Neighborhood News: May 2025
/CCA Public Meeting May 13
The CCA will host a hybrid Public Meeting on May 13 at 6:30 pm. We’re going to fill you in on CCA news and we’ll field some questions, too. Join us in person at Church on the Square at 1025 S. Potomac Ave. or watch online on our FB page. To submit a question in advance, please email info@cantoncommunity.org.
Kinetic Sculpture Race
The American Visionary Art Museum’s popular Kinetic Sculpture Race is May 3. Ordinary people build extraordinary human-powered, all-terrain, artful contraptions to race over land, water, sand & mud and you’re all invited to join the fun! This wacky event starts at the AVAM, goes to Canton Waterfront Park, then parades north to Patterson Park. This is a don’t-miss event for SE Bmore!!
Lighthouse Point Marina Preakness Party
Join us at Lighthouse Point Marina on Saturday, May 17 from 2-4:30 for a pregame Preakness Party featuring Black-eyed Susans, Cocktail Hour 2-4, a Duck Race, and a Hat Contest just by local fashion experts and a representative of the CCA! Lighthouse Point Boaters Lounge & Docks located 2780 Lighthouse Point.
Wine at Sunset
Friends of Patterson Park hosts their annual fundraiser, Wine at Sunset, on Thursday, May 22 from 6-9 pm. This event features wine tastings and small bites from some of Baltimore’s favorite restaurants as well as live music by Rob Fahey – all to benefit Patterson Park! For more info and tickets.
Music on the Square Concert Series
Music on the Square Concert Series continues May 8 with Omar Ruiz-Lopez & Lyle DeVitry offering a night of expansive folk, honest storytelling, and musical textures that invite you to slow down and listen deeply. Details and Tickets here or visit www.facebook.com/musicotsquare for more information. The concert series is held every month at Church on the Square located at 1025 S. Potomac Street. $25 kids 12 and under get in free.
Canton Library Events
Medicare Made Simple
Thursday, May 1 & Monday, May 19 | 5:45–7:45 PM
Understand Medicare enrollment, coverage, costs, and options like Medigap and Advantage plans. Learn how to avoid penalties and reduce expenses.
Book Swap
Saturday, May 3 | 12:00–1:00 PM
Bring a favorite book to trade and chat with fellow readers. Learn about local book clubs from library staff and the Mariellen Reading Society.
Harbor Habitats: A Two-Part Series
Thursday, May 8 & Thursday, June 5 | 6:00–7:30 PM
Explore local habitats and conservation gardening with Leanna Wetmore. Includes hands-on activities in the library garden and a waterfront eco-tour.
In Stitches Club
Saturday, May 24 | 10:30 AM–12:30 PM
Bring your knitting, crochet, or needlework project and enjoy a relaxed morning of crafting and conversation.
Summer Safari & Sundaes
Saturday, May 31 | 2:00–4:00 PM
Kick off Summer Break with free ice cream, animal crafts, and a live animal show by EcoAdventures! Fun for all ages.
Bingo at St. Casimir
Join us on Sunday, May 18 for Bingo at St. Casimir Church at 2736 O’Donnell St. Bingo includes 20 games, 3 specials, early bird games and door prizes! $30. Snacks and beverages sold separately. For more info or to make a reservation call Ann Louise Novak at 410.627.7948.
Dypski Park Reservations
Neighbors interested in reserving Dypski Park for a kid’s party or other special event should contact Shawnte Minor and Ashley Bush at BCRP Permits and Special Events at 410-396-7070 or email park.permits@baltimorecity.gov. The office is open Monday-Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and closed on Thursdays. Further details on obtaining a permit can be found at https://bcrp.baltimorecity.gov/permitshome and https://bcrp.baltimorecity.gov/private-events.
Canton Canopy Spring Planting
Canton Canopy is a volunteer group working with the CCA to increase the trees in Canton. Join them on Saturday, May 10 to help plant trees in our neighborhood. They’ll have tools, gloves, coffee, and donuts… all they need is you! For the location and details, like them on Facebook or follow them on Instagram.
Reporting and Preventing Crime – Tip Line
The Baltimore City Police Department asks neighbors to report crimes via this TIP email: SEDtips@baltimorepolice.org. Security camera footage and photos should be included.
CCA News
VIP TICKET GIVEAWAY TO FIRST THURSDAY!
WTMD returns for their 20th season of First Thursdays free concerts at Canton Waterfront Park on Thursday, June 5 at 5:30 p.m. featuring Craig Finn, Brandi & The Alexxanders and Rex Pax. We’re giving one lucky CCA member 2 VIP tickets to the show! To be eligible, sign up as a new member or renew your current membership to the Canton Community Association on/before 5 pm on Monday, June 2 at https://www.cantoncommunity.org/join-us.
There are food and beverage vendors on-site. No outside alcohol or coolers are permitted. For more details, visit https://wtmd.org/radio/first-thursday-concerts-in-the-park/.
CCA Public Meetings 2025
February 18, May 13, September 16, and November 18
Meetings are held at the United Evangelical Church at 3200 Dillon St. except for the May 13 meeting which will be held at Church on the Square at 1025 S. Potomac St. They will also be live-streamed on the CCA Facebook page.
CCA Committees / Volunteer Opportunities
Please read our Life in Canton April 2025 feature article on our much-needed volunteer roles!!
The CCA has a variety of volunteer opportunities that enable neighbors to share their time and talent with the community. As we begin the new year, we’d love to see some fresh faces join our committees – especially our Public Safety, Membership, and Transportation committees. CCA committees include Arts, Economic Development, Education, Marketing, Membership, Public Safety, Transportation, Social, Sustainability, and Volunteer. The CCA also oversees the Friends of Canton Dog Park & Friends O’Donnell Square, and partners with Canton Canopy, the Canton Anti-Racism Alliance, and the I Wonder Garden. (Details) To learn more, visit www.cantoncommunity.org/volunteer/ or please contact Amanda at volunteer@cantoncommunity.org.
MAY FEATURED POSITION: Volunteer Coordinator
• Manage and update the volunteer database.
• Send recruitment emails for events and initiatives.
• Assign volunteers to tasks during events (cleanups, fundraisers, etc.).
• Check in with volunteers and keep them engaged with the organization.
• Organize appreciation efforts (thank-you emails, small recognition events
CCA Merchandise
Need a gift for a new baby? Make a hoodie for a graduating senior? Or how about a hat for yourself? If you want to support the CCA and look sharp, too, you can purchase CCA merchandise including onesies, hats, long-sleeve lightweight hoodies, CCA foldable/reusable tote bags, tumblers, and more at Canton Ace Hardware at 1022 Binney Street.
Merch Manager
If you have an hour a month, the CCA needs a volunteer to help manage our merch.
• Coordinate with Canton Ace Hardware to keep CCA merchandise in stock.
• Research and source new merchandise orders.
Email info@CantonCommunity.org to volunteer. Thanks!!
CCA Free Community Pitch-in/Dumpster Days 2025
The CCA is hosting Community Pitch-In Days featuring a FREE community dumpster. Neighbors are encouraged to clean their blocks, then bring items to the dumpster. The dumpster will be located on Lakewood Ave, 1 block north of Boston St. alongside the Safeway from 9:00 am until noon, or until full. (Start times may vary.) Plan to go early, as it usually fills fast. March 8, June 28 and other possible other dates TBD.
Buy-A-Brick at O’Donnell Square Park or the Canton Dog Park
Support the endowment to maintain O'Donnell Square Park and/or The Friends of Canton Dog Park with the purchase of a commemorative brick. Pay tribute to someone's love of the community or recognize birthdays, anniversaries, birth and wedding dates, businesses, or memorializing loved ones. The cost of a commemorative brick is $100. You may also purchase a replica of your brick with felt backing for an additional $35. We can duplicate previously purchased bricks, too. If you are not sure of the wording on your brick, email brick@cantoncommunity.org and we can help. (Note: the program is under transition and new bricks may take several months to be installed.)
Become a CCA Member
Joining the CCA is a gateway to meeting neighbors and supporting local businesses in our community. Meet awesome people and learn about our neighborhood and how you can engage to not only have fun but help others, too. You’ll also receive a subscription to our monthly e-newsletter, Life in Canton, and some cool CCA merch. Individual memberships start at only $10/year; business memberships at $250. For details, visit https://www.cantoncommunity.org/join-us.
CCA Social Media - Follow Us!
For the latest information about our neighborhood and other helpful community/city news, please follow our CCA pages on social media. Instagram @CCA_Baltimore and Facebook.