June 2023 Newsletter
Ribbon Cutting of the Long-Awaited Severn Center
What a joyful day for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and community celebration! On Saturday, May 13th, I joined County Executive Steuart Pittman, Councilman Daryl Jones, Councilwoman Sarah Lacey, Senator Pam Beidle, and Delegates Mark Chang, Sandy Bartlett, and Mike Rogers to welcome The Severn Center to the community officially. We also to celebrated Glenda Gathers, better known as “Ms. G.”, who dreamed up this community center in the 1980s and has been working tirelessly to make this dream a reality ever since.
The Severn Center will have space for a branch of the Boys and Girls Club of Annapolis, areas for teenagers like a full gym, game room, and technology lab, and a senior center complete with an internet café, and classroom space for arts and crafts, fitness classes, and much more. To read more about this project, click HERE.
Image: Paul W. Gillespie/Capital Gazette
Chase Your Dreams Initiative Puts in the Work
The Chase Your Dreams Initiative, founded in Lanham, MD, is putting in the work in District 1 with a project that is sure to brighten the faces of many community members. The updates and upgrades at Meade Village Park will include new basketball courts and stunning murals and will be an excellent gathering space. Check out their Facebook page for updates HERE.
Creating Fear at Bus Stops
For several months, a man in Severn has been showing up at an elementary school bus stop armed with an AR-15. He says it’s in protest of recently passed gun control laws. I spoke with WBALTV 11 News and area leaders, to denounce this abhorrent behavior. Learn more HERE.
Annapolis Pride Celebration – THIS WEEKEND!
June is Pride Month, and Annapolis celebrates in a big way! This year’s free, family-friendly Pride Celebration is THIS SATURDAY, June 3rd, from noon to 5pm. Attendees can enjoy a colorful parade with live music and entertainment all day between two separate sound stages. For more information and to plan your visit, click HERE.
Juneteenth Celebration and Gala
The Annapolis Juneteenth Celebration’s theme for 2023 is "Land of the Free, Home of the Brave." It will focus on the younger generation, protecting the right to vote and access to voting, and the need for social and restorative justice. The festivities kick off with a VIP Reception and Gala in the evening on June 16th. A celebratory parade the following afternoon, plus a music festival and fireworks display, will round out the event. For more information, click HERE.
Preparing for the Next Election Cycle
The Maryland Association of Election Officials, whose goal is to improve registration, voting, and election processes in the state, hosted its annual conference in mid-May. I was happy to be able to speak at the event as well as hear other engaging presentations about preparing for the upcoming election cycle and so much more.
Raising Funds for an Excellent Cause
Coventry Services, a fire and water remediation company, held its annual Toys for Tots Golf Tournament fundraiser with special guest Joe Theismann on May 18th. I am always honored to support such worthy causes.
Shop Fresh this Summer
The Anne Arundel County Farmers’ Market is celebrating its 42nd year in operation, and it’s bigger than ever with Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday market times. Find the freshest fruits and vegetables, as well as baked goods, meat, eggs, and much more. The Farmers’ Market is located at 275 Harry S. Truman Parkway in Annapolis. For more information, click HERE.
Celebrating Mother’s Day
I had a great time joining guest of honor Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller and Delegate Sandy Bartlett on May 6th in Hanover for the Women Empowerment Telugu Association (WETA) Mother’s Day celebration. WETA is a community of gracious citizens from India in the US who aim to empower women globally.
For Love of the Library Event
Save the Date! For Love of the Library returns to the Michael E. Busch Annapolis Library on Friday, September 22, 2023. The fundraiser will feature excellent live music, delicious food and drinks, and great conversation with hundreds of library supporters. Last year, this event raised over $92,000 to help Anne Arundel libraries provide resources, programs, and literary access for our communities. You can find more information HERE.
Be Part of the Process
The community engagement process for Region 1 (North County), Region 3 (Glen Burnie and Severn), and Region 9 (the South Coast) has begun, and we need your feedback! Visit aacounty.org/regionplanhubs now to help plan the future of your community.
Office of Council Chair Pete Smith
Arundel Center
44 Calvert St., Annapolis, MD 21404 - 2700
(410) 222-1401; fax: (410) 222-1755
e-mail: peter.smith@aacounty.org
