Russett/Maryland City

Local news covering the Russett and Maryland City areas

The 2024–25 Meade HS Basketball team. Dominick Deinlein is at the front right, kneeling. (Photos courtesy of Jess Deinlein)

Maryland City Teen Helps Meade HS Achieve Basketball Success

Congratulations to Meade High School’s Men’s Basketball team for a stellar season. Maryland City resident Dominick Deinlein, a junior at Meade who serves as the team manager, was all smiles after the team reached an impressive 21-game winning streak in the state semi-finals! That milestone happened when the team beat Leonardtown with a commanding 72-49 score in the 4A playoffs. The Mustangs had outscored their previous two opponents—including a statement win over rival Glen Burnie—by a combined margin of 156-98.  As reported in the Russett Reader, Meade advanced to the state semifinals, where they faced Laurel High School. This marks the program’s fourth Final Four appearance in the last five seasons, solidifying its reputation as a powerhouse in Maryland high school basketball.

Dominick takes his responsibility for the team very seriously. Having played basketball for five years and serving as team manager for three years, he shared that he “helps (the team) stay prepared by making sure they have everything needed from jerseys and shorts and shoes; water for team players and coaches, as well as making sure benches are set up and coaches have clipboards.”  He even ensures that an inhaler is on hand, “just in case.”

Although Meade’s season ended in a semifinal loss to Laurel High School—the team that went on to win the championship—Dominick is still enjoying pick-up games at the local courts with friends and going to the gym. Dominick is committed to the team and to the sport, noting that he “definitely has an interest in management and will pursue more basketball management in the future, with the possibility of coaching and sports analysts for basketball.”

Monarch Teacher Seeks to Empower Others Through Fitness Outreach

Keeping things all in the family, Dominick’s mother, Jess Deinlein, is also involved in local recreation. A kindergarten teacher at Monarch Global Academy for 10 years, Jess is described as a “shero” to many who attend her free Zumba classes held in the school’s gymnasium. Asked why she doesn’t charge, her response was, “With so much negativity and sadness, I wanted to help the community. And what better way to give back to the community than by providing a way for others to get and stay fit and meet new people.”

Overweight for most of her life, Jess says she tried diet after diet. However, her obsession with food and lack of motivation didn’t help. Three years ago, during COVID, she decided to take her health into her own hands to become a better, healthier person. On the last day of school, and weighing 400 pounds, she underwent bariatric bypass surgery; she went on to lose an astonishing 180 pounds.

After that, there was no stopping her. Determined to continue her weight loss and adapt to her “new” lifestyle, she went on a strict diet and exercised daily. She hasn’t had soda or caffeine since her surgery, and went from size 4X dress down to extra-large. She has already lost the 207 pounds that her doctor expected her to, and she has a personal goal of losing 40 more.

Reaching out to others interested in weight loss, she offered her first Zumba class on January 2, 2025. A wife and mother to two teens, Jess says that her children are very supportive; they even attend her classes. Her goal in offering free classes is to empower those around her.

Spring Happenings at Maryland City at Russett Library

Did you know the Maryland City at Russett Library has puzzles you can help put together, as well as board games and card games you can play at the branch?  Ask a staff member to see a list of available games. They also have a game and puzzle exchange cart. Drop off your gently used board games or puzzles and find a new one to take home.

Here are some upcoming events at the library.

Contact https://www.aacpl.net/services/maryland-city-at-russett or call 410-222-1070 to register or for additional information.

• Science Saturdays: Fun with Magnets. April 12, 10:30–11:30 am. Ages 6–10.

• Make Art: Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month. May 8, 6:00 –7:30 pm. Learn about notable AAPI artists, then create an art piece using their techniques. Registration required.

• Science Saturdays: Stomp Rockets. May 10, 10:30–11:30 am.

• Escape Room: School’s Out! May 22, 4:30–5:30 pm. Ages 11 and up. Solve puzzles and interactive clues to find your way out of a (hypothetical) locked schoolroom. Registration required.

• Make Art: Pride Month. June 10, 6:00–7:30 pm. Learn about LBGTQIA+ artists throughout history, then create an art piece using one of their techniques. Ages 11 and up.

• Science Saturdays: Water Rainbows. June 14, 10:30–11:30. Ages 6–10.

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Brenda Zeigler-Riley is a retired educator and entrepreneur with a marketing, public relations, and fundraising background. Please send information on Russett/Maryland City (historical pieces, stories from first responders, hometown memories, resident profiles, etc.) to russett.mdcinfo@gmail.com.