WARD 3 NEIGHBORHOODS: "ANNAPOLIS IN MINIATURE"
Annapolis Gardens Community – “A Community That Is Proud,
Determined, and Resilient”
Built and occupied in 1962 (I was a 3rd grader at Parole Elementary), these residences
provided many Annapolis families (and family members of mine) with new homes and an
opportunity to continue to raise their families—now, in this Parole community. We, in Parole,
benefitted from approximately 150 new households and lots of new schoolmates and valued
friendships that have continued for almost 60 years—with parents who were employed at the
USNA, Crownsville State Hospital, Ft. Meade, AACPS, the Old Fourth Ward, and the old plastic
plant in Odenton, among others. As their children got older and moved out, the parents
purchased homes in Annapolis—Truxtun Heights, Dorsey Heights, Greenbriar, Oxford Landing,
etc.—children and grandchildren ably and conveniently staying close by to care for family
members. Many names from the Annapolis Gardens community are very familiar: DeJesus,
Belt, Duvall, Watkins, Tooles, Brooks, Wells, Simms, Beann, Sharps, Slocum,
Harris, Johnson, McGowan, Thomas, Brown, Wright, McGowans, Siscoe, Taylor,
Richardson, and others—too numerous to mention. And these families have thrived.
Unfortunately, about 25-30 years ago, after these families had moved out, this community
started and continued to suffer greatly. However, approximately 15 years ago, under Ward 3
Alderwoman Hoyle’s leadership, this community was rebuilt and revived. While no community
is without its challenges, overall, Annapolis Gardens has remained “resilient”, and has continued
to stand as a community with a legacy of “pride and determination”.
THANK YOU’S, TESTIMONIALS, AND SHOUT-OUTS!
I am very honored and humbled to represent the residents of the Annapolis Gardens
community. Whether working with Resident Council President Ms. Debbie Odum, connecting
at least weekly, on a variety of community issues and regularly attending their monthly meetings
(pre-pandemic). And with former Resident Council President Ms. Chevella King during the
homicide tragedy and other (financial) matters. And discussing AACPS and job issues and
concerns at the holiday party with Resident Council Vice-President Ms. Sharon Allen (and how
proud she is of her middle name—“Martha”—named after her grandmother). And respecting
the good works of Resident Council Treasurer Ms. Chenell Henson. And always appreciating
her leadership and ready smile on Bowman Court from Ms. Brenda Anderson. And the
opportunity that I had to sit down and chat with Ms. Crowner and her Cousin (who works at
the USNA) on Bowman Drive last summer. And working with and visiting the home of Ms. Atkins.
And chatting with Mr. Tongue at the meetings. And communicating with Ms. Calhoun. And
discussing some serious issues with Ms. Clark, my classmate’s daughter. And “Mr. Shirtless”
(you know who you are!) who I had several conversations with last summer and who wants to
help and keep our young men “on the straight and narrow”. And continually communicating/e-
mailing with Ms. Latolya Butler. And Mrs. Brown, the mother of icon Raynaldo “Duce”
Brown, who keeps an eye on everyone and everybody who passes by (I’m watching you too!).
And I miss Ms. Lillian who moved. And Ms. Esther Sharps, who beckoned me and made sure
that I took care of that line of sight issue on the corner, and I took a photo of her at the exact
spot where DPW needed to paint. And I appreciate Ms. Rachelle Young’s kindness. And
smiling and waving to Mr. & Mrs. Decker. And even sharing a whole lot of laughs all the time
with my schoolmate Ms. Elaine Crowner.
And so I certainly appreciate all of the support and kind words that I have received from
our wonderful Annapolis Gardens community, especially during my tenure on the Council since
December 2013. Mr. Lovell Day for all of his encouragement: “Thank you for all that you do
because you do a lot.” Ms. Chevella King: “I don’t know who else to contact for to help. Thank
you for always supporting me and encouraging me.” Ms. Brenda Anderson: “Thank you for what you
do.” Ms. Crowner and her Cousin: “Thanks.” From “Mr. Shirtless”: “Thank you.” And Ms. Debbie
Odum: “Thanks Rhonda, you are a Gem to the Ward 3 residents.”
And our prayers go out to the Tongue family—to my schoolmate Tonya Fox’s family.
Greenbriar Community – “A Community That Respects A Healthy Workforce”
Yes, you can see these residents all around Annapolis and our County and State. Whether in City Hall, or in and around our State and County buildings, or in Anne Arundel County Public Schools, or at the State House, or at Home Depot, or on construction sites, or at the U.S. Post Office, or at Giant, or at Northrop Grumman, or in physicians’ and medical offices, or doing private duty nursing, or landscaping and beautifying what we take for granted, and even at our U.S. Capitol in DC. Work is what they do! And they do it very, very well. And some hold down multiple jobs—providing for their families! They are on our front lines—our essential workers—they go way above the call of duty, doing what they do with a quiet confidence that belies their real importance. And on top of all of that? They have time to give back by volunteering hundreds of hours each year—whether at their churches, in their community associations, at food giveaways, helping our children, mentoring/tutoring, looking out for their neighbors, raising children that are not their children biologically, making sure that a positive quality of life is maintained all around us, and in countless other ways that are unimaginable. And oftentimes, it’s seemingly the little things that they do that we would never even notice. But if they weren’t there, then we definitely would notice! We depend upon them, like many of us depend upon angels. And this community has grown into this habit of “workforce excellence” for over 40 years.
THANK YOU’S, TESTIMONIALS, AND SHOUT-OUTS!
And so I certainly appreciate all of the support and kind words that I have received from our wonderful collective Greenbriar communities, especially during my tenure on the Council since December 2013. I begin by thanking my cousin Mrs. Shirley Thomas for her perpetual love: “Rhonda, we love you, and everything that you do for us.” Thank you to Nurse Sandra Wallace for agreeing to be videotaped by the City receiving her Covid-19 vaccination at the Mount Olive Community Life Center earlier this spring. Mr. George H. Williams, President, Greenbriar Association II: "Thank you also for your excellent service Alderwoman Pindell-Charles as acting City Mayor last year during Mayor Gavin's perplexing personal situation, in addition to the proud legacy of your incredible career-long services to our wonderful city of Annapolis, and others. Please know that our community has always been so proud of you and your staff(s)." Ms. Sandoval: "Good morning Ms. Rhonda, Senator Elfreth and staff, Thanks so much for getting the ball rolling on this matter! I really appreciate it. Honestly I have tried everything on my end to receive what I have been requesting which is vital, but I haven't had any success. I look forward to knowing what else is available." And a final follow-up from Ms. Sandoval: “Thanks so much for your help in this matter! I can't thank all of you enough. You are a great team!!!” Ms. Beryle Downs: “We are so very blessed to have such an amazing Alderwoman here in Ward 3. She keeps us informed in a very timely manner. We truly appreciate her excellent representation of our Ward and our City.” I am continually grateful for the Mullins’ family’s support—my schoolmate. I would like to thank Ms. Carol Braswell for allowing me to be her daughter’s Church School teacher at Mt. Olive; it was a pleasure and a blessing. Mr. V. Walker, who consistently keeps the City and the Alderwoman informed on various quality of life issues: “Thanks. Verizon has removed the cable. I really appreciate you and Remi's [City’s] help. Thanks again.” The Harris/Dreher family has been solid mainstays in our Parole community for over 100 years. And on another note from V. Walker: I caught “Watershed Moments with Alderwoman Hoyle. It was good.” Mr. Jackson: “Thank you ALD Rhonda Pindell Charles.” Ms. Shannon Colbert: “Thank you for all you do.” Ms. Sheila Venerable in response to a quality of life issue: “Okay with me.” Ms. Joyce Gray: “Thanks a million! You are a blessing.” Ms. Mary Johnson: “I am truly grateful for your assistance in this matter [regarding the City’s e-learning program, September 2020]. Ms. Jeanette Whittington: “Thank you for everything.” Mr. Reesie and Mrs. Tryphina James: “Rhonda, you’re doing a great job. You’re always there when we need you. God Bless.” Ms. Alva Offer: “Thanks for all your help.” Terence L. Wright: “Rhonda, you are the Kamala Harris of our community.”
Heritage Community – “A Community That Can Define Itself As A ‘Hidden Gem””
Nestled between Forest Drive and one block from West Street, our Heritage community is indeed “a hidden gem”—with some residents who were born and grew up hundreds of miles from Annapolis and America. Well-manicured lawns, and the sounds of children playing intermingled with “seasoned seniors” enjoying an evening breeze, strikes a calm and neighborly balance, for a community that was built over 50 years ago. And their community pool tops off their fun summer season! Community meetings are very well run and attended, with questions and comments dotted throughout the evening, and “post-meeting chats” are in abundance. Residents are very engaged (even if you may not hear from them), but when you do, they are serious! And so, take them very seriously! (I know I do.) A community mix of professionals, commuters, teleworkers, medical personnel, retired military, teachers/coaches, law enforcement, real estate agents, IT (and the list goes on), makes for a place that can truly lull you back in time of white picket fences when you may not have had a care in the world.
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THANK YOU’S, TESTIMONIALS, AND SHOUT-OUTS!
And so I certainly appreciate all of the support and kind words that I have received from our wonderful Heritage community, especially during my tenure on the Council since December 2013. Chris: “I’m proud to call Annapolis my home. It is truly a great place to live, and where my spouse and I wanted to start a family. Our neighborhood is a relatively quiet ‘hidden gem’”. Mr. Gabriel Sganga, Retired Military, who has served with distinction, not only for our country and keeping us safe, but also as President of our Heritage Pool and Community Association: “[Upon my reelection]: Congrats Rhonda! Looking forward to working with you, Ward 3 and all of Annapolis!” Thanks for your leadership on this [quality of life] and many other community issues. Thank you so much for getting back to me so quickly. Thanks for all of your help [and] for the update!” And we thank Mr. Brian for his stellar service as Chair of the Board, and now President. Sandra: “Sounds like a great plan.” Mrs. Maggie and Mr. Edgar Burnette: “Best wishes for a successful re-election.” D: “I want to thank you both [another elected official] very much for assisting my family with the request. This has been such a happy time for our family. I can’t thank you both enough for your support throughout this process, it means more than you know!” S: “I
want you to emerge victorious.” Mr. Richard Fraenkel: “Thank you very much for the information. I appreciate your effort very much.” Mrs. Genevieve and Mr. Nick Good-Malloy: "Thank you so much for your quick response. Thanks for checking. Thank you for staying on top of this issue! THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO!!!"
Greater Homewood-Southwoods Community –
“A Community that Values Family Traditions”
Bell Annapolis on West (1901 West): “A Community That Is Ever-Evolving At Its Core”
Traveling along West Street, sometimes it can be difficult to distinguish and realize when you have moved from the Germantown to the Homewood to the Southwoods community. But should it really matter? Since these communities effortlessly flow, arguably, just like our Annapolis waterways. Older homes and “seasoned” residents and their ancestors have lived and thrived in these communities for a century. Newer and refurbished homes and neighborhoods can be dotted in between, with energetic children and young people riding their bikes and walking their dogs. The Poplar Trail is utilized with great frequency by everyone. And the addition of a Little Free Library along the Trail makes learning at Germantown Elementary School, and studying and reading at our brand new Anne Arundel County Mike Busch Regional Library much more fun, engaging, exciting, and enjoyable. And the new HAWK traffic control device, along with readily available orange flags for marked crossing intersections, now makes for an easier and safer community and neighborhood experience. For many years, by invitation only, the community association has met at the Trinity U.M. Church on West Street—in the heart of these communities. All of this makes for a confluence of successful communities that can work independently, but are readily able to combine their resources and mobilize when necessary.
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THANK YOU’S, TESTIMONIALS, AND SHOUT-OUTS!
And so I certainly appreciate all of the support and kind words that I have received from our wonderful Greater Homewood-Southwoods communities, especially during my tenure on the Council since December 2013. Mr. Ben Sale, Retired Military: “Thank you for all you do. I honestly don't know where you find the time to be so omnipresent as our representative. As I see you at every meeting I ever attend and on many issues. In case you don't hear it since no one usually ever contacts their representative unless it's bad news....I'll say it...Nice Work!” L: “Thanks, Rhonda! Much appreciated.” From both T and spouse—my high school classmate: “Thanks for listening to our concerns. Thanks for your follow-through on this issue. We support anything that will make that intersection safer @ Virginia St. and Legion Ave.” H: “Thank you, Rhonda. I appreciate the update! Thank you for all you do.” S: “Yay! Success! Thanks so much for helping. You have no idea how much this change will help. You were tremendous! Thanks.” T: “Could you please add me to your email list. [2021].” B: “Thank you so much Rhonda. It was very nice of you to remember. Thank you for attending our annual meeting. My spouse especially enjoyed seeing you again but the entire community was so grateful for your presence. Thank you for taking the time to read this and for your interest in our community.” D: “Thank you for your continued assistance. Thank you very much for your action on this. We are truly grateful for the proposed resolution of this issue.” T: “Thanks for looking into our sewer line problem. It was greatly appreciated.” K: All I asked from you was that you support your constituents. By submitting our amendment to go forward in this process, you have done that as far as I’m concerned! Even if this doesn’t go our way, I will always appreciate your support!” K: “Ok. Thank you for that helpful information. Just a note of appreciation for receiving informational emails from you. It is thoughtful for you to send them; they are informative and filled with useful points. Thank you for sending the Information about the workshops.” S: “Thanks for your concern, I am
working on this, if you think of anything else please let me know.” Mr. Don Dement: Thanks for all your supportive words about community operations. Thanks also for your kind personal words and email replies - I have all of them. Thanks very much for the detailed suggestions. I'll get started right away on them. Thank you.” S: “Thanks for your concern.” Ms. Bronwyn Belling: “You are a superb public servant. Thanks for all you do!"
Advocated for and built during the administration of my predecessor, Alderwoman Dr. Classie Gillis Hoyle, as a way to uniquely address affordable housing in our City—Moderately Priced Dwelling Units (MPDUs) mixed with a diversity of retail establishments—Bell Annapolis on West, originally known as 1901 West, is located at the corner of Chinquapin Round Road and West Street. These attractive housing residences for lease provide affordability, comfort, and convenience to those who enjoy a slice of urban living. Residents’ meetings by invitation only can be serious as well as lively. While the residents may change and ever-evolve, and even the name has changed several times, what doesn’t change is the opportunity to be able to look around at the closeness of what residents actually need and want, e.g., an internationally-known brand name coffee shop, first-class theater, bank, service station, vehicle purchase and repair services, bus line and transportation hub/HQ, school, post office, sit down dining, self-storage units, and much, much more. So for anyone who may be in search of “a place of pleasant living”, with walkability at its core, then Bell Annapolis on West may be just what you’re looking for.