Miss Maryland Goes Federal Hill

Federal Hill's own Babe. (a boutique) is getting exposure far and wide as the outfitter for Miss Maryland. The Miss America candidate, Brooke Poklemba, felt it important to "go local" in selecting fashions for her public appearances around the state, region, and country.

“I always find three or four outfits that I love at Babe,” said Brooke. “And, Babe’s clothing selection is unique, so I don't have to worry about showing up in the same dress as someone else.” Babe owner Lisa Ponzoli is "thrilled." The two met at Baltimore magazine's Best of Baltimore party. (Babe won in "Best Dresses" category.)

Lisa has invited Brooke to model in the Fashion Show she is coordinating for Federal Hill Main Street’s Fest-of-All Celebration at the Baltimore Museum of Industry on February 27th, and Miss Maryland is hoping her schedule will accommodate an appearance.

Dangerously Delicious Pie Lands TV Gig

The irresistable smells wafting out of Dangerously Delicious Pies on Light Street in Federal Hill have caught the attention of the national Food Network. Owner Rodney Henry's local favorite, the Baltimore Bomb, featuring Berger's Cookies (can't go wrong with that ingredient!), will be highlighted on a future "The Best Thing I Ever Ate" show.

A film crew was on location on Thursday, Oct. 15th, to shoot and sample the "star" of the show. The group gave it rave reviews. Look for an early 2010 airing on Food Network. Pictured at right is Henry serving up the dangerously delicious delight for the camera.

Amy's Boutique Launches Charity Benefits

Shopping for a cause is now a regular part of the experience at Amy's Boutique, 1133 S. Charles Street. Each month, owner Amy Mutch selects a different charity to receive a percentage of proceeds from sales of the unique apparel, accessories, and jewelry that adorn the attractive shop. Sisters Academy, a Catholic, community-centered middle school for girls from families of limited economic means, particularly in southwest Baltimore, was the first charity selected. Students do not pay tuition for the 5th through 8th grade school, which is focused on empowering the girls "to become agents of transformation in their families, communities, and society," according to Sister Delia Dowling, SSND, President of the school, pictured above (left) with Amy during a recent reception at the shop.

Amy is taking suggestions from customers for future months."I'm willing to be as creative as the charity allows or encourages" in determining how to make this work," said Amy.

New Life for Art Exposure Project

Art installations in vacant storefronts around Federal Hill will continue for another year, with a second grant from Abell Foundation to Federal Hill Main Street. The grant enables the Federal Hill-based Art Exposure, Inc., to display works by local artists in vacant properties.

In addition to making the spaces more attractive to passers-by as well as potential businesses, the project offers exposure to artists from the Baltimore area. The grant covers art displays in three addresses in the Federal Hill commercial district, and art is rotated regularly to feature different artists. Photographs by Jerry Weinstein (pictured here) are on display at 1201 Light Street.

New Look for Old Library

The old Library at 1401 Light Street has a new name and new look. Currently on display at Jordan Faye Contemporary gallery is an exhibition "Orbs," pictured here, by James Long.

Jordan Faye Block has other plans for the 2500 square foot structure: block events or "be." She explains, "We are creating an art event space, with a large great room, an intimate gallery, curated flat files, art inventory, woodshop and studios." (Photo by Helen Huriaux)

No Tricks, Just Treats: Fall Bootique Sale

Don't miss the scaaarry sales at the Fall Bootique Sidewalk Sale in Historically Hip Federal Hill on Saturday, October 24th from noon to 5 pm. Many of the shops in Baltimore's "Best Shopping Neighborhood" are participating. Rain or shine.

Federal Hill Goes to Capitol Hill

Financing for small businesses in these difficult economic times was the subject of a Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship roundtable discussion today in Washington, DC. Federal Hill Main Street Executive Director Jane Seebold was invited by Sen. Ben Cardin's staff to provide information about the experiences of Federal Hill businesses in securing new Recovery Act loans.

Securing working capital for inventory purchases and other operating costs is a challenge here and elsewhere, as banks have not loosened borrowing requirements since the economic downturn. Small Business Administration loan guarantees are assisting some larger small businesses, but banks are still balking about lending to the smaller local businesses like those in Federal Hill.

The Senate committee staff is collecting input so they can recommend modifications to the federal Recovery Act legislation to make it more responsive to small business needs.