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May 18, 2021
Hello Neighbors,
It was another beautiful (and busy) weekend here in Annapolis. On Saturday, my family had the honor of meeting young aspiring entrepreneurs & artists at Susan Campbell Park. Thank you to HACA and the Maryland Re-entry Resource Center for organizing this great event. After that, we loved viewing the Maryland Cultural & Conference Center’s (MC3) newest exhibit. "The Renaissance Three" features the work of three local artists - Jacqueline Crabtree, Susan Stewart & Karen Walpole.
Summer of Giving
Throughout this summer, we will be hosting a drive that will directly support various charitable organizations throughout our community. The “Delegate Jones’ Summer of Giving” has kicked off with a period supplies dive in honor of Period Poverty week (May 24 to 30). Period poverty is the lack of access to sanitary products due to financial constraints. These essential products can be incredibly expensive and are not covered under other welfare programs. No person should be held back due to a lack of access to essential products.
If you would like to make a donation, you can go to our Amazon wish list and make a purchase. All donations will be distributed through the Tyler Heights Pop-Up pantry. This pantry has served over 65,000 individuals since last April and services anyone who attends. No questions - No cost to them - only support & understanding. Please contact our office with any questions at dana.jones@house.state.md.us or at 410-841-3211. A huge thank you to all of those who have already donated and for helping make a difference for so many in our community!
Legislative Scholarship
Applications for the 2021 - 2022 school year are STILL open! To be eligible for this scholarship, you must live within District 30a, which you can check here! Scholarships are awarded based on need and on a case-by-case basis. Prior to applying, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is available and can be submitted online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
You can find directions on how to submit your application online here.
If you have any questions, comments, and/or concerns, you can contact our Scholarship Program Manager, David Duba, at 410-841-3211 or david.danajones.office@gmail.com.
Updates to Mask Mandates
Many of you have reached out with questions about the recent updates made to mask requirements. As you probably know. Governor Larry Hogan announced last week that he was lifting the statewide mask mandate in response to the new CDC guidance. Anne Arundel County has chosen to follow the state guidelines. Fully vaccinated individuals may resume activities as normal. However, face coverings will still be required on public transportation and in schools, child care, and health care settings. Additionally, private businesses can determine their own face mask policies. State health officials strongly recommend unvaccinated individuals continue to wear face coverings.
Grant Opportunity
Through the BGE Energizing Small Business Grants Program, eligible businesses located in BGE's service area will have two additional opportunities to apply for grants of up to $20,000:
May 5 - June 16, 2021
September 1 - October 13, 2021
Eligible businesses must have:
Between one and 25 employees
Less than $7 million in annual revenue
A demonstrated need for support
A strong plan for moving forward, and
Be in (or on the way to) good standing with the state of Maryland.
To learn more and apply for a $20,000 BGE Energizing Small Business Grant, visit - bge.helloalice.com
Celebrating Small Businesses
Congratulations to Cam and Claire, the owners of Forward Brewing, and their staff on their one-year anniversary of opening! Opening in the midst of a pandemic was no easy task, but their team has done an incredible job navigating an impossible year. Senator Elfreth and I were happy to stop by with a special birthday citation on behalf of the District to celebrate the occasion. Cheers to many more years!
Pfizer Approved for Ages 12 - 15
The FDA has authorized the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine for adolescents 12 to 15 years old. This is the same (and only) vaccine that was already approved for those 16 - 18 year olds. The Navy Stadium mass vaccination site has Pfizer available - no appointment necessary! (Or if you would prefer to make an appointment, you can do so here). Additionally, AACPS is hosting vaccine clinics at various high schools throughout the County for students to get vaccinated. You do not have to be a student of that particular school in order to participate in these clinics. A full schedule is available here. If you need help finding a 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.
COVID-19 Vaccinations -
Navy Stadium Mass Vax Site
The Navy Stadium is open for both vaccination appointments AND walk-ins. Each day the site accepts a minimum of 200 “walk-in” appointments, beginning at 9 AM. 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!
For more tips on how to register for a vaccination appointment, you can click here!
COVID-19 Tests
Anne Arundel County offers testing at no cost. Symptoms are not required for testing, and a doctor’s note is not needed. Test results are usually available in three to five days. You can call the Anne Arundel county COVID-19 Health Information Line: 410-222-7256 with all of your COVID-19 related questions.
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.
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.
Enjoy a lovely evening of yoga with AACPL Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021 6:30pm - 7:30pm. This outdoor, beginner-friendly, family yoga class is hosted by the Discoveries: the Library at the Mall and will take place on the Green Garage Parking deck here at Westfield Annapolis Mall. Pre-Register for the event here! (This will be a recurring event so keep an eye out for future sessions throughout the summer).
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!
New Exhibit at Maryland Hall
Over the past few weeks, a team of community volunteers has been hard at work to bring the Patrick Dougherty Nature Installation to Maryland Hall. Renowned environmental artist Patrick Dougherty has been creating stickwork sculptural installations in botanical gardens, museum grounds, universities, and other settings around the world for over 35 years. Although the project will not be officially completed until Friday, the public is welcome to come out and observe as volunteers complete the finishing touches.
The sculpture is located on the front lawn of Maryland Hall – adjacent to the Nature Sacred meditative labyrinth. All visitors must be masked and respect social distancing.
A Smithsonian Summer
Throughout the pandemic, the Smithsonian Institute has provided many amazing online and virtual materials for those of all ages to experience what these museums have to offer. This Friday, visitors will once again be able to enjoy the D.C. Smithsonian museums, gardens, and the National Zoo in person!
All Smithsonian visitors, regardless of age, must have a free timed-entry pass to enter. Visitors can acquire timed-entry passes by reserving them online or by phone at 1.800.514.3849, ext. 1.
You can follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram 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,
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