School board member Gloria Dent said that she was amazed by the turnout for last Saturday's Backpack Giveaway for children attending school in the Meade Feeder. The event, now in its third year, was held at Van Bokkelen Elementary School in Severn. Dent said that the crowd was much larger than last year and attributed the turnout to tightening finances for families. "We had the same great partners as last year. We added a few wrinkles this year like the food truck but the turnout was a surprise. We still gave away over 1,000 backpacks to help families stretch their dollars this year. There is a lot of need out there for basic supplies. I'm happy our team of collaborators and community leaders were able to step up and help out." The event was once again co-sponsored by Delegate Mike Rogers and Council Chair Pete Smith. Anne Arundel County Schools Superintendent Mark Bedell and school board members Joanne Tobin and Robert Silkworth also attended the giveaway. Dent, who runs iCommunity Connection Services, a 501(c3) founded to support children and veterans, says the giveaway is just a start and that there is more work to be done in the Meade High School Feeder. "Our kids still need the community's support. Everyone stepped up this year and I'm happy to see the collaboration. I appreciate everyone from Delta Sigma Theta, the health department, Alpha Phi Alpha, police, fellow veterans, and the Sigmas. There are lots of organizations to thank. It's so very important to continue to rally around all of the schools in our feeder," said Dent. The event was so successful that Anne Arundel County Schools has expressed an interest in formally partnering with the giveaway next year. Council Chair Pete Smith welcomed news of the additional collaboration. "I've represented this area for a long time so it's great to see these collaborations continue especially now that we have other assets like the new Severn Intergenerational Center. This is great for the community. Thanks to everyone involved and thanks to Ms. Dent for leading this work!."

A busy day in the Russett Metroplex on the last day of September.

Launched in 2020, the initiative is in its third year and works to encourage stronger social connections between police, the community, and faith-based organizations. Delegate Mike Rogers, Devin Tucker, and Council Chair Pete Smith helped kick off local activities in Anne Arundel County. Delegate Mike Rogers is pictured along with former Western District Captain Daniel Rodriguez (Right, Top) and newly appointed Western District Captain Chad McFarlane (Left, Bottom)

Franco Was Forced to Resign from Russett HOA Board. Ethics Office Determines That Racing Authority Members Are Subject to Maryland Ethics Laws Involving Financial Disclosures State ethics official revealed in a response to Russett Reader that the agency does not yet have any financial disclosure forms for Joe Franco or other members of the newly established Maryland Thoroughbred Racing Authority (Authority). The request was made by Russett Reader in light of Franco's troubling appointment to the Authority. Franco's appointment to the Authority was first reported in Maryland Matters. Franco was forced to resign from the Russett Homeowners Association Board after owners discovered that he took nearly $10,000 from gambling interests opposed to slots at the Laurel Race Track. Franco took the funds under an entity called "Phalanx" while a sitting member of the Russett board. Regarding Franco, owners expressed concerns about self-dealing and collusion. Franco never disclosed receipt of the funds to Russett's attorney, his fellow board members, or to owners. Franco resigned from the Russett board after owners advised him that the matter would be referred to the Maryland State Attorney General's Office. Franco also no longer lives in Laurel but was for reasons that are still both strange and unclear, recommended to serve as the "Laurel" representative for the Authority by state Senator Pam Beidle according to sources. Franco is an avowed political supporter of Beidle. William Colquhoun, General Counsel for the Maryland State Ethics Commission, said that "the State Ethics Commission only recently at its June 15, 2023 meeting identified the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority as an executive unit subject to the Ethics Law." As a result, the Ethics Commission does not yet have financial disclosure forms from Mr. Franco. Colquhoun said that the Ethics Commission determination will be reviewed by the state's budget office. "The Department of Budget and Management has an opportunity after being notified of the Commission’s determination to provide advice as to whether or not it is the correct determination. The Department has not yet responded to the Commission." It is a worrisome development that the Authority, charged with reviewing the future of the billion-dollar horse racing industry in Maryland, does not yet require financial disclosures. All Maryland elected officials and most political appointees are required by law to file financial disclosures. Financial disclosures encourage transparency and are used as a tool to identify potential conflicts of interest. Russett Reader also requested an "ethics attestation or certification" for Franco. Colquhoun advised that his office does not have a "responsive record" to our request but that he would check with the Governor's office to determine if Franco filed a form with them. Russett owners have expressed alarm about Franco's appointment and have noted in social media forums that Franco does not enjoy the trust of the community and lacks the integrity to effectively "represent" a community where he no longer lives. Others have highlighted that the appointment doesn't serve the best interest of the Governor and blamed Beidle for recommending her tarnished political ally. This is a developing story.

Anne Arundel County Police are once again asking the public to come forward with any information about an early morning carjacking at the Horizon Square Apartments in the 3500 Block of Laurel-Fort Meade Road. The incident took place this morning around 2 AM. Police say that the victim was exiting his car when he was approached by two suspects dressed in all-black clothing. According to the police report, "one suspect placed a gun to the victim’s head and requested his phone and banking information. The victim was struck in the back of his head by one of the suspects and told to get on the ground." The suspect eventually took the victim's car while the other suspect fled in a different vehicle. This is the second carjacking to take place in the commercial district in recent weeks. A woman was also robbed at the Navy Federal Credit Union ATM in Maryland City Plaza. Anne Arundel County Police canvassed Corridor Marketplace and Maryland City Plaza last Friday to speak with residents and share tips about personal safety. Police are planning more patrols for the area to help address growing concerns. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact detectives at 410-222-6155.

Residents Maintain that Nuisance Hotels Are the Issue. In one of his first acts as the newly appointed leader of the Western District, Anne Arundel County Police Captain Chad MacFarland greeted dozens of customers at Corridor Marketplace and Maryland City Plaza Friday afternoon. MacFarland said it was important for him and his team to hear directly from residents in the aftermath of a carjacking and ATM robbery at both locations nearly two weeks ago. "We are committed to building our relationship with residents here in Laurel. We figured that visiting customers here at the shopping centers was a great way to get some perspective and insights about neighborhood concerns," said MacFarland. MacFarland was joined by nearly a dozen officers under his command who passed out flyers and business cards to customers during the canvass. Delegate Mike Rogers joined MacFarland for the canvass and provided some context for the new Western District leader. "We have a great relationship with our police department and I know many of the officers here today. It's important to understand however that the taxpayers here in Fieldstone, the Watershed, Russett, Bacontown, and Maryland City still feel like this is the forgotten part of the County. That needs to change," said Rogers. Ryan Gordan, a customer at Maryland City Plaza, said that problems with crime can be traced back to the hotels. "We've been talking about the hotels for years with guys like Devin (Tucker). The hotels are out of control. The residents from the hotels are here every day. Before you all came, there was an incident out front here. There is something crazy every day. Until you all address the hotels there are always going to be issues." Devin Tucker also attended the canvass and agreed with the assessment. Local residents have long complained about the lack of a concrete plan to address nuisance issues at the hotels. Tucker launched a petition drive three years ago to address nuisance issues at the hotels and gathered over 700 signatures from residents. Annual calls for police and fire service at some of the hotels have averaged nearly two calls per day in the past. He said that the problem isn't getting better. "The loitering, panhandling, and harassment are getting worse and it is more aggressive. It's not just a police issue. It's a policy issue and county leaders have to be more intentional about addressing the root causes. We have a good police department but the same can't be said about some of the hotel owners." Captain MacFarland said that his team appreciates the feedback and is mindful of the concerns. He visited the Navy FCU ATM, the scene of the robbery, and said that he would make some immediate safety recommendations to the ATM owner. He also said that he hopes to provide an update to the community on the installation of the automated license plate readers along 198. The cameras are being added as part of planned safety improvements along the 198 corridor according to Anne Arundel County Police. "This was time well spent and I'm glad I brought the team out to hear directly from residents. We will be in touch with everyone," said MacFarland.

The #BeyHive swarmed greater DC this past weekend and this #GirlDad joined the festivities with his two daughters to see what the buzz was all about. You see it is a #SmartGirlsSummer in my household. My two daughters have reveled in every opportunity to partake in numerous cultural and travel experiences this summer while emptying my wallet. How awesome is the emptying my wallet part right? I didn't realize a Beyonce Level Event required a whole makeover of my personal finances to include incidentals for hair, makeup, and new outfits. Beyonce is the cultural event of the year so we had to take care of those important things first according to my girls. Gotta keep our priorities straight since you never know if the Queen will ask the girls or dad to be in the next video shoot. I'm game but I'm bringing my Costco Chic best to the shoot. Look, these kids are expensive but the travel and cultural experiences have been tremendous and Beyonce's showing was no exception. I'm glad I joined them for Beyonce's two-hour ear carnival but I wasn't sure what to expect especially since I'm not too familiar with Beyonce's "Renaissance" album which is her seventh studio production. I only knew I had to strap in for a concert that was part pop, Dancehall, Afrobeats, and classic rhythm and blues. I will add for the record that I was not prepared for how poorly stadium operations were at FedEx Field. There were some snafus courtesy of #SeatGeek, #LiveNation FedEx Field, and the Washington #Commanders (these snafus would never happen at Cowboys stadium and I say that as a proud Cowboys fan!). We arrived to find obstructed views of the concert stage and while the staff in Guest Relations were angels, the floor team at the stadium were anything but that. The experience with the FedEx Field floor team was embarrassing, demoralizing, and deeply troubling. The issue got resolved after almost two hours. I soldiered past the madness at the house built by Danny Snyder but by then, Beyonce had already performed about six songs. What part of the show I heard was very good. Beyonce, perhaps more than any artist today, brings a hearty artistic and thematic canvass to her show. "Renaissance" powers forward with great energy, affirmations about romance, empowerment, self-determination, and resistance. Sprinkled throughout Beyonce's performance were several tributes to her musical heroines and heroes. Her short rendition of "River Deep-Mountain High" was an impressive nod to the late Tina Turner. I was also impressed by her band's outtro on "Break My Soul" with its well-mixed nod to The Jackson's "Shake Your Body Down to the Ground." Her reboot of back-yard cookout standards like "Before I Let Go," by Frankie Beverly and Maze, is fresh and flirty and a worthy tonic for any family gathering: In between the tributes, Beyonce sashayed through various hits from her other albums including "Homecoming," "4," "Dangerously in Love," and "Lemonade." The crowd exploded with energy when she performed "Love On Top." My two girls warbled along capably enough and I very much enjoyed THEIR show! I can live a thousand years for joy and smiles like this: The tributes and songs from albums past were appreciated as a confessed "Renaissance" neophyte. Beyonce's renditions helped tether me to something that was more musically familiar while also prepping my musical palate for the Dancehall-driven tracks on "Renaissance." "Renaissance" is adventurous and I would imagine represent maybe a slight risk for any artist but "Yonce" rocked it. Her performance of the spirit-affirming "Break My Soul," a certified jam with an addictive bass line and drum track, also lit up the crowd. My girls lost it because Beyonce stopped by our section for a brief visit accompanied by the world-famous Les Twins dancers (SEE VIDEO). We were at the midpoint of the stage about eight rows away from Beyonce at this point. "CUFF It" and "Plastic Off the Sofa" were two additional numbers from "Renaissance" that I found enjoyable. The latter was a surprisingly supple ditty that paired quite nicely with some of the other more up-tempo numbers. "America Has A Problem" wins the award for the most visually stunning set piece perhaps ever at a concert. Beyonce "emerged from the hive" in her bumblebee-inspired costume against the backdrop of a CNN-like chyron. Les Twins then performed during the number with Cirque de Soleil energy for about five minutes on 20' poles. That was cool! What's notable about Beyonce's performance throughout the two-hour show is her consistency. Technically, there were no obvious flaws during the August 5, 2023 show that was also attended by Vice President Kamala Harris, Jay-Z, and Maryland's First Lady Dawn Moore. I don't believe I heard one bad note from Beyonce all night. The emotional highlight of the night was an appearance by her oldest daughter Blue Ivy who as a guest dancer, appears to be adapting well to the family business. A trumpet player about seven months pregnant was a fan favorite too. The background singers, dancers, and band were also amazing. I would also add a thumbs up to the sound engineers - the bass from the music rumbled very deeply throughout the stadium and you felt it in your bones. Crazy! I would likely see the show again but not at FedEx Field. I would also add that I think the best fan experience might be had in the lower bowl of any stadium (100 sections in most stadiums) and the floor of course which is a more costly experience for most devoted fans. My girls gave the show a 10/10 even though the experience was marred by events beyond Beyonce's control. I'll concur for now but certainly wish I was able to capture the opening sequence of songs for a fuller experience. It was great overall to hang with my daughters and a great experience with Beyonce. Beyonce's Renaissance Tour is expected to generate a jaw-dropping $2 billion by the time it concludes in October. After Washington, DC, Beyonce heads to Charlotte, NC, and to Atlanta, GA for a three-day stay. Beyoncé Recap: Joy, Chaos, and Frustration During DC Renaissance Stop https://www.washingtonian.com/2023/08/07/beyonce-recap-joy-chaos-and-frustration-during-dc-renaissance-stop/

Council Chair Pete Smith celebrates community advocate "Ms. G."

Local officials, friends, and family members came out to the new Severn Intergenerational Center today to celebrate the 81st birthday of community advocate Glenda Gathers. Delegate Mike Rogers and Council Chair Pete Smith Presenting Official Citations to Glenda Gathers "Ms. G" as she is affectionately known, was once again celebrated as a testament to the power of resiliency and neighborhood advocacy by Council Chair Pete Smith and Delegate Mike Rogers in a birthday celebration attended by many of her family members. Gathers has worked tirelessly for decades in West County to serve as a "community mom" for many in the area. Her vision of a community center in West County to serve the needs of the community finally came to fruition back in May. The County dedicated a sprawling community and senior center in her honor back in May. County Council Chair Pete Smith remarked that Gathers has served as his "Godmother" and provided invaluable advice to him and many others over the years. Over 100 people attended the birthday celebration for Gathers' where she received official citations from the Maryland General Assembly and the Anne Arundel County Council.

By Eric V. Jefferson As the summer days gradually give way to the crispness of fall, schools stand poised to welcome back their students with open arms. In a dynamic blend of anticipation and enthusiasm, the school community is gearing up to embark on a new academic year, vowing to provide an environment that ensures readiness and guarantees the pathway to a successful year for all its students. As the doors open to all students, parents, community members, faculty, and staff, here are a few tips to ensure the success of all students: 1. An Environment of Readiness As the doors swing open, schools ensure that every nook and cranny of its premises reflects a commitment to the health and safety of its students. From state-of-the-art ventilation systems ensuring fresh air circulation to meticulously designed sanitation routines, the school leaves no stone unturned in safeguarding its students’ well-being. Following strict adherence to recommended health guidelines, students can embrace their return to the classrooms with peace of mind. 2. Setting the Stage for Success Academic excellence has always been the cornerstone of every school's mission, and this year is no exception. Educators have honed their teaching strategies to bring forth an engaging and innovative curriculum that challenges the intellect and sparks curiosity. From vibrant discussions in literature classes to hands-on experiments in science labs, every subject comes to life, fostering a deep love for learning and a thirst for knowledge. 3. Beyond the Classroom Education isn't confined to the classroom walls. The school's commitment to holistic development is evident through its diverse range of extracurricular activities and clubs. Whether it's the thrill of a robotics competition, the creativity of the art club, or the camaraderie of team sports, students have a myriad of opportunities to explore their passions, develop new skills, and forge lasting friendships. Get Involved!! 4. A Network of Support Recognizing the challenges that may accompany the return to school after a period of uncertainty, schools extend a strong support system to their students. With counselors and support services readily available, students can seek guidance, share concerns, and find the assistance they need to navigate both the academic and personal aspects of their lives. As the school bell rings once more, it is ready to embrace its students in a community of learning, growth, and camaraderie. The promise of a successful year for every individual echoes through the hallways, reminding us all that together, we can overcome any challenge, scale any height, and create a tapestry of achievements that will be remembered for years to come. The writer, Eric V. Jefferson is the Principal of North County High School In Anne Arundel County. School restarts on Monday, August 28, 2023, for Anne Arundel County students. Mr. Jefferson is a resident of the Russett community.

Carjacking is the Second Robbery in the Commercial District in as Many Days Anne Arundel County Police arrested a 14-year-old yesterday for an armed carjacking at Corridor Marketplace. Police say that the suspect and an accomplice approached the victim with a handgun and ordered the victim out of his car around 3 PM. Officers were later able to catch the 14-year-old suspect after a canvass in Maryland City where police found the suspect in possession of the victim's cell phone. A second suspect has not been located. The carjacking marks the second serious robbery along the commercial district in as many days. A woman was robbed and assaulted at the Navy Federal Credit Union on Sunday, August 20, 2023, around noon. Anyone with information about both incidents is urged to call Western District detectives at (410) 222-6155. This is a developing story.

Owners of the Russett Community Association in Laurel are expressing alarm regarding the appointment of former Russett board member and resident Joe Franco to the newly formed Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority (Authority). Franco's appointment was first reported by Maryland Matters. Franco's selection is renewing unsettling questions around his abrupt resignation from the Russett board and the vetting process that allowed his questionable appointment even though he no longer lives in Laurel. Source: Anne Arundel County Democratic Central Committee The Authority was created during the recent Maryland General Assembly to help decide the future and viability of horse racing in Maryland. Among its key duties, the Authority will explore decisions around the futures of Laurel Race Track and Pimlico. Franco served on the Russett board for several years but resigned after owners discovered that he took almost $10,000 from gambling interests while serving as a sitting member of the Russett board during the 2010 Question A ("slots") referendum. Franco did not disclose receipt of the money to the homeowners association's attorney, fellow board members, or to owners. Sources say that Franco's conduct raised significant alarms about self-dealing and collusion and that Franco was advised that the matter would be referred to the Maryland Attorney General and other authorities for investigation. Franco actively worked to influence fellow Russett owners to oppose slots at the Laurel Race Track. Evidence shows that Franco took money under an entity called "Phalanx" from pro-gambling interests affiliated with Cordish Companies' bid for a gambling license. The Cordish-backed interest group organized neighborhood opposition to a slots license for Laurel Race Track. Maryland voters overwhelmingly approved slots during the referendum and the first license was eventually granted to the Cordish Companies and located at Arundel Mills Mall as Maryland Live. Some state leaders have attributed Laurel Race Track's failure to thrive to its failure to land a gambling license ultimately given to Cordish. Franco, who no longer lives in Laurel, MD, was appointed approximately a week ago to the new racing authority as the "Laurel representative." Public records however show that Franco lives in Odenton, MD. He was appointed to the Authority at the recommendation of state Senator Pam Beidle according to sources. Beidle represents a portion of Laurel and serves as the Chair for the Executive Nominations Committee for the state Senate. Franco, who also currently serves as a member of the Anne Arundel County Democratic Central Committee for District 33, supported Beidle's campaign for state Senate according to sources. Source: Maryland State Board of Elections Franco's questionable appointment to the Authority follows several missteps by the Executive Nominations Commission. Republican Jason Rheinstein of Severna Park was also recommended by the Commission to serve on the Anne Arundel County Board of Elections. Rheinstein however was disbarred as an attorney in the State of Maryland for violating rules of "professional conduct, including rules about competence and dishonesty" during a 2011 lawsuit against a private lending company. This is a developing story.