At the end of 2024 and beginning of 2025, we at Essex CDC have found ourselves reflecting on all the wonderful moments we’ve shared. Essex isn’t just a place on the map; it’s a community filled with heart, spirit, and pride. We’re incredibly grateful for every smile, handshake, and memory we’ve created together over the past year.
Brewing Connections at Coffee & Conversations
You know what’s better than a good cup of coffee? Sharing it with great company! Our team coordinated 11 monthly Coffee & Conversations in 2024 bringing together over 130 business owners, managers, property owners, and school and community leaders during the year. These events became a staple on our calendars. We gathered at 11 unique locations in Essex, sipping our favorite brews and chatting about everything under the sun. We are excited to continue these monthly gatherings in 2025 in partnership with the Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce.
Spreading Love at the Galentine’s Event
2024 kicked off with a delightful celebration of friendship at the Galentine’s Fundraiser on February 10th. Buon Appetito Restaurant transformed into a haven of laughter and creativity for the afternoon. Under the expert guidance of Pinkee from Pinkee’s Sweet Treats “Gotta Cake For That,” attendees unleashed their inner pastry chefs. Frosting covered our hands, tables, and faces, and the sweet aroma of cake filled the air. But it wasn’t just about the desserts; it was about coming together for a cause dear to our hearts.
A very special thank you goes out to Sharon “Pinkee” Pinkerton and Mauro Peralta (Buon Appetito Restaurant) for making our 2024 fundraiser a sweet success. We are looking forward to hosting this fun-filled fundraiser for the second year in a row on Saturday, February 8th from 1-4pm.
Movie Nights Under the Stars
Summer evenings were nothing short of magical thanks to our Outdoor Movie Nights. Blankets spread out on the grass, popcorn in hand, and the stars twinkling above—what more could we ask for?
Essex CDC was honored to partner with Mars Estate RAC/Baltimore County Dept. of Recreation and Parks, Church of the Harbor, and the Essex Senior Center to host three outdoor movie nights in 2024. Each Movie Night brought both familiar faces and new friends. Over 600 people were in attendance overall. Families cuddled up, friends shared snacks, and the big screen transported us to different worlds. These nights reminded us of the simple joys in life and the importance of community gatherings.
Celebrating Our New Home
Then, as Summer changed to Fall, Essex CDC opened the doors to our new office. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was electric. Community leaders, local business owners, and political officials turned out in full force. Your presence made the day unforgettable, filling our new space with warmth and excitement.
Moving into this new location hasn’t just been about a change of address. It symbolized a new chapter for us—a place where ideas can grow, and initiatives can take flight. At our ribbon-cutting, we laughed together, shared stories, and even shed a few joyful tears. Thank you for making our house feel like a home from day one! We are excited to be here!
Vibrance at the Afro-Caribbean Festival in the Park
In September 2024, we experienced an incredible afternoon filled with music, entertainment, local food, vendors, resources, and, most importantly, community, at the Afro-Caribbean Festival. The Sandalwood Elementary School parking lot transformed into a lively celebration. We swayed to the soulful tunes of Clarence Ward III & Dat Feel Good Jazz Band, and felt the rhythmic beats of the Trinidad & Tobago Baltimore Steel Orchestra. Vendors and resource providers like Community Assistance Network (CAN), AfriThrive, Teena’s Kitchen, Reid’s Jerk Shack, A Sweeet Village Suites, Kre8tive Kidz Boutique, and Hot Lips Hot Sauce showcased their products and services. Seeing everyone come together, forging connections, and celebrating diversity was heartwarming.
Dancing and Dining at the Latino Festival
The Fall continued with the vibrant Essex Latino Festival held in Renaissance Park. Thanks to our partnership with CAPSI (Centro de Apoyo Para la Superación del Inmigrante), the park pulsed with lively music from area bands and performers, mouth-watering aromas wafted through the air from several Essex food establishments, and attendees were able to witness the colorful sights of Latino culture in Essex. Moments like these remind us why Essex is such a special place to live.
Breathing New Life with Facade Improvement Projects
Perhaps one of the most impactful endeavors we took on in 2024 was supporting business and property owners with funding for facade improvements. Seeing old, broken signs at The Essex Diner, Reid’s Jerk Shack, and F&H Auto be replaced, and being able to witness construction at Wet Pet & Reptile located at 419 Eastern Blvd. fills us with pride. We are excited to see further transformations occur along Eastern Blvd. in Essex in 2025.
Looking Ahead with Gratitude
As we look back on these events, our hearts swell with appreciation. Each moment, each laugh, each shared experience has woven a richer fabric in our community tapestry. We’re not just neighbors; we’re a community.
We also recognize that none of this would have been possible without you. Your enthusiasm, participation, and support are the pillars that hold us up. For that, we are eternally thankful.
Wishing You A Happy, Healthy 2025
With the New Year almost one full month behind us, we want to extend our warmest wishes to every member of the Essex community. We’re excited about what the year holds. New initiatives, new businesses, new opportunities, and new ways to support the revitalization of the Eastern Blvd. corridor in Essex are on tap for the coming months.
Thank you, Essex, for being the incredible community that you are. Here’s to many more years of growth, unity, and happiness.
