News & Updates from Annapolis District 33B

Wrapping up 2025,

BRING IT ON 2026!

Hi Friends,

November and December are very busy months in the District and in Annapolis. You will see from the community updates that we completed an amazing food drive for the Anne Arundel County Realtors, Stockings Drive for Elves for Elders with Partners in Care, Multiple Toys for Tots drives and spent some much needed quality time with the Lord and Family. Growing up in Northern Anne Arundel County (Glen Burnie) my entire family is local. Driving from holiday breakfasts to afternoon lunches and dinner stops, it all warms my heart to have family close. Many people do not have family close by, especially our military, which is why we worked hard this Fall on behavior health and suicide prevention. I participated in a month long push-ups challenge to grow suicide prevention and awareness.

I am truly blessed for many things, very blessed to have you as my friend, my supporter & my voice.

Let us know how my office can do MORE for you! please know I am here for YOU! #District33btheplacetobe

Highlights from November/December

Partners in Care Annual Gifts Collection Drive for the Elves for Elders

Thank you to our amazing community members & volunteers!

Still Wish to Contribute? Click Here Now

Recent Events, Tree Lightings, Parades & More

Arundel Fire Dept. Station 7 Christmas Tree Sale

The Arundel Fire Department Station 7 Christmas Tree Sale supports the department and helps fund essential equipment and programs. My family was proud to volunteer this year, helping make the event a success and giving back during the holiday season.

Maryland Army National Guard General Birkhead Holiday Open House

The General Birkhead Holiday Open House brought the community together to celebrate the season and recognize the service of the Maryland Army National Guard.

Crofton Civic Association Tree Lighting & Santa Visit

The Crofton Civic Association’s Annual Tree Lighting and Santa Visit is a festive community tradition that brings families, friends, and neighbors together to celebrate the holiday season. Attendees enjoyed the official tree lighting, seasonal music, and plenty of holiday cheer, and a special visit from Santa.

Here is the Comptroller's Report on WHY Maryland lost over 2.3m people from 2010-2023 with most leaving in the past 3 years.....

Crofton High Turkey Trot

I was proud to run in the Crofton High School Signature Program's Second Annual Turkey Trot at Crofton High School. It was fantastic to see so many creative runner's costumes and smiling faces celebrating together in the spirit of running, community and fun.

Great Job Gress-Surlis Team and all the sponsors.

D33 Small Business Roundtable Discussion

It was great to see so many small business meet with the Comptroller to discuss local issues concerning them. Many topics shared were taxes, technology, AI, taxes, fees, government burdens, taxes and more fees. We are working in Annapolis to elimnate most of the red tape that adds costs and takes away from your bottom line.

Anne Arundel Realtors Harvest for the Hungry

The Anne Arundel Realtors Harvest for the Hungry program helps fight food insecurity right here in our community. Through food and donations, this initiative supports local families and individuals who may be struggling to put food on the table. Every contribution, big or small, helps provide meals and hope to those in need. Thank you to the Realtors and community members who continue to give back and make a meaningful difference.

https://www.naaccc.com/

Community Spotlight: Karen Dunlap

Karen Dunlap is a shining example of service and dedication in our community. As a longtime volunteer with the Arundel Volunteer Fire Department, Karen has consistently gone above and beyond to support first responders and ensure the safety and well-being of those around her. Her commitment, compassion, and willingness to serve make a lasting impact on both the department and the community it protects. It is truly well deserved that Karen has been recognized as the Community Citizen of the Year, and we are grateful for her continued leadership and selfless service.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 18, 2025

Contact: Megan Miller, Communications Director & Carrie Simons-Sparrow, Chief of Staff

megan.miller@mga.maryland.gov

carrie.sparrow@mga.maryland.gov

House and Senate Republicans Issue Statement on Spending Affordability Recommendations

ANNAPOLIS, MD – House and Senate Republicans today released the following statement regarding today’s recommendations from the Spending Affordability Committee regarding the FY 2027 Budget.

“Earlier this year, Maryland lost one of its AAA bond ratings — a clear warning sign that our fiscal trajectory is unsustainable. The real threat isn’t just any single recommendation, but the long-term structural deficits created by massive spending mandates like the Blueprint, expanding entitlement programs, and year-over-year budget growth that far outpaces our economy. Maryland can’t afford to ignore this red flag. A weakened bond rating means higher borrowing costs for the state and for local governments that rely on cost-sharing for schools, transportation, and public safety. If we care about protecting taxpayers and maintaining our financial stability, we must make meaningful changes now — not continue down a path that the rating agencies have already signaled is putting Maryland on shaky ground.”

“This last year has proven we cannot tax and spend our way out of Maryland’s budget deficit crisis and economic stagnation,” said House Minority Leader Jason Buckel. “Intelligent cuts, including delays to the Blueprint, reversing our rapid expansion of Medicaid over the last several years, and an actual freeze on state government employee spending beyond needed public safety personnel, are obvious and imperative actions Governor Moore and the Maryland General Assembly must take this legislative session. Without these actions, we see another wave of tax increases. Maybe not this year, but definitely after the election.”

“Warning signs were flashing last year about our state’s fiscal health,” said House Minority Whip Jesse Pippy. “Even with historic tax hikes by the majority party, our state’s credit rating was subsequently downgraded. Those same warning signs are flashing again, and none of the Committee’s recommendations today adequately address these issues. Without a significant course correction, we could be downgraded again."

University of Maryland Baltimore, Washington, Medical Center, Legislative and Community Leadership Breakfast 2025

Sanders Jewelers 70th Anniversary Celebration

Annapolis City Christmas Tree Lighting and the Talent Machine Mix up with my niece Lily

Thank you to Allison's Restaurant for 20 years of "serving" our community

Young Heroes Awards Ceremony

Kiwanis Club of Crofton Salvation Army Red Kettle 2025

National Blood Donor Month

January is National Blood Donor Month, a time to recognize the incredible impact blood donors have in our community. Donated blood helps accident victims, patients undergoing surgery, and individuals receiving cancer treatment or managing chronic illnesses. During the winter months, blood supplies are often lower, making donations especially important. Just one donation can save up to three lives. We thank everyone who gives and encourage those who are able to consider donating and helping save lives.

Click to Learn More

Upcoming Events

Schmidt Session Send Off 2026

Join us on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 4:30pm at the Parley Room for a special send off with The Friends of Stuart Schmidt

Tickets Here: https://secure.anedot.com/schmidt4delegate/parleyroom2026sessionsendoff

Kiwanis Community Calendar

Wednesday January 28th, Crofton Kiwanis Social Night at 6:00 p.m., Ledo Pizza Crofton, 1286 MD Route 3, Crofton, MD 21114. Please RSVP Dennis at ddclark780@verizon.net

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunity:

BINGO – Bingo is held on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month, beginning at 6:30 p.m., at Autumn Lake Healthcare, 2131 Davidsonville Rd, Crofton, MD. Volunteers should arrive a few minutes before the scheduled start time.

Contact: Dick Kemezis Phone: (301) 652-1646 email: dkemezis@aol.com