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Stories and performances from volunteers and learners filled the air with emotion at GHCC's 20th Annual Literacy Celebration on May 17. Literacy learner Ruby Clements and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) John David talked about their experiences and what GHCC means to them, providing a firsthand look at the powerful change GHCC's Adult Literacy & ESOL Program can affect on Baltimore City residents' lives.

Clements—who has bolstered her computer, reading, and math skills in addition to becoming a foster parent since enrolling in the Literacy program in 2006—carried brilliant butterfly wings (pictured at left) to the podium to signify the transformation she has undergone.

Volunteer tutor Jerien Okoh, accompanied on her cello by pianist and Peabody classmate Wan-Chi Su, started the evening off with an audience of over 160 GHCC partners, current and former staff, volunteers, and learners. Guests were treated to traditional Korean dances performed by the Greenmount Senior Center Dance Team, followed by ESOL learner Gustavo Diaz on his accordian during the reception.

During the program, staff presented volunteer and teacher recognition awards to Marilyn Gould, Catherine Mahan, Jim Nickel, and Christian Clausen. Our volunteers are the backbone of our program, making it possible to carry out our mission of increasing Baltimore City's literacy rate. If you would like to become part of this inspiring experience, please contact Jannette Seman at jseman@greaterhomewood.org or 410-261-0023. You can also support our work with a gift to GHCC.

GHCC is very grateful to the following for helping make this event happen: our Literacy Advisory Board for providing refreshments, Mike Sproge and the Falls Restaurant in Mt. Washington for the food spread, and Second Presbyterian Church for hosting the event.

Do you or someone you know have children ages 6-16? Don't miss out on the Baltimore Tennis Patrons summer tennis camp! An eight-year-old community partnership between the Baltimore Tennis Patrons, Baltimore City College High School, and GHCC, the camp serves around 200 Greater Homewood youth each summer. This year’s program runs two sessions per week from June 28 to August 6. Contact Youth Coordinator Jocelyn Durkay (jdurkay@greaterhomewood.org or 410-261-4927) for more information or download an application from our website. Applications are also available at the front desk of GHCC's office at 3503 N. Charles Street.

The Village Parents and GHCC hosted a fourth School Daze panel discussion in May, this time focused on the new project-based curriculum that will be coming to both Barclay and Margaret Brent schools for the upcoming school year. Dr. Jackie Waters-Scofield, Principal of Margaret Brent, Karen DeCamp, Director of Neighborhood Programs at GHCC, Bobbi MacDonald, President and Founder of City Neighbors Charter School, and Dr. Peter Renert-Ariev, Associate Professor at Loyola Maryland’s School of Education spoke to a large audience of teachers, parents, and prospective parents. Panelists and audience members envisioned learning history through the lens of Charles Village, and fractions by studying rowhouses along Calvert Street. The event was a huge success, with people leaving feeling energized and excited about the coming year!

The final School Daze discussion—centered around early literacy programs—is scheduled for June 15 (details below).

On May 25, parents and Charles Village residents got a firsthand look inside Margaret Brent Elementary/Middle School. Principal Jacqueline Waters-Scofield provided a guided tour for 12 participants, followed by time for the visitors to walk around the building on their own. The day ended with a question and answer session. Kudos to Village Parents member Laura Scott and GHCC AmeriCorps*VISTA member Ken Fockele for organizing this informative and engaging event for the community!

The Barclay community in central Baltimore has taken a big step against blight and on Friday, June 18, they plan to celebrate. The Barclay/Midway/Old Goucher (BMOG) Coalition and GHCCwill host a community block party from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Dallas F. Nicholas, Sr. Elementary School.

Barclay's Back! will celebrate the beginning of construction on the first phase of a major redevelopment project between Calvert Street, Greenmount Avenue, North Avenue, and 25th Street. A new public art installation along Axis Alley, renovated houses in the Anchors of Hope project on 22nd Street, and achievements by Dallas F. Nicholas Elementary School students will also be highlighted at the event.

Telesis Corporation has worked closely with Barclay since 2006, when it was selected to redevelop approximately 268 scattered-site parcels in the community. Telesis is just weeks away from starting construction on 72 rental housing units in 28 buildings, and will begin construction on approximately 35 affordable homeownership opportunities this Fall.

Telesis has also secured a grant through the Eisenhower Foundation to establish the Barclay Youth Safe Haven, which will serve 50 children and youth from K-8. Telesis is working in partnership with Baltimore City Schools and GHCC to provide after-school homework assistance, social support, individual and group mentoring, near-peer mentoring, nutrition and youth advocacy by specially trained police and civilian staff. GHCC will also operate a camp for 50 Barclay youth this summer.

Barclay's Back! Community Celebration

Jun 18, 3-7 p.m.
Dallas F. Nicholas, Sr. Elementary School Parking Lot

201 E. 21st Street Baltimore, MD 21218

Baltimore Tennis Patrons Summer Tennis Camp begins
Jun 28
Baltimore City College High School Tennis Courts
3220 The Alameda Baltimore, MD 21218

For more information about these and other events throughout the month, visit our website at www.greaterhomewood.org.