Welcome to the newest MaCCRA Chapter! In February, Fairhaven MaCCRA members hosted Ann MacKay, MaCCRA President, and Dave Hall, MaCCRA Secretary at an organizational meeting for MaCCRA. In June a Chapter was organized and officers elected. The delegates participated in the June 6 Annual Meeting.
The Charlestown MaCCRA chapter and the Residents’ Council Legislative and Political Committee sponsored the Candidate Forum for the Congressional District 7 seat vacated by the death of Elijah Cummings. The nonpartisan event offered residents three-minute speeches by candidates with the time to meet and talk to candidates. Over 250 residents attended.
The Broadmead Chapter of MaCCRA held its Fall Meeting on Wednesday, October 9, 2019. The local state legislators were invited to talk about their expectations for the 2020 Maryland General Assembly.
State Senator Chris West expressed his gratitude for being invited back to Broadmead. He was pleased to see the progress of the new entrance being constructed for the installation of a traffic light. Senator West introduced the legislation for this traffic light. He went on to recognize the previous MaCCRA Board members who he has met with over the years. Of major concern for the 2020 General Assembly is the recommendations of the Kirwan Commission to provide funding ($3.8 billion a year) for improving the school systems. This will require increases in state as well as county taxes. The death with dignity bill failed to pass last year but will probably pass this year.
Delegate Michele Guyton also expressed her gratitude in being invited back to Broadmead. Her first year in the General Assembly was quite busy. She was able to introduce HB561 which would criminalize psychological abuse of vulnerable adults and the elderly. It did not pass this year, but she plans to bring it back this next session.
Delegate Nino Mangione is also a first year Delegate. He too expressed his appreciation in being invited to return to Broadmead. His role this past year is the Accountability Committee. He is dedicated to keeping spending under control. He expressed concern about the money being wasted in the schools, particularly the Baltimore City Schools.
Approximately 85 residents were in attendance and some had questions for their elected officials, and a few stayed around for one to one conversation.
The Ingleside at King’s Farm elected a new slate of officers for the next year with John Patrick remaining as. the President. The Chapter hosted Ann MacKay, MaCCRA President and Jim Haynes, NaCCRA President at the October 3, 2019 meeting.
North Oaks is home to WWII veterans who shared their D-Day stories with Marty Waxman, the MaCCRA Chapter President. The Baltimore Jewish Times featured their stories in a recent article.
The North Oaks Chapter hosts Delegate Shelly Hettleman and Dana Stein on May 8, 2019, for a legislative update.
The Charlestown Chapter co-sponsored the yearly legislative update with the League of Women Voters and the Residents’ Council Legislative/Political Committee on April 30, 2019.
Broadmead residents were stirred in late March 2019 by a dramatic concert presented by the Community Concert Choir of Baltimore. The group, founded by its director Marco Merrick in 2010, numbers 196 when fully assembled, with participants of all ages, differing cultural denominations, and from several states. In addition to Director Merrick, 32 singers, a pianist, and a cellist appeared.
Between an opening Invocation and closing Benediction, residents heard three spirituals, three anthems, two hymns, and two choral renditions from the Bible. As the Benediction was ending, participants mingled with the audience shaking hands and embracing. Emotional tears were observed on faces from both groups.
The evening was arranged by a personal friend of Director Merrick, June Gee, Chair of the Multicultural Committee, and Denise Love, Chair of the BRA Music Committee.
The Choir’s mission is to preserve the musical heritage of the African American Church, and to entertain and educate the public as to the beauty and value of that music.
MaCCRA-Glen Meadows will entertain Ms. Laura Riley, Director of Baltimore County Department of Aging, as speaker at our Semi-annual meeting on January 30 at 1:45 in our Great Hall. She will give an overview and innovations of the current department. Ms. Alma Smith, President of our state MaCCRA will also join us to meet and greet our chapter members.