.png)
November 22nd, 2024
Dear Neighbor,
Announcing my Run for the District 30 Senate Vacancy
Yesterday, I was proud to announce my run to fill the vacancy of Maryland’s 30th District Senate seat.
Since I first took office, my promise to you has been my steadfast commitment to promoting, fighting, and advocating for the needs of our community. In four years, I’ve passed 27 bills, including reducing taxes, disaster recovery for small businesses, and strengthening our elections. Through my role as Vice-Chair of the Health and Social Service Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee, I’ve helped secure over $100 million in funding to support Maryland’s shock trauma centers, and brought home millions in funding for dozens of capital projects, from parks to climate resiliency, around District 30A.
I have been able to deliver results for our district because I’ve prioritized collaboration while building trust with my colleagues in the legislature.
In the years to come, the role of the State government is more important than ever. There is significant work to be done to protect our progress, while recognizing and addressing the economic hardships and uncertainty of Marylanders across our State. It is essential that we expand access to reproductive healthcare, build an inclusive State for our marginalized communities, and ensure that all of our residents feel safe and secure. This is difficult work, and it requires cooperative, trusted, and proven leadership.
I want to thank Congresswoman-Elect Sarah Elfreth for building a legacy of bringing people together and getting things done for Annapolis and Anne Arundel county. Her leadership and resolve is critically needed in Congress right now. I look forward to the opportunity to build on her legacy in the Maryland State Senate and continue to serve District 30 as I have as Delegate for the past four and a half years.
Join my campaign: https://secure.ngpvan.com/5PbyO6bxdUuI898bIw733g2
Advocating with Pride, Every Day 🏳️🌈
🏳️🌈 I'm absolutely overjoyed with appreciation and gratitude for everyone at Annapolis Pride. Since their first parade in 2019, my family and I have cherished participating and embracing the incredible atmosphere of love and inclusion they have fostered for our City. As a State Delegate, I legislate inspired by the courage of the members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Their humanity is too often disrespected and challenged.
I am incredibly honored to have received one of Annapolis Pride's Inaugural Advocate Awards for my work as an advocate in the Legislature, on the Freedom to Read Act, and for over 4.5 years of consistently standing up to protect LGBTQIA+ rights! Made only more special to be awarded by my dear friend, colleague, and Chair of the Maryland Legislative LGBTQ+ Caucus Delegate Kris Fair.
I am so grateful for this recognition, but as I said that night, we shouldn’t have to give out awards for doing the right thing. It’s not just about voting in favor of legislation that protects Maryland’s LGBTQ+ community, it is about loving, supporting, and affirming their rights every day.
I look forward to being back at the Annapolis Pride Parade for the 5th time in a row next year, and working with these amazing advocates for years to come.
Congratulations to the other awardees last night: Jeremy Browning, Dana Schallheim, Sarah Sample, & Dennis McGowan!
A Special Thank You to Our Veterans ❤️
Last week, me and many others shared a gorgeous morning at the World War II Memorial honoring America’s heroes!
Thank you to everyone at the American Legion Cook-Pinkney Post 141 for once again hosting the community for a reflective and moving ceremony recognizing the dedication and service of America’s Veterans. I was especially excited to be joined by my father, an Army Vietnam Veteran.
On Veterans Day, we honor all who have worn the uniform with courage, pride, and dedication. May we reflect on their service not only today but everyday, as they stand as a testament to what it truly means to serve.
Celebrating One of America's Greatest Heroes
What better way to honor Maryland's 160th Emancipation Day than celebrating one of America's greatest heroes, Harriet Tubman, this morning at the newly renamed Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum!! Thank you to Museum Executive Director Chanel Johnson for the invitation and being such a tremendous steward of Black history and culture. It is truly amazing to have this jewel in District 30A.
I also want to congratulate Donna Dear, Paulette Greene, Carolyn Brooks, and Angela Crenshaw who were presented with the Harriet Tubman Lifetime Achievement Award for their outstanding commitment and embodiment of Tubman's spirit and commitment to justice.
As a woman, and President of the Nation's oldest Legislative Women's Caucus, I could not be happier to see the name of, not just Maryland's, but of history's greatest women added to the name of the museum.
To plan your visit, check out their website here!
Salvation Army Baby Pantry Diaper Drive!
The Annapolis Salvation Army Baby Pantry needs your help!!
Much needed diaper supplies are running low, and the Baby Pantry needs your help to restock! There is mostly a need for diaper sizes NB and 4-6 months, but all donations are welcome and appreciated.
If you are able, please donate online by visitinghttps://bit.ly/SalvationArmyDiaperPantry2024 or drop off in-person donations Monday - Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM at 351 Hilltop Ln, Annapolis MD 21403.
Bread & Butter Kitchen Grand Opening!
Recently, I had the honor of attending the ribbon cutting ceremony for Bread and Butter Kitchen! A special congratulations to "Saint" Monica and Bread and Butter Kitchen on the grand opening of your new community space. Annapolis is so lucky to have you, and thank you for opening this safe, inviting, and multi-purpose location that will help bring community members across our City together!
Tomorrow, November 23rd from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM there will be an Art Reception featuring the beautiful art of Deirdre Tanton! Proceeds will benefit Annapolis Pride.
To plan your visit to the cafe and learn more about their community outreach programs, click here!
Bay Bridge Construction Public Open Houses
Last week, the Maryland Transportation Authority announced they have begun considering the available options for the reconstruction of the Bay Bridge.
Though no final decisions will be made until 2026, MDTA recognizes that the Bay Bridge is a huge part of countless Marylanders' daily commute. Due to the possible impact, MDTA has scheduled 3 December Open Houses to answer any questions individuals may have and to receive public feedback on the bridge construction options.
If you are interested in attending the Open Houses or submitting a question, see below!
Virtual - Wednesday, December 4, 2024, from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
baycrossingstudy.com - Submit a Question
Anne Arundel County - Monday, December 9 2024, from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Broadneck High School
1265 Green Holly Dr.
Annapolis, MD 21409
Queen Anne’s County - Wednesday, December 11 2024, from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Kent Island High School
900 Love Point Road
Stevensville, MD 21666
Holiday Happenings in Annapolis! 🦃🎁
Free Holiday Parking
FREE holiday parking in Historic Downtown Annapolis is back! From November 29th to New Years Day celebrate and shop worry-free using the ParkMobile App. Similar to past years, get your first 2 hours at metered/kiosk spaces or the first hour at Hillman Garage free of cost!
Additionally, Annapolis residents can receive codes for a free 2 hours at ANY City-owned downtown garages: Gotts, Knighton, Park Place and Hillman.
To receive your resident code and for more information click here!
Ice Skating at Quiet Waters Park:
Today, November 22nd (weather permitting) is expected to be the season’s opening for ice skating at Quiet Waters State Park! Public skating at the rink is open Mon, Weds, Thurs & Fri from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM and Saturday & Sunday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. For more information and updates visit their website here!
Looking for a winter job? Ice skaters ages 16+ can also apply to be a skate guard for the season! Click here for more information.
Let the Midnight Madness Begin!
Get ready for everyone’s favorite festive shopping experience in Downtown Annapolis! Come out and join us for holiday fun Thursday December 5th & 12th from 4:00 PM to midnight and December 19th from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
For a full list of Downtown Annapolis stores click here and to purchase local restaurant gift cards click here!
Midnight Madness Event Highlights:
Holiday lights canopy over West Street/Annapolis Arts District & Maryland Ave ⛄
"Snowflake Alley" twinkle lights on Main Street towards State Circle and Maryland Ave (Cabbage Alley) ❄️
Holiday christmas tree at Market Space 🎄
Streets will be full of carolers, choirs, musicians, and other street performers 🎶
Visit the alpacas on the top of Main Street. 🦙
Downtown merchants may offer complimentary refreshments, specials, shopping incentives, and a personalized approach to customer service that is certain to create a delightful sense of community and belonging! 🎁
During the second Midnight Madness, you can also visit the new Annapolis Holiday Market on the City Dock ❤️
For more information and additional parking details click here!
SPCA Lights on the Bay:
Get excited for this year’s annual drive through holiday show, Lights on the Bay! Enjoy spectacular holiday lights with the whole family from November 24th to January 1st at Sandy Point State Park & check out their special event nights! Proceeds go to Anne Arundel county SPCA to brighten the lives of our local furry friends. 🐾
To purchase tickets ahead of time & for more information click here!
Go Bowling Military Bowl:
🏈 Get ready for the annual Go Bowling Military Bowl, December 28th at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium! This post-season bowl game will match teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference and the American Athletic Conference. Proceeds go towards the Military Bowl Foundation whose mission is to benefit our nation’s current and former service members in MD!
Stadium gates open - 12:30 PM
Pregame Pageantry: 1:30 PM
Kickoff - 2:00 PM
To purchase tickets online click here!
AACPL Events this Month!
National Veteran and Military Families Appreciation Month:
This November, we celebrate National Veteran and Military Families Appreciation Month with the Anne Arundel County Public Library! I am happy to recognize the sacrifices made by our military service members and their loved ones. A big thank you to our military members, families and veterans for being an essential part of our community!
Enrich your knowledge of military affairs and history using the library’s digital resources.
Choose your next read from lists of books for kids, teens and adults.
Stream movies and films highlighting military history, veteran stories and achievements using Kanopy.
Check out the Military Family Resource Center at Severn Library. They host a variety of resources to help service members and their families navigate pre- and post-deployment life.
Unearth the past and honor those who served with Fold3 by Ancestry, which provides access to U.S. military records, stories and photographs.
Going overseas? Want to learn a new language? Check out Mango Languages or Rosetta Stone Library Solution, two online language-learning programs you can use free with your library card.
Veterans and Career Resources:
Transitioning from military to civilian? AACPL has many resources that can help at the Career Center. Be sure to check out Military Personnel and Veterans Services to find the Veterans Resolution and more Veteran Community Resources.
Explore tools like CareerOneStop or Brainfuse - JobNow for career and training opportunities.
Take a look at AACPL’s Vocations and Careers database, which offers current and applicable periodicals from general career guides to specialized industry journals.
AACPL also offers CAC Readers for in-library use at Maryland City at Russett Library, Odenton Library and Severn Library.
Native American Heritage Month:
Additionally this November, celebrate Native American Heritage Month with the Anne Arundel County Public Library! I’m excited to share this month-long celebration of the rich traditions, history and cultures of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas.
Enrich your knowledge of Native American history and cultures using the library’s digital resources!
Discover the history of local Native and Indigenous Peoples and learn how their heritage influences contemporary life in Maryland using Guide to Indigenous Maryland.
Find biographical information about historical Native American figures like Sitting Bull, Chief Joseph and Sacagawea using AACPL’s Biography database.
Explore Native Americans in the context of American history using U.S. History databases.
Learn about Native American rights, social issues and cultural differences using the Diversity Studies and Opposing Viewpoints databases.
Stream films featuring Native American actors and culture using Kanopy.
Investigate local archaeological discoveries and the deep local history of Indigenous Peoples through the Native American Archaeology in Anne Arundel County Heritage Toolbox.
View the Land Acknowledgement Statement which formally recognizes the historical and continuing connection between all Indigenous People.
Choose your next read from lists of books by Native American authors!
Check out booklists for children, teens and adults (fiction and nonfiction).
Download books by Native American authors in eBook and eAudiobook formats to enjoy instantly using Overdrive/Libby.
Use NoveList’s “Advanced Search” feature to generate a list of books by Indigenous authors.
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,
Comments