2024 Annual Report - Flipbook - Page 5
YOUR CHARLES COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
DISTRICT 1
DISTRICT 3
Commissioner Gilbert “BJ” Bowling
Commissioner Amanda M. Stewart, Ed.D.
Farmers Feeding Charles County is an initiative led
In 2024, Commissioner Stewart proudly celebrated the 11th
Annual Back-to-School Fiesta — an event that continues
to grow in impact and reach. She provided school supplies
to hundreds of students across Charles County, ensuring
they were equipped and ready for a successful academic
year. For many families, this support eases a financial burden
and ensures every child starts the school year with confidence and the tools they need to thrive. Her commitment
to uplifting our community remains strong, and this event
is a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when
the community comes together.
by Commissioner Bowling in partnership with local
nonprofits and public school organizations to provide fresh, local produce and meats to underserved
residents in Charles County. What began as a vision
to promote local farm products and support the community through Fresh Food Giveaways has grown into
a broader network of partnerships. Local nonprofits
have since launched their own food insecurity outreach programs, inspired by this initiative. The Charles
County Charitable Trust has played a vital role, working
tirelessly to equip these nonprofits with the tools and
funding needed to expand their food security efforts.
DISTRICT 2
Commissioner Thomasina Coates
Commissioner Coates continues to be a strong
advocate for community engagement, youth empowerment, and local par tnerships in District 2. In
2024, she donated 100 turkeys to the Jolly Dream
Foundation’s Thanksgiving Basket Giveaway,
providing meals to families in need. Her dedication
to youth was evident through a co-sponsored birthday celebration for Jabril “Brilly” Carroll, a young
Charles County resident battling DIPG, in partnership
with Delegate Edith Patterson and the Jolly Dream
Foundation.
She hosted seven town hall meetings, participated in over
40 community events, and held 23 meetings with constituents on county matters.
VICE PRESIDENT & DISTRICT 4
Commissioner Ralph Patterson
Vice President Patterson has been a visible and vocal leader
in 2024, deeply committed to community outreach and
civic education . A passionate proponent of Char ter
Government, he took part in a series of public discussions
and a joint town hall with Commissioner Coates to help residents understand potential government structure changes.
He has remained highly engaged throughout the year
— attending more than 42 public events and grand openings, representing the county at multiple career days, and
maintaining a strong connection to residents through 15
one-on-one issue meetings and approximately seven town
halls. His participation in both the Summer and Winter
Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) conferences
underscores his dedication to staying informed and advocating for Charles County on a broader stage.
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Charles County Government Annual Report • 2024
Commissioner Coates also hosted two town halls —
one independently in April and another jointly with
Commissioner Pat terson in October — to address
topics including Charter Government, the Bryans Road
Sub-area Plan, the grocery initiative, and plans for a
multi-generational recreation center. Additionally, she
collaborated with Senator Arthur Ellis on the opening
of the Boys & Girls Club in Indian Head and worked
with the Bryans Road Business Association to establish the Western Charles Farmers Market, bolstering
both youth services and local economic development.
Commissioner Stewart has committed to expanding recreational opportunities for our seniors and youth. Thank
you to the residents who attend town halls and speak up —
she heard you. A new rec center is coming to District 3 at
the former Sears building, repurposing existing space with
fresh, innovative ideas for our community.
