The Laurel Independent, Oct 2024 edition out
Just finished perusing my copy of October 2024 edition of The Laurel Independent and here’s some of the highlights I took note of:
- 5 Laurel-area churches have banded together to offer a “passport” among each church’s holiday bazaars: get yours punched at them all, and be entered for a $100. A great way to help local congregations, save a little on gifts for Christmas, and see your neighbors around town.
- A helpful overview plus voting guides for federal, state, and County elections coming up Nov 5.
- Executive Director Kit Slack recaps the survey results received on the coverage readers indicated they’d like from the Independent, and how the paper will continue to evolve in response.
- Updates to the Main Street Walking Tour, and how you can sign-up for one.
- The latest in City legislation, appointments, and meeting schedules for October and November.
- Both City and local organization event calendars. (Note: Oct 19 electronics recycling/ paper shredding, Oct 24 Main Street Trick-or-Treat, Nov 1 Hayride, and Dec 7 Holiday Parade & tree-lighting.)
- Community profiles, and much more!
Check out articles on Streetcar Suburbs News website and a full digital, flippable version should be posted soon to their Streetcar Suburbs News Issuu page — Physical copies also come via mail and are available in many hotspots around town. (Always good with a cup of coffee.) :)
FREE Recycle electronics, Paper shred, Paint drop-off, & more on Oct 19
A great service Laurel provides its residents are opportunities during the year to do a great house emptying :) – Mark your calendars for next Saturday, October 19 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. to empty your house (or local business) of:
- Electronics: such as televisions, stereos, computers, game systems and their accessories.
- Sensitive papers: such as bank statements, medical bills, and other items you’d like securely shredded onsite. (X-rays and film also available, though will happen after-the-fact offsite.)
- Paint: latex, oil-based, and wood stains. (I know I’ve got some of these too.) This one does have a cost at $5/ quart or gallon.
- Lightly-used home goods: such as clothing, small appliances, and related. (GreenDrop Charity will be onsite to collect)
- Styrofoam: such as packaging, food containers, and packing peanuts.
This service is only available to Laurel City residents or businesses in the City, so be sure to have your driver’s license (with address) on hand or mail addressed to the City of Laurel business location.
More details (including a map to confirm you’re in the City) are available Department of Public Works Event Page – so gather some things together this coming week, and be free of them come next Saturday! 🧹😀
Voices of Laurel, Fall 2024 edition out
Just picked up my copy of the latest Voices of Laurel edition outside the Main Street Post Office, and it packs lots of interesting and informative stories from around town, including:
- Recognizing Stillborn and Infant Loss Support (SAILS) as the latest recipient of the Laurel Lights award for being a beacon of hope and healing in the Laurel community.
- Recap’ing neighborhood highlights from around town, such memories from the 4th of July parade, the new Women’s Business Center at Savage Mill, tasty stories of Dirty Dough, the latest on new stores at Burtonsville Crossing, and profile of the Whittaker Sisters' Olympic run, among many others.
- Reminisces by County Councilman Tom Dernoga about when Laurel almost became home to Redskins stadium in 1994.
- An FREE invitation to a “Day at the Races” on October 26 hosted by Voices of Laurel.
- A profile of Oliviah Walton, the kicker on Palotti High School’s football team and all-around soccer athlete and student.
- Not to mention much, much more!
Pickup a copy at one of the news stands around town (includes Municipal Center, Food Lion, Laurel & Russett libraries, & more) check out the PDF version online, or peruse the posts of the Voices of Laurel website.
While you’re there, perhaps even consider making a donation to this non-profit powered by volunteers - I know they’ll appreciate it! 👍
Fidos creating Freedom in Laurel
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of touring the Fidos for Freedom facility on Sandy Spring Road and meeting with Executive Director Diane Bernier.
Fidos' non-profit mission is: to enhance quality of life for veterans experiencing PTSD, those who are mobility impaired, and those who are hearing impaired with dogs that are specially trained to provide companionship, service, and therapy.
Check out this 1-minute video to see an example of just some of the things they can do:
What a great organization impacting the lives of others for the better. Diane and her team would love for you to connect to learn more about Fidos for Freedom, such as:
- If you’re a dog lover and would like to be a part, such as being part of the puppy-raising team (a joy!) :)
- If you’re a veteran or mobility/ hearing-impaired and would like to benefit from the companionship of a specially trained dog just for you
- If you’re age 12 - 17 and want to join the “Juniors” program to learn more (plus earn school service hours along the way) - a great way also for those interested in a veterinary path
- If you’d like to donate to the cause to help others
- Would just like to learn more
And mark your calendars because Fidos for Freedom’s annual Bow Wow Bash fundraising banquet is coming up on October 25 with all-you-can eat buffet, music, live & silent auction, and more!
So check out the links above for how you can get involved, and thank you Fidos for Freedom for your service to the people of Laurel and our region!
Council Meeting - 16 Oct 2024
See the City of Laurel’s meeting page for the official record, and if any agenda item holds interest for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to myself and members of the Council as we want to serve you and the people of Laurel.
Watch live online via LaurelTV, and if you’d like to register to speak, simply reach out to the City Clerk’s office.
AGENDA
- Call to Order - Council President James Kole
- Roll Call - Sara A. Green, CPM, CMC, Clerk
- Report of the Mayor and City Council
- Appointments: Bill Wellford, Chairman Board of Election Supervisors 10/16/2024-10/16/2028; Kenneth Ford Emergency Services Commission 10/16/2024-10/16/2029l; Tawana LaMar Juneteenth Executive Committee; Kia Young Juneteenth Executive Committee
- General Public Hearing
- Introduction and First Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 2030- An Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland to Add a New Section 16-13 to the Laurel City Code, Chapter 16 “Taxation”, Article I “In General” Section 13 “Public School Employee Tax Credit Program: and to Provide an Effective Date.
- Ordinance No. 2031- An Ordinance Amending the General Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland, for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 and to Provide an Effective Date.
- Introduction and First Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 2032- An Ordinance of the Mayor And City Council of Laurel, Maryland to Amend Chapter 2 “Administration”, Article I Entitled “In General”, Section 2-3 Entitled “City Seal, City Department Seals and Logos, and Official City Branding Logos”, of the Laurel City Code to Change the Section Title to " City Seal, City Department Seals and Logos, Official City Board, Commission, and Committee Logos, and Official City Branding Logos,” and Require Written Permission of the Mayor to Use the City Seal, or City Department Seals and Logos, Official City Board, Commission and Committee Logos, and Official City Branding Logos for Non-City Related Use, in Accordance With the City’s Policy on the Use of City Seals and Logos and Providing an Effective Date.
- Adjournment
New "Laurel Living" newsletter, Oct 2024 edition out
Hot off the presses, check out the latest edition of Laurel Living, the official newsletter for the City of Laurel.
Some highlights from inside:
- Pictures from the City Strategic Plan launch with City staff along with the 4 initiatives identified in the Plan: (a) Sustainable development, (b) Effective communication, (c) Safe & health community, and (d) Premier workplace for City employees.
- Nifty clickable links to videos, such highlights from the 9/11 push-up challenge with the Mayor.
- Featured Laurel Board of Trade small businesses in town, such as Clyopatra Winery & Vineyard, Krafty Kre8tions, Chez Yiamme’s Catering & Functions, and Leda Rose Poduszka Agency.
- Announcement for the Hispanic Heritage Month event coming on Saturday, October 19 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Robinson Municipal Center.
Flip on through and see the latest from the City team!
PG County public school employee Tax Credit under consideration
At last night’s Council Work Session, legislation was introduced (Ordinance 2030) with sponsorship by President Kole, to avail of a new provision passed into Maryland law that allows municipalities to provide property tax credits to public school employees.
The gist on how it works:
- The credit is for 20% of the City property tax, not to exceed $2,500
- It is only for PG County public school employees working at Laurel-area schools that are City of Laurel residents. (Unfortunately, the Maryland law constrains to this definition and does not permit the City to include employees of adjacent County public schools [e.g., Howard or Anne Arundel] nor the private schools in the City. This may be something to write our Maryland representatives about.)
- The home can have a maximum assessed value of up to $500k at the time of application
- And it can’t be used in combination with any other City-level property tax credit (e.g., Homestead Credit, Veterans Credit, etc.)
- The Mayor’s Office will set the amount of credits available as part of the budget to be approved for next year, when the credit would first take effect.
Additional details can be found in the text of Ordinance 2030 and it will be open to comments from the public at the next City Council Meeting scheduled for October 16, so come on out if there’s additional questions or comments you’d like to share as we consider this legislation for the City. (Meeting details and instructions on how to sign-up to speak are available on the Clerk’s official meetings page, and also feel free to reach out to me directly.)
(Side note: In the process of researching this legislation, I also learned that recent changes in Maryland law allow the City to lift the 5-year limit that exists on the already existing tax credits for age 65+, veterans, and public safety officers – I’ll be working to help sponsor legislation that makes those updates to our City laws as well, so stay tuned for that if those apply to you.)
Women Entrepreneurs Free Workshop on Oct 16
In honor of National Women’s Small Business Month, the City is co-sponsoring with Pyne Creative a FREE half-day, in-person workshop at the Laurel Municipal Center on October 16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This looks like a great opportunity and from the event page:
The Total Package is a hands-on workshop tailored for women entrepreneurs aiming to elevate digital marketing for their small businesses, implement effective public relations strategies, and refine their personal brand and style. Engage in interactive sessions led by industry experts covering topics including: developing your brand online, creating engaging social media content, mastering storytelling in public relations, and defining your “Signature CEO Style.” The Total Package empowers women small business owners to enhance their visibility, influence, and success in their respective industries and fields.
Space is limited, so if you’re interested, I encourage you to apply today! (applications accepted on a rolling basis)
Faith & Blue at St. Mark's this Saturday, Oct 5
2024 is the fifth anniversary year of Faith & Blue – locally organized community-officer engagement that’s a part of the nation’s largest annual collaborative policing initiative. It’s mission:
“National Faith & Blue Weekend facilitates safer and stronger communities by engaging law enforcement officers and local residents through the connections of faith-based organizations."
And in Laurel, the Faith & Blue event will be hosted by St. Mark’s U.M.C. with Rev. Walter L. Smith Jr. who will be joined by Rev. Jerry Colbert of Mt. Zion U.M.C..
Join them this Saturday, October 5 starting at 11 a.m. for an ecumenical faith service which’ll also feature members of our Laurel Police Department such as Chief Hamill.
See the graphic below for additional information, including the perfect encapsulation of the event: “Join your local law enforcement and members of your community for a weekend of resolution and reconciliation. National Faith & Blue Weekend is a collaborative effort to build bridges and break biases.”
Thank you St. Mark’s & Rev. Smith for hosting for Laurel!
Council Meeting Schedule Explained + 2025 Calendar
“When are the meetings for City Council?" – I’ve gotten this question a few times over the last couple weeks and thought it’d be a perfect opportunity to share the ‘crib notes’ version 📝 of City Council meetings. :) –>
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City Council meetings typically consist of: (a) Work Sessions, and (b) regular Council Meetings.
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“Work Sessions” are opportunities for Councilmembers to hash through details of bids, Ordinances, Resolutions, or other items that are under consideration, but no votes are cast in this type of meeting. They are typically held virtually on the 1st Wednesday of each month and are always open to the public to attend, but because of their nature, don’t contain a ‘public hearing’ component for the public to comment.
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“Council Meetings” are where agenda items for consideration are discussed further if needed, members of the public can attend and share their thoughts & insights, and votes are taken. These meetings typically occur on the 2nd Monday (virtually) and 4th Monday (in-person) of each month. (Pro Tip: Ordinances and Resolutions usually need to appear in two Council Meetings before a vote can be taken, while Bids need appear in one Council Meeting before being voted on.)
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Sometimes this normal schedule pattern of ‘1st Wednesday - 2nd Monday - 4th Monday’ has to be shifted due to holidays or other events that conflict. (For example, the ‘2nd Monday Council Meeting’ that would typically be on Oct 14 next month, will actually be on Oct 16 due to a holiday.) You can always see the latest meeting date/ information on the City’s official meeting page.
Hopefully the above is helpful to get an idea of the normal ‘rhythms’ of the meetings of City Council, and bonus material for you having read this far: 😉 Here’s an unofficial copy of the 2025 City Council calendar of meetings if you’d like to get yourself setup for the new year.
And of course, don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly any time if you have question – happy to be of service!
Join Voices of Laurel for a “Day at the Races”
Laurel Park, 113-year home of horse racing in Laurel (and the state), will be closing in 2027. Join the crew behind Voices of Laurel to make some last connections to this soon-to-be part of Laurel’s history by coming out for their FREE “Day at the Races” event on Saturday, October 26 from 12 - 5p.m.
Tickets are free, but spaces are limited, so be sure to register. From the event listing:
Watch a full slate of exciting horse racing, patronize the food and beverage venues in the grandstand, and walk around the grounds to get a sense of the rich history of this storied facility. If you want to try your hand at betting on a race but don’t know where to start, we will have people who can help you out. The first $2 bet is on the house!
More details are on the event page linked above, and this promises to be a great afternoon, whether you’ve visited before or it’s your first time. And I will add that the racetrack has many kid-friendly areas, including viewing the track from ground level, (I’ve visited before with my kiddos), so if you want them to see it too, this can be a great chance.
Thanks VoL for sponsoring! 🐎
Council Work Session - 2 Oct 2024
See the City of Laurel’s meeting page for the official record, and if any agenda item holds interest for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to myself and members of the Council as we want to serve you and the people of Laurel.
Watch live online via LaurelTV, and if you’d like to register to speak, simply reach out to the City Clerk’s office.
AGENDA
- Call to Order - James Kole, President
- Ordinance No. 2030- An Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland to Add a New Section 16-13 to the Laurel City Code, Chapter 16 “Taxation”, Article I “In General” Section 13 “Public School Employee Tax Credit Program: and to Provide an Effective Date.
- Ordinance No. 2031- An Ordinance Amending the General Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland, for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 and to Provide an Effective Date.
- Ordinance No. 2032- An Ordinance of the Mayor And City Council of Laurel, Maryland to Amend Chapter 2 “Administration”, Article I Entitled “In General”, Section 2-3 Entitled “City Seal, City Department Seals and Logos, and Official City Branding Logos”, of the Laurel City Code to Change the Section Title to " City Seal, City Department Seals and Logos, Official City Board, Commission, and Committee Logos, and Official City Branding Logos,” and Require Written Permission of the Mayor to Use the City Seal, or City Department Seals and Logos, Official City Board, Commission and Committee Logos, and Official City Branding Logos for Non-City Related Use, in Accordance With the City’s Policy on the Use of City Seals and Logos and Providing an Effective Date.
- Adjournment
Useful Alternative Spray for Kitchen Fires
We had a small oven fire in our home last year 🔥 – Grease from a turkey spilled over the drip pan onto the bottom of the oven and caught flame. Thankfully, we had an extinguisher nearby and were able to keep calm and snuff it out before it got out of hand – We were certainly glad to have on hand, and definitely felt the heart rate spike up in the process.
But wanted to share a new tip my wife picked up at the Laurel Police’s “Coffee with a Cop” event at Ragamuffins Coffee last weekend, where they also hosted PG County Fire/EMS – There’s a new product out there called EZ Fire Spray by First Alert that’s: (a) easier to hold and use, (b) discharges 4x longer than traditional extinguishers (which are often only 20 seconds +/-), and (c) uses a biodegradable easy-to-clean formula.
I know we’ll be getting one for the kitchen, and it’s also handy to have around grills, RV, garage, and similar areas. Thank you Renee Wasco of PG County Fire/EMS for visiting our town and helping make our homes another step safer!
(Photo credit: My wife)
(Photo credit: City of Laurel)
Neighborly Tradition of Cleanup Days Revived
I want to give a shout out to Kathie Peterson - She helped organize a group of neighbors this past weekend to walk around their neighborhood picking up trash and helping things look tidy. Then afterwards, hosted brats and beverages so the dedicated crew could enjoy time just socializing together. It’s something she used to help spearhead before the days of COVID, and wanted to revive.
To me, that’s what Laurel is all about: folks reaching out to say “hi” to the neighbor next door or down the street, taking time to share some stories of what’s going in their lives, and even doing various things around town that help make a place a community.
Thank you to Kathie and all those who were able to come out on Saturday! And I know I find inspiration in it for myself as well – Doesn’t have to be something big, sometimes low-key/ no-frills is even better, but connecting with those around where you live in small ways is what helps create the welcoming sense of coming home all across Laurel.
(P.S., And if you’d like to have a simple ‘cleanup day’ in your neighborhood, also know the Parks & Rec Department has ready-to-go “Community Cleanup Kits” they’ll provide for free with easy-to-carry trash buckets, hand trash grabbers, and more. Simply give a ring at 301-725-7800 and they’ll get you setup!)
Facebook Page Launched!
For those in Facebookland, wanted to announce that I recently launched an ‘elected official’ Facebook page. It’s the best place to follow me on that platform and’ll feature cross-posts from my main site here at AdrianForLaurel plus some shares of other posts from across Facebook. And I certainly appreciate you sharing with friends and neighbors to spread the word whenever you have a chance.
Of course, just let me know any feedback on what you see here or on Facebook to make it most helpful to you as a resident of our town here in Laurel – And thank you for helping making our town a community!
Free Fire Detectors + Women's Club Fundraiser
Here’s two events going on this weekend I recommend you check-out🌞 –>
The PG County Fire Department will be joining the Laurel Police Department for “Coffee with A Cop” at Ragamuffins on Main Street from 9 - 11 a.m. Not only is it a free cuppa courtesy of Laurel Police, the PG County Fire Dept will also be handing out free fire detectors (I know we certainly could use another one at our house). :) Come on out to meet these first responders, let them know we appreciate their service, and leave having made a new friend and sweet deal.
Once you’re done, swing on over to Scotchtown Elementary for the annual fundraiser for the Women’s Club of Laurel – It’s a yard sale featuring clothes, accessories, games, books, household items, and more: There’s always something good to walk away with at a yard sale. Plus the proceeds will go towards all the community service and outreach the Women’s Club does for our town.
So there’s plenty of reasons to come on out, enjoy your Saturday mingling a little, and be a part of building our community along the way! 🏘️ 😃
Council Meeting - 23 Sep 2024
See the City of Laurel’s meeting page for the official record, and if any agenda item holds interest for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to myself and members of the Council as we want to serve you and the people of Laurel.
Watch live online via LaurelTV, and if you’d like to register to speak, simply reach out to the City Clerk’s office.
AGENDA
- Call to Order - Council President James Kole
- Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America- Keith R. Sydnor, Mayor
- Roll Call - Sara A. Green, CPM, CMC, Clerk
- Approval of Minutes: July 22, 2024 Special Work Session; July 22, 2024 Regular Meeting; July 29, 2024 Special Meeting; September 4, 2024 Work Session; September 9, 2024 Regular Meeting
- Report of the Mayor and City Council
- Appointment Stanley Spalding, Planning Commission, 09/23/2024-09/23/2029; Reappointment Charles Clyburn Arts Council, 09/23/2024-09/23/2026
- General Public Hearing
- Adjournment
Emancipation / Multi-Service / Andy Kostas Highlights & Pics
With September in full swing, it’s that time of year where everything kicks into full gear! 😀 Among the many highlights from the past week for me were:
Picking up some fresh tomatoes and bell peppers from the Farmers Market for dinner — My wife loves tomatoes and said these were especially great!
Participating in the Emancipation Day 1k Fun Walk with my kiddos sponsored by the historic St. Mark’s United Methodist church on 8th street. I also really enjoyed marching in the parade and feasting on the fried fish at the festivities that same afternoon.
Getting a tour of the new Craig A. Moe Multi-Service Center and participating in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Helping recognize dedicated Laurel volunteer Andy Kostas who is now headed off to join the U.S. Navy.
There’s certainly a lot of good going on here in Laurel and thank you for being part of building community in all the streets, and homes, and schools, and churches, and more all around town!
September Laurel Independent edition is out!
The September edition of The Laurel Independent is out — Some items that caught my attention:
- Updates on Main Street’s Outback Leather plans to come back even better than before after their recent fire (and ability to help displaced tenants via GoFundMe).
- Pics on Laurel High School’s new and slick $7 million athletic field.
- Uncovering of a beloved racing horse’s gravesite at Laurel Park.
- Great information on ways to volunteer in community organizations and the City via City’s Volunteering webpage.
- The Farmer’s Market is in its final month, every Thursday until Sep 26 at the Quill Lot on Main Street.
- Leaf vacuuming coming Oct 7; Main Street Trick-or-Treat coming Oct 24; and other fun City calendar events.
- And more!
Check out articles on Streetcar Suburbs News website and a full digital, flippable version should be posted soon to their Streetcar Suburbs News Issuu page — Physical copies also come via mail and are available in many hotspots around town. Thanks TLI!
Multi-service Center launches today
Today is the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of the Laurel Multi-Service Center and the August edition of The Business Monthly newspaper has a great write-up describing the origins and plans for use of the space.
… providing a central location for a variety of human services and space for new self-sufficiency and transitional housing programs. It’s designed to streamline service provision, limit transportation barriers, and improve access to services.
Among the services identified:
catering and prepared meals, mail services, a barber and hair salon, a food pantry, a job training and learning center, a medical suite, clothing distribution center, laundry room, and shower facilities.
There is also a gymnasium side of the building that houses shared office space and provides a venue for health fairs, fundraisers, and other community activities. On the housing side of the building is a men and women’s shelter space featuring cots and other amenities that will provide respite on excessively cold or hot days, and overnight, temporary shelter during the winter months (the Winter Haven program you may be familiar with).
Both City Departments and local nonprofits like Laurel Advocacy and Referral Services (LARS) and FISH of Laurel will collaborate to provide the services.
Additional details are available in the article linked above, and be sure to tune in to City media channels to see more of the ribbon-cutting event, and look for various of the operations to come online over the months ahead. This looks to be a great service to the City and its people!
