May 2023 Newsletter
Anne Arundel County FY24 Budget Proposal
On Monday, May 1, County Executive Steuart Pittman released the proposed FY24 budget. This proposed budget focuses on education, public safety, environmental protection, and much more. View County Executive Pittman’s proposed budget HERE.
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Annapolis Irish Festival - this Saturday!
The Annapolis Irish Festival is this Saturday, May 6, 2023, from 11 am to 10 pm. Enjoy great bands, food, and drink from the best establishments around at this family-friendly event. Admission includes entrance and free parking to the event. Learn more and purchase tickets HERE.
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Severn Center Grand Opening
This unique community celebration will occur on May 13, 2023, rain or shine!
For many years, I've been an advocate for the Severn Center. In 2015, I wrote this column in the Capital Gazette about my role in the evolution of the Center by proposing the resolution to create a project task force. I was so proud to see the task force expand into a group of passionate citizens advocating for the facility. The Severn Center will have a substantial positive impact on the community it serves. For more information, visit the Severn Center's Facebook page HERE.
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A Worthwhile Cause
Supporting the Hospice of the Chesapeake at their April 22 Caring for Life Gala was a pleasure. Hospice care provides physical, psychological, social, and spiritual support for those in their last stages of life. It gives much-needed aid to the patient's loved ones. I truly enjoyed crossing paths with Senator Pam Beidle, Senator Dawn Gile, Delegate Gary Simmons, and many others.
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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.
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Remarkable Investment in Anne Arundel County
I was proud to stand with Congressman Steny Hoyer, Delegate Gary Simmons, Senator Chris Van Hollen, County Executive Steuart Pittman, Congressman John Sarbanes, Senator Ben Cardin, Senator Dawn Gile, and Councilwoman Julie Hummer as part of the delegation representing Anne Arundel County to secure over $16.7 million in funding for important projects. This significant investment in our county, which includes $4 million for an expansion of parking at the Odenton MARC station, will boost our economy, help our small businesses thrive, address environmental concerns, and provide much-needed resources for the community. To read more, click HERE.
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Working to Increase Affordable Housing
I was honored to be a panelist, along with Secretary of Housing & Community Development Jake Day, at Senator Ben Cardin's discussion on affordable housing on April 13, 2023. This event allowed county housing leaders to collaborate with local, state, and federal officials to address community housing issues.
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Great News for First-Time Homebuyers
Anne Arundel County families feel the impact of the housing market crisis and need some relief. The recently announced updates to the county's Mortgage Assistance Program will make a tremendous difference for first-time homebuyers. Learn more HERE.
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New Senior Activity Center Opening
Learn more about the new Severn Senior Activity Center at an informational session on Thursday, May 11, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the Severn Library at 2624 Annapolis Road.
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Congratulations to Anne Arundel Community College
Anne Arundel Community College earned the 2023-2024 Military Friendly® School designation at the "Gold" level for creating sustainable and meaningful education paths for military and veteran students, the first time AACC has achieved that designation. AACC was also named a 2022-2023 Military Spouse Friendly® School. We are lucky to boast such an impressive community college that offers our area a wide range of resources. Read more HERE.
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National Therapy Animal Day
On April 30, we passed a resolution, brought forward by Councilwoman Rodvien, naming April 30, 2023, National Therapy Animal Day. Aggie is a therapy pet and brings joy to everyone she meets, myself included!
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Camp Nabi at the Chesapeake Life Center
Camp Nabi, the weekend grief camp, offers children and teens a space to participate in activities focused on memorializing loved ones who have passed away through engaging activities under the guidance of trained grief professionals and volunteers. For more information, click HERE.
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Summertime at Anne Arundel Parks
The Anne Arundel County Department of Parks and Recreation has plenty of activities to keep everyone in your family content and busy this summer. Check out this SUMMER PROGRAM GUIDE and this SUMMER CAMP GUIDE for excellent opportunities for your students.
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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
