New Board Takes the Helm at Main Street

Congratulations to our new Federal Hill Main Street Board of Directors! We are so excited to have such a superb group of people working hard to keep both our organization and our projects running smoothly.

As stated in the by-laws, the board includes three business directors, two resident directors, two at-large seats, and four committee chairs.

Serving in 2013:

Business Directors: Dave Rather, owner of Mother’s Federal Hill Grille; Mark Cottman, artist and owner of Mark Cottman Gallery; and Sonny Morstein, owner or Morstein’s Jewelers.

Resident Directors: Anne Nelson and Cathy Strodel

At-Large Directors: Christine Cochrum, co-owner of Apothecary Wellness Holistic Wellness Spa & Boutique, and Mike Schollaert, an attorney with Ober Kaler law firm

Committee Chairs:

-Business Development: David Sivak, Federal Hill resident and festival volunteer

-Design: Mike Burton, AIA, Federal hill resident and architect, president of Urban Design Group

-Organization: Cathy Hammond, Riverside resident and long-time volunteer

-Promotion: Chris Riehl, Federal Hill resident and owner of Baltimore Rent-a-Tour

Officers: Cathy Hammond, President; Sonny Morstein, Vice President; Chris Riehl, Secretary; and Cathy Strodel, Treasurer

The board meets bi-monthly, and committees meet on alternate months. All meetings are open to the public. Volunteers are needed to serve on committees, contribute new ideas, and help strengthen our program and our business district. Email admin@historicfederalhill.org for information.

2013 Meeting Schedule:

6:30 pm at Federal Hill Main Street, 42 E. Cross Street

Tuesday, March 19

Thursday, May 16

Tuesday, July 16

Thursday, Sept. 19

Tuesday, Nov. 19

Elizabeth Nelson, intern

Check Out the Fest-of-All Photos!

An event as successful as the 6th Annual Fest-of-All has to have some amazing pictures to go along with it, and it did not disappoint!

Re-live all the excitement and celebration from Saturday February 23 with Isabell Triemer’s beautiful photographs now posted on the Federal Hill Main Street web site!

Featuring shots of all things Fest-of-All from the Fashion Show to the Real Geniuses to food, magic, and much more, these photographs will surely make party-goers smile with the memories of such a lively night.

Many thanks to Isabell for all her hard work in documenting this fantastic event. These pictures definitely help show off the best of Federal Hill’s fashion, food, drinks, and music.

See all of Isabell Triemer’s official Fest-of-All photography here. Mark your calendars for our next fantastic event: Spring Block Party on April 28!

Elizabeth Nelson, Intern

FEST-OF-ALL: A Huge Success!

A big "Thank You!" to everyone who attended the 6th Annual Fest-of-All this year, held on February 23rd at the Baltimore Museum of Industry!  You helped make it a great success.  We had an incredible turn-out, a packed dance floor, and lots of positive feedback about the event.  And of course, the food, drinks, music, and friends were all amazing – just as promised!

Thank you, also, to over 65 local businesses that contributed in some way to the event, bringing the best of Federal Hill to the party.  The celebration wouldn’t have been the same with out their contributions! We also thank our sponsors, 1111 Light Street who supported The Real Geniuses sets and Cindy Conklin and Bob Merbler for the Fashion Show runway. 

Sloane Brown of the Baltimore Sun was in attendance, along with a photographer snapping pictures for her "Glimpsed" column.  She chose six "dressed to impress" women, one of whom was featured in the print column on Thursday. The other five were posted in the online Glimpsed feature.  You can see all six photos at www.baltimoresun.com/glimpsed. 

The first of the official pictures from Fest-of-All, taken by Isabell Triemer, is shown here and most will be posted on the Federal Hill Main Street web site soon!

By Alex Marie Schmidt 

It's Almost Here!

Fest-of-All is THIS Saturday, the 23^rd from 7-11 pm at the Baltimore Museum of Industry.  Fest-of-All is only the biggest party of the year celebrating all things Federal Hill.  As always, there will be great food from favorite local spots and some of the best drinks in town.  The fashion show is also bound to be one of the greatest attractions of the night.  Christie Griffiths, fashion show coordinator, was even interviewed by The Baltimore Sun!  You can read the article here.

The Real Geniuses will be back again to play the crowd’s favorite tunes, and first time Fest-of-All-er, DJ ARI, will be playing music while the models strut the latest spring fashions down the runway.  Best of all, Fest-of-All is a celebration with the community, so expect to see your friendly neighbors, local business owners, and friends all partying and having a great time.

We still have tickets left for purchase, so be sure to buy yours before they sell out!  Call Federal Hill Main Street at 410-727-4500 or visit http://historicfederalhill.org/www/products/167.10 to buy your tickets.  

We can’t wait to see you there!

Alex Marie Schmidt, Intern

Miss Maryland US Joins Fest-of-All Fashion Show

Miss Maryland United States 2013, Ciera Nicole Butts, will be walking on this year’s Fest-of-All runway.  Ciera recently won her title as Miss Maryland US, and is excited to be part of our show.  Fest-of-All takes place at the Baltimore Museum of Industry on Saturday, February 23, 7-11 pm. 

Some of you may have seen Ciera during the Ravens victory parade last Tuesday, meeting and taking photos with fans.  Ciera will spend the next year making appearances to promote her chosen cause, mentoring the youth, and in July 2013, she will represent Maryland in the Miss United States pageant. 

Ciera will join 14 other beautiful models to showcase the latest spring fashions and accessories from Federal Hill boutiques.  We’re so excited for this year’s Fest-of-All! 

Follow Ciera Nicole on Twitter, and Facebook.

For more information on the pageant, visit http://missmarylandus.weebly.com/

Get the hottest ticket in town! The party is just around the corner and you DON’T want to miss out.  Visit http://historicfederalhill.org/www/products/167.10 to buy your tickets today! 

Alex Marie Schmidt, Intern

Fest-of-All: The FASHION

Christie Griffiths, Brightside Boutique & Art Studio owner and resident trendsetter, is this year’s Fest-of-All Fashion Show Chair; and we couldn’t be more excited! Monesha Phillips of Pandora's Box is co-chairing, so we have all the bases covered.

Fest-of-All will be held at the Baltimore Museum of Industry on February 23^rd, from 7-11 pm.  This is one event you do NOT want to miss!

The coordinators are stepping it up this year. DJ Ari is handling the music for the models as they walk the runway. 

Local shops will feature favorite spring pieces, including:  

• B’More Betty (1316 Light Street)
• The Bridal Suite (1126 S. Charles)
• Brightside Boutique & Art Studio (1133 S. Charles)
• Cottage Kidz (1129 Light Street)
• Curiosity (1033 S. Charles)
• Lovelace: The Showroom (1201 Light Street)
• Pandora’s Box (50 E. Cross Street)
• Posh Retro (1003 Light Street)
• Seleh’s Furs (1018 S. Charles)
• Vanessa’s Vintage Treasures (1132 S. Charles)

Catch a little preview on Fox 45 Morning News on Friday, February 22^nd. They will be airing live shots from Brightside Boutique, featuring Christie and Monesha. 

And it's not just all about the fashion. Fest-of-All has great food & drink, live music, and a silent auction – all the makings for a great night!  If you haven’t gotten your ticket yet, buy one now! We’ve sold out the past two years and have had to turn people away at the door.

You can buy your tickets here or call 410-727-4500.

 

See you there!

Alex Marie Schmidt, Intern

Enjoy the Fest-of-All Signature Drink!

There is so much to enjoy at FEST-OF-ALL, Federal Hill Main Street's great party and fashion show at Baltimore Museum of Industry on February 23. For the first time, this year, you will find a FEST-OF-ALL SIGNATURE DRINK!

Congratulations to Nobles Bar & Grill (1024 S. Charles St.) for winning the contest, held during Moonlight Madness in December. Eight local establishments competed for the prized title. 

The tasters enjoyed them all, but Nobles’ Strawberry Lemon Crush was a clear favorite from the start. Their muddled strawberries and freshly squeezed lemons made a sweet and tangy concoction that stood out from the rest. Other than the strawberries and lemon, the rest of the ingredients were a secret – adding to its appeal.

 

A total of 118 people stopped by Main Street to taste the drinks and vote for their favorite. Mother's Federal Hill Grille (Winter Wonderland Sangria) came in second, followed by Stalking Horse (Moscow Mule), Blue Agave (Spicy Guavarita), Banditos (Bongarang), Porter’s (Winter “Berry” Good Sangria), Brewer’s Cask (Super Juice), and Ropewalk (Cosmo).  All the drinks tested were delicious! 

Be sure to taste the Strawberry Lemon Crush when you party at Fest-of-All, and to congratulate Nobles! You will find a full open bar at the event, along with a variety of beer and red and white wine. All food and drink is included in the ticket price.

Got tickets yet? Get them soon! This event sold out the last two years. 

Buy your tickets here!

Alex Marie Schmidt, Intern

New Owner Takes Helm of Federal Hill Income Tax

There's no better time to introduce our newest Federal Hill neighbor than now! Gene Egeberg, CPA, is the new owner of Federal Hill Income Tax, a full-service accounting firm located at 1244 Light Street.  He is gearing up and ready for this year's tax season.

Federal Hill Income tax caters to small businesses and individuals alike and is welcoming many new clients this spring, as well as customers of the previous owner.  Gene chose the Federal Hill area for his business because of the hard-working small businesses and the great business association.  He has already joined the Federal Hill Business Association, just in time for the annual election, and plans to be an active member.

While his firm caters mainly to Baltimore and Federal Hill residents and business owners, Gene welcomes those in Towson, Glen Burnie, and all other areas. Gene also works with nonprofit organizations.

Check out the Federal Hill Income tax website for more information and to stay up-to-date with news. You can also call (410-547-0285) or walk in to make an appointment today; they plan to be busy through May!

Happy Tax Season!

Alex Marie Schmidt, Intern