Dear Neighbors:

There is so much going on in our district this weekend! Northwood Baseball League Opening Day and the Waverly Book Festival! We have more details below, and we look forward to seeing you there.

In this week's newsletter, we have details about the water discount with paperless billing, a scam warning from Sheriff Cogan, Board of Estimates Tax Payer's Night, the released preliminary budget, the Mayor's city services blitz, and the DPW solid waste management plan input meeting tonight.

In our district, we have details on the Waverly Book Festival, the final Sherwood Gardens tulip report, Northwood Baseball Opening Day Lawyer in the Waverly Library program, update on Lake Montebello sinkhole repairs, Youth Health Day at the Y, movie night at First English Church, Northern District anti-theft device give-away, and the rally in favor of the MOM's workers.

Don't forget to check out our update on City Council committee hearings this week and our feature photo of the week at the end of this email!

To stay up to date on vaccine and testing sites, click here.

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90 Seconds with Odette - April 24th

In this week's 90 Seconds with Odette, we are in Waverly Commons to promote the Waverly Book Festival happening this weekend! We also have information about Opening Day at Northwood Baseball, and a tax sale update.

Watch the video on our YouTube page here.

The Waverly Book Festival is THIS WEEKEND!

The Waverly Book Festival is coming up, and we are so excited! The Festival will feature local writers and local shops, as well as showcase our book stores in our district. It will take place on the parking lot where the 32nd Street Farmer's Market is, as well as in some of our local book stores. All of the details are on the above graphic, and I have some various events highlighted in this newsletter. See you there. And if the Waverly Book Festival becomes the Baltimore Book Festival in Waverly, I'll be excited!

Friday, April 28th: Kick Off Party at Peabody Heights Brewery. Click here for details and to RSVP.

Saturday, April 29th: Activities in bookstores across the area - it's Independent Bookstore Day! The Waverly Market will also have a Waverly Book Festival Popup!

Sunday, April 30th: Traditional festival on 32nd and Barclay (same parking lot as the Street Farmer's Market) including vendors, author talks, and a children's read-aloud (I'm one of the guest readers)!

Here is the list of the author talks on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday

Check out the Waverly Book Festival website here for all the details!

Board of Estimates Tax Payer's Night April 26th at 6pm

The Board of Estimates is hosting it's Tax Payer's Night this Thursday, April 26th at 6pm at City Hall. All participants must wear a mask. There is also an online option. This is your opportunity to tell the Mayor, City Council President, Comptroller, DPW Director and City Solicitor your thoughts on how to spend tax payer dollars! See the details above.

Preliminary Budget Available Now

The Department of Finance has released the Preliminary Budget, the version of the budget that provides the overview of our revenues, an outline of outcome budgeting, and a general look at the City's priorities. You can access the preliminary budget here. The full budget will be available May 15th.

Northwood Baseball League Opening Day April 29th!

Northwood Baseball League is an all-volunteer run baseball league providing an all around experience to our youth. This year is a big deal after lots of negotiations to keep the fields! It is also the 64th year of the organization! Thank you to the amazing coaches and parents! Learn more here.

Parade begins at Northwood Elementary at 10:30am and ends at the Northwood fields on 1800 Argonne Drive next to Morgan State University. Remarks at the field are at noon, and first pitch is at 1pm! See you then!

Get a 5% discount on your water bill this year when you enroll in Paperless Billing!

Mayor Scott and the Department of Public Works announced last week that residents can get a discount on their water bills if you enroll in paperless billing! This means that the water bills come to your email, and not through the mail! This saves paper and an expense for the department. Click here for the details.

Scam Alert!

The Baltimore City Sheriff’s Office has been notified that an individual has been making fraudulent calls claiming to be a Lieutenant with the Sheriff’s Office. They are telling residents that they have missed jury duty and demand they pay a fine otherwise they will be arrested or face additional charges. This is a scam! The Baltimore City Sheriff’s Office will never call you asking you to make a payment or ask for any personal information. If you think you’ve been a victim of this fraudulent activity please contact the Baltimore City Sheriff’s Office at (410) 396-1155 to report it.

Sherwood Gardens Tulip Report #4 and Final

The tulips have peaked at Sherwood Gardens, yet there is much to enjoy with several beds still full of tulips and the azaleas so bright! I've enjoyed visiting, and if you have not still done so, now is a good time. Also, the Tulip Dig is May 27th from 7am-11am!

Lake Montebello Sinkhole Update

The Baltimore City Department of Public Works provides a weekly update on the status of repairing the Lake Montebello Sinkhole. You can check out their Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for the updates. The most recent update is that they have uncovered more damage to the compromised stormwater pipe that caused the sinkhole (95 feet of damage as opposed to 65 feet of damage), and it will take longer to repair. Remember this was a brick and mortar pipe that lasted over 100 years! Also, the stormwater pipe is still being used for storm water. This mean that when it rains the workers have to evacuate. The new date for repairs is June. The lake loop is still available for pedestrians and cyclists, you just can't go all the way around. We will keep you updated!

Final Meeting on the DPW Solid Waste Management Plan tonight!

The Baltimore City Department of Public Works is hosting their final meeting regarding the 10 Year Solid Waste Management Plan. Now is the time to participate and give your input on all things solid waste in our City!

Mayor Scott's Build Better Baltimore 90 Day City Services Blitz

Mayor Scott launched the Build Better Bmore 90 Day City services blitz. For the next 90 days, the City will focus on resurfacing, graffiti removal, potholes and picking up illegal dumping. On the day of the announcement, the Mayor and I removed graffiti from the 2800 Block of Harford Road, and discussed the issues with graffiti as well as what obstacles our crews are facing.

Northern District anti-theft device give away

Recently the BPD has seen a significant uptick in theft of Kia and Hyundai vehicles. To prevent this from occurring, the Northern District Police Department is giving away free anti-theft devices for owners of these vehicles. To obtain one, please go to the Northern District Headquarters on Coldspring Lane with a copy of your registration and proof of Baltimore City residency. Details are on the above flyer.

Lawyers at the Waverly Branch Library Tomorrow April 25th

Tomorrow, there will be Lawyers from the Maryland Legal Aid providing one on one legal advice at the Waverly Branch Library. They will be there from 12pm to 2pm assisting people who can show they are financially eligible. Take a look at the graphic above for details and the issues they will be assisting with.

MOM's Rally this Sunday, April 30th

Support our MOM's market workers who are fighting for livable wages, safe working conditions and more! The rally will take place at the Rotunda in Hampden this Sunday, April 30th from 11am to 5pm. I will be there in support after 2pm. I hope to see you there!

Healthy Kids Day at the Waverly Y! Saturday, April 29th

From 10am to 1pm this Saturday, April 29th the Waverly Y will be having various activities for kids to enjoy. The activities range from moon bounce to cooking demos to sports. There will also be health screenings, giveaways and so much more. It will be a great day for the little ones! It is a free event, open to everyone.

First English Lutheran Church Movie Night - April 29th

First English Lutheran Church on 3809 N. Charles is hosting a movie night for residents across the area to enjoy each other's company. They will sponsor a movie night and activities each month. Details are on the above flyer.

Baltimore City Council Update

The Baltimore City Council does not meet this evening.

Committee meetings are hybrid but in person participation is encouraged. You can join us in City Council Chambers, Charm TV, or on Webex online. The details are on the Calendar page here.

 - On Tuesday afternoon, the Economic and Community Development Committee will meet to hear a bill to rename a park, and a zoning bill. We will also vote on the Reinvestment and Reparations Act.
 - On Wednesday morning, the Health, Environment, and Technology Committee will continue hearings on mold issues in rental properties.
 - On Thursday evening, the Education, Workforce, and Youth Committee will hold a hearing on City school students' math scores.

As a reminder, I serve on the following committees: Economic and Community Development, Public Safety and Government Operations, and Rules and Legislative Oversight. I attend every Ways and Means Committee meeting I can.

Feature Photo of the Week!

Councilwoman Ramos meets with residents in Coldstream Homestead Montebello to discuss traffic calming on Gorsuch Ave and Homewood Ave by Abbottston Elementary/Middle School.

Team District 14 is here for you

Team District 14 is here for you.

Please feel free to contact our office at any time.

Our number is 410-396-4814, and email for

Odette Ramos is [email protected].

Please keep up with regular updates on our website on www.odetteramos.com or on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also contact our fabulous team:

Gabriel Stuart-Sikowitz [email protected] regarding legislation, streets/traffic calming items, and zoning items.

Yaslin Machuca [email protected] regarding social media and communications, matters relating to Latino community, trees and parks issues, and scheduling meetings or event with me or anyone in our office.

Linda Richardson [email protected] regarding constituent services and general information.

Hablamos español, llámenos si necesita ayuda.

Thank you!