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June 11, 2021
Hello Neighbors,
I hope that everyone has been able to enjoy the sunny summer weather and some more in-person events as Annapolis slowly starts our “return to normal”.
As we officially enter the summer season, we also enter Pride Month. As I drive into my office each day, I am greeted by a Main Street lined with Pride LGBTQ+ flags. I am so PROUD to live in a city that not only recognizes but celebrates our diversity! I cannot wait to walk alongside my friends and family in the third annual Annapolis Pride Parade later this year! If you would like to join me this year as we walk in this year's Annapolis Pride parade - reach out to our office Dana.Jones@house.state.md.us . To support Annapolis Pride or learn more about their work, click here. If you would like to learn more about how you can support the LGBTQ+ community, the Human Rights Campaign, the It Gets Better Project, and the Matthew Shepard Foundation are all great resources.
Summer of Giving
The “Delegate Jones’ Summer of Giving” kicked off this month with a period supplies dive. I am so incredibly thankful to all of those who donated. With your help, we were able to collect over 300 boxes of personal sanitary items to be distributed through the Tyler Heights Pop-Up pantry! Thank you to everyone who answered the call - you have helped so many in our community! These supplies will be given to anyone who needs them for free at the Tyler Heights Pop up Pantry on Saturdays where all are welcomed!
We will be holding more supply drives throughout the coming months so stay tuned for updates!
Honoring Our Fallen Heroes
My family & I were honored to join the Maryland Fire-Rescue Services Memorial Foundation at this year’s memorial program. The program honored Maryland’s fallen heroes and their families who made the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of their duties. We are forever grateful for their devotion & service to our state.
Speaking with Fellow Leaders
I recently had the opportunity to engage with so many amazing up-and-coming leaders through Leadership Anne Arundel’s Neighborhood Leadership Academy. It was a pleasure to meet and collaborate with individuals from around the county who are determined to help better our community. Thank you to Leadership Anne Arundel for putting together this great event.
AACPS Meal Sites
Throughout the pandemic, Anne Arundel County Public Schools have provided students with free breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks through their meal distribution sites, with no income or registration requirements. I was happy to be informed that AACPS meal sites will continue to operate through the summer. If you or someone you know needs assistance accessing food, you can call the AACo Food Access Warm Line anytime Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 6:00 pm, or contact our office directly at Dana.Jones@house.state.md.us or by phone at 410-841-3211.
Vax Updates
Anne Arundel County is making good progress in the fight against COVID-19. The data from local hospitals shows the vaccines are helping to protect our community, as fewer patients are being hospitalized with severe COVID-19 symptoms. The Chief Health Officer for Anne Arundel County, Dr. Nilesh Kalyanaraman, reports that as many people as possible need to be vaccinated before the fall and winter, because COVID-19 infections occur more often in the colder weather.
Any adult 18 years or older who has been vaccinated in the state of Maryland is eligible for the Maryland Lottery Vax Cash drawings. Each day from now until July 3, one vaccinated person will be randomly selected for a $40,000 prize. On July 3, 2021, one lucky winner will receive $400,000. Get your COVID vaccine today, and you will automatically be entered in tomorrow’s drawings for Vax Cash.
Anne Arundel County has several sites throughout the county where you can easily receive your vaccine. If you need help finding a specific vaccine appointment, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office at Dana.Jones@house.state.md.us or by phone at 410-841-3211.
GoVAX Rewards
Many businesses across the state are offering special deals and discounts to thank vaccinated customers and encourage others to get vaccinated. The State of Maryland is preparing to launch “GoVAX Rewards” to help showcase these vaccine incentives.
Becoming a GoVAX Rewards Partner is easy:
Create an Account with the Maryland Tourism “Deals & Discounts” platform.
Submit the details of your reward program. (Be sure to click “This is a GoVAX Reward Deal.”
GoVAX Rewards partners will be featured within the Visit Maryland website starting the week of June 14.
To draw attention to the GoVAX Rewards partners, state agencies will promote the businesses and their deals in various ways across websites and social media. Contact info.visitmd@maryland.gov for more information on this program.
Navy Stadium Mass Vax Site - Free Food for Dose!
The Navy Stadium is open for both vaccination appointments AND walk-ins. In partnership with the city of Annapolis, Anne Arundel County is providing FREE transportation to and from this vaccination site. To learn more about how to get vaccinated at the Navy Stadium, click here!
PLEASE NOTE - Due to a decrease in demand, the State has decided to shift away from mass vaccination sites. The last day the Navy Stadium site will be offering first doses of Pfizer or Moderna will be June 12, and the last day to receive a J&J shot will be on July 3. You will still be able to receive a vaccination at any of the County run vaccination sites.
This Saturday, June 12th, starting at 11:00, the nonprofit Chow will be offering FREE pupusas and empanadas for people getting their vaccination at Navy Stadium. Chow is a wonderful local nonprofit that helps military veterans through cooking therapy, culinary education, and business advice for aspiring food truck/ restaurant owners. Thank you to Jordan Foley and the whole Chow team for putting this together.
COVID-19 Resources
My full breakdown of resources - everything from eviction prevention to utility assistance, is available here. If you or someone you know needs help navigating any state resources, you can always reach out to my office. My Chief of Staff, Lydia McPherson, or I can assist you.
Annapolis Juneteenth Celebration
I had the honor of joining many of my colleagues as Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman signed an executive order recognizing Juneteenth as a County holiday. This recognition of Juneteenth is an important step in raising awareness of our country’s past and is long overdue.
This year the City of Annapolis will be hosting Maryland’s first Juneteenth Festival to commemorate and celebrate the Emancipation of Black Americans. This two-day celebration kicks off on Friday, June 18th, with a special VIP Reception and Awards Ceremony followed by a parade and live music on Saturday the 19th.
You can learn more about Juneteenth and this inaugural celebration here!
Love Our Libraries
2021 is the Anne Arundel County Public Library's 100th anniversary! Our library 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.
Join AACPL in celebrating Pride Month with “Virtual Drag Queen Storytime”. This Saturday 10:30- 11:30 am Drag Queen, Balena Canto, will be sharing books on diversity, acceptance, creativity, and love. Pre-Register for the event here!
I would encourage everyone to follow the Anne Arundel County Public Library’s Facebook page to get updates on programs and new resources. Also, check out their calendar to find the perfect event for you and your family to enjoy!
Boating Safety Courses
We are all so lucky to live in the Sailing Capital of the world, on the amazing Chesapeake Bay. With summer upon us many of us will be spending more time out on the water, and it is so important that we do so safely. The Annapolis Department of Recreation and Parks is hosting multiple in-person and online Boater Safety Courses to help residents learn how to navigate the waters of the Chesapeake Bay safely. You can read more about these courses here (page 8 & 9) and you can register here.
Come Celebrate My Birthday with Me!
