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December 6th, 2024
Dear Neighbor,
A Night of Naptown Holiday Lights 🎄
🎄What an amazing night at Downtown Annapolis Partnership Grand Illumination with fantastic entertainment as we lit the City of Annapolis MD Christmas Tree!
💃 We were dazzled by performances by: ASO Duet, Naptown Sings and Plays, Storytime Nutcracker inside Zachary's Jewelry, a performance by the Chesapeake Ballet Company and The Talent Machine Company!
🚒 Thank you to the heroes of our Annapolis Fire Department for brining Santa, Mrs. Clause and Elfie into town in grand fashion!
We couldn't do it without the generous help from Sheehy Lexus of Annapolis and their sponsorship!
Join Me Next Month!
Join me next month for breakfast before the start of the 2025 Legislative Session!
Where: Harry Browne's, 66 State Circle Annapolis, MD 21401
When: Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at 8:30AM
Tickets: Get your tickets HERE!
I can't wait to see you there!
Birthdays & Dragon Boats! 🎂
What a stellar evening of food, friends, and fun at McGarvey's Saloon and Oyster Barcelebrating Mike Ashford's 87th birthday!! Mike is not only the founder of McGarvey's, but he is also the founder of the Annapolis Dragon Boat Club.
The Dragon Boat Club provides a space of healing and strength for individuals recovering from breast cancer and all other cancers. Through friendship and teamwork, the club helps members develop healthy bodies and spirits! His impact on our town, and the community he has created for countless people, is truly remarkable. There is no greater testament to that than a room full of joyous people excited for the opportunity to celebrate him!
Thank you to the Naptown Brass Band, 🎷🎶 our hosts, and to Mike and the Annapolis Dragon Boat Club for the vital community you have provided to Annapolis!
60 Minutes: Smith Island & Climate Change
This past week, Maryland’s own Smith Island and the climate crisis were given a national spotlight!!
During the 60 Minutes episode, my dear friend and colleague Hilary Harp Falk highlighted the impact of climate change on the Chesapeake Bay and the effects of rising waters on individuals that love and depend on our watersheds. If solutions are not found residents of Smith Island are at risk of becoming America’s first climate refugees, forced out of their homes due to erosion and rising tides.
As we battle the highest expected sea level rise on the East Coast, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Hilary, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and all our amazing advocates fighting to preserve local watersheds. I encourage everyone to take a moment out of your day and watch this important 60 Minutes episode.
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 visiting https://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.
Annapolis Toy Collection and Giveaway 🎁
Please help me ensure that every child in Annapolis has a gift to unwrap this holiday season!! Join in the holiday helping spirit and donate to a local Toy Giveaway.
If you are able to, I invite you to drop off toy donations Monday through Thursday 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM at the First Christian Community Church.
The Toy Giveaway will be Saturday, December 14th from noon - 3:00 PM at American Legion Post 141, 1707 Forest Drive Annapolis.
Statewide Book Drive!
The time has arrived for the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture’s 2nd Annual Statewide Book Drive!! 📖 The book drive is open now until June 21st, 2025. This year's goal is to surpass 5,000 donations of newly purchased books focused on Black culture and/or voices!
Donations can be dropped off at Enoch Pratt Free Library, Ruth Enlow Library of Garrett County, Queen Anne’s County Free Library, Talbot County Free Library, and Worcester County Library.
If you have any questions feel free to visit their website here or contact mcaahcbookdrive@gmail.com.
Bay Bridge Construction Public Open Houses
The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) recently announced they have begun considering the available options for the reconstruction of the Bay Bridge. Though no final decisions will be made until 2026, this past Wednesday MDTA hosted their first Open House virtually to answer any questions individuals may have and to receive public feedback on the bridge construction options.
If you are interested in attending the last two Open Houses or submitting a question, see below. Please feel free to email my office with any additional questions or concerns about this process!
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! 🕎🎄
Eastport Yacht Club’s Lights Parade:
Join me for some on-the-water magic on Saturday, December 14th from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM for the Eastport Yacht Club’s Lights Parade! ⛵Watch the decorated boats go by from Annapolis City front, Spa Creek Bridge, or any street in downtown Annapolis that ends at the water.
For more information or to register your own boat, click here!
Annapolis Holiday Market:
Stop by this cheery Annapolis Holiday Market filled with a wide range of art, crafts, food, and handmade gift items from local and regional art, craft, and food vendors!
📍1 Dock Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Thursday, Dec 12, 4:00 PM -10:00 PM (Midnight Madness)
Friday, Dec 13, 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday, Dec 14, 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday, Dec 15, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Let the Midnight Madness Begin!
Yesterday, I got in the holiday spirit by attending the first night of Midnight Madness! There is still plenty of time to enjoy everyone’s favorite festive shopping experience in Downtown Annapolis. Come out and join us for holiday fun.
Thursday, December 12th from 4:00 PM to midnight.
Thursday, 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!
Free Holiday Parking
As holiday shopping kicks into full gear, a reminder that FREE holiday parking in Annapolis is back! Support our small businesses and get your shopping done Downtown! 🚙🎁
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.
To receive your resident code and for more information 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
All tickets can be purchased online here!
Ice Skating at Quiet Waters Park:
⛄ Ice skating is open for the season 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.
🚨🚨Traffic Alert 🚨🚨
Due to sewer relining, some portions of Jefferson Street and Boucher Avenue in Eastport will be closed for approximately three weeks except to residents of the immediate area. Emergency vehicles will not be able to pass and traffic will be detoured at Adam Street and President Street. Notices have been distributed to residents in the impacted neighborhoods.
Additionally, work began on King George Street and will continue for approximately 60 days (until about February 2025). The construction will be from Randall Street (near Gate 1 of the United States Naval Academy) to the end of the Navy wall just before the intersection at Maryland Avenue.
No work on King George St. will be performed during the week of Christmas and New Years, unless additional emergency work is required. Work will resume on January 2, 2025.
At this time, there are no water and sewer restrictions for downtown, but residents and businesses whose homes are immediately adjacent may receive notices for restrictions at certain points during the repair.
AACPL Events this Month!
This season’s Anne Arundel County Public Library “Library Happenings” newsletter is here! Read about AACPL’s journey to becoming a Book Sanctuary, find upcoming activities for all ages, and get the inside scoop on how to support your local library.
To read virtually or download a copy, click here!
❄️ Holiday Highlights at AACPL:
Get excited for holiday fun at AACPL! For a full list of events, click here!
The Gift of Reading at Severn Library: All day December 2nd - 13th, Sign up to receive a selection of gift-wrapped library books to take home and enjoy as a family. Register here.
Holiday Songs from Around the World: Linthicum Library from 6:30 PM - 7:00 PM December 2nd, Enjoy live and recorded music from many different countries. For more information click here.
Nutcracker Storytime & Preview: Discoveries: the Library at the Mall from 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM December 8th, join for the story of the Nutcracker and a preview of the ballet by The Chesapeake Ballet Company.
Everyone Eats Cookbook Club 6th Annual Cookie Exchange: Busch Annapolis Library from 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM December 14th, register for the Bake-With-a-Friend cookie exchange here!
Holiday Concert with the Annapolis Blend: Busch Annapolis Library from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM December 17th, enjoy a Holiday Concert with The Annapolis Blend chorus.
Queer, Cocoa, and Chill: Mountain Road Library from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM December 21st.
Kwanzaa Tales: Discoveries: the Library at the Mall from 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM, December 28th, explore Kwanzaa through storytelling and music.
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,
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