Aug 29

💙 Bringing the DNC Energy Home!

August 30th, 2024

Dear Neighbor,

Maryland Front and Center at the DNC!

It is with immense pride that I represented Maryland’s 3rd Congressional District last week as a Delegate to the Democratic National Convention supporting Kamala Harris and Tim Walz! What a week it was, the energy was remarkable and it is clear that hope is making a comeback. From Secretary Clinton, to former First Lady Michelle Obama, to our very own nominee for President of the United States, women leadership was on display, and it is a woman in the Oval Office that will be leading our Country into the future!

Maryland took the forefront throughout the week, with motivating remarks from Congressman Raskin, and a tremendous speech from Governor Moore recounting Vice President Harris’s immediate support for Maryland following the collapse of the Key Bridge. We also heard from Oprah, who reminded voters that the choice in November is “common sense over nonsense” and that “Let us choose truth, let us choose honor, let us choose joy”.

Finally, Maryland’s role was capped by Maryland US Senate Candidate Angela Alsobrooks delivering the Tuesday night keynote address. She reminded us that there is so much work to be done between now and November, and that women’s rights are on the ballot. There is only one Presidential candidate who will fight to protect and restore access to abortion, that’s Kamala Harris. There is only one MD Senate candidate who will be the 51st vote AGAINST Mitch McConnell’s Nationwide abortion ban, and that's Angela Alsobrooks. With that in mind, I came back to Maryland ready to work and win!

This past Tuesday, I crisscrossed the County co-hosting 3 events for Angela Alsobrooks! I started out at the Crooked Crab Brewing Company in Odenton with my dear friend,Delegate Andrew C. Pruski, and so many of my colleagues from Anne Arundel County, for a packed house meet and greet! Then I headed back down to Annapolis for a tremendous fundraiser supporting Angela alongside my fellow co-hosts. Finally, I ended the evening participating in a call with over 800 people. I spoke on a panel of Maryland's leading elected women supporting the next President of the United States, Kamala Harris, MD's next US Senator, Angela Alsobrooks, and our next Congresswoman, Sarah Elfreth as well as the entire Democratic ticket!

The DNC was full of energy and so was Maryland this week. I would LOVE to see YOU come out and support Vice President Harris, County Executive Alsobrooks, our next Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth and all of the amazing Democratic candidates to ensure common sense over nonsense prevails this November. Support can be in many forms, from donations to door knocking, even the smallest impact makes a difference.

To knock doors in MD, click here:https://www.mobilize.us/mdvictory/

To donate, click here:https://mddems.org/AnswerTheCall/

Let me take a moment to speak about our Board of Education candidates, who have become the front lines fighting back against the weird extremism some people want to force into our classrooms. This weekend, there are a number of door knocks supporting great candidates in competitive districts all across the County. See below to sign up, and I will see you on the doors this weekend!

Saturday, August 31st, 2024:

11am-1pm, meet at Crofton Woods Elementary with BOE Candidate Jeremy York

10-12pm, meet at Shipley’s Choice Elementary with BOE Candidate Dana Schallheim

12-3pm, meet at Jacobsville Elementary with BOE Candidate Erica McFarland

Sunday, September 1st, 2024:

12-3pm, meet at Germantown Elementary School with BOE Candidate Joanna Tobin

Back to School in Annapolis!

#Back2school is here!! I am so happy to have recently joined the amazing Maryland General Assembly Department of Legislative Services in their 2024 Back to School Drive, this year supporting Monarch Academy Annapolis Elementary School! A special thank you to them for organizing and supporting young students in District 30A!

AACPS also wishes you a wonderful Back to School! If you are interested or need additional guidance this school year, the AACPS Family Academy offers an online library of videos, classes, and resources that answers any questions you may have. They offer information about AACPS Academics & Programs, Wellbeing & Growth, and Navigating AACPS. It's available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in English and Spanish. To check it out click here!

For more information about 2024-2025 back to school like school hours, bus schedules, meals, or Back to School events, click here!

This past week, I also wished my Chief of Staff, Josh, good luck on his First Day of School atUniversity of Maryland in his dual MBA / MPP! (Of course a #MomInOffice would require first day of school pictures).

Wishing you and all your loved ones a stellar and successful back to school this year!

📚The Power of Literacy!

Thank you to the Maryland State Department of Education for hosting "The Right to Read" Clips and Conversations round table! The event included watching portions of the literacy documentary "The Right to Read" alongside a number of colleagues from around Maryland working on literacy. I was especially thrilled to be joined by the film's star and producer, Kareem Weaver, who was able to answer some of our questions. Literacy is vital to our State and the Country, thank you to all the organizers for making this event happen!

🧑‍🚒 Reinforcing the Frontlines!

All Marylanders' lives and property are protected and benefited by a strong and efficient fire, rescue, and emergency medical service response system.

That is why I was proud to sponsor Maryland Association of Counties's 2024 priority legislation aimed at boosting recruitment and retention of these vital personnel across out State.

Thank you to MACO for inviting me to moderate their panel on the subject earlier this month for the statewide conference. It was so insightful to hear from the panelists, including: Robert McCullough, Chief of Police at theBaltimore County Police Department, Robert Phillips, Legislative Chair and Executive Board member at the Maryland State Firefighters Association, Thomas Coe, Chief of Frederick County (MD) Fire & Rescue, Andrew Nicklas, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs & Policy at the Maryland Hospital Association, and Anthony Rosano, Director of the Frederick County Division of Emergency Management. Looking forward to continuing working on this issue alongside these amazing partners!

Supporting Sergeant Aquilino Gonell

I invite you to uplift a fellow community member, former U.S. Capitol Police Sergeant Aquilino Gonell. He is a proud immigrant, a U.S. Army veteran who fought in Iraq – and he was wounded while defending the US Capitol on January 6th 2021.

Due to his physical and emotional wounds from January 6th, Sgt. Gonell has been unable to provide for his family since that fateful day. If you are able to, please donate or share this fundraiser to help cover the costs of his ongoing care and rehabilitation as we support our service members.

To read more about his story or donate to a verified fundraiser click here.

🏈 Navy Football Season Opener!

This Saturday at Noon, we kick off the Fall football season with our Opening Game of Navy vs. Bucknell!! Be sure to stay up-to-date with traffic, parking, and road closures throughout the day.

Don’t forget to join us for the Brigade of Midshipmen March throughout Annapolis before the game!

For more information and a full game schedule click here!

🧺 Pops in the Park!

It’s time for an Anne Arundel County end-of-summer tradition that outdoor music and festival aficionados won’t want to miss! The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, in association with the Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks, presents the perfect ending to summer: two FREE outdoor concerts! Uplifting and danceable pops tunes, patriotic songs, movie and Broadway music and contagious fun will get everyone moving! These concerts are completely free and appropriate for kids and music-lovers of all ages.

Both concerts are open to the public, hope to see you there!

Downs Park: August 31, 2024 at 11:30 AM
Quiet Waters Park September 1, 2024 at 5:30 PM

While there is no need to reserve your spot for a ticket, registering automatically enters you in fun door prizes and raffles. Click here to register today!

🎶 Annapolis Songwriters Festival 🎸

Annapolis are so lucky to have the 3rd Annapolis Songwriters Festival this September 12 to 15, 2024 at venues, including historic City Dock!! The four-day event will feature nationally-known and acclaimed singers and songwriters at ticketed events as well as free music showcases. The event is modeled after the renowned Key West Songwriters Festival, in its 29th year in 2025. Join the city and jam out!

Over the course of four days, concerts will be held at locations including Maryland Hall, Rams Head OnStage and, with the amazing views over Spa Creek, at City Dock.

Performers will include the following headliners:

Johnnyswim at Maryland Hall, Thursday, September 12
Avery Sunshine at Maryland Hall, Friday, September 13
Bob Scneider & Steve Poltz at Rams Head OnStage on Friday, September 13
Citizen Cope, JJ Grey & Mofro at City Dock, Friday, September 13
David Holcomb & The Neighbors at Maryland Hall, Saturday, September 14
Natalie Hemby at Rams Head OnStage, Saturday, September 14
Free show with Joint Operation, Jah Works, and Troll Tribe at City Dock, Saturday, September 14
Marc Cohn at Maryland Hall, Sunday, September 15
Kimberly Perry at Rams Head OnStage, Sunday, September 15, and
Lee Brice with Will Jones at City Dock, Sunday, September 15

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,