Hampden Hawker

A Dear John Letter to Hampden

2008-08-25T09:41:00.002-04:00

Dear Hampden:

I loved you. I hated you. Then, I loved you even more. Now, I miss you.

Hawker's radio silence is because she moved. As I said to all my friends, "I'm not dying; I'm just moving to New Jersey." I've been without Internet for a while and then there was that whole unpacking thing.

And although New Jersey made Hawker & her family an offer they couldn't refuse, you should know two things: a) I miss you and b) I'll be back.

Hawker would like to offer some personalized parting words (without links, because I'm sad):

To The Hon Bar: Thanks for kicking me out that one time. I deserved it.
To the bathroom at R2V: I'm sorry. I'm very, very sorry.
To Frazier's: Thanks for every night that ended in madness that began with the sentence, "Hey, let's go to Frazier's for one more!"
To Oh! Said Rose: Thanks for letting every woman in my family get the coolest Christmas gifts for a few years.
To The Wine Source: Thanks for all the free booze!
To Atomic Books: I think I'm going to miss you most of all.
To The Golden West: You have the best pancakes in the world, and for the last time: your service is FINE. Damn the whiners.
To Budget TV: Shine on, you crazy diamond.
To Form: I was too scared ever to talk to you. You intimidate me.
To Hampdenfest: For one shining moment every year, Keyboard Man united us. This gives me hope for the human race.
To the junkies on Falls Road: I hope with all of my being that you get some help. I know someone somewhere loves you and misses the person you were and could be.

I could go on and on, but these are the parting thoughts that come to mind this morning.

You know, now that I've moved to a new place, I remember when my best friend first came from the midwest to visit me in Hampden. We spent an afternoon shopping on the Avenue & at just about every place we entered, I either knew someone else in the store and/or new the store owner. She asked me if I was super popular in Baltimore. "No," I said, "that's just Hampden. Everybody knows everybody." I miss that already.

What's to happen with Hawker is still up in the air.

Be nice to each other while I'm gone, ok?

Sincerely,
Hawker

Come home, Bam!

2008-08-05T20:38:00.002-04:00

I just received the following from a tipster. Please contact Aaron if you have any leads, and let's try to get this dog back without anyone getting punched in the face, ok?

"My neighbor (12) had his puppy stolen from his yard last night on 37th and Buena Vista. He is distraught, and we are heartbroken for him. Can you put the word out for people to keep their eyes peeled? He is a 5-month old white pit bull with tiny brown spots on his ears. He is unaltered and answers to "Bam". If the thief was brazen or stupid, he may still have his rabies tag and a name tag with "Bam" on it on a studded collar. He is a well-known pup around here, and I'm hoping some of his friends may help him get back home. The last time he was stolen, a helpful neighbor traded the thief a punch in the face for the dog. We will just settle for getting the dog back this time.

Tipsters can email me or call 443.627.3048. Reward offered on return, no questions asked.

Thanks!

-Aaron"

Old News: Now with Mice!

2008-08-04T09:52:00.002-04:00

Apparently, Angelo's has mice. ABC 2's "Dirty Dining" segment recently featured the Hampden pizzeria at Falls & Keswick. To be fair, most Hampden homes I know have mice too.

From the story:

"The owner says, "I hate it. I can't stand it. We clean. We're spotless. We do everything we can." Angelo let us take a look for ourselves and we agree. It doesn't seem like a lack of cleanliness in the kitchen is the cause of those unwanted diners. Angelo says he's tried nearly a dozen pest companies in the past three decades but he believes the aging building and the neighborhood itself may be just too inviting for pests."

Is this news?

More on the Church Fire

2008-08-03T21:33:00.001-04:00

The steeple of Mount Vernon United Methodist is set to be taken down tomorrow morning at 8 a.m.

A Brief News Round-Up

2008-08-03T21:05:00.003-04:00

1. fotopopART is featured in today's Sun--with a super cute picture of owner Lauren Preller. Stop in and tell how great she looks!

2. Atomic Books/Pop co-owner Benn Ray weighs in on the tree attacks in Hampden, and he asks a good question: Why the hell do people around here hate trees so much?

3. Hampden once again has plenty to offer Baltimore Magazine's Best of Baltimore. Here's a sampling:
Best Kids' Menu: Golden West
Best New Restaurant: Woodberry Kitchen
Eco Gifts: Earth Alley
Organic Salon: Sprout
Sustainable Restaurant: The Dogwood
Accessories: Shine Collective
Fun Shoes: doubledutch
New York Shopping Experience: Form
Stationers: Chelle Paperie
Window Display: Red Tree
Window Treatments: Palette
Pet Store: Howl (formerly Chow, Baby!)
Estrogen Heaven: Ma Petite Shoe
Massage: ReNew Organic Day Spa
Personal Trainer: Jon A. Kaplan at Meadow Mill
Balti-centric Blog: The Mobtown Shank

Upgraded from Comments

2008-08-02T21:28:00.001-04:00

A resident on Chestnut took this video of today's church fire while the steeple was still ablaze. It is frightening.

Unbelievable!

2008-08-02T17:11:00.002-04:00

Photo from The Sun

The storm last night was truly stunning. I don't know anyone in Hampden who wasn't awaken by it. The thunder was some of the loudest I've ever heard--and Hawker is from the midwest.

There was also a tragic consequence, and you could smell the smoke all morning.

The Mount Vernon United Methodist Church at 33rd and Chestnut burned to the ground. Damages of the three-alarm fire are estimated at 5.5 million! Details here in The Sun. WJZ has video and more images here. The church building was built in 1878 according to The Sun, in the 1850's according to WJZ.

Thankfully, no one was injured. More than thirty homes were evacuated as a precaution, however.

Hawker is deeply, deeply sorry for all of the parishioners and for Hampden's loss of this historic building.

So Many Ways to Get Trashed Tonight

2008-08-01T14:11:00.004-04:00

Hawker's been slacking this week, and she shouldn't have been because there's tons o' news to report!

Tonight is First Friday, so get out and get your sales and wine tastings on!

However, you could also try something a little different. . . you could get trashed!

(Ok, enough with the exclamation points.)

The Clean & Green Committee will be organizing a quick clean up around the neighborhood followed by a happy hour tonight. Meet up at Royal Farms (at the corner of 36th & Roland) at 7:00 p.m. (Hawker can't make it because it's her 10th wedding anniversary.)

Also, on August 11 at 7:00 p.m. there will be a Clean & Green Committee meeting. If you’d like to be part of the committee, please come out to discuss Clean & Green actions. That meting will be held at 3506 Ash Street. If you’d like to be on the committee but can’t make it to that meeting, drop a line to Kat Feuerstein at:

kat@gilahpress.com

And, seriously, why don't we all just pick up trash around our hood when we see it? Keep Hampden tidy, hon!

HCC News?

2008-07-30T09:38:00.001-04:00

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.

2008-07-30T09:25:00.003-04:00

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!

2008-07-30T09:22:00.001-04:00

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!

2008-07-28T13:44:00.003-04:00

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?

2008-07-28T11:25:00.000-04:00

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.)

2008-07-27T15:12:00.002-04:00

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!

2008-07-27T11:32:00.003-04:00

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!

2008-07-25T22:41:00.001-04:00

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

2008-07-25T22:34:00.003-04:00

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.

2008-07-23T13:52:00.001-04:00

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!

2008-07-22T17:31:00.002-04:00

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

2008-07-21T17:17:00.003-04:00

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.

2008-07-21T16:27:00.002-04:00

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?

2008-07-19T15:33:00.001-04:00

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!

2008-07-19T13:37:00.001-04:00

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

2008-07-19T10:45:00.002-04:00

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

2008-07-18T11:17:00.002-04:00

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

2008-07-17T12:31:00.002-04:00

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

2008-07-14T13:15:00.003-04:00

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

2008-07-12T15:07:00.001-04:00

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

Some Crafty and Delicious Weekend Possibilities

2008-07-10T13:30:00.004-04:00

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

2008-07-10T11:02:00.002-04:00

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. . .

2008-07-10T10:58:00.003-04:00

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

2008-07-09T11:31:00.002-04:00

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.

2008-07-07T15:59:00.005-04:00

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?

2008-07-07T12:41:00.002-04:00

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

2008-07-07T10:26:00.003-04:00

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!

2008-07-01T14:37:00.003-04:00

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?

2008-07-01T14:28:00.002-04:00

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.

Upgraded from Comments

2008-06-30T14:16:00.002-04:00

Hawker's got two sources for this one, folks:

The grand opening of Dangerously Delicious Pies will be July 3rd. A great honky tonk singer, James "Slim" Hand from Texas, and his band will christen the place. The show isn't on Hand's calendar, but he'll be in DC for the Smithsonian Folk Festival, so this all seems to add up.

This time, Hawker's got her facts straight.

Uptown Gone

2008-06-30T14:12:00.003-04:00

Nothing says, "Goodbye forever" like black duct tape over the name of your business.

Uptown Dog on Falls Road had been "closed for renovations" for some time. It is now closed for good. The woman putting up the duct tape on Saturday said that with the economy, the owner just couldn't make a go of the upscale dog accessories shop.

For those of you who couldn't drive or walk through the Falls & 36th intersection without singing "Uptown Dog'' to the tune of "Uptown Girl," Hawker will begin to search for a song that can have its lyrics easily replaced with "Bella Roma." I'll keep you all posted.

False Pie Alarm

2008-06-28T11:31:00.001-04:00

After relying on email and rumor, Hawker decided to garner some EMPIRICAL evidence re: Dangerously Delicious Pies Hampden outpost.

It is NOT open yet. In fact, the space is still littered with ladders, and there's painters' tape on the floor.

Hawker will let you know when the pie competition in Hampden actually heats up.

The Weekend to Come. . .

2008-06-27T15:12:00.002-04:00

It's hot, and when it is, Hawker (and Hampden) seem to enter a state of torpor.

What to do this weekend as a tonic?

There is, of course, the obligatory tasting at The Wine Source--this time it's beer! But for those looking to mix it up, let me make some suggestions:

1. Tonight, why don't you go check out Twelfth Night as presented by the Baltimore Shakespeare Festival at 8 p.m.? Sure, the performance is on the grounds of Evergreen House, which is north of Charles Village, but Baltimore Shakes calls Hampden its home (the St. Mary's Outreach Center on Roland.) Baltimore Shakes is one of three professional theatres in Baltimore, FYI. (The other two being Everyman and CENTERSTAGE.)

2. Tomorrow, hows about a flea market? At the Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church at 3300 Chestnut Avenue, there will be flea markets on the 4th Saturday of each month until November. Tomorrow, June 28th is the very first one. The market will run from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and is being organized by Joelle (the former owner of Galvanize.) There will even be a table of donated goods for sale benefitting Hampden Feral Cat Rescue. Donations are welcome, and folks can reserve their own space to sell their own wares for just $7! (A 6-foot table can be provided for just $5 more.) Call Joelle to reserve a space at 410-467-3643--there are already 35 vendors tomorrow! They've got to be selling something you need!

3. Sunday, get your ukelele on! Join Atomic Pop for it's Uke-Pop party this Sunday, June 29th from 2-5 p.m. Tippy Canoe, Victoria Vox, Uni & her Ukelele and The Go-Pills will all be playing. Go herefor more details. It's free!

Join Hawker at one of these events! Plus, why don't you check out some of the newer gems of the neighborhood? Pie shop? Goods from India? Broaden your horizons, Hampdenites!

It's all gone quiet.

2008-06-26T08:32:00.001-04:00

Man, it's been a quiet couple of days.

Maybe Hawker should learn how to knit.

Weekend Update: Police Edition

2008-06-23T22:27:00.004-04:00

1. Big raid went down this weekend at a house on the east side of Falls just north of The Avenue--the same place that burned on New Year's Eve.

2. DUI bust yesterday at the Rite Aid.

3. Parking Illegally in Hampden? There were patrols & plenty of tickets issued on Friday night. Be careful!

4. Escaped teen caught on the Avenue.

More Nontroversy!

2008-06-20T17:34:00.004-04:00

Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in!

The letters to the editor have poured in at The Sun re:. . . you guessed it! Honfest!

Read all about a resident's complaint about a weekend without parking here. More complaints and voices of reason follow in the comments.

Then, there's these letters, which conclude with some thoughtful words from Mary Rizzo--a woman who seems to have had some Hampden connection in the past:

"Honfest, which may be the city's largest neighborhood festival, is a complicated event in a neighborhood with a long, complicated history. For that reason, there can be no one right perspective on it. All perspectives should be considered, including understanding how some women use it to connect with the past."

Depressing News

2008-06-19T09:00:00.004-04:00

God, I don't want to make this a crime blog, but in this week's City Paper (Murder Ink), there were some details about a murder in Hampden last week.

"Wednesday June 11:

5:40 p.m. Residents of an apartment building at 3551 Buena Vista Ave., in Hampden, notified their landlord of people in an unoccupied unit. The landlord found the body of a dead white woman in the apartment, but no one else and no signs of ransacking. He alerted paramedics, who pronounced the woman dead at 5:48 p.m. According to police, the woman appeared at first to be the victim of an overdose--there were track marks on her arms, and a crackpipe and syringe were found in the apartment--but the medical examiner determined the woman to have died as a result of strangulation and ruled it a homicide. The woman has yet to be identified."

We all see junkies in Hampden all the time, and when I see them, I always wonder what they could have been--like this woman who was murdered, for example. I don't mean that I have some lofty sense that maybe this woman could have been president, but maybe she could have been a great mom or sister or wife or friend, or maybe she could have had a really great job that she loved or maybe she could have found joy from something simple: like keeping a beautiful garden for God's sake. What simple joys could she have had in her life? What did she hope her life would be when she was a child? I don't think anyone dreams of dying this way or spending their life waiting for the drug car in front of the library on Falls Road. Whatever the details of her story are, it's a sad, sad one.

Can't we please just stop shooting each other?

2008-06-17T12:48:00.002-04:00

Today's Police Blotter in The Sun shows this:

"Shooting: A man, 20, was in the 3600 block of Ash St. in Hampden about 12:30 a.m. Sunday when he was shot in the stomach. The victim was in good condition at a hospital."

Update: Breathe Books Makes DC Guy Happy!

2008-06-16T20:08:00.002-04:00

The guy who came all the way from DC to Hampden on Sunday not for Honfest but rather for Breathe Books left Hampden fully satisfied!

Susan re-opened Breathe Books special for the unhappy visitor, but her reopening turned that frown upside down! Susan reports that he was "ecstatic."

Try to get that kind of service at the Towson Town Center.

Want to put in your two cents about Honfest?

2008-06-16T16:32:00.003-04:00

Anyone got something to say?

From hampdenfrank@gmail.com:

"I am planning on writing an article about Old Hampden vs New Hampden and what they think of the Honfest. John Waters has come out against Honfest and has voiced what many Hampden people have felt and said for years (link.)

Tell me what you think.
--Are you Old Hampden or New Hampden? [Were you born in Hampden or a Hampden-like area and/or do you connect more with new or old Hampden]
--Have you ever been to Honfest?
--Why?
--What do you think of Honfest?
--Have you ever been to Cafe Hon?
--Why?
--What do you think of Cafe Hon?
--What do you think of Denise Whiting?
--Do you think when Denise came to Hampden she welcomed Old Hampden?
--Do you have any stories you know of personally (that you would swear to in court) about Denise Whiting where she was either welcoming Old Hampden or where she was shunning or dismissing Old Hampden (if you know of a person who can corraborate a story you know of please have them call 410.350.9864 or email me)?
--Do you know what happened to Hampden's original festival-The May Fair?
--Is there any other info you thing would be important for me to know for this article?
--If you have written something and I quote what you have said, do you want me to use your name or would you rather remain anonymous?
--If you ahve any photos of May Fair and can access them digitally, I would appreciate it if you would send them to me.

Thanks--Frank
--
Frank the Realtor
Award Winning Realtor
2007 Rookie of the Year
2007 Team Spirit Award"

What if everybody behaved like you, lady?

2008-06-16T14:53:00.005-04:00

To the woman who lives on the east side of Hickory near the post office who took her dog out this weekend to the grassy lot just north of the post office (between Hickory and Roland) and who let the dog poop there WITHOUT cleaning it up when there are FREE poop bags available literally across the street:

Dear Lady:

NOT COOL.

Sincerely,
Hampden Hawker

Honfest 2008: Hampdenites Party Through Controversy

2008-06-16T12:51:00.003-04:00

Honfest happened.

There were beehive hairdos, funnel cakes and art for sale.

My favorite image--I just couldn't get my camera out in time--was a couple of girls walking north on Falls Road early Saturday evening with Royal Farms plastic bags wrapped around their heads to protect their dos.

My favorite quote:

Scene: In front of Breathe Books at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday at Honfest
Cast: Well-dressed suburban guy, his wife & baby in a stoller

Guy: "It's CLOSED! My God! We came all the way from Washington to go here ONLY and it's closed."

Go, Breathe Books! You're the real draw, not Honfest.

More Sun photos and details re: the nontroversy here. If you still want more pix, try a few blogs (here, here and here)

Home Break-In: Hampden Style

2008-06-13T13:16:00.002-04:00

A fellow Hampdenite had her house broken into yesterday. This sucks. Having your home broken into sucks no matter how much or how little the dirtbags take. The feeling that you're not safe inside your own home takes a while to shake--Hawker knows--and a home break-in is kind of a supreme violation of the social contract informally created by communities.

But this is the crazy thing. The robbers took only the following:

1) 7 (seven) cans of Natty Boh
and
2) a weed whacker

They left everything of value, including computers, TV, DVD player, etc.

AND they left behind a pair of pliers and a Big Gulp cup, which were dusted for prints and DNA.

Here's to that Natty Boh skunking on those clowns.

Honfest This Weekend

2008-06-13T09:24:00.003-04:00

Again, in case you've been living under a rock & have missed the media onslaught, Honfest is this weekend. (In unrelated news, the talk of the Falls Road 7-11 yesterday was amongst Hampdenites talking about where they were going out of town this weekend to get away from Honfest.)

It's two days again (both Saturday and Sunday), and it features the obligatory Best Hon contest plus a ton of bands:

On Saturday: Jennifer Camp, The Country Devils, The Drop Tops, Garage Sale, The Garnet Hearts, All Mighty Senators, Groove Mammals and The Bobwhites

On Sunday: The Poorhouse Rockers, Lawnchair, Feinwood, Glenmont Popes and Cruise

The complete schedule of events can be found here.

Hawker is staying neutral on this subject, but there's a big article in The Sun today about folks who don't like the Honfest ideal--mostly the argument is that the festival makes fun of a stereotype that no longer really exists. The other side argues simply that what brings folks to the neighborhood is good for the neighborhood. Read the article for yourself here.

If you are in town this weekend, it's going to be beautiful, so get out of your rowhouse and enjoy Hampden, however you feel about those hons!

Battle Lines Drawn

2008-06-12T14:11:00.002-04:00

In today's Sun, there's a front page (below the fold) article about Hampdenite Joy Sushinsky. She's trying to curtail the open-air drug trade and general bad behavior perpetrated by some of Hampden's toughest young people on Elm Ave.

Analysis from the police:

"Sushinsky, who has kept a meticulous log of events on her street, including a "bloody street fight" April 2, said she was told by police that with all the crime in Baltimore's Northern District, enforcing the ban on drinking by minors "is not necessarily" a top priority."

"Hampden is one of lowest-crime neighborhoods in the city," said Doug Gibson, the police community liaison officer for the district. "These are some of the tough neighborhood kids. They're not Bloods and Crips who have parachuted in from Los Angeles. Some of these kids, they're the second or third generation that's into substance abuse. Our officers know some of their parents well, and their grandparents. The parents are not functional, and their aunts and uncles are overwhelmed trying to keep them out of foster care."

There's a call for organizing a neighborhood watch in the comments . There's also some disturbing advice for Sushinsky: "Keep your head down, your gaze averted and mind your own business and no one will bother you." Since when is caring about your neighborhood and not wanting things blown up, destroyed or broken into something to be condemned?

Did you miss me?

2008-06-12T14:10:00.002-04:00

There was no post yesterday because all Hawker had was news for folks who'd been living under rocks: a) heat broke and b) Honfest is a-comin'.

But today. . .

Let's Save a Little Green Space, People!

2008-06-10T17:42:00.002-04:00

Ok. Before I get a lot of comments along the lines of "This is about MEDFIELD, not HAMPDEN!" let me reiterate Hawker's policy of covering neighborhood gossip and news of interest to Hampdenites. As far as Hawker is concerned, if you can easily walk there, it's Hampden-related.

This from a friend:

"Friends, Hampdenites, Baltimorons, lend me your ears!

A developer is trying to buy from the City a tiny triangular piece of land that abuts my back alley in order to increase the number of units/parking. This tiny little plot of land is the absolute reason I and all my neighbors bought our homes on the South side of Roland Heights. It adds a lovely buffer of green space, quiet or the wooshing of tall trees, birdsong, rabbit & fox burrow space and a path through the woods avoiding the Superfresh megashopolis... We maintain it through path clearing and trimming when the City does not, which is more than less as you might well imagine.

The developer has property right below that has been fallow for some time. This action is a land grab for the paltry sum of some $15K, to increase the number of units (& parking) from what was originally proposed as 11 to...12, 13 and now 14. This is in addition to their 43-residence development Skyview directly below 42 & Falls, all of which directly impact Falls Road below Cold Spring Lane. An aerial view is available here.

This proposal been in the works for some time, but of course, they did not inform the residents of tiny Hoes Heights and tiny Heathbrook who are directly affected. Clearly this is intended to steamroll over a population of our elder residents, but thankfully there are some community-minded peeps that are keeping a sharp lookout. Having an engineer and lawyer or two on the street helps.

Happily, the City contacted the Medfield community association (across the way on the West of Falls Rd, much larger) to mediate and they have offered to speak for us. (Medfield has long been agitating for the replacement of the failed traffic light at 41st & Falls, which affects EVERYONE IN HAMPDEN due to the necessity to exit at Cold Spring Lane to enter Hampden from the north, and also for speed bumps to mitigate the speed-short-cutters on Hickory and Evans Chapel Rd (trying to avoid Falls & 41st) .

The Time Group development will happen, but it is the triangular plot on a hill directly north of it that is in question. The proposal is that we will end up with our backyards facing a) a 14 ft retaining wall and some of our natural trees if they don't get the land; b) a "forest conservation" landscaping of shrubberies and young trees, retaining some old growth and a 14 ft retaining wall.

My deepest concern is the water runoff question, which was answered at the community mtg I attended Monday. Currently, our alley fills up with ice and is impassable during the worst winter storms. We have an average of 3-4 water main breaks during the winter on Ro'Heights. The development will install new storm runoff routes, which thankfully for us will dump south, but into Falls & 43rd St sewer lines, so lookout down below!

If you live/work/play along the Falls Rd corridor, in or around Hampden/Medfield/Hoes Heights/Heathbrook please consider the impact of these two new developments and start paying attention to the City sale of land in this instance.

Thanks for your attention,
The Lady Hoe"

This Just In

2008-06-09T16:55:00.000-04:00

The Golden West just lost power!

Squid Invades Hampden

2008-06-09T14:47:00.004-04:00

So, as previously announced, Atomic Books will be moving. They will move into the current Atomic Pop space at 3620 Falls Road--creating a mega Atomic One-Stop Super Shop!

Of course, the next question is what will happen to the lovely old Agusta Bank building that has been Atomic Books' home? Well, Squidfireis moving in!

If you don't know Squidfire, you should. They're a local collection of artists who make the awesomest T-shirts (pictured here--what's not to love?) Their line also features related stuff like printed hoodies and bags, as well as quite possibly the best children's book ever: I'm the Biggest Thing in the Ocean.

Squidfire co-owner Jean-Baptiste Regnard told Hawker that he's signed a lease & renovations to the building will begin August 1st. Squidfire hopes to have its brick and mortar store open by Hampdenfest! Plus, the focus will be on offering men's and baby/children's clothing. (Yeah for Baby Hawker!)

Squidfire often sets up shop at neighborhood festivals, so if you see them around this summer, welcome them to Hampden and buy a freaking T-shirt already!

What to do Tonight

2008-06-06T13:58:00.001-04:00

Tonight is First Friday in Hampden! Next First Friday will probably not be happening as its the 4th of July, so get out on a hot night and explore your neighborhood! Here are some highlights (the usual suspects and then some):

1. Ma Petite Shoe
There's an all-day sale at Ma Petite Shoe today from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. It's the pre-Hon Fest sale, and they've got tons of new summer shoes and new chocolate (for dad, maybe?) on offer.

2. The Wine Source
From 4:30-7:30 p.m., there's a free wine tasting at The Wine Source. The theme tonight is "Misfits." In their words, you can taste wines that they "love that failed to fit into the confinements of our geeky theme-based newsletters." Plus, if you miss tonight's tasting you can try it again tomorrow from 1:30-5:30 p.m.

3. Minas
There's performance art at Minas tonight (suggested donation is $5.) This new series titled Pasa (Spanish for "It happens") opens tonight with host Elisa Urtiaga and artists Theresa Columbus and Hermonie Myrna Byrd.

4. Atomic Pop
Starting at 7 p.m., Pop will host a toy trading and Wii playing party.

Oh, plus there's the show I told you about yesterday at El Rancho Grande.

There! Hawker has just planned your evening for you.

Today's Signal

2008-06-06T10:58:00.003-04:00

Today on WYPR's The Signal, Atomic Books co-owner Benn Ray will be offering his recommendations for summer reading. Find out why a book about Celine Dion (33 1/3 Volume 52: Celine Dion’s Let’s Talk About Love: A Journey To The End Of Taste) is on the list. The Signal airs on 88.1 FM at 12 noon and 7 p.m. today.

Relax at The Ranch

2008-06-05T18:21:00.003-04:00

El Rancho Grande has a blog !

There are some great photos of the coffee shop/performance venue on the blog. They're getting ready to start showing local visual artists in the space in July, and they're already serious about booking music--both local (Wednesday night's jam session often features Caleb Stine) and touring acts (Bruce Hughes from Austin, TX, plays tomorrow night.)

Check out a recent review of The Ranch here.

Soup's Off

2008-06-05T16:29:00.003-04:00

As most of you probably already know, Soup's On is temporarily closed. Soup's On is one of Hampden's BEST restaurants. I dare you to feel stress after a lunch of their soup & salad on their sunny porch (followed of course by Rose's cookies or one of those nut bars made with crack!)

Cynthia just had a baby (so Baby Soup and Baby Hawker can duel to see who really is Hampden's newest resident,) and she's taking some time off. Word is she won't be back until September--maybe mid-August, but September looks more likely.

Hawker wishes her and her new baby all the best, but man, Soup's On is missed!

Strange Bedfellows Perambulate

2008-06-04T21:29:00.003-04:00

This evening, about 5:30 p.m., there were two teenage dudes walking down The Avenue. One dude had a fat iguana on his shoulder; the other had a slinky ferret in his arms.

That is all.

Bar for Sale

2008-06-03T14:05:00.002-04:00

Want to buy a bar in Hampden?

First, you just have to figure out where it is!

At least it's good to know that we all live in "one of Baltimore's most upscale areas."

Eleven Things Hawker Missed Blogging About & Maybe You Missed Too

2008-06-02T20:08:00.002-04:00

1. Dangerously Delicious Pies is coming to Hampden! On June 14, Dangerously Delicious Pies Savory House will open at 3547 Chestnut Avenue in the old Finnerteas' spot. Hawker does love some Cafe Hon pie, but I think Hampden is big enough for the both of 'em. The DDP Savory House will serve dessert pies and coffee during the day and savory pies at night.

2. Baltimore Magazine contacted Hawker for an interview, and Hawker missed it. (It's all Baby Hawker's fault, FYI.)

3. The Keswick Auto Center is trying to start selling cars. There was a hearing in April, and Hawker will try to find out what happened.

4. The Hampden Republican Club got busted for illegal liquor sales.

5. There are real hawks in Hampden! A tipster recently reported two cooper hawks spotted by the park on 33rd and Keswick helping out with the rodent issue and harassing smaller birds.

6. On behalf of all of Hampden, I'd like to offer a sincere apology to Judge Davis. Just don't read the comments after his editorial if you're not in the mood to puke at how any idiot can post whatever racist crap they want on the Internet with total immunity.

7. Truck loading zone on Chestnut may be unnecessary, and only YOU can fix it!

8. Has anyone seen the juggling busker on the Avenue!?!

9. The city apparently held up improvements for the Roosevelt Park ball field.

10. Atomic Books is moving! They're staying in Hampden, but it looks like another local business will be opening up in the old Books space. Details to come. . .

11.In very sad news, as most all of you know already, Marty from Frazier's died unexpectedly of a massive heart attack in early May. He was a true Hampden fixture, and he will be missed by many. Rest in peace, Marty.

Hawker's Back!

2008-06-02T15:36:00.003-04:00

Ok, Hampdenites. I'm returning today & back to the Hawker minimum of at least one post daily.

I am proud to say that Hawker is now the mama of one of your newest neighbors! Baby Hawker was born May 22nd and has already visited The Wine Source, Atomic Books, and The Golden West. She's even already met a junkie on Falls Road! Baby Hawker is officially a Hampdenite!

Over the past year, Hawker has appreciated Hampden in myriad ways. It's a neighborhood that changes with you. From the magical way R2V's bathroom seems to attract drunken late-night shenanigans (before I got pregnant) to the loveliness of Wyman Park as the perfect walking spot for pregnant ladies trying to walk their way into labor, and now the way GW is baby-friendly (but you can still have a beer)--Hampden doesn't disappoint.

To come today is a list of things Hawker (and maybe you) missed while Hawker was otherwise occupied. . .

Somewhere to Amble on this 80 Degree Day

2008-04-18T13:12:00.004-04:00

Hawker loves it when folks come visit her in Hampden--they usually think that Baltimore is just the Inner Harbor and are shocked at Smalltimore's real treasures. Yesterday, a couple of her cousins were in town and Hampden charmed the socks off them. Hampden highlights of their visit included brunch at The Golden West (Is there anybody that doesn't love their pancakes?), a stop at Atomic Books, and New System Bakery doughnuts before their send-off this morning. (Oh, and unrelated to Hampden, but still noteworthy, the O's won last night in a come-back highlighted by PERFECT baseball weather.)

The best, best Hampden highlight though was actually visiting the Jones Falls of Falls Road. I had heard about a little observation deck down Falls Road after it dips under I-83, but I'd never been there. (This deck, of course, is courtesy of a Rouse.) But going south, just before the salt truck loading docks is a little sign on your right and a path leading down to the falls. It's lovely and peaceful and you can't believe that you are smack dab in the middle of the city.

Patty Boh on Flickr has a photo narrative of this spot, but on a beautiful day like today, why not check out the falls in person?

Where's Hawker?

2008-04-18T13:04:00.002-04:00

Her'es gossip about Hawker:

She's preggers!

And she's nearing the end of her "strangers unashamedly asking her about intimate details of her life" period and closing in on the stage of her life where everything focuses on poop and boobs.

She's had a tough couple of weeks, but all is well & she'll do her best to keep you informed until the newest Hampdenite makes her appearance.

The Newest Bar in Hampden

2008-03-27T10:06:00.002-04:00

Yes, the Atomic Books blog scooped Hawker, but nonetheless. . .

Dogwood now has a bar! They've added a carefully selected wine list (overseen by sommelier Matt Carroll,) house-made cocktails (not sure what that one means--I mean, gin and tonics I make at home are "house-made," right?) They've also added a small plate menu. Bar and small plates available weekdays until 10 p.m. and Fridays & Saturdays until midnight.

Hawker can't wait to try it. It will be nice to have an upscale bar with a nice wine list as an evening option.

Man Down

2008-03-26T10:14:00.002-04:00

This morning at about 9:05 a.m., police, the fire department and paramedics converged at Falls & 36th to assist a fallen man laying in the middle of the road. He was on his back on 36th right at the intersection of Falls.

It was unclear what caused him to be there, but it looked serious. Hawker's sending him all the good thoughts she's got.

Fishing Yard Sale!

2008-03-25T10:22:00.002-04:00

Spotted on The Avenue

Just Overheard at Common Ground

2008-03-24T15:58:00.002-04:00

Young Woman says. . .

"If you can find me an anonymous Mexican sperm donor, please, go ahead."

Long pause.

"I'm not even joking."

Monday Restaurant Round-Up!

2008-03-24T10:53:00.002-04:00

Be kind, Hawker's not a food writer, and as her current reading is Ruth Reichl's Garlic and Sapphires, this is becoming even clearer to her.

1. GRANO
Hawker tried Grano (the new pasta bar at 1030 W. 36th a while back.) They were just getting started, so things still seemed earnest, but in need of some tweaking. The final verdict is good, but not great. The place looks adorable. The simple paint job out front and the spruce-up inside make Grano cozy and welcoming. There's a bar with maybe 10 seats or so, and a few high tables laid out around the edges of the restaurant; the window table, FYI, is the bomb for Hampden peoplewatching. The service was friendly, and the prices are reasonable. (See the menu above.) However, the pasta is dried (not fresh,) and the sauces are good, but not great. The garlic bread was indeed garlicky, but more like my midwestern Mom would make (again, still good,) but not like you might expect from a real Italian. My dining companion did enjoy the meatballs.

Grano seems perfectly poised for takeout though, and for under four dollars, you can get some of their sauce for takeout. Add a couple of extras, go home and boil your own dried pasta, and you've got a quick dinner that's far cheaper than going out (Total: $10-$15) and can fool anyone you're cooking for into thinking you're actually cooking.

2. DOGWOOD
Hawker also hit the Dogwood on Friday night, and once again, the place failed to disappoint. The food there is truly inspired and after two fantastic and fresh meals in a row, I'm convinced this place is one of Baltimore's gems. (My dining companion finds the decor a little 1970's California and prefers the Woodberry Kitchen, but Hawker respectfully disagrees.) Things that sound odd (beet and cabbage risotto) taste new and perfect in Galen Sampson's hands. The honey-graham Sylvan Beach ice cream is also Hawker's new favorite flavor. The service is exemplary and honest, and Sampson was recently featured on CNN because of his commitment to his other venture: Chefs in the Making, a culinary training program that offers jobs and education to people who've been homeless, incarcerated or have struggled with addiction.

3. ROCKET TO VENUS
Then, Hawker dined at Rocket to Venus Saturday night. Hawker loves this place, and a recently received break-down of VISA expenses from 2007 will serve as evidence to prove this, but the food hasn't inspired her the way it has others. Salad was good, Dangerously Delicious Pie was fine, but vegetarian entrees there leave her cold. The Szechuan Noodles felt like they'd been sitting for a while, and the tofu was way overcooked. My dining companion, however, had a shrimp linguine that was so delicious, however, that she was tempted to drink the broth left in her bowl after she'd eaten everything practically edible. I feel like I just don't get R2V's food like everyone else does, but I'll keep trying. What I do like about R2V, however, is when the waitress came back to take my hardly eaten entree away, I did say that I didn't like the dish. I was nice, and I expected nothing. I think I said that it just wasn't to my taste, and not only did she offer to bring me something else, when the bill came, I saw that she hadn't charged me for the dish. So R2V gets a nod for thoughtful service.

4. MCCABE'S
Elizabeth Large likes McCabe's a lot, though she's concerned about prices.

Ok, Hampdenites, discuss!

A Query and Real News

2008-03-18T12:01:00.003-04:00

Does it freak out any other Hampdenites that seagulls hang out in the Falls Road Rite-Aid parking lot and fight over findings from the trash?

In real Hampden News, the Falls Road shortcut (Falls Road south of 33rd) is open again! For Hampdenites who miss getting to The Charles in 5 minutes, rejoice!

NHBA: Mama Cucina

2008-03-13T11:52:00.003-04:00

A tipster sent in this photo of a notice placed in the window of the old Allissa's in the stripmall next to the Superfresh.

It's hard to read from the reflection, but Hawker went by yesterday to check it out. Mama Cucina is nearly set to open, and the place was buzzing. Plus the notice indicates an application for outdoor seating--not the most scenic spot, but still outdoor dining (to Hawker) is part of keeping street life vibrant and Hawker welcomes it (even in front of strip mall.)

If you're a Northern cop, please plan to be in Hampden Wednesday morning.

2008-03-10T09:14:00.004-04:00

So Hampden has recently been targeted for new (selective) enforcement of loitering laws. Some folks have spoken out on this issue--not necessarily criticizing the loitering law itself, but rather, questioning the populations targeted by the new enforcement. Of particular concern is the real loitering problem in Hampden that still is not being addressed, and the police's continued message that they don't have the people-power to beef up presence around the holidays, at neighborhood street fairs, in response to the recent crime wave, etc.

Everyone knows that there have been EIGHT recent Hampden business break-ins, right?

Don't misinterpret here: Hawker does not disrespect the police. Police officers have the hardest jobs in Baltimore. However, we should be able to talk openly about community issues.

Well, apparently, during First Friday two nights ago, several Hampden establishments were treated to surprise health inspections! Hawker understands (and totally supports!) health inspections, but I understand from a reliable source that inspections on a Friday night and having inspectors accompanied by police is quite unusual (and was intimidating to many business owners.)

Let's hope there are some city and police representatives at the Hampden Village Merchants Association meeting this Wednesday. All key folks have been invited (or are welcome to send representatives.) It seems like honest and direct communication is needed here in order to balance police and community concerns.

Some Reasons to Haul Out the Umbrella and Plastic Booties Tonight

2008-03-07T15:39:00.004-05:00

What's shakin' tonight, Hampden?

It's raining, but unless, you're lame: Get out! There's a ton of things a-happenin'.

1. Check out this nice article in the City Paper about the Vinylmore exhibition at Atomic Pop. It opens tonight at 8 p.m.!

2. If that's not enough art, you can catch an opening reception for a new show at Antreasian Gallery tonight from 6-9 p.m. "Deviant Artists," which runs through March 28th, features the work of new works by "punk rocker Steven Archer and New York Artist Adam Collison.

3. You could get started with a beer tasting at The Wine Source from 4:30-7:30 p.m.

4. Hungry? Oysters are just $3 a plate tonight after 5 pm at Hon Bar.

Why were you going to stay in again?

Watch it Frazier's Patrons!

2008-03-07T13:06:00.004-05:00

This story in today's Examiner was also picked up by NPR this morning (though NPR referred to comments made by Benn Ray, president of the Hampden Village Merchants Association, they oddly didn't mention him by name.)

From the article: "Hampden bar owners said they were shocked last week when police began warning patrons to move 150 feet away from the entrance of bars they were patronizing or face loitering charges."

The issue, of course, is that Hampden has a legitimate loitering problem--but folks who are grabbing five minutes to have a cigarette outside a bar or restaurant are not the problem.

What about the drug addicts & dealers and the prostitutes that loiter around the 7-11 or up Falls Road to 38th? What about the folks waiting for the drug taxi to pick them up in front of THE LIBRARY? If you live, work or frequently travel through this area of Hampden, you know exactly what I'm talking about, and most of us familiar with that area can even offer license plate numbers of the drug taxis and describe disturbing violent incidents caused by these folks.

Hawker's not saying loitering laws are bad, but Hawker does question the choice of who is targeted under these laws.

The Mayor, The Baltimore City Police Department and City Council representatives have been invited to the next Hampden Village Merchants Association Meeting on Wednesday, March 12 to discuss this issue. We'll see how that conversation goes.

Feel free to discuss the issue now here.

Hawkered!

2008-03-06T18:23:00.003-05:00

Today in van news: Cats Rule!

Hawkered at 37th & Roland: 1:45 p.m. today.

Yuca came home!

2008-03-06T15:53:00.002-05:00

From Yuca's owners & upgraded from comments:

"Everyone...

Yuca was returned this morning!

She was found on Roland ave., being almost hit by a car. She was taken in for the night. And the SPCA was called this moring where we got Yuca returned home.

Thanks to everyone in Hampden who listened, looked and helped. In the last 24 hours, I got to see that amazing side of Hampden's community that we forget about from time to time...And special thanks to the girl who returned her today from Roland ave!... (I forgot her name in all the confusion of seeing yuca again..)

I appreciate everones concerns and help. My 2 Weimaraners are reunited and we'll be back for our daily trips to Wyman park every morning!

Vic & Erin"

Lost Dog!

2008-03-06T11:20:00.002-05:00

From a reader:

"Hi, Our dog Yuca, a full-bred weimaraner, female, about 60 lbs., got out of our backyard yesterday and has been missing since 5:30 pm. We live in Hampden--she was last seen near Hampden Elementary School. We take her and our other dog, her brother, to Wyman Park every single morning so she may be around that area."

Details:
All-gray weimaraner, female, about 60 lbs.
Last seen Wednesday, March 5th, near Hampden Elementary at 5:15 p.m.
Answers to "Yuca" (pronounced You-ca)
She is well-loved, very friendly and extremely missed!

Please call Vic or Erin ASAP with any information.
410-889-1758
443-610-6979
829 Union Ave. Hampden

Erin can also be emailed at: erinmaryg@gmail.com

Spread the word!

REWARD

Hawker has a photo, but Blogger won't let her upload any right now--I'll try again later.

Vinylmore at Atomic Pop

2008-03-06T11:08:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow night is the opening night of Atomic Pop's new exhibition: Vinylmore--and the first art toy show in Baltimore!

The premise is the bomb. Atomic Pop asked area artists to take blank, vinyl toys, and use them as a sort of 3D template to create their own artwork on. Over 50 artists (including illustrators, sculptors, photographers, painters, graphic designers, tattooists, graffiti artists, fine artists, and more) responded to the challenge.

Join the opening celebration tomorrow night!

Friday, March 7
Vinylmore
Atomic Pop
3620 Falls Road
8:00 p.m.
FREE
Show runs through March 31.

Participants include: JUSTIN BLEMLY, STEPHEN BLICKENSTAFF, MICHAEL BRACCO, MELVIN BRADLEY, CATHLEEN BROOKS, BEN CLAASSEN III, DATEK, SEAN DAVIDSON, MING DOYLE, TY FINOCCHIARO, SCOTT FISHPAW, JIMMY FOO, MARIAH GILLIS, JOSHUA GRIFFIN, BRANDON HILL, SAM HOLMES, JORDAN JEFFRIES, JEREMINUS, CHRIS KEATON, DANIEL KRALL, HAWK KRALL, JIM LASHER, JOE LATHE-VITALE, THE LOTUS ASSASSIN, JOE MEYER, SHI MONSTA, STEVE MORRIS, CARL NEILSON, NOS4A2, STEPHEN JOHN PHILLIPS, JOEY POTTS, MARC RALEY, BRIAN RALPH, MICHAEL SACHSE, JONATHAN Z. SEDER, WHITNEY SHERMAN, KEVIN SHERRY, TONY SHORE, DAVE SOBEL, STUART SPENGLER, NOLEN STRALS, S4NDM4N, SCOTT SUGIUCHI, RYAN CECIL SMITH, SIMONE THORNTON, TODDFATHER, SARA TOMKO, TWIT©H, ANDREA VITALE-LATHE, BRUCE WILLEN, AYUMI YASUDA, YOINK, JEREMY ZOMBIE... and others still TBA!

(Photo of work by Whitney Sherman taken by Rachel Whang)

Hawker bobs up out of the water.

2008-03-06T10:56:00.002-05:00

Hawker's been tired. Very, very tired. If you know her, you know why. If you don't, just know that you'd get a free pass too for being lazy if you were her.

Hawker's trying to resurface. So look today for a triumphant return with loads of posts--just like real gossip blogs!

It's been a slow February.

2008-02-26T22:44:00.004-05:00

Ok, Hampdenites, sometimes Hawker really, really wants to update, but she feels like posting recycled stories about the infamous Hampden bus attack from mainstream media outlets or random blog posts bitching about customer service at Hampden's finest sex shop are cop-outs.

So Hawker's left with two options:

1) Post exciting news like this:

"The Hampden Community Council's Education Committee has an email address so you can express your concerns about the area schools. The email address is hampdeneducation@ comcast.net"

or

2) Dig for deets:

The director of the Hampden Family Center left? Anyone got deets?

Or I guess I could just ask you folks to tell me what's up.

Where's This?

2008-02-19T09:26:00.002-05:00

This just in from a reader:

"Located on Roland Ave between 41st and 36th st. In the heart of Hampden, yet most people never see it. Do you know where it is?"

EASY! The Hampden Knight is outside St. Mary's Outreach Center (home of the Nearly New Shop and Baltimore Shakespeare Festival--one of only three professional theatres in Baltimore!)

Your Public Radio (As long as you're not too Baltimore-centric)

2008-02-19T09:19:00.006-05:00

Not totally Hampden-centric, but Hampden-related as Marc Steiner now calls Hampden his work home & Hawker knows loads of Hampdenites who were seriously disturbed by WYPR's recent firing of Steiner. Well, WYPR is having a meeting tomorrow where you can speak your mind about this issue.

There's a WYPR Community Advisory Board (CAB) meeting tomorrow:
Wednesday, February 20th
7-9 p.m.
Meyerhoff Auditorium
Baltimore Museum of Art
10 Art Museum Drive
Baltimore MD 21218

The doors open at 6:30, and it will be first-come, first-seated.
There will be a sign up sheet available inside the auditorium for anyone who wants to speak to the CAB.

Go here for more information.

This just in from the "How Corporations Waste Their Time" Department. . .

2008-02-18T19:42:00.003-05:00

From Sunday's Sun:

"It's Chow down for good in Hampden

A woman launched a small pet supply store in Hampden a few years ago, and she's been so successful that she's moving to a much bigger location in the neighborhood.

Sounds like an upbeat small business story. And it is, but for Purina's claim on the word "chow."

The upshot: Chow, Baby! pet supply is saying "ciao" to its name.

"It has recently come to our attention that your company is using "CHOW, BABY!" as a company name and service mark," reads a letter from St. Louis attorney Thomas Polcyn on behalf of Purina. "Such uses of 'CHOW, BABY!' in connection with the sale and distribution of pet food, pet treats, and other pet-related products is likely to cause confusion with Purina's CHOW trademarks, and dilutes the distinctive quality of those marks."

Store owner Robin McDonald got the letter way back in September 2004, when she'd been open less than a year.

"I didn't want to start all over," she said. "I called Bowie & Jensen. They said I could fight it but it would cost $12,000 to $15,000 and I'd have a 50-50 chance of keeping the name."

She kept the name anyway, hoping to stay under the Purina radar by pulling down her Web site. The strategy has worked. McDonald hasn't heard again from Purina lawyers (who didn't return my call Friday).

But McDonald feels she needs to get a Web site going again. So she's trying to come up with a new name for the store by the time it moves in late March.

She's offering a $100 gift card for the best name (hampdenpets@gmail.com). Just don't try trading it in for Purina chow. The store doesn't carry the stuff."

No Trash on Monday

2008-02-16T09:59:00.004-05:00

A Hampdenite alerted me to this, so Hawker's assuming that some Hampdenites may have Monday trash pick-up (not true for Hawker's residence.) However, Hawker couldn't confirm this as you can't get basic information from the Baltimore's Department of Public Works - Bureau of Solid Waste website. Let's say you went there because you were wondering "What are my trash pick up days?" You'd have to call 311! Way to go Baltimore efficiency! Plus, while we're on the subject, why does the city think I love downloading .pdf's so much?

Avenue Business Break-In

2008-02-15T11:12:00.004-05:00

There indeed has been a rash of break-in's on The Avenue, and yesterday, Charlotte Elliott was the victim.

Hawker has details, but for obvious reasons, doesn't plan to post here how the thieves managed to break in. They took a very small amount of cash, but a significant value of goods from the store.

This on Valentine's Day! Considering the owner was hoping for a day full of desperate men looking for that perfect last-minute gift, this theft hurt hard.

A big brass band is coming to your town. How could you stay home?

2008-02-14T17:37:00.003-05:00

Do you like marching bands? Because seriously, who doesn't? I know one Hampdenite whose dream it is to have a marching band at her funeral. Hawker keeps telling her to get the marching band for her wedding or some other celebration that will happen while she's LIVING and can enjoy it, and this weekend, that Hampdenite gets to live a little of her dream.

A big brass band is coming to The Avenue tomorrow night!

And there's going to be monkeys! (Well, at least Chop Chop the falling apart chimp is going to be there.)

What Cheer? Brigade is playing at the Lo-Fi Social Club tomorrow (Friday, February 15,) and before the show, they're coming to Hampden to play a free show outside Atomic Books from 5-6 p.m. What Cheer? Brigade is a 19-piece renegade brass band from Providence, RI, featuring artist William Schaff (best known for the cover illustrations he's done for Okkervil River, Godspeedyou Black Emperor, and others.)

At the Lo-Fi Social Club later that night, What Cheer? Brigade will be playing with Secret Crush Society, which is fronted by Hampdenite and marching band lover Lisa!

NHBA: One The Wellness Spa

2008-02-14T14:08:00.002-05:00

So a couple of Friday's ago, Hawker attended the grand opening celebration of One The Wellness Spa, which is located in Bikram Yoga Hampden (911 W. 36th Street, above Dogwood.) At the event, the crowd was "liberal Hampden upscale" and though Hawker was tempted to swipe a beer to take down to her dinner date at Dogwood (where the gnocchi was perfectly melty and the atmosphere just right,) she resisted.

Here is the price list distributed at the event. The offerings are limited at the moment--it's really just massage, but perhaps expansion of services to really live up to the "spa" name is part of the long-term plan.

The prices are pretty much at market rate, FYI. At the moment, they seem to be offering special packages of massage and Bikram yoga bundled together. Bikram yoga is not Hawker's thing--it's too hot and regimented for my taste--but I know many practitioners who SWEAR by it, including Monica--Hampden's superstar marathon runner, so maybe it just might be your thing!

The space is simple, but serene. (The flooring is lovely, FYI.) Who knew a view of a Hampden parking lot could be so peaceful?

Hampden Real Estate: Dreams v. Reality

2008-02-13T10:40:00.001-05:00

Here's one for you:

Hampden Food Market was recently offered $600,000 CASH for the building, but they said no.

They're holding out for $1,000,000.

Marc Steiner: Welcome to Hampden!

2008-02-13T09:36:00.004-05:00

As is old news now, Marc Steiner was recently fired from WYPR. Hawker usually tries not to get political here, but this was a crap firing--motivated by a leader who doesn't get the concept of local programming and a corporate--rather than a non-profit--mindset. What about what's really best for Baltimore's PUBLIC radio station? Basta.

However, apparently Marc has secured an office in Hampden to begin his pursuit of new projects. His Center for Emerging Media has produced the "Just Words" series on YPR--an amazing series that features just Baltimore folks talking about their lives. What a novel idea--listening to the people!

So, if you see Marc, tell him we're glad he's here. Welcome him to Hampden!

Don't forget to vote!

2008-02-12T14:27:00.000-05:00

Today is the presidential primary, and if you're registered with a party affiliation, you won't want to miss it.

Polls are open until 8 p.m., and when Hawker was at Robert Poole at 12 noon, there were no lines and friendly poll workers. Hawker was voter #173 for the day, and this number already represented more than the number of folks who turned out for the general election at that polling place back in November.

Let your voice be heard!

Hawker Explains Herself

2008-02-11T09:57:00.000-05:00

Ok, Hampdenites. Hawker, believe it or not, does more than just blog. Her day job requires this thing every so often, where she gets locked in dark rooms for 12-14 hours a day for a full week. Last week was one of those weeks. Today, Hawker emerges. (I know, I know, you're saying: Why doesn't Hawker TELL us that she's going to be away for a while? Well, it's like this: the stress of those special weeks is such that if it's not on fire, I can't deal with it--and I mean it's got to be ON FIRE and threatening lives, not just smoldering or shooting up a flame or two.)

So what's up, Hampden?

I've been hearing the following:

1. A pasta bar is coming to Hampden! It will be in the old Maria's space on The Avenue, and with lots of painting and sprucing up of the space, it looks as if it will open soon. (Pasta bar makes Hawker think of things like spaghettitinis and penneritas, but I don't think that's the idea.)

2. El Rancho Grande is now OFFICIALLY open.

3. The smoking ban has taken full effect, and though reviews are mixed. Most Hampdenites & bar hoppers Hawker knows are happy--though the special late-night odors at Frazier's are no longer masked by the smell of cigarette smoke.

4. There have been some reports of muggings at gunpoint in Hampden--one even near the busy Falls Road & 36th intersection.

5. Businesses on The Avenue have been experiencing a rash of break-ins in the past few weeks--FOUR that Hawker knows of.

6. Common Ground raised its coffee prices.

7. One The Wellness Spa opened in the Bikram Yoga space. (Hawker attended the opening party, so a full report is coming.)

8. Lovelyarns wants to teach you how to knit!

9. Tomorrow is voting day!

10. Hawker's back.

Good Morning Zissimo's!

2008-02-03T09:33:00.000-05:00

Photo from The Baltimore Sun

Yesterday, the Sun featured an article about the smoking ban that offered thoughts from Zissimo's patrons. (Zissimo's is the sight of an infamous game of an invisible doubledutch game with Davy Rothbart from Found Magazine and a slew of Hampdenites.)

While Shelia Dixon was across the street celebrating at Cafe Hon by dumping a bunch of old ashtrays into a trash can, 59-year-old Vietnam vet Mike Marine offered this at Zissimo's:

"We're going to turn into a communist country," he said. "This country was built on tobacco. I fought for this country and now they tell me I can't smoke. It's a violation of my First Amendment rights. You figure that on a Saturday or a Sunday people are going to want to smoke, especially if they're drunk."

Promoted from Comments: The Real Story on Thursday's Alleged Chemical/Weapons Stash

2008-02-02T21:35:00.000-05:00

So this recent post about Thursday's "chemical house" I cribbed from The Baltimore Sun. I just passed on the Sun news (and details I garnered from various news videos.)

Apparently, there's more to the story.

To follow are a reader's comments, and Hawker's heard other similar things from close sources:

"Actually, this home is owned by a friend of mine, and the whole thing was a misunderstanding (to put it mildly).

Bottom line: They are not thieves, not running a meth lab, not trafficking firearms, and not planning treachery involving hand grenades.

The homeowner is an antiques dealer. He hadn't stolen anything, and was able to quickly and effectively clear up that misunderstanding with the HoCo police.

However, while in his house, HoCo police saw suspicious-looking parts of weapons and were obligated to report that observation to City police. The parts of weapons were related to his active-duty training as a national guardsman. The grenade was an antique and was inactive. And the chemicals found that necessitated the evacuation were just common chemicals used to refinish furniture.

This family are long-time residents of Hampden, and are good friends and good neighbors who have done nothing wrong and who pose no threat to the neighborhood whatsoever. Police have a job to do and 9 times in 10 I'm glad they're there to do it; unfortunately, in this instance, it has resulted in undue and inordinate stress on a lovely family."

So, assuming this is closer to the truth, let's all feel for Jonathan S. Hollands, because his Thursday was WAY shittier than yours. I especially feel for him because of the "oh you know what Hampendites are like!" fodder the Thursday news stories became for lots of folks.

If you're a non-smoker, today is "Visit a New Bar" Day!

2008-02-01T09:50:00.000-05:00

Today is the day. No more smoking in Maryland bars, so tonight, you have no excuse not to go check out the treasures offered by Zissimo's or Griffiths.

How about you do this after a First Friday stroll in Hampden? The Wine Source will be tasting, Doubledutch will be discounting--you know the usual suspects, but why not get out and explore some new ones?

What happens when you keep hand grenades around and rob houses?

2008-01-31T21:52:00.000-05:00

Once again, Hawker's out of town when something big goes down. (This time, Hawker was visiting a relative in the hospital, so there will be no snarky comments about her lack of timely coverage.)

Serving an arrest warrant in Hampden, Baltimore police found a house full of "chemicals" and "weapons." The house was on the 3400 block of Roland Ave., and apparently, a couple of blocks surrounding the area were closed for hours. Plus, the five houses on either side of the chemical filled home were evacuated for a while.

Items found inside included a machine gun, an inert hand grenade, chemicals used for gold finishing and material that may have been an inert explosive. Cops are denying the meth lab rumors, but not emphatically so.

The homeowner was identified as Jonathan S. Hollands, 39. Police had originally gone to the home to serve Hollands with an arrest warrant for stolen household items.

Another Super-Mini Blog Round-Up

2008-01-29T17:22:00.001-05:00

Enjoy some random blogs to tide you over until Hawker's got news!

1. Some great photos from the Plunging Hons happy hour at Cafe Hon last week!

2. Philly's Best secret ingredient is salt!

3. Once again, R2V's fried pickles win over another diner.

4. Oh, and did you know that R2V has "an old soul, exotica vibe?" Well, it does!

Random Food (& Drink!) News Round-Up

2008-01-21T17:23:00.001-05:00

Argh! Hawker is behind on updating. Blame it on an out-of-town job over the weekend.

So, let's talk food as a way of apology, shall we?

1. Soup's On has wireless.

2. New System Bakery is now open on Sunday's from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Their doughnuts are still made with crack, and they still serve breakfast sandwiches all day long.

3. The Wine Source now carries Dangerously Delicious Pies--both sweet and savory! Only problem is that the case designed to hold them (and to keep the pies cold) is having all kinds of issues, so: no pies today. However, help is on the way, and I was assured that the plan is to fix the case ASAP and to have pies everyday. Oh, and you can try FREE pie and meet DDP's founder and owner Rodney "The Pie Man" Henry at The Wine Source's winter beer tasting this weekend: Friday January 25, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday January 26, 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.

4. El Rancho Grande (Hampden's newest coffee shop located on Falls Road right at 36th Street) is apparently open! It seems to be open 2-9 p.m. on Sundays and 2 or 3 p.m.-2 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Hawker promises a visit and report soon!

5. Ground Control (Hampden's 2nd newest coffee shop located in the Rotunda) is open, and they're hiring. There's wireless and pastries from local bakeries. They're open Monday through Friday 7 a.m.–5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Check out Ground Control before a matinee at the Rotunda!

6. Even with all of Hampden's ever-expanding beverage options, some people still can't get a decent chai. Someone, help her!