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⚓️ Happy 150th Thomas Point Lighthouse!
- Dana Jones
- Aug 15, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 5, 2025
August 15th, 2025
Dear Neighbor,
Celebrating 150 Years of Thomas Point Light House!
Last weekend, I had the honor of celebrating 150th Anniversary event for the Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse, a true icon of our Chesapeake heritage and a proud part of my district.
Securing state funding can be challenging, but supporting this national historic landmark has never been difficult. I was proud to sponsor a 2025 Legislative Bond Initiative that brought $60,000 for a new permanent dock after Tropical Storm Debby destroyed the previous landing in 2024.
To John, and every member and volunteer from the Chesapeake Chapter of the U.S. Lighthouse Society, thank you for your tireless work transforming the lighthouse into a living museum for all to enjoy. Its enduring presence is a testament to your dedication, and to the deep appreciation we share as a community.
Here’s to keeping the light shining for generations to come.
Making the Most of MACO
Every year, Maryland legislators, municipal leaders, and advocates from across the state gather in Ocean City to collaborate on solutions to Maryland’s most pressing challenges. Although the General Assembly meets for only 90 days each year, my work continues year-round, listening, researching, and preparing ways to address these issues in the next session. This year, two of my many meetings stood out in particular.
I first want to thank the Maryland Department of Aging Secretary Carmel Roques for our productive conversation this week at the Maryland Association of Counties conference! We discussed how we can partner to better support Maryland’s growing aging population, especially as vital federal resources and services are being cut by Trump and Congressional Republicans. As a House Appropriations member, and President of the Women Legislators of Maryland, I’m excited to expand our collaboration to find creative ways to support aging Marylanders, caregivers, and their families.
I also want to thank the One Fair Wage Coalition, their organizers, and the incredible members of the service industry for hosting me for their Serve-for-an-Hour event! This event has legislators wear aprons, speak with and serve restaurant workers, and learn the struggles they face in their industry. Most importantly, their status as sub-minimum wage workers, only being paid $3.63 an hour.
For me, one of my many part time jobs in college was waiting tables, and I understand the issues these professionals face on a daily basis. In recent years, Maryland has rightfully increased the general minimum wage to $15 an hour, but restaurant workers are still being excluded.
As the President of the Women Legislators of Marylanders, it is clear that women face the brunt of this unfair practice. In Maryland, 67 percent of tipped workers are women. Maryland families cannot support themselves and grow on these wages. I am looking forward to supporting the effort for One Fair Wage, and to increase tipped workers to the standard $15 minimum wage come next session. This is a fairness issue, this is a women's issue, and we must address it.
🏃🏻♀️Annapolis 10 Miler 50th Anniversary, August 24th🏃🏻♀️
The 50th Annual Annapolis Ten Mile Run, organized by the non-profit Annapolis Striders, Inc. will take place on Sunday, August 24, 2025. This race is a tough race known for the 3 H’s (heat, humidity and hills!)
From 7 a.m. until 9:30 a.m., residents and visitors to downtown Annapolis should expect rolling road closures as racers make their way through the course, which begins at Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. There will be a traffic detour in and out of downtown via Rowe Boulevard, around Navy-Marine Corps Memorial.
Naval Academy Bridge: Please avoid the Naval Academy Bridge during the Annapolis 10-Mile Race, as traffic will be halted while approximately 10,000 runners cross in both directions. Police and race officials will be actively managing traffic in this congested and narrow area. For an alternate route, use the Route 50 bridge over the Severn River. For more information, please check www.annapolisstriders.org.
🎓 Marylanders with Student Loan Debt 💰
Did you know the State of Maryland offers a Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit that can help reduce your student debt and save you money on your taxes?
✅ You could be eligible for a significant tax credit just for making your loan payments.
📅 The deadline to apply is September 15
This is a powerful opportunity for Maryland taxpayers to get real relief — and I encourage everyone who qualifies to apply.
Learn more and apply here: Visit the Maryland Higher Education Commission’s website to complete the online application by September 15, 2025.
Email studentdebttaxcredit.mhec@maryland.gov with questions or for assistance.
Peninsula Park Expansion Phase 2 Public Meeting
Please join Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks for a virtual public meeting to discuss Peninsula Park's park expansion! This includes building new pickleball courts, upgrading and expanding the number of tennis courts, installing benches, making current trails ADA-compliant, and adding new trails. Looking forward to seeing you there!
🗓️ Date: Thursday, August 21, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
📍 Eastport-Annapolis Next Library
269 Hillsmere Drive Annapolis, MD
Meeting details can be found here: aarecparks.org/PeninsulaPark
🎶2025 Pops in the Park🎶
The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Maestro José-Luis Novo, will be closing out summer with 2 free outdoor concerts during its annual “Pops in the Park” event, a longtime Labor Day weekend tradition in Anne Arundel County.
These family friendly performances are sponsored by Arts Council of Anne Arundel County and Anne Arundel County Department Of Recreation and Parks.
August 29, 11:30AM – Downs Park, Pasadena, MarylandAugust 30, 5:30PM – Quiet Waters Park, Annapolis, Maryland September 1 – Rain Date, Quiet Waters Park, Annapolis, Maryland
BYO blanket, chairs, and a picnic!
Click Here to register and be automatically entered in a raffle for great prizes like free tickets to ASO’s Signature Series Concerts!
For the Love of The Library!
🎉 Tickets are on sale now for, For the Love of the Library!
Join the Anne Arundel County Public Library on September 19 at the Busch Annapolis Library for an unforgettable evening celebrating and supporting Anne Arundel County Public Library!
✨ Enjoy delicious catering from Palate Pleasers and meet their special guest, local New York Times bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer, who’s ready to mingle with fellow book lovers.
Let’s come together for a night of great food, great conversation and great impact. Looking forward to seeing you there! Click HERE to purchase your tickets.
You can follow me on Facebook, Bluesky, 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,
Delegate Dana Jones
District 30A, Annapolis & Anne Arundel County