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October 26, 2021
Hello Neighbor,
Happy (almost) Halloween! Last year, to keep each other safe we had to celebrate in nontraditional ways that were socially distanced from our friends and loved ones. After having to skip a year of trick-or-treating due to COVID, I am beyond excited to say that with vaccination rates on the rise, both NIAID Director, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and Director of the CDD, Dr. Rochelle Walensk, have stated that they believe it is safe to bring back this holiday tradition. You can find more tips on how you and your family can celebrate safely here!
Calling All Volunteers!
Join us on November 6th from 10:00 - 12:30 for a morning of service honoring our veterans. Last year we had nearly 100 amazing volunteers representing nearly 20 different community groups come out to support our efforts and I hope to see you all again this year! Sign up to volunteer at - http://bit.ly/WWII_Cleanup.
Back to School Update
​​Last week the Anne Arundel County House and Senate delegations hosted a public briefing with AACPS to get an update on school reopenings, school bus shortages, and quarantine & online learning.
You can watch the full briefing here or on the Maryland General Assembly - House’s Youtube page.
Hearing from You
Last Sunday, team 30a spent the afternoon meeting with some wonderful folks from Arundel on the Bay. Thank you to Susan, Phil, Bill, Marian, and David for helping host the event and to the community as a whole or sharing your amazing community beach with us. With the stunning views of our Bay in the background, we heard from dozens of residents about their concerns and helped answer some questions about what we are doing in the state legislature to support you. Our next Meet & Greet will be in Annapolis Cove on November 7th! You can review our upcoming schedule here! If you would like to host a house party - please email us!
Important Tornado Relief News
Since the Tornado touched down on September 1, your Federal, State, County, & City representatives have been working together to try & bring financial relief to those who were affected by the storm. The Department of Housing & Community Development has dedicated $4 million in state funding towards tornado relief available through three different programs.
Maryland Disaster Housing Assistance Program - A resource for short-term, emergency rental assistance for families or individuals displaced by a natural disaster as identified by the Maryland Emergency Management Agency or the Maryland Department of Human Services. The program will pay the owner the advertised rent or 100% of the fair market, whichever is less.
How to apply: Applications available through the local jurisdiction for households whose primary residence has been declared uninhabitable. See Tenant Participation Sheet for more information.
Maryland Disaster Relief Housing Program - Provides financial assistance in a declared emergency area to a family whose primary residence was damaged or destroyed by the disaster. The program will allow 20-year loans at a 0% deferred interest rate to affected and eligible homeowners.
How to apply: Single-Family Rehabilitation Application
Maryland Business Recovery Loan Program - An emergency loan program to assist small businesses affected by disaster or emergency events for renovations; repairs and replacement of furniture, fixtures and equipment; inventory replacement, and; certain other costs associated with recovery of a small business, including working capital.
How to apply: Maryland Business Recovery Loan Application​​
You can find more information about these DHCD programs here!
Additionally, our county was included in a recent Disaster Declaration, making businesses and residents affected by the storm eligible for low-interest disaster loans through the Small Business Administration. The SBA has opened a Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOCs) at the Anne Arundel Economic Development center where residents can go to get assistance with their application. This office will only be operating through Friday, November 5th, so do not wait to apply!
AACo’s Disaster Loan Outreach Center
Anne Arundel Economic Development center
2660 Riva Rd., # 200 Annapolis, MD 21401
Opening: Thursday, Oct. 21, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Closed: Saturday and Sunday
Closes Permanently: Friday, Nov. 5 at 4 p.m.
Update on Boosters
At the recommendation of both the FDA and CDC, eligible Marylanders can now choose any vaccine as a booster shot, even if it is different from what they initially received. Eligible Marylanders with weakened immune systems are urged to get boosters immediately.
The AACO Health Department is hosting a number of Booster clinics throughout the county in the coming days. You can learn more and make your appointment here!
Honoring Community Leaders
Last week, my dear friend, Mrs. Fowlkes, and her husband were honored by Annapolis Recreation & Parks. For decades they have dedicated themselves to serving our community. I have worked with Mrs. Fowlkes for years and have had the great pleasure of seeing her generosity and kindness firsthand. I am so happy that these community heroes are being recognized and suggest that you take a moment to visit the newly commissioned Fowlkes Community Park.
8th Annual Rev. Callie Matthews Scholarship Walk
I was thrilled to participate in the 8th Annual Rev. Callie Matthews Scholarship Walk again! This walk centers on women’s health and supports local young people pursuing higher education. I joined Senator Sarah Elfreth, and Delegate Shaneka Henson in honoring this important tradition. Thank you to everyone who came out to support this great cause.
The Women’s Legislative Caucus Celebrates 50 years
I am so proud to be a part of an amazing group of trailblazing women in the Maryland legislature as the Maryland Women's Caucus celebrates 50 years. This amazing caucus started back in 1972 when a handful of women lawmakers didn’t even have access to a bathroom in the state house during session. Now, 50 years later we not only have the first woman as Speaker of the House, but we are 78 members strong with multiple committee chairs as well. Due to the bipartisan nature of the caucus, we have had bipartisan support on bills that protect domestic violence victims, the Diaper Bank bill that I supported last session allowing for tax breaks for donations to diaper banks, and bills that combat sex trafficking. We will continue to advocate for women across the state. Thanks to the Baltimore Sun for recognizing this amazing group of women leaders and the work they've done over the past five decades.
Share the Warmth
The LightHouse Shelter needs your help! Every year, from October through March, The Light House provides hats, gloves, and socks to our community’s most vulnerable through Safe Harbour Resource Center and Carol’s Community Closet. This year, they are again distributing items through their Walk-Up Pantry and Open-Air Market.
WHAT ARE THEY ACCEPTING?
Seeking donations of the following items for men and women.
Hats, waterproof gloves, and socks (must be in new/ original packaging).
Winter boots can be either new or gently used.
Please refrain from donating children’s items at this time.
Love Our Libraries
2021 is the Anne Arundel County Public Library's 100th anniversary! Our library system offers a wide variety of programming and resources. In honor of their centennial celebration, each week, I will be highlighting one program, resource, or event that our libraries have to offer.
Listen to, write, and share haunting poetry this Saturday, Oct. 30th during the Spook & Haunting Poetry event at the Discoveries: the Library at the Mall. Annapolis Poet Laureate Maggie Benshaw will be helping teens get in touch with their creative side so they can write their own eerie Poetry. Find out more here!
I would encourage everyone to follow the Anne Arundel County Public Library’s Facebook page to get updates on programs and new resources. You can check out their calendar to find the perfect event for you and your family to enjoy!
Join me and Speaker Jones!
A reminder that we are just two weeks away from my fall fundraiser! Speaker Adrienne Jones & Anne Arundel House Delegation Chairwoman Sandy Bartlett will be headlining this outdoor fall reception for my campaign. I hope you can join us Thursday, November 4th right here in Annapolis!
You can purchase a ticket and RSVP here.
You can follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit my new website to learn about volunteer opportunities, community resources, COVID-19 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
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