On the Road with Rhonda Blog

As City of Annapolis Ward 3 Alderwoman, here is a list of activities I have participated in, meetings I have attended, and events I have supported in the month of February 2025:

Carr’s Elktonia Beach Visioning Session at Pip Moyer | February 1, 2025

Attended Annapolis Recreation and Parks Department’s “Community Workshop and Listening Session”, at the Pip Moyer Recreation Center, regarding the Carr’s Beach-Elktonia Beach project, to be built on Edgewood Road

The State of Black Annapolis Speaker Series at the Michael E. Busch Public Library - Session 1 | February 4, 2025

Was one of the Speakers at the Mayor’s “State of Black Annapolis, Speaker Series” (kickoff), Anne Arundel County Public Library, Michael E. Busch/West Street location: “The Cost of Free Labor in Colonial Annapolis and the Intersection of the Free Black Community"

On-Site Services Wednesdays | February 5, 2025

At the Robinwood Community Resource Center for the City of Annapolis' On-Site Services Wednesdays Initiative

Visited and welcomed special guests to the “On-Site Services Wednesdays” for substance use disorder at the Robinwood Community Resource Center

Downtown Annapolis Small Businesses Rally | February 5, 2025

Attended and spoke at the “Downtown Annapolis Small Businesses Rally”, at the Alex Haley Statute at the top of Ego Alley
Met virtually with the new City’s Finance Director candidate

100th Anniversary Celebration of Pella Windows and Doors -

New Store Grand Opening | February 6

100th Anniversary Celebration of Pella Windows and Doors & New Story Opening at 1907 West Street

Celebrated the in-person “Grand Opening of the brand-new showroom of Pella (Windows and Doors) in Annapolis, Mid-Atlantic Region”, at 1907 West Street, Suite 102B. This momentous occasion coincided with a major milestone: “Pella’s Centennial Celebration (100 years) of legacy in innovation and excellence”.
Had coffee with Anne Arundel County Public Schools Superintendent (at his request)

Annapolis Pediatrics 3rd Annual Free Kids Health and Wellness Fair | February 8

Attended the “Annapolis Pediatrics’ 3rd Annual Free Kids’ Health and Wellness Fair”, Pip Moyer Recreation Center: “Exercise, Nutrition, and Fun” for kids ages 5-13, and birth to 5—interacted with those in attendance: hundreds of awesome community partners and organizations; resource tables and vendors; multiple Navy athletic teams; and healthy eating demos, a gardening workshop, and tons of games and activities

Annual Lighthouse SOUPer Bowl Lunch at Heritage Baptist Church |

February 9

Attended the 19th annual SOUPer Bowl Lunch for the Light House Homeless Prevention Center at Heritage Baptist Church, Annapolis

State, County, And City Officials Announce Significant Investment In Affordable Housing In City Of Annapolis | February 10

State, county, and city officials announced a $3.3 million investment in Annapolis affordable housing to support HACA and improve housing access.

Attended the announcement, by the State of Maryland, Anne Arundel County, and City of Annapolis, regarding funding to support the Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis, HACA HQ
Spent 2 hours of quality time with family members of the homicide victim, Ward 3
Attended and participated in the 2 monthly City Council meetings
Attended and participated (virtually) in the monthly Transportation Standing Committee meeting

Annapolis City Hall Meeting with Mayor Kristopher Bolam |

February 13

Mayor Kristopher Bolam of Frankston, Australia, and Juanita George visit Annapolis City Hall to discuss a 'Friendship City' relationship with our Mayor and city staff – February 13, 2025."

Attended a meeting in City Hall with Mayor Kristopher Bolam from Frankston (along with his partner), a coastal city just outside Melbourne, Australia, who was visiting the U.S., and who has reached out about establishing a “Friendship City” relationship with Annapolis; also including presentations by the City and Mayor Bolam
Participated in U.S. Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth's First Town Hall (virtually), along with U.S. Congressman Steny Hoyer, et al.
Chaired the City Council’s Public Safety Standing Committee Meeting, with a focus on Ward 4
As is the custom, as the City Council’s Public Safety Standing Committee Chair, spoke at the Annapolis Fire Department’s Pinning Ceremony, Eastport Fire Station

The Message in the Music—The songs of peace and love” Concert by Silopanna Band | February 15

Attended (and participated in) the Annapolis Children’s Museum’s Black History Month event: “The Message in the Music—the Songs of Peace and Love”, music by local “Silopanna Band”, Anne Arundel County Public Library, Busch location, West Street

Key to the City Event at MD Hall | February 16

Attended and gave remarks at “The Crown Affair: The Key to the City Awards Ceremony at Maryland Hall for Mr. Kendall Dorsey”, former Annapolitan, now an international hairstylist for many stars—an artistic and cultural extravaganza centered around the history and strength of Black Hair, and the Annapolitans who have made careers and legacies as professional hair stylists

Coffee with a Cop at Leeward Market | February 17

Attended and participated in “Coffee with a Cop”, Leeward Market

The State of Black Annapolis Speaker Series | February 18

Attended the Mayor’s “State of Black Annapolis, Speaker Series”, Anne Arundel County Public Library, Michael E. Busch, West Street location
Attended and participated in the quarterly Interfaith Advisory Council Quarterly Meeting, virtually

Anne Arundel County Nonprofit Center Open House on the Crownsville | February 20

Attended and participated in the Anne Arundel County’s “Non-Profit Center Open House, Information Session (conducted by the County Executive’s Dr. Jennifer Purcell, Executive Director of the Center), and Self-Guided Tour”, Crownsville Hospital Grounds
Attended and participated in the City Council’s Work Session, City Hall: “Update of the 2025 City of Annapolis’ Municipal Election”
Requested, attended and participated in a “Community, Management Leadership, and City Staff Meeting”, in the Annapolis Gardens community, regarding public safety issues on Admiral Drive

Punch List Review for Parole Street Sidewalks with Contractor & City | February 20

Ward 3 Admiral Drive Community Traffic Safety Meeting | February 20

Attended and was asked to give Remarks at the Funeral Service of the homicide victim (Ward 3); many Annapolis High School students, along with the Principal, community members, family, friends, and neighbors, attended this Service—the church was full

"Coffee with a Cop" at Bitty and Beau's | February 24

Attended and participated in “Coffee with a Cop”, Bitty and Beau’s

American Red Cross, Forest Plaza, Annapolis Visit | February 24

Visited and met with Site Director Ms K. Butler and 3 Staff members at the American Red Cross, Forest Plaza, Annapolis

Stormwater Facility Cleanup - Moreland Parkway | February 21-24

Visited the site of the City contractor, Arya Civil, cleaning out the forebay at the City stormwater facility off of Moreland Parkway, Ward 3.

Dr Khalilah Ali Visit and Book Signing - Annapolis Police Department HQ | February 24

Attended the dinner and conversation with Dr. Khalilah Ali-Camacho—an accomplished actress, martial artist, published author, motivational speaker, aviator, and film producer, who is also known for being the former wife of world-renowned boxer Muhammad Ali. She is a strong supporter of law enforcement and has ties to Annapolis. She shared her life story along with the book that she has written titled: “Undefeated: The Untold Story of My Forgiveness and Healing”.

The Lighthouse Leadership Tour and Meeting | February 25

Had an updated tour and met with The Lighthouse (shelter) leadership, Hudson Street
Attended and was one of the Speakers at the Mayor’s “State of Black Annapolis, Speaker Series”, Anne Arundel County Public Library, Michael E. Busch, West Street location: “The Foundation Builders: A celebration of Black educators”

Annapolis Police Department's 65th Anniversary of the Hiring of the City of Annapolis’ First African American Police Officers | February 26

(L to R) Rhonda, APD Chief Edward Jackson, and Ward 8 Aldermanic Candidate Frank Thorp, IV; Last photo taken by Rev Colbert; The ceremony was held at the historic First Baptist Church of Annapolis

Attended and was one of the Speakers at the “65th Anniversary of the Hiring of the City of Annapolis’ First African American Police Officers”, First Baptist Church

State of the City Address, Choptank Restaurant | February 27

Attended the Mayor’s “State of the City Address”, Choptank Restaurant, Compromise Street
Attended and participated in the City Council’s Work Session, City Hall: “Snow removal, Post-snow removal, and Updates, Etc.”

District 30 Night in Annapolis | February 27

Attended “District 30 Night in Annapolis”, hosted by State Senator Shaneka Henson, Miller Senate Office Building, President's Conference Room—a chance to connect, share thoughts, and hear updates about our district
Attended and Testified at the Historic Preservation Commission Hearing; Agenda: "69 Prince George Street / Prince George Street Park / Maritime Welcome Center – Travis Ligon – The Whiting - Turner Contracting Company – The proposed project includes the construction of the Maritime Welcome Center and the new Prince George Street Park. (HPC-2024-00296)";
Testimony: "Respecting our Past—Responding to our Present—Reimagining our Future"

Grand Opening of the District Office of Third District U.S. Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth - Columbia, MD | February 28