A builder and a comedian are part of the new cohort of Open Society Institute-Baltimore community fellows--each with a remarkable plan to improve city life.Carpenter Shelley Halstead will transform blocks in the Upton and Druid Heights neighborhoods, one vacant home at a time. Participants in Black Women Build Baltimore will learn valuable job skills, and have the opportunity to buy the homes they restore.Then, Fred Watkins used humor to find the light in dark times. His group, “Lil' Laughs,” will work in schools to build self-esteem and send a message against bullying.