🗳️ 95 Days to Make a Difference!

August 2nd, 2024

Dear Neighbor,

Less than 100 Days to Make a Difference 💪

We are now less than 100 days away from the most consequential election of our lifetimes. Come November, we will elect Kamala Harris as the first woman, first Black American, and first South Asian American by defeating Donald Trump. We will elect the first Black woman Senator in the history of Maryland by defeating Larry Hogan. And we will elect Democrats up and down the ballot that cherish our Democracy and believe in protecting a woman's right to choose. However, none of this can happen without motivated and fired up volunteers like yourself who are ready to shape our future and say we aren’t going back! 

With the election so close, we need everyone to help in any way that they can. This week take part in the Maryland Democratic Party’s Weekend of Action supporting Angela Alsobrooks, Sarah Elfreth, and Board of Education candidates all around Anne Arundel County! Please see the links below to sign up, and I can’t wait to see you out on the doors this weekend! 

Door knocking Opportunities this Weekend! 

Saturday August 3rd, 12PM: Knocking in Crofton with Jeremy York

Saturday August 3rd, 3PM: Knocking in Pasadena with Erica McFarland

Sunday August 4th, 12PM Knocking in Annapolis with Joanna Tobin

Sunday August 4th, 3PM: Knocking in Broadneck with Dana Schallheim

Book Bans and Gun Control: 3 Minutes from Vice President Kamala Harris

Last week, Vice President Harris spoke to the American Federation of the Teachers in Houston, highlighting the negative impact of book banning on educators and the importance of protecting our Nation’s history through literature. This underscores the significance of my Freedom to Read Act, which I passed during the 2024 Session to protect Maryland’s library collections and the dedicated librarians who curate them.

Vice President Harris emphasized that “...while you teach students about our nation’s past… extremists attack the freedom to learn and acknowledge our nation’s true and full history.” Her words resonate deeply with the purpose of Freedom to Read, highlighting the need for us to remain vigilant in defending the right to read and learn without barriers.

She poignantly added, 'We want to ban assault weapons, and they want to ban books. Can you imagine?' This stark comparison serves as a reminder for where we are, and the future we are fighting for in America.

Donating to Anne Arundel County Literacy Council!

What an amazing organization! If you didn’t know, the Anne Arundel County Literacy Council is a non-profit that provides free one-on-one tutoring for low-income adults and out-of-school youth who seek to improve their lives by learning to read, earning a diploma, or learning to speak English. They provide free books and materials to their students, and all of their tutors are volunteers. 

Originally started by 6 women in 1977, AACLC has now grown to have over 200 active tutors in their membership. I was so happy that I could bring the last books from my overwhelmingly supported 3rd Annual Book Drive that will go to supporting their efforts!! 

If you want to volunteer, donate, or just see how you may be able to support them, please visit their website! They have an upcoming book fair that I’m looking forward to sharing more information about soon!  

Covid 19 Test Availability

 As many of you have heard, Covid 19 cases have been on the rise this summer, and it is important to get yourself tested to make sure you are keeping you and your loved ones safe. There are a number of options to receive free Covid testing around Annapolis and Anne Arundel County. Please see below for options of where you can get a free test: 

Anne Arundel County Department of Health: 

• Anne Arundel County offers FREE In-Person PCR testing to eligible individuals. To determine if you are eligible, call 410-222-7256.

• Rapid Home Test Kits and KN95 masks are available for pickup Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. excluding scheduled or holiday closures at the following locations: Glen Burnie Health Center, Magothy Health Center, Parole Health Center. Rapid Home Test Kits and KN95 masks are also available in the Department of Health’s Health-to-Go Vending Machines.

Anne Arundel County Libraries: 

• AACPL is distributed tests from the Department of Health, however tests are on a first come first serve basis. Please find your nearest branch here and call them to inquire about Covid test availability where you are! 

  
  

⚓ Celebrating Service! 

What an honor this past week to present a citation from  Governor Wes Moore thanking Annapolis’s own Navy Captain Christopher Brianas for his remarkable 25 years of service to our Country! I’m humbled to have the United States Naval Academy in my District, and I couldn’t be happier to have been invited to participate in today’s ceremony. Congratulations Captain Brianas!!

Anne Arundel Veterans Job Fair & More!

🌟 Attention Veterans!

🗓 Mark your calendars early!

Get excited for an upcoming job fair and benefits day tailored just for you. On Friday, September 6th join many other professionals and veterans at Arundel Lodge to explore local career options and benefits available to you! 

For more information and current updates on how to jumpstart your next career opportunity as a veteran, click here! 

AACPS Summer Meal Program

Starting June 17th through August 22nd, Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) will be providing breakfast and lunch service Monday - Thursday to children at the following locations. Breakfast and lunch is available to children ages 2-18 and there are no income or registration requirements. Make sure to spread the word if you know someone who wants to come enjoy a healthy meal!

For more information please click here

Schools Out Summer Fun! ☀️

Looking for some more kids summer fun before school starts again? Dive into Fun at Arundel Olympic Swim Center!

With summer in full swing, the Arundel Olympic Swim Center is your go-to destination for a full day packed with exciting activities, including swimming, arts and crafts, and games. Our facility offers a perfect mix of splashy fun and creative adventures to keep the kids entertained!

Learn more here!

Nominations Open for the Annie Awards! 

Starting yesterday you can nominate outstanding creative individuals to the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County’ss 24th annual Annie Awards! Nominations for this prestigious award are open from August 1-31. Get ready to shine a light on the amazing talent in our community and nominate those who have made significant contributions to the creative arts!! 

The event is on November 14 at 5:30 p.m. at Maryland Hall. 

For more information and guidelines click here. 

For the Love of the Library 2024!

One of my favorite fundraisers of the years, get ready for For the Love of The Library 2024! You’ll experience the library like never before while enjoying delectable bites from Chef Kurt and Chesapeake Chef Service, delightful drinks, a Wine & Whiskey pull and immersive stations that showcase the heart of the library. There will also be opportunities to bid on a number of live auction items. Don’t miss one of the most premier events in Anne Arundel County!

Make sure to block off your calendars on September 27th today, and click HERE for more information and to purchase tickets! 

You can follow me on Facebook, X, and Instagram to learn about volunteer opportunities, community resources, legislative updates and much more. If you have any questions or concerns, you can always contact my office by email at Dana.Jones@house.state.md.us or by phone at 410-841-3211.

Stay safe and healthy,