Sneak Peek at Programming | | |
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Singing with OJN Performer
For six weeks, we welcomed performer Kristen Toedtman to lead clients in a communal singing class here at The Baltimore Station. Kristen has performed solo and with ensembles at Carnegie Hall, Davies Hall (SF), Disney Hall (LA), and the Hollywood Bowl with the New World Symphony, San Francisco Symphony, the Los Angeles Philharmonic and others. She is now leading this creative pilot program, giving a voice to our men and allowing them to express themselves through song. Music has always been a powerful way to not only express yourself but also create a greater connection with the community around you. Through this class, clients are learning talents within themselves, skills held by others, and enjoying an afternoon learning new songs with classic favorites mixed in. A huge thank you to Our Joyful Noise Baltimore for sponsoring this six-week pilot program and giving us an opportunity to see once again the power of song on the human soul.
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Smoking Cessation
Did you know the national average age for someone smoking their first cigarette is 17 years old? And for Baltimore, that average age drops all the way down to 12 years old! We learned some very valuable information with Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos (Dr. G) from Johns Hopkins as he led clients in a smoking cessation class. We reviewed information on the dangers of smoking cigarettes as well as strategies on quitting for good. Dr. G even answered questions clients had about the various medications one could try when giving up smoking. We learned that the number one factor in quitting was mindfulness. When working towards becoming a non-smoker, you need to be mindful in recognizing the problem, know your motivation to stop, understand your triggers, and plan for what to do instead when stress hits and you find yourself reaching for another cigarette. A huge thank you to Dr. G for his time and expertise in this class.
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Leftover Love
We are so excited to introduce everyone to another non-profit doing amazing work in the city of Baltimore. Leftover Love is passionate about not only supporting those struggling with food insecurity but also helping to reduce the amount of food waste we see daily. They believe that no one should go hungry and they work with local restaurants, cafes and businesses to rescue their leftover food and give back to local organizations that serve the community in need. Their dedicated team of volunteers has dropped off food to The Baltimore Station for the past few months offering us items like unused meal kits, fresh produce, milk, bread, snacks, and so much more. Thanks to their support, we have received an estimated $5,000 in donated food!
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First time at First Fruit Farms
This month, we are so thankful to benefit from fresh produce and dairy products courtesy of First Fruit Farms. The 281-acre farm supports hundreds of non-profits like ours, ensuring fresh and delicious produce to community members in need. They have a dedicated group of volunteers committed to not only sustainable farming practices but also to service. We were given more than ten boxes this month, including produce from their farm, yogurt from one of their supporters, and some delicious bread. Our kitchen team was so excited to cook with these delicious ingredients and we look forward to continuing this partnership.
Jewish Connection Network Lunch Bag Donation
A huge thank you to the Jewish Connection Network for their work with local schools and summer programs to put together hundreds of lunch bags for those in need. We received more than 100 bags with the fixings for pb&j sandwiches, chips, cookies, and a water bottle. This ended up being a huge hit for clients here as afternoon snack bags. The sugar boost and extra hydration helped to keep energy and spirits high as we pushed through the summer heat. Thank you Jewish Connection Network for always looking out for the needs of the community!
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As the end of summer approaches, we look towards one of our favorite times of the year: FOOTBALL SEASON! This year, The Baltimore Station was invited to attend Raven’s training camp and with the football fans we have here, we were happy to jump on the opportunity! Resident Attendant Supervisor, Tyqueria, and eight clients braved the heat to see some of the players on our 2024-25 Raven’s football team.
We watched the players run drills and plays while taking in the energy of the crowd. The day was set up for veterans and first responders, so our clients were in good company with others who served. They even offered veteran discounts at Jimmy’s Famous Seafood food truck and swag stands. We couldn’t get many pictures (as you can imagine these plays are still top secret for the season) but we were able to get autographs and meet the players. Who are some favorites from men here at The Station? Mark Andrews, Zay Flowers, and of course the GOAT Lamar Jackson were all on the list.
A huge thank you to the Raven’s for inviting us to be a part of this exciting day and for all the players who stayed out in the heat (in full uniform) to sign autographs and greet all the fans who came out to catch a glimpse of this year’s team.
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August 29: Pratt Street Market
If you find yourself at the Pratt Street Market on August 29th looking for great produce and yummy food, be sure to stop by our table to say “hi” and learn about what we have going on here at The Baltimore Station.
We will be at the market starting at 11am to chat about events, volunteering, and all the ways to support our mission. Hope to see you there!
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September 17: 10th Annual Maryland's Top Crab Cake Challenge Expo Benefitting The Baltimore Station
Taking place on Tuesday, September 17 at 5pm, this event will feature samples of crab cakes, cream of crab soup and Maryland crab soup from local Maryland restaurants and caterers. Attendees can try all of the samples and then vote for their favorites.
Tickets also include live music, casino games, photo booth, local business exhibits, networking, door prizes, and more.
Attendee Tickets:
$29 - Advance Tickets (through September 16)
$39 - Tickets at the Door
For more information, please check out the website here.
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