Sign Up Today for Baltimore Tennis Patrons Summer Tennis Camp!

The Baltimore Tennis Patrons will once again host their popular six-week summer tennis camp program for children ages 6-16. All materials are supplied and the tennis camps are only $20 per individual for all six weeks, so download the registration materials from GHCC's web site and sign your child up today! Tennis classes are the perfect place for them to have fun, make new friends, and develop new skills.

Founded in 1975, the Baltimore Tennis Patrons aim to create positive outcomes for youth through learning the sport of tennis. Since their founding, the BTP have served over 100,000 people in the greater Baltimore area.

Sports Day Festivals

Written by John Bernet, Community Connections Coordinator/AmeriCorps VISTA

Dallas F. Nicholas, Sr. Elementary School held its Annual Sports Day Festival on Friday, May 22nd. There was a terrific parent turnout starting right at 7:30 AM to help set up and it continued straight through the end of the afternoon until everything was cleaned up. Beyond that we had great staff support and were visited by some current and former Goucher College students. During the day we were also assisted by two groups of students from the Success Academy who helped us marshal students to and from their races.

Two local community organizations, Greater Greenmount Community Organization (a local neighborhood group) and Greater Homewood Community Corporation, hosted tables at the event. In addition to the traditional athletic events, this year's Sports Day grew a little bit with the addition of an academic component: a Math and Language Arts competition held in February at Goucher College. The event and months leading up to it now encompass not only athletics, but encourage students to prepare for their MSA Tests and study every night, as well as act appropriately during the school day. All points accrued at the Academic Competition and awarded for good behavior are then added to the totals from the Sports Day Festival, where the winning house is decided.


Written by Catherine Bates, Community Connections Coordinator/AmeriCorps VISTA

Medfield Heights Elementary School held their first Sports Day Festival on Thursday, May 21st! Medfield picked up on the tradition of Sports Day from a fellow GHCC partnership school, Dallas F. Nicholas Sr. Elementary School, and we plan on making it an annual tradition.

Sports Day was a great event that was only made possible by support from a team of people at Medfield Heights, including the principal and leadership team, who coordinated the event planning; the house captains, who each stepped up to lead 70 students to form a house team; the gym teacher, who helped all the students practice for all the events throughout the spring; the PTA for serving lunch; and for all the wonderful parents and community members who were able to come out and cheer for our students!

We were even lucky enough to have City Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke make a guest appearance as one of the five Maryland icons honored with a house name. The other houses were the Dr. Alonso House, the Benjamin Banneker House, the Harriet Tubman House, and the Francis Scott Key House. The house names were voted on and chosen by Medfield’s fifth grade class. They did research projects on a number of Maryland’s historic icons as well as icons currently serving our state, and voted on who they wanted to honor on Sports Day with house names. In the end the Dr. Alonso House took first place for the day, but the Francis Scott Key House came in a close second.
Overall, it was a great day, and everyone -- students, parents, faculty, staff, and community members -- were able to come together and celebrate the school year with a great day of competition and fun outdoors!

"It Takes Just a Little Love"

We just couldn't resist posting this story from Madge Wilson, Experience Corps volunteer at Margaret Brent Elementary/Middle School #53 in Charles Village. Ms. Wilson works with the third graders at Margaret Brent and has been with the program for several years.

Experience Corps places adults over 55 in kindergarten through third grade classrooms in public schools throughout Baltimore City. These older volunteers, who spend at least 15 hours per week in the classroom, act as a calming force in an environment where children tend to bring a great deal of baggage with them to school. In addition to helping one-on-one with reading and math, Experience Corps members are trusted adults to whom the students often confide their struggles and joys. To learn more about the program or get involved, visit our website.

Here is Ms. Wilson's story account of her recent experiences at Margaret Brent:

First thing when I enter the classroom I say "good morning." I try to observe [the children] before I start helping with math or reading.

This one little boy is always disrupting the classroom. After working with him for a few weeks I could see a little change. One morning when I came in, the first thing he greeted me with was "I was good this morning!" "Great!" I said, "let's keep it that way for the rest of the day."

Some may give you a hug, and some don't want to speak. It is not always easy, but with a lot of encouragement we can make it. Another morning this little girl was not looking happy. I went and asked her if she was sick. Her answer was "no," then she looked up at me and said, "Ms. Wilson, my grandfather died." I went and told the teacher, and at the end of the day with the teacher's permission I told the children that they should give her a hug. That put a smile on her face. Despite their behavior, behind their little heads they know that you are there to help them -- and that's what counts.

Join Us on Facebook!

Come check out GHCC's brand new Facebook page! By becoming a fan you can not only be entertained by our status updates, but also stay abreast of upcoming events, news stories about GHCC, and our presence throughout the Web.

Joining is so easy, there's no reason not to do it! Click here to visit the page and become a friend of GHCC.

AmeriCorps Week: One VISTA's Story

Written by Jannette Seman, an AmeriCorps VISTA member serving with GHCC's Adult Literacy & ESOL Program, to celebrate National AmeriCorps Week.

“[Y]ou will have the satisfaction of leading a great national effort and you will have the ultimate reward which comes to those who serve their fellow citizens.”

Such were the words of President Lyndon B. Johnson as the first 20 Volunteers in Service to America (VISTAs) began their service in 1965, tasked with the awesome responsibility of fighting in the nation’s War on Poverty.

Over 40 years later, as I count down the three months left of my year of service as an AmeriCorps*VISTA, I think of those first brave volunteers who pioneered the path for a better America and left a legacy of national service. Whatever treacherous conditions that they witnessed, whatever difficulties that they endured during those trying times in U.S. history, their efforts were not made in vain, as today the commitment to national service is as strong as ever. Just this past Tuesday, First Lady Michelle Obama urged Americans to get involved in serving their communities, saying that ‘“[f]rom the moment that someone can walk to the day they leave this planet, service should be a part of how we give back…how we express our gratitude for the lives that we’ve been given.”’

Given the challenging economic situation, this was quite the year to be a part of the inspiring VISTA team at GHCC, as we have worked hard to fight in the “war on poverty” in Baltimore.

And how exactly do we fight poverty?

We fight poverty by making it a little easier for children to see the board thanks to free vision screenings and new glasses, at a time when families struggle to stretch paychecks and make ends meet. We fight poverty by helping adults to improve their reading, math, and English language skills and improve their employability, at a time when jobs are few and competition is plentiful. We fight poverty by mobilizing citizens to take action and fight crime in their neighborhoods, at a time when desperate times lead people to take desperate measures.

Though seemingly small, these achievements, rendered by thousands of volunteers across the nation, add up to become great gains as part of the mission of improving life for all Americans.

And this “ultimate reward” promised for those who serve? Well, it’s not fame, and it’s certainly not fortune. Ironically, this “ultimate reward” is best received in those little moments, the ones that can pass you by if you don’t look closely enough. It’s in that “aha” moment when an adult learner finally understands a division problem. It’s in that snapshot-worthy moment when a child’s face brightens up as they look in the mirror and can clearly see their new glasses. It’s in that split-second moment that you stand still and witness first-hand how people from all walks of life – young and old, rich and poor, skilled and not so skilled – unite and work together to rebuild a safe playground for children in the community.

These are the rewards of an AmeriCorps*VISTA year. These are the moments that make it all worthwhile, and our work is our way of saying thank you to all Americans for their contribution to making ours such a great nation.

To learn more about how you can get involved in GHCC's VISTA program, visit our website.

Think you have what it takes to be an AmeriCorps VISTA?

Interested in a non-profit career but not sure how to get your foot in the door? Do you have limited experience in the field you want to enter, yet feel your skills would be underutilized in an entry-level job? Do you want an avenue to serve your nation and your community here at home?

If any or all of these questions peak your interest, AmeriCorps VISTA might be for you. VISTA, or Volunteers in Service to America, is commonly understood as a "domestic Peace Corps." Founded in the 1960's as part of Lyndon B. Johnson's anti-poverty initiative, VISTA provides an unparalleled professional experience for individuals interested in tackling some of our nation's toughest issues.

AmeriCorps VISTA members make a one-year, full-time commitment to service at a non-profit organization of their choice. Opportunities exist in all 50 states, in urban and rural settings, and with organizations large and small. VISTAs receive basic health coverage, an education award, childcare assistance (if eligible), and a modest living stipend to secure housing and other necessities during their year of service.

GHCC's legacy of service extends back to our first VISTA members in the 1970's, continuing through the 10-16 VISTAs we sponsor each year. Challenging, meaningful opportunities for VISTA service exist in all of GHCC's programs, and we salute the accomplisments of our AmeriCorps VISTA members during National AmeriCorps Week May 9-16.

The opportunity of a lifetime might be waiting for you at GHCC. Visit our website to see our current VISTA openings and apply for the one that's right for you.

A Fifth Grader Reacts to Guilford Elementary/Middle School's Tree Planting

Written by Michelle Beverly, 5th Grade Student, Guilford Elementary/Middle School.

On Friday, April 24, all 5th graders enjoyed planting the trees. I have heard from many 5th graders that they loved the activity. This is what we did: first, we saw how big the tree [to be planted] was. Then, we dug a hole big enough to plant the tree. I found over 100 worms, so I put some back to help the tree grow. I also asked [my classmates], was it fun at the time? They said yes. By the time we finished our first tree we moved on. Mr. Sam needed some help with five more trees. Mr. Sam asked if I could round them up and of course I said yes. I got all the 5th graders to come on over and help me finish, but there was one tree we forgot. But bad news, we had to go and we couldn't plant the other tree -- I was a little upset about having to go but really planting the trees was worth it because it made Guilford School a beautiful place, so thank you!

Happy Birthday, GHCC!

GHCC turns 40 this week, and we will be celebrating all year long! Mark your calendar for GHCC's 40th anniversary celebration on Saturday, October 24, 2009 and watch our website for ways you can get involved today.

Currently we are looking for:

• Your old t-shirts! Have a t-shirt from a local establishment, organization, or event in north central Baltimore? GHCC is compiling a historical exhibit which will include t-shirts from the 1970's until today. All t-shirts will be labeled and returned after the exhibit. Examples of shirts we are looking for include: Waverly Farmer's Market, Jones Falls Watershed Association, Memorial Stadium, and many more.
• Stories about life in north central Baltimore. Do you have a story to tell about your connection to north central Baltimore? We want to hear it! GHCC is collecting stories to present in the form of literature, podcasts, and the Greater Homewood Voices blog.
• Volunteers to assist with planning events, contacting AmeriCorps VISTA alumni, and creating an exhibit from GHCC’s historical archives. Have a few extra hours to spare? Let us know and we will find a volunteer position that fits your interests and your schedule.

To get involved in these or any other 40th anniversary activities, please contact Christy Zuccarini at 410-261-3504 or check out our 40th anniversary homepage.

Buy Into Baltimore with Live Baltimore and the Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative

Thinking of becoming a homeowner? Come to the Live Baltimore Fair and get $3000 toward your down payment! If you choose a home on a Baltimore Healthy Neighborhoods target block, you could be eligible for even more city living benefits: low-interest home purchase and rehab loans, plus opportunities for grant funding to renovate your dream home.

Buying into Baltimore West 2009
Homebuying Fair & Neighborhood Tours

Saturday, May 9, 2009
9am – 2pm
Baltimore Polytechnic Institute High School
1400 W. Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, MD 21209

Buying Into Baltimore is a homebuying fair featuring four different neighborhood tours. Through the City of Baltimore, 50 participants from Buying into Baltimore West will be eligible to receive a $3,000 homebuying award. The $3,000 award is applied toward down-payment and closing costs. The event is produced by Live Baltimore and the $3,000 grant is provided by the City of Baltimore. The fairs provide homebuying education opportunities and introduce participants to the variety of Baltimore's neighborhoods and housing styles.

While you're on the tour, take note of Healthy Neighborhoods target neighborhoods:

Glen (driving down 2 target blocks)
Levindale (house on 1 target block, driving down another target block)
Hanlon-Longwood (driving down 1 target block)
Garwyn Oaks (driving through)
Coppin Heights (house on 1 target block, driving down another 2 target blocks)
Edmondson Village (driving down 2 target blocks)
Reservoir Hill (driving down 1 target block)
Remington (driving down 2 target blocks)
Madison Park (house on 1 target block)

For more information, visit http://www.greaterhomewood.org/programs/neighborhood_and_economic_development/healthy_neighborhoods

Medfield Heights Elementary Hosts Sixth Annual Green Thumb Day

written by Catherine Bates

Medfield Heights Elementary School held our sixth annual Green Thumb Day on April 23rd. In honor of Earth Day, the school sets aside a day to spend outside in our schoolyard working to get ready for the gardening season. This year, not only did students spend time in our school’s outdoor learning areas to celebrate Earth Day, but fifth graders planned and lead other activities throughout the school as well.

The fifth grade taught the Pre-K classes to make bird feeders out of pine cones, lard, and birdseed; led the kindergartners in painting bird houses, bat boxes, and butterfly boxes to be placed in our gardens; led the third grade in making boxes for bottles and can recycling in the classrooms; and helped the fourth graders write skits about being energy efficient. While all these activities were going on, students were also working in the garden with Rick Hobbs from Irvine Nature Center, one of Medfield’s most active partners.

The day began with Rick Hobbs instructing the Medfield Heights fifth and second graders on the proper way to plant shrubs and flowers and about the basic ideas behind our schoolyard habitat. These students spent the morning working in front of the school in the outdoor classroom, which is made up of a butterfly and bird garden, and spent the afternoon working in the back of the school instructing the other grades on planting and mulching.

Overall the students of Medfield worked beautifully together! I was so impressed with the students’ ability and excitement to work in teams while digging holes, working hard to get shrubs out of their pots and into the ground, and to spread around fresh mulch. There is no doubt Medfield’s awesome fifth graders lead by example! They not only planned activities for the school in teams, but they lead their younger peers with excitement and maturity, and of course Irvine Nature Center could not have been more helpful! Medfield is so lucky to have such a great partner!

Medfield just received their recertifictation as a Maryland Green School last week and continues to work to educate our students on the way their actions affect their school, their community and their planet. Green Thumb Day is just one example of the school’s continued efforts.