Christmas in April celebrated their 20^th anniversary with a party at the Old Waldorf School.  Their slogan was “Its time to Kick Off to Rebuild for 2010.” Christmas in April is dedicated to keeping elderly and disabled homeowners living in warmth, safety, independence, dignity and decency through home repair and rehabilitation services.

Skilled and unskilled volunteers work together on projects of painting, carpentry, plumbing, cleaning, and gardening.   This program depends solely on the contributions of money, materials, equipment and labor by local companies, organizations, churches and individuals.  If you are looking for a place to make a difference, please consider Christmas in April.

Joe’s Place scheduled their Volunteer Appreciation Spaghetti Dinner this evening.  Joe’s Place was started by Joe Plemons with the aid of Father David MacDonald at Christ Church Durham.  Joe solicited volunteers to rehab space owned by the church and then recruited volunteers and supplies to open a food bank.  Joe’s Place doesn’t stop there; they have not only provided enough food for 250,081 meals, but also 5,904 articles of clothing, 712 toys for children, and 708 personal hygiene and 415 paperback books to the residents at the Maryland Veterans home in Charlotte Hall.  Generous hearts attend Christ Church.

I took my grandson, Bryce, and we both had spaghetti.  Bryce says that Joe’s Place is a “good restaurant.”

La Plata High School visited the General Assembly today.  One of my favorite duties is to talk to students about their state government and encourage them to get involved and be good citizens for themselves, their families, and their neighborhoods.

The Visitors Guides do an excellent job in explaining the different elements of the state government and the roles of each chamber.  Students also get a chance to see the Maryland General Assembly Video, “The Legislative Process.”

Today the Assembly was honoring The Cat in the Hat who sponsors along with the Maryland State Education Association the annual “Read Across America.”

The 29^th Annual Black History Month Recognition Breakfast sponsored by the Fifth Congressional District was held on Saturday at Middleton Hall.  Steny Hoyer, Majority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives announced that this breakfast is the longest running Black History Breakfast in the country.

The breakfast was well attended by more than 300 people representing all the counties in the Fifth District.  Greetings were offered by Senator Benjamin Cardin and the Keynote Address was given by Valerie B. Jarrett, Senior Advisor and Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement.

This breakfast is an excellent wrap up to the other events that are throughout the month of February honoring Black History and keeps in our minds the accomplishments and achievements that Blacks have made to our nation.

Last night was the annual Southern Maryland Reception at the Loews Hotel in Annapolis Maryland.  I would like to thank both Delegate Sally Jameson and the Tri-County Council for their efforts to make this event memorable.

I had a chance to talk with many of the business leaders, government officials, and Southern Maryland residents last night.  Everyone was enjoying the music, food, and opportunity to mingle and catch up with their friends and neighbors.