Those representing themselves – also known as pro se litigants – can find support and information online.  One resource is LawHelp (www.LawHelp.org), a free site that provides information from nonprofit legal services providers about a variety of issues as well as information about going to court, including how to get find help at the courthouse and commonly used court forms (for example, a petition for child support).  In some states, certain legal forms can be filled out using an interactive system known as National Online Document Assembly, accessible through the LawHelp site.  The user is guided through a series of questions, and the system uses the answers to fill out the documents completely and correctly.

LawHelp also provides online referrals to local legal aid organizations, for those seeking help from a lawyer before going to court.

Another good resource is the Self-Help Law ExPress site, also known as “SHLEP,” which can be found at http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/shlep.  The SHLEP site contains information and links on a variety of topics of interest to pro se litigants, from Antitrust Law to Wills, as well as a section entitled, “Should You Go It Alone?”

The American Bar Association (ABA) also provides some information on the “Helping Yourself” section of its Consumers’ Guide to Legal Help at http://www.abanet.org/legalservices/findlegalhelp/faq_selfhelp.

Finally, your local court or law library may have useful information on its website.  For example, New York has a site called CourtHelp, at http://www.courts.state.ny.us/courthelp, with information and resources for those going to court.  The California Courts, similarly, have a range of self-help resources available at http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp, and California county law libraries offer http://www.publiclawlibrary.org.  The National Center for State Courts maintains a list of Self-Help Information Resources and Centers by state at http://www.ncsconline.org/wc/CourTopics/statelinks.asp?id=108&topic=ProSe.

Since there is an abundance of medical facilities in Baltimore, Maryland, I do not believe that there would be much of a problem finding a dentist to help you with your emergency. Of course, this may depend on how much trauma you have endured. If it is a minor problem (broken or lost tooth, which does not seem minor at the time) then I think you could call 1-800-Dentist and tell them you need to find a dentist in Baltimore for an emergency procedure. Now if you have a more severe problem (like a car accident where most of your teeth are knocked out….or worse) then there are medical facilities that offer dental schools that are open 24-7 for dental emergencies. These would probably be your best bet for weekend care. Of course, you also have the Emergency Rooms, where there is usually an Oral Surgeon on call. You can also go to your local yellow pages and look up Dentists and you might be lucky enough to find one listed for weekend emergencies, You could also go to the yellow pages,……or even if you are just riiding by, there are plenty of Urgent Care Facilities that have on-call dentists and oral care specialists.

I really do not think it would be a very difficult task to find a dentist in Baltimore on the weekend, because Baltimore is a city full of some of the best medical professionals in the world.

One of the first ways to find a LASIK eye doctor in Baltimore is to ask your friends, family members, and coworkers if they or someone they know has had this surgery. This way, you can get some firsthand recommendations, referrals, and advice from the people in your life.

Next, you definitely need to glance through the telephone book. This way, you can compile a list of doctors in your area and know who is out there. Once you have this list, you can follow up with the doctors and see what they charge and can then research the reputations and reviews of the doctors online.

Lastly, if you want to find a great doctor to perform this amazing eye surgery, then you should use the Internet. Here, you can find reviews, ratings, and tips about Baltimore area doctors who perform LASIK. From this information, you can be sure to get a good idea about the reputation of different doctors in the area.

Transport of marijuana into the state of Maryland is also subject to aggressive prosecution. If you are convicted of transporting five to forty-five kilograms of marijuana into the state you can face up to ten years in prison and a $10,000 fine while forty-five kilograms or more could cause you to face up to twenty-five years in prison with up to a $50,000 fine. With any of these charges, for a second or further conviction a person can receive a sentence which is double his or her first sentence.

Paraphernalia either for use, sale or even just in your possession is considered a misdemeanor and although there is no jail time for a first offense, there is a fine of $500.00. A second or further offense can get you two years in jail and a $2,000.00 fine.

Maryland passed legislation in 2003 which allows a defendant to claim his or her marijuana use to be for medical purposes. If the defendant’s medical use of marijuana claim is accepted by the court or judge, the maximum penalty that the defendant can face would be a $100.00 fine.

If you are arrested on a marijuana charge the first thing you should do is hire a lawyer. Granted, lawyers are expensive but if you compare the cost of a lawyer to the cost of a fine plus the cost of a guilty verdict there is no comparison. If you are found guilty at trial, it will be on your record which can increase the costs and penalties of any future convictions, cause you to be denied loans for and/or denial to educational programs and make it difficult, if not impossible, to obtain jobs in some fields. These are just a few things that a marijuana conviction can cause and there are many more. If you are arrested on a marijuana charge, the last thing you should be worried about is the cost of the lawyer that will be hard on you for a little while because the cost of a conviction will be hard on you for the rest of your life.

Penalties for DUI can include jail time, loss of driver’s license, and fines. Additionally, individuals charged with a DUI may face increased insurance rates and possible loss of employment. Because the penalties for DUI can be severe, and individual charged with a DUI will need the best legal representation possible. Maryland DUI laws can be complex, and most individuals need someone well-versed in DUI law to help them understand their charges. Individuals facing this type of situation need to understand what to expect as a result of the charges being levied against them and how to cooperate with the police without compromising their rights.

It is very important that individuals understand their rights and the protections afforded them by the law. The arresting officer may not take time to fully explain all the rights an individual has under the law; therefore, the individual may unknowingly relinquish his or her rights. For example, individuals are not required to submit to field sobriety tests in the State of Maryland. Moreover, individuals have the right to contact an attorney prior to submitting to a breath test or blood alcohol test. Knowing these rights, as well as any other rights in regard to Maryland DUI laws, can help individuals better protect themselves from and provide a better defense to DUI charges.

This Weekend:

Thursday, May 7^th – First Thursday Concert in West Mt. Vernon Park – 5:30pm – 8:00pm - Free

This concert series is a great time. They host excellent bands and the price can’t be beat. Pack a chair and a picnic or purchase food, beer and wine there. The rules state that no alcohol may be brought in but I’ve seen some loaded picnic baskets. This month opens with Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter Matt Duke and the headliner is the New Hampshire-based band Wild Light.

Thursday, May 7^th – First Thursday Irish Music and art opening at Dougherty’s Irish Pub – 8pm-11pm – Free

I’ll be heading to Dougherty’s to bang my drum with some of the best Irish musicians in town. There is usually an art opening as well so you can listen to music, drink some free wine and look at art. 223 W. Chase St., (410) 752-4059

Thursday, May 7^th – Robert McClintock - Dogs That I Know – Opening Reception – 6pm-9pm

Artist Robert McClintock is celebrating the launch of “DOGS THAT I KNOW, Part 3”, the latest additions to his iconic series on Charm City canines, with a reception at his Fells Point gallery on May 7, to benefit Recycled Love, a non-profit animal rescue organization based in Baltimore. A private media preview will be held from 4pm-6pm. The general public is invited from 6pm-9pm.The evening will feature art, food and entertainment for all, with a portion of the proceeds donated to Recycled Love, a grassroots organization dedicated to the belief that all animals deserve a second chance. Robert McClintock adores dogs and finds them to be the funniest creatures around. “They have one mission in life which is to make humans smile, ” he says. “All they ask in return is to be loved.” One of McClintock’s most treasured portraits featured at the show is of “Jasmine,” a pup rescued from convicted dogfighter Michael Vick and now living safely with her adopted family in Baltimore. http://robertmcclintock.com/the-dogs-that-i-know-show-v3/

Friday, May 8^th – Live music with Charlie Bezilla – Meridian 54 – 8:30pm-12:30am – Free

Charlie is returning to Meridian 54 this Friday. If you are around, come listen to some great music, enjoy a bite to eat and stay warm and dry. www.charliebezilla.com

Friday, May 8^th – Sunday, May 10^th – Maryland Film Festival - $10

It’s raining out so maybe this might be a good time to think about watching movies. Many of the shows are at the Charles Theater. http://www.md-filmfest.com/information.cfm

Saturday, May 9^th – WTMD Stand By Your Band Concert – Recher Theater (Towson) - $15 for 2 tickets – 6:30pm – 12:30am

Pledge a little money to support a great radio station and get two tickets to see some amazing music. Your pledge ($15 minimum) secures a pair of tickets to our exclusive Baltimore Band Block Party at the Recher Theatre on Saturday, May 9^th, featuring performances by: 3fifths, Ellen Cherry, E. Joseph and the Phantom Heart, Eureka Birds, Fools & Horses, Ms. Sara & The Help, Bob Sima, and Victoria Vox.

Saturday, May 9^th – Squidfire Art Mart – Mt. Vernon – 11am –6pm

Join over 50 of the best local and regional crafters and artists as they display their handmade wares in the most beautiful park in the city. The event goes on rain or shine. http://www.squidfire.com/spring-art-mart-squidfire.cfm

Mt. Vernon Square (Between Charles and Cathedral Streets) Baltimore, MD 21201 Click here for map

Sunday, May 10^th - Historic Arabbers Sunday Market - Legends Park, Baltimore – 9am – 3pm – Free

Offerings include local fruits and veggies, plants, herbs and spices, and flowers along with an international food court, pony rides, arts and crafts, and local gospel groups taking you higher. Bring your own feedbag. Sunday from 9 am to 3 pm at the newly renovated Legends Park - located just opposite The Avenue Market at Fremont Avenue and Laurens Street.

Ongoing:

Through May 17^th - A Circus Family: Picasso to Léger - BMA - $8

This high-flying exhibition shows daring feats, exotic acts, and colorful circus characters through the eyes of some of the greatest artists of the 20^th century. More than 80 paintings, prints, drawings, and books by Pablo Picasso, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Fernand Léger, and other European artists reveal their fascination with the extravagant spectacle of the circus and the bohemian lives of the performers outside the ring. http://www.artbma.org/exhibitions/special/circus.html

Through June 28^th – Baker Artist Awards – BMA – Free

Baker Artist Awards 2009
April 29 - June 28, 2009
Free exhibition The BMA celebrates the Baker Artist Awards with an exhibition of the inaugural winners in the West Wing for Contemporary Art. The competition attracted 656 Baltimore-area artists whose work was submitted online at www.bakerartistawards.org. The three $25,000 Mary Sawyers Baker Prizes were selected by a jury and the seven $1,000 Baltimore’s Choice Prize winners were selected from among 8,500 votes cast by people from 118 countries. Click on the artist’s name below to see their work. http://www.artbma.org/exhibitions/special/2009%2Dbaker.html

Through November 8^th - Mummified – The Walters Art Museum - Free

Sundays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (ends November Free The Walters Art Museum - See the results of a mummy autopsy—actually, a virtual autopsy, also known as a CT scan. Learn more about the ‘autopsy’ and mummification at this exhibition. http://thewalters.org/eventscalendar/eventdetails.aspx?e=1068

Upcoming:

Friday, May 15^th – Black Eyed Susan – Pimlico – 10am

In the past, some of us have played hooky to spend this day at the track. Lots of fun and WAY less crowded than Preakness. From their website: One of Pimlico’s oldest stakes races, the Black-Eyed Susan was first run at Pimlico in 1919 as the Pimlico Oaks. The name was changed in 1952 to compliment the Preakness and to acknowledge the Maryland state flower. The mile and one-eighth test for three-year-old fillies is traditionally run the Friday before the Preakness. The race was first graded in 1973 and has been a Grade II event since 1976. www.preakness.com

Saturday, May 16^th – Preakness - $ (depends on where you sit)

The Preakness is the second jewel in the coveted Triple Crown. www.preakness.com and there are also some other events at http://www.preaknesscelebration.com/

Saturday, May 16 & Sunday, May 17- Wine in the Woods – Symphony Woods, Columbia –12pm-6pm - $25

Bring a picnic, lawn chairs and a blanket and enjoy a day of wine and music. Get there early to beat the lines. Taste a few and then pick up a bottle or two and relax.

http://www.wineinthewoods.com/

Sunday, May 17^th – Crush, A Taste of Fells Point –Thames Street Park – 1pm-6pm -$25

Help defeat breast cancer and enjoy a lively afternoon of music, wine, beer, food, children’s games and activities. Signature dishes from many of your favorite Fells Point restaurants including Ale Mary’s, Alexander’s Tavern, Brick Oven Pizza, Kooper’s Tavern, Max’s on Broadway, Meli, Miss Irene’s, One-Eyed Mike’s, Pierpoint, Red Star Bar and Grill, Slainte Irish Pub, Todd Conner’s, Woody’s Rum Bar and more! Live music from Captain Jack, Jeff Coulson and Sara O’Brien. Special appearance by Luloo and The Honeybabes.

Tickets: $25 in advance

$30 after May 1

Free for children under 12

Purchase tickets at 2910 on the Square in Canton, The Healing Path in Federal Hill, Su Casa in Fells Point or purchase online here http://www.breastfest.org/baltimore/events.htm

The national LawHelp.org network of consumer legal information portals offers a range of useful resources for those struggling with their taxes as April 15^th approaches.

Resources accessible from LawHelp.org include information, written for the layperson, about both state and federal taxes, including specialized fact sheets for those facing a variety of special circumstances; information about rebates and tax credits, including the earned income tax credit; links to sites offering free tax filing; referrals to organizations that offer free or low-cost help; and more.

In certain states, the LawHelp site includes a link to a free electronic filing system known as I-CAN! E-File. I-CAN! E-File, which was developed by the Legal Aid Society of Orange County with funding from the Legal Services Corporation, can be used to file federal returns as well as state tax returns in California, Michigan, Montana, New York and Pennsylvania.

LawHelp.org provides referrals to local legal aid and public interest law offices, basic information about legal rights, self-help information, court information, links to social service agencies, and more. This site was developed by Pro Bono Net, a nonprofit organization headquartered in New York that works to increase access to justice, in partnership with legal aid organizations around the country.

“With many families under significant pressure due to the economy, it’s imperative that low-income workers obtain all due benefits,” said Mark O’Brien, Executive Director of Pro Bono Net. “LawHelp facilitates this by making a range of tax information and tools easily available on one user-friendly site.”

To find tax help in your state, visit www.lawhelp.org. For more information on Pro Bono Net, visit www.probono.net.

This Weekend:

Friday, April 10th – Happy Hour Mahaffey’s – 4pm-7pm

This sounds like a great happy hour deal. Mahaffey’s has 10 rotating taps featuring highbrow craft beers. Mahaffey’s three-for-$4 happy hour provides an excellent opportunity to sample some great brews. (I’ll be out of town this Friday but don’t let that stop you) http://www.mahaffeyspub.com/

Friday, April 10th – Free Wine Tasting – The Wine Source - 4:30pm - 7:30pm - Free
Featured Producer: Mulderbosch of South Africa
Mulderbosch (situated in the prime Koelenhof area of Stellenbosch) is widely accepted as being one of the best white wine producers in the country, and Mike Dobrovic, one of the most talented wine makers in South Africa. More info: The Wine Source at 410.467.7777 http://www.the-wine-source.com

Friday, April 10th - Live music at The Waterfront, Fells Point - 10pm

The Waterfront always has some good live music and the crowd is a nice Baltimore mix. I’ve heard great things about Lawn Chair so this should be a good night at The Waterfront. From their Myspace page: American music - foot stomping and tear jerking. Lawnchair draws it’s sound from the roots of rock and roll and country music. The 4-piece ensemble conjures both acoustic and electric tones to create an alchemy of whiskey fueled honky tonk straight from the dust of loose porch boards and raucous old juke joints. http://www.myspace.com/lawnchair

Saturday, April 11th – WTMD Live @ Slainte “Win Tickets for U2 360° Tour – 10am-1pm – Free

WTMD will be broadcasting live down at Slainte in Fells Point. They will be giving away CDs, tickets and WTMD merchandise. One lucky person will win a pair of tickets to see U2 at Fed Ex Field (Delaware I believe) on September 29th.
Saturday, April 11th - Survivor Casting Call – 10am-4pm
So you want to be a reality TV star but you aren’t slutty enough to be on “Rock of Love?” Maybe you’re the perfect fit for the show that started the reality TV craze. You will have two minutes in front of a camera to convince the producers to pick you for their show. You will need a photo ID. It’s strongly recommended that you complete an application before you arrive at the audition. The application, eligibility requirements and frequently asked questions can be found here. If you have any questions, please email K.C. Robertson at krobertson@cbs.com.
http://wjz.com/local/survivor.casting.call.2.963191.html

Antwerpen Hyundai

6631 Baltimore National Pike

Catonsville, MD 21228

Saturday, April 11th - Free Beer and Salsa Tasting – The Wine Source – 1:30pm - 5:30pm – Free

Beer: Pyramid Brewery - It was 1984. In a turn-of-the-century general store in the small logging town of Kalama, Washington, the first Pyramid ale was brewing. Today, we’re serving four staple beers, two seasonal brews and periodic alehouse exclusives to discerning palates nationwide.

Salsa: Grenade - “The Goodman family loves spicy food. In addition to the 20-plus bottles of different hot sauces they have in their pantry (and use regularly), they have a monthly subscription to Chili-Pepper Magazine and keep a chili pepper garden in the back yard of their Pikesville home. More info: The Wine Source at 410.467.7777 http://www.the-wine-source.com

Sunday, April 12th – Sunday Funday, Easter, Passover – 10am - ?

Family, friends or random acquaintances it’s all up to you.

Sunday, April 12th – Live Music - Meli, Fells Point – 8pm-11pm

I’m not usually out this late on Sunday but I always hear such good things about the food and entertainment at Meli. Give it a try, if you are out. This Sunday features The Ryan Diehl Trio http://www.ryandiehl.com/dWeb.html. (410) 534-6354 http://www.kalismeli.com

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Ongoing:

Through April 30th – Vinylmore 2: Tiny Town – Atomic Books Hampden

The pictures of this show look very fun. The show will be open through April 30th. In this art toy show, artists used blank vinyl toys to make they’re own creations. This year, the artists were limited to toys between 2.5 inches and 4 inches tall. More than 50 artists participated, including illustrators, sculptors, photographers, painters, tattoo artists and graffiti artists. http://www.atomicbooks.com/

http://baltimore.metromix.com/events/photogallery/vinylmore-2-tiny-town/1056848/content

Through November 8th - Mummified – The Walters Art Museum - Free

Sundays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (ends November Free The Walters Art Museum - See the results of a mummy autopsy — actually, a virtual autopsy, also known as a CT scan. Learn more about the ‘autopsy’ and mummification at this exhibition.

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UPCOMING:
If you are interested in these events, I suggest getting your tickets now.

Thursday, April 16th –Neighborhood Guest Chef Night at Three – 6pm-10pm

Tickets available at Three. 410-327-3333 http://www.threebythepark.com/

Friday, April 17th - Swashbuckler Soiree Sails into Fells Point – 8pm – Midnight $35-$40

Come join us for an evening of great food, music and rum to kick off Privateer Day weekend at the 1st annual Swashbuckler Soiree on Friday April 17th, 8pm to midnight at the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Museum in Fells Point. Tickets are going fast. http://www.fellspointmainstreet.org/soiree.html

Saturday, April 18th – Privateer Day Fells Point – 10am – 7pm

The pirates invade Fells Point. They will have food booths in Broadway Square, live music and a battle at sea in the afternoon. You can also join the 7:00pm pub-crawl for $5. www.fellspointmainstreet.org

Saturday, April 18th – Maryland Grand National – Gates 12:00pm – Post 3:15pm $20-$225 (per passenger car – advanced purchase required)

Begun in 1898 by several young men who wanted to compete, but were too young to enter in the Maryland Hunt Cup, the Grand National Steeplechase became a standard in Maryland Timber Racing. The two races are often compared, and do share many similarities. But if the Hunt Cup is the most demanding timber race, the Grand National is the most demanding three-mile timber race—a critical difference, as the shorter distance means racing faster over eighteen unyielding obstacles. Since the race moved to the current course in 1946, there have been sixteen horses to win both races, but there have been fifteen Hunt Cup winners to start the Grand National and never win. The Grand National Steeplechase is a truly unique race with its own distinct set of challenges. http://www.marylandsteeplechasing.com/main/mgn/datetime.htm

Saturday, April 18th - Dangerously Delicious Parking Lot Pie and Rock & Roll Party – Noon – 10pm

Rodney makes a mean pie and his music events are always amazing. The lineup for Saturday looks like another winner to me. Lineup: COLD-COLD HEARTBREAKERS, DESERT BOYS, YOUNG JAGUARES, JUNESTAR, YANKEE NETWORK, and the MOTORETTES

3547 CHESTNUT AVE. BALTIMORE, MD 21211 http://www.dangerouspies.com/

Sunday, April 19th – Brunch returning to Three – 10am-2pm

They are adding more seating outside, to better enjoy the views Patterson Park! 410-327-3333 http://www.threebythepark.com/

Sundays, April 19, 26 – Boordy Vineyards – Red, Whites & Bluegrass –1:00pm-5:00pm - $12 (there may be an additional charge for a tasting glass)

The Boordy Vineyard is beautiful and I’ve been to one of their other events and it was worth the trip. I’ve seen people bring in an entire picnic but double check with the winery before loading your car with a weeks worth of groceries. From their website: Celebrate the release of the fabulous vintage of 2007 red wines & 2008 whites wines while listening to the best bluegrass bands in the region. Traditional foods available for purchase.

Live Music

Sunday April 19 - Jackass Flats Bluegrass Band

Sunday April 26 – Smooth Kentucky Band

http://www.boordy.com/main.html

Saturday, April 25th - City Paper’s 13th Annual Brew Fest - Fells Point - $30

This is always a great event. Get your tickets early and get there early. They always sell out and the line can get crazy, if you are a slow starter. 50+ beers and live music.

www.missiontix.com

Saturday, April 25th – Station North Spring Music Festival (Charles St. and North Ave) – 5pm- Midnight - Free

The Station North Arts & Entertainment District will host the 2009 Station North Spring Music Festival to celebrate the continuing revitalization of the North Avenue area, showcase local music, artists and venues and raise money for participation in Artscape. The free event which features food, beer, music, dancing and art will take place at the surface lot at 2 East North Avenue (the old Bank of America building). Music highlights include performances by Big in Japan, Lafayette Gilchrist and Charlie Sayles along with Il Culo, The Neftones, The Water, Point Juncture, The Owls Go, Nate Meyers and The Aces. The festival organizers expect the full lineup will include at least 20 acts from Baltimore and the region. http://www.stationnorth.org/

Saturday, April 25th - The MD Hunt Cup – Gates 11:00am Post Time 4:00pm - $35 per car General / $100 per car Patron (either one must be purchased in advance)

Located up in Hunt Valley (Shawan/Falls Rd) Tailgate all day and then enjoy the horse race.

In 1922, Worthington Valley became the permanent home of the four mile, twenty-two fence racecourse. Since then, the size and spectacle of the race has grown as fans bring their friends and families for an afternoon of tailgating and picnicking on the hill than overlooks the racecourse. Join the crowd of spectators as they stand on the same hill that their grandfathers did and watch as the top equine athletes compete for the Maryland Hunt Cup.

http://www.marylandsteeplechasing.com/main/mhc/datetime.htm

Sunday, April 26th – Highlandtown Wine Festival – 1pm - 6pm - $25

Di Pasquale’s Italian Market sponsors the sixth annual Highlandtown Wine Festival celebrating the tradition of home winemaking. The event, held at Our Lady of Pompei Convent Garden, features a Homemade Wine Competition, Wine Tastings, Bocce Tournament, food featuring Dangerously Delicious Pies and music by the Cold-Cold Heartbreakers. Admission $25 ($20 in advance) includes a souvenir wine glass and five wine tastings. http://www.highlandtown.com/

Sunday, April 26th – Federal Hill Spring Block Party – 11am-7pm

Live music, beer, food, and arts and crafts. http://www.historicfederalhill.org/www

Friday, May 1st and Saturday, May 2nd – Flowermart – Washington Monument, Mt. Vernon – Free

Nothing says springtime in Baltimore like flowers, big hats and lemon sticks. The Mount Vernon festival will be held May 1st and 2nd in the area surrounding the Washington Monument. There’s more to Flower Mart than just flowers. The annual festival also features a crazy hats contest, classic cars, a pet parade, live music and vendor booths. And, yes, you should stand in line for a lemon stick (half a lemon with a peppermint stick straw). It’s a Baltimore favorite, and the combination of sweet and sour hits the spot ever year. www.flowermart.org

Saturday, May 2nd – Kinetic Sculpture Race – American Visionary Art Museum – Free

This wacky race involves human-powered machines designed to travel on land, mud and in the harbor. Kinetinauts compete for the coveted Mediocre Award (finishing right smack in the middle) and Next-to-the-Last Award. Get out and cheer for your favorite contraption. http://www.kineticbaltimore.com/

Saturday, May 2nd – Sunday, May 3rd – Maryland Beer and Food Fest – Ripken Stadium – 11am-5pm - $20

I’ve never been to this beer festival but the site is claiming over 150 different beers, wines and spirits to taste. http://www.mdbeerfoodfest.com/

Wednesday, May 6th – CASA Charity Golf Outing - 7:30am - $150 per golfer

A message from Rex Tingle:
As I’m sure most of you are aware of Rebecca’s non-profit organization CASA (they represent abused and neglected kids in the foster system in the court system) is having there annual golf outing at South River golf course (outside Annapolis) on May 6th (Wednesday). She is looking for golfers, sponsors and items for her silent auction. Golfers: it’s $150 (tax deductible), which includes food and drink. It’s a captain’s choice and really fun. If you don’t have a foursome, they will place you with other folks. Silent Auction Items: gift certificates and other items such as clothing, food, wine, liquor etc (tax deductible)…PLEASE forward this to any potential golfers or folks who may want to donate…Thank you so much… If you have any questions, please call Rex at 301-980-7537 www.aacasa.org

Thursday, May 7th – First Thursday Concert in West Mt. Vernon Park – 5:30pm – 8:00pm - Free

This concert series is a great time. They host excellent bands and the price can’t be beat. Pack a chair and a picnic or purchase food, beer and wine there. The rules state that no alcohol may be brought in but I’ve seen some loaded picnic baskets. This month opens with Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter Matt Duke and the headliner is the New Hampshire-based band Wild Light.

Friday, May 8th – Sunday, May 9th – Luxury Car Camping Trip to Cunningham Falls -$15

I have 3 sites on the reservation, at the moment, so that allows up to 18 people to be part of the group. The sites are 24 x 24 with electric, table and fire pit. There are hot showers and flush toilets close by. The campground is close to a lake and some great hiking trails. It is located just outside of Thurmont, MD and the drive is just a little over an hour. The cost of a site is $30 per night. So depending on the final size of the group it would be between $10-$15 per person for the entire weekend. Bring your own tent, sleeping bag and food. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or if you don’t have a tent or other piece of equipment. http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/western/cunninghamfalls.html

Friday, May 15th – Black Eyed Susan – Pimlico – 10am

In the past some of us have played hooky to spend this day at the track. Lots of fun and WAY less crowded than Preakness.

From their website: One of Pimlico’s oldest stakes races, the Black-Eyed Susan was first run at Pimlico in 1919 as the Pimlico Oaks. The name was changed in 1952 to compliment the Preakness and to acknowledge the Maryland state flower. The mile and one-eighth test for three-year-old fillies is traditionally run the Friday before the Preakness. The race was first graded in 1973 and has been a Grade II event since 1976. www.preakness.com

Saturday, May 16th – Preakness - $ (depends on where you sit)

The Preakness is the second jewel in the coveted Triple Crown. www.preakness.com and there are also some other events at http://www.preaknesscelebration.com/

Saturday, May 16 & Sunday, May 17- Wine in the Woods – Symphony Woods, Columbia –12pm-6pm - $25

Bring a picnic, lawn chairs and a blanket and enjoy a day of wine and music. Get there early to beat the lines. Taste a few and then pick up a bottle or two and relax.

http://www.wineinthewoods.com/

Sunday, May 17th – Crush, A Taste of Fells Point –Thames Street Park – 1pm-6pm -$25

Help defeat breast cancer and enjoy a lively afternoon of music, wine, beer, food, children’s games and activities. Signature dishes from many of your favorite Fells Point restaurants including Ale Mary’s, Alexander’s Tavern, Brick Oven Pizza, Kooper’s Tavern, Max’s on Broadway, Meli, Miss Irene’s, One-Eyed Mike’s, Pierpoint, Red Star Bar and Grill, Slainte Irish Pub, Todd Conner’s, Woody’s Rum Bar and more! Live music from Captain Jack, Jeff Coulson and Sara O’Brien. Special appearance by Luloo and The Honeybabes.

Tickets:$25 in advance

$30 after May 1

Free for children under 12

Purchase tickets at 2910 on the Square in Canton, The Healing Path in Federal Hill, Su Casa in Fells Point or purchase online here http://www.breastfest.org/baltimore/events.htm

You may wish to study just to be an assistant or go all the way and become a surgeon; the colleges shown in this article have the education standards that will set you on your way.

You are never too far away from education and training centers and legal ethics for people who wish to study Veterinarian aspects in the state of Maryland. It could be the facilities are right on your doorstep.

In Baltimore there is The Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) which has a wealth of education levels for you to attain in your profession.

The college houses unique status in Veterinary education that has set itself head and tails above the rest when it comes to standards of practice. AAMVMC is made up of 32 veterinary medical colleges in the United States of America and is more than capable of helping you succeed.

As you know; knowledge in maintenance, care, treatment of animals and the fundamental principles in law and ethics are important when you become a Veterinarian. You will want to aspire and attain those standards and credentials to fit your title in the Veterinary services.

That way you will know that you are the best person for the job when it comes to the care of potentially sick animals. Also knowing the laws and procedures within the profession will be of benefit to you all of which can be attained at the AAMVMC.

More information on the AAMVMC in Baltimore can be found at the college website; http://www.aavmc.org/.

The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) also has courses to train individuals to become Veterinarians.

As with the AAMVMC the College of Baltimore County has an exemplary support base and can expand your desire for knowledge and ability. Setting you on you way to become a serious professional with academic qualifications.

Situated conveniently in Baltimore as its title states; the CCBC boast diversity in both campus and education. You are able to study in a fun environment and atmosphere where you will find courses ranging from animal anatomy to pathology and law ethics. You can find more information on courses by visiting the website;

• http://www.ccbcmd.edu/catalog/desc/vett.html.