Kick off the Inaugural Baltimore Grand Prix with a four-course wine dinner presented by Adobe Road Winery owner and founder of The Racer’s Group Kevin Buckler.  Tickets $125/pp and proceeds benefit local charities including Boy Scouts of America and Catholic Charities.
410-547-8255 | www.mortons.com

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July/August 2011 ]]> http://www.charmedmag.com/6046/julyaugust-2011/feed/ http://www.charmedmag.com/5885/the-baltimore-grand-prix-festival-of-speed/ http://www.charmedmag.com/5885/the-baltimore-grand-prix-festival-of-speed/#comments Fri, 01 Jul 2011 21:08:52 +0000 admin http://www.charmedmag.com/?p=5885 Approximately two and a half years ago, Jay Davidson formed Baltimore Racing Development (BRD) to raise funds to bring a “Grand Prix” style street race to Baltimore. During the upcoming Labor Day weekend, BRD’s vision will be showcased at the inaugural Baltimore Grand Prix Festival of Speed. Jay and his team have contributed significant resources to get to this point.

“This is a group of… I mean it’s 90% local Baltimore Maryland folks who have put their own money towards this project. People have really put themselves, their money and their efforts into this because [we] are tired of the way Baltimore has been characterized. This is going to be a great opportunity to brand the City in a different way… as a city that can host big events,” noted Jay, BRD’s President.

The Baltimore Grand Prix Festival of Speed includes a variety of events over the Labor Day weekend, from September 2 through September 4. Former Secretary of State Colin Powell is the event’s Grand Marshall and will be leading opening ceremonies. Events include the IZOD IndyCar Series, the Firestone Indy Lights Series, the American Le Mans Series, the Star Mazda Series, the F2000 Championship, concerts, action sports demos, and interactive games. The IZOD IndyCar Series takes place on Sunday and features world famous drivers such as Danica Patrick, Helio Castroneves, Dan Wheldon, and Marco Andretti. Saturday’s highlight event is the American Le Mans Series, during which sports car manufacturers such as Porsche, Ferrari, and Chevrolet battle to be the first at the winner’s circle.

Beyond the actual races, attendees have several other forms of entertainment to enjoy:
-Interactive Racing Zone - This area will house the IZOD IndyCar Fan Zone, a go kart track, and a radio controlled car track.
-Family Fun Zone - Games and activities geared towards families, including rock climbing walls, video games, clowns, games and more.
-Party Zone - Will host several live musical events
-Paddock - Located in the lower level of the Baltimore Convention Center, the Paddock area is to drivers what locker rooms are for athletes.  The Paddock allows fans to get close to the drivers, cars, and the race teams.

The Baltimore Grand Prix Festival of Speed is sanctioned by the Indy Racing League (IRL) whose season includes races on traditional oval tracks, including the world famous Indianapolis 500, and on temporary “Grand Prix” street tracks. BRD secured a 5-year contract from the IRL as opposed to the more typical 3-year contract for other cities in IRL’s circuit. Jay attributes this success to Baltimore’s mid-Atlantic location (which is strategically important for the IRL), broad streets in the downtown area (the track traverses 2.1 miles primarily through downtown), the Inner Harbor, and transportation and highway infrastructure.

From the beginning, Jay and his team made partnering with the Baltimore community a top priority for BRD. BRD has committed funds to help neighborhoods (surrounding the track) pay for beautification and post-event cleanup. The Company is also partnering with Baltimore’s Summer Learning Initiative program. BRD will showcase soapbox derby cars made by students and will host a few thousand students at grandstands during the event. Yet another area that BRD focuses on is partnerships with local minority owned businesses. Building the track has a diverse set of requirements, and from generator suppliers, to welders, to fencing specialists, BRD has focused its contracting efforts on local businesses that reflect Baltimore’s population. “We are trying to use as much representation as we can in the businesses that we work with… When the events start, there will probably be about 40 local minority businesses that helped to put the track together, ” said Pete Collier, BRD’s Chief Operating Officer. One contractor that has benefited from BRD is Best Fence, a provider of commercial fencing solutions.

“Pete did his homework and then reached out to us. It is clear that BRD understands the value that partnering with local small business will have. My contract with BRD will enable me to increase my staff by about 20%. The visibility we will get from the Baltimore Grand Prix will lead to a substantial amount of business going forward,” said Barry Curtis, President of Best Fence.

The Baltimore Grand Prix will feature some of the largest green initiatives in car racing history. Chichi Nyagah-Nash, BRD’s Director of Special Projects, said, “We have a goal of being the greenest race in the country within the next five years.” The cars in the American Le Mans series run on alternative fuels and will even feature a car - powered by an animal fat derivative - that actually won a race! Recycling stations will be plentiful and BRD will have a team to educate attendees as to the differences between compostable and recycling containers. There will be no glass containers at the event, all cups will be made from compostable materials, and all beverages will be sold in aluminum cans.

BRD expects attendance at the Baltimore Grand Prix to exceed 100,000, with an estimated economic boost of $70 million to the city. Baltimore – Start Your Engines!

By Sean Whittle

*For More Information, please visit www.baltimoregrandprix.com

Brian has experienced firsthand the needs of critically ill children and their families, whether it be a small gift to brighten their day or updating equipment to make sure they are receiving the best care possible. In 2006 he held the first annual Brian’s Baseball Bash to benefit the UMCH and with the overwhelming generosity and support of the community BBB has raised over $750,000. Brian and his wife Diana have also established the One For All Fund to further support the UMCH.

Brian recently took the time to catch up with Charmed and answer questions from a local high school student.

Charmed | Were your parents concerned about you playing sports after your surgery as a child?
Brian |  I’m sure there was some caution or concern as I started back playing after my surgery but I think with the doctors guidance we were assured everything would be o.k.

Charmed | What is your most memorable baseball moment?
Brian | Playing in the last game at Yankee Stadium.

Charmed | If there were any other position that you would want to play what would it be?
Brian | Catcher.

Charmed | What’s your typical meal before or after a baseball game?
Brian | Whatever my wife cooks!

Charmed | Do you have any rituals that you do before a game or any lucky charms that you carry with you during a game?
Brian | I’m not very superstitious but I always pray before the game.

Charmed | What was your best personal moment on the field?
Brian | Starting the 2005 All Star game.

Charmed | Who is your favorite player of all time (any sport)?
Brian | Michael Jordan.

Charmed | If you could coach a kids team, what lasting impression would you want to leave them?
Brian | Play hard and have fun!

On Sunday, July 24th, 2011, Brian will host the 6th annual Brian’s Baseball Bash at Dave and Buster’s at Arundel Mills. Fans will have the opportunity to mingle with Brian, other Orioles players and local sports stars. Your support of this year’s event will benefit 3 programs at UMCH: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Expansion, Clinical Research and Child Life Programs.

For more information, please visit www.officialbrianroberts.com/foundation or www.ummsfoundation.org

In 2003 Chris began to pursue another passion—designing and renovating houses in the city. He and builder Jay Holsey co-own Urban Space Developers which is focused on green building. Together, they have completed over 20 renovations with most of them in Union Square. Their latest project at 1325 W. Lombard Street takes green building to new levels. “You are sitting in a brand new house with all new joists, all new framing … but we are reusing a lot of the original details. We strive to build a modern house - that functions with all the high efficiency dual flush toilets, tankless water systems, and high efficiency furnaces; and then reuse as many products as we can to develop something that is truly unique,” says Chris. The floors on the first level of the 2,800 square foot house are from the original roof. Painstaking care was used to remove roof layers, which were then hand cut, hand nailed and refinished. The beam systems at the entrance area, window sills, mantle, and door trims were all made from the original joists. All paints, glues and other products used on the project contain either no or low volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Even the tiles on some of the bathroom walls are made from hand cut reused roof shingles.

Chris does his part to help the local economy by partnering with local businesses and contractors for his green renovations.

To learn more about Urban Space Developers, visit their website at www.greenurbanluxury.com.

For those patrons who enjoy an active sports bar atmosphere with a friendly and gregarious barkeep, the lower level provides many opportunities to keep up with the latest sporting events (on several 55” screen TVs) while enjoying your favorite beverages. There are two open triple-sized windows near the bar area, and Mark and I noticed the bartender greeting pedestrians strolling along the sidewalk on several occasions. Couples will enjoy the more intimate atmosphere and comfortable seating of the up- per level piano bar where good music, fine wine and intimate conversations can be had while in a relaxing environment. The pianists are versed in a wide variety of musical genres and do take requests.

For those with an appetite or just looking for a light appetizer, Te Amo has a great selection of delicious tapas inspired menu items to choose from. Tapas plates are in the $10 to $14 range and are larger than one would typically expect - I was stuffed after just two plates. Satisfying portions of fresh lump crab meat served in warm lemon garlic butter can be had at both the bar and the tables which line the original natural brick wall. Additional menu items include Caesar and antipasto salads (there are five to choose from ranging from $5 to $12), meatball and tortilla dippers, and fresh grilled Mahi Mahi tacos with a chipotle crème sauce to name a few. Rounding the menu off is a selection of dessert drinks and sweet treats. Mark and I would have definitely gone for the French vanilla orange cake topped with mandarin oranges if we weren’t so full.

The purist of heart may take exception with the overall Spanish theme but there is no deny- ing the overriding intent and goal of Te Amo’s owners to provide a pleasant locale to watch a game or just relax and enjoy an intimate conversation in a comfortable environment.

Pat Moran, a member of the Casting Society of America (C.S.A.) and the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, is a recipient of one of the industry’s highest honors, the prime-time EMMY (1997) for casting the NBC series “Homicide: Life on the Streets”. Pat was also twice honored with the C.S.A.’s highest achievement– the Artios - for HBO’s “The Wire” in 2003 and “Something the Lord Made” in 2004.

An experienced casting director and producer, Pat is originally from Catonsville, an eternal Baltimore native, who grew up in the moviemaking world of Maryland, learning the ropes alongside fellow film icons and Maryland residents, John Waters and Divine.

PM | It all started here as an underground film movement, we were making it up as we went. John called me his “Production Chief,” and I did what he needed on set. You know, the Hollywood Dream Machine make certain kinds of movies…we were all different, making different types of movies…we wanted to make something that was different from the dream machine, it didn’t have to be all Seven Brides For Seven Brothers.

During our interview, several people walk into the office and Pat, gregarious and ever-accessible, calls out: “Hey Marge, come on in hon” and proceeds to make good on what this writer will call the “Hon Promise” of providing honest, friendly and open service regardless of the time or the day. She carries on conversation with all of us, entertaining Marge and her friend whom she had brought up to the office to meet Pat, who had known her business (Divine Trash) and several related friends during the 1960’s and 70’s.

PM | I had an immediate love for it (film) but I didn’t think it would develop to where it would with an Emmy and the perks it has given me in terms of travel and things….never, never did I think that it would happen…I never thought that far ahead, I just never knew what I wanted to be when I grew up and now this is what it is.

Pat’s big break into national casting exposure came with her work with Barry Levinson and his film “Avalon” which led to her casting of “Homicide,” which Barry was also primary on. “It was my first big break into TV, it was Barry’s too,” but John told him about me, he had heard about my work through John and…here we are.”

CHARMED | So if you stumbled into this profession on the weekends, making films with John Waters, what do you think now of your work? Would you be doing something else if it wasn’t this?
PM | The lucky kid is the kid who in the first grade knows he wants to be a fireman and that’s what he does…that’s a lucky kid. The rest of us flounder around and become English Lit. majors and that’s it…I found this and it’s worked out, but if you told me then I would be a Casting Director I would have laughed.”

CHARMED | Pat, iconic as a symbol of the grit and artistry of Baltimore, gave me the real scoop on what makes Baltimore, Baltimore and why she is so proud of the city she grew up in:
PM | If you try to be pretentious and live in Baltimore you’ve got some major problems…I’ve never apologized for coming from here, from growing up in Baltimore, and no matter where people move they always come back to live or visit, it’s a really great place. Just ride through the neighborhoods….it’s a great thing to do and the people are so eccentric, they’re a little different, weird, but such good people. I love the people here….it’s a truthful place and it’s because of those people… The actors here are just as good as actors in New York or LA, they just have a different phone number, but the people make it worthwhile. I’ll put it this way— there’s no bullshit in Baltimore.”

Having worked with a who’s who of directors, actors, casting personnel and industry crew over her extensive career, Pat and her staff have been responsible for casting and navigating production for such hits as Homicide: Life On The Streets, Past Life, My One and Only, Wedding Crashers, The Corner, The Wire, Serial Mom, GEICO, the NFL, The Replacements, America’s Most Wanted, The American Red Cross, G.I. Jane, Crisis In The Hot Zone, Home For The Holidays, Runaway Bride and Cry Baby to name a few. Some of her most recent casting credits include: Possession (Eduardo Sanchez, writer/director of The Blair Watch Project’s new horror film), Game Change, Learning Uncle Vincent, VEEP, as well as a host of commercial and industrial projects.

CHARMED | Can you tell me a little about your family?
PM | I have four brothers, I’m the only sister— we’re Catholic, I’m a second generation, family was from Ireland. I have two children, a son who is a Props Master in New Orleans and a daughter who is a Production Manager on the set of “Damages” on FX. They grew up on sets, they were always around the business…they’ve turned out, and are doing very well so I’m happy.

CHARMED | What locations and places do you like around Baltimore?
PM | Baltimore has amazing architecture. I mean I live in Mt. Vernon, which is the next best thing to living in Europe. I could walk around and see the buildings all day. There’s great art at the BMA, the Walters. I love the Maryland Historical Society, there are lots of great museums and some great graveyards.”

CHARMED | I’ve got to ask, since you’re in the business of making movies, do you have a favorite?
PM | Absolutely. ‘Once Upon A Time In America’…Uncut.

CHARMED | Through the years of living and working in Baltimore, is there something else you’re proud of in terms of work you’ve done?
PM | I was the Theatre Program Manager at The Charles Theater. I’d play the movies that nobody else wanted to play. We were far from main- stream and people would complain, or picket, or whatever because they didn’t like it and I didn’t care…we played movies for people who wanted different options.”

CHARMED | When you’re not casting, running your office, what do you like to do?
PM | When I’m not wrapped up in all this, I like to retreat to my own house…where there are no phones…spend time with my husband…I like my house, I like my neighborhood (Mt. Vernon), I like to decompress and just be there, at home, away from it all. It’s my sanctuary.”

By Matthew J. Bowerman

Then, something interesting happened. I reached out, and people in Baltimore came out of the woodwork to help me. I got a freelance job starting immediately after my DC job ended. People gave me leads and connected me to friends they thought could help. Parents from our children’s school managed to get my resume on top of the pile at their places of work. I started appreciating how great Baltimore is. I joined LinkedIn groups like “Think Big Baltimore” and went to TEDx Baltimore and loved it. There were always things that I liked about Baltimore (watching the Kinetic Sculpture Race from a blanket in Patterson Park comes to mind), but now I have glimpsed a depth of community in this city that I’d over- looked. It’s a kind of frontier spirit—like we’re all here together and we’re happy to help, not compete with, one another.

So, true to the Baltimore I’ve come to know, a friend was happy to connect me with career and life coach, Darlene Cook. Darlene is a former corporate general manager with Lucent Technologies and AT&T with extensive experience spanning human resources, public relations, and sales. I have had several conversations with Darlene over the past few weeks as I continue my career journey.

Sarah | I would like to be Director of Marketing Communications at an area hospital. I was Manager of External Communications for Mercy Health Systems for three years and Director of Communications and Marketing for a healthcare nonprofit for two years. I am half-way through an MBA in healthcare marketing at Hopkins and I am so eager to manage a marketing/communications program at a large hospital. Am I being too specific in my job search?

Darlene | Having a targeted approach to your job search is a key element of success. However, there are instances where being too specific can limit your opportunities. Your search is focused on marketing communications opportunities at Baltimore area hospitals. You could broaden your focus to include opportunities in the adjacent healthcare segments (e.g. health insurance providers, assisted living facilities, and pharmaceutical companies). Be sure to think about all your skills that are transferrable to other areas of the broader healthcare market.

Sarah | I have applied for more than 60 jobs. What are some ways in which I can improve my chances of success?

Darlene | Job searching isn’t like baseball where you have to go to each base sequentially before scoring a run - but it does involve covering all of your bases. Understanding your personal brand and directed self- marketing are the ways to get hired today. Homework and Network are the operative words.

Develop a 4-pronged approach:
1. Target employers (with or without published openings)
2. Network / Research
3. Internet Big Boards /Social Media
4. Executive Recruiters / Headhunters

TARGET EMPLOYERS
Don’t wait for an advertised opening.  Often they are filled and being advertised for legal purposes. Also, every organization has unsatisfactory people on their teams but all too often, managers are too busy to do anything about it until they see a better potential employee. Also, no healthy organization is static – it’s dynamic. Your resume could land on your potential employer’s desk just when she/ he is contemplating changes or it could give him/her the impetus to replace that unsatisfactory employee. Get your resume and cover letter on the desk of the person with the operational headaches and the power to say yes. Post your resume on company sites, but don’t hold your breath waiting for a response. Research prospective employers on the Internet. Keep an eye out for any clues that could lead to a personal connection with someone in the company. If the company’s website contains executive biographies, read them carefully for any possible connections. Weave this information into your cover letter and send it to the person with whom you found a connection.

NETWORK / RESEARCH
You do have a network.  It’s all around you. Find it and use it.  There are only two degrees of separation: you already know someone who knows someone (who needs you or has the power to hire you or get you to that person). Experts agree that the most successful job search method is to find someone inside your targeted company. Don’t forget about vendors. They know more about the industry they serve than many of the people working in it. They make it their business to know their market, including current changes and possible openings. Many vendors know more about their clients than they care to know. Read local papers such as The Baltimore Business Journal and the Baltimore Sun and leverage sites such as city bizlistbaltimore. com. FastCompany.com and The Wall Street Journal are great sources for insider information about general market activity. Internet Big Boards/Social Media.

Use CareerBuilder.com, HotJobs.com and Monster.com-but don’t rely on them to get you the job. Many postings are out of date, plus current stats indicate that only 4 to 9% of seekers get hired this way. Greater success is being reported by using Linkedin, Twitter and Facebook. I suggest placing your profile on LinkedIn and following online advice about how to use it as a job search tool.

EXECUTIVE RECRUITERS / HEADHUNTERS
Use them but don’t get lazy and rely on them. Keep in mind they find people for employers, not the reverse. Be circumspect and don’ t pay a fee unless you have all the details. Establish relationships with recruiters employed or retained by your target companies. Call as well as email. Be prepared to quote salary expectations. There are executive recruiters for almost every field. Find them. Check out OnlineRecruitersDirectory and others for your business sector and location. Check out Asktheheadhunter.com to get current insider job search information.

Treat your prospective employers like a customer. Research them and see what they’re bragging about delivering to their customers. Read their recent press releases and find some point you can emphasis and add it to your cover letter.

As Darlene and I continued our conversations she had me focus on several questions/topics including:
-Did you help increase sales, generate new business, or positively impact your company’s bottom line?  How?
-Did you bring a major project in under budget?
-Did you design and/or institute any new system or process?
-Did you rescue or turn around a project, transforming it from a failure to a success?

With my answers in hand, I am embarking on a major revamp of my resume. I’ll also be armed with a new set of examples of how I can help my next employer when I land another interview. Wish me luck! (I know you will!)

*Sarah Waters can be reached at sarahwaterscreative@gmail.com

For me, 18 months of gym membership didn’t do much good—I even tried a few. I really needed to have a very high level of accountability and personal attention, but a personal trainer was not really in my budget.

I have been struggling with not only excess weight, but the fatigue and poor self image that go along with it. I really needed to make some BIG changes in my life.

I started seeing a doctor that was finally able to help me with my medical issues and therefore I was finally ready to address my diet and exercise protocol.

I have a couple programs to thank for the FIVE inches I have lost off my waist in 8 weeks!!!!! Not to mention the inch off each thigh and the 1⁄2 inch off of most other parts of my body.

PUSH 511:
This CrossFit Gym in Brewer’s Hill is phenomenal. I have never been part of a gym where everyone—the owners, the trainers, the members are all so supportive. This is not an ordinary gym. There are no machines, no TVs, no mirrors, and no people hanging around. There are pull up bars, stacks and stacks of weights, mats, and plenty of open space. I can honestly say this is the most intense work out I’ve experienced in decades! I will say, I was incredibly intimidated for the first few weeks. Compared to the other people that came to the work outs I went to (they are in a small group format at specific times of the day) I was not even in the same fitness “country” as the rest of these folks, but not once did anyone make me feel like I didn’t belong. It’s been one of the best fitness experiences I’ve had in a really long time!

PUSH 511 is a Crossfit affiliate.  3700 O’Donnell Street | Suite 240 | 410.424.0565 | www.push511.com

Baltimore Health Coach:
Lucas is a tremendous health coach and has helped me have a few of those “aha” moments that have helped me slowly change my eating habits for the better. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the community support around eating a clean healthy diet for life. I still have a long way to go, but as they say, “Slow and Steady Wins the Race.”

Lucas Seipp-Williams, CHC, is a director and 6th year coach at Baltimore Health Coach.  Lucas@baltimorehealthcoach.com

*By B. Marie Klapacz

Hyperactive dogs are generally out of control, seem to have boundless energy, and show no intention of slowing down. They can be well socialized but demonstrate a short attention span and a lack of mental focus. Hyperactive dogs will not grow out of this personality. Without intervention they will only grow more active and out of control over time.

Causes can be genetic and/or nutritional but are typically environmental. The dog may live in a hyperactive household where behaviors are allowed or encouraged by owners. Alternately, there may also be a lack of regular physical or mental activity so the dog becomes bored and makes up his own things to do.

We see certain common behavior issues associated with hyperactive dogs including, generally poor manners (e.g. jumping up), leash pulling, running away, and destructive chewing. The dog remains highly active throughout the day and does not readily settle down. He can suffer from selective hearing, has a short attention span and is easily distracted. Hyperactive dogs are also disobedient at inappropriate times such as when called to come, at which time they choose to play the “keep away” game with owners.

The most important thing to remember is hyperactivity is in their mind not their body, so extended forms of exercise will not completely address the problem.

Working with a hyperactive dog requires patience. Slow the dog down by using a calm voice and demeanor. Use obedience training to teach the dog to pay attention, focus, and restrain itself. Practice extended stays and controlled heeling close by your side. Praise should be genuine but low key—don’t give the dog a reason to ramp up energy levels.

A hyperactive dog cannot learn or be expected to behave appropriately if his/her mind is racing. It’s up to us to keep them calm and train them to slow down. Over time they learn that a calm state of mind is much more comfortable than the desperation and anxiety of hyperactivity.

Pauline Houliaras, CPT, is a resident of Canton, Certified Professional Trainer and co-owner of Doghouse Girls, a local dog walking, training and pet sitting service; www.doghousegirls.com and co-author, Kirk Halma, CPT, www.k-9motivation.com