Around town
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Maryland only generates about 30% of its own electrical energy and is also in the process of closing down old coal plants, all at a time when the demand for electricity is increasing. This means it has to purchase power from other states like Pennsylvania and Ohio and is causing the outlook for electricity prices to be headed strongly higher.
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Maryland Comptroller Liermann shared the results of various reports her office has issued (such as on MD’s lagging labor force participation) and outreaches her office has done. One tip: Her office has partnered with the IRS to offer an integrated FREE federal - state tax preparation software for this coming season called DirectFile, so be on the lookout for that come January.
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State Delegate Barnes, State Senator Augustine, and Governor Moore’s legislative aid Luedtke shared about the upcoming ~$2 billion state budget crunch expected to be a huge issue this coming MD legislative session - Deficits arising from spending commitments made the last few years are anticipated to reach $4 billion and grow to $8 billion in the coming years as well without changes. An implication for Laurel: “bond bill” initiatives and Highway User Revenues (both of which contribute funding to cities like Laurel) are potentially in the crosshairs.
- 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
- Age 8-17: $11 (covers Youth Drop-in Activities, Youth Open Gym Activities, & Open Game Room)
- Age 13-17: $77 (covers Fitness Room access only)
- Age 18-54: $117 (covers Adult Drop-in Activities, Adult Open Gym Activities, & Fitness Room access)
- Age 55+: $77 (covers Adult Drop-in Activities, Adult Open Gym Activities, & Fitness Room access)
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Some examples of Youth Drop-in Activities are: Games Club on Tuesday evenings, Friday Night Teen Club on Fridays, and Family Basketball on Sunday mornings. Add this to Youth Open Gym times and Open Game Room times, and you can get a great value for $11.
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Examples of Adult Drop-in Activities are: Basketball, Badminton, Danceroom, Pickleball, Indoor Walk-and-Talk, and Volleyball. Add this to Adult Open Gym times plus Fitness Room access, and you can also find yourself with a great value for $117 (or just $77 for 55+).
- Walk the 5k, or
- Opt for a 1k Fun Walk (also a great option for young kids), or
- If you’re not able to make it on race day, be sure to checkout the Virtual Race option to participate when/ wherever you’re at.
LARS Turkey Trot / Blessing Baskets / Small Biz Saturday Highlight & Pics
Laurel Advocacy & Referral Services (LARS) 20th Annual Turkey Trot
One thing I learned for sure: Rain cannot dampen the spirits of the dedicated runners nor the LARS volunteers for their annual Turkey Trot, a Laurel tradition now reaching it’s 20th year. I was all prepared to steel myself against the elements and grind through lending a hand awarding medals at the finish line, but I got so pumped and buoyed seeing the energy, enthusiasm, and fun that was being had that I left the morning with more energy than I started and a great way to kick off Thanksgiving morning with the fam'. :) Thanks LARS for the invitation to come out and join you, thank you runners for your support of this great organization – you all are making a difference our community! (Check out the LARS website for the multitude of ways you can join forces to help them combat hunger and homelessness in our community.)
(Photo credit: LARS)
Blessing Baskets
A shout to Mike Mondy of Moving in Maryland realty for his initiative and happy to have been just a small part of his huge effort in organizing the 2nd annual Blessing Baskets campaign. Coordinating with local schools, friends, businesses and community members across town, the campaign was able to assemble over 200 baskets to share with local families in need during the holidays. There was great energy and great people making a great impact – what being a good neighbor is all about. I also got to meet LaNita Cousin, the small business owner of KB Karnival Hall off Main Street where Blessing Baskets was hosted – she’s renovated the space over the last few years and provides a great venue to birthday parties, sweet 16s, small wedding receptions, and more, so be sure to check out the link if you’re in need!
(Photo credit: Voices of Laurel)
Small Business Saturday
And last Saturday I headed on out to Laurel’s Small Business Saturday event at the Quill Lot on Main Street hosted by the Economic & Community Development department – There I was able to pickup the Small Business Passport book, where residents can collect stamps from small businesses around town and enter the completed book for prizes. (Don’t forget to drop yours off at the Municipal Center by this weekend to count!) Thanks Director Burrough and Economic Development Coordinator Sadaf Parveen for braving the cold. And I was so lucky to be walking down Main Street right after and wander into the awesome candy shop Gladley’s who are open special for the holiday season with all their delicious treats – You just gotta try their Chew La La (caramel taken to another level) or their Laddie cookie or their My Oh Mys, and more. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed with anything you get there! 🍬🍫
Maryland Municipal League (MML) follow-up
Lastly (and if you’ve read this far, thank you!) :), MML released some additional photos from the Leadership Conference I was at earlier this fall that I just had to share – Both for the education sessions I was in (I think the one I’m pictured asking a question in was on ‘Risk Management for Municipalities’) and for the time to connect with municipal leaders both inside and outside Laurel.
(Photo credit: MML)
My Learnings from Maryland Municipal League Fall Conference
The week before last, I attended the Maryland Municipal League’s (MML) fall conference - Titled “Excellence in Leadership”, it was held in Cambridge, Maryland Nov 6-8 and was a great opportunity to: (a) further equip in my role as Councilman, (b) be briefed on the latest updates happening in our state, and (c) connect with hundreds of municipal leaders from around Maryland.
I enrolled in the Academy for Excellence certification program and over the course of the three days took classes including: Structures of Municipal Government; MD State Budget Outlook; Rising costs of electricity & how to support residents; and more. Some takeaways to pass on:
I also connected with Mayors, Councilmembers, and Staff from municipalities including Cambridge, Mount Airy, Greenbelt, Takoma Park, Denton, Forest Heights, Berwyn Heigts, Union Bridge, Eagle Harbor, Frederick, La Plata, Taneytown, Leonardtown, Hagerstown, and more. It was helpful to hear what other cities are doing, to make connections, to share knowledge and resources, and more.
A big memory for me was also the ability to visit the Harriet Tubman (Ross) museum, hear local Cambridge resident and historian share about his life experience growing up in Cambridge (which was sadly marred by prejudice), and about the life of the tenacious Harriet Ross who led so many of her family to freedom in the North. Myself and fellow members of Laurel City Council (Councilmembers Clark and Mills) were also able to take a picture in front of the new and now famous mural, “Take My Hand” (pictured below).
The MML Fall Conference was packed full of information and connections and I greatly appreciated the opportunity to join with other municipal leaders as we all strive to help our city’s flourish in the years to come!
LPD Awards / Diwali / Veteran's Day Highlights & Pics
Laurel Police Department
Yesterday, I was pleased to be with the Laurel Police Department for their awards ceremony honoring officers and citizen employees who have helped make Laurel a safer place over this past year and a half. To be honest, it was quite an experience to hear story-after-story of how our officers over different times of the year placed themselves in danger or proactively acted to apprehend threats or also saved lives around town. Whether pursuing armed suspects in the woods, negotiating down someone who was in hiding, rendering life-saving first aid to a father who was wounded, going undercover to breakup a crime ring, or the support functions rendered with excellence that make it possible – thank you to all who protect and serve us!
Diwali Festival at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
On November 2, I was able to visit the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir to help mark the Diwali Festival (translated, ‘festival of light’) which is an annual Hindu celebration of the conquest of light over darkness. It was a good opportunity to connect with members of a different faith, learn about their commitment to serving the community, and celebrate the rich tapestry of our area.
Veteran’s Day Flag Placements
Lastly, in the beautiful weather of this past Monday on November 11, I joined with residents from around town to help place flags at the gravestones of U.S. military veterans reposed at historic Ivy Hill cemetery here in town. It was a reminder of the many who have served, both past and present, to preserve for us today our freedoms, and at no small cost to themselves. This selflessness is what makes our society possible, and we deeply thank them for their service.
(Photo credit: City of Laurel)
Hispanic Heritage / Laurel VFD Banquet Highlight & Pics
Laurel Volunteer Fire Department 122nd Awards Banquet
It took a minute to sink in, but I couldn’t help but be amazed that this was the 122nd Awards Banquet for the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department this year – What a testament to so many men and women who have helped keep our City safe from fire and other calamities for over a century! Added to that, four members received awards for 50+ years of service (John McConnell, Tom Stanton, Rosa Maher, and Mike Kirk). Congratulations to Firefighter of the Year Willie McCluney and the many many others who so deservedly were recognized – It was an honor to be with you!
(Photo credit: Laurel VFD)
Hispanic Heritage Celebration
And it was a pleasure to recognize and celebrate the many rich traditions of nationalities we have here in Laurel at the recent Hispanic Heritage Celebration. Participants got to enjoy traditional dances from Mexico and El Salvador, hear the moving immigrant story of Delegate Peña-Melnyk, congratulate award winners of those with Hispanic heritage that have contributed so much to our City, and partake of great traditional foods from restaurants right here in town. If you missed any of the fun, you can watch the replay direct on LaurelTV, hosted by our very own Melba from the City team!
(Photo credit: City of Laurel)
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:
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!
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!
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! 🐎
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! 🏘️ 😃
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!
Free Mission BBQ sandwich on 9/11 for Fire, Police, & First Responders
We probably all remember where we were on 9/11 – I was working in downtown Baltimore at the time, and there was initially confusion among my co-workers about whether it was the World Trade Center in the Baltimore Inner Harbor. The disbelief and distraught-ness of the ensuing hours, days, and more is hard to describe, and certainly pales in comparison to all who were directly impacted.
The unity we embraced as a nation was also so encouraging and uplifting. And the bravery of so many of our emergency personnel. Preserving the memory of 9/11 is difficult but important, and Mission BBQ wants to join that effort by honoring all fire, police, and first responders with a free sandwich that day.
If you know someone or you yourself are one, please take this opportunity to share, avail, and to recall, so that we never forget.
Access the Amenities at Laurel’s 2 Community Centers
Last week, our family went to the Laurel Armory to get Department of Parks & Recreation Annual Admission Passes. These passes provide residents access to the amenities at both of Laurel’s two Community Centers (Laurel Armory & DiPietro Center) and the annual passes are priced at:
Options are also available at 6-mo., 3-mo., 1-mo., and Daily rates (plus adjusted rates for non-residents).
The best neighborhood resource for a fun outlet & healthy activities (plus the opportunity to make new friends) may be right around the corner from you - So if any of the above sounds up your alley, swing on over to the Parks & Rec Community Center’s page for more information or step on into one of the two Community Centers listed above to get your pass.
(Photo: City of Laurel)
Join the St. Mark’s Emancipation Day 5k on Sep 7
It’s time for the 12th Annual St. Mark’s Emancipation Day 5k!
If you wander by McCullough Field on Saturday morning each fall, you may wonder what all those people having fun are doing? They’re running in honor of Emancipation Day and to help fight diabetes by supporting University of Maryland’s Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology-Midtown that serves Baltimore and the region. Organized by the congregation at historic St. Mark’s United Methodist Church on 8th Street, it’s always a great and fun time to get out in our community, meet neighbors, and do some good in the process.
And don’t worry if running isn’t your thing, you can also:
Follow this link to register and come on out to join the fun!
Mural Art provides Everyday Beauty
If you’ve been to the Laurel Quill Lot on Main Street recently (perhaps for a Farmer’s Market or to eat your lunchtime sandwich), you may have seen the really wonderful wall mural pictured below – It’s the handiwork of Hyattsville retiree and working artist, Elliott Hamilton, who was commissioned by the owners of 329 Prince George Street to add some whimsy and beauty to their back wall. And it brings a smile and brightens my day each time I pass by. :)
It’s always great to see these bits-and-pieces around town where residents and businesses are bringing something beautiful to our everyday life. Kudos and thank you for adding an extra bounce to our days, even if we may not get a chance to stop and share our delight. But an encouragement to others: it’s a great excuse to strike up a conversation and get to know our neighbors better and let them know we enjoy their garden, decorations, or other. And all the more fun to do something of our own as well. :)
To learn more about Elliott, check out this article from last fall featuring his mural work on the DC Branch Trail, and also his artist website. And next time you’re around Main Street, take a moment to swing by the Laurel Quill Lot and look for the hiding bunny. ;)
Free Nats tickets for Kid Summer Readers
Looking to help motivate your kid to read more, or to spend more time reading with them? How about 2 free tickets to a Nationals baseball game at Nats Stadium in DC?
Then check out the Nationals Library Reading Program which partnered with PG County Summer Reading program to offer 2 free tickets, a free t-shirt, and a free tote bag to kids that rack up points for checking out books, attending a library event, and/or reading in 30-minute increments.
But hurry ⚡ - program ends Aug 15 and the free Nationals tickets need to be used in for regular season home game before Sep 15.
Here’s a link to learn more about the program, download the free tracking postcard, then redeem at the Laurel library (or any PG branch) – Two of my little ones just redeemed this past week with mom, and we’re all headed to the Sep 1 game against the Cubs! ⚾
AAE Training & Security Assessments
This past week as part of standard Council training, we all participated in a course about ‘Active Attacker Events’. Although it can be an uncomfortable topic to think about, gaining familiarity of the basics plays a big role in being better prepared should something ever happen. For example, we discussed the three phases the human brain works through (and can sometimes even get stuck) when responding to a high stress event: Denial (wanting to believe this isn’t happening) -> Deliberation (calming yourself enough to rationally think through your alternatives) -> Decisive action (taking the decided course of action). One of the other recent evolutions for situations like these: Be an active participant in your own survival.
I was very impressed at the level of training and experience of our presenters, Laurel Police Officers Sgt. Cunningham and Sgt. Barry, and thankful our community has that expertise in play to protect our residents. And I was also impressed that they make themselves available to businesses and organizations in the City to share this information with them as well, and even to provide complimentary building security assessments and recommendations. If you’re located in town and would like to have them visit, just reach out to the Laurel Police Department to be put in touch.
Thank you officers!
Touch-A-Truck a Bubble Blast
It’s been a favorite of my kids for a number of years, and from the looks of it Tuesday night, many other kids too. :) As I walked around the Emancipation Park area lined with trucks and games with my kiddos, I couldn’t help but think ‘this is what kid memories are made of’. Even when the honking got a little much for the two-year old, we were able to wander into the playground for the new ‘bubble blast pad’ and he jumped right out of my arms and into the mix with his brothers and neighbor kids having a grand time (they couldn’t wait to get home and tell mom what they’d done!).
Thank you Parks & Rec team for taking the lead on this fun event every year! And thank you to the other City teams from DPW, Laurel Police, Laurel Volunteer Fire, Laurel Volunteer Rescue, commercial trucks, & more - you made a lot of kids very happy Tuesday night. :)
Safe Summer Nights
Last night, I was happy to lend a small helping hand at Mayor Sydnor’s Safe Summer Nights program being held at the Laurel Armory. It’s designed as a place where any of the city’s youth aged 12 to 16 can come from 6 - 10 p.m. to learn and have fun in a safe environment. Last night, two non-profits, MuteTheViolenceDC and Safe Navigators, were organizing the evening’s program which included activities such as a mentoring talk, basketball, and making fresh donuts (which looked very yummy).
There’s still some nights left in the program for youth to participate – It’s free, just be sure to register on the the City’s Safe Summer Nights event page.
