HARBEL Community Services
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Our Community Relations program has the most far-reaching positive impact on all of our member associations in the Northeast.

Download membership application.

Comprised of all of our 80+ constituent organizations, HARBEL’s Community Relations program provides a variety of services for our members:

• liaison between government and residents

• forums on a variety of topics through which our members become informed
   about current pertinent issues

• monitor the docket of the zoning and liquor board for neighborhood impact

• develop testimony for members when necessary

• sponsor the NorthEast Citizens Patrol

• strengthen local businesses

• assist commercial revitalization efforts

• maintain ability to develop new community programs

• serve as fiscal agent for grant-seeking neighborhood groups

• provide advocacy and referral services

• spearhead special activities and events

• mentor upcoming community leaders

• develop community forums for issues of concern

COMPUTER CLASSES NOW AVAILABLE AT HARBEL

HARBEL is pleased to offer a series of beginner, intermediate and advanced computer classes. Students will learn the basics of using a computer, writing a resume, editing, Internet use, and computer applications. Classes begin August 2, 2010 and run for one week for each level. Cost is $25 per week. Checks should be made payable to HARBEL and brought to the first day of class. All classes are held at the HARBEL building, 5807 Harford Road beginning at 9 am. Class size is limited to 5 students each week, so advance registration is required. Call HARBEL at 410-444-2100 to reserve your seat. For more information, contact: Zach@dottts.com. (Download Computer Class Application)

In addition to on-going services and programs, the Community Relations unit coordinates a giant Community Flea Market (Download Flier & Application) which draws vendors, buyers, gawkers, and fun-seekers from the whole region. Held the Saturday before Mother’s Day, the Flea Market features flowers and plants suitable for planting in the ground or enjoying inside the house.

In early Spring, HARBEL’s Annual Meeting scheduled for Monday, June 7 at
7 pm at the Overlea Event Center. (See Calendar for details) This event brings elected leaders representing our communities on the city, state, and federal level to a social event with our residents and friends. The Annual Meeting introduces the directors of each of HARBEL’s three programs who present their year in review and feature their unique activities. The agency’s staff is also introduced to the community.

Summer activities usually revolve around attending as many of the community’s festivals and fairs as is humanly possible. Almost every weekend sees another community association conducting a social event, gathering their members in an informal setting to meet new and old friends and share memories.

Fall means HARBEL's annual fundraising event. In 2010 HARBEL will celebrate 40 years of service with a Gala Dinner at Columbus Gardens on Sunday, October 24. (See Calendar for details.) Guest speaker is John Carroll Byrnes, President of the Baltimore Historical Society. Community groups are encouraged to make and donate a basket filled with products or services relating to a theme, e.g. sports, baby, bath, Italian foods, French foods, Chinese foods/items, automotive, household, linen, etc.  All baskets will be auctioned off during the evening. The Dinner will honor the 10th anniversary of the NorthEast Citizens Patrol. The Patrol will be donating a basket of safety items for the auction.

Winter work includes sharing in holiday festivities throughout our area with good friends from all of our associations. Many of our groups dispense with their usual business meeting in favor of a social evening where neighbors can participate in holiday cheer and wish each other a healthy new year.

Community Relations is on-going throughout the year and continues to impact our many communities in all their doings. To volunteer for the NorthEast Citizens Patrol and help make your neighborhood safer, please contact the president of your community association. To volunteer for one of other programs or learn how you can get involved in your community association, please call our office at 410.444.2100.