On April 19th, I went to Baltimore City for another student government event, "Day of Service". Some members of the SGA and I took a trip downtown to the Amazing Grace Church to start a project for making a garden outside. The Amazing Port Street Garden was a project that the church came up with two years ago, but it was neglected for a long time because of other things that were happening, perhaps. Now, they're starting up the project again with some help of the church staff and children in the neighborhood. It not only gives children something useful to do, but it can also keep them off the streets.
In an article by Katel that I found in my community college's CQ Researcher, Baltimore is one of the leading cities that have a very high violent crime rate, particularly homicide. Governor O'Malley is making efforts to reduce crime and has been since he was the former mayor, but there could me even more advances we can take to lower the crime rate even further. Children need activities and friends as well as education. They need older people to set good examples for them.
When the SGA and some other participants from my community college, CCBC Essex, came to assist with the project, everyone was excited to help. We got a little dirty- mowing the lawn, pulling out weeds, planting pansies (I've had experience with planting flowers. My mom and I used to plant flowers in our front yard together years ago. So I had some experience.), tilling, replacing soil, and watering the plants. We were successful in re starting the program to make this new garden beautiful and the church is well on its way to continue its legacy.
The next initiative we have to improve our community is... ice cream. On May 2nd, we're holding our end of the year picnic with an ice cream social. Food, dancing, music, games, airbrush tatoos, and ice cream. The ice cream is provided by the Sylvan Beach ice cream company, which proceeds benefit at risk youth in Baltimore City. There are ice cream places from that organization all around Maryland, I think. And they even make the ice cream! Mmmmm... I can't wait to have some. This will be- cool. (haha)
I'll report more on the SGA later. I can't believe I have so many things to do and the year is almost over! I'm sad! This is the very last semester I have before I transfer. I know I've said that too many times, have I? Sorry in advance.
