Volunteer Opportunities Popping Up with the Daisies!

Spring is here and the warm weather is finally enough to bring most college students out of their dorm room hibernation. It’s the perfect time for shorts, sunglasses, and getting out and serving your community! While many local organizations offer volunteer opportunities year-round, many more pop up with the daisies in the springtime. There’s something available for everyone, so I figured I’d share a few opportunities with you!

The increase in temperature and longer days may inspire you to head outdoors and get back in shape. An excellent way to do this is to participate in a charity walk or 5k. You can burn some calories while helping to raise money and awareness for a wide variety of great causes, and if you’re not in running shape, most events are always looking for volunteers to help with race day support. You can join the Hope for the Homeless 5k, the LASOS Running of the Bulls 5k Fun Run, or participate in The Color Run as a volunteer if your running shoes have been in the back of the closet for a while. Don’t worry, there are plenty more where those came from- you can check out Road Race Runner to find a race that benefits a cause you love on a date that works with your schedule!

For those of you with furry friends (or even just a love for them), there are ways for you to get involved this spring as well! Baltimore BARCS and the Maryland SPCA are located in Baltimore City and are always looking for volunteers to help within many facets of their organizations. If you find yourself a little further away from the heart of Baltimore, you can also check out the Baltimore Humane Society in Reisterstown.

If neither of those opportunities seem quite your speed, but you still want to head outside to get involved, look into helping out with one of the following organizations. Project Clean Stream organizes area cleanups on a fairly regular basis, allowing you to get down and dirty while making your community a more beautiful place. The Parks & People Foundation also offers opportunities involving cleanups and planting, as well as chances to work with the youth of the community as a counselor, coach, or field trip chaperone.

For those of you allergy sufferers with a love for the indoors, there are plenty of ongoing opportunities for you too! If you’re interested in helping those suffering from the effects of homelessness, poverty, or hunger, feel free to check out St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore, Our Daily Bread, and Meals on Wheels. If you’d like to exercise your creative side, there are opportunities at Art with a Heart and through Arts Every Day. One of my personal favorite service activities is hosted by Operation Welcome Home Maryland, where you’re able to welcome troops home and thank them for their service at BWI Airport.

Finally, there is no limit to the opportunities available to students in the Baltimore area! Baltimore Collegetown hosts a volunteer page on its website, each college in the area has its own community service opportunities, and there are countless databases that you can find opportunities on! If you’re having trouble getting started or don’t know where to look, Business Volunteers Unlimited, Baltimore City, and Baltimore County have great resources!

So before the semester ends, consider this your chance to get out, get involved, and “Spring” into action in Baltimore!

Cori Caskey, Baltimore Collegetown Intern

Get in the ‘Spring’ of Things!

It is time to shake off the winter blues and jump into spring, and it seems the weather has finally decided to agree!  Baltimore has dozens of SPRING FESTIVALS and events coming up these next few months!  From concerts to swashbuckling pirate adventures, there is something for everyone.

Finals may be looming overhead, and for some the dreaded job search, but take an afternoon out of your busy schedule to enjoy the beautiful weather (hopefully I don’t jinx it!), and explore some of these great local events Baltimore and the surrounding universities and colleges have to offer.

April:

Tigerfest: Friday, April 19

Towson University, Johnny Unitas Stadium, Auburn Drive, Towson MD

Towson’s annual Tigerfest has a great lineup this year with headliner Wiz Khalifa.  The day will also feature games, entertainment, and inflatable activities!  There is also a beer garden for my fellow 21+ students.

TICKETS:
Towson Students 
- $20 advance, $25 day of
- On sale: Monday, March 11th
- May also purchase their guest tickets at this time
- One student ticket per OneCard

Non-Students (also includes faculty, staff, and alumni)
- $35 advance, $40 day of
- On sale: Monday, April 1st
- Tickets will not be available on Ticketmaster

Tickets are on sale at the University Union Ticket Office
(Open Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm)

For more information visit: http://towsoncab.wordpress.com/upcoming-events/tigerfest-and-homecoming/

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Fell’s Point Privateer Festival: Friday, April 19 – Sunday, April 21

Fell’s Point: Thames Street Park, Ann Street Pier, Broadway Square, and Broadway Pier

Ahoy Matey!

Come honor Baltimore’s rich maritime history with lots of pirate fun!  Entry is free and the weekend features tons of fun nautical events and entertainment.  There are plenty of vendors and drink and food options that will have your mouth watering.

Each day will conclude with a bang! A battle at sea just off Fell’s Point including the Pride of Baltimore II, will recreate a privateer attack, complete with cannon and black powder gunfire.

And people are known to don their best pirate attire at this event, so don’t forget you eye-patch, peg-leg, sword, and swagger!

For a full list of activities and events and more information visit: http://www.fellspointmainstreet.org/privateerfest.html

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Quadmania: Friday, April 19 – Sunday, April 21

UMBC, Hilltop Circle, Catonsville, MD

This weekend-long event is full of music, food, games, dancing, and much more.  Friday night kicks off the weekend with a dance party!  But don’t party too hard because you won’t want to miss all Saturday has to offer with live music, carnival games, food trucks, and thrilling attractions.

Unfortunately the Sunday concert with headliners Macklemore & Ryan Lewis was sold out in less than 4 days, but the rest of the weekend promises a great time.

For more information visit: http://www.umbc.edu/studentlife/orgs/seb/quadmania/index.html

May:

The Towsontown Spring Festival: Saturday, May 4 – Sunday, May 5

Downtown Towson: from York Road to Bosley Ave. and From Susquehanna Ave. to Allegheny Ave.

Sponsored by the Towson Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

Towson is overtaken by thousands of people during this all-ages, all-weekend festival!  There is free entry to the festival grounds and all live music venues.  There is also free entrance to all the beer gardens.

The festival is a great opportunity to get out and hang with friends!  There are going to be dozens of food vendors serving up some tasty festivals favorites like cheese-steaks, BBQ, crab pretzels, pit beef, funnel cakes, brats…I think you get the idea.

Additional events and activities include carnival rides, giveaways, and entertainment!

After the all-day event head out to some of the local restaurants and bars for dinner! Check out some Towson favorites like The Recher and The Green Turtle.

For more information and stage lineups visit: http://www.towsontownspringfestival.com/

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138^th Preakness Stakes & Infieldfest: Saturday, May 18

Pimlico Race Course, 5201 Park Heights Ave, Baltimore, MD 21215

The running of the Preakness Stakes is one of Baltimore’s oldest and most defining traditions!  The Preakness is smack dab between the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes, and represents the second of the three races a horse must win to grab hold of the prestigious Triple Crown.

For a more traditional Preakness experience, you can drop a pretty penny for premium seating and tent packages, but ladies, be sure not to forget your oversized sunhats— and gentlemen, your Vineyard Vines printed shorts and bowties.  You can watch the races in style as you sip on a Black-Eyed Susan.

For those looking for a less formal affair, head to the infield.  Get your party on as the races literally take place around you.  Infieldfest features headliners Pitbull, and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, who are sure to show the crowd an amazing time.  The rock band The Goo Goo Dolls are to also make an appearance along with other groups such as Chevelle, Florida Georgia Line & Kristen and The Noise.

For more information and ticket sales visit: http://www.preakness.com/infield/infieldfest

And check out their Facebook page for updates: https://www.facebook.com/InfieldFest

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Brew at the Zoo: Saturday, May 25 – Sunday, May 26

The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, Druid Hill Park, Baltimore, MD 21217

Spend your Memorial Day weekend celebrating with the animals! For those 21+ enjoy unlimited beer and wine sampling!  Everyone (even those who cannot indulge in the alcoholic libations) can enjoy live music, food & vendors, and all day zoo admission.  This unique opportunity draws in a more “mature” crowd than the usual kiddie clientele, and is perfect for college-age zoo lovers looking for an excuse to visit their favorite furry animals.

This is a great time to check out the zoo if you have not had the chance yet!

For more information visit: http://www.marylandzoo.org/2013/03/bbt-presents-brew-at-the-zoo-2/

And don’t forget the most important day this spring! May 12!

Oh you forgot didn’t you?

MOTHER’S DAY!

Don’t worry we’ve got your back here at Collegetown!

So get out and enjoy spring with these fun festivals! Let us know if you have any other suggestions!

Katie Windt, Intern

“Not” Home for the Holidays? Easter and Passover in B’more!

Going to Catholic school definitely has its perks, one of which is the five day break we are so generously given for the Easter holiday.  Each year I have loved being able to go home to my comfy bed and mom’s home cooked feast of ham, mashed potatoes, pineapple soufflé, carrots, string beans…okay, I could go on forever, but I think you get the point.  Although I am 22 years old and nearing graduation, the Easter bunny still visits me, leaving a white wicker basket filled with peeps, jelly beans, and lots of chocolate, and I still dye eggs each Easter Eve, which later get turned into pickled eggs by dad.

Although I am given the chance to celebrate this holiday with my family back in New Jersey, I realize most students don’t have the opportunity to travel home.  Students that celebrate Passover are usually in the same boat, and are denied the chance to spend the holiday with their family and friends back home.

For all those students out there that are going to be spending these upcoming holidays right here in Baltimore this post is for you!  Baltimore offers a lot of fun celebrations, and there are still plenty of ways to make these days special.

Easter Brunch:

Nothing says Easter quite like being stuffed to the point of immobility after an early afternoon brunch.  Here are some restaurants with great brunches, and some even offering special Easter menus.

Miss Shirley’s a Baltimore favorite serves up a variety of breakfast and lunch classics and truly amazing and unique signature dishes.  See the menu here.

Fleet Street Kitchen opens for brunch service for the first time on Easter Sunday,10 a.m.-5 p.m. The Harbor East restaurant is offering a three-course, $39 fixed-price menu including main course options of slow-roasted leg of lamb, steak frites with farm eggs and lobster frittata. See the full menu here.

The Milton Inn  is serving a three-course, fixed price Easter brunch. Main course options include eggs benedict, crab meat omelet and pan-seared salmon. The cost is $40. See the full menu here.

Oceanaire Seafood Room  will open its doors at noon for a special Easter Sunday brunch featuring some of the chef’s favorite seafood items.

SoBo Cafe in Federal Hill is serving its regular Sunday brunch menu, along with a few specials, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Ten Ten is offering a three-course, fixed-price brunch menu on Easter Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.  The cost is $24. See the full menu here.

 

Eggs:

Whether you are dying them or looking for delicious ways to eat them, eggs are an Easter must!

Saturday, March 23, McCormick World of Flavors at Harborplace is hosting a pair of cooking demonstrations.  The first demonstration from noon – 12:30 p.m. is full of Easter egg dyeing tips and tricks.  Then from 1 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., learn how to make Easter egg truffles.

Or wow your friends with some unique and fun egg decorating ideas.

So you’ve hard-boiled and decorated a ton of eggs, but now you are not sure what to do with the leftovers after Easter.  Instead of just eating plain hard-boiled eggs for all your meals for the next week, try some of these great recipes.  Like I said before, my dad is king of pickled eggs, which are a great option for someone looking for something that will keep a long time in the fridge (few months)—and their deep fuchsia color adds a splash of color to any meal.

So even though you can’t spend Easter at home, take advantage of all Baltimore has to offer.  After stuffing your face with a hearty brunch, set up an Easter egg hunt across campus with your creatively decorated eggs (that is if you can move after eating), or stay in with the roomies poppin’ peeps and watching Easter movie classics.

 

AND don’t think I forgot about those of you who will be celebrating Passover.  Baltimore has some great kosher restaurants and stores, which you can find on our website’s “kosher eats” page.

Going to make your own Passover meal instead?  Then check out some of these recipes from Baltimore chef Scott Sunshine.

http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/top-lists/passover-recipes-from-a-baltimore-chef/

 

If you have any other great Easter or Passover suggestions let us know! We would love to hear from you!

 

Katie Windt, Intern

Everyone’s Irish on March 17th

This past Sunday thousands of people lined the streets of Baltimore for the 58^th annual Baltimore St. Patrick’s Day Parade.  For those of you who had the chance to attend, you know the day was filled with culture, music, dance, and tons of green.  But if you did not have the chance to celebrate yet, have no fear!  Baltimore is home to many Irish pubs and restaurants that are offering great Irish fare and deals this weekend for the holiday!

Restaurants/Pubs:

1.       Slainte

1700 Thames St., Baltimore, MD 410-563-6600

 2.       Ryan’s Daughter

600 E. Belvedere Ave., Baltimore, MD 410-464-1000

 3.       An Poitin Stil Irish Pub & Restaurant

2323 York Road, Timonium, MD 410-560-7900

4.       Claddagh Pub

2918 ODonnell St., Baltimore, MD 410-522-4220

5.       James Joyce Irish Pub and Restaurant

 616 President St., Baltimore, MD 410-727-5107

 6.       Looney’s Pub North

312 Main St., Bel Air, MD 410-803-7080

7.       Ryleigh’s Oyster

 36 E. Cross St., Baltimore, MD 410-539-2093

8.       Brian Boru

489 Ritchie Highway, Severna Park, MD 410-975-2678

9.       Life of Reilly

2031 E. Fairmount Ave., Baltimore, MD 410-327-6425

10.   Mick O’Shea’s Irish Pub & Restaurant

328 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 410-539-7504

There are also a ton of easy and delicious recipes perfect for throwing your own St. Patty’s Day party.  Check out the food network’s recipes! My personal favorites are corned beef and cabbage and a mashed potato side dish called colcannon…oh and of course Irish soda bread (food network has nothing on my mom’s recipe though).

So whether you venture out this weekend to celebrate at some of the local restaurants and watering holes or decided to stay in, remember— everyone’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day!

Comment and let us know if you have any other suggestions for this weekend!

 Katie Windt, Intern

 

Letterboxing

Sunshine, birds chirping, and 50 degrees—I can only hope this isn’t another tease followed by freezing rain, cloudy skies, and whipping winds.  As spring attempts to poke its head out in Baltimore, I have been trying to think of ways to get some fresh air, along with a healthy dose of much needed vitamin D (a tan wouldn’t hurt either).  Then I remembered something my roommate mentioned to me a few months ago—“Letterboxing”.

Letterboxing is an outdoor treasure-hunt activity, or should I say adventure, that combines navigational skills with a keen ability to decode clues.  Letterboxers hide small weatherproof boxes in public places and post clues to find their boxes online.  Many times each box will contain a logbook and rubber stamp, allowing each finder to make an imprint of the stamp in his or her own personal logbook.

It is believed that letterboxing began in England in 1854 by a national park guide, who left a glass bottle with a clue somewhere within the park for visitors to find.  The trend then caught on in the United States around 1998, when Smithsonian Magazine published an article about the unique hobby.

There are believed to be over 20,000 boxes throughout North America, and many just within Maryland.  Here are some clues for letterboxes in the area.

So if you love scavenger hunts, the outdoors, and adventure as much as I do, check out this interesting pastime.

How to Get Started:

Get your gear together (pen, logbook, compass, friends), and head out to find boxes in your area.  Here are some more tips on preparing for you journey.

http://www.letterboxing.org/GettingStarted/getstart_finding.htm

Making Your Own Letterbox:

Maybe you want to try your hand at making your own clues, and hiding a box somewhere.  You will need to find a weatherproof container (Tupperware), rubber stamp, and small notebook.  You can even add other personal items, like a pre-addressed postcard to yourself!

http://www.letterboxing.org/GettingStarted/getstart.htm

 

Let us know if you have ever Letterboxed!  We would love to hear of any fun locations and stories!

 

…and make sure not to get lost in the woods of Maryland! we all know how that ends…

Katie Windt, Intern

Spring Break

Thanks to MTV and the mid-1990s, Spring Break has become synonymous with exotic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, scantily clad college co-eds, and of course an endless stream of alcohol.  I am sure we would all love the chance to drink bottomless piña coladas, work on a tan, and dance the night away at a beach-front club, but without selling a limb or panhandling in downtown Baltimore, it realistically doesn’t fit into many college students’ budgets (myself included).

So instead of sitting on mom and dad’s couch for a week watching the entire Netflix instant queue, here are some affordable spring break alternatives.

Road-Trip It:

Get a few of your other budget-conscious buddies together and head out on a weeklong trip sure to be full of sightseeing, sing-alongs, and some good old fashioned bonding.  First off, make a list of cities and attractions you and your friends might want to see, then narrow it down and create a route based on proximity and your time frame.  For those on a strict budget, it is easier to stick to one region or coast, but those with a little more financial leeway may consider flying across the country, and renting a car for the return trip—this way you can complete a cross-country road trip even in one week.

You can also visit sites like Best of The Road and The All American Roadtrip, which have pre-planned trips highlighting notable attractions, scenic routes, shops, and restaurants.

Your main expense will be gas, but among a group of four to five, it is definitely affordable.  Also to consider are accommodations, but with a little pre-planning it is easy to save big.  Chances are you have friends at colleges and universities all over the country, so what better way to save money then to crash on their dorm floors!?  You might even specifically plan a “College Themed” road trip, bopping from campus to campus, catching up with old friends.  Another cheap alternative to hotels and motels, are campgrounds—which brings us to our next spring break alternative…

Camping:

Escape the hustle and bustle of school and Baltimore with a week out in the wilderness.  There are a ton of options when it comes to camping, which will suit every prima donna to granola munching outdoor enthusiast.  Check out some of these different types of camping to see what works best with your group.

Your next step after deciding a style of camping is to collect the appropriate gear.  Many colleges and universities have outdoor recreation programs on campus that rent out gear (i.e. tents, sleeping bags, sports equipment) to students—better yet students usually only need to put down a deposit that will be reimbursed upon return. 

Katie’s Top 3 Camping Desserts (tested and approved)

1. Banana Boats
2. Orange Blueberry Muffins
3. Campfire Donuts

Okay maybe just one s’MORE

s’mores on s’mores

Day Trips:

So you are not feeling a week-long adventure, and although you may not want to admit it, you kinda miss mom and dad.  There are plenty of fun daytrips that you can take while spending the week in the comforts of home.  One of my favorite daytrip sources is Weird U.S. a travel guide to some of America’s strangest local legends and best kept secrets.  My friends and I have spent countless Saturday nights exploring abandoned dirt roads, eerie graveyards, and some quirky and downright strange sights.  For those looking for a unique adventure and even a spooky fright or two, check out the website or books to see if your state/area is featured.

If folklore and ghost-hunting are not your forte, try more traditional outings to local museums, theme-parks, concerts, outlets, etc.

Job Hunt:

Well it is definitely not my first choice, but whether you are an overachiever, or all your “fun” options simply failed, you can make the most of your spring break by doing a little job hunting.  Summer internships fill up fast (especially the good ones), so take this time to begin your search.  Get your resume ready, draft some cover letters, and begin applying.  Our website has some great opportunities in Baltimore, which are worth checking out:

http://www.baltimorecollegetown.org/internships/find-an-internship/

Katie Windt, Intern

Be Mine! Quick Tips for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is probably the most loathsome, stress inducing holiday of the year.  Okay, maybe I am being a little dramatic and slightly bitter, but really, think about it.  There are tons of people ridin’ solo (myself included) who simply see the day as a reminder of their seemingly endless string of bad relationships, heartbreaks, or loneliness.  No matter how many times we tell ourselves “I am better off without ____” or “I love being single!”, come Valentine’s Day we are all feeling at least the slightest twinge of pain.

Even those in happy relationships are bogged down by the challenges of picking out the right gift, choosing between chocolate and flowers, or deciding whether tonight is the night to use the “L” word.  Love is a tough game to play whether in or out of it; it is one of the most powerful and challenging emotions, so it only makes sense that this upcoming holiday is so often stigmatized and stressful.

While I don’t see love getting easier anytime soon, I can only hope that these few tips will help make this year’s Valentine’s Day a little brighter and a little less stressful.  And don’t worry there is something for everyone—even those Valentine-less.

DINING

Many of Baltimore’s greatest restaurants offer fun and exciting menus for this special night.  There are many prix fixe menus of three to five course meals that will have your mouth watering.  These offers are great for couples looking for a night of candlelight and romance.

Now for all my single guys and gals, don’t be afraid to get a group of friends in on a reservation.  These special Valentine offers are a great excuse to finally try that restaurant you have been dying to dine at!  Don’t be embarrassed that you are the only non-couples out, because while enjoying your delicious meal you can of course silently snicker about how you are “totally better off without”.

To book reservations and check out some of the offered menus visit: http://www.opentable.com/promo.aspx?pid=102&m=18

Or

http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/dining/baltimore-diner-blog/bal-valentines-day-dining-weekend-20130130,0,6558338.story

MOVIES

The classic movie date—it never gets old.  Baltimore’s charming Charles Theater is unique in that it offers first-run specialty films in addition to Hollywood movies, foreign films, indies, and classics.  The Charles’ eclectic charm and cozy interior make it perfect for any date night.

To check show times visit: http://www.thecharles.com/

For a more traditional movie going experience, check out The Harbor East or AMC White Marsh .  Both offer a wider range of films, most of which are current Hollywood releases.  You are sure to find a romance suitable for you and your sweet Valentine.

For my single friends, I suggest you stray away from sad romantic dramas this Valentine’s Day.  Rather check out a comedy to keep the mood light, and your spirits high.  The newly released romantic zombie comedy, Warm Bodies, proves to be a box office hit, and may just be the perfect mix of humor and romance to get you through this Valentine’s Day.  Check out the trailer!

Also anyone looking to save a few bucks, Relativity Studios presents a free advanced screening of the Nicolas Sparks’ romantic drama Safe Haven.  This special screening is on Wednesday, February 13 at 7:30 p.m.  There are 50 free tickets available through Collegetown, and each person is allowed to download two tickets to the screening.  Screening tickets do not guarantee admittance though, rather seating is on a first come, first served basis, so make sure to arrive early!

To redeem this special offer please visit www.gofobo.com/rsvp and use the RSVP code BLTCLG2U0K

SINGLES ONLY

Okay, I am really sorry to all those couples out there, but I had to do it.  I had to dedicate something to singles only, seeing as this day is a little more depressing and a lot less romantic for us.

Now just to reassure the single people out there, you are not alone! Far from it!  In fact many Baltimore bars and restaurants on Valentine’s Day solely cater to the vast population of singles.  So if you can’t bear to see happy couples dining, canoodling, or partaking in other gut-wrenching activities, these singles-only events may be the best option for you.

Grab a group of your favorite single people, and head out for a night on the town.

Katie Windt, Intern