimore Learning Center (SBLC), 28 E. Ostend Street, is currently enrolling students age 16 and up for the Spring 2008 semester, which will begin in mid-April. Pre-GED, GED, and Adult Basic Education classes will be offered, and day, evening and Saturday classes are available. The South Baltimore Learning Center also hosts the External Diploma Program (EDP) for Baltimore City, an alternative way to achieve a high school diploma. New learners must register for a placement test. Info/registration: 410-625-4215 or visit www.southbaltimorelearns.org.
Soccer Meeting: The William J. Myers Pavilion will host a spring league meeting Wednesday, April 2. Leagues begin the weeks of April 24 and May 4. Info: Kay Overton, 410-396-5782.
Women’s Health: Harbor Hospital has free mammograms, breast exams and Pap tests, available to women between 40 to 64 years of age, Baltimore City residents, underinsured or uninsured, and living live on a limited income. Info: 410-350-3240.
Sail Into History: The 1944 Liberty Ship John W. Brown offers six-hour day cruises with 1940s ambience, entertainment and more. Cruises in 2008 will be held May 3, June 14, Sept. 6 and Oct. 4. Cruises sell out; order well in advance. Info/ticket sales: 410-558-0164, www.liberty-ship.com.

Items for Community Calendar can be mailed to The Baltimore Guide at 526 S. Conkling Street, Baltimore, MD 21224, faxed to 410-732-6604, or e mailed to newsroom@baltimoreguide.com. Deadline for each week’s issue is Friday at noon of the week before. Note: In case of inclement weather, call the contact numbers listed for information on whether the event is still being held.