BBQ
Central:
Thank you all, volunteers & contributors,
for the support that made this event.
Photos from the BBQ
VOLUNTEER / CONTRIBUTE / NEWS
HOME: RebuildingMadison.info
Wednesday, September 10
1700 Block Madison Avenue (street will be closed)
(plenty of parking on Eutaw, Laurens and Wilson Streets)
Moonbounce, music and lemonade from 2pm.
Program at 6, followed by free BBQ for all.
(Rain date Wednesday, September 17)
Thank you all, volunteers & contributors,
for the support that made this event.
Photos from the BBQ
VOLUNTEER / CONTRIBUTE / NEWS
HOME: RebuildingMadison.info
Wednesday, September 10
1700 Block Madison Avenue (street will be closed)
(plenty of parking on Eutaw, Laurens and Wilson Streets)
Moonbounce, music and lemonade from 2pm.
Program at 6, followed by free BBQ for all.
(Rain date Wednesday, September 17)
It's been a year, and the substation's still here!
Hard to believe it's been nearly a year since the opening of the substation and the street party/BBQ we had to celebrate it. For the story of last year's event, click here.
This year, it will be even better. Most importantly because more people will feel safe to attend. I doubt there will be drug dealers snickering from across the street, waiting for the officers to leave. Many neighbors here now wave at each other and smile. We still have problems often, but not constant, incessant.
This year, we have not just hope to celebrate, but progress, signs of change which give us still more hope. A snowball gathering speed in the right direction.
Last year we had politicians "cut the ribbon" on the substation. This year they'll be too tired from campaigning. Anyway, it's about celebrating the work of neighbors and police officers ... together. The ones who really make change happen. And celebrating the many kids who have a somewhat safer neighborhood to call home.
At the program this year, we hope to recognize the accomplishments of city police leader, former Central District Major Gutberlet, recently promoted to Chief of Patrol for the entire city. Introduce our new Central District Major Skinner, already hard at work carrying on and adding to the progress here. And all of the officers of our beat who've made such a difference and continue to do so every day, including the remarkable work of Flex Team officers in targeting dealers and their networks.
Police Commissioner Kevin Clark is tentatively scheduled to attend and perhaps speak. We'd like to see him enjoy the progress he's helped make happen around here since the dark day in early February when he spent time here listening, finding out what we all were living with.
We also intend to recognize the excellent work of the Pedestal Gardens Police who do police work every day in and around the Pedestal Gardens Community, doing much of the legwork for the city department and patrolling and preventing. They've made 75+ arrests since two of those officers received special police commissions in January. Everything from distribution of drugs to prostitution and possession.
We're hoping to have back the flag recovered from the now closed crack house next door at 1704 Madison. We hope to announce a new life for that house.
We hope you can join us and visit, celebrate with your neighbors from next door or across town. We also need contributions and volunteers. If you'd like to be a part in that way, please email us soon.
BBQ NEWS: (Latest first)
9/4/03, Supplement: Great news! I have word from April Dison of Swift Flag Repair in Nevada that the 48 star flag recovered from the crack house next door has been restored and will be here by BBQ day. It will make a fine backdrop to the little program. Long time readers will remember this flag was taken out of that building by me during a raid by officers. It was being used to cover the crack dealing and prostitution happening in the ground floor front apartment after it was left open for such use by the slumlord there.
9/4/03: The Helmond and B's Restaurants are going to offer dinners for two to the police leaders we're going to recognize at the program. All officers are going to get theater passes to the Charles as well. We're hoping to work out a deal with Hidden Bean to give coupons for some of their tasty coffee and goodies or a sandwich, too. Not many businesses in our areas, but nice that these fine establishments want to offer these little gestures of thanks.
Determined that the stage for the program this year will be the steps of the crack house. I think seeing the Commissioner speaking from those steps will be a touching moment for us. I doubt very much Clarence the slumlord will drop by to object.
8/29: Just got off the phone with the Fire Department: I'm pleased to announce Truck 16 from the Fire Station at McCulloh and McMechen is going to be here from 5 to 7 with firemen and women to entertain the kids, let them try on "response gear," tour the impressive red ladder truck and sign people up for free smoke detectors. I was told the city Fire Chief has put an emphasis on his department participating proactively in each neighborhood. Like having the police officers here as neighbors, not just in emergencies.
8/26: We received our official city permission to close the street today. $79 in fees. It says we must contact the police and fire departments. I think we're covered for police supervision. <g> I will have to call the fire department. Maybe we can get the firemen to bring one of their trucks over for the kids and hang out for hamburgers in between calls.
To date : Vaughn spoke with Richard Burton of the mayor's office to discuss the possibility of the Believe Mobile being here. We're unclear about just what it can be, perhaps just a good backdrop. More news here as we find out.
We're looking for live entertainment (any suggestions?) and have arranged a DJ with a broad collection of music as well.
Volunteers
Volunteers are needed to help supervise the Moonbounce
and other
activities for the kids, to set things up, to help prepare and serve
the hamburgers and hot dogs and to help clean up during and
after. We will have on duty officers to supervise as well as off
duty officers happy to help.
To date, Julie Thorne, Ryan Bruchey, Phil Adams, Jenn Spiro, Sue Wetzel, Marcia Middleton and Steve Petersen have volunteered to help. As we get close to the day, please be sure to let us know what times we can count on you.
Because we could have more than a few hundred people here, we can definitely use more help. If you have the time to give, please let us know (bryan@rebuildingmadison.info). At the very worst, you'll end up with nothing more to do than drink lemonade and eat burgers and listen to music. And if you're real good, maybe we'll reward you with a stint in the Moonbounce. You'll also get to gab with city and Pedestal Gardens officers and their families. And interesting bunch of men and women who do a tough job every day. As with last year, we're going to have a several community activists and other interesting people to meet.
Contributions
Contributions are always appreciated for the substation and certainly needed for the BBQ which is going to cost upwards of $2,500 this year. The Moonbounce, grill, coolers, etc are all rented and cost several hundred dollars. We intend to feed everyone, of course. Seven year olds can eat a lot of hot dogs and burgers. For some it'll be the best meal they've had all week. If we have more money, we'd like to rent other attractions for the kids and perhaps pay for some live music.
Please let us know if there's something you can provide. We can always use cups and plates, napkins, charcoal, and a variety of other things.
A Sam's or BJ's Club gift card in any amount would be great.
If you'd like to donate money, please go to the help page to debit a checking account or credit card instantly through Paypal. The money will go right into the Madison Wilson Neighbor's Association, Inc. bank account, safer and faster. Or contact me (bryan@rebuildingmadison.info) Extra contributions will go toward more events for the kids. Any excess contributions (we should be so lucky) will go toward the ongoing expenses supplying the substation.
And thank you.
Hard to believe it's been nearly a year since the opening of the substation and the street party/BBQ we had to celebrate it. For the story of last year's event, click here.
This year, it will be even better. Most importantly because more people will feel safe to attend. I doubt there will be drug dealers snickering from across the street, waiting for the officers to leave. Many neighbors here now wave at each other and smile. We still have problems often, but not constant, incessant.
This year, we have not just hope to celebrate, but progress, signs of change which give us still more hope. A snowball gathering speed in the right direction.
Last year we had politicians "cut the ribbon" on the substation. This year they'll be too tired from campaigning. Anyway, it's about celebrating the work of neighbors and police officers ... together. The ones who really make change happen. And celebrating the many kids who have a somewhat safer neighborhood to call home.
At the program this year, we hope to recognize the accomplishments of city police leader, former Central District Major Gutberlet, recently promoted to Chief of Patrol for the entire city. Introduce our new Central District Major Skinner, already hard at work carrying on and adding to the progress here. And all of the officers of our beat who've made such a difference and continue to do so every day, including the remarkable work of Flex Team officers in targeting dealers and their networks.
Police Commissioner Kevin Clark is tentatively scheduled to attend and perhaps speak. We'd like to see him enjoy the progress he's helped make happen around here since the dark day in early February when he spent time here listening, finding out what we all were living with.
We also intend to recognize the excellent work of the Pedestal Gardens Police who do police work every day in and around the Pedestal Gardens Community, doing much of the legwork for the city department and patrolling and preventing. They've made 75+ arrests since two of those officers received special police commissions in January. Everything from distribution of drugs to prostitution and possession.
We're hoping to have back the flag recovered from the now closed crack house next door at 1704 Madison. We hope to announce a new life for that house.
We hope you can join us and visit, celebrate with your neighbors from next door or across town. We also need contributions and volunteers. If you'd like to be a part in that way, please email us soon.
BBQ NEWS: (Latest first)
9/4/03, Supplement: Great news! I have word from April Dison of Swift Flag Repair in Nevada that the 48 star flag recovered from the crack house next door has been restored and will be here by BBQ day. It will make a fine backdrop to the little program. Long time readers will remember this flag was taken out of that building by me during a raid by officers. It was being used to cover the crack dealing and prostitution happening in the ground floor front apartment after it was left open for such use by the slumlord there.
9/4/03: The Helmond and B's Restaurants are going to offer dinners for two to the police leaders we're going to recognize at the program. All officers are going to get theater passes to the Charles as well. We're hoping to work out a deal with Hidden Bean to give coupons for some of their tasty coffee and goodies or a sandwich, too. Not many businesses in our areas, but nice that these fine establishments want to offer these little gestures of thanks.
Determined that the stage for the program this year will be the steps of the crack house. I think seeing the Commissioner speaking from those steps will be a touching moment for us. I doubt very much Clarence the slumlord will drop by to object.
8/29: Just got off the phone with the Fire Department: I'm pleased to announce Truck 16 from the Fire Station at McCulloh and McMechen is going to be here from 5 to 7 with firemen and women to entertain the kids, let them try on "response gear," tour the impressive red ladder truck and sign people up for free smoke detectors. I was told the city Fire Chief has put an emphasis on his department participating proactively in each neighborhood. Like having the police officers here as neighbors, not just in emergencies.
8/26: We received our official city permission to close the street today. $79 in fees. It says we must contact the police and fire departments. I think we're covered for police supervision. <g> I will have to call the fire department. Maybe we can get the firemen to bring one of their trucks over for the kids and hang out for hamburgers in between calls.
To date : Vaughn spoke with Richard Burton of the mayor's office to discuss the possibility of the Believe Mobile being here. We're unclear about just what it can be, perhaps just a good backdrop. More news here as we find out.
We're looking for live entertainment (any suggestions?) and have arranged a DJ with a broad collection of music as well.
Volunteers
Volunteers are needed to help supervise the Moonbounce
and other
activities for the kids, to set things up, to help prepare and serve
the hamburgers and hot dogs and to help clean up during and
after. We will have on duty officers to supervise as well as off
duty officers happy to help. To date, Julie Thorne, Ryan Bruchey, Phil Adams, Jenn Spiro, Sue Wetzel, Marcia Middleton and Steve Petersen have volunteered to help. As we get close to the day, please be sure to let us know what times we can count on you.
Because we could have more than a few hundred people here, we can definitely use more help. If you have the time to give, please let us know (bryan@rebuildingmadison.info). At the very worst, you'll end up with nothing more to do than drink lemonade and eat burgers and listen to music. And if you're real good, maybe we'll reward you with a stint in the Moonbounce. You'll also get to gab with city and Pedestal Gardens officers and their families. And interesting bunch of men and women who do a tough job every day. As with last year, we're going to have a several community activists and other interesting people to meet.
Contributions
Contributions are always appreciated for the substation and certainly needed for the BBQ which is going to cost upwards of $2,500 this year. The Moonbounce, grill, coolers, etc are all rented and cost several hundred dollars. We intend to feed everyone, of course. Seven year olds can eat a lot of hot dogs and burgers. For some it'll be the best meal they've had all week. If we have more money, we'd like to rent other attractions for the kids and perhaps pay for some live music.
Please let us know if there's something you can provide. We can always use cups and plates, napkins, charcoal, and a variety of other things.
A Sam's or BJ's Club gift card in any amount would be great.
If you'd like to donate money, please go to the help page to debit a checking account or credit card instantly through Paypal. The money will go right into the Madison Wilson Neighbor's Association, Inc. bank account, safer and faster. Or contact me (bryan@rebuildingmadison.info) Extra contributions will go toward more events for the kids. Any excess contributions (we should be so lucky) will go toward the ongoing expenses supplying the substation.
And thank you.
First and Franklin Presbyterian Church is donating a $300 Sam's Club card that'll be used toward the cases and cases of burgers and hot dogs and fixings we'll be using.
Dr. Dan Howard is donating cups and plates
Ken, Leslie & Ari Kupfer have pledged $100
Lady Linux has donated $100
Shannon Medel has donated $50
The Mayor's Office and Comcast have granted us $400 which is going toward the Moonbounce.
INTRO
/ VOLUNTEER
/ CONTRIBUTE / NEWS
HOME: RebuildingMadison.info
HOME: RebuildingMadison.info
Unlike our other contributors, the $400
grant we received under city auspices from Comcast contains the
following requirement in the contract: "All materials promoting your
event-press releases, special feature stories in the regular press,
community newspapers, newsletters, magazine articles, radio/TV, public
service announcements, personal interviews - any and all printed
materials that you prepare for such sources are to contain the
following credits: "Special thanks to Comcast, Mayor Martin
O'Malley and the Baltimore Office of Promotion & the Arts."
Please consider that last line compliance, though web site promotion
was not indicated. We are very grateful for the grant, but supporters
of the substation project and the BBQ do not do so for self promotion,
but out of caring. One of us may or may not wear the "Comcast
Cares" t-shirt we were asked to wear at the event. We are adamant that
just as the BBQ is not intended to be as big for the sake of being big,
or a stage for candidates, it's not going to be commercial in any way
either. Our food and fun will be free. As will our conversation.