HCC News?

Anyone got news from the HCC meeting on Monday?

I know Hampden "Clean and Green" is starting up again in earnest, and Monday may have been new president Everett Noe's first meeting as HCC's fearless leader.

This is NOT a crime blog.

Last week, there was a theft at Bobbie's Hair Design on The Avenue. The employees came in to start the day, and the place seemed a bit warm. All seemed well with the air conditioning settings, however, and it wasn't until someone went outside and noticed the whole air conditioning unit from out back had been stolen!

Keep in mind, dear readers, that this was NOT a window unit. We're talking a honkin' central air unit ripped up from the ground and hauled away.

I'm sure Bobbie would appreciate any leads anyone has. Rumor has it that later that day, an--ahem--known drug user was inexplicably seen driving around with a central air unit in the back of a pick up. Possibly, there was no connection, but there are plenty of folks who think differently.

Keep it cool, Hampdenites.

Scooter Update!

From one of the scooter owners:

"The black bajaj actually turned up at the city impound lot, but the lambretta tv175 is still missing. when stolen, it had maryland historic plate 10424ld on it. the thieves were seen making their escape in a dark blue, older chrysler minivan. if anyone sees or hears anything they can contact me via the info below:

jamesgenego@hotmail.com
410.960.7055"

At least one scooter has found its way home.

Stolen Scooters!

Apparently, scooters are a hot item for theives. Last night at least seven scooters were stolen from a garage on the 3800 block of Falls Road. At least five people are in custody in relation to the crime. Go here to see a news clip--including footage of an arrest.

Apparently scooters are a hot item for theft at the moment, but there's a catch. Vintage scooters require shifting, and most thieves don't know how to ride them so they will either load them up on a truck or roll them away at first.

One tipster is searching for her scooters not yet recovered. Keep an eye out for: 1 Bajaj (flat black in color and looks like a vintage Vespa) and a Lambretta TV 175 (vintage, white with oxblood colored headset and side panels). Contact Hawker if you have any leads.

EDIT: Go here for more deets about yet another scooter stolen from Hampden last night--this one from a backyard on Chestnut.

Anyone got the scoop?

On Friday, around 3:00 p.m., there was a ton of activity at 36th and Falls. There was a firetruck, the fire chief, two news cameras and a news helicopter circling the scene. No one knows what happened! Anyone got the scoop?

Mad Libs! Hampden is __________ (adjective.)

In today's Sun, there's an "Insiders' Guide" to Woodberry and guess what adjective describes Hampden and headlines the article?

You guessed it, Hawker readers!

Hampden is eclectic!

Car on Fire!

Hawker was leaving the Golden West yesterday and was greeted by a car on fire! (The only one who seemed happy about this was the little boy next to me who got to see firefighters in action.)

The fire seemed strange. It clearly SEEMED to be originating from under the car, but whether it was (and I don't really want to start a rumor here) arson or some sort of flammable fluid on the street was hard to see. A tipster reported that he saw a bundle of sticks under the car, but whether that was just trash already there when the car parked is impossible for Hawker to say.

My favorite thing that happened though was that before the prompt arrival from the fire department, there was a guy who tried to put out the fire with a single cup of water.

The Fire Department was on the scene promptly & put out the fire quickly and efficiently, FYI, and no one from the family who owned the car was injured in any way.

Happy Rumors!

Rumor has it that someone at Chelle Paperie is engaged! Can you imagine how swell and stylish that wedding is going to be?

More on Schools

Sometimes Hawker thinks everyone knows something and then finds out everyone doesn't.

This is a great example of bureaucracy at work. Even though Robert Poole Middle School no longer exists, the Maryland State Board of Education put the non-existent school on "probationary status" because it is (well, actually "was") found to be "persistently dangerous."

Also from the article:

"Next year, the school building, located on West 36th Street near Falls Road, will be used only by the Academy of College and Career Exploration, with which Robert Poole shared a building for the past two years. The academy is a magnet high school.
All middle school students will attend Hampden Elementary and Middle School in the fall. Hampden Elementary, at 3608 Chestnut Ave., was expanded into a middle school to fulfill a state mandate for the city school system to reduce its operating space."

Yikes.

From The Baltimore Messenger Crime Log:

Falls Road, 3700 block, at 9:57 p.m. July 16. Rite-Aid store robbed of cash by man with handgun.

Get out and cool off with some fresh art!

A group of emerging artists present a bumper crop of current works at “fresh: paintings and photographs,” the new show at the La Terra Gallery, July 12 – August 31, 2008. The featured artists are Garrett Ames-Leadbetter, Erica Doo, Eric Helgas, Samantha Merrick, Zack Merrick, Sarah Molling, Hanna Moran, and Nicole Parker, who will be on hand for a reception on Thursday, August 14, from 5-8 PM. La Terra Gallery is located at 4001 Falls Road, Baltimore, MD 21211.

Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 AM to 6 PM. “fresh” is curated by Nancy Scheinman. “fresh” is free and open to the public. For “fresh” information, call La Terra at 410-889-7562 or contact us through our website.

Hawker's advice: Take a walk around Hampden on a hot summer day, and visit a gallery or two as a way to cool off.

Fashion Tips from your Neighbor

Hampden resident and Junior's Wine Bar (in Federal Hill) Scott Holt was featured in "Glimpsed" in yesterday's Sun.

He's "jazzed about jackets," and, based on the photo, dresses better than any of us.

Discuss.

In this month's Urbanite, there's an article about landmarking, and one of the buildings the piece mentions that should be landmarked, but isn't, is the (soon-to-be-former) Atomic Books space on The Avenue.

"Atomic Books (1100 W. 36th St.) is a rare bit of high-style Georgian Revival in the middle of Hampden. Built in the early 1900s as a bank, its multi-paned windows, cupola, and thick brick walls contrast with its diminutive size. Zoning allows additional stories to be built on top of it as-of-right, with no public input. Landmark status would most likely prevent this."

After this post which included a link to some stunning photos of the St. Mary's cemetery on Roland, it got Hawker to thinking about what other architecturally valuable spaces/buildings there are in Hampden. There's the old police station, of course, but what are some other neighborhood gems?

Vague Request of the Day: Do you have issues?

Not sure what this is about, but the request came through my inbox.

Here goes:

"The Hampden Community Council's Education Committee is asking that any Hampden resident who has or had issues with the Schools in Baltimore City, please send the info to:

Hampden Community Council
P.O. Box 19957
Baltimore, MD 21211
Att: Education Committee

You may stay anyomous."

Get a Free Book & Enjoy some A/C!

TODAY! Free Graphic Novel At Atomic

Saturday, July 19
Free. 3PM - 5PM.
Atomic Books/Pop.
Hampden, Baltimore.
3620 Falls Rd.

STEVE NILES, GARY PANTER, and DR. REVOLT sign FREE copies of THE LOST ONES graphic novel

To celebrate the release of the new FREE graphic novel THE LOST ONES, famed creators Gary Panter (Pee-Wee's Playhouse, Jimbo), Steve Niles (30 Days Of Night) and Dr. Revolt (famed NYC graffiti artist) will be stopping by Atomic Books to sign books.

Get a free graphic novel. Meet the creators.

Today in Coffee Shop News

Heard about the massive Starbucks' closings? Well, Hawker says, "Good riddance!" from a neighborhood that boasts two independent coffee shops that have both recently expanded. Details at The Shank.

A Few Tidbits

Argh! It's been a week for Hawker. Please forgive her slackin'. (Remember how she has a job that requires hiding out in dark rooms every few months for a week or two? Well this was one of those weeks. Add in baby Hawker, and frankly, Hawker is just impressed that she's been able to take a shower everyday.)

Here's some news:

1. Dangerously Delicious Pies is indeed OPEN at 3547 Chestnut.

2. Check out The Signal on 88.1 WYPR today at 12 noon and 7 p.m. for summer reading recommendations from Mag Sabo of Atomic Books and the Charm City Roller Girls.

3. WTF? Who the hell is cutting down trees on the 3500 block of Hickory? A tipster posited the motivation as "these goddamn skinny jeans people and their foliage obsession - i'll show them."

4. Some great photos here of what I can only assume is the Roland Ave. St. Mary's cemetery. This shot is stunning.

Rita's Update

Rumor has it that Rita's is open!

If Baby Hawker allows it, Hawker will go up there today to confirm.

Sprucing up the Place by Promoting Reading

This banner went up on Falls Road right across the street from the library. The banners are being placed at library locations throughout the city. Support your local library!

Gorelick on Grano

Richard Gorelick reviewed Grano in The Sun on Thursday.--a nice review for a charming little place.

Some Crafty and Delicious Weekend Possibilities

What to do, what to do this weekend:

1. The Exonerated, a powerful documentary-style play about folks exonerated from death row, plays Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Mobtown Players (located in Meadow Mill near the light rail stop.)

2. doubledutch will be hosting the first ever Baltimore Etsy Street Team Trunk Show this Sunday, July 13th from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Etsy is a website that features handmade items from crafters and artists around the world. Meet some of the local Etsy sellers, and shop for handmade jewelry, accessories, bags, soaps, and more! There will also be yummy eats and delicious drinks (anybody remember the awesome Sofia blanc de blanc in tiny red cans once served at a doubledutch event?) Plus, enter to win a $50 doubledutch gift certificate.

3. Extend the weekend by celebrating Bastille Day at Ma Petite Shoe! On Monday, July 14th, Ma Petite Shoe will host its annual Bastille Day party. The party will feature french delicacies by Puffs & Pastries (the eagerly awaited and soon-to-open-at-830 W. 36th Street pastry shop!) Plus, enjoy champagne and chocolate martinis, crepes by Sofi's Crepes, and, of course, chocolate! Preview some new fall shoe styles and tell Susannah that Hawker says hello!

EDIT: The Ma Petite Shoe event Monday is from 5-8 p.m.!

Bad News for Roosevelt Park

A resident near Roosevelt Park reports that there is evidently gang activity in the neighborhood. "ESG" graffiti tags are from the gang, FYI, and there's been a major uptick in crime in the past 2 weeks with:

2 armed robberies
5 burglaries
2 assaults
1 shooting
1 homicide

all near the park.

Police are gathering info and working with the community.

Let me remind you of Hawker's advice: call the police (311 if its a non-emergency) EVERY SINGLE TIME you see drug or gang activity in your neighborhood. DO NOT assume that that this kind of crime is something we just have to live with in Hampden.

For Those Keeping Score at Home. . .

Another business move is in the works.

The True Vinerecord shop is moving off The Avenue and into the old Sandy's (which recently moved back to The Avenue) place on Hickory. Obligatory moving sale going on now.

What's to come in the soon-to-be "old True Vine" is not yet clear.

Things I Meant to Post Yesterday

Two things:

1. Roland Speed Trap!
(I KNOW that this is a bit out of Hampden, but considering the number of you who get north of Baltimore by driving up Roland, Hawker thought it was worth mentioning.)
Yesterday, there was a cop on foot with a radar gun on Roland Avenue north of Coldspring, just about across from Petit Louis. He was waving drivers over left and right, and was well hidden amongst the shady trees. You couldn't really see him until it was too late. Roland Avenue is 25-30 miles an hour--a limit which NO ONE respects. Be careful, and consider yourself warned.

2. Just Askin'
Is it appropriate that when I went to the post office yesterday, I was subjected to the Rush Limbaugh Show playing loudly on the radio? Because Hawker thinks not.

I thought they were called snowballs.

I guess it's the heat. Hawker has known this for a while and just forgot to post about it!

A tipster reminded me:

Rita's Water Ice is coming to Hampden. (The website says coming soon.) I know it's a chain, but it seems like they might do well in Hampden & Hawker's not going to pretend that she hasn't had a Rita's in her life. Plus, it's not on The Avenue. (Hawker is a firm supporter of Indy Hampden--a move to protect independent businesses on The Avenue.) They're taking the spot next to the dry cleaner's at 41st & Falls. The sign is up and they are clearly preparing the interior space as shown by equipment, ladders, and such.

How did Hawker miss the inauguration?

A friend just called my attention to the fact that the Hampden Community Council has a new president: Everette Noe. Anyone know him or her? Google turned up nothing.

Another Feel-Good Holiday has Passed

Hawker hopes your Fourth was merry and that you enjoyed living in the Remington/Hampden/Woodberry area over the weekend. Hawker thinks we further cemented our status as the illegal fireworks capital of Baltimore.

In other news. . . Hawker heard over the weekend that there have been two recent robberies over by the Hampden public pool. Both robbery victims were pizza delivery guys (gals?) held up at gun point.

Anyone else hear this or have details?

Ukuleles are so hot right now!

This in the News section of The Sun yesterday. The Uke-Pop party at Atomic Pop on Sunday was PACKED. I talked to a woman who'd driven up from Reston, VA for the event.

People love ukuleles and--after seeing the show, Hawker must add--with good reason!

Who says the real estate market is dead?

915 W. 36th (Verizon Store) and 917-919 W. 36th (Fraziers) just sold at auction yesterday for 1.2 MILLION (for both buildings combined.)

No word on who bought and why. Hawker's digging though.