Celebrating 200 Years of the National Anthem in Baltimore

The whole country is celebrating, and the party is in Baltimore. It will be 200 years since Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics to the Star Spangled Banner on September 14. At least one million visitors are expected to join the people of Baltimore beginning on Wednesday to remember the War of 1812 and the Battle of Baltimore.

Francis Scott Key

Businessmen, including Frank Storch of Baltimore, are ready for the descent on the city; similar to the event which took place two years ago when 1.54 million people came to Baltimore in 2012 for the Sailabration, which marked the beginning of the war. Organizers of the event say that the Sailabration was a kind of ‘dress rehearsal’ for the real celebration this September.

"These are going to be unprecedented crowds and the largest tourism event in our city's history," predicted Tom Noonan, CEO and president of Visit Baltimore, a business that promotes tourism in Baltimore. 

Noonan said the impact of the War of 1812 celebrations will have a similar impact to holding a Super Bowl every day for a week.

Closing Costs Low in Maryland

Frank Storch pleased at good housing news

Good news for Baltimoreans, including businessman Frank Storch. A new study has found that Maryland ranks sixth in the United States for the lowest cost of closing on a home. Bankrate.com reports that the average closing cost comes to $2,404 on a $200,000 home in Maryland. The national average is $2,539.

Washington, DC comes out in fifth place, narrowly beating Maryland by only $2. Nevada however, has the lowest closing costs in the country, averaging in it $2,265. Texas, on the other hand has the most expensive price for closing on a house: $3,046 on a $200,000 mortgage.

The country’s average of $2,539 represents a 6% rise in closing costs since last year, caused in part by a 9% increase in origination fees.

The BBJ Picks its Best CFOs of the Year

Of interest to Baltimore businessmen, including Frank Storch, is the annual list of the Baltimore Business Journal’s Best in Finance CFO Award winners. Here is a partial list of this year’s winners:

• Adrian Johnson: CFO at MECU of Baltimore Inc. a $1.4 billion asset credit union. He has been CFO for four years.
• Stephen Baldwin: He has been the CFO for 13 years at the Children’s Guild.
• G. Mark Chaney: Age 59, Chaney has been the CFO at CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield for 17 years.

Frank Storch Honors Baltimore’s Young Heroes

In an article written by Frank Storch for the Baltimore Jewish Times, Storch asks the question:

“How do you respond when your child does something incredible?”

Frank Storch

Perhaps parents reward their child with praise and a new-found respect, but in Baltimore, Frank Storch says, the community now has the ability to bestow recognition through the use of the Outstanding Youth Award for Exceptional Service.

Project Ezra and the Chesed Fund, both organizations in which Frank Storch plays a leading role, established this award, which invites all young people from the greater Baltimore Jewish community to participate in.

Frank Storch said,

“For the last 10 years, we have honored children in our community who have saved people’s lives or have risen above the call of duty to help others.”

Surge in Baltimore Crime Has Some Neighbors Worried

A recent rash of crime in the Northern Park Heights area of Baltimore has some citizens concerned.

“I don’t remember for quite some time a crime wave of this magnitude, nor the brazenness of it,” said Avrahom Sauer, president of the Cross Country Improvement Association. “It reminds me of the times almost back in 1979, 1980. There was terrible crime [then], and you couldn’t walk on Park Heights Avenue at nighttime.”

Frank Storch

Not everyone is alarmed, although they are concerned.

“I think we probably are a lot better off than a lot of parts of Baltimore City,” Sandy Johnson, president of the Fallstaff Improvement Association said. “I like this area because there’s less crime than in other parts of Baltimore City.”

Frank Storch, an area resident, said he has not witnessed a comparable uptick in crime since 1981, when he was involved in forming the Northwest Citizens Patrol.

“It was important that the community would know that there is a group that’s going to be proactive and try to make sure that we stop the amount of incidents that were happening,” he said, “and work with the police department on trying to make the entire neighborhood safer.”

Storch asserted that the neighborhood had a “major decrease in crime” as a result of the founding of NWCP.

A Labor of Love for Frank Storch

A little more than a year ago Frank Storch, a safety expert from Baltimore, published a safety guide that has made an impact on schools all around the country. Storch’s 44-page booklet, called “Keep Your School Safe” gives advice and easy to follow instructions on how to upgrade the level of security in schools and other public facilities.

In Frank Storch’s own words “We have to protect the community,” it is easy to see why he worked hard to publish and distribute this guidebook, which was a labor of love. The booklet is available on-line and can be downloaded here: http://www.gowanuslounge.com/idt-energy-social-responsibility/ 

What Would the World be Like with More “Menches”?

The recent 75th anniversary of the “Night of Broken Glass,” which took place on November 9-10, 1938

Frank Storch

inspired one Jewish commentator to wonder, “What would the world be like if people of faith raised ‘menches’? Rabbi Elan Adler was talking about “Kristallnacht,” the fateful night when German gangs of Hitler Youth, and others, joined together to break the glass windows of Jewish shops, in addition to setting fire to them and to synagogues, homes, and murdering 91 people.

Rabbi Adler is the host of “The Derech Eretz” radio talk show. His guests were Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf and Frank Storch, both of Baltimore, and both men the Rabbi Adler includes in the term “mench” which means to be an upright person with integrity and sympathy. As an example of how Frank Storch and Rabbi Apisdorf manifest these qualities, Rabbi Adler referred to the work they both do on behalf of the homeless and the technological aid they brought to the victims of Hurricane Sandy in New York.

Rabbi Adler thought perhaps in a world where children are raised to have “derech eretz” and a conscience, events like Kristallnacht would not happen.

Philanthropy a Tradition in Frank Storch Family

Frank Storch learned the importance
of giving from his mother Hannah

Frank Storch, Baltimore-based philanthropist, is an apple that did not fall far from the tree. Hannah and Leo Storch were key players in the Baltimore Jewish community during the 18 years of their marriage. Leo was the founder of the Baltimore “Vaad of Kashrut” now known at the Star-K. Mr. Storch also was the president of the Bais Yaakov School for Girls, in addition to other pivotal roles he played in the community.

Unfortunately Leo passed away in 1972, but that did not stop Hannah, his widow, from running with the ball of support, help and good deeds for her fellow Jews in Baltimore.

Frank Storch explained what a privilege it was to grow up and learn from his parents. He said that even though they were both incredibly busy people, their children received nothing but “Love, time and attention from our very generous mother.”

“We learned the importance of community service, volunteer work and charitable contributions. We learned the importance of listening to the needs of the community and of acting to fulfill those needs,” Frank Storch added.

Frank Storch Teams Up with Israel Bethea to Calm Tensions in Baltimore

Frank Storch and Israel Bethea decided they could not just sit back and let the rise in tension after the not-guilty Zimmerman verdict go unchecked. So Frank Storch went out and bought up hundreds of bottles of icy cold water, and with Bethea’s help, drove around town distributing them.

Frank Storch Calming Tensions in Baltimore

Israel Bethea, who is not only an African American, but also a German Jew, said that “people were so thankful.”

Storch and Bethea ended up giving out almost 400 bottles of water to people they saw as they drove up and down Park Heights Avenue and Reisterstown Road in Baltimore. At one point they even got on a bus to give out water to the grateful riders.

Bethea, who believes there are misunderstandings between the African-American and Jewish communities, said that distributing the water bottles was a great way to help mitigate some of the tension between the two groups.

“People were sincerely thankful,” said Bethea. “It was something small we could do to allay some tension. I was glad to be a part of it.”

Frank Storch and Smart Meters in Baltimore

Smart Meter may not be so smart

Frank Storch recently published a brochure to help residents in Baltimore County make an informed decision about whether to allow Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) to install smart meters into people’s homes.

Storch emphasizes that BGE is offering citizens the ability to request a deferral of the planned installation until a time when each family has done the necessary research to determine if they ultimately will accept a smart meter installed in their homes.

The brochure includes a message from Frank Storch, which reads, in part:

September 2013
Dear Fellow Community Members,
We are reaching out to you concerning a vital issue which could strongly impact all of our lives. As you may know, BGE is planning to install Smart Meters into all of our homes, businesses and schools. This could create serious health, safety, privacy and halachic issues. It is imperative for the community to join together to prevent this impending danger until more conclusive research has been completed.

The message continues by calling for a united campaign to say no to the installation of the Smart Meter devices, and warns that without any reaction from the public the meters will be installed automatically.

Anti-Defamation League Has Praise for Frank Storch Guidebook

Frank Storch Wrote "Keep Your School Safe"

Referring to the safety guidebook "Keep Your School Safe," recently published by Frank Storch, the Anti-Defamation said,

“We think it’s a useful resource and a welcome complement to our materials.” 

This statement, made by Elise Jarvis, the ADL’s associate director of law enforcement outreach and communal security, is high praise indeed, considering that the ADL distributes its own safety guidelines booklet.

Frank Storch is uniquely positioned to produce such a useful booklet as a security consultant and the coordinator for the Northern Park Heights Community Response Team in Baltimore. Storch says that he was able to receive some guidance from law enforcement groups and SWAT teams. He also elicited help from US-based and Israeli security and school professionals.

“They gave us a little bit of feedback,” Storch remarks.

Frank Storch Reaching Out to North American Institutions to Keep Them Safe

Not content with just bringing the guidebook Keep Your School Safe to the Baltimore Jewish community, Frank Storch, with the Chesed Fund and Project Ezra, are sending the safety handbook to all Jewish schools and other institutions all over North America.

The first printing of this comprehensive guidebook consisted of ten thousand copies and is intended for every Reform, Conservative, Orthodox and community day schools. An additional handbook is underway right now which will be sent to all public and private schools throughout North America.
In Frank Storch’s own words he explains why he is so dedicated to getting the word out about community safety:

“As a Security Consultant, Coordinator for CERT (the Community Emergency Response Team in Northern Park Heights, Baltimore) and an expert in security for over thirty-five years I felt that the Jewish community needs no further wake-up call than the tragedy last December in Newtown, CT; it is imperative to review and tighten school safety and security measures.”

The guidebook was published in memory of the 20 young students and 6 dedicated teachers and staff who were brutally murdered at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut last December. It is also dedicated to the victims who died as a result of the terrorist attack at the Boston Marathon in April.

For more information and resources please visit www.keepyourschoolsafe.com. For any questions or comments please call 410-358-2525 or email info@keepyourschoolsafe.com.

Ohr Simcha Offers Baltimore a Warm Shul Environment

After more than twenty years Congregation Ohr Simcha has been a vibrant, but small gathering place for Jews in Baltimore. About one and a half years ago the decision was made to take the leap, and more their premises and see if they could continue to offer the warm, intimate feel of the small shul, while at the same time expanding into a larger, more comfortable facility.

With the generous help of Frank Storch and his wife Danielle Ohr Simcha was able to more into larger premises on the Storch’s property. Since then the congregation has been growing by leaps and bounds. Yet, they have not lost their special welcoming character which allows all different types of Jews to feel comfortable within. The characteristics that made the shul so special in the first place are still present: sincere and respectful davening (prayer), a warm atmosphere, and a strong feeling of community.

Growing Strong at Congregation Ohr Simcha

For fifteen years Congregation Ohr Simcha met in the private home of Mr. and Mrs David Wolf without even the benefit of the services of a rabbi. Five years ago the shul finally took the plunge and hired Rabbi Ari Storch to lead them, and lead them he did. Straight to a larger location, and the shul has not stopped growing since!

Frank Storch at Congregation Ohr Simcha During Purim

Thanks to the generous support of Frank Storch and his wife Danielle, Congregation Ohr Simcha was able to move to a larger facility, at the back of Frank Storch’s property, and watch their membership climb. On the first Shabbat after the change in venue about twenty of the congregations regular attendees came. Within just one week that number was already double. Today the shul can be proud of its 100 participants every Shabbat, all responding to the shul’s emphasis on a sincere, respectful service, a warm, welcoming, friendly atmosphere, and a desire to unify and strengthen their community while encouraging members from a large spectrum of the orthodox community.

Chesed Task Force of Greater Washington

Frank Storch furthered the cause of Chesed in Baltimore last week when he participated in the Chesed Task Force of Greater Washington's training program for volunteers (chaverim.)

See below for the details of the event, and if you would like to help, dont hesitate to call the number and volunteer. There is no greater mitzvah (good deed) than helping someone in need.

Frank Storch: Unity Is What Purim is All About

With Purim just around the corner Frank Storch points out that unity is a goal which the Baltimore Jewish community has been long aiming for. One example of unity is the way many of Baltimore’s charity organizations are organized, as Storch explains:

“Our community is blessed with people and organizations that are involved with chesed around the clock.  For example, The Associated:  Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore is one large organization that caters to the entire Jewish community — with programs and services for the young through the elderly. I am impressed by how much they do each year for our community. “

Sometimes even just one person can make a big difference when it comes to bringing people of diverse backgrounds together. Frank Storch points out the work of Elaine Gerstenfeld, who wanted to do something special for her community this Purim. Gerstenfeld launched a new program which she called “Bey-ond the Mask.” The point of this event is to unify the Reform, Conservative and Orthodox Jews in Baltimore.  The gathering is planned for 1pm on Purim day at The Atrium on Smith Avenue. After coming together as a group, everyone will be sent out with pre-packaged Purim treats to bring to hospitals, nursing homes and assisted-living centers. “Bey-ond the Mask” hopes to unite the people of Baltimore while also helping to bring joy to others.

Frank Storch’s Chesed Fund Brings Carnival to Far Rockaway

With the support of Frank Storch’s Chesed Fund, families were able to take a break from the pressure and anxiety caused by Hurricane Sandy and its aftermath. Funding from the Chesed Fund centered in Baltimore, and volunteers from girls’ schools in Baltimore came together to create what was called the “Welcome Home Carnival” to celebrate the ongoing recovery from the ravages of the devastating superstorm.

Rabbi of the Young Israel of Bayswater and Wavecrest in Far Rockaway, Eliezer Feuer, thanked Frank Storch for his efforts to help the people of his community.

“On behalf of my community of Bayswater and Far Rockaway, I want to thank Frank Storch and his family and the Baltimore Jewish community for caring about us and reaching out to us in New York. This is a great opportunity for our community to have a fresh start,” Rabbi Feuer said.

On hand and provided by the Chesed Fund were clowns, jugglers, magicians, face painters and more, to help relieve the children and their families from some of their stress at a very difficult time in their lives. Girls from Bais Yaakov and Bnos Yisroel filled buses to be there to help, as did also the staff of the Talmudical Academy of Baltimore, all to assist with the carnival.

Chesed Fund Delivers Variety of Helping Options in Baltimore

The Chesed Fund Limited was launched by Danielle and Frank Storch to help Baltimore community members in ways that most other charitable organizations don’t consider. As an example, where else but the Chesed Fund can someone get a reflector belt to help make night-walking safer? The Chesed Fund has over 15,000 of these belts ready for people just for the asking. Have you ever been to a wedding or other celebration and found the music just too loud? The Chesed Fund has thousands of earplugs to give away to make partying more pleasant. For those among us that miss the date for ordering hand shemura matza for their Passover Seders the Chesed Fund can come to the rescue with 250 extra pounds around for just such a mishap. Last, but definitely not least, among the offers mentioned here, is a $99 package to photograph a Brit Milah, or other simcha.

It is clear that Frank Storch and his Chesed Fund are helping the Baltimore community in ways that challenge the imagination, helping bring the community together for good.

Frank Storch Urges Upgrade of Baltimore Security

In a letter to Baltimore community leaders Frank Storch urges that Baltimore schools and other locations where community members congregate, more steps should be taken to insure the safety and security of residents.

Inspired by the shocking and tragic events that took place in a Connecticut elementary school in mid-December, Storch listed several ways the community can take further precautions to upgrade the security in schools, synagogues and other public spaces.

• Panic buttons should be installed at all locations where receptionists are stationed
• Surprise lock-down drills should be practiced on a regular basis
• Cell phones should be pre-programmed with all staff numbers as well as emergency numbers in case land-lines are down.

About the Chesed Fund Limited

The Chesed Fund Limited was established by Frank Storch in memory of Rabbi Norman and Louise Gerstenfeld, and Mordechai and Rebecca Kapiloff.

According to the fund, it “serves the Baltimore community year-round through a variety of Chesed programs for both families in need or the community at large. Safety belts and bike helmets, Community Shredding Day, and CERT disaster response training are just a few among the many programs offered.”