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
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