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. 

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.

The 22 candidates who registered for State Senate District 42, Delegates in District 42B and for Baltimore County Executive have been invited to Candidates Night Forum on May 31^st to inform residents at Broadmead and the surrounding communities of their points of interest and intent for the office in which they filed.  Broadmead is one of the polling centers for residents in this area.  Please see the section “Advocacy” for establishing a Candidates Forum at your CCRC.

Alma Smith from Broadmead shares the MaCCRA recruitment flyer that goes in all the cubbies during renewal time. She writes, “The following is a sample notice of how Broadmead MaCCRA informs its members of renewal time and requested non-members to join at this time.  These notices were placed in all message boxes/cubbies about July 1 every year when renewal of dues begins.  Use your discretion in using this notice for your particular community.”

Membership Renewal Form

Broadmead Website: http://www.broadmead.org